MARK Highlights
Manteca Unified School Board
the
January 2019
All State Honor Band Page 11
Why?
MUSD School Board
Making a positive difference to each and every student daily.
President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6 Vice President Eric Duncan, Area 1 Board Clerk Kathy Howe, Area 2 Michael Seelye, Area 3 Marie Freitas, Area 4 Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5 Bob Wallace, Area 7
MUSD Superintendents Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke Deputy Superintendent
Roger Goatcher
Vision Manteca Unified School District will ensure every school day is relevant, rigorous, and leads students to become productive and engaged members of a global society while residing in the central valley.
Mission Manteca Unified School District is committed to providing a safe environment where all students will thrive with the tools, resources and support needed to achieve their academic and personal potentials.
#proudtobeMUSD
Manteca Unified School District 2271 West Louise Ave Manteca, CA 95337 (209)825-3200 Submit stories:
communityoutreach@musd.net The Mark Highlights is published by the MUSD Superintendent’s Office Community Outreach team. Highlights content is contributed by every school site. When highlight articles are submitted, they are edited for length and clarity. Feature writing is produced by the Community Outreach Team. Highlights is intended to be a reflection of the MUSD Vision and Mission, because above all,
we value making a positive difference to each and every student daily.
Peter Gale Design, Photography, and Reporting
The Mark Highlights Team are:
Erica McCullough Design and Photography
Victoria Brunn Director and Executive Editor vbrunn@musd.net Lindsay Stayner Content Coordination and Editor lstayner@musd.net
Johanna Victor Photography and Reporting Community Outreach Interns In-depth stories submitted by student interns, or an outside contributor, will include an author’s byline credit.
Contents
J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 8
Making the Mark
Lincoln Visits Our State Capital
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Great Valley Explores Lawrence Livermore
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Homes for Heroes
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Sequoia Students Visit the Levi Stadium
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Martin Luther King Jr.
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BE.Tech Attends 5th Annual Welding Showdown
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State Honor Band
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Features WRHS in the County Honor Band
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Addams Family at MHS Theater
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LHS 8th Grade Orientation
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Voting for Elective Classes
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SHS Punjabi Club Offers Inclusive Dance Experience
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Students Ready to Learn
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Cameron Silva Heads to ODP
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California History Project
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Advantage Future Teachers Pathway Update
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Community Corner Grants - Thank You PG&E!
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In Other News
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Lincoln Visits Our State Capital Fifth grade Lincoln Elementary students had a great day of learning at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on January 15, 2019.
Students toured both the Assembly and Senate rooms. They learned how government works and how they can be involved in it. From the Governors’ Portrait Walk to the Hall of Counties, students enjoyed learning that we live in San Joaquin county, that California is our nation’s 31st state, and that, for 25 days (quite a while ago), we were actually our own country!
Great Valley Explores Lawrence Livermore Great Valley students were among 180 Jr. High students invited to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Students across various districts explored the exciting research and innovation happening at the Lab. Pictured at left: Zoey Evangelisti, Nancy Aguilera-Perez, Sania Saini, Anureet Saini, and Zinedine Valdez-Delgado row 2.
Read more about the story here.
Homes for Heroes
On Friday, January 18th, Mrs. Jiana Boudreaux was surprised when members of the Homes for Heroes Team Compass showed up at her classroom door to deliver her the Hero of the Month award! She was recognized for her hard work and dedication to her students and community. Mrs. Boudreaux was nominated by one of her former students, 2018 Manteca High graduate, Rhiannon Genilla. Rhiannon was there to present the award and as a bonus, two of the presenters from Team Compass are former MHS classmates of Mrs. Boudreaux.
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Sequoia Students Visit Levi Stadium Sequoia’s 7th and 8th grade students recently went to Levi Stadium for a fieldtrip that they will not soon forget. Jr. High Teacher Jennifer Adolfson secured a day of learning at Levi Stadium, and free transportation— courtesy of the San Francisco 49ers! Students excitedly arrived to school at 6:30 am to ride to the stadium in a chartered Mercedes bus.
Upon arrival at Levi Stadium, students made their way through four different learning stations. At station 1, students learned about the 8 stages of engineering, then took a brief quiz on their tabletop computer. They then were tasked with creating a prototype of a “new” facemask using straws and tape. Teams worked collaboratively to create the perfect mask. Station 2 was skills and drill camp. Students were led through a series of physical activities, including running, shuffling, passing and catching. Students learned that even the best athletes in the world must listen and
follow directions.
Station 3 was the 49er Museum Tour. Students walked through the team’s history as they met life size replicas along the way. They also viewed the Superbowl trophies and rings. This station included the interactive field where students took turns being a broadcaster, cheerleader, or a player on the field. Station 4 was the Stadium Tour. The highlight of this station was getting to step onto the field. Although it was rainy, cold and windy, nothing could have dampen the day for these Sequoia Tigers!
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Lincoln Elementary
Martin Luther King Jr.
