Category Archives: News

Olivas to Coordinate English Language Learning; Perez Takes Over Spanish DMS and DHS

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Maria Olivas

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Learning a second language is hard. It also can be an important asset for students as they make their way through high school to college and beyond. And whether that second language is Spanish or English, the Denair Unified School District believes a mid-year adjustment will benefit all its students.

When classes resumed Jan. 4, longtime Spanish teacher Maria Olivas took on a newly created role as coordinator of English language development services. She will work with students at all grade levels for whom English is a second language while still teaching two periods at the high school.

Moving to the high school and middle school campuses is Jasmin Perez, who spent the first semester working with younger students across the street at Denair Elementary Charter Academy.

Olivas has worked in the district since 2004. Perez came to Denair this school year after previously teaching at Kimball High in Tracy and in Turlock.

“Maria began the bilingual literacy seal program here at Denair High School for Spanish-speaking students,” said Principal Alecia Myers. “We look forward to her continued service as the EL coordinator to expand that program to all bilingual students from the variety of languages spoken by our DUSD students.”

The literacy seal program is run through the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Students must pass a rigorous series of written and oral tests to prove they have mastered a second language. In return, they are awarded a special seal on their high school diplomas. Continue reading “Olivas to Coordinate English Language Learning; Perez Takes Over Spanish DMS and DHS” »

DUSD Trustees OK Elementary Math Curriculum, Incentives for Teachers, Shorter Thanksgiving Break

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Submitted by Denair Unified School District

The Denair Unified School board approved a new math curriculum for elementary students, offered an early notification incentive to teachers and discussed the potential impact of a new state law affecting concealed weapons brought on campus at a busy meeting Thursday night.

Trustees also shortened the Thanksgiving holiday break, meaning staff and students will be in class for two days next November rather than having the entire week off.

The new curriculum at Denair Elementary Charter Academy already is being implemented for about 500 kindergarten through fifth-grade students, said Principal Sara Michelena. Called My Math, it was the clear choice of her staff and recommended by the math consultant at the Stanislaus County Office of Education. It includes an online component in addition to other classroom materials. “We look forward to seeing where this goes,” she said.

The early notification program is aimed at teachers who may be considering retirement or leaving the district to take a job elsewhere. It offers a tiered financial payment structure for teachers who alert the district in writing of their plans by the end of February: $3,000 before Jan. 29; $2,000 by Feb. 12; and $1,000 by Feb. 26. A similar program was put in place last year, said Chief Business Officer Linda Covello.

“The whole point is to start the hiring process earlier,” she said, adding that the county hosts jobs fairs in March and April. “We need to know what positions are going to be open so we can recruit.”

The discussion about concealed weapons brought on campus or within 1,000 feet of a school site concerned Senate Bill 707, which was passed by the California Legislature last year and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in October. Continue reading “DUSD Trustees OK Elementary Math Curriculum, Incentives for Teachers, Shorter Thanksgiving Break” »

Denair Education Foundation January eCycle Event

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Submitted by Denair Education Foundation

Denair Education Foundation will be holding an eCycle event at Denair High School on Saturday, January 30, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Gather those old TV’s, CPUs, monitors, laptops, printers, cell phones, scanners, and copiers. Donating them is free and helps raise funds for activities and equipment for the students of Denair Schools.

Your donations help students go on field trips, buy new technology equipment, sponsor scholarships, and enrich music, art, and theater curriculum.

Denair Education Foundation was established in 2005 to “enrich and improve the quality of the educational environment for the students of the Denair Unified School District.”  The list is long of funded opportunities for the students.  They are made possible through donations and our main e-cycle fundraiser.  Thanks to all who have donated!  You are helping Denair’s students and the environment!

Please join us at a meeting – the second Tuesday of each month –  in the DUSD Leadership Room and see how you can be a part of supporting our local schools!

Continue reading “Denair Education Foundation January eCycle Event” »

Denair Kindergartner Killed in Weekend Car Wreck

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Submitted by Denair Unified School District

The Denair Elementary Charter Academy campus is in mourning after a kindergarten student was killed early Sunday morning when the car her mother was driving veered off a road east of Modesto. Elliana Davila was ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. California Highway Patrol investigators said she was in a car seat that had not been properly secured.

“Elliana was a beautiful, sweet little girl and will be dearly missed by all who knew her,” said Sara Michelena, DECA’s principal. She sent a letter home with students Monday about the tragedy.

Elliana was riding in a car driven by her mother, Angelica Castellanos-Davila. At about 4:30 a.m. Sunday, the CHP said Castellanos-Davila was heading south on Albers Road near Milnes Road when she lost control, went off the pavement and hit a pole.

Castellanos-Davila was taken to a Modesto hospital with non-life threatening injuries. When she was released, she was arrested and booked into county jail on suspicion of DUI causing injury. Her bail is set at $100,000.

Michelena’s note to parents suggests they carefully watch and listen to how their children react to Elliana’s death. “If they want to talk, answer their questions clearly, honestly, and be prepared to answer the same questions repeatedly,” the letter advises.

Grief counselors and others will be made available on campus for students, staff and parents in the days and weeks to come, Michelena said.