MARK Highlights
Manteca Unified School Board
the
March 2018, Issue 1
Why?
Making a positive difference to each and every student daily.
Generation Z:
The most diverse generation ever. see page 17
Contents
M A RCH 2018, ISSUE 1
At Our Schools
MUSD School Board
Choices and Consequences
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Lathrop Elementary Receives Grant
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FC Students & Pennies for Patients
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French Camp Eagles Fly
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Eric Duncan, Area 1
Character Counts Recognition
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Kathy Howe, Area 2
be.tech Visits Brock Elliott
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SHS FFA at Chico State Field Day
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Future Teachers Visit UOP
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be.tech Students Shine at SkillsUSA
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Read Across America Day
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President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6 Vice President Bob Wallace, Area 7 Board Clerk Evelyn Moore, Area 5
Michael Seelye, Area 3 Nancy Teicheira, Area 4
MUSD Superintendents Superintendent Jason Messer Deputy Superintendents Dr. Clark Burke
Community Outreach
Roger Goatcher
From a Gen X Mom of Gen Z Kids
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A Picture of Generation Z
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There is More to Us Than That!
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Who is Generation Z? We Are!
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We Are Anything But Lazy
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SHS KIWIN’s Uses Service to Strive for Brighter Futures
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Mission
LHS Symphonic Band at Community Band Concert
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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.
Department News History-Social Science Textbook Adoption
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Kindergarten Summer Bridge Program
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GECAC 19th Annual Bowl-A-Thon!
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MHS Postcards Offer Hope
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The Mark Highlights is published twice per month, on average. It is a publication of the MUSD Superintendent’s Office: Superintendent’s Office Community Outreach Manteca Unified School District 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 MUSD Vision and Mission, because above all,
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.
On the cover: Weston Ranch High School Students on the first day of school, savoring a few minutes together before they head to their first period class. Photo by Peter Gale.
we value making a positive difference to each and every student daily.
Peter Gale Design, Reporting, and Editing
The Mark Highlights Team are:
Erica McCullough: Design & Photography Contributor
Victoria Brunn Director and Executive Editor vbrunn@musd.net Lindsay Stayner Content Coordination and Editor lstayner@musd.net
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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Choices and Consequences by Calla High Principal Last month, Calla High School hosted the Choices and Consequences presentation led by the Honorable Judge Vlavianos of the Superior Court of San Joaquin County. It is a drugged driving prevention program aiming to bring awareness to teens about the lifelong impact of impaired choices. The students witnessed videotaped segments of local people whose families have been devastated by drugged driving and how the repercussions of a moment in time lasts for years to come. In addition, students were brought face to face with the impact of choices previously made as they were able to participate in an interactive
session with inmates from Folsom and Central California Women’s Prisons.
the students and told of their journeys to make their lives positive.
Students heard the tragic stories of individuals who at one time were just everyday teens. However, because of circumstances and choices, they are all now living with lengthy prison sentences.
We are grateful to Judge Vlavianos and his outreach staff for coming to Calla High School.
Calla High’s students and staff were genuinely touched and humbled by the personal stories of those incarcerated and the men and women who graciously stood before
Lathrop Elementary Receives Grant by David Silveira Lathrop Elementary Principal
Lathrop applied for the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation Grant for the STEAM Lab last July, and was awarded $50,000!!! The grant will be used for the school’s new STEAM Lab for furniture and technology. Lathrop plans to celebrate the opening of the new STEAM Lab with a ribbon cutting. Followed by robotics and other STEAM activities, guest speakers, food, and telescopes. Lathrop Elementary School is known for its English learner success, literacy
intervention, and now STEAM! Lathrop prides itself on the belief that “Everyone has an opportunity to own their success in a safe, positive, and student-centered learning environment!” The celebratory opening takes place on March 21st beginning at 5:30pm and ends after a viewing of the stars, constellations, and planets.