Students in many classes, from Kindergarten through 8th grade, learned about Martin Luther King, Jr. and why our nation celebrates his birthday. Classroom conversations focused on his message of peace, fairness, acceptance and love for all people. Kindergarten students in Mrs. Kelly’s class listened to a story about his life and practiced their counting skills with a dot-to-dot that revealed a picture of Dr. King. Mrs. Juarez’s fifth grade students chose a favorite
quote by him and described why they found it meaningful and included an illustration. Other classes at Lincoln learned of MLK through readings, research, and videos and learned how his actions and message changed our nation.
Brock Elliott Students were taught about the life and lessons of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and how his dream changed our country by helping thousands of people. Students talked about their dreams for the world and wrote them down on a selfportrait drawing. Many wished that everyone could have a home and a family.
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Joshua Cowell Miss Kennedy’s 1st grade class enjoyed learning about him prior to the holiday weekend. After they read The Story of Martin Luther King Jr. she had a class discussion so that students to could openly share how they felt about the story. Then, she asked the students to answer the question “How can you help change the world?” They brainstormed different ways they could make a difference. The next day, they learned more about
him with Social Studies Weekly. The students were very engaged and interested in the topic. They ended the week by painting the world in their eyes, tracing their handprint, and then sharing what they could do to change the world. Miss Kennedy was so proud of all their ideas. If only we could all see the world through the eyes of a 1st grader!
Mrs. Brasil’s students shared their dreams by writing them in the clouds for everyone to see.
Fourth graders honored Martin Luther King Jr. by writing a summary of his dreams in their own words. Students then included their dreams for our nation and ways they can show kindness today and every day.
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BE.Tech Attends 5th Annual Welding Showdown
1 By Kristen Messer BE.Tech
1. The winners with their swag. 2. Listening to instructions before they begin to compete.
3. Jacob DeLoach during the welding showdown.
4. Nico Costa at intensive welding camp.
5. Randall Hinson at an intensive camp.
While enrolled at BE.Tech, BE.Industrial students learn skills such as powder coating, 3D printing, and laser cutting, but recently welding has taken center stage. On January 18th, eight students participated in the 5th Annual Welding Showdown at San Joaquin Delta College. In the end, BE.Tech took home the first place trophy for the second consecutive year thanks to team members Demitrius ValleDaigle, Randall 2 Hinson, Tyler Bell, and Nico Costa. Each member received welding gloves and goggles. The other BE.Tech team comprised of Jarrett Gilmer,
Francisco Murillo, Jacob DeLoach and Nick Scaggs placed third. Additionally, Demitrius scored highest overall with 145 points, and Randall took second place as an individual with 137 points.
“I can’t believe I got second place! There were a lot of really good welders there,” Randall said with surprise in his voice. The competition drew about 36 high school students from the surrounding areas who came to show their welding skills. Demitrius, a senior at BE.Tech, explained that there was a written test followed by several small projects that required competitors to use their skills in MIG, TIG, and stick welding in a variety of positions.
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He added, “It’s fun. And it’s believes “the focused nature of BE.Tech really good practice.” Demitrius plans to enter the armed sets our students up for forces after graduation and hopes to successful careers after use his welding skills as an aircraft mechanic. high school. Randall, a junior, hopes to work on the pipeline in North Dakota after additional post-graduation coursework.
“Our class schedule and career pathways hours have enabled our students to achieve this level of proficiency,” Patterson said.
Michael Patterson, BE.Tech’s Industrial teacher, devotes countless hours to working with these young men.
The BE.Tech schedule places students in back-to-back periods of their CTE classes. This allows for nearly 3 hours of instruction.
Patterson said that he
5 The win was especially sweet as Patterson edged out his older brother who teaches industrial arts at Ripon High. Ripon High placed 2nd as a team, and earned 3rd place for individual scores. “It was a Patterson sweep! One or the other of the Mr. Pattersons placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd for team and individual scores!” explained Tyler Bell. BE.Tech’s students in all 3 career pathways are now focusing on the upcoming SkillsUSA Regional Competition to be held on Feb. 9th at Delta College.
100% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to help Amy and her family. Please join the Buffalo family on Friday, February 7, 2019 at 4:30 p.m. at Guss Schmiedt Stadium.
There will be a raffle and silent auction during the game. Order forms for T-shirt/Sweatshirt(s) with the above logo will be available at the game. Please contact Coach Coenenberg with any questions:
jcoenenberg@musd.net
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State Honor Band By Anthony Dahl
MUSD Music Coordinator Two Manteca Unified students were chosen from among 2,586 applicants from across the state to participate in the California All-State Honor Bands this February in Fresno. Garrett Kmiec (Weston Ranch High School) and McKenzie Ringwood (Manteca High School) were chosen based on recorded auditions submitted in December. Kmiec and Ringwood will spend a weekend working with approximately 300 of the most skilled high school musicians in the state to present a public performance in conjunction with the California All-State Music Education Conference.
This conference is California’s largest professional development conference for music teachers. Kmiec was selected to the Concert Band, which will be led by Dr. Joan de Albuquerque, Director of Bands at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Their performance will be 9:00 am on Sunday, February 17.
Ringwood was selected to the Wind Symphony, under the direction of Professor Tony Maiello of George Mason University in Washington D.C. Their concert will be presented on Saturday February 16 at 4:30 pm. Both concerts will be held in the Saroyan Theatre in downtown Fresno and are free to the public.
County Participants
(See the WRHS band story and list on page 12-13) East Union Band
East Union Choir
Rafael Castellanos
Sierra Band
Hunter Campbell
Lizeth del Toro
Michael Foley
Anthony Del Angel
Noel Estrada
Eric Hurtado-Isaak
Alyson Lim
Derrick Kuwada
Bryan Fernandez
Kaitlyn Leal
Emily Halcomb
Alyssa Nascimento
Jocelyn Morgan
Samuel Ramos
Manteca Band
Sierra Choir
Breanna Garcia
Sriveni Madoori
Noah Gonzales
Isabella Martinez
Lathrop Band
Matthew Miramontes
Chelsea Woodall
Kimberly Bareng
McKenzie Ringwood
Cody Nunn Justin Stokes Brandon Tavares
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WRHS in the County Honor Band Julia Martinez Student Intern
Every year the San Joaquin County Office of Education partners with the San Joaquin County Music Educators’ Association and San Joaquin Delta College to put on the County Honor Concerts inviting all schools within San Joaquin to perform in the Atherton Auditorium at Delta College. This was the County Honor Band’s 60th year of SJCOE Music Services. The event lasted about two hours and it was open to students, family, faculty, and community members. It was a night of appreciation for outstanding high school students participating in
choir, orchestra, and band. Elaine Pascual, a senior at WRHS, said the students performed five pieces of music: April by Aaron Perrine, Abracadabra by Frank Ticheli, Contre, Qui Rose by Morten Lauridsen, Bayou Breakdown by Brant Karrick, and God of our Fathers arranged by Claude T. Smith. Fifteen students were chosen from Weston Ranch High School to be a part of this year’s County Honor Concerts on January 12th. Their names are listed in the sidebar at right.
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High school students submitted their auditions via a recording at the end of October 2018 and found out their acceptance within a week. Senior Garret Kmiec said that Weston Ranch High School has
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These 15 students consisted of 14 band members and 1 Orchestra member. The one orchestra member was violinist Lance Bunyi. The 14 band members were: Karman Basra, Clarinet Julian Gonzalez, Tuba William Gov, Clarinet Orlando Guerrero, French Horn
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Garrett Kmiec, Trumpet Dharyl Licudine, String Bass
always maintained the acceptance of several students in the honor band in proportion to the band and school size.
“We had many rehearsals and prepared daily at home. We constantly go over the music until it is almost perfect,” Pascual said. Overall, the members of the Honor Concerts had two weeks to work on their pieces on their own and they practiced as a whole with all other San Joaquin schools three times prior to the night of the event. Nearing the end of the event, several students were awarded for their dedication and skills for music. Lauren Malihan and Karman Basra were the only two students from Weston Ranch to participate in the County Honor Band all four years of high school. Garret Kmiec was also awarded. He had the position of first chair trumpet and was able to perform a couple of solos. Although he was not recognized for being in the County Honor Band all four years, he was the only one to
move on to All Northern Honor Band and All State Honor Band. Those performances will take place at the Atherton Auditorium at Delta College on Sunday, January 20th at 1:30 pm and Sunday, February 17th at 2:00 pm respectively. Kmiec said he was grateful for the friendships he has made, and the bonding time he was able to experience throughout the years during the County Honor Concerts.
Carlos Lopez, Clarinet Lauren Malihan, Clarinet Miguel Monge, Tuba Elaine Pascual, Tenor Saxophone Vincent Perez, Bassoon Katherine Robles, Clarinet Maxwell Sithiphong, Alto Saxophone William Sithiphong, Flute.
“Mr. Barron Senior has always inspired me to keep playing,” said Kmiec. The San Joaquin Honor Concerts have been a grand experience for many high school students to be involved in and interact with the other musicians from other high schools. It has served as a way to allow the students to come together to make new bonds and learn to be better musicians by furthering their skills outside the classroom.
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WRHS participating band and orchestra members.
2. The full honor band performance
with students from throughout the county.
3. Weston Ranch students Karman
Basra and Lauren Malihan being presented with the Nelson Zane award for participating in the honor band all four years of high school.
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Addams Family at MHS Theater Levy Cutar
Student Intern
One of the most extraordinary performing arts is theater. It’s the combination of different people coming together to all be one. The director, cast, and support crew work together harmoniously to portray any idea—creating art. Theater uniquely helps an audience experience a wide variety of emotions. Anger, fear, and happiness can all be felt in the experience of one play in this noteworthy art.
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Cast members practice the song When You’re an Addams.
2. Bailey Hutchens and Noah Gonzales practice their lines.
3. Cast members wait for their queue to come up on stage.
4. Maddi Sansoni and Bailey Hutchens share a laugh.
As of Monday, January 14th, rehearsals for The Addams Family have officially begun at the Manteca High Theater for those student actors who love it and call theater home. The Addams Family is a musical comedy that centers around one ghoulish American family that will be performed on the 4th, 5th and 6th of April.
For Manteca High, Dawn Coyan continues her role of director for the musical challenge that is The Addams Family. “Creating a rehearsal calendar is tough. With a copy of the script and musical numbers in hand, as well as the school calendar, I try to make my best guesses on how long it will take to learn everything,” Coyan said. “Sometimes, I simply work backwards from our performance date and try to make sure we have time to rehearse everything. It is always a big guess, but we make it work.” Coyan has the responsibility for the creative interpretation of the script and musical score. She plans the sets, the lights, the sound effects, and much of the choreography directing the action on stage.
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“My job is to make sure all of the actors are telling the same story, and that it all looks good to the audience,” Coyan said. With the first week of rehearsals now over, the cast has already learned act 1, scenes 1 through 4 with two songs from the original musical adaptation, When You’re an Addams and One Normal Night. Within the next few weeks, they will finish up the all of Act 1 and begin Act 2.
4 little gestures they might use, to add to their performance.
For an actor to take on a role, there is a process that can sometimes be challenging to get it precisely right. They must have proper knowledge of what motivates their character in the play and learn to become that person.
“It really helps when you have an outfit or shoes that help you feel like you’ve literally changed into the character you are playing,” said senior Savannah Spence.
“For me, becoming the character is much easier when you have done research first,” said senior Jaisun Picou who plays Lucas Beineke in the musical. “It is also helpful to incorporate a piece of yourself into the character.”
A costume can provide an actor a connection with their character. The actor continues that connection with the audience through their posture and other behaviors on stage.
Reading and watching the original musical—and the 1991 movie adaptation—helped the cast think about their physical portrayals. They use self-awareness as to how their character talks and moves, and the
Spence is also the stage manager.
“The best part is the connections you make,” said Senior Bailey Hutchens. Hutchens plays Morticia Addams in
the musical. Watching rehearsals and hanging around backstage, one realizes that theater feels like a huge diverse family. For these students, acting seems to be more than just a simple class. Acting is a passion they have and their dedication is beautiful.
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LHS 8th Grade Orientation Lathrop High School Link Crew welcomed 8th grade students from Mossdale, Joseph Widmer, River Islands, and Lathrop Elementary to a special orientation on January 19th.
Vanditha Vemparala Student Intern
The purpose of the orientation was to introduce incoming students to the LHS campus, staff, and all the opportunities that come with high school. The event started off with a flag ceremony. A few students in uniform representing JROTC displayed the American flag and the California flag. Next, Link Crew introduced the school campus. They showed a video of all the memorable events you can have at high school along with the mention of Spartan Nation. Dancers from a student club took the floor in colorful dresses to perform.
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LHS Principal Greg Leland then took the stage and
welcomed everyone once again. He talked about how high school is a second opportunity for everyone.
“High school is a fresh start, a fresh new paper you can write your story on,� Leland said. He also said it was up to the students to decide whether they wanted to be involved in high school activities and academics or spend their time getting in fights and failing all of their classes. Leland introduced vice principal Bill Pinol. He explained that Mr. Pinol is a great person to talk to and fun to know, but you should never end up called to his office. He also introduced the school counselors. After the administration finished their comments, Link Crew led all the 8th graders in multiple activities where you got very comfortable with your neighbor. First, they distributed a hula hoop to every row and made them hold hands. They said it was a friendly competition,
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3 where the first row to get the hula hoop across from one end or the row to the other—without letting go of your neighbor’s hands—wins. By the time it was over, everyone’s blood was pumping and hearts were racing. After all the excitement, the soon-to-be freshman sat down and were introduced to some of the possible clubs and sports such as Interact, Leadership, Soccer, JROTC, and Band.
Then, the LHS drumline came to center stage. While they played songs, Link Crew gave free spirit merchandise out to the crowd and the cheer
captain taught them LHS chants.
By the time it was over, everyone’s blood was pumping and hearts were racing.
To wrap things up, the Link Crew leaders gave a Kahoot quiz with questions about who the staff are and what they do, as well as where certain things are on the campus. This quiz was a fun way to answer many questions and provide some basic information. It was an event that helped the 8th graders get familiar with their LHS surroundings before they actually step foot on campus in the fall as freshman.
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Link Crew members demonstrate how to play the Hula Hoop game.
2. The crowd enjoys the challenge of each row passing the Hula Hoop along their row.
3. Dancers perform a cultural dance in their beautiful dresses.
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Voting for Elective Classes Daniel Acevedo Student Intern
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The EUHS student actors from their performance of Greece gather for a group shot outside after the performance.
2. A boutonniere created by a floral
student. Intricate floral techniques combine to form a classic adornment.
3. A custom table created in wood
shop with a unique antique finish.
In high school, there are classes students are required to take to graduate, and then there are elective classes. Just like in a political election, students cast their vote for where to spend their time.
For some students at East Union, they are surprised by how much fun they have in their elective classes. One of the good things about the block schedule is that there is more time in the schedule to try a variety of elective classes. Floral students learn an array of future skills—like how to choose a florist. They learn simple ways of knowing if they are paying a fair price on flowers for events such as center pieces for parties, weddings, or graduations.
A student in Tristyn Silva’s floral class said, “I did not think I would enjoy this class. I thought there wasn’t much to floral design. But there are actually many factors and I think I became a more detailed person after this class.” Learning the structure of flowers and some of the science behind it also helps. “Not only did I learn important stuff
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2 about floral design, but it was a great break from the usual notes and writing in every other class.” Another elective, wood shop definitely teaches many students skills. One of the first projects wood shop is assigned is a simple bird house. However, at the end of the term students are allowed to create any item of their choice. Devyn Higgins, who decided that she wanted to create a table, said, “The class was for the most part easy. But, when creating the table, I learned a lot about what goes into sanding and staining which was very time consuming.” When asked about what she valued most from the class, Higgins confidently answered.
“When you try something out of your comfort zone, it can be surprising what new skills you learn and can use later in life.”
Higgins will likely save money later on wooden furniture now that she understands what makes a quality piece and also knows how to correctly finish them. Not every elective class is about students working mostly with their hands. Some require a different kind of performance that pushes them even further out of their comfort zone. In high school, one class many students fear the most is theater. Performing memorized lines in front of an audience, with everyone’s eyes on you, is very challenging. Now add singing and dancing on top of that. That discomfort is exactly what threeyear theater student Michael Cabida had to face. “I felt vulnerable yet good during this
whole experience because it was a great new way of expressing myself,” said Cabida. Cabida added, “We did so many unpredictable things and there was never a dull moment.” Although you may not believe it, choosing a different elective class may give you new or scary experiences, and can provide life lessons. As you register for your classes for next year, read the high school course catalog a little closer. Consider which elective classes will provide you some new life skills, self-growth, and bring about a new passion or talent that you may never have realized you had within you. Just think about it, in a way you are casting a vote for yourself.
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SHS Punjabi Club Offers Inclusive Dance Experience Sierra high school is the second club in the district with a Punjabi club after Manteca High School.
Aisha Saeed
Student Intern
Junior, Muskan Saini, began a chapter at SHS with the intentions of representing a diverse group of people. In addition, to share her love of Bhangra dancing with fellow high school students. Bhangra dancing originated in the Punjab region of India and was used to celebrate a good harvest. Muskan Saini and club member Isheka Kumar, 11th grade, often talk about the origination of Bhangra dancing during club rush to attract interest in the club.
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Sierra High School Punjabi Club pose for a quick photo outside of the large gym before their performance at the Lobo Gold rally.
2. Muskan Saini [far right] with her Bhangra team.
3. Muskan Saini performing at her own birthday party.
The club meets weekly to rehearse choreography for school events such as the Lobo Gold rallies and multicultural week. In their first year at Sierra High School, the club consisted of 10 members, the majority with a background in
Bhangra dancing. For beginner dancers, it was difficult. Many had trouble breaking out of their shell in front of experienced members who compete in Bhangra competitions in the valley. Members overcame their fears after hours and hours of practice.
That year, Sierra High School’s Punjabi club showed everyone the colorful and exciting energy of Punjabi culture. By the time club rush rolled around for the 2018-2019 school year, the Punjabi club attracted and received an additional 18 members. Not only did the club increase in size, but new members from various backgrounds joined the club as well. New member and junior at SHS, Jake Alton, believes that the club, “shows
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3 2 diversity on campus and allows people like me to be recognized, regardless of my culture or background.” Many more non-ethnic members also represent the Punjabi club at Sierra High, including senior, Cyrus Hunter, who said, “I originally joined the club to make new friends, but I’ve come to love Punjabi culture. Bhangra dancing has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone.” President Muskan Saini began to dance at the age of 8 years old. She accredits her teammates and her coaches throughout the years for making her the leader she is today. Muskan dances competitively on her team Virse De Shokeen (VDS). They have performed in a wide variety of competitions spanning from Sacramento, to Los Angeles, to Canada. VDS has been featured in many music videos with artists such as Fateh Doh, Gary Bassi, and Surjit Khan. With Muskan’s seasoned knowledge
in Bhangra dancing, the team reached new heights. Her efforts extend beyond the practice of dance. Her nights consist of arranging playlists, choreographing dance moves, and promoting her club through social media and the school. She says, “I think the Punjabi club will grow into one of the more well-known clubs on campus who are not only involved with their school but with the community as well.”
More recently, the SHS Punjabi club did a collaborative dance with Manteca high school Punjabi club. Now, the club aims to further increase the size of their club, participate and volunteer in community held events in Manteca, and most of all, to promote inclusivity on campus.
Her efforts extend beyond the practice of dance. Her nights consist of arranging playlists, choreographing dance moves, and promoting her club through social media and the school.
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Students Ready to Learn 1.
The Sanford Harmony presenter leads teachers through the concepts.
2. Jandy Pastore, left listens to a peer’s introduction.
3. Collaboration and implementation discussion are key to success.
4. Teachers at different grade levels share insights with each other.
5. Fun introductions were shared in a circle around the room.
6. The presenter shows samples of ready to use materials.
Teachers want to teach and students want to learn. But if a child is struggling socially or emotionally, they may not be able to learn.
“We have behavior specialists, but they are a tier 3 intervention, so what are we putting in at tier 1 to meet student needs?”
On staff development day January 7th, teachers from Walter Woodward, Joseph Widmer and Joshua Cowell elementary schools gathered at Woodward to learn from a Sanford Harmony presenter about free tools to better prepare students to learn.
She further explained that a student struggling with their behavior does not necessarily qualify them for special education services.
Jandy Pastore, MUSD Program Specialist, coordinated with Sanford Harmony to obtain the free curriculum tools and arrange the presentation. Pastore explained that some teachers are increasingly concerned by students who are not socially and emotionally ready to learn.
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“Teachers are reporting that we are seeing a huge increase in behavior and we don’t have a system in place,” said Pastore.
“Being able to have a classroom where they are all getting their social and emotional needs met, then the teacher is able to do what they love—teach,” Pastore said.
Pastore explained that this type of classroom environment would produce less stress for the teacher as well. According to Sanford Harmony’s website, they offer a “social-emotional teaching program that cultivates strong classroom relationships between all students. Our goal is to implement specialized teaching strategies into
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classroom activities in an effort to develop children into tolerant, compassionate, and caring adults.”
exciting to see too. It is hard when you get adults in the room and ask them to be silly.”
that rapport with students who are not socially and emotionally ready to learn.
Partners with National University, their researched curriculum is largely funded through a grant from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford.
Pastore emphasized that she believes these skills are not only for special education students, but are helpful for every student.
But are teachers already tasked with too much to do and too little time to do it?
The program offers focus themes of Diversity and Inclusion, Empathy and Critical Thinking, Communication, Problem Solving, and Peer Relationships.
“One teacher had said they don’t know if they can get their third-grade boys and girls to buddy up and work together,” Patore said. “That is the kind of thing we need to work on, not just boys and girls but students with cultural differences.”
According to Pastore, 17 MUSD schools are using school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and Sanford Harmony’s free materials complement that effort. As part of the training at Woodward, the presenter asked teachers to introduce themselves with some kind of personal hand gesture or body movement. “After the training yesterday, I am very optimistic that we are going to do this well,” Pastore said. “Our teachers were very willing participants and that was
As a program specialist, Pastore has learned many behavioral strategies.
“You need to build a rapport, because if the student doesn’t like you, they are not going to learn from you,” Pastore said. Pastore noted that some teachers struggle with knowing how to build
“The curriculum provides what you need so that you are ready to implement it,” Pastore said. “It can be as simple as you are doing attendance for 10-minutes so you pull out a card and have students pair up and engage in social skills.” Because the materials are user friendly and follow a simple methodology, Pastore said that she believes a teacher can develop student social skills with virtually no loss of instructional time. “Harmony’s research shows you will have more time to teach if you don’t have to manage all the problem behavior,” Pastore said. “Implementing this is going to help minimize that problem behavior.”
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Cameron Silva Heads to ODP Cameron Silva, a Walter Woodward 8th grader, is headed to the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) Girls National Training Camp in Tampa Fla. this week from January 24-29.
There were 270 kids who tried out for that age group and they chose 18 to go out to Florida the first time around.
Beginning to play when she was four years old, Cameron has played hard for 8 or 9 years. Being invited to attend the training camp, she is among the youngest age bracket of players who are invited to go—players born in 2005. What follows is a brief phone interview with Cameron, her mother Jennifer, and her father Angelo before Cameron departs to Tampa for the ODP camp. How do you feel about this opportunity? Cameron: I’m excited to go, but I’m very nervous. It is a big event and not a lot of players are able to do what I am doing. How was Cameron selected? Jennifer: Cameron made the State
team and was chosen to play on the regional team and from that regional team she was picked to go to this training camp. Angelo: They had the opportunity to see her in a regional event in Boca Raton Florida during Thanksgiving. They have coaches who look at the players to evaluate them and make decisions on who they want to invite. When she made the regional team with tryouts in Colorado, it was strictly invite only. There were 270 kids who tried out for that age group and they chose 18 to go out to Florida the first time around. So, how many teams does Cameron play on? Jennifer: She plays for two teams. West Coast Wildkatz Soccer Club out of Tracy / Livermore and Cal North ODP State and Regional Team. Angelo: With the state team she is on, she will not see all the same players on the regional team. They are players
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At left in the dark grey uniform, Cameron keeps pace with her opponent, fighting hard for possession.
I watch Tobin Heath, who plays for the US Women’s National Team, on YouTube or Instagram.
from the 14 western states. What are Cameron’s long-term goals? Angelo: Her goal is to play on the National Team and those players are pretty much on the Olympic team. They represent this country. The shortterm goal is to make the national team for her age group and then play for a division one college. Eventually, she wants to play professionally when the opportunity is there. Cameron, how many hours a week do you practice? Cameron: I play three days a week from 6:30 to 8:00 PM and practice at home. I played midfield for two years and then went back to playing forward. Jennifer: Her brother and sister also play and so we are always at a soccer game. Whether at half time, before a game or after a game, Cameron is goofing around on the field, in the house, or in the backyard.
