MARK Highlights
Manteca Unified School Board
the
February 2019
Future Teachers Explore Page 26
Board Adopts New Vision and Mission At the February 12, 2019 Board Meeting, Board President Stephen J. Schluer and the Student Board Members read together a resolution adopting new Vision and Mission statements. See them at right.
MUSD School Board 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 Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe, and is supported to realize individual success.
Mission Through smart actions and decisions, MUSD will work together using meaningful, measurable and aligned data for all students to achieve mastery of grade level standards in all subjects based on their unique educational pathway in a safe environment inclusive of design, security and climate.
#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, Reporting, and Editing
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
F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9
Making the Mark
Valentines for Patients
4
Brock Elliott Champions On!
4
Kinder Scientists and Tinker Night
5
AK Counts 100 Days
6
GV Visits SF 49er STEAM
6
FC Makes Learning Visible
7
Food Demo
8
Accepted to Prestigious Universities
9
Professor of Hip Hop Motivates
10
Honor Band Concert
11
FCCLA and FFA
12
ACSA Every Student Succeeding
12
MHS Attends DECA and Valentine Dance
14
New WRHS Principal
14
Valley Oak League Champions
16
MUSD Wrestlers Win Medals
18
SHS Alumn Selected Sailor of the Year
18
BE.Tech to Open Restaurant and Competes
19
MUSD Partners with NISL
20
Keith Hawkins Speaks to SHS
20
Educators Get Illuminated by Data
21
EQ Schools Hosts Admin Leadership Summit
21
8
22
28
Features Academic Decathlon
22
Advantage Future Teachers Explore
26
Working for Fiscal Responsibility
28
Job Fair Connects to Community
30
Measure G Moves Forward
33
The Lancers Hit Rewind
36
WRHS Boys Basketball Team Continues to Win
38
Brigade JROTC Military Ball
40
In Other News
43
MUSD Holds Fourth Annual MacGyver Night!
44
36
4
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Valentines for Patients Students of Manteca High’s College Prep club stayed after school on February 4th to create Valentine’s for the patients at St. Jude’s Rehab Hospital in Manteca.
On February 7th, sixteen students traveled to St. Jude’s to visit with patients and personally hand out each Valentine. The students appreciated the experience so much, some have decided to go back to volunteer.
Brock Elliott Champions On! BE.Tech Tour
Science Camp
On February 13, 118 eighth graders took a tour of BE.Tech to learn all it has to offer high school students interested in culinary, industrial arts, or becoming first responders.
At the end of January, 5th graders went on a Science Camp adventure at Redwood Alliance.
Our students had the opportunity to participate in academy activities and talk with teachers and students.
Kindness Challenge
Along with 25,000 schools nationwide, Brock Elliott took the Kindness Challenge the week of January 28th. The week was filled with fun kindness activities, quotes, & dress up days. Rachelle Fast, The Get Focused Stay Focused Coordinator from Sierra High School, brought thirty high school students to work with our first grade classes during the week. It was a great student experience!
They had the opportunity to explore the outdoors, hike, sing songs by the campfire, zipline through the forest, and so much more.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
5
Kinder Scientists
As kindergartners at Woodward learned about Abraham Lincoln, they also became scientists. The kids had a blast coming up with ideas of how to clean a dirty penny. We experimented using Ketchup as a cleaning agent. We had many succeed, then discussed why it did not work for everyone. To continue the fun, these kindergartners created necklaces with their penny.
Tinker Night Walter Woodward Elementary held another “Tinker Night” for Woodward students and parents on February 6th. Participants learned how to solder basic electronic components as they learned their purpose and functionality. They learned to read an electrical schematic in order to construct an LED Blinking Heart. This tinker session was open to 5th and 6th grade students
and their parents. This is Woodward’s third year presenting Tinker Nights with three to four nights per academic year. “As an instructor and originator of the Tinker Night idea, I just wanted to give back to my community and offer an opportunity to get parents and their kids actively involved in doing some sort of STEM activities together,” said Mike Cardenas of Lawrence Livermore Labs.
Cardenas added, “The greatest reward is walking around and seeing parents and students actively engaged with smiles on their faces as they build something that they will take home and continue to enjoy.”
6
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
AK Counts 100 Days Kindergarten and first grade students at August Knodt Elementary are mastering grade-level standards on the 100th day of school.
GV Visits SF 49er STEAM
Kinder students practiced counting objects up to 100 and first grade students practiced the grouping technique by organizing objects in sets of 10, to make 100!
Great Valley 8th grade students and Mr. Rassmussen’s 3rd grade class took part in the SF 49ers STEAM in Football Education Program.
They spent the day at Levi Stadium learning all of the applications of Science Technology Engineering Art and Mathematics through football.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
7
AK Connects to Culture Panda Express visited August Knodt’s kindergarten students to share a presentation on Chinese New Year and Chinese Culture.
Students participated in trivia and ate noodles, which are a symbol of long life and good luck.
FC Makes Learning Visible
In response to site request, TK-6 ELA/ELD Coordinator Lisa Schnaidt provided teacher support in the planning and delivery of a McGrawHill Language Arts lesson in Tonya Heath’s 2nd grade class at French Camp School. Mrs. Heath and Mrs. Schnaidt collaborated and co-planned the lesson after dialoguing about best
practices, integrating standards, making learning visible via the use of anchor charts.
They encouraged collaborative talk among students. Students engaged in reading about the layers of the rain forest, summarized
the information with their partners, shared with their classmates, and contributed to the anchor chart template. The chart was later used as a resource for their writing. On the chart, they used organizing strategies like color, line, size of letters and bullet points to help student organize their writing.
8
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Food Demo Nutrition Education paid a visit to Lathrop Elementary to do a food demo for one of their 5th and 3rd grade classes.
Students were taught how to make Greek Yogurt Dip instead of using sour cream. Teaching students about healthier options, MUSD Dietician Jennifer Lew-Vang and her college intern assisted as well. Try the recipe below!
Try the Recipe!
Manteca’s Every 15 Minutes Program
Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip ingredients to Greek yogurt and mix Ingredients: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 teaspoons dried parsley 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/3 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/3 teaspoon dried chives 1/3 teaspoon salt Directions: Mix together dry ingredients in a small bowl until combined. Add dry
well. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.
Greek Yogurt Fruit Dip
Ingredients: 2 - 5.3 ounce containers of Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla 2 teaspoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon honey or agave 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions: Combine all ingredients. Mix well and serve with fresh fruit.
343 OR 209-629-0238
Sat., March 2nd at the MRPS Hall 133 N. Grant Ave., Manteca
$40.00 Each Social Hour 5:30 PM Dinner 6:30 PM Live Auction, Silent Auction & Raffle 8 PM
DJ 9 pm - Midnight 21 Years and older
Safe and Sober ride home will be available TICKET INFORMATION: Call: Thaera Schluer 456-7343, Angela Ott 629-0238
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Aniss to Attend Stanford
Manteca High’s Solman Ayman Aniss is headed to Stanford, a university with only a 5% acceptance rate and ranked 7th nationwide by US News and World Report. “Stanford has one of the top bioengineering undergrad programs in the nation, and their financial aid is incredibly generous,” said Aniss. “Also, it helps that it’s in California, because I hate snow.”
Makin g t he M ark
promises there.” At Manteca High, what meant the most to him? “One of my most meaningful high school experiences was my four years in Academic Decathlon,” Aniss said. “In addition to exposing me to a number of various subjects and topics (from the cultural music of Africa to the mechanisms of a laser diode), Decathlon has taught me the values of discipline, delayed gratification, and collaboration.” He added, “I’m especially grateful for the people I’ve met and memories made over the years—shout out Mr. McCullough!”
As part of the application process, Stanford requires 11 different essays. “The most interesting part of the application process was writing the ‘letter to your future roommate’ essay,” Aniss said. “I wrote about SpongeBob and my obsession with hand sanitizer, among other things, and just tried to have fun with the entire writing process in general.” As for plans before heading to Stanford, Aniss said, “This summer I intend to work in some capacity, spend lots of time with family, and most likely watch a lot of Netflix. I should probably get a gym membership too, but no
9
and social equality.” Application essays also played a role for Ballew. “The most stressful part of the application process was writing my application essays,” Ballew said. “I needed to convey so much about my background, my struggles, and my aspirations. I spoke from the heart and think that came across well to the reader.” Before college, Ballew is deferring for a year of service in Haifa, Israel.
Ballew to Attend Cornell
Sierra High’s Yasmin Ballew will attend Cornell, a university with only a 9% acceptance rate and ranked 10th for business programs in the nation by US News and World Report. “It was a tough decision because New York is so far from home,” said Ballew. “I will be attending the school of Industrial Labor Relations (ILR) because I am passionate about the environment, international relations,
“I am a Baha’i and this is where the Baha’i World Center is located,” Ballew said. “My religion is an essential part of who I am and my parents met at the Baha’i World Center, so this is a very special opportunity. My hope is to assist in the Department of Social and Economic Development.” Internships meant a lot to Ballew. “As a Community Outreach Intern, I learned to make connections and write in an engaging way,” Ballew said. “Now as a Student Board Representative, I have learned to speak in front of crowds, and influence decisions which effect all MUSD students.” Ballew added, “I am also grateful for the Leadership opportunities I have had, and my family’s crucial support every step of the way.”
10
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Professor of Hip Hop Motivates
Lincoln Elementary hosted a family night to motivate and entertain their audience through hip hop, dancing, and inspiration with Dr. Blake Brandes. Brandes is a youth motivational speaker, hip hop educator, and student leadership expert with a PHD in HipHop and Global Youth Cultures. Family night began in the gym, with students freestyling to hip hop and pop music while families mingled on the sidelines. He opened the evening with friendly, freestyle beat boxing. Which is a form of vocal percussion that mimics the art of drum beats and turntablism. Brandes led a semi-professional acapella group in New York called The Lost Keys and has been invited to perform on America’s Got Talent and to give TED Talks. Brandes’ objective is to connect education to the thing students love most, hip hop. Since his first school presentation fifteen years ago, Brandes has been building motivation and confidence for K-12 students around the world.
and inspirational storytelling. He spoke of a time he didn’t know how to dance and couldn’t produce a selling single. But through preservation, after creating one-hundred fifty songs, his next one finally succeeded. Brandes was asked how he hopes to impact the students of today. He responded, “They are enough exactly as they are, right now. So often, kids develop this belief that they’re not enough—smart or talented enough. So, they give up.”
He continued, “The only way to guarantee these students won’t succeed, is if they give up.” To conclude his presentation, Brandes invited both students and parents to the dance floor and taught them the “In My Feelings” dance routine phenomenon; also known as the “KIKI.”
“It’s my full-time career and I love it so much,” said Brandes.
Lincoln administrators ended family night with a raffle where students won gift cards, gift baskets and an Amazon Alexa.
His presentation involved comedic
Brandes was
able to reach the students of Lincoln Elementary with a message appropriate for them and had a very unique approach that kept students engaged.
See the Video Below
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
11
MUSD Holds Honor Band Concert Select students from all five MUSD comprehensive high schools and the majority of the elementary schools performed in the 2019 All-District Honor Band Concert on Saturday, February 2nd. The Junior High Band was under the direction of Mr. Shannon Beattie, who has taught at Woodward/ Shasta since 2001. The band performed at 6:00 pm. The High School Band was under the direction of Dr. David Vickerman of San Jose State University, who was also the 2015 winner of the American Prize in Conducting. The band performed at 7:00 pm. Both concerts were at Manteca High School in the theater and were free to attend.
12
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
EUHS and FCCLA We had some exciting activities in February.
Tuesday, February 5: We were presented with a Proclamation at the Manteca City Council at 7 pm. Thursday, February 7: We held our 2nd Annual Appreciation Dinner at 6 pm in room 6 where students will present their work on upcoming competitive events. Saturday February 9: Students represented our school at the Region 6 Spring Meeting at Linden
High School starting at 8:30 AM. Our students competed in: Culinary Arts, Culinary DisplayCake Design, Chapter in Review, Food Innovations, Menu Planning and Table Display, and Child Development. Ariana Pacheco won best in show.
Saturday February 16: FCCLA Night was held at the Stockton Heat Hockey as a fundraiser to help our school.
ACSA Every Student Succeeding
Right: Principal Susan Sanders with Rasheed Imtiaz Ali.
Association of California School Administrators recognized three MUSD students for overcoming challenges to achieve success.
Students were nominated by their school and each had an inspiring story shared with a brief video during the breakfast.
According to ACSA, “The purpose is to honor students who have succeeded—against all odds—to achieve their goals.”
The students are from Mossdale: Rasheed Imtiaz Ali, from Sierra High: William Allan Burden, and from Lathrop High: Keannu Eric Morales Linnell.
“Rasheed is incre dibly intelligent, capab le and resilient.”
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
SHS and FCCLA From the recent FCCLA Region Competitions, SHS results are: • 1st place in Culinary ArtsJuan Ponce, Sophia Allen, and Eric Ploch Jones •
1st place in Fashion Construction- Payton Perez
•
1st place in Junior Interior Design- Oliva Donham
•
2nd place in Junior Menu Planning- Kailey Monday
The following students have also qualified to compete at the State level: • Taylor Hendrickson- Menu Planning •
Fatima Gallegos- Fashion Construction
•
Raymond Mendoza (MHS student)
For the Chapter Service Project Event, a progress report was given and will present the final project at State. We also have a team competing in the National Pilot event of Baking and Pastry. Daniel Ordinola and Lizbet Perez (MHS student) will be our team.
Treasurer. All of these students have worked very hard and did an outstanding job. Additionally, this past weekend Sophia and Eric attended FCCLA Capitol Leadership Experience. They applied and were selected to be part of the 36 participants. They learned about FCS, FCCLA and did mock legislative sessions. They meet with Legislative members and listened in on the State of the State address.
Our Chapter is honored to have two new Region Officers for next year. They will be installed at the State Conference in April. Sophia Allen will fill the office of vice President and Eric Ploch Jones will serve as
SHS and FFA Congratulations to the FFA Cooperative Marketing team who placed 2nd High Team and to Bianca Lehne who placed 5th High Individual in the annual Delta Cal FFA Sectional Speech Contest held this month. Sierra High’s FFA Advisor Amy Bohlken said, “I am super proud of our Sierra students who competed that night!”
13
14
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
MHS Attends DECA
MHS DECA advisors Debbie Hill and Linda Sumrall, and Chaperone Steve Grant, took thirteen students to the Northern California Career Development Conference (DECA) in San Ramon on January 18-20. Nearly 800 high school participants from Northern California attended the event. Ten MHS students competed in the Accounting Application Series (ACT) and three participated in the Retail Management Series event (RMS).
Trevor Lightsey, MHS DECA President, placed 2nd overall in the ACT Event and also earned a 3rd place in the ACT Role Play 2. Natalie Zamora, MHS DECA Secretary, earned a 2nd place in the ACT Role Play 1. Tyler Brintley earned a 3rd place in the ACT Role Play 1.
New WRHS Principal We are excited to announce Mr. Troy Fast as the Principal for Weston Ranch High School! Mr. Fast is an outstanding leader with 13 years experience, the last three serving as Assistant Principal for Manteca High School. “We are incredibly focused on students achieving grade level standards, ensuring student safety in our schools, and continuing to support all students in their unique pathways to college and career,” stated Fast. “We will work together to create a climate that is student centered.” His commitment and vision will support a team approach to cultivating a positive environment for students and placing them first.
Congratulations to all the participates who worked countless hours preparing for this event.
Valentine Dance On February 14th, Manteca High hosted their 4th Annual Valentine’s Dance. Students from schools throughout the county came to enjoy food, dancing, prizes, and the crowning of the 2019 King & Queen.
Sign the Petition Full & Fair Funding—6 million students are waiting for you! The California School Boards Association is calling on the Legislature to raise school funding to the national average by 2020 and to the average of the top 10 states by 2025.
16
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Valley Oak League Champions
Sierra High Girls Soccer - D3 Champs Congratulations to Sierra High Boys and Girls Soccer, Manteca High Girls Basketball, and Weston Ranch Boys Basketball for their victories as Valley Oak League Champions for 2019. An additional congratulations to SHS Girls Soccer for winning their program’s fifth SJS DIII Section Championship. Good luck in the CIF NorCal playoffs. You Make us Proud to Be MUSD!
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
Sierra High Boys Soccer
Good luck to all our teams as you compete for the section and state championships!
17
18
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
MUSD Wrestlers Win Medals
Congratulations to our MUSD Wrestlers! Some of them are now at the State Tournament!
SHS Alumn Selected Sailor of the Year Aboard USS Indiana Story courtesy of Navy Outreach
NORFOLK, Va. – A Manteca, California, native, Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Steven Adolf Jr., was selected as Sailor of the Year while serving aboard one of the newest fastattack submarines in the United States Navy Submarine Force, USS Indiana. Sailors that show outstanding initiative and commitment to the Navy’s mission and teamwork are selected as Sailor of the Year after standing before a board of senior Sailors. Adolf is known for his superior maintenance of the submarine’s operational schedule, centering on the adherence of the Navy’s procedures and policies, while also leading a watch team in the
operation of the nuclear propulsion plant and conducting shipboard damage control.
“Being on submarines, we all have multiple jobs at the same time,” Adolf said. “In conjunction with my main job, I am the lead of the nuclear machinist’s mates which operate and perform maintenance on all nuclear and support equipment.” Adolf joined the Navy to serve his country and expand his skills. When he graduated from Sierra High School, he knew he wanted to put his math and science knowledge to the test and considered the Navy’s nuclear program to be the perfect fit.
Read the rest of the story online here!
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
19
BE.Tech to Open Restaurant TBD A new dining opportunity is coming soon to BE.Tech!
Board members are invited to attend the Grand Opening of Restaurant TBD on Thursday, Feb. 28th at 6:00PM. Our Culinary II students have been busy renovating a classroom into a fine dining restaurant. Furnishings, paint, and supplies and time have been generously donated by the community. One student created the artwork that hangs above the booth while others stained and assembled the wooden frames for the art. Students have also moved out classroom furniture and moved in restaurant booths, tables and chairs. Currently students are working on the skills needed to run a restaurant including food preparation and presentation, handling money, fine dining etiquette, and customer service skills. They are also developing the menu for the opening, testing recipes,
taking inventory and making necessary food purchases to make the Grand Opening successful.
The restaurant is named TBD because each Culinary II student will have the chance to run the restaurant for the week.
The offerings are always changing, always TBD (To Be Determined). Restaurant TBD will be open for lunch on Wednesdays starting in March from 12:30 – 1:30 pm by reservation. For reservations, contact Kelley Wilson at kewilson@musd.net or (209)858-7460. More details can be found on Instagram (@restaurantTBD) and Facebook (@be.techmusd).