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FC Students & Pennies for Patients by Suzanne McCreath French Camp Principal French Camp students recently raised $2,276.58 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through its Pennies for Patients Program. Miss Agdeppa and her leadership students spearheaded this fundraising effort with lots of fun activites and incentives for the students. Classrooms challenged each other to a pizza party and Mrs. Silveira’s second grade classroom was the overall winner. Students were encouraged to wear PJ’s on Tuesday and bring in their pennies. On Wednesday, students were to wear neon colors and donate nickels. Thursday saw students dressed up for their dream jobs and donating dimes. Friday, students wore orange to support LLS and donated their quarters. Miss Agdeppa proposed a challenge to students and staff to raise $2,000.00; If the goal was met, there would be a school-wide assembly on Friday afternoon where 5 staff members, voted on by the students, would have a pie in their face.
Students eagerly approached this goal and enjoyed witnessing the top 5 teachers (Mr. Kahler, Ms. Petrey, Ms. Baldeon, Ms. Rodriguez, and Ms. Hill) acting as good sports having pie in their face.
If the goal was met, there would be a school-wide assembly where 5 staff members would have a pie in their face.
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French Camp Eagles Fly
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2017 Literacy Hero Award Lesley Fontanilla, Program Coordinator at French Camp, was recently presented the 2017 Literacy Hero Award by Great Valley Book Fest. Congratulations!
Elks Annual Dictionary Giveaway The Elks recently presented every 3rd grader at French Camp with their very own dictionary. This annual event has been putting smiles on our 3rd graders for many, many years.
Collaborative Wednesdays Late start collaborative Wednesdays continue to allow our teachers to develop their professional skills. Effective collaboration and time is allowing for positive growth!
Character Counts Recognition by Suzanne McCreath French Camp Principal French Camp recognized students for “Respect” at their monthly Character Counts Awards Assembly. Each teacher also gave out their monthly “Eagle” award to a student who was most deserving in their class. Eagle award winners are chosen by each teacher and can be given for improvement in behavior, academics, attendance, or any other topic the teacher chooses.
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be.tech Visits Brock Elliott by Debbie Ruger Brock Elliott Principal
who are passionate about entering a skilled workforce.
High school students from be.tech visited Brock Elliott Elementary to perform a live, hands-on demonstration of what makes be.tech unique. be.tech, is a career technical education charter school for students
The Champions loved seeing former students from Brock Elliott, now attending and presenting on behalf of be.tech. Through the presentation, eighth grade students were placed into
three groups: culinary, medical and manufacturing. These align with be.tech’s three academies: be.cuisine, be.industrial, and be.first. Students from both schools communicated openly, which enabled Brock Elliott students the opportunity to begin thinking about goals and direction after their eighth grade promotion.
SHS FFA at Chico State Field Day by Amy Bohiken SHS FFA Teacher The Sierra High School Cooperative Marketing team competed at the Chico State Field Day on Saturday. They placed as 2nd High Team. Amber Zarevich placed as 3rd High Individual. The Cooperative Marketing contest prepares students with the practices and operations of Agricultural Cooperatives. Students take a written examination based on the booklet Exploring Farmer Cooperatives provided by the Agricultural Council of California.
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Future Teachers Visit UOP
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by Stacia Lagomarsino Advantage Future Teacher Coordinator These are some pictures from a field trip our MUSD Advantage Future Teachers went on to the University of the Pacific.
How Connected Do You Feel?
The trip consisted of a campus tour, a presentation from the Benerd School of Education, and lunch in DeRosa WeCenter. are evaluating our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), which prioritizes how the University district and school sites spend resources on: conditions of learning, pupil outcomes, school After lunch, our culture, Future Teachers sat climate, and engagement. down with students who are currently We want to know how we are doing! Thought Exchange provides a way for you to share your enrolled thoughts, in the credential and of others, from March 5 to March 14. Register now to help us and rateprogram the thoughts spoke with the Dean ofinvited the Benerd ensure you are in the exchange! School of Education.
Use your mobile phone to register!
http://bit.ly/lcapthink
How Connected Do You Feel?
We are evaluating our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), which prioritizes how the district and school sites spend resources on: conditions of learning, pupil outcomes, school climate, culture, and engagement. We want to know how we are doing! Thought Exchange provides a way for you to share your thoughts, and rate the thoughts of others, from March 5 to March 14. Register now to help us ensure you are invited in the exchange!
http://bit.ly/lcapthink
Use your mobile phone to register!
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be.tech Students Shine at SkillsUSA by Kristen Messer be.tech Teacher
Now, sixteen of these students will advance to the state competition held in Southern California in midApril.
Students from be.cuisine, be.first and be.industrial participated in the SkillsUSA California regionals last month in competitions including firefighting, CPR, welding, cooking and baking. The all-day competition was held at San Joaquin Delta College and hosted by SkillsUSA, a national nonprofit partnership of students, teachers, and industries working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. Fourteen different schools from San Joaquin, Tulare, and Fresno counties participated. “It was a great day. Our students worked really hard to build their skills to get to this level and it really showed,” said Mike Patterson, be.tech teacher for industrial arts.
be.cuisine students who brought home medals for the culinary competition are Gianni Chavez (gold), Michelle Navarro (silver), and Maria Alcazar (bronze). “It was fun! We made chicken in a butter sauce with a side of rice. They [the judges] score us on our knife cuts, how it tastes, our presentation, and how quickly we make it. We have a time limit and we are deducted a point for every extra minute we take,” stated Gianni. Maria Navarro was beaming when she said, “I was so happy. I was the youngest one in my competition!” Ayrikha Cavanaugh, Rosie Valdivia, and LeeAnn Clegg respectively brought home the gold, silver and bronze medals in the baking competition, which scored students on banana bread, pie crust, and sugar cookies. According to Chef Bryan Ehrenholm, the students made dozens of pie crusts in an effort to perfect their skills for the competition. be.first students participating in the
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Medalists Culinary
Gianni Chavez: Gold Michelle Navarro: Silver Maria Alcazar: Bronze
Baking Ayrikha Cavanaugh: Gold Rosie Valdivia: Silver LeeAnn Clegg: Bronze
CPR Skills Logan Wilson: Gold Brooke Benson: Bronze
firefighting competition had to prove their merit in donning firefighting gear, ropes and knots, hose drag, 25-lb high rise stair climb, 150lb mannequin drag, and an oral interview. Porter Wilder earned the gold medal, with classmates Jared Alford, Jack Hutchinson, and Mason Wilder earning 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places, respectively. be.first students Logan Wilson (gold) and Brooke Benson (bronze) earned their medals in CPR skills. There were a variety of welding competitions as well; including MIG, TIG, and combination welding. Randall Hinson brought home gold in the category of MIG welding, and Tyler Bell and Jacob DeLoach won bronze in stick welding. Winners for the combination welding competition are Demitrius Valle Daigle (gold), Josh Cozby (silver), and Nic Cantrell (bronze).
“The layouts had to be done a certain way and I was one of the only ones who followed directions,” stated Demitrius. Now, sixteen of these students will advance to the state competition held in Southern California in mid-April. According to Demitrius, “Now, we need to start practicing for State!” Gianni pointed out that they [the competitors] will receive the culinary competition recipes any day now and can start trying them out and making improvements on the basic recipes. Porter said, “I’m excited about going to State. Now, we can do more in-depth training. I can’t wait to see how we do. It should be fun!” We can’t wait to see how everyone does either! Best of luck to all of the be.tech contenders.
Stick Welding Tyler Bell: Gold Jacob DeLoach: Bronze
MIG Welding Randall Hinson: Gold
Firefighting Porter Wilder: Gold Jared Alford: Silver Jack Hutchinson: Bronze Mason Wilder: 4th
Combination Welding Demetrius Valle Daigle: Gold Josh Cozby: Silver Nic Cantrell: Bronze
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Read Across
March 2nd is the birthday of Theodor Seuss Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss! In honor of this, nationwide we celebrate with books, costumes, spirit, and creativity known as Read Across America Day.
Happy 114th birthday Dr. Seuss! In the next 6 pages, we share photos that have captured the moments of Read Across America across MUSD.
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New Haven
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Veritas Elementary
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Joshua Cowell Elementary
nior Admin Dr. Meeker -Mau
A visit from Se
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August Knodt Elementary
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Director of Community OutreachVictora Brunn
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Manteca Unified School District
Numbers updated 10-02-2017
95.1% Communities Served
City of Manteca City of Lathrop City of Stockton Township of French Camp Unincorporated Areas of the City of Manteca
Employees
Certificated: 1, 283 Classified: 1,316
Graduation Rate
112.73
Square Miles
Schools
Budget General Fund $288,480,424
2017-2018 Total Expenditures
5 Comprehensive High Schools 20 K-8 Schools 1 Dependent Charter High School 1 Adult School 3 Alternative High Schools 33 Pre-School Classes
Board Members Stephen J. Schluer, President Bob Wallace, Vice President Evelyn Moore, Clerk Eric Duncan Kathy Howe Michael Seelye Nancy Teicheira
58.55%
Socioeconomically Disadvantaged
Superintendents
24% English Language Learners 39 Different Languages Transportation
Jason Messer, Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke, Deputy Superintendent Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent
3,367 Students Served On Average Per Day
2017-2018
Enrollment
23,860*
Ethnic Groups
*
* * Does not include Pre-School and Adult School Students
www.mantecausd.net facebook.com/proudtobemusd
(209)825-3200
Mailing Address: PO BOX 32 Manteca, CA 95336 Physical Address: 2271 W Louise Ave Manteca, CA 95337
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Special Feature:
For this special feature, we asked our Community Outreach Interns to research characteristics of their generation and report on what they found. How well do they match up with the stereotypes about them? How do they see themselves and their peers? One of the big changes with each succeeding generation is how much diversity increases. As you can see from our district infographic on the opposite page, MUSD is incredibly diverse. As you can see, we are also generationally diverse. Members of generation Z are already joining the MUSD team and entering the general workforce nationwide. What do you think? Do any of these attributes below describe you, your students, or the people you work with in MUSD?
Gen Z and MUSD
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From a Gen X Mom of Gen Z Kids by Victoria Brunn Director of Community Outreach
I like to think I have taught them a few things as well. The most important of which is empathy and compassion.
We are turning the page for this edition of The MARK Highlights to focus entirely on our students in today’s 21st century classroom. With that being said, this is a personal perspective from a mom, educator, and communicator in a world that is continuously live, real, and raw.
am a click away from knowing their immediate school grades, I am wellinformed (thanks Google and Bing), I am a swipe away from the latest trends thanks to my social media access, and I have the space to like, comment, or share what I think in about a hundred different ways.
Before we delve in, let’s answer the ‘What is a generation?’ question as simply as possible. A generation is “all of the people born and living at about the same time, regarded collectively.”
Moreover, I have a new type of relationship with my children…I get to enjoy their lives 24/7 alongside of them because of digital access to one another.
It can also be described as, “the average period, generally considered to be about twenty to thirty years, during which children are born and grow up, become adults, and begin to have children of their own.”
Of course, these are generalizations (see the root word) and know that each and every student is unique and brings their personal spirit to the table. However, as we approach this generation, we are seeing common traits and threads of behavior.
I am a Gen X’er. Born between 19651984, raised by a Baby Boomer (19441964) and a Traditionalist (1922-1943), now raising a Gen Z’er (1995-2012). They say I am a co-pilot parent unlike my mom, who was a helicopter parent. I am admittedly different than my mother. I am a click away from knowing where my children are at all times, I
They have been fully immersed in YouTube and different platforms of social media since birth. They are a generation that grew up with easy access to information on a smartphone and they are accustomed to efficient and quick solutions in the Digital Age. They have what is referred to commonly as FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) as they scan their unique group of friends for the best event to attend. They are also a generation who seeks out safe spaces, free of harassment and harsh judgment, and a strong minority do not believe there can be a consensus on truth. In other words, what may be true for you, may not be necessarily “true for me.” It is this independent spirit that we see as they use all social media to reach one another globally to mobilize a movement forcing the
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conversation further about violence in our schools. They are wielding the powerhouse of Snapchat and Twitter to reach one another and actively engage in conversation and protest. What does this all mean? How does it impact education? Well, it means communication is constant. Which also means the standard mode for response time is immediate. Are you feeling that way in your classrooms? In your workplaces? Suffice it to say, as the mother of one Gen Z’er in college as a freshman and one who is a high school freshman. I like to say they have both taught me a great deal through the raising of a parent. They have taught me they are far more financially conservative than I am. They like to spend my money—not theirs. They have taught me they understand and have an opinion on not only relating to current events locally but globally. I receive