Angelo: She also watches a lot of video as well. Video helps her too because some of the things she has learned about her play is from watching videos. She typically watches footwork to help her out as player on the field. Cameron: I watch Tobin Heath, who plays for the US Women’s National Team, on YouTube or Instagram. Do you also watch your own video footage? Angelo: It is something we have just started with both of our girls and now her sister Jordyn is getting to the point where colleges are starting to take a look. You want to send as much video as you can to get exposure. We have a camera that uses a sensor that they wear and the camera follows that sensor and records everything that they are doing.
How do you keep up with schoolwork? Angelo: We try to get her in the habit of doing her school work right when she gets home from school. Her older sister Jordyn plays for Manteca High, and they went straight from school to the game. So, she has seen her older sister doing school work after her game at 8:30 pm. Cameron tries to avoid that. Where are you going to high school? Cameron: I’m planning to go to Manteca High in the fall. It is likely that both Cameron and Jordyn will continue to do great things for the Buffs on the soccer field. When Cameron gets back from her ODP camp, the Mark Highlights staff will check back in with her to see how it went.
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California History Project
“We are all teachers working together to improve History education.”
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To improve teaching in the classroom, sometimes teachers must collaborate outside the classroom.
teachers working together to improve History education.”
On January 10th, high school history teachers from across the District met together for professional development time with people from the California History project.
Greer and her team taught three sessions at the MUSD Educator Conference in November. A survey given to teachers helped decide what today’s staff development would focus on.
Stacey Greer, the director of the California History project said, “We are trying to inspire reflective thinking about teachers’ own practice and how to improve it with the tools we are giving them.”
“Today, we had teachers discuss key themes, diverse voices and how to use historical perspective,” Greer said. “Then in the afternoon, we shared how to develop writing skills in their classroom.”
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California history project has a state office at UC Davis, and sister sites are at UC Berkeley, UCLA Irvine and Santa Cruz.
Greer added that a focus on inquiry education changes how instruction happens in the history classroom.
“We continually bring in teachers to help inform our practice and share our work with each other,” Greer said. “We are all
“It is really inquiry and literacy combined. The goal is to look at original sources and documents—like a statue, painting, image, diary, letter, or speech, etc. These are primary sources” Greer said. “They also look
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3 at secondary sources, or what other historians write about it. That is partly teaching students how to read sources and decide credibility.” Nina Norton, a veteran Manteca High history teacher, also emphasized inquiry education. “With the new state framework, we want to make sure that teachers realize the way we are teaching history is different,” said Norton. “The whole idea is using inquiry instead of memorization. The students learn the facts to use them and not to just repeat them.” She added that with today’s technology, students can look up facts online. “History is not static. It is not that the facts change but how we interpret those facts change,” Norton said. “It is important to learn how to interpret them and how to find good information that is relevant, appropriate and unbiased.” Understanding bias and historical perspective can be difficult. “We were looking at how to teach kids to understand perspective,” Norton said. “You can’t judge 19th century people with 21st century values. It just doesn’t work.” Norton adds that teaching history is not just about perspective, but also
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4 about prioritization. “You are trying to constantly use the past to help them understand the present,” Norton said. “If the kids don’t see the connections to their life, history is just a bunch of dead white men who ran the country and waged wars.” For Norton, the California History Project professional development was relevant and helpful. “They give you an idea and then ask you to create so you are involved in the process,” Norton said. “Not only do they give you products, but they have you make a product so that you know the process.”
Norton said that she believes government, economics, and geography should be taught with every level of history. “We talk about how in our country we have more differences than similarities. We have different religions, cultures, languages, everything,” Norton said. “So, we talk about what’s the glue that holds us together? Democracy and democratic values are the glue.” Returning to the topic of inquiry
education, Norton emphasized that teaching students how to ask and answer questions is key to their learning. “I try very hard to be balanced. The students look at the documents and decide,” Norton said.
“We need to give them the facts and they decide what the history means.” Norton added that the History project brings teachers to summer institutes to provide them with more time to collaborate and improve their teaching. In addition to this staff development, the District office has new history textbooks that are being considered for adoption on display until January 30th.
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Nina Norton (left) works with a peer and a member of the California History Project.
2. A key part of the day was
collaborative discussion about current classroom practices.
3. Stacey Greer (left) discusses how to apply inquiry education.
4. Another key part of the staff
development was reflection on teacher’s current practices before sharing with the group.