BE.Tech Competes at SkillsUSA Thirty-four BE.Tech students competed at the Regional SkillsUSA Competition held at San Joaquin Delta College on February 9th. Twelve BE.Industrial students competed in one of four welding competitions and half of them will be advancing to state, having earned either a gold or silver medal in one of four welding categories. Of the eleven BE.First students competing, ten will advance to the state level to participate in either Firefighting, First Aid/CPR, or Criminal Justice competitions. Finally seven of the ten BE.Cuisine
students who participated will compete in either Commercial Baking or Culinary Arts at the state level. “I am so proud of all of our students who trained and practiced for this event. They did their very best and showcased our ‘learn by doing’ motto,” stated Carey Simoni, principal of
BE.Tech Career Academies. “The competition at state will be fierce and exciting, and I can’t wait to see what happens.” Overall, BE.Tech took home seven gold medals, eight silver medals and three bronze medals.
20
M a k i ng th e Ma r k
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Keith Hawkins Speaks to SHS On Thursday, January 24th, Motivational speaker, Keith Hawkins, spoke to an assembly of Sierra High School students.
MUSD Partners with NISL
Throughout the school year, administrators are immersed in critical professional development centered on achievement. The National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) is the leading provider of school leadership development supports in the country.
NISL partners with schools, districts and state departments of education to provide leaders with the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to design and lead highperforming systems. By preparing leaders to serve as strategic thinkers, instructional leaders and creators of a just, fair and caring culture, NISL strives to create education systems that provide students equitable opportunities for learning and meet the highest standards. Our leaders are instrumental in the success of our staff and students.
When it came time to select a key Aisha Saeed note speaker for the 2018-2019 Student Intern school year, principal Steve Clark and members of Sierra High School’s intervention team couldn’t think of a better candidate than Keith Hawkins. With a B.A. in Communication of Organization and a minor in Psychology, Keith Hawkins now brands himself as an international speaker with a cumulative audiences of about 400,000 each year. “Keith Hawkins was one of my favorite speakers that came to Sierra High School,” said Senior Kyle Banks. “His presentation was enjoyable, and I understood his message.” In addition to motivational speaking, Hawkins is a program director and coauthor of Teen Power and Go out and Make a Difference. He credits his passion for speaking to his family and his upbringing. Principal Steve Clark says, “I hope kids walk away from the presentation with a positive mindset and a yearning to want to do better each day.” During the presentation, Hawkins asked students to stand on the floor of the large gym with him and express their feelings on topics such as stress and family.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Makin g t he M ark
Educators Get Illuminated by Data
MUSD educators recently attended the Illuminate Education User Conference to learn methods of utilitizing student data to its fullest potential. Illuminiate is the chosen platform of the district, used in partnership with our student information system, to serve as a database and online assessment platform. “The Conference provided an opportunity for our team
21
to learn about upcoming releases that will allow for more formative assessment, provide teachers with additional data to assist in instructional decision-making, and personalize learning for their students,” said English Language Arts and Development Coordinator Lisa Schnaidt. Schnaidt added, “Participants attended sessions pertinent to their field to customize their own learning path.”
EQ Schools Hosts Admin Leadership Summit A Leadership Summit was put on by EQSchools on Thursday and Friday, February 7th and 8th at the in Palo Alto. “It focused on helping administrators to build an emotionally intelligent schools and love their jobs in the
process!” said Neil Hafley Principal Lori Guzman-Alvarez. “Presenter, Roni Habib, did an excellent job of sharing engaging and motivating strategies such as tips for getting buyin, developing a positive school climate and the rewards of mentorship.”
Guzman-Alvarez added, “One of the best things about taking part in the Leadership Summit was having time to learn with a number of other administrators from our district. It’s important to remember that we always have each other’s support.”
Academic 22
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
1
Levy Cutar
Student Intern
Vanditha Vemparala Student Intern
Aisha Saeed
Student Intern
In 37 years of national competition, California has placed first 25 times and second 13 times. California currently holds the national title for the past 16 consecutive years. Locally, on February 2nd, three MUSD schools competed and placed in the San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon that was hosted at Lathrop High School. Manteca High School placed second in the Super Quiz and second overall. Lathrop High School placed third in the Super Quiz and fourth overall. Sierra High, who competed for the first time this year, placed second as a club team. Three of our Community Outreach Interns collaborated to capture the story from these three MUSD schools. Manteca High School Senior Solman Aniss, who won seven individual medals at the competition, including first place in the speech
competition and the Walter S. Rathhaus Memorial Scholarship Award, performed his speech at the award ceremony. He also won the overall individual high score of the competition, which netted him $1,500 in scholarship money.
In the speech, he compared people who do and do not like pineapple on pizza to people with differing views on civil rights—both believing themselves to be right. “To prepare for the Decathlon is to prepare to have no social life,” said Aniss. “It means brushing off a trip to SF to study a random sculpture, blowing off the pool party to memorize names of lasers, and passing on movie
Decathlon Feb r u a r y 201 9
23
Fe at u r e s
2 night to read a play from some dead guy.”
Working this hard can also build relationships.
To prepare for the Super Quiz is not an easy task.
“Although this is my first decathlon competition I participated in, I was really excited, rather than nervous,” said sophomore Ellie Kim. “It took a lot of overtime studying and preparing with tests, but it also required bonding with the team, and it really helped that they were all there as support.”
“I’ve just been constantly re-reading the instruction guides, flipping through the cram kits, and attending our after-class review sessions,” said Junior Kiersten Melan. “There certainly is a plethora of information to go through, so I have to figure out what’s really important for the competition tomorrow.” But it’s not just about preparing for a competition. “Other than the literal curriculum that I’ve had to study, a lot of the stuff we learn in there are transferable skills,” said junior Mikayla Sarmento. “We did a lot of interviewing and impromptu speaking, so now I feel as if I can speak about a topic without a lot of preparation and my interviewing skills have definitely gotten better.”
Lathrop High School The Lathrop High School (LHS) Decathletes placed fourth for the fifth year in a row. While they didn’t get any of the top prizes – they were only a few points away from third – everyone took home several medals.
1.
MHS wins 2nd Place overall in the competition.
2. LHS wins 3rd place in Super Quiz. 3. Senior Solman Aniss, of MHS, presents his first place speech.
“ACADEC is a nervewracking experience—I am not going to lie about that— however, ACADEC is also one of the greatest classes I have taken,” said senior Noel Viacrusis. LHS team assistant coach Hillary
3
24
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
4
4
4
4
4. Teams from the three schools compete in the Super Quiz.
5. Junior Hailey Ngo from LHS delivers her first place essay.
6. Jared Rio of SHS accepts the award for 2nd place club team.
5
Pangburn also praised the team.
to have some doubts.
