Clowns, knights, superheroes, and more flocked to Online Academy’s campus on October 29, for the school’s first-ever STEAMfest!

STEAMFest was designed by Online Academy to give students an opportunity to practice scientific thinking and problem solving through a variety of interactive, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities where students were encouraged to think outside the box.

Mrs. Bonita Hamilton’s Environmental Science class at Lathrop High School got some hands-on experience this week when they dissected spiny dogfish sharks as a part of their unit on Ocean Pollution and Conservation. “Sharks are particularly interesting to students because of their 'fear' of sharks due to old movies presenting sharks as vengeful and vicious, which they are not," said Mrs. Hamilton.

This is the second time that senior Jesse Cortez has done a spiny dogfish dissection. “I’m more excited this time,” he said as he donned his safety goggles, gloves, and apron. “Last time, in freshman biology, I didn’t know what to expect.” Jesse was especially interested in the dissection because he wants to study marine biology in college.

Students prepared for the lab over three days, including starting their lab reports, learning anatomical terms, and watching videos on dissection procedure. In addition to learning about the anatomy of the spiny dogfish, students also learn about the predator/prey relationship, keystone species and the importance of sharks to the ocean ecosystem. Mrs. Hamilton hopes that this experience encourages her students to learn more about sharks and shark conservation.

It’s not every day that MUSD high school students with a Career Technical Education (CTE) pathway have the opportunity to function as a teacher. But during San Joaquin County Office of Education’s annual AgVenture exhibition, local high schoolers from Future Farmers of America (FFA) and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) programs rose to the occasion to educate elementary students about the vast field of agriculture.

Since 2011, MUSD has made significant efforts to refine and expand remediation programs making them more targeted and apt to meeting actual, specific student need. The District’s refined remedial programs aim to address learning gaps by reteaching the core content necessary to reach California grade level standards. In sum, it is designed to close the gap between what an individual student knows and what they’re expected to know. 

They may not be able to administer injections just yet, but many CTE students plan to join the healthcare forces as nurses, pharmacists and much more. For now, though, these MUSD students are getting familiar with what their future might look like in a variety of medical settings.

"Today we're mostly out here to get real-life experience," shared Weston Ranch High School student, Saralee as she volunteered at MUSD’s Flu Clinic last week at August Knodt Elementary where nearly 100 community members showed up for their flu vaccine.

“Students were involved in the clinic process from start to finish,” shared Gina Vieira, Coordinator of Health Services at MUSD. During the clinic students helped families fill out paperwork, worked alongside MUSD nurses to learn about best practices, and observed how doses were given to attendees.

Our students’ hard work makes us very #proudtobemusd!

Both the East Union Lancers and Manteca Buffaloes football teams made it through the gauntlet of the Valley Oak league and into the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs!

Under first year head coach, Mike Kuhnlenz, the Lancers finished their season with 6 wins and made it to the CIFSJS Playoffs. For the East Union Lancers, this was the first time they have earned a postseason spot in since 2016. They were seeded 5th out of 12 teams in the Division IV bracket. In the first round, with a rock-solid win over Del Campo, the Lancers made EU history by winning their first playoff game in 29 years! East Union was knocked out in the quarter finals by Merced. Athletic Director JJ Ramirez is already looking to the future, "Playing in the Valley Oak League is not easy, they will build upon this year to be better next season."

The Manteca High Buffaloes are going to the CIFSJS Section Championships where they will face Oakdale for the second time this season! The Buffaloes are moving on after defeating the Lincoln Zebras of Lincoln, Calif. in the semifinals. Head Coach Mark Varnum called this "a big win" and is proud of his team for coming back after ending the regular season with several losses in a row. The match was voted KCRA3's Game of the Week, you can watch highlights here, starting at the 8:30 timestamp.

If you would like to support the Buffaloes, the Section Championship will be held on Friday, November 26 at St. Mary's High School in Stockton. Kickoff is at 7:00PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

This October, Walter Woodward Elementary students spent the month gathering 1,799 pairs of socks that will be donated to the district’s Transitional Student Success Program (TSSP) who provides shoes, socks, and clothing to children experiencing homelessness in our community.

November 7-13th was the 23rd CalRTA Retired Teachers Week! The California Retired Teachers Association celebrates this week to highlight the impact of retired teachers. MUSD asked our staff to nominate outstanding retired educators who made, and continue to make, a lasting impact in the MUSD community. Click the link below to read about some of our amazing retired teachers!

In recognition of Veterans Day, Brock Elliott Elementary and Great Valley Elementary held ceremonies honoring local veterans. Brock Elliott Day is held in remembrance of the school's namesake as well as the 16 other Manteca soldiers who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Elliott's sister, Charlene, was the guest of honor. Great Valley held an assembly to honor current veterans on campus:  long-term substitute teacher Melissa Wesley, 4th grade teacher Jennifer Galapia, and MUSD superintendent Dr. Clark Burke who currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserves.