Mark Highlights January Issue 1

MARK Highlights

Manteca Unified School Board

the

January 2018, Issue 1

Why?

Making a positive difference to each and every student daily. facebook.com/ proudtobemusd

Chemistry Demo see page 12

Contents

J A N UA R Y 2 0 1 8 , ISSUE 1

MUSD School Board

At Our Schools

President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6

Science Camp

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Vice President Bob Wallace, Area 7

Utilizing Maker’s Space

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Board Clerk Evelyn Moore, Area 5

Boundless Education Opportunities

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Kindness Week at Lincoln

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Hooray... Celebrating 100 Days of School!

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Nancy Teicheira, Area 4

FFA State Officers visit SHS

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Calla High Blood Drive

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MUSD Superintendents

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)

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AK Annual Wellness Fair

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Eric Duncan, Area 1 Kathy Howe, Area 2 Michael Seelye, Area 3

Superintendent Jason Messer Deputy Superintendents Dr. Clark Burke

Community Outreach

Roger Goatcher

LHS Chemistry Demonstration

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WRHS Hosts Athletic VOL Sportsmanship Conference

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be.tech Helps Raise Funds with Local Fire Departments

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LHS Virly Santos ASB President

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Buffalo DECA Club Competes

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Administrator of the Year

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be.NEXT Open House at LHS

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Department News In Other News:

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Jan. Staff Development Day

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The Mark Highlights is published twice Superintendent’s Office: per month, on Community Outreach Manteca Unified School District average. It is a publication of the MUSD Superintendent’s Office Community Outreach team. Highlights content is contributed on a rotating basis by every school site in the district.

Highlights is intended to be a reflection of the

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.

On the cover: LHS students soak Mr. Leland’s dollar in a special solution as they prepare to set it on fire. See page 10 for the story.

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 Editing Erica McCullough: Design Contributor Wendy King: Photography Contributor Community Outreach Interns Note to school site contributors: send photography at the highest resolution possible.

Use “actual size” when sending from a phone.

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Science Camp

A t O u r Scho o l s

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Submitted by: Debbie Ruger Brock Elliott Principal

They engaged in numerous activities related to earth, life, and physical science.

Fifth grade students at Brock Elliott Elementary attended Alliance Redwoods Science Camp in Occidental, CA. There they engaged in numerous activities related to earth, life, and physical science, environmental

studies, and conservation.

They participated in team building activities, physical challenges, and social skill development.

This week long program provided students with real life experiences and project based learning.

Utilizing Maker’s Space Brock Elliott teachers have been receiving staff development in the Maker’s Space.

Teachers are teaching fellow teachers and sharing ideas for utilizing the Maker’s Space with students.

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Boundless Education Opportunities

This month, Golden West eighth grade students had the opportunity to experience high school.

on introductions to each of their programs offered at the charter academy.

They traveled by bus to both Manteca High School and East Union High School campuses to make connections with their soon-to-be new school.

A few students are excited to attend the upcoming eighth grade student workshop to learn even more.

While many will head off to Manteca High to become a Buffalo, and others to East Union to become a Lancer, our students learned there is another opportunity in town.

Manteca Unified’s be.tech Academy students and staff brought hands-

In addition, our eighth graders are focused on their Living History Project and anticipating their College to Career project. So, keep your eyes out for boundless learning opportunities, not only at be.tech but right here in 49er country, where we celebrate PRIDE in every stride!

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Submitted by: Sherie Gates Golden West Elementary

Here in 49er country, we celebrate PRIDE in every stride.

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Kindness Week at Lincoln

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Submitted by: Julie Kraus Lincoln Elementary Teacher

Notes of kindness covered Lincoln Elementary this week as we celebrated the importance of kindness.

Students wrote either a word or a quote on the heart before it was placed on the tree.

Leadership students hand cut more than 600 hearts that were placed on the kindness tree in the cafeteria. A week of celebration of kindness happened at Lincoln Elementary.

In celebration of the 100th Day of School, Leadership placed 100 words of kindness all over the school.