“Out of the eight years I’ve coached, this is one of our better years,” said Pangburn. “This team strives to better themselves both academically and personally.”
“I usually go on telling myself to kick butt,” said team vice president Bernice Vilches. “If I doubt myself, I know I can trust my team and the rest of my friends that come to support us to cheer me on and keep me going.”
Pangburn added, “It’s definitely teamwork. I feel like it is usually the team leaders who bring everyone together. They don’t exclude anyone and make them feel out of place.” Team president Noel Ojeda also added, “We were all very dedicated. After spending hours upon hours with each other, we tend to know what our strengths and weaknesses are. We are like one big family.” When the pressure is on, it can be easy
With such competition, how does a team improve? “We were a few points away from Manteca High for the best speech, and it would have been amazing if we got that since we won the best essay,” Pangburn said. “But I feel like the Manteca High deserved the best speech award.” Sierra High School Social Science teacher and advisor for Sierra High School’s academic decathlon team, Jared Rio, was surprised to discover that Sierra High School has never had an academic decathlon team before. “I took this on because I enjoy challenges” said Rio. “I’m well suited
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Fe at u r e s
25
4
4 for the job and I make sure that all the students who come are as equally committed as I am.” The first day of academic decathlon team practice, 18 committed individuals introduced themselves to the team and became familiar with their teammates. Soon after, the team separated into subgroups, each assigned with a different topic of this year’s academic decathlon theme of the 1960s.
In addition to meeting regularly during the weekdays, the team studied the content on their own time while juggling their school work, jobs, and life at home. “I wanted to join the team because I felt like I could take on the challenge of academic decathlon,” said sophomore
6 Phuong Nguyen. “I also wanted to experience what it would be like to go into an academic decathlon competition.” The Sierra High School team represented SHS with blue and white colored t-shirts, with the name Sierra High School imprinted in bold. In between testing times, teammates recuperated back in the LHS cafeteria where team members quizzed each other and prepared for another set of tests after their break. After testing, team members were faced with the daunting task of the Super Quiz. Each subgroup of each school gathered at the center of the large gym at LHS to answer a series of questions projected in front of them. A proctor stood present at each stand to mark the score. As points piled on, teammates cheered on from the bleachers, growing louder as their teammates on the floor began to stack
up points for their school. Sierra High School took second place overall for club category and junior Kaycee Snyder, took home a medal for the science category. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience for Sierra High School students to be part of a team effort while enduring long testing periods and months of preparation. Although no MUSD schools will move on to the state level, this competition honed these students skills, increased their connection to each other, and gave many of them a sense of accomplishment as individuals—and as a team.
26
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Advantage Future Teachers Share Exploratorium Workshop MUSD Advantage Future Teachers, in partnership with the Exploratorium in San Francisco, developed and implemented a two-day workshop designed to bring inquiry-based science teaching into the classroom. In the MUSD Advantage program, the Future Teachers are high school students who partner with a mentor teacher. Twelve student and teacher partnerships worked together to look at how phenomena should drive instruction. The pairs then developed lessons that will later be presented by the student in each mentor teacher’s classroom. To get their ideas flowing, the partnerships toured the Exploratorium together in the morning so that in the afternoon they could discuss
instructional practice and design lessons together.
East Union High School student Alyssa Nascimento enjoyed the exhibit “about vowel shaping because it applies to my interests.” As someone who enjoys choir, understanding the science behind mouth shape and sound was fascinating. “I learned a lot about different methods of teaching, as well as what they could be used for,” said Nascimento. “I found the science practices to be applicable to areas other than science.” Her partner, Sierra High School chemistry teacher Christopher Courtney said, “The activities confirmed that a lot of what I’m doing in class follows the Inquiry Method.” Prior to this Exploratorium experience, Nascimento has participated in other Advantage Future Teacher events.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Fe at u r e s
“EdCon was a good chance to try my hand at teaching, even if it was a room of adults,” Nascimento said.
The partnerships benefitted the teachers as well as the Advantage Future Teacher members.
Looking to the future, Courtney said, “I am looking forward to finalizing a lesson with Alyssa and watching her implement it in my chemistry classes.”
“As a teacher, it let me experience first-hand inquiry-based education by letting a student discover characteristics of physics and motion instead of simply telling them or having them read about it,” said Ann Niendorf of Mossdale Elementary.
Many students are partnered with elementary school teachers. They also enjoyed the exhibits together. “I do have a great memory with the geysers,” said Joshua Cowell teacher Gina Obrochta. “I quickly found out there was a splash zone.” In commenting on the workshop, Obrochta added, “I loved the team building aspect of these lessons. It was fun to do these lessons and figure out a way to make them more kindergarten friendly.” August Knodt teacher Sarah Guidry said, “It was amazing to see the different approaches and how the lesson could be very structured, semi structured, or not structured, and we all still came to the intended conclusions.”
The Exploratorium specializes in giving visitors of all ages a hands-on learning experience. “My favorite exhibit was the microscope,” said McParland teacher Shari Provost. “It was fascinating to look at and compare our hair, skin, the fabric of our clothes, etc.” The second day of the Exploratorium workshop gave teachers, and their Advantage Future Teacher partners, a chance to plan a lesson together for later classroom implementation. “These activities gave me some new
27
ideas about how I could modify lessons to rethink the way that some of my lessons are being taught,” said WRHS teacher Tamara Basepayne.
“It reminded me how fun and frustrating figuring things out can be.” Kelly Thorpe of Neil Hafley Elementary, added, “I am looking forward to seeing my student partner present the lesson we have created. I think it is such a great opportunity for them to get a feel for teaching in a real classroom.” As the Advantage Future Teacher program continues its planned activities throughout the year, these students will continue to grow in their skills and be better prepared to enter the classroom as a professional educator in the future.
28
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Working for Fiscal Responsibility Because MUSD leadership recognize the importance of identifying student needs and aligning funding and services to support those needs, they are working hard to balance the budget to account for long-term trends and changes from the state.
Beginning at the District cabinet level, MUSD Leadership has carefully analyzed the new governor’s proposals and how it affects the district. They have worked hard to organize and categorize where money is going and how to balance spending on long-
term debt versus funds that can only be spent on one-time categorical expenses. Following cabinet level meetings, District leadership met with the site leadership teams. These directors, principals, and other administrators helped offer insight on their individual site needs and what they see as possible budget solutions. Next, District Leadership brought together the entire Budget Advisory Committee (BAC-Pack) which included members of the MUSD Board of Trustees, Student Board Members, and key people from within MUSD and the community.
