This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2019-20

School:  Denair Middle School

Subject taught: Sixth grade

Experience and education:  In 2014, I was a elementary PE teacher, while also subbing. I was also an intervention teacher for two years at Little Lake City School District in Norwalk, Calif. Last year, I was a sixth-grade elementary school teacher in Waterford. I graduated from Turlock High School, went to Stan State for 2½ years and then transferred to Long Beach State, where I graduated in 2013.  I then went and got my teaching credential and master’s at National University.

What attracted you to Denair? I already knew a few people in the district since I grew up in Turlock. What got me noticing the district more was when I was at sixth-grade camp, and my district got paired with Denair and I got to work with some of the staff. They were awesome, friendly and a real joy to work with.

Why most inspires you about teaching? I enjoy making an impact on students. I remember when I was a student and how much I appreciated a teacher who made learning fun, but taught me life lessons along the way that I could use after my time with that teacher. I like being on the other end of that spectrum now and making that same impact to students.

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? The big challenge I am looking forward to is that this is my first year being in a middle school setting, rather than being in the elementary setting. I am also teaching a new elective that is new to the district — robotics and model design — which should be interesting and fun for me and the students.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity?  I think the best is yet to come for this question. I get to teach robotics to the students, so I am sure that will be my new favorite activity.

What do you want your students to remember? I want my students to remember how awesome their first year of middle school was and how much they enjoyed their elective class.

How can parents support what you do? The goal with parents is to have a team effort and keep standards high both outside and inside the classroom. Making sure parents understand what is happening inside the classroom and feeling open to emailing me and keeping an open communication line.

What would surprise people about your job?  Every day is different and keeps things fresh. Building relationships with students and teaching them new crafts always has self-gratification within it. I think most people laugh when they find out I am a teacher because when I was in school I struggled at times, and now I am a teacher.What do you do for fun? I love being around sports. Anything that could be competitive, I am all for. I also enjoy going to the movies and reading.

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2019-20

Family: Husband, Jose; daughter, Emma (at DMS); and son, Victor (at DECA’s Dual Immersion Program)

School: Denair Middle School

Subject taught: English Language Arts

Experience and education: I hold a bachelor’s degree in both criminal justice and psychology, as well as a multiple subject teaching credential from CSU Stanislaus.  This is my fourth year in education and my first year teaching sixth-grade language arts.

What attracted you to Denair? I have family and friends who are a part of the Denair community. I was attracted to Denair because it is a small town and a very tight-knit community.

What most inspires you about teaching? Knowing that I have the ability to positively impact the lives of my students and their families.  

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year?  Effectively developing reading and writing lessons that are going to inspire and motivate my students.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? While there are many tools and activities helpful to teaching, my favorite is building community in the classroom.  I like to get to know my students (their likes, their dislikes, what excites them, what they look forward to in the future, etc.). I’ve learned that by taking the time to make these genuine individual connections, my students are willing to work harder in pursuit of their own learning goals.

Continue reading “New Teacher Profile: Gabriela Sarmiento” »

Students continue to make improvements in English and math, but too many still are performing below state standards, Superintendent Terry Metzger told the Denair Unified School District board Thursday night.

Trustees have expressed concern with results from the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress, known as CAASPP. Students in grades three through eight as well as high school juniors take a battery of tests each spring over six or seven days. Their results are then revealed – individually, by grade level and by school district.

The performance in grades three through eight also are used to indicate a district’s academic status on California School Dashboard, intended to be a quick way for parents and others to measure progress.

“It’s high profile and high stakes, but often misinterpreted,” Metzger told trustees.

Denair students have lagged state-set benchmarks for many years in English and math. That’s still the case, but Metzger said there is a silver lining in the latest numbers based on tests taken last spring.

Continue reading “Denair Students Continue to Progress on State Tests” »

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

John Plett, the senior member of the Denair Unified School District board, submitted his resignation at Thursday night’s meeting. It is effective immediately.

In his letter to Superintendent Terry Metzger and board President Regina Gomes, Plett said he needed “to focus on my health.”

