MARK Highlights
Manteca Unified School Board
the
September 2018
Building a Magic Wheelchair Page 20
Why?
MUSD School Board
Making a positive difference to each and every student daily.
President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6 Vice President Bob Wallace, Area 7 Board Clerk Evelyn Moore, Area 5 Eric Duncan, Area 1 Kathy Howe, Area 2 Michael Seelye, Area 3 Nancy Teicheira, Area 4
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 on a rotating basis 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. The Mark Highlights Team are: Victoria Brunn Director and Executive Editor vbrunn@musd.net Lindsay Stayner Content Coordination and Editor lstayner@musd.net
Peter Gale Design, Reporting and Photography Erica McCullough Design & Photography Contributor Johanna Victor Photography and Reporting Community Outreach Interns Stories submitted by student interns will include an author’s byline credit.
Contents
SEPTEMBER 2018
At Our Schools
Golden West Sets the Stage & Fitness Fundraising Fun
4
Mossdale Back to School Night
5
MHS HOSA Attends NAMI Conference
5
Brock Elliot Grandparents’ Day & Student Council
7
BE.Tech offers A Taste of France
8
Calla HS Service Projects
10
EUHS Wins Annual JROTC Raider Challenge
10
From Local Farms to Classroom Tables
12
Rachelle Felt Sings National Anthem
15
MHS: Frosh Academy Day, American FFA Degree & be.SPN
18
MHS: Homecoming 2018, Buff Blitz, and Honor the Code
19
4
8
Community Outreach Building a Magic Wheelchair for a Halloween Costume
20
Save Our Community Town Hall Meeting at WRHS
24
Sierra High Educators Visit China Sister School
26
Using Models in NGSS Science
28
15
Department News & Community Corner Learning Station Rotations Training for Teachers
30
GECAC Partners with Girl Scouts
31
Greenhand Leadership Conference
32
28
4
A t O u r S ch ools
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
Golden West Sets the Stage Golden West set the stage for a safe, positive year at the 2018 Welcome Back to School Assembly. Staff and students from TK to 8th grade gathered in the multipurpose room to be welcomed back by their principal, Mrs. Gates. Students and staff were welcomed, introduced and then turned to their neighbors to greet one another. It is a focus of Golden West to create a safe, welcoming environment. Students learned the three important rules: 1.
Be Safe
2.
Be Responsible
3.
Be Respectful
When our students are following the rules, they set the stage to Be Learners.
success, school connectedness, and a safe and respectful school climate. It directly teaches students the skills that strengthen their ability to learn, have empathy, manage emotions and solve problems.
When our students are following the rules, they set the stage to Be Learners.
Students had fun joining together and chanting the school mantra:
Pride in yourself. Pride in your school. Pride in everything you do!
Students also learned that they would be participating in Second Step lessons throughout the year. This program promotes school
Fitness Fundraising Fun
Each year, Golden West Students participate in the Walk-Jog-A-Thon as a way to promote fitness, fun and fundraising.
If you would like to pledge your support to Golden West, it’s not too late. Our community appreciates every donation.
The monies raised are utilized to support field trips, assemblies and special activities. It was a beautiful day, the music was playing and new rotations were added to the fitness track.
We would like to send a special shout out to all of our students, staff and families for making this event a success! Kudos to each of you!
Everyone started at the warm-up location before heading off to the track. As students walked and jogged around the track, there were also other stations: hula-hoop, jumping jacks, sit-ups, and jump-rope. Golden West leadership students planned the event and facilitated it along with the support of volunteers and staff. The event was a success as it promoted health in a positive way.
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
A t O u r Scho o l s
Mossdale Back to School Night
5
Mossdale families, students, and community organizations came to enjoy Back To School Night. PTA hosted food trucks, games and activities for all to enjoy. Classrooms were open for presentations and visits. Student work was displayed and classrooms were filled with the joy of learning. Parents and students enjoyed the opportunity to connect with their teachers in this comfortable atmosphere.
MHS HOSA Attends NAMI Conference Manteca High school Health Occupation Student Association and Health Career Students attended the NAMI Conference held at San Joaquin County Office of Education on September 26. The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Conference was to raise mental health awareness and reduce stigma on campus through fun activities and education.