1
This included city council members, parents, librarians, teachers, union representatives, administrators, classified staff and others from the community. After hearing from Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke and Chief Business Officer Jacqui Breitenbucher, these BAC-Pack members got to work.
2
2
They sorted lists of Particular Kinds of Services (PKS) that are offered at the District and Site level into categories. Those categories were then sorted into recommendations of PKS the District can modify or eliminate to help create long-term budget solutions. Above all, District leadership strongly believes that this inclusive and transparent approach is what offers the best solutions for meeting the District’s Vision and Mission to educate students.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Fe at u r e s
3
6
4
6
6
5 1.
Executive Cabinet discusses the Strategic Timeline.
2. With District and site leadership, the discussion continues.
3. Dr. Clark Burke presents how
MUSD can implement a longterm balanced budget.
4. Chief Business Officer Jacqui
Breitenbucher explains District revenue and expenditures.
5. Board of Trustee President
Stephen J. Schluer participates in BAC-Pack.
6. The BAC-Pack in action,
including Trustee Bob Wallace, Trustee Marie Freitas, Senior Directors Clara Schmiedt and Dr. Cheryl Meeker-Mau, MEA President Ken Johnson, and student board member Jesse Moebius.
6
6
29
30
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
1
Job Fair Connects to Community As one of the largest employers in the city of Manteca, MUSD provides community opportunities to learn more about working for us. As a key part of that effort, MUSD held its fourth annual Job Fair on February 2, 2019.
1.
The teachers who received a tentative offer at the job fair.
2. A community member receives assistance applying on EdJoin.
3. Transportation and HR team members answer questions.
4. The preliminary interviews for potential teachers.
5. HR Director Dante Alvarez lets
candidates know who has been selected for a second interview.
2
tables about the 30 current classified openings. They also offered interested people a chance to apply online for those jobs.
At the job fair, the Classified Human Resources (HR) department provided job information and the Certificated HR department interviewed registered applicants to possibly teach for MUSD next fall.
“What we find in classified is that people are typically interested in working in a specific area or even at a school in their neighborhood,” Baker said.
“People were here before we were today,” said Ruth Baker, the Director of Classified HR. “I think what we have seen so far is interest in various areas.”
Baker explained that positions range from 1-2 hours a day to full-time jobs. The job fair attracted more attendees to learn about these jobs than last year.
Baker’s team provided information
“We had a good number of people stopping by and about a dozen people sign up to take the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test,” said HR Department Supervisor Sarah Morris. Morris explained that the NCLB test is required for classified positions working directly with students, such as classroom paraprofessionals and digital support technicians. If applicants already have 48 units of
Feb r u a r y 201 9
3
31
Fe at u r e s
3
college coursework, they do not need to take the test. MUSD is also hiring people in the transportation department. “Most people say that they are surprised in how much is involved in becoming a school bus driver,” said Julie Hale, a Bus Operator for MUSD. “But if you think about it, we are hauling very precious cargo so they hold us to a high standard.” Hale explained that to be a bus driver, a prospective employee must have a commercial Class B license and a school bus certificate as well. “Typically, it takes 2½ to 3 months to become a bus driver,” Hale said. “We do not charge for training, and we will reimburse any fees for taking tests at CHP and DMV and if they stay with us for 6 months.” For prospective classroom educators, the MUSD job fair goes a little differently. Applicants were required to sign up on edjoin.org/musd no later than January 25th in order to be interviewed for positions available in the fall. “We want to make sure that we can get the highest quality teachers we can,” said Certificated HR Director Dante Alvarez. “This year, we added a second interview that helped us really narrow it down to the right teachers.”
4 Alvarez added the MUSD has been hiring about 100 teachers a year, but the trend is going down. “Every year, we have been able to fill all of our positions” Alvarez said. “We are not really hiring interns, but instead fully credentialed teachers with more experience.”
Alvarez added, “We are very grateful that the administrators and our volunteers were there on a Saturday.”
“We want to make sure that we can get the highest quality teachers we can,” said Certificated HR Director Dante Alvarez.
Not just the administrators, but the entire HR team was on hand that day to help. “My role was to get them motivated and ready for the interview process,” said HR technician Ruth Conijn. “I try to help them not be nervous because there could ultimately be a position out there for you in the next few months even if you do not get an offer today.”
5
32
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
6 6. The Future Teacher students and
their advisor Stacia Lagomarsino.
7. Future teacher students listen to an interview.
8. Future teacher students talk with Anthony Chapman.
Although it takes a lot of organizational effort behind the scenes, the HR team believes it is worth it.
“We have established our reputation as a District and that we are willing to do what we need to benefit our students,” said HR Technician Valerie Rodriguez. “We work hard every year to try to perfect our system in the most efficient way.”
7
That system was helped by students in the MUSD Advantage Future Teachers Pathway Program who listened in on some interviews. “A lot of people come in nervous,” said LHS Future Teacher Melissa Tellez. “But later, we could see them break loose from that and start getting into the topics and what the principals were asking.”
8
The Future Teacher students also spent some time talking with administrators. “We look for aptitude, ability and passion so that we can find people who are qualified potential educators to impact our campus,” said SHS Assistant Principal Anthony Chapman. Chapman explained that some applicants are new from college and some have more experience. “Each site is going to have one or two people retiring,” Chapman said. “You lose so much experience when someone retires. They are almost always the backbone of our campus.” Any student who completes the Advantage Future Teacher Pathway Program is guaranteed a chance to interview with MUSD upon completion of their degree and credential program. “It is so exciting!” said LHS Future Teacher Maria Soto. “I want to go to Delta for two years, then transfer to Stanislaus, and then from there come work for MUSD.”
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Fe at u r e s
33
Measure G Moves Forward
As presented at the MUSD Board Meeting on February 12th, site plans for French Camp, George McParland, and New Haven show our progress with campus modernization planning.