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a text message or a private message via Instagram on every political movement known to man and my generation’s misuse of power. They have taught me how to connect Alexa (Amazon AI) to my grocery list, my lights, my music, my books. They know to run software updates as a first step of attack when I am frustrated with yet another digital tool that fails me (due to user error, of course). They have taught me that their world from a very young age has been comprised of raw and real footage of terrorism both domestic and global. They are referred to as the “Homeland” generation because they guard their safety and have a heightened awareness of all things around them, once again the need for “safe spaces.” Unlike their Millennial friends, they want to do more than just “like” a cause on Facebook or round up their receipt at the grocery store. They want to start a foundation that delivers services to a third world country that makes an
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impact on today—immediate action. I like to think I have taught them a few things as well. The most important of which is empathy and compassion. To remember there is a need for spirituality in their lives. To me, this is the most important lesson of all. We wanted to dedicate this issue to our precious students who entertain, frustrate, and stimulate us daily. We hope that you take a minute to read the stories submitted by our student interns (this issue, and every publication), as they tell a story through their unique perspective. We especially hope that this begins a conversation and an understanding of our powerful Gen Z’ers. As I write this article I am receiving a text message from my oldest about his latest exam score in Statistics and an Instagram private message from my youngest about the latest messaging from the President. I’m working. Happy Parenting and Teaching!
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A Picture of Generation Z by Dominique Muñoz Community Outreach Intern
My name is Dominique Munoz, and I am proud to be Gen Z! I am the perfect example of our generation. Your average female high school student, who is interested in her phone and would rather text my mom than walk out to the living room just to ask her a question.
I am the most down to earth girl and can be a great friend, but struggle with social anxiety and depression. I am into diversity and change, and always looking at ways to improve our society—how I can get involved to help bring us back together. I would say I am a community service type of girl. I found it a humbling experience volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank. While there, I was able to experience a different type of appreciation for the small things in life. My family doesn’t go through a constant struggle of wondering where our next meal is going to come from or how we are going to make ends
meet. I witnessed first hand part of the struggle of people who do have this worry day to day. While they were picking up their groceries to sustain their families, it showed me that I truly have a lot to be thankful for and to not take things for granted. In addition to community service, I care about things like sports, social media, hanging out with friends, and interacting with others. Though it’s hard for me to open up or talk to new people, I challenge myself every day to smile at someone new and possibly spark a conversation. To me, people and connections are important. One of the ways I connect best is through my camera. I love doing photo shoots, seeing the smiles on my client’s faces and hearing their replies when viewing their session pictures. It was fun to start my own business while still in high school. School has always been something my
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Starting her own photography business in high school, Dominique chose to name it “Younique Photography.” On this page, you see a small sample of the visual style of her work. Like many in her generation, she believes in the power of images to make a statement.
parents focused on. They instilled in me as a child how important school is. My mom had to spend extra time later in life to get her GED and go to college.
self-taught and I think some extra training could help me out a lot! Someday, I would like to have one baby, and if I could choose it would be a boy with my future husband.
Knowing how hard it is to live on minimum wage, and both of my parents being high school dropouts, made me decide that I would not be one too. Granted, it is my decision to go to school because nobody can force anyone to do something. I do not want to head down that same path. I would like to attend a trade school to expand my knowledge in photography and design.
I know life is a game of obstacles, but just like when something blocks you in Mario cart, just push it away and keep moving forward! Unless its an opportunity, then you take it!
I would like to get more education in photography because I am currently
This is me, I am a YouTube watching, photography loving, community serving Generation Z female. There’s a lot to our generation that I will be forever thankful for: like Google and YouTube that provide information when you have a question that nobody around you can answer!
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There is More to Us Than That!
by Judit Zamora Community Outreach Intern
With adults, I flip the switch and become a sophisticated young woman who has it all together.