One out of 5 youth ages 13-18 experience a mental health challenge in a given year. They encourage the formation of NAMI on Campus High School
(NCHS) clubs for this effort. NCHS clubs will help students feel more comfortable seeking help and being supportive to others. MHS has a small grant trying to bring awareness and change on our campus. On Monday, trauma nurses will be at MHS teaching the students how to stop a bleed and use a tourniquet properly. The students will receive a certificate of completion for this lab.
6
C o m mu n i ty Ou tr e a ch
Se p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8
Updating our Facilities Plan Learn more at mantecausd.net/plan
To share with our community members what we are doing for ongoing modernization, we have implemented some new pages at mantecausd.net/modernization Modernization plans are based on the MUSD 2014 Facility Master Plan, which identified approximately 600 million dollars-worth of need. The Measure G bond, however, is only 159 million dollars. Thus, to fit the budget, modernizations are primarily focused on four categories: Health and Safety, Major and Deferred Maintenance, Modernization and Upgrades, and Code Compliance.
These sites had the most modernization needs, including safety concerns, facilities not up to code, deferred maintenance, and general renovations.
The first Phase Two schools are: •
Neil Hafley Elementary
•
Nile Garden Elementary
•
Manteca High School
•
East Union High School
Measure G Voter Statement
•
Modernization Eligibility based on OPSC standards
“The Manteca Unified School District shall issue $159 million of bonds at legal interest rates, with citizen oversight, annual independent audits, and no money for administrators’ salaries or pensions in order to upgrade classrooms to meet modern academic, technology, and safety standards; repair faulty electrical systems, air conditioning, leaky roofs, plumbing, and restrooms; improve fire safety systems and school security; remove asbestos and lead paint; and repair, construct, and acquire educational facilities and equipment.”
•
Elementary vs. Secondary School
Read the complete text of the Bond Measure.
•
Age of Site
Budgets for each site’s modernization are being established on how each site’s needs fit those categories.
Site Selection Process The selection process had three necessary variables:
Selected from these three factors were the “Worst First”.
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
A t O u r Scho o l s
Brock Elliot Grandparents’ Day
7
Thursday, September 20th marked Brock Elliott’s 2nd annual Grandparents’ Luncheon. Over 200 grandparents attended the event.
Student Council
Brock Elliott’s 2018-2019 Student Council Officers and Representatives have been selected. This year’s officers are: President - Nuvia Jimenez, Vice President Alexander - Castenada, Publicity Director – Kylie Justis, Treasurer – Faith Fells, Historian – Ikjot Kaur, Secretary – Breanna Tyler, Hostesses – Abigail Chapman & Samantha Barajas
8
A t O u r S ch ools
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
BE.Tech offers A Taste of France BE.Tech advanced culinary students planned and held the first of several dinner events that will highlight regional cuisines. “A Taste of France is a chance for students to showcase their fine dining skills with the public,” explained Culinary Teacher Andrew Griggs. “This dinner showcased traditional French recipes, many of which are difficult to find in restaurants these days.” A Taste of France was held outdoors at BE.Tech and started with a mix and mingle appetizer course, with students passing Escargot Vol-au-Vent, Salmon Rillettes, and made-from-scratch baguettes with butter and olive tapenade. After the appetizers, guests took seats at tables adorned with Parisian-inspired table linens reflecting the glimmer of the white lights hanging above. Students served a first course of Panko Crusted Salmon Provençal with Sauce Raffy and Ratatouille, followed by an equally impressive second course of Pan Roasted Chicken with Sauce Vènitienne. As if the guests had not yet received their fill, the classic French dessert of Crème Brûleè with Mixed Berries and Crème Fraîche completed the evening’s menu.
One guest commented, “This was a beautifully executed event! From the table, lights and place settings to every bite of food.” “It felt every bit like this menu was
prepared by seasoned professionals. Bravo to the students and to Chef Bryan and Chef Andrew at the helm.” Not only did the guests thoroughly enjoy A Taste of France, the students did as well. “It was fun! I enjoyed the fast-paced pressure cooking for that many people,” stated Maria Alcazar, a junior at BE.Tech. Gianni Chavez said, “It is fun putting flavors and textures together.” A limited number of tickets for future events will be available. While part of our student’s culinary assessment, all proceeds help fund our participation in SkillsUSA, a national student competition. Last year, our students placed bronze and silver at the state level! Tickets are available for October 9, for A Taste of Italy on November 6, and A Taste of Italy 2.0 on December 4. Join us for a dining experience like no other in the valley! Follow us on Facebook and Instagram by searching @betechmusd Or call Kelley at 209-858-7460.
