Submitted by Denair Unified School District

Serenity Bailey’s world has been anything but serene over the past year.

First was the news her mother had cancer – a traumatic event for any loved one, but especially a young girl. Then came the freak storm on November 15, when a category 1 tornado ripped through Denair and sent a massive eucalyptus tree crashing into the Bailey family’s 100-year-old Victorian home on Zeering Road. Fortunately no one was hurt, but the house was destroyed and the family displaced. Then, a week after the tornado, Serenity and the entire Denair school community was stunned by the tragic news of Mark Selee’s death. He was Serenity’s fourth-grade teacher last year.

It was more bad news than most fifth-graders ever have to absorb in such a short time. According to Sara Michelena, Serenity’s principal at Denair Elementary Charter Academy, the young girl has shown uncommon determination, resiliency and courage.

“She has continued to bounce back when others might not have done so,” Michelena wrote in nominating Serenity for a countywide award.

The Every Student Succeeding program honors students in grades kindergarten through 12 who have overcome serious challenges, succeeded beyond expectations or just won the hearts of their school staff. It is coordinated by the Stanislaus County Office of Education and the local Association of California School Administrators.

Michelena credits her staff, the Turlock Chaplain’s Association and the experts from Jessica’s House, a group that specializes in working with grieving children, for their efforts to help all of DECA’s students through a difficult time.

“The outpouring of support and kindness of the people of Denair and surrounding communities has restored our faith in the human spirit. Serenity and her family continue to rebuild and recover, and we continue to be in awe of her strength and courage,” Michelena wrote, adding that Serenity “is one of those bright lights in dark times.”

Submitted by Denair Unified School District

In the end, the choice was sad but not difficult for Sara Michelena. She cares greatly for her staff and students at Denair Elementary Charter Academy. But she loves her husband and two young daughters, and her family needs her most right now.

So Friday, Michelena told her staff that she will resign at the end of the current school year to become a full-time mother to adopted daughters Emily, 3, and Elizabeth, 2. Emily has a mild form of 22q, a genetic condition that predisposes her medical and emotional issues.

“The biggest motivation is my children. They’re getting to be critical ages,” Michelena said. “I have a child with special needs and I want to encourage her development. I’m a former kindergarten teacher and they’re getting to the age I dealt with.”

Michelena has led the elementary campus for two years. Last year, she spent months spearheading the effort to write the charter that blended two independent campuses into DECA.

“The importance of her leadership at our elementary schools can’t be overstated. In fact, her tireless work in writing the charter for DECA made this new school possible,” praised Denair Unified Superintendent Aaron Rosander.

“Sara has been an important part of our district’s growth and success over the past two years, and she leaves us in esteemed standing,” Rosander added. “Sara’s warm personality, smile and work ethic will be missed. Sara loves Denair and I know her personal decision to leave us was not easy. I wish Sara and her family the very best.”

Michelena said she is grateful for Rosander’s understanding and kindness. They broke the news together to the DECA staff.

“Because they know I’m going to be staying home with my kids — and most of them are moms — they’ve been very supportive,” Michelena said. “The parents who do know have been supportive. Children are the priority in any parent’s life.” Continue reading “Sara Michelena Announces Resignation at End of School Year to Focus on Family” »

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.