It is uncertain of what year Generation Z started, but some say that if you were born in 1995 or later, you’re part of Generation Z. All the other generations prior to Gen Z say we are a diverse group who is mostly involved with technology unlike any others. They also claim that this gives us a short attention span. I am a 17-year-old girl and I am a part of Generation Z. Most of my fellow students would describe me as a caring person who is a bit on the crazy side. The adults in my life describe me as more of a self-motivated person who is very outspoken. But how do I view myself? How do I represent my generation? My name is Judit Zamora and I am
currently a senior at Weston Ranch High School (WRHS). I am not just one thing and easy categorical labels do not apply. I have multiple parts to me that are very different—and that is what makes me who I am today. With my friends, I am a crazy kid filled with enormous energy. With adults, I flip the switch and become a sophisticated young woman who has it all together. I am very competitive, and I use this part of me in many aspects of my life. I have been playing volleyball for years and it is one of my passions. Aside from sports, my competitive nature (or attitude) translates into the classroom and my active day to day life. I am the ASB Vice President for WRHS, and also serve as Student
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Left: WRHS Volleyball Team pumps themselves up. Above: Some of the words often associated with Generation Z. Above Right: Judit Zamora spending time with people instead of on her phone. Right: Zamora with her fellow Student Board Members at the California School Board Association event.
Board Member for all of Manteca Unified School District. These positions do not define who I am, but they do say a little about who I am. When Millennials talk about how “kids are the future” there is a lot of truth to it because soon enough we will be 18 years or older and will vote for our world’s issues. Generation Z is more diverse and open minded, so chances are things politically may change. When major issues come up, we typically become more engaged into politics because we are so passionate about certain things. We mainly rely on CNN and other news channels to give us our details on major events happening around the world and we share our views on social media for others to see. I believe there will be a change in a decade or so that most states will vote democratic instead of republican because the younger generations tend to be more liberal.
Unlike how society views Gen Z—although my phone is always by my side—I like to live in the moment more than capturing it in my phone to share with others. I would rather spend quality time with someone in person than talking to them through the phone. I feel that some in my generation have the qualities everyone says that we have, but there’s more to us than just that simple label. We are complex. We are individuals. We are Generation Z.
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Jessika McCuaig created a video sharing her views about her generation. Only a few of those moments are pictured here on these pages. To see the video, and hear the voice behind the story, please click the above image, or visit YouTube here: https://youtu.be/Qk1JH-yHkPQ
Who is Generation Z? We Are!
by Jessika McCuaig Community Outreach Intern
Typically, generations are said to be grouped by around 20 years. But actually, generations are grouped by experiences and events. For example, Millennials are born from 1980 to the mid-1990s, and were greatly affected by 9/11. Sure, anyone born between 1996-2001 could claim they are a
part of the Millennial generation, but they never really experienced a world without terrorist attack. They were alive but can’t really remember. With that said, I’m Jessika McCuaig, born in March of the year 2000, and I am Generation Z. As typical for my generation, I searched YouTube to help capture my thoughts and opinions about who we are as a generation. The first one: diversity. Gen Z is the most diverse generation—ever. And we take pride in it too. The great thing about being so diverse is that Generation Z are more welcoming to new things. We realize, through social media interactions that we’re all just human beings, no matter the color of our skin or the culture we practice. Kids born in this generation are most definitely raised with technology. iGens, as some researchers call us, are
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said to have been not only raised by technology but parented by it too. I can see that, though I can’t relate because my parents are older than most and didn’t expose me or my siblings to the wonders of technology until we were older. A common theme running in the videos of my research is that Gen Z kids have an attention span of 8 to 10 seconds. I’d like to say false. If we had such a short attention span, how would we learn anything? Sure, tweets are only 280 characters, snaps are 10 seconds, vines are 6, and Instagram is a quick scroll. But when we’re presented with information, we are eager to learn.
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Generation Z are constantly being shot down when we voice an opinion. We must shout in order to be heard. We stir up conflicts and controversies because we are able to see things as the past and use it to shape the future. My generation is the generation that will bring change. We are hopeful and optimistic. We are diverse and universal. We are hard working and tech savvy. We are Generation Z.
Gen Z is the most diverse generation—ever. And we take pride in it too.