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
Photos 1 & 2: BE.NEXT students in the BE.Prepared class had the MUSD Mechanics for a guest presentation. Students learned how to change tires, check the oil, identify parts under the hood, and
9
A t O u r Scho o l s
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
how to jump start a car. Photos 3 & 4: BE.First students toured the Lathrop Manteca Fire Department. Photo 5: BE.Industrial students enjoyed the construction trade fair.
Photo 6, 7, 8: BE.Cuisine students prepared a whole pig from start to finish. The process took two days including slow roast for 5 hours.
10
A t O u r S ch ools
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
Calla HS Service Projects The students and staff at Calla High School just completed two school-wide service projects. The first project was a Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. Both students and staff participated and were able to donate enough blood to save over 100 lives. This is the third time that Calla High has participated in the blood drive and will hold three more blood drives before the end of the school year. The second project was the collection of items needed by the young people of the California Conservation Corps who were helping with the Donnell
fire. Items such as socks, baby wipes, toothbrushes, soap, and shampoo, and other small personal luxury items were collected. Calla High School students and staff—with the help of Dr. Andrews D.D.S—provided toothbrushes and toothpaste. Several community members donated and Calla collected over five large boxes of goods. It is always the small acts of kindness that mean the most. Students at Calla High School made a small gesture that was appreciated by many.
EUHS Wins Annual JROTC Raider Challenge Depot in Lathrop) participated. The competitive sports included: basketball, volleyball, flag football, raider challenge (pushups, planks, side straddle hops, 1.3 mile run, obstacle course, and swim relay), games/dodge ball, tug-o-war, and one mile relay race. Thank you to the Fresno State University Army ROTC cadets, and Allysa Phann and Jarien Falcon for supporting the events as referees and judges.
Photo credit - Manteca Bulletin On September 15, nine schools competed in the 15th Annual JROTC Raider Challenge and Sports Invitational at Weston Ranch High School in Stockton, CA. Weston Ranch High School together with East Union, Lathrop, Edison, Franklin, Lincoln, Turlock, and Seaside High Schools and Discovery Challenge Academy (Sharpe Army
Congratulations to East Union Army JROTC cadets for winning the overall championship trophy for the fifth year in a row!
Check out the highlights in YouTube!
View the Short version View the Long version
12
A t O u r S ch ools
From Local Farms To Classroom Tables
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
Last week, eight MUSD Culinary Arts and Family Consumer Sciences educators received their first of three donations of locally grown produce and meat to take back to the classroom. This first donation featured locally sourced apples and ground beef. Sierra High School’s Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) educator Amy Lee commented, “In the Farm to Table class, we utilize produce that is in season. Receiving apples was a perfect fit to this concept.” The Farm to Table class at Sierra High School made mini apple pies with homemade crust. Ms. Lee demonstrated first, then let students pair up to peel, cut and flavor the apples while rolling and cutting the dough that makes the crispy pie crust. Participating high schools will return twice more to receive another donation of produce.
A t O u r Scho o l s
The San Joaquin-Stanislaus CattleWomen, San Joaquin Chapter of California Women for Agriculture, and the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation have partnered to share commodities such as apples, pumpkins, cabbage, almonds, tomatoes and ground beef for students to learn with in their culinary classrooms. Alongside the agriculture commodities, teachers received recipes. “Once someone actually cooks beef and enjoys a tasty dish, they have the confidence to cook all sorts of meals,” said CattleWomen Chapter President Mary Robinson. “We hope these donations will have a lifelong impact on the students.” Elizabeth Aschenbrenner, who initiated the Family Consumer Sciences program at Sierra High School since the school opened in 1994, and has since played an integral
13
role in developing partnerships with local agricultural industries, mentioned this is Sierra’s second time participating in the donation program. Ms. Aschenbrenner’s Culinary 1 students used the apples to make old fashioned apple cake. “Next week, we will be making microwave lasagna with the hamburger and the following week, using more apples to make applesauce,” shared Ms. Aschenbrenner. In the Farm to Table class, Amy Lee hopes to convey a love of food and provide a base knowledge for their future. Using the donation of ground beef, she has a comparison lab project in mind. “Students are interested in knowing if there is a difference between conventional beef to grass fed,” said Lee. “We also do pork and chicken comparisons.”
CLA’s Annual
VETERAN’S BBQ
We would like to cordially invite veterans and their families to our 2nd Annual Veteran’s BBQ. We want to pay tribute to local veterans and active military personnel who exemplify the true character of the American spirit. Questions? Contact Jared Rio 209.858.7410 jrio@musd.net
Saturday, th November 10 Sierra High Café
1700 Thomas Street - Manteca
- FREE EVENT - NO RSVP DOORS OPEN AT 11 PROGRAM BEGINS AT NOON AM
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
C o m mu n it y O u t r e ach
15
Rachelle Felt Sings National Anthem Sierra High senior Rachelle Felt was asked to attend the grand opening of the new global headquarters of 5.11 Tactical to sing the National Anthem. Following her moving performance, a bag piper played Amazing Grace to honor those first responders and military members who had lost their lives. Following some other words by the company representatives, Officer Brian Ellness was awarded a life saving award for his action on August 11, when he saved a woman from a car fire. Felt was also given a $511 gift certificate to shop at the store. She selected a hat and some outer wear for herself and her family members. A long line had formed along the building for others who were waiting for their turn to receive a gift certificate and those who were just excited to get into the store. Opportunities to have our students connect with local businesses in meaningful ways helps prepare them for their future and build community bonds. Top: SHS Senior Rachelle Felt sings the National Anthem and enjoys shopping courtesy of 5.11 Tactical. Above: Officer Brian Ellness is honored for his life saving efforts in August.
Right: MUSD Trustee and Manteca Police Sergeant Stephen Schluer takes a moment to thank Rachelle for her moving performance.
16
A t O u r S ch ools
CAL Band Day Photography courtesy of Wayne Thallander
The University of California Marching Band Hosted Cal High School Band Day Saturday, September 15, 2018 with invited bands performing during the halftime of the football game against Idaho State at Memorial Stadium. Our High School bands that participated were: Lathrop, Manteca, Sierra, and Weston Ranch.
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
A t O u r Scho o l s
17
18
A t O u r S ch ools
Freshman Academy Day
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
Manteca High’s first Freshman Academy Day was awesome! They hold academy days every quarter, tutoring at lunch, and special tutoring sessions before finals. Link crew spends time with the freshmen mentoring them throughout the first year of high school. On September 20th, freshmen had the opportunity to meet the Hope dealer—Jeremy Bates—from the organization TruHope.
be.SPN
MHS loves Jeremy and the message he brings!
Manteca High’s be.SPN (Sports Pathway Network) is pleased to announce their first Sports Multimedia Internship.
Senior Joey Santos is working with local sports journalists, James Burns and Joe Cortez, on their recently launched website, FrontRowPreps, which covers high school sports throughout the Central Valley. Joey is currently covering football and gaining experience on the sidelines. He provides FrontRowPreps with photo, video and written coverage of
games, as well as awarding a player of the game at the end of the night with a FrontRowPreps t-shirt. He covers games throughout MUSD, as well as games in Ripon and Modesto. Joey is on track to be the first MHS student to complete all the classes within the be.SPN Pathway. Joey’s most recent coverage included an interview with MHS quarterback, Ryan Ward, who won FrontRowPreps’ Large School Player of the Week honors.
American FFA Degree Mrs. Nolan and Mrs. Martinez of the MHS Ag Department are happy and proud to announce that 2017 MHS graduate, Tralynn Simerley, will be traveling to the National FFA Convention in October to receive her American FFA Degree!
The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than 1% of FFA members—making it one of the organization’s highest honors. This achievement requires: earn the State
FFA degree, be an active FFA member for the past 3 years, graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national convention, complete 540 hours of secondary instruction in an agriculture education program, have a record of outstanding leadership abilities, and more. Congratulations Tralynn! #youcantspellbuffaloeswithoutffa
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
Homecoming 2018
A t O u r Scho o l s
19
MHS celebrated homecoming the week of September 4-7. This year’s theme was Buffchella. Dress up days included: Hip Hop, Indie, Rock and Oldies. This year’s royalty included: Prince Karson Condit, King Noah Gonzales, Princess Kaitlyn Gross and Queen Isabella Cebreros. First place float design went to the sophomores, 2nd to the juniors, 3rd place to the seniors and 4th place to the freshmen. The week was topped off with all three football levels beating Tracy High!
Buff Blitz
On August 15, MHS held its first annual Buff Blitz Rally. All were invited to the team’s first night practice of the year for a dose of MHS spirit. Each football team and cheer team, Leadership and Link Crew were present. Coach Varnum and the varsity Buffalo Shepherd Tyler Brintley spoke to the crowd about the importance of a large cheering crowd at games. The turnout for this event was larger than expected.
