August 2022

MAP-ing Student Success with MAP Assessments & Goal Setting

MAP assessments are not your typical test – And in Manteca Unified, they’re being used to directly combat learning barriers as students work to achieve grade level standards.

Manteca Unified is halfway through its Fall 2022 MAP assessment period, which will conclude next Friday, September 2. See how teachers and support staff are MAP-ing for student success! 

Positive Behaviors Prevent Learning Barriers at MUSD

The Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports (PBIS) program is a Tier 1, system-wide initiative involving everyone on campus – both students and staff – to create a school environment where students can thrive.

The program was piloted in MUSD after District administrators recognized the effectiveness of PBIS nationwide, and it is now implemented at every school in Manteca Unified.  

Professional Development in MUSD

The Department of Teaching & Learning continues to host professional development (PD) sessions for educators and support staff on a variety of topics including Amplify Science, SPARK PE, MAP Testing & Data, Social Emotional Learning and more.

Click the play button below to learn about PD in Our District:

Mark Minute: More Than a Backpack

Thanks to the generosity of the Women of Woodbridge, several students attending French Camp Elementary, Manteca Unified’s highest needs population, have a brand-new backpack filled to the brim with school supplies for the 2022-23 school year!

We Love to C-TE It!

During the summer, select high school students participating in Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways attended conferences to further hone their unique skills! 

In late June, CTE advisers Cheryl Behler, Brad Garlets, and Denise Pasion travelled with 15 students from Manteca High School to attend the HOSA International Conference in Nashville, Tennessee! HOSA, also known as HOSA – Future Healthcare Professionals, is a student-focused program that promotes career opportunities in the health care industry. This year's HOSA Conference was attended by 10,650 members from 54 chartered associations from different states and countries. During the HOSA Conference, Manteca High students participated in a variety of different learning opportunities, workshops, HOSA expo, blood donations, site seeing, Vanderbilt University tour, and learned about East Coast culture/traditions!

Also, in late June and early July, CTE advisers Savannah Wegner (East Union) and Amanda Smith (Sierra High) attended the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Conference with 8 MUSD students in San Diego! This National Leadership Conference included more than 7,000 FCCLA student members, advisors, and guests to listen to inspiring speakers, attend youth workshops, compete at the national level, and network with other youth leaders. MUSD participants competed in the “Students Taking Action with Recognition (STAR)” event, with EUHS’s Alyson Davit, Valerie Martinez, Cassidy Pearson, Sadie Carlson, Justin Lizarraga, and Madison Winter and SHS’s Lilliana Lopez bringing home awards! During the Recognition Ceremony, EUHS adviser Savannah Wegner was one of less than 30 advisers across the nation to receive the 2022 FCCLA Spirit of Advising Award, and graduating senior Justin Lizarraga was recognized during the Signing Ceremony “Say Yes to FCS” for his commitment to continue in the field of Family and Consumer Sciences!

Safety Training

MUSD's classified staff play a critical role in student safety and wellbeing! To further support their work, the District's Emergency Preparedness and Safety Coordinator, Dennis Foster, hosted crossing guard trainings in partnership with Keenan SafeSchools for classified staff throughout the month of August.

Announcing MUSD's

Student Board Members

(2022-2023)

This month, student representatives from Manteca Unified's five comprehensive high schools were sworn into office by Board President Marie Freitas.

Each year, high school select a student to serve as the voice of their student body at the district-level. Student Board Members play an important role as advocates, giving a voice to students and working alongside Board Trustees on various projects and events!

Courtney Amaral is beginning her second term as a Student Board Member! The representative for East Union High School, Courtney is a senior and has assumed the role of ASB President. She applies her #LancersLead mentality when serving her community and hopes to inspire others while serving as the voice of East Union’s student body. Courtney is an active member of the City of Manteca Youth Advisory Commission (YAC), allowing her to be involved in many local events and activities. She is very honored to serve as a Student Board Member once again and looks forward to future learning and growth opportunities as she works to advocate for fellow students.

Daizy Espinoza, a senior at Manteca High School, is now serving her second term as a Student Board Member! Daizy is actively involved in the Manteca community and her school’s Leadership program, serving as ASB Vice President this year. She is currently enrolled in Manteca High’s Health Science program, a Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathway that provides hands-on training for students interested in a career in the medical field. Passionate about helping and caring for others, Daizy is excited to be an advocate for her fellow classmates and promote a culture of kindness and positivity in her role as a Student Board Member so that future generations can enjoy a peaceful community and world.

Isabelle Mayorca is representing Weston Ranch High School as a Student Board Member! Isabelle just kicked off her senior year and has been a Manteca Unified student for her entire academic career. An active member of her school’s Leadership program since her freshman year, she is currently serving as ABS Vice President. Isabelle is very involved on campus – she has been on Student Council for two years, is a member of many academic clubs, and is a four-sport student athlete. As someone who welcomes any opportunity to become more involved in her community, Isabelle hopes to reach every student at Weston Ranch and help them have an incredible school year! Her goal is to help increase student involvement and make a positive impact in her community.

Maddie McGuire is our Student Board Member representing Sierra High School! Now in her fourth year of Leadership, Maddie is a senior and currently serves as ASB President. An active member of her school community, she is a three-sport athlete, participating in Volleyball, Basketball and Track, and is also involved in multiple music programs. Maddie is the founder and President of Sierra High’s Ukulele club, as well as a member of advanced choir. She loves attending SHS and is passionate about getting more students involved in various school projects and activities. In her free time, Maddie enjoys spending time with friends and family, painting, and going to the beach. As a Student Board Member, she is excited to step into her new role and help address the student need.

Jerico Chad Santillan will now serve as the Student Board Member for Lathrop High School! Jerico is currently a senior and is one of Lathrop High’s ASB Presidents. Throughout his years at LHS, he has been involved in many activities on campus such as Student Council and has participated in sports including football and volleyball. Jerico is deeply rooted in the MUSD community where he has spent his entire academic life, promoting from Mossdale Elementary School. As a Student Board Member, he will strive to create equal and amazing opportunities for Manteca Unified students in hopes of creating a bright future for all.

We are excited to share that The Mark Highlights will now publish student work each month, spotlighting future journalists!

High school students in a multimedia communications class led by Mr. James Burns kicked off their first month by learning to write journalistic profiles.

Check out a few of their projects below:

Versatile senior finds a home at Manteca High

By MARCUS ESTES and LILY VILLA GARCIA

Raleigh McQuarters is a senior at Manteca High School. He is a young man of many interests, including animation and music.

MHS Spanish teacher shows students new world

By GUADALUPE ENRIQUEZ & RONNIE FUENTES

Chris Burr has been teaching for nearly two decades. His curriculum in Spanish is rooted in real-life experience: He’s spent extensive time in Spanish-speaking countries.