Denair schools mourn loss of two educators in one month
The Denair Unified School District is mourning the sudden losses of a teacher and an aide in November.
Fourth-grade teacher Mark Selee, 44, died of an apparent heart attack while traveling last weekend. Denair Elementary Charter Academy students received calls from Principal Sara Michelena on Monday telling them of his death.
The school was closed for Thanksgiving week, but teachers met Tuesday to plan for when students return. Michelena said grief counselors will be on hand for students and staff members, and roaming substitute teachers will be available for teachers who need a break during the day.
A candlelight vigil is planned for 6 p.m. Dec. 2 on campus.
On Nov. 1, Denair Middle School classroom aide Elizabeth De La Rosa died from injuries suffered when she was hit by a pickup in Turlock while walking in late October.
“To lose two in such a short time is heartbreaking,” said Michelle Bush, the district’s director of student support services.
Selee had worked at the elementary campus since 2002. He was in his second year as a fourth-grade instructor and had taught physical education. He also oversaw the student safety patrol in front of the Denair Elementary Charter Academy campus each day.
“He was one of the friendliest people I’ve ever met,” said Michelena. “He was the one who always took troubled students under his wing and worked with them, without judgment.”
“Mr. Selee was an energetic and talented teacher who was adored by everyone, especially his students,” said Superintendent Aaron Rosander. “We are absolutely heartbroken for the Selee family, and his passing is a devastating and irreplaceable loss to Denair Elementary Charter Academy.”
On the DECA Facebook page, people remembered Selee for his impact on children at school and as a coach for the Turlock Sea Dogs Swim Team. A T-shirt saying “Mr. Selee Forever In Our Hearts!” was posted for ordering.
“I’ve known Mark since high school. He was my daughter's fourth-grade teacher and our boys played little league baseball together,” wrote Michelle Mays Van Fleet. “He had such a contagious laugh and smile. Such a great human being. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.”
Selee is survived by his wife, Beth, and sons Alex and Peyton.
De La Rosa, 66, had been an aide at Denair Middle School for more than a decade. Known as “Miss D” to her students, she focused primarily on special education children, rotating between classrooms throughout the day.
“She just had a passion for this age group,” said special education teacher Jody Lee. “She told me, ‘This is my place. This is where I should be.’ She was able to connect with them and understand them.”
De La Rosa is survived by her sons, Sam and Armando, three grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters.
This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 3:46 PM with the headline "Denair schools mourn loss of two educators in one month."