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Advantage Future Teachers Pathway Update
By Stacia Lagomarsino MUSD Advantage Future Teachers Program Coordinator
We started the year with site coordinators in place and have added some excellent new site coordinators to the program. We have seen an increase in student participation with ten to twenty students at each site and around 40 students participating regularly in meetings and activities. Meetings vary at each of our sites based on schedules. Some schools meet directly after school, while others meet later in the evening. Meetings so far this semester involved planning for student teaching experiences at Mel’s Garage, and lesson planning for student lead EdCon classes. We also had lessons where
students discussed topics such as education in the economy, school finance and disparity, and the organization structure of a school district.
Three of our juniors and seniors at Sierra went through the student teaching experience in November. These students partnered with a mentor teacher for a week of developing lessons, presenting in the classroom, and then debriefing afterwards. Student teaching will take place in the spring for the other four sites. We also continue to work with Institute of Higher Education (IHE)
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Future Field Trips: • MUSD Job Fair February 2nd, 2019
partners. Dual enrollment with Delta last summer was a huge success with about 60 students taking summer school courses at Lathrop, and all students receiving a B or better. We have begun the process with Delta to host dual enrollment summer classes again in 2019. We continue to plan events with our IHE partners such as The Math Steeplechase, Education Night, and TCSJ Open House. We have begun to expand our relationship with CSU Stanislaus for our participation in teacher enrichment opportunities. They invited us to their Student To Teacher Conference where students will have an opportunity to explore professional
development workshops that help prepare teachers for success in the classroom and job market. We are also grateful for the Antone and Marie Raymus Grant for $8,000 to fund the C-STEM summer boot camp where one Future Teachers will work as an intern. Also, the Building Dreams Foundation Grant for $3,600 to attend the Exploratorium Workshop February 5th and 6th. At this event, 12 of our future teachers will invidually partner MUSD science teachers to design and teach an inquiry-based lesson. Lastly, we applied for an SSP Grant to fund curriculum development for a Future Teachers CTE Pathway.
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Exploratorium Workshop February 5th & 6th, 2019
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Benerd Education Night February, 2019
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Mel’s Garage Student Teaching Event - East Union February, 2019
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Stanislaus Student to Teacher Conference March 2nd, 2019
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Mel’s Garage Student Teaching Event - Manteca March, 2019
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TCSJ Open House and Masters Presentations, April 2019
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Mel’s Garage Student Teaching Event - Lathrop April, 2019
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Math Cup - Weston Ranch proposed Spring 2019
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C-STEM Girl Camp June, 2019
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Delta Summer Program - Dual Enrollment June 17th - July 22nd
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Better Together Conference July, 2019
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MUSD Staff Development Day, January 2020
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Grants - Thank You PG&E!
CTE Department $1,500 – Health Occupations Students of America Areal Leadership Conference. Conference will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at San Joaquin County Office of Education. Manteca USD is hosting the 7th annual HOSA ALC. Over 450 students from Health Science programs countywide will participate in leadership and competitive events. Delta College Nursing students attend and act as judges for competitive events and put on workshops that the students attend throughout the day. Funds will cover a portion of the registration costs for attendees.
$1,000 – MELS Garage Family Rocket Day Funds will cover costs of the 2nd Family Rocket day being held in March 2019. The event is held on a Saturday. Families come and build 3 types of rockets and have the chance to launch them. A demonstration from MUSD Rocket Teams also happens on this day. It is a great day for parent and student engagement in STEM learning.
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C o m mu n it y C o r n er
In Other News
Woodward 8th grader selected for training camp
Cameron Silva is a homegrown talent with a chance to flourish on the national stage. The Walter Woodward Elementary eighth grader was recently selected to participate in the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic.Development Program Girls National Training Camp in Tampa, Fla., Jan. 24-29.
Lathrop High Teachers Prevail in Brain Bowl
Most involved with Lathrop High’s annual Brain Bowl were aware of the S.S. Minnow. That’s the name of the wrecked ship on the uncharted desert island better known as “Gilligan’s Island.”
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Cheering In New Year
Four All-American cheerleaders from Sierra High School rang in the new year in memorable fashion – across the pond.
America is the jackpot of the world
Freedom in America — including the ability to choose one’s career — isn’t lost on Kuy Ky. The Stockton resident and Cambodian- born dentist was the keynote speaker for Shasta School’s Friday career day themed “Dress for Success.”
Hoops for the Cure
The ninth annual event featuring the girl’s basketball programs from Ripon High and host East Union High will benefit the local chapter of Triple Step Towards the Cure.
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
CONNECT209.ORG
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
YOUR CONNECTION TO LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CONNECT209.ORG
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
YOUR CONNECTION TO LOCAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES?
Academic activities, competitions, and events such as Academic Decathlon, AgVenture, and the Science and Engineering Fair would not be possible without the help of community volunteers. CONNECT209.ORG now makes it easier to volunteer for academic events hosted by the San Joaquin County Office of Education and county school districts by matching interested volunteers to events in their area. Registering to volunteer for an event on CONNECT209.ORG is easy. Just follow these three steps: 1. Using a Chrome or Firefox web browser, visit CONNECT209.ORG. 2. Browse events and filter them based on your demographic, location, and availability. 3. Sign up on the event page to be connected with the event organizer. Don’t see an event that works with your location or schedule? Check back frequently for new events!