J11
DSA #46729
DSA #02-110903
J10
BUILDING A
DSA #49515
J9 DSA #02-100061
BUILDING J CAFETERIA
DSA #02-100061
OFFICE
DSA #49515
DEMO B
GREEN SPACE / MIDDLE SCHOOL ZONE
FENCE LIBRARY
BUS DROP
DSA #46729
P4
P3
P2
P1 DSA #41315
P5
DSA #41315
P6
DSA #41315
P7
DSA #41315
DSA #49786
P8
DSA #41315
P9
DSA #66267
P10
7 6 5
3
2
NEW CLASSROOM BUILDING
4
NEW PARKING 92 STALLS
T T 8
1
T
DSA #50241
DEMO P11 - P14
French Camp
SITE PLAN
Demolition & Removal of B-WING Classrooms
1" = 30'-0"
SCOPE Site
• • • • • • • •
Demo Building B New (lockable)pParking lot New bus loop Possible green space for middle school students Possible fitness equipment (in addition to existing play apparatus) Possible shade structure Site Lighting – new parking lot, around new classrooms Fencing to fully enclose new building (exterior doors are accessible from campus)
Construction of New Classroom Building New Site Improvements Existing Classroom Modernization • Fire alarm, carpet, lighting • Loudspeaker / pager replacement New Classroom Building • (8) Classrooms • Shared Learning Commons • Student and staff toilet rooms
New Parking Lot
FRENCH CAMP - MEASURE G PROJECT MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Bus Loop & Site Entry Asphalt Play Court Fire Alarm / Paging System Upgrades Core Planning Group: Principal Renee Knapp and Vice Principal Jennifer Taylor, Teachers Laurie Vasquez and Stacie Silveria, Custodian Jerry Arslanian, Construction Technician Michael Lehr and Architects Tim DeWitt and Michelle Hecht.
2/12/19
rainfort grau architec
34
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
George McParland
Construction of New Multipurpose Building Restroom Modernization (E) CafĂŠ Conversion to Resource Center New Site Improvements Asphalt Play Court Parking Lot Alterations Fire Alarm / Paging System Upgrades Core Planning Group: Principal Dale Borgeson and Vice Principals Beth Horton and Karen Corchero, Teachers Emily Jacob and Rosemarie Buccieri, Custodians Jeffrey Markham and Brian Peacock, Construction Technician Michael Lehr and Architect Tim Huff.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
New Haven
Construction of New Multi-purpose Building (same plan as George McParland). Restroom Modernization Kindergarten Modernization Safe Perimeter Controls Entry of Campus New Site Improvements Asphalt Play Court Kinder PlayAarea Fire Alarm / Paging System Upgrades Core Planning Group: Principal David O’Leary and Vice Principal Sandy Del Mundo, Teachers Eric Alves and Peggy Danel, Construction Technician Jeffrey McLarty and Architects Tim Huff, Larry Bell and Jonathon Gish.
Fe at u r e s
35
36
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
The Lancers Hit Rewind Daniel Acevedo Student Intern
Homecoming week at East Union High School is always a busy yet exciting time. This year it took place the week of February 4-8, and the Lancers hit Rewind back the 70s, 80s, and 90s for their theme. For nominees, this is the week that almost feels like fame. The Friday prior 3 Princes and 3 Princesses (Freshmen) and 5 kings and 5 Queens (Juniors) were surprised in their classroom with silly string and taken to have a breakfast to congratulate for being selected as nominees. During homecoming spirit week, the candidates battle for best dressed while the rest of the EUHS students express
their creativity too. The first day of the week featured a night rally day where the four classes compete in a dance off based on their theme for the week.
This year, retro tv shows were featured themes. For the freshmen, it was Full House, the sophomores had That 70s Show, the juniors selected Fresh Prince of Bel Air, and the Seniors were the most modern by choosing the show Friends. Along with the dance competitions, each category of candidate competed in a lip sync battle. Junior Jason Steele took first place for the kings. “It wasn’t nerve racking at all actually. It was pretty easy after I figured out what to do,” said Steele. “I would like to thank theater for making me more outgoing because I definitely would have crashed in the middle of the performance if I got nervous.” Outfits people wore for dress up days were some of the best, especially from the candidates. “I loved dressing up. It was really
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Fe at u r e s
fun and challenging to be creative and think outside the box to be best dressed,” said junior Alexandria Avalos. “My favorite outfit would have to be 70s because even though dressing like a hippie is simple, I got to be creative and artsy in my makeup.”
The Queen was Francesca Sordi, a foreign exchange student from Italy. During her shout out she stated, “I want to thank my host family for all the love and support I have received being here. My family back home have also has supported me so much.”
At the end of the week, the hot topic was about to come to an end for the winners.
She added that she had made amazing connections at East Union.
“Being nominated this time was better than the last time because I was nominated next to people I’ve known for much longer,” said Junior Michael Cabida. “The whole experience was just really fun to participate in.” That night, the winner of the Queen award shocked everyone.
To win homecoming queen as a foreign exchange student, must be an unforgettable experience. Once again, the Lancers put on an amazing homecoming week that the student body thoroughly enjoyed. It was fun for everyone to press rewind.
“I want to thank my host family for all the love and support I have received being here.”
37
38
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
WRHS Boys Basketball Team Continues Their Winning Streak The Weston Ranch Boys Basketball team has maintained a winning streak of twenty-nine games in a row! They have had only one loss against Archbishop Mitty in San Jose.
Julia Martinez Student Intern
The Weston Ranch team is ranked number two in their Sac-Joaquin Section, number fourteen in the State of California, and number thirty-eight Nationally.
They went 12-0 in the Valley Oak League and they are 30-1 overall.
The team has had a tremendous amount of improvement throughout the season and developed a great bond with each other on and off the court. The coaches of the team, Chris Teevan and Eddie Menzel, have worked hard and put all their efforts into the boys’ basketball team to motivate the players to strive as a whole. Senior Raul Melgarejo describes his team as being focused, having great leadership and communication skills, and having a fun time while playing. Junior Quinten Booker said that his team plays close attention to detail
Feb r u a r y 201 9
with how they play on the court and are always prepared for any team, and never underestimate their opponents. “Off the court, we do team bonding activities like going to the Sacramento Kings game and the UOP basketball game,” said junior Titus Haley. “On the court, we have a lot of practice time with each other which allows us to learn each other’s tendencies.” Senior Anthony Lily added that the team spends a lot of time together getting to know each other first. Playing together and going on team bonding trips has built their bond over time. The team has a dream of achieving a section title, with both Lily and Haley agreeing they can get the job done and that have made it too far not to complete their goal. “I think we can complete our goal of achieving a section title because we have all been working really hard this season and we have put in so much time and effort,” Melgarejo said. Booker added that he hopes for his opportunity of winning a section title to become a reality because his team
Fe at u r e s
has put in all the work and are ready to achieve it. The Weston Ranch boys basketball team has proven their work ethic and will take on the arduous task of winning the Division Three SacJoaquin Section title. On Wednesday’s game against Manteca, their final playoff game before the championship game, they took their 30th win.