Mr. Gonzales reminded them what it really means to be a Buffalo, and the MHS tradition of excellence. Today’s Buffaloes represent not only themselves, but the staff and the alumni that came before them. The herd of green practiced cheers and chants for the game to conclude the event.
Honor the Code Kickoff Believe, Unite, Focus, Fortitude, Attitude, Loyal, Opportunity, Excel, Succeed – the MHS Honor the Code words. MHS kicked off the 6th year of Honor the Code with a rally for the freshmen and all other new students.
Members of Link Crew and leadership helped explain the program to new students. Watch the video the students saw at the assembly which was created by the MHS Multimedia/Video Production class.
20
C o m mu n i ty Ou tr e a ch
Se p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8
Taking time to visit him in his home and get to know the family, MUSD educators Scott and Jennifer Myers take a moment for a photo with Cash. Around him are visible the equipment he uses for distance learning.
Building a Magic Wheelchair for a Halloween Costume For years, mom and dad have tried to make Halloween special.
Magic Wheelchair is a nonprofit organization whose vision is to put a smile on the face of children by transforming their wheelchairs into awesomeness. MUSD teacher Kenneth Scott Myers—and some volunteers from his be.NEXT class—have been selected as only 1 of the 40 build teams in the United States creating a Magic Wheelchair Halloween Costume.
Meet Cash. He’s a typical eight-yearold boy but has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, which is a condition that affects the nerve cells in his spinal cord. Cash can’t walk or sit up without assistance, so he has a wheelchair to maneuver him around. Due to his condition, Cash attends school via a telepresence in the classroom and computer support at home. He and his family live in
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
C o m mu n it y O u t r e ach
21
Turlock, and his younger brother attends school at home also. “He uses an eye-gazing machine that generates speech by selecting what he wants to say,” said Ashley Goeppert, Cash’s mother.
For years, mom and dad have tried to make Halloween special. “One year, my husband took a big plastic pool, cut and spray painted it red to try to make it like Rocket from Little Einsteins,” said Goeppert. “We tried to make a police car one year and a firetruck one year. We have always tried to incorporate the wheelchair into his costume so that they are treating him as a typical kid.” Cash’s parents Ashley and Cameron Goeppert heard of Magic Wheelchair a few months ago and decided to apply.
Above: Cash’s dad, Cameron Goeeppert, expresses his enthusiasm while Scott Myers uses some large cardboard to trace the general shape and size they will need to build the Magic Wheelchair. Below: Cash’s mom, Ashley, stands behind Cash’s chair with her backpack of his supplies to meet his needs..
Luckily, Lathrop High School and be.NEXT teachers Scott and Jennifer Myers were interested in participating in this project and matched with the Goeppert family. “We drove to his shop and classroom,” said Goeppert. “We were there for a couple hours taking some measurements with a cardboard box to kind of spec it out.” Myers learned about the Magic Wheelchair project at a STEM conference and knew he had to get involved.
“When we got invited to do it, I asked for volunteers and a few students stepped up,” said Scott. They are on a tight deadline, as they must finish the project for the big reveal on October 21st—just in time
for Halloween.
they have been in the program.
Those three students—Alex Stock, Jessica Boyd, and Faith Burgos—are all seniors at Lathrop High School’s be.NEXT program.
“I don’t have much experience with tools in general, but I’m willing to learn,” explained Burgos. “If this is something that will make his day, then that is a good cause.”
For each of them, this is the first year
22
C o m mu n i ty Ou tr e a ch
Se p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8
we are going to use a switch that is an electronic sensor so that he can activate it with zero pressure.” Along with giving Cash some interactivity, the be.NEXT team are going to make Cash’s costume reusable so it’s not just a one-time experience. They are working to make it in pieces so that it can be disassembled and easily put together.
Cash thought of ideas for his costume and decided on a big RC Monster that resembles Big Foot and just has one simple request for Myers and his student build team.