The remaining four trustees decided they will appoint Plett’s replacement rather than hold a costly special election. His term ends in November 2020.

Interested community members who live within the district’s boundaries and who are registered to vote may pick up an application at the district’s office or download the form off the district’s website.  Applications will be accepted Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Aug. 19.

A question and answer session will take place Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. at the district office for those interested in learning more about the board position prior to applying.

On Aug. 29, Trustees Kathi Dunham-Filson, Regina Gomes, Ray Prock Jr. and Crystal Sousa will hold a special board meeting at 7 p.m. to interview all the applicants. After discussion, trustees will vote that night to choose Plett’s successor. The new trustee will be sworn it at the Sept. 12 board meeting.

Those with questions about the process should call Daisy Swearingen, executive assistant to superintendent and board, at (209) 632-7514, ext. 1202.

Plett, 68, was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2015. A retired law enforcement officer, he is known for the pride he takes in the community as well as the students and staff on Denair’s four campuses.

He and his wife, Kathy, have lived in Denair for nearly 40 years. All four of their daughters attended Denair schools and one of them, Kara Binkley, is a counselor in the Denair district. Many members of Plett’s family were in the audience Thursday night.

Continue reading “Denair School Board Member John Plett Resigns; Applicants Sought to Fill Out Remaining 16 Months of Term” »

This is one in a series of Q&A’s with teachers new to Denair Unified in 2019-20

Family: Just me and my Boston terrier baby, Token 

School: Denair Elementary Charter Academy State Preschool

Subject taught: Preschool 

Experience and education: I have been teaching preschool for almost 15 years. I started my career at the CSU Stanislaus learning center.  I have had the opportunity to work for a variety of preschool programs in different capacities.  I hold my California Child Development Master Teacher Permit, and am working toward obtaining my Site Supervisors Permit and completing my B.A. in child development.  

What attracted you to Denair? DECA was home for me five years ago, when I worked as a paraprofessional in the morning preschool class, and now I am so happy to be returning to this great program, school and district. DECA incorporates many wonderful programs that help the children of this community to grow and succeed in their lives. It introduces children to programs such as academic adventures, character bound and college awareness, starting as early as kindergarten.  The small town environment and involvement is what drew me to DECA in the first place and is what has drawn me back!

Why most inspires you about teaching? The children whom I have been able to be a part of their lives, even if it was only for a few months, are the reason that inspires me to keep teaching. Seeing their minds grow, their experiences flourish and their relationships become stronger, is why I do what I do. Not having any children of my own, I always tell everyone, the children in my classroom are my children! They always will be! I can’t wait to meet this next group of wonderful children that I get to explore the year with.  

What is a challenge you look forward to tackling this year? By coming back to DECA after five years, I hope to challenge myself and become incorporated back into the district family.

What is your favorite teaching tool or activity? My favorite teaching activity is anything I can get the children engaged in and maybe get a little messy, while exploring our environment. This is how children develop at the preschool age and learn to their full potential. I always want to provide hands-on experiences in which they are able to use their problem solving, communication and many other skills to explore and learn through: STEM/STEAM, TinkerToys and process art are just a few examples.

What do you want your students to remember? I want each of my students to remember that Ms. Cassie is a safe person that they can always come to and have fun with. I want them to remember that their preschool life was a time they felt safe, worry-free, happy and ready to explore. 

How can parents support what you do? Parental involvement is so key to the preschool learning environment. I love when parents want to attend field trips, volunteer in the classroom, or just need to sit and talk with someone.  My classroom is always open to parents, and while there are a couple hurdles to volunteering, don’t let it stop you.  Come be a part of your child’s preschool experience! You are their FIRST teachers. Please encourage them to ask questions to increase their problem-solving  and communication skills. 

What would surprise people about your job? I think people would be surprised at how much teachers think of your wonderful children as their own and how much time we take to make their educational experience, hopefully, a wonderful one. 

What do you do for fun? I love to spend time outside, relaxing or adventuring.  I love hanging out with my Boston terrier and friends.