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Hooray... Celebrating Golden West

Submitted by: Sherie Gates Principal

Though many of us may not remember celebrating 100 days of school as a kid, we bet that if you have an elementary student, you realize the 100th day of school marks the milestone!

At Golden West School, it was Hooray for 100 Days!

From classroom celebrations, to STEM activities, to 100 acts of

kindness, 49ers across campus were celebrating 100 days of school.

There was much excitement, and a unique buzz of energy that was shared by all.

Congrats to our 49ers who are 100 days smarter! Next year, mark your calendar and stop by to join the celebration.

Joshua Cowell Submitted by: Christie Newman Principal Joshua Cowell students aged 100 years to celebrate the 100th day of school!

They dressed up as how they imagine they will look in the future, many changing their hair to really capture the image they wanted to create.

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100 Days of School!

Mossdale Submitted by: Susan Sanders Principal

George Komure Submitted by: Jeff Podesto Principal At George Komure Elementary, Ms. Maloy’s kindergarten class really made their mark, by capturing an imprint of their hands on a their own shirt.

Principal Jeff Podesto said, “They made shirts that read, ‘Hands Up to being 100 Days Smarter!’”

They are off to an awesome start in school and we can’t wait to see how much smarter they become in the next 100 days with dedicated teachers like Ms. Maloy.

Kindergarten through second grade students shared 100 days of excitement by creating projects and clever ways to say “Happy 100th Day Mossdale School.”

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FFA State Officers visit SHS

By Amy Bohlken Sierra High School FFA Teacher

This presentation also helped students to identify ways they can use the transferable skills.

The FFA State Treasurer Armando Nevarez, and State Reporter Hunter Andrade visited our FFA Chapter on Wednesday to present to each of the agriculture classes.

One presentation was designed for freshman, which focused on the benefits of Agriculture Education, FFA, and included information about FFA opportunities.

The second presentation focused on personal strengths. This presentation was designed for sophomore and junior students in an effort for them to better understand their individual

personalities and how they can utilize this knowledge to better work with others.

The third presentation spoke on transferable skills. Designed for junior and senior students, this presentation helped students identify specific skills they have learned during their high school and FFA career. Furthermore, it introduced various ways students can implement these skills in areas such as writing a resume, completing a job application, and effective interview techniques. These are known as transferable skills.

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Calla High Blood Drive

By Michele Bryson Calla Teacher

In coordination with the American Red Cross, Calla High School held their first blood drive on January 18th.

We had a great turn out from both students and staff.

Together, we donated thirty units of blood. Each donation has the potential to save three lives, which left the students feeling positive about contributing to the community.

School Accountability Report Card (SARC) The updated School Accountability Report Card for your school is now available on the district webpage at: http://www.mantecausd.net/ about-musd/sarc-reports and through the CDE’s SARC website at: http://sarconline.org/

The CDE’s public website allows users to search for any school in California, select and view specific sections of interest within the SARC, download a PDF version, and translate the SARC into other languages.

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AK Annual Wellness Fair

by Sherryl Price Principal

WRHS be.Vital students provided several demonstration on CPR and the importance of hand washing.

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August Knodt held its annual Wellness Fair on January 24, 2018.

The goal was to provide families with information on developing a healthy lifestyle.

Several interactive activities were available. Families had two physical fitness activities to participate in.

Demonstrations included measuring how much sugar is in soft drinks and the importance of brushing after consuming lots of sugar.

Weston Ranch High School be.Vital students provided several demonstrations on CPR and the importance of hand washing. They used a black light to show if bacteria was removed with a quick wash.

Students were able to participate in craft activities and all participants were able to make a first aid kit for home. Nurse Rhonda showed a video to explain how germs travel.

Give Every Child a Chance provided nutritional information and gave all participants an opportunity to make

healthy smoothies using the bike blenders.

Give every Child a Chance also provided healthy produce for participants to take home and enjoy.

August Knodt would like to thank all of our partners who made this evening a success. Manteca Unified Nutritional Services are always willing to support educating our community.

We look forward to next year’s Wellness Fair.