This win is leading them to the game at the Golden 1 Center Arena in Sacramento on February 23rd. The players, the coaches, the families, and the supporters within the Weston Ranch Community will be there to cheer on the boys and all their accomplishments throughout the season on Saturday evening’s game. They have done many great things and have worked hard to be where they are at, pushing forward to achieve their next goal.
On Wednesday’s game against Manteca, their final playoff game before the championship game, they took their 30th win.
39
40
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
Brigade JROTC Military Ball Celebrates Service Traditions
By Michael Cerezo WRHS JROTC Teacher
On February 16th, 2019, the Weston Ranch HS Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) Cougar Battalion hosted the annual MantecaRipon Brigade JROTC Military Ball at the National Guard Armory by the Stockton Metropolitan Airport. The ball’s theme was “Cupid’s Enchanted Night” and over 240 cadets, escorts and guests enjoyed the traditional military customs and camaraderie. They came from the four JROTC programs from the five Manteca USD high schools (Weston Ranch, East Union, Manteca, and Lathrop/Sierra) and Ripon High School. JROTC instructors, administrators, chaperones, and their spouses equally enjoyed the festivities and Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke—who is also a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves—was the opening speaker.
He received an appreciation plaque from Cadet/Lieutenant Colonel Lissette Loera, the Cougar battalion commander, and Lieutenant Colonel Michael Cerezo, WRHS Senior Army Instructor. In addition, Clara Schmiedt, Senior Director of Secondary Education, received an appreciation plaque for her years of support to the JROTC program that was first established in the District in the early 1990’s. Weston Ranch HS Cadet/Sergeant First Class Carlos Lopez narrated the POW MIA table ceremony.
It pays humble tribute to those service members who may still be enduring the agonies of pain, deprivation and internment.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
Upon completion of the table ceremony and the music “Taps,” the five commanders – Weston Ranch Cougar Battalion C/LTC Loera, Manteca Buffalo Battalion C/LTC Ivan Gomez, Lathrop Spartan Battalion C/ LTC Briana Manley, East Union Lancer Battalion C/LTC Erica Canas, and Ripon Indian Battalion C/LTC Alexis Ramirez - each took turns toasting for everyone to raise their glasses filled with sparkling apple cider to America, Commander-in-Chief, Armed Forces, Army Cadet Command, and JROTC. Afterwards, everyone ate the delicious dinner from the banquet line filled with chicken with chipotle sauce, pasta, salad, rolls, and chips with salsa. The traditional JROTC cake was served as dessert, but first a cake-cutting ceremony with a sabre was conducted by the battalion commanders, Dr. Burke, and LTC Melan Salas, the ball’s guest speaker. LTC Salas is the Professor of Military Science of the Santa Clara University Army ROTC Bronco Battalion. He graduated from the University of Guam.
Fe at u r e s
He brought his assistant, Master Sergeant Vernon Jackson, and two cadets Victoria Whang and Irish Manalang from the Bay Area to experience a JROTC Military Ball. Both LTC Salas and cadet Manalang addressed the attendees about their lives, why they were interested in the military and Army ROTC, and gave inspirational advice to the cadets and their guests. Cadet Manalang was also a high school student who joined her school’s JROTC program. As with Dr. Burke and Mrs. Schmiedt, C/LTC Loera and LTC Cerezo presented an appreciation plaque to LTC Salas and a Cougar
41
Battalion challenge coin to cadet Manalang. With the formal portion of the ball coming to a close, a Frankie Valli song “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” played for all the couples to slow dance to and start the informal fun part of the night. Manteca DJ James Greer, a US Navy veteran, provided entertaining music throughout the night and everyone took advantage of the Presley Pix Photobooth which produced over 600 pictures of guests posing with funny props and sunglasses. This was definitely a “Cupid’s Enchanted Night” to remember!
42
Fe a t u re s
Fe b rua r y 2 0 1 9
10TH ANNUAL
Saturday, March 2nd
SHOW
MANTECA HIGH SCHOOL GYM 6:00PM SHOWTIME
$5 ADMISSION
For ticket info contact: CTE Fashion Merchandising Students or (209) 601.6651 Clothing Provided by:
StuDEnT WorK
Prom Collection
Thrift Collection
Denim Collection
Classified Training Certification Program The fourth session of the MUSD CTCP program has recently begun.
consider advancement into leadership roles for MUSD.
The program enables internal classified employees to learn from District leadership about the roles and responsibilities of management as they
The voluntary experience requires attendees to study how the district works, equity and diversity, labor relations, embracing the leadership
role, effective discipine, performance evaluation, the interview process and other District fundamentals. We are proud of these employees who are preparing for leadership roles.
Feb r u a r y 201 9
In Other News
Sierra Wins VOL Title
It is not often that a tie is as good as a win, but Monday night Sierra clinched the outright girls Valley Oak League soccer crown with a 2-2 tie against second place East Union at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium.
Perfect Decathlon Speech
It was a memorable day for Manteca High. At the 38th annual Academic Decathlon held Saturday at Lathrop High, Solman Aniss delivered a rare perfect 1,000 score in the gold-medal speech competition.
Rival Schools Step Up
Last week, the East Union High boys’ soccer program hosted Sierra in the “Kicking for A Cure” game. All proceeds were earmarked to help Lancer senior Pablo Palacios, who is receiving treatments for lung cancer.
Sierra High Takes 2nd in Club Division at Academic Decathlon
Earlier in the school year, Jared Rio took on the task of putting together an Academic Decathlon team for Sierra.
L o cal N ews
43
New Haven, McParland & French Camp Upgrades next
New Haven and George McParland elementary schools are targeted to receive new multi-purpose rooms.
Fast Hired as Weston Ranch High Principal
Troy Fast is the new principal at Weston Ranch High School.
Safer Drop Off Zone
The jumble of cars and pedestrians along Northgate Drive where many parents drop off and pick up their sons and daughters that attend East Union High will largely disappear as part of a $14 million campus upgrade
Gym May Be New Office
Manteca High’s small gym could be converted into the new campus administration complex.
Sierra High Hosts MUSD’s 2nd Punjabi club
Sierra High is the second school in the district with a Punjabi club.
MUSD Holds Fourth Annual MacGyver Night! Administrators, teachers and staff came together in a friendly competition to build the strongest bridge they could out of a few straws and tape. After thirty minutes of intense engineering effort, the teams suspended their bridges for the ultimate weight test. A raffle for classroom STEM equipment was held after the event, and many participants took back with them something to get their students’ creativity going.