Coyote Trail Blazers Run for Fun and Fitness

Posted on by

Coyote Trail Blazers

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Most parents can agree that getting their middle school age students up early on a Sunday is quite a challenge.  However, this past Sunday, nine Denair Middle School students were up and traveling to Modesto before the sun even rose in the sky.  These dedicated students call themselves the Coyote Trail Blazers, also known as CTB, and they comprise an after school running club at Denair Middle School.  Their early journey to Modesto was the culmination of weeks of preparation to participate in the Modesto Marathon 5k.  The school club consists of eleven students who have  been running twice a week to prepare for the race and to improve their overall fitness.  Family, friends and the DMS club coordinators were all present at the race to either run with students or cheer them on from the sidelines.

The after school club is voluntary and open to all students grades 6-8.   It is led by four DMS staff members: Valorie Periera, David Rodriguez, Isabel Alvarado and Elise Domico.  The coordinators strive to make running, health, and fitness enjoyable for the students.  When the club began, students were asked to share their reason for joining.  Many simply stated that they love to run.  Others stated that they wanted to learn to love it.  Student participants do not just run circles on a track.  They do a variety of activities such as speed drills, games that incorporate running, off campus runs and stretching/flexibility exercises.  All of the students are at different levels in terms of their running ability.  Coordinators do not emphasize competition between students instead encouraging each one to set their own personal goals.

Many of the  students involved with CTB recently began representing DMS through participation in track.  Often, students in CTB complete their training with the club and then head over to Denair High School to hone their skills in various track and field events.  The small, tight knit staff relationships at Denair Unified school District makes it easy to work out a situation where students can take part in both of these activities. Continue reading “Coyote Trail Blazers Run for Fun and Fitness” »

A Class Act! 10 Questions for Valorie Periera

Posted on by

Valorie Pereira

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Name: Valorie Periera

Family:  Daughter, Angela; son, Cole; mom, Helen; sister Sandi

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught:  Currently, physical education (I also am the athletic director). I also have taught math, English, science and health science.

Experience and education:  Modesto Junior College, San Jose State University (bachelor’s degree), CSU Stanislaus (teaching credential), San Diego International University (master’s degree). Following college, I had a few long-term teaching assignments. I have coached swimming, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, softball and track. I began teaching at Denair in 1978.

What most inspires you about teaching? I enjoy the individual relationships I have with each unique student.  Physical education provides an opportunity for each student to develop and perform at his/her own individual level.  Students develop at different rates and when students realize what their body can accomplish through movement and exercise – that is the reward!

What are your biggest challenges as a teacher?  I would say my biggest challenge is for students to understand that exercise and movement should be a daily part of life and to understand that what they feed their body affects them in so many ways.  Also, as educators we have to deal with the impact the media plays in our students’ lives. I’m not saying it is all negative, but it can have a direct effect on the decisions they make.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? Using music in all activities; music is such a motivator.  I emphasize individual activities – it’s OK to be competitive at times, but movement, exercise and activities do not always have to be competitive.

How has Common Core affected your classroom strategy? Common Core has opened conversations between students having to explain to each other basic concepts of fitness. Continue reading “A Class Act! 10 Questions for Valorie Periera” »

D2A Blue Dogs Displayed at Local Veterinary Office

Posted on by

D2A Coyote Cub

Submitted by Denair Academic Avenues

Second graders at Denair Academic Avenues learned about the artist George Rodrigue and his famous Blue Dog works. Their teacher, Nancy Tanner, guided them in drawing their own Blue Dog outline, which was then followed by their own creative colors and designs. The resulting oil pastel drawings were an explosion of whimsical color and pattern!

Dr. Rob Santos, D.V.M. at Monte Vista Small Animal Veterinary Hospital was gracious enough to hang the “guest artists'” work in his lobby, surrounding his own original painting by Rodrigue. Stop by and see “Blue Dog’s Friends” at MVSAH. You won’t be disappointed!

March Vendors in the Park

Posted on by

March 2015 Denair Vendors in The Park

Submitted by Denair Vendors in the Park

The next Denair Vendors in the Park is scheduled for Sunday, March 29, 2015, 10:30 am to 2:00 pm. Join them for a great community Arts & Crafts Festival.

Vendor Information

Cost: $24 and a small fun raffle donation of $5 value (discount if prepaid at least two weeks prior to event date) All independent consultants, such as Mary K., Scentsy, etc., that sign up to hold a spot must prepay in that time, or spots will be released at the two week mark due to the fact that they only allow one representative per specific company.  All arts and crafters may either take advantage of the discount to prepay or pay the day of the event.

Space: You will have a space that is as big as your pop up, up to 12’x12′. Some spots are deep and you may utilize this extra room. If you would like a double space, please make arrangements with Mel DeSouza prior to set up so that she can accommodate this request, for an additional fee.

All vendors and crafters must sign a Vendor Contract and a Hold Harmless Agreement from Stanislaus County. They will be available at the event to print, as well as the Denair Vendors in the Park page in the notes section, for you to send in with your payment.

Set up will begin at 8:00 am and the show begins at 10:00 am. Tear down will be after 3pm. You may stay later if you wish, but please make arrangements if you will need to leave early as you will be assigned an outter spot so as to not disturb the show or neighboring vendors.  Non profit, Community Service, or Animal Adoption, Rescue or Awareness booths are still free! Spread the word!