Submitted by Denair Unified School District:

Some people view their jobs as work. Not Melissa Treadwell. She truly believes that being the campus supervisor at Denair High School for nearly 18 years is a calling, something she was born to do.

“My favorite thing about my job,” she said, “is creating relationships with young adults and helping students make good decisions along the way. I don’t consider it a job, more of a blessing to be part of Denair High.”

Treadwell’s influence is felt in every corner of the campus. Not only is she on the front line of navigating sometimes emotional interactions between teen-agers, she’s part of many activities outside the classroom. She’s the advisor to the PHAST (Protecting Health And Slamming Tobacco) Club, something she’s been honored for at the county level. She volunteers for craft fairs at the elementary school. She and her husband, Brad, often contribute their photography skills to sporting and other events, and recently began gathering and refurbishing gently used bicycles to give to students who need transportation to school.

This year, Treadwell also became the high school’s athletic director, adding another key role to an already overflowing portfolio of responsibilities.

Parents and their college-bound sons and daughters who would like more information about potential financial aid are invited to attend a Cash for College workshop at Denair Charter Academy on Wednesday.

The program is scheduled from 5  to 7 p.m. in Room 40 on the DCA campus. The event is co-sponsored by DCA and Denair High School.

DCA Principal Breanne Aguiar said the goal is to help families complete the Federal Assistance for Student Aid (FAFSA) application, which is required receive free tuition for the first two years at California community colleges, as well as qualify for student loans and financial aid. 

Aguiar and academic counselors Cherie Gresham of DHS and Sally Baker will answer questions and provide guidance for families.

All students who are seniors at either DCA or DHS and their parents are welcome to attend. Aguiar said about 30 people attended last year and she hopes for a larger turnout this time. As an incentive, there will be a raffle that all those in attendance will be entered into. Prizes include a 49-inch flat screen television, headphones and more.

Kindergarten and transitional kindergarten registration begin Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. 

Packets with complete registration information are available beginning Monday, Jan. 13 at the DECA office at 3773 Madera Ave., Denair. Registration packets also may be downloaded from the school’s website. Anyone with questions should call (209) 632-8887.

Completed applications must include a copy of the child’s birth certificate, updated immunization records and proof of residency (such as a utility bill).

Incoming kindergartners must turn 5 by Sept. 1. Children who turn 5 between Sept. 2 and Dec. 2 are eligible for transitional kindergarten.

DECA features traditional as well as dual language immersion instructional tracks for kindergarten through fifth-graders, plus a transitional kindergarten program.

All parents also are required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting if they are enrolling their children in the dual language immersion program. Meeting dates are listed in the registration packet.

At DECA, students are exposed early on to the importance of attending college, there is a wide range of fun and important electives and afterschool activities, and emphasis is placed on being safe, responsible, respectful and kind.

There are many respected and well-paying careers that don’t require a four-year college degree. Law enforcement. Nursing. Firefighting. Plumbers and electricians. Even many jobs related to ag.

As much as high school students are encouraged to pursue a college education, officials in the Denair Unified School District recognize not everyone will choose that path. So preparing those students by offering classes that emphasize vocational and other skills that can provide a respectable future income is a priority.

That’s one of the objectives behind the Career Technical Education, or CTE, programs at Denair High School and Denair Charter Academy.

Through a combination of courses taught by Denair instructors as well as online classes, high school students can explore different options that may require only two years of college or time at a vocational school instead of four years at a university.

The offerings – known as pathways — at Denair High include agriculture mechanics, agriculture welding, animal science, plant science and criminal science investigation. Also available for students at DHS and DCA are online classes in health science and medical technology, information technology, and hospitality and tourism. To earn a certificate in a pathway, students must complete multiple classes over their high school careers.

At Thursday night’s school board meeting, district trustees heard a report about the various CTE classes currently available as well as a vision for how to expand the program.

After a successful debut last spring, a free dental clinic returns to the Denair Unified School District on Monday.

The district again has partnered with Big Smiles to provide in-school dental care for all our students. Notices that include permission slips went home with students before Christmas.  

The mobile dentistry clinic will be on-site in the administration conference room Monday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Only students whose parents already have returned permission clips will be seen.

The team is comprised of licensed local dentists and dental hygienists. Services include an examination, cleaning, fluoride, X-rays, and sealants. Parents may accompany their children. If not, there will be district employees available to escort them to the dentist.

Each child will receive an oral health report card to take home after the dental visit. Patient care coordinators will contact parents of students needing additional follow-up by mail or phone.

All insurance is accepted, including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a low-cost self-pay option is available. And no child will be left unseen due to the inability to pay.

Proactive dental care is a way to keep your child healthy, in school and learning. Children who see a dentist regularly often have fewer health issues such as:

• Early tooth loss caused by dental decay
• Gum disease
• Heart disease
• Impaired speech development