“His only special request is that the truck has working lights,” said Myers. Scott added, “He can move his right index finger, so
On the first day of the build, his students began cutting out foam that will be glued together to form wide monster truck tires. “This is supposed to be an RC car version of a Monster Truck, and I drive RC cars for a hobby, so I’m hoping that my expertise can help,” said Boyd. “My dad does a lot of car stuff, like broncos and off-road vehicles, so I hope that can also help as we build it and make it look as realistic as possible.” The plan is to make the design under 6 feet. Myers and be.NEXT will build a whole truck and make it so Cash can look over the side of the truck bed. The truck will have massively wide wheels
Top: Myers prepared a computer rendering of the basic goal for the eventual magic wheelchair costume. On the first day of the build, his student volunteers began the process of making some large wheels. Step 1: Alex Stock uses a jigsaw to rough cut the next foam wheel. Step 2: Jessica Boyd uses their template wheel to trace the detail. Step 3: Faith Burgos uses a scroll saw to cut out the wheel.
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
C o m mu n it y O u t r e ach
due to the width of his wheelchair. The back of the truck will be open so that mom and dad can push him. “I’m excited to see the end product and see what I can do to help,” said Stock. We can’t wait to see how be.NEXT turns Cash’s wheelchair into awesomeness. Stay tuned for October 21st, which will be the reveal day for Cash’s Halloween costume.
Right: On the first day of student construction, Myers and his be.Next volunteer students discuss the PVC frame he designed and how they will proceed with the build.
All thespians (actors, singers, dancers) who would like to volunteer and strut their stuff at the Mystery Dinner Theatre-presented by Lathrop Theatre Arts Boosters performed by the Lathrop High School Theatre Arts Department in a long form improvisation of…
Who Dun in Prospector Pete? Auditions On: Saturday, October 6th 2018 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. In the Lathrop High School Theater 647 Spartan Way Lathrop, CA 95330 RSVP to hrosen@musd.net
On the Night Of: Saturday, October 27th 2018 Tickets $20.00 Pre-Sale Venue: Scott Brooks Gymnasium 15777 Fifth Street Lathrop, CA 95330 RSVP to hrosen@musd.net
No lines to memorize with only one rehearsal on 10/24/2018! Please contact hrosen@musd.net for further information.
WOW your friends, students, neighbors and colleagues and come join in this Old West farce! fun for the entire family!
23
24
C o m mu n i ty Ou tr e a ch
Se p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8
Left to Right: Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, MUSD Trustee Eric Duncan, District Attorney Tory Vapar Salazar, Police Chief Eric Jones, and Councilman Jesus Andrade. Other panels members are listed below. During the event, each took an opportunity to speak to concerns raised by the community.
Save Our Community Town Hall Meeting at WRHS Below: Councilman Jesus Andrade and WRCA event moderator Kimberly Warmsley. Opposite page: some of the community groups during the 30 minute discussion session.
Panel Presenters: • Monte Bennet, Neighborhood District Attorney
their voices and listen to community leaders about what can be done to increase safety in Weston Ranch.
•
Keiland Henderson, Community Engagement Coordinator, City of Stockton
Establishing some norms for the conversation, Weston Ranch Principal Francine Baird said:
•
Chief Newman, Fire Chief, City of Stockton
•
Jesus Andrade, Councilman for District 6
•
Eric Jones, Chief of Police
•
Tory Vapar Salazar, District Attorney
•
Eric Duncan, Trustee MUSD
“While recognizing the pain and emotions of this subject matter, we are going to practice as much as we can to be pro-active and not reactive.”
•
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs
Gathering together at the Weston Ranch High School Auditorium on Wednesday the 19th, over 300 community members came to raise
Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs offered his condolences to the families who had lost someone, and then said, “We are here because we care. Being angry is the easiest thing to do, but the most difficult part is figuring out what we
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
can do to make things better for the children.” The event’s moderator, Kimberly Warmsley, then invited a community member to read a letter to the assembly. Reading her letter, Yolanda Amen said, “I have lived in Weston Ranch for a little over 23 years now. I want to apologize to my neighbors and community. I was a huge activist; but started to ignore what was going on.” After listing some of the problems she sees in the community, Amen continued, “Yes, we need to work close with the police and our elected city officials, but it must start with all of us first. We need to come together as a community to ensure that not one more of our youths is taken away from us.”
Following a moment of silence for the youth who were killed, the entire assembly met in small groups to determine solutions. Group moderators then shared their groups ideas. Some of these ideas included: a greater police presence, engagement from citizens, continued community workshops, increased lighting measures, exploring street engineering solutions, and additional outreach to the Spanish speaking community. “I am going to talk to the city manager and get a meeting with the property manager and owners,” said Councilman Jesus Andrade. “They have to understand that they are neighbors too.” Police Chief Jones promised, “By having police get out of the car and get to know you, it will better establish a relationship.” Trustee Eric Duncan encouraged, “It is important that as a community, we get back to volunteering our time with kids to steer our young people in the right direction.” Many in the crowd committed to meeting regularly with the Weston Ranch Community Association (WRCA) to continue to discuss solutions.