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LHS Chemistry Demonstration Partner with Delta College to Inspire

by Gupreet Deol LHS Chemistry Teacher

Lathrop High hosted its annual Chemistry Demonstration organized by the science Department under the supervision of Mrs. Gurpreet Deol.

The event spreads awareness of cool science facts to get them more involved in science fields.

ACS president Marissa Briseno said, “The show was partnered with Delta college to follow the guidelines of the American Chemical Society and bring a competitive inspiration to high school students.”

Most of the experiments were successful and fun including: invisible ink, burning bills, and the Minute to Win It with ping pong balls.

In daily life, students stated that invisible ink can be used for birthday or family parties.

The most impressive parts of the show were learning some of the science behind the fun.

Photography by Peter Gale

At left, an indoor cloud is created by mixing two elements.

Below, Principal Leland’s dollar is soaked in a special alcohol solution that allows the alcohol to burn without harming the dollar bill.

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Above: mixing the right chemicals produces colorful eruptions.

Above right: a student from the audience helps burn some flash powder used long ago in photography.

Right: soft flowers dipped in liquid nitrogen shatter.

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Bottom right: a competition to fill the beaker with cotton balls is rigged— the beaker on the right has acid instead of water.

Below: mixing chemicals to make a big bang like that sounds like a rocket.

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WRHS Hosts Athletic VOL Sportsmanship Conference

by Peter Gale Community Outreach Team

Sometimes, altering your perspective can make a huge difference in how you interact with others.

To help Valley Oak League (VOL) players see each other in a different light, Weston Ranch High School hosted an athletic VOL sportsmanship conference on Monday, January 22nd in their large gym.

Players from all winter season sports— from nearly every VOL school—came together and collaborated on ideas and played games in order to get to know

each other off the field of competition.

The athletic director from Weston Ranch High School, Jason Furtado, said that the purpose of the event was “to support all schools and have good sportsmanship with one another.”

After students were broken into groups with students from other schools, forming teams with their former rivals, they created a skit to demonstrate a football touchdown, and then their victory dance following the touchdown.

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“It’s really nice to see all the competitors out of their normal uniform and just being kids. It’s nice to see everybody smiling,” said East Union athlete Jaysen Reindel. “This gives you a background and lets you know that at the end of the day we are all just kids and it’s not do or die out there. We’re just having fun.”

Some of the groups’ victory dance included pretending to be bowling pins that were knocked down.

“We did the touch-down dance victory dance activity as a fun competition,” commented Andrew Lee, athletic director for Sierra High School. “We bring people together to talk beyond their own school.”

Following the fun, students settled into the bleachers to listen to an inspirational speech by East Union softball coach Brian Goulart, who began by saying, “I’m speaking to you today as a friendly rival.”

Speaking to the athletic directors and coaches, Goulart admonished, “What you say is gospel. You have the responsibility to do a great job for your team. Take your position seriously.”

To the student leaders, he asked “Are we going to allow unsportsmanlike conduct to ruin the sport that we love so much?”

Summarizing some examples that lacked sportsmanship in the VOL, Goulart warned that reacting to one negative event just makes it worse and in today’s world, that negativity can go viral on social media.

Goulart told the students that he was confident that no one wakes up in the morning planning to be unsportsmanlike. Instead, he believes they all believe, “I want to be an athlete who works hard and becomes excellent in my craft. I got up this morning because I want to be great!”

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Guiding the students through a short 4-page handout, he told them the definition of sportsmanship, “fair, or generous behavior or treatment of others. It is not about you. It is about us.”

He shared how there have been times he has had to remove athletes from his team who could not handle being a good sport.

“Know that participating in sports is a privilege, it is not a right. No one is irreplaceable. The team will exist without you.”

Above: As an ice breaker, students played dodge ball.

Below: EUHS Coach Brian Goulart inspired the students to increase their sportsmanship.

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Above: VOL Coaches also did a touchdown dance skit, choosing to act like bowling pins falling down.

“Are we going to allow unsportsmanlike conduct to ruin the sport that we love so much?”

Below: students from every VOL school joyfully came together to perform skits and dances in front of their peers.

