THE
MARK Highlights Lathrop High School Whobilation Page 26
December 2019
MUSD School Board President Stephen Schluer, Area 6 Vice President Eric Duncan, Area 1
Our
Board Clerk Kathy Howe, Area 2
Vision
Karen Pearsall, Area 3 Marie Freitas, Area 4 Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5 Bob Wallace, Area 7
MUSD Superintendents Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent
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. Manteca Unified School District 2271 West Louise Ave. Manteca, CA 95337 (209) 825-3200 https://www.mantecausd.net/
The Mark Highlights is published by the MUSD Superintendent’s Office Community Outreach team. Highlights content is contributed by every school site.
Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe, and is supported to realize individual success.
We are
@proudtobemusd
above all, we value supporting students realizing individual success.
Erica McCullough Photography
The Mark Highlights Team are:
Johanna Victor Photography and Reporting
When highlight articles are submitted, they are edited for length and clarity.
Victoria Brunn Director and Executive Editor vbrunn@musd.net
Feature writing is produced by the Community Outreach Team and student interns.
Lindsay Stayner Content Coordination and Editor lstayner@musd.net
Highlights is intended to be a reflection of the MUSD Vision, Mission, and Targets because
Taylor Hasal Reporting, Design, and Photography
Caitlin Pearsall Outreach Support Community Outreach Interns Feature stories submitted by student interns, or an outside contributor, will include an author’s byline credit.
D E C E M B E R 2 019
What’s Inside?
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Grade Level Standards Rotary Dictionary Donation 4 Academic Coaches 4 Lobo Gold Rally 5 M-U-S-C-R-A-T 6 Scholar Athletes 8 East Union Boys Cross Country Section Champions 9 Manteca Football Section Champions 10 Manteca Girls Tennis Section Champions 11
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Athletic Scholars at Sierra High School 12 Curriculum Author Visits Classrooms 14
Safety Play It Safe 16
Emerging Students Topping-Off Ceremony 18 Adult School Graduation 19
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ELPAC Graduation 20 PIQE Graduation 20
Extra Curricular Corner Choir Festival 21 Winter Concerts 22 Color Run 24 Lancer Academy 25 Lathrop High Whobilation 26 Mobile Dairy 28
Community 28 29 29 30
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ROTARY DICTIONARY DONATION
GEORGE KOMURE ELEMENTARY Komure third grade students were treated to a surprise visit from Mr. Kent Steele with Stockton Rotary. Mr. Steele presented each third grade student with their own dictionary.
Academic Coaches
TRAINING WITH SJCOE
MUSD Academic Coaches received in-depth Math Talks training from San Joaquin County Office of Education specialists. Coaches learned advanced facilitation skills and designed professional learning experiences for teachers. This series of hands-on 4 | Grade Level Standards
trainings included peer modeling and observations, including carrying out their lessons in MUSD classrooms. George Komure teachers generously gave some of their class time to the Academic Coaches so they could practice Math Talks with their students.
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Lobo Gold Rally SIERRA HIGH SCHOOL
“THESE STUDENTS MADE ACADEMIC SUCCESS A PRIORITY.” -STEVE CLARK SHS PRINCIPAL
Sierra High Lobo Gold Rally recognