This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

Family: Husband, Nathan; sons, Virgil, 6, and Waylon, 4

School: Denair Charter Academy 

Subject taught: Sixth- and seventh-grade home school 

Experience and education: Fresno Pacific University, worked as a paraprofessional, substitute teacher

What attracted you to Denair? I was looking for a smaller district that focused on teaching students and doesn’t try to fit all students into the typical educational options. 

What most inspires you about teaching? When I see the excitement students show when they understand the concept we are working on. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? Helping students socialize.

Continue reading “New Teacher Profile: Amy Hamill” »

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with employees new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

Family: Husband, Ernesto Javier; daughters ages 12 and 19 

Job: Mental health clinician

Experience and education: BA in psychology and a minor in Spanish from UC Merced and a master of social work from CSU Stanislaus. I have 14 years of professional experience providing services to children and their families. 

What attracted you to Denair? The amazing opportunity to offer counseling services in a school setting was always very appealing to me. I enjoy working with school-age children, and I saw in Denair the perfect chance for me to not only work with a small community, but also to support Spanish-speaking families. 

What most inspires you about your job? Making a difference in the lives of children and their families is my biggest motivation. Assisting others with their challenges and seeing how they can improve the quality of their lives is very gratifying to me. 

Continue reading “New Employee Profile: Lina Maria Villegas” »

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A small roster, smoke in the air and the lingering uncertainty of COVID. None of that is anything new for Denair football Coach Anthony Armas, who faces many of the same challenges this fall he’s successfully dealt with in the past.

• Twenty varsity players? What Denair lacks in numbers it makes up for in grit and determination. In the last two full seasons played in the fall (2018 and 2019), the Coyotes won two Southern League crowns, a state title and lost in the Sac-Joaquin Section championship game.

• Smoky conditions caused by California wildfires? Armas has become a pro at checking an app on his phone that shows him air quality before practice. If the air is unhealthy, he’ll adjust.

• Pandemic impacts? Though Denair struggled to a 1-4 record last spring when COVID concerns delayed the season, Armas and his players recognize and accept the precautions that must be taken to avoid the virus. No one complains and no one takes unnecessary risks.

The season begins Friday night at home against Vacaville Christian. Kickoff is 7:15 p.m. at Jack Lytton Stadium.

Continue reading “Denair football coach, players excited to kick off season” »

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

School: Denair High School

Subject taught: 9-12 floral design and farm to fork

Experience and education: BS in Agriculture from CSU Stanislaus; single-subject teaching credential in agriculture.

What attracted you to Denair? The amazing family-based community.

What most inspires you about teaching? I truly believe in the future of agriculture and knowing there will be future leaders in my classroom, I want to give each and every one of them the tools they’ll need to be successful in whichever career path they choose. I want to encourage and support students through their struggles, accomplishments, goals and through the game of life. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? This will be my first year teaching and I think just being new to the school will be a little challenging, but I am so excited to be here.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? I would say using real flowers to make a floral arrangement is my favorite.

What do you want your students to remember? I want students to always remember to be proud of themselves and that they are capable of anything they put their mind to.

How can parents support what you do? I think just having good communication and honest conversations is best.

What would surprise people about your job? I think something that would surprise people is that my job is so much fun and I really enjoy teaching students about floral design.

What do you do for fun? I love being around family and friends as well as caring for my animals.

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with employees new to Denair Unified in 2021-22.

Position: District school psychologist

Experience and education: I have spent more than 15 years working with parents and families of all backgrounds in the field of drug and alcohol counseling and mental health. I am a fully credentialed school psychologist. 

What attracted you to Denair? I enjoy working for small districts as they provide a larger sense of community, comradery and offer support not only to families but also staff.  

What most inspires you in your job? I ultimately want to help others succeed and reach their goals. I love people as well as all the strengths and weaknesses we as humans bring to the table. It’s beautiful. 

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? Working through COVID and helping these young people address the social emotional aspects and aftermath of the pandemic.

What is your favorite counseling tool or activity? I love building rapport and using activities to get to know people, but when it is time to really buckle down, simple grounding and deep breathing techniques never fail. I utilize the social emotional curriculum from therapist aid and Teachers Pay Teachers a lot. 

What do you want your students to remember? That they are valued, loved and capable. 

How can parents support what you do? Open communication is the key. Ask me for help and I will help. 

What would surprise people about your job? My job is very legal and stressful, but it is also very rewarding as I get to investigate how a student learns best and assist in implementing the correct learning tools and interventions that meet their individual needs.

What do you do for fun? I love musicals, spending time with my family and traveling.