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One of the common complaints on the field or the court is about the referees calling the game badly. Citing a study done by the NFL, Goulart asked the audience to guess how often the referees made a bad call. Students in the audience guessed 50% or even 60% of the time.

“Referees are right 90% of the time,” said Goulart. “Officials deserve your high esteem.”

To conclude his speech, before students regrouped to reflect and share with each other, Goulart shared a story that remains his most inspirational example of good sportsmanship he has ever heard of. He said, “Two college softball teams were playing, and the winner would go to the college world series. At the end of the game, a girl

who hit a home run blew out her knee on first base. Amazingly, the two captains from the opposing team supported her, lifting her up, so that she could touch the bases and win the game.”

Looking out at the audience of athletes, he challenged them to “have a moment like that in your life, to be the sportsman that you are called to be.”

The students applauded him, and came down from the stands to rejoin their groups. The day ended with a shared lunch before they returned to their campuses, taking with them a new sense of purpose.

“We get there in the spirit of victory with honor in the same vision that we try to teach our student athletes every day,” said Lee.

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be.tech Helps Raise Funds with Local Fire Departments

by Dominique Muñoz Community Outreach Intern

On Saturday, January 13, be.tech Charter High School and the Lathrop and Manteca Fire Department held a charity event in honor of Anthony “Tony” Sowers. All proceeds went to his daughter, Olivia Sowers.

Anthony was a fellow firefighter, who lost his battle with melanoma in 2013.

Because of their sense of brotherhood and commitment of their service, the Lathrop and Manteca firefighters continuously rally for his daughter Olivia.

Below: the raffle winner returns his winnings to Olivia Sowers for her college fund.

They are keeping their promise to ensure her college fund is fulfilled and she is set when the time comes.

This year was no different, and it was an honor when be.tech was invited to play against the Lathrop and Manteca Fire Departments in the charity basketball game.

Be.tech showed up wearing superhero themed attire, because to us, Tony Sowers was the real superhero.

We want Olivia to know that her dad will always be part of the community, and a true superhero, not only to his daughter, but to all of us.

“This was a great way to bring our school and our community together!” said Mariah Munoz, a be.tech freshman student.

The game ended with a score of 66 to 60, when Olivia herself, made the last shot at the buzzer. Her team beat be.tech and brought the “win” for the fire department with hollers and cheers from all in attendance in the gym of the Lathrop Community Center.

All of the proceeds from the entrance fees, to snack bar earnings, raffle earnings—and any donations that were so graciously donated—went straight to this vibrant young girl.

She may not have her father here physically, but it is apparent in the support of the community and the love for her father that shines deeply in her smile and heart.

It was beautifully touching when they held the raffle drawing at the end of the game. The winner, a local firefighter, gave his winning raffle prize right back.

It too will be added to Olivia’s college fund.

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LHS Virly Santos ASB President

by Jessika McCuaig Community Outreach Intern

Virly Santos is one busy woman. Not only is she the LHS ASB President, she is also president of Interact, co-captain for varsity track, and a member of the Youth Advisory Commission.

With all these extracurricular activities, it’s a wonder she can manage to get her homework done, socialize with friends, and most importantly take care of herself. I sat down with her to ask a few questions, mainly how and why she does what she does.

“Time management is key in a busy schedule,” Santos said.

“The passion planners funded by the district has helped immensely in balancing and planning out my time—as well as a fun hobby to just doodle and decorate.

“Over anything else, I prioritize leadership. To provide quality events, rally, and preparation to lead the classleadership takes a good chunk of my time,” said Santos. “I think

leaving some time for yourself is key too. Even for just 10 minutes, I take a breather and reflect on the quality of how I do things, how I can do better, or to gain some extra motivation.”

When asked what keeps her motivated, Virly replied, “I believe our ultimate purpose in our lives is to be the best version of ourselves while pursuing our passions and aspirations. My family, certain teachers and my track coach play a big part in my foundation of support, always lifting me up when I’m down. When we change ourselves to be the best version of ourselves that’s when we’re most capable to change the world around us.”

“Overall, it’s determination and consistency that got me to where I was.