C o m mu n it y O u t r e ach
25
26
C o m mu n i ty Ou tr e a ch
Se p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8
Sierra High Educators Visit China Sister School As part of the ongoing partnership with their sister school in China, Sierra High School’s (SHS) English Teacher Elizabeth Tjomsland and counselor Amber Talcott had the privilege of spending three weeks in China over the summer at the Niulanshan first secondary school. Upon their returning, they prepared a presentation for the school board, and also shared it with their fellow SHS teachers. “Some of the teachers live on campus, and it was not unusual for us to look out our bedroom window at 8:45 pm at night and see students in their homerooms,” said Talcott. “Students don’t do their homework in their bedrooms because they sleep 6-8 in a room.”
Above: Visiting the Great Wall of China. Below: Introducing themselves and speaking to the entire assembled student body and faculty of more than 4,000 people.
As a private middle school, most of the students live on campus in dormitories. Many of the teachers reside there as well. Upon arrival, both educators were
introduced to the entire student body. “Our first Monday there, we got to introduce ourselves to the school,” said Tjomsland.“There are 3,800 students and about 200 teachers, so that was probably the biggest crowd I have ever spoken to.” Talcott further explained that unlike here in Manteca Unified, the teachers rotate classrooms and students stay in one room for most of the day. While there, both SHS educators had the opportunity to teach. “We each gave our 45 minute lesson about California to about 2,300 students,” said Talcott. “Yes, that was the same lesson 24 times. By the end of it, we were great at it.” After their ninth grade year, where students go to school is very different in China. “During their ninth grade year, they have to take a test to see if they even get to go to high school,” said Tjomsland. Students from this school who pass the exam attend a public high school. If they do not pass, they have fewer educational and career options to choose from. While there, Talcott and Tjomsland also attended elective classes in choir, dance, and orchestra classes. On the weekends, they visited famous sites including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and a Buddhist temple. “There were 500 Buddha statues
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
C o m mu n it y O u t r e ach
27
that face the central Buddha,” said Tjomsland. “All of them represent a real person from the past and a different virtue.” As they learned more about the culture of the country, they also learned to eat better with chopsticks. “We had all you can eat Chinese buffet every day,” said Tjomsland. “I loved it. I think I gained about five pounds.” Opportunities to share cultures brings greater awareness and tolerance, helping to make the world a little smaller as people realize we are not that different after all.
“I was quite surprised how little it looked like the China I envisioned,” said Tjomsland. She elaborated on how fascinating the architecture, culture, and people are— and how friendly. In coming years, SHS will continue to develop and deepen their relationship with their sister school in China.
Top: Talcott and Tjomsland take a moment for a photo with some students in their school uniforms. Above middle: The interior of the multi-story school building where classes of more than 50 students stay in one location while the teachers move from room to room. Above left: Visiting the Buddhist temple. Above Right: Presenting their experiences to their SHS peers.
28
C o m mu n i ty Ou tr e a ch
Se p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8
Using Models in NGSS Science “This project will not only teach them atomic structure, but also help build deep understanding of periodic trends,” said Deol.
James Galbadores awaits his turn to present his 3D model he made at home with foam balls and floral wire.
High School Science students often conduct experiments in the classroom environment to provide a handson experience that deepens their understanding. With the addition of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), this practice of making science hands-on has increased. At Lathrop High School, students are deepening their understanding by experiencing NGSS standard HSPS-1 by making their own 3D models of an element and then connecting those models to the periodic table and to phenomena they experience in the classroom lab environment.
Above: Diego Ochoa demonstrates his 3D model of his element.
“This project will not only teach them atomic structure, but also help build deep understanding of periodic trends,” said LHS Chemistry teacher Gupreet Deol. “We did a follow up wet lab of reacting metals with water, and then again with hydrochloric acid. Students predicted based on their model which metal will be the most reactive.”
In Deol’s classroom, she uses a presentation method where students teach the class about their 3D element model they made at home. They discuss the number of rings their model has, and the number of electrons on the outermost ring. Both of these items then help the class identify which period (row) of the periodic table and which column the element is in. “I pushed floral wire through foam balls to make my element. I thought my nucleus would have to be bigger, that my foam balls would cover the whole nucleus, but they didn’t,” said James Galbadores.