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We Are Anything But Lazy by Daniel Acevedo Community Outreach Intern
Who is Generation Z? Generation Z is believed to be anyone born from 1995-2006, also known as the “iGeneration.” The Generation allegedly raised by technology. I was born in 2002, making me part of the “iGeneration.” We are believed to be lazy, have short attention spans and NEED technology rather than face-to-face interaction. Personally, I do not feel as though I fit the “lazy” stereotype of what our generation is thought to be. I am in a dance club with a lot of people who also are pretty active. My generation is very involved. On a normal day, my social media feed and account feature dancing videos, my friends, or a random account that posts photos from around the world. Now, I cannot speak for everyone when I say this but in my opinion, calling us lazy is a bit of a stretch. We may be seen this way because most of
us are usually on some sort of phone, laptop, tablet etc. This does not make us lazy. As Brooklyn Johnson—a good friend of mine—says, “Adults haven’t grown up with the technology like we have, so they interpret it as us being lazy when in reality we are being productive.” Now in regard to needing technology, to some extent I agree. Generally, my generation spends a lot of time with technology and it has become pretty much second nature to have it around for some. I know that to me, when I have to go a while without it, I am very happy to have it back or I feel left out. Initially, we are the generation raised by technology. It is not that we need it, but I feel like since we grew up with it, it is what we know. We do not know a world without it, which makes us more open to using it. Many people do not like change,
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this change may make others more hesitant, whereas my generation didn’t experience a change so we go ahead and use it as if it was always there. Another common stereotype of my generation is that we have short attention spans. Again, I disagree. If we did have a short attention span we wouldn’t be able to sit through a football game, pick up any information we are taught at school, communicate with friends, or even watch TV or play video games. Each and every one of those activities requires a good amount of time. As a leadership student who is also a club president, and keeping on top of house chores, I can say that it takes a lot of time and focus to do all of these things. If I had the “whopping 12-second attention span” as Forbes claims, I would not be able to basically do any of the activities I do now. Where I mostly disagree with people’s views of our Generation is that we would rather use a screen to
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communicate instead of face to face interaction. I strongly disagree with this. There are certain people that feel this way, but the people I am close with or many people I know, would rather use the screen to make plans to meet face-to-face or as a tool to keep them connected to their friends and family when they cannot meet face-to-face. “I’m not going to say we do not prefer facial interaction,” said Isabella Gamble. “I will say that we use technology as an advantage— for those of us who aren’t so social—because it is already in our hands, and we might as well put it to good use.” To sum everything up, my generation is outgoing and involved. We are tech savvy because we were raised with technology. We are open to change. We are the future. But most importantly, we are Generation Z.
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SHS KIWIN’s Uses Service to Strive for Brighter Futures
by Yasmin Ballew Community Outreach Intern
Sierra High’s KIWIN’s Community Service Group spent their Sunday at the University of the Pacific preparing food and hygiene packs for the homeless. They worked along with several other Kiwanis International groups, including members from East Union KIWIN’s, and members of Key Club.
The event was arranged by members of UOP’s Circle K group and has become an annual
event for the past five years. After a series of ice-breakers, the groups spent six hours preparing and packaging spaghetti dinners to be delivered to over a hundred homeless throughout Stockton along with toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner. SHS KIWIN club member Persabel Tecle described the event as “not only a great and memorable experience, but something that brought joy to the lives of many.” Others also cut and folded cloth blankets to help shelter the homeless from the cold. Students finished by helping to create hundreds of origami cranes as part of the “Cranes for Cancer” movement, symbols of hope to be sent to the Primary Children’s Hospital. Their goal is that through small acts of kindness like this, they can inspire others to do the same and achieve a brighter future for us all—one person at a time. This is Gen Z.
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LHS Symphonic Band Performs at Community Band Concert
by Jessika McCuaig Community Outreach Intern
“The way the composer wrote and phrased the song, it led me to really enjoy my performance of it.”
Lathrop High School’s symphonic band had a spectacular performance with the Stockton Concert Band at the Community Band Concert.
The third piece they played was March of the Belgian Paratroopers by Pierre Lemans and arranged by James Swearingen.
Desiree Bugarin, the LHS band conductor, took the stage with her Advanced Band students. Their first piece was Antares composed by Richard Saucedo.
“I played the triangle with this piece, so I didn’t have to stress too much about it,” said percussionist Marc Fiesta. “It was definitely my favorite song of the night.”
The second piece, titled Nostalgia and composed by Rossano Galante, really hit home with its peaceful melody. Before they started the arrangement, band club president Melissa Sifuentes gave a small preview of how the song made certain band members feel.