It’s not easy, having a load of work and expectations. But ultimately, improving the student body and hosting events was a passion that I simply had,” said Santos.

“It never felt like a chore attending games, organizing the rally, or giving lessons to the class. Rather, a challenge and a step closer to where I want to be. I ran for the position because I’m

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a worker. I act more than I talk. I do more than I say and I actualize more than I dream,” said Santos.

Commenting on her social life, Virly said, “Like any normal teenager I love watching movies and binge watching seasons of Criminal Minds over the weekend. I love going on adventures.

As much as I can I try to turn an ordinary day into a memory—San Francisco trips, hikes, beach fun, the options are endless.”

“I also have a deep appreciation for nature,” said Santos. “Whenever I see something as simple as a starry sky— it’s a quick reminder of how minuscule our problems are and how endless our opportunities are.”

To end the interview, Virly explained why and for whom she strives to be successful for. “I was born and I studied for some time in the Philippines. That experience shifted my whole perspective. We are incredibly lucky and blessed to live in a country like America. I’ve gotten the opportunity to chase after the ‘American Dream’ and I wouldn’t waste it.”

“It’s for my people both here and back in the Philippines. It’s for myself—to pursue my deepest passions. It’s for my family—my biggest supporters and motivators,” said Santos. “It’s for anything and everything. There’s sometimes a million reasons to quit and just enjoy a ‘care-free’ high school life, but all I need is one reason to continue this long but worth-while journey.”

Virly Santos is a young woman who enjoys a challenge and strives to help others and better herself. After finishing her education, Virly wants to be a health administrator, who will manage hospitals and ensure the hospital is at its highest standard.

“I believe our ultimate purpose in our lives is to be the best version of ourselves while pursuing our passions and aspirations.”

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Buffalo DECA Club Competes

by Fernanda Almaguer Community Outreach Intern

This year MHS had two students who both placed 2nd place in the accounting competition.

Demonstrating their business skills, on January 13th, 2018 Manteca High’s Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA) club took part of the NorCal Career Development Regional Competition in San Ramon California.

year MHS had two students who both placed 2nd place in the accounting competition. This means that senior Michelle Klassen and sophomore Trevor Lightsey qualified for state in April in Anaheim California.

This weekend getaway included a 100-question multiple choice test and a 10-minute role play question with a judge in any field of business that the students chose to participate in.

The topics included anywhere from business administration, marketing sales, to accounting.

DECA’s overall goal is to prepare students for real world scenarios and job training in the world of business.

With this year’s NorCal Competition theme being “limitless”, DECA encourages students to never settle but otherwise keep growing and not only help shape the youth, but help shape society.

The DECA participants have been studying and getting ready for months due to students having to take at least one business based class offered at Manteca High School to be part of this highly dedicated club.

With the help of DECA club supervisor—and Manteca High School’s accounting and introduction to business teacher—Debbie Hill, this

Manteca High School strives to offer as many clubs and organizations for students. As of this school year (20172018), Manteca High School offers over 60 different clubs and activities with club meetings taking place daily after school. No matter the student’s interest, they’re likely to find a place on MHS’s campus.

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Administrator of the Year

By Carol Creighton MHS Photography Teacher

Mr. Fast was instrumental in developing the Honor the Code Program at Manteca High six years ago.

Manteca High is proud to announce that Mr. Troy Fast, Assistant Principal, was selected by the Association of California Administrators (ACSA) as the San Joaquin Secondary CoAdministrator of the Year.

Mr. Fast was instrumental in developing the Honor the Code Program at Manteca High six years ago. The program is now in its fifth year and continues to encourage a positive culture on the Manteca High campus.

Mr. Fast is also the guiding force behind the Manteca High Baccalaureate Senior Send Off program every May. Mr. Fast does a great job and the students and staff would like to give him a special thank you for all he does to continue to make MHS a great school. Congratulations Mr. Fast!

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Photography by Wendy King. Summary by Peter Gale.

be.NEXT Open House at LHS A key part of the be.next program is their maker space where they learn a variety of tools for handson learning.

Here, they learn to sculpt—from clay and other materials—bringing some of their digital designs to life.