“It is interesting to me that the number of protons is the identity of the element, so if you just take one out then it becomes something else.”
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
C o m mu n it y O u t r e ach
29
Above: After the lab, Gupreet Deol walks students through a discussion of the different elements and why Potassium was the most reactive. Far left: Ricardo Gomez carefully drops some Potassium into his beaker with Hydrochloric Acid at the bottom.
Deol explained that before this 3D modeling assignment at home, students worked in groups to understand and draw atoms. Then, they used stem scopes to make a model online in 3D. “This was pretty cool getting to know more about periodic elements,” said Diego Ochoa. “Doing it on paper is too complicated, but this 3D visual makes me understand the rings and electrons that are needed and used.” During the hands on lab portion, Deol provided three volunteer students samples of Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium. Students then poured 25 ml of Hydrochloric Acid into beakers, cut off a small portion of their element, and took turns seeing which was most reactive. Demonstrating last, Ricardo Gomez said, “Potassium is the most reactive so I moved away pretty quickly, because, you know, safety first!” While the first two elements produced no reaction, and then a small reaction, the Potassium created a much larger
Left: After Gomez drops the Potassium, it put on quite a reactive light show, emitting energy and Hydrogen gas.
reaction with more light, fire, and gas produced. During the lab, Deol asked the class which gas was being produced and a student guessed correctly that it was hydrogen. “That’s right,” said Deol. “The formula for Hydrochloric acid is HCl.” In the discussion after the lab, Ricardo Gomez came up with an apt comparison to why Potassium—which has more electrons—was the most reactive element.
“If you say that electrons are students, a small class with only 18 students a teacher can control it better because there are fewer students,” said Gomez. “But in a larger
element, or a class with more students, it is easier for one student to sneak out.” Deol appreciated that comparison and took it further in diagramming on the whiteboard what that reaction looks like. “This is only the beginning of the first layer and this will continue all the way to the end of the semester,” said Deol. “The students will develop 3D bonding models to understand the Ionic and covalent bonds. They will make models of molecules along with their wet labs.” As teachers incorporate more of the NGSS into their classrooms, students will continue to experience more hands-on projects at home that directly connect to labs in the classroom with a deeper understanding of science and how it explains the world around them.
30
D e p a r t m e n t N ew s
Learning Station Rotations Training for Teachers
Se p t e mb e r 2 0 1 8
On August 20, MUSD welcomed accomplished author, blended learning expert, and teacher, Catlin Tucker. Ms. Tucker’s model for integrating technology in the classroom is a perfect fit to MUSD’s focus on shifting instruction to improve student achievement.
In the workshop, 7th and 8th grade teachers experienced the Station Rotation Model that helps create more opportunities for individualized student learning. The following day, Ms. Tucker coached volunteer teachers with stations in their classrooms. This real-time coaching provided the opportunity to experiment with a blended learning model with her support. Some teachers observed the lesson, further adding to the coaching experience. Catlin Tucker returned to MUSD on September 10th and 11th for another Blended Learning workshop and live coaching with high school teachers.
S e p t e m b e r 201 8
C o m mu n it y C o r n er
31
GECAC Partners with Girl Scouts by GECAC
Give Every Child a Chance (GECAC)—together with Girl Scouts Heart of Central California—have implemented a multi-year partnership that directly benefits the students of Give Every Child a Chance at August Knodt, Golden West, Lathrop and Lincoln Elementary Schools. The Give Every Child a Chance After School Advantage Program (ASAP) is comprised of three chief elements that include an academic hour, physical education, and an enrichment program. As part of ASAP’s mission to assist students in becoming lifelong learners,
Girl Scouts Heart of Central California has trained ASAP staff to teach the Girl Scouts curriculum as an enrichment offering to interested students who wish to participate. The Girl Scouts curriculum is designed to build students of courage, confidence, and character while emphasizing STEM. Students learn things from first aid and community service to business development and responsible use of social media. When ASAP students join the Girl Scouts club offered during the after school program, students receive a free Girl Scouts membership that is honored throughout the state of California. Together, GECAC and Girl Scouts Heart of Central California have a passion and dedication to empowering students to become the leaders of tomorrow. Keep an eye out for students on these campuses wearing Girl Scout sashes! When you spot them, ask them what they’re up to and what they’re learning in their troop at the after school program.
Greenhand Leadership Conference