The Stockton Concert Band took the stage, conducted by Arthur J. Holton Jr. They performed three pieces, the last having an additional four movements.
It is the type of song that leads your mind to reminisce about good days from the past.
Above: LHS Advanced Band Students Perform. Below: LHS joins the Stockton Concert Band to perform National Emblem by EE Bailey.
“Nostalgia was my favorite piece to play,” said clarinetist Eliana Montanio. “The way the composer wrote and phrased the song, it led me to really enjoy my performance of it.”
Soon after, the LHS band joined them onstage to perform one final piece: National Emblem by EE Bailey. “It was a good experience to see and perform with a band that has been playing for much longer,” said Fiesta. This is Gen Z.
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History-Social Science Textbook Adoption by Dr. Meeker - Mau Senior Director of Elementary Education The history-social science textbook adoption process includes a review of State adopted textbooks by teacher representatives who are convened in an adoption committee from all 20 elementary schools in 3 grade spans: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. All of the State adopted History Social Science programs have print and technology components. The committee met in January to receive training on the History Social Science Framework and adoption criteria. They also met in February to attend publisher presentations on the materials. Sites will be voting on the materials they think are the best fit for Manteca Unified teachers and students at their sites in early April. The committee members will be responsible for helping teachers at their respective schools have access to the publisher
sample sets for review and comment prior to site teacher voting. The IMC also has sample materials for review and comments by parents or other interested community members. The final committee meeting will be held on April 4, where committee members will discuss site teacher and community member input as well as cast the votes for adoption recommendations that will be made to Deputy Superintendent Roger Goatcher.
Mr. Goatcher will be seeking $2.5 million—during the upcoming budget process—in order to begin securing materials for upcoming school years. Depending upon the outcome of the budgeting process, a full or partial adoption recommendation is anticipated to be taken to the School Board on April 17. The last History / Social Science textbook adoption was done in 2006.
Kindergarten Summer Bridge Program
by School Readiness
Kindergarten Bridge Programs will be held at all elementary sites this summer from July 23-Aug 1. The purpose of the eight-day K Bridge Program is to provide incoming kindergarteners with the opportunity to practice skills necessary for success in kindergarten under the guidance and supervision of district kindergarten teachers. Flyers are distributed at sites during Kindergarten registration. Funding is being provided by First 5 San Joaquin, Title I, and LCFF.
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GECAC 19th Annual Bowl-A-Thon! by GEGAC
Thanks to all of the MUSD Schools and Employees who helped make the Give Every Child A Chance 19th Annual Bowl-A-Thon a success. On behalf of over 4,000 students who receive services from our program, we
would like to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Your support allows us to continue to make a difference in the lives of these children. We hope to see you all back next year!
MHS Postcards Offer Hope by Manteca High School As a response to the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Mrs. Cyndi Esenwein asked Mrs. Boudreaux if she could use her Happiness Project. Mrs. Esenwein encouraged her students to become warriors of love and attack with kindness. Everyone deserves kindness, and maybe their art could be the positive encouragement someone on campus needed. As they were working on their Happiness Projects, sophomore Emma Kadillak came across a message on social media from a teacher at Stoneman Douglas High School, Ms. Wolk Rogers.
Ms. Rogers posted an invitation to send postcards of encouragement to her school for the students returning after the shooting. Emma came back to school and asked Mrs. Esenwein if they could send their happiness projects to Florida. Together, the art classes talked about what the students at Stoneman Douglas might feel returning to school after the tragedy that occurred there. They cried together, they talked about their feelings, and they unanimously decided the happiness project should become a postcard project to send to the students at Stoneman Douglas. They talked about what they would want to hear if they were in that
situation. They decided it was okay if they didn’t write anything, but simply wanted to send something. They devoted an entire week to this project, the Week of Happiness. They used the power of art to change someone’s spirit. In the end, 374 postcards were mailed to Stoneman Douglas High School. Some of them showed pictures of the Buffaloes and Eagles together. They sent messages of love, of unity, and of hope to the students at Stoneman Douglas High School. These young artists who are sharing joy with others, and honoring the code at Manteca High.