Having a chance to share with the community the results of their hard work is always rewarding.

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Manteca Unified School District

Office of the Deputy Superintendent

Roger

In Other News: 4th Grade Video Reconstruction Lesson

TK-6 ELA/ELD District Coordinator, Lisa Schnaidt, visited Jackie Hubik’s 4th grade Joseph Widmer classroom to teach a Video Reconstruction Lesson utilizing the technology available in our adopted McGraw-Hill Wonders curriculum. Through repeated viewings of the 1 minute long Wonders Weekly Opener video, collaborative conversation, and note-taking strategies, students were able to reconstruct the audio portion of the video. This practice helps set the stage for the academic vocabulary included in the upcoming lesson, strengthens listening and writing skills, and supports all levels of learners through the collaborative process.

Lathrop High School and McParland Elementary Apply for Light Grant

Lathrop High School and McParland Elementary are applying for the Light Awards Program Grant, Fixing the Leaking Pipeline. The purpose of this grant is to provide $30,000 towards teacher professional development.

Science teachers are proposing to take courses from Teacher College of San Joaquin in order to receive their STEM certificate as well as attend the CA STEAM symposium. The training will be shared with fellow colleagues at sites and presented at MUSD’s EdCon. The goal is to bring colleagues to implement STEM into their classrooms, so students will be inspired to pursue a STEM career pathway.

Steppin’ Out Symphony Concert for Fourth Grade Students

The Stockton Symphony, conducted by Peter Jaffe, will host their annual Steppin’ Out concert on January 30th and 31st at 10:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. All MUSD fourth grade students attend this concert. Half of the elementary sites will attend on the 30th and the other half on the 31st at San Joaquin County Delta Community College Atherton Auditorium. Transportation coordination

is handled by Pam Costanza. Diyan Dringenberg in Elementary Education coordinates with the Symphony and school sites. Transportation to the event is sponsored by the Stockton Symphony Committee and ticket costs are paid from the Board Curriculum Goals account to attend this fabulous event.

Get Out and Grow School Garden Sweepstakes

Brock Elliott Elementary School has applied for the Get Out and Grow School Garden Sweepstakes through growwithsmuckers.com If approved, these funds will be used for funding a new green house and repairs on the garden shed.

History/Social Science Adoption Committee The event dates are: 1/24/18, 2/15/18 and 3/14/18.

Our K-8 History/Social Science Adoption process is well under way with a 60-member HSS Adoption Committee with representatives from 3 grade spans from each school.

We will be providing training to committee members on the State HSS Framework and review K-8 State HSS textbook adoptions. Parents, teachers and other community members will be invited to view the materials and make comments. This input will be shared at our March HSS Adoption Committee Meetings

Raymus Foundation Grants

Weston Ranch High School received two grants from the Raymus Foundation: 1. Football program- to provide binders, study material, and tutoring for all three levels: Freshman, Jr. Varsity, and Varsity 2. Weston Ranch Link Crew Conferences- Intended to train teachers to prepare students transitioning from 8th-9th grade.

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Jan. Staff Development Day

by Connie Schaffer Deputy Superintendent’s Office

This past Monday over 1,100 Manteca Unified Certificated Staff attended their final district-wide Staff Development Day of the 2017-18 school year.

Photography by Peter Gale

The primary focus of this day for our K-8 Staff was the roll-out of the WestEd process to shift instruction in the classroom. All staff attended a morning keynote that first began with Deputy Superintendent, Roger Goatcher clearly defining MUSD’s focus, followed by WestEd’s Mark Jutabha. The remainder

of the day was lead by Principals on data analysis, collaboration, and the 4R Process.

Our 9-12 Staff utilized the morning portion of the day focusing on topics that best fit their site needs and then attended an afternoon keynote with guest speaker, Jennifer Abrams. The information they received was to support their learning by delving into conversations that address the multi-generational workplace and community comprised of parents, students, and staff.

In addition, over fifty Classified Employees attended a workshop with guest speaker, Jennifer Abrams. Staff received information on how to work more effectively with colleagues of all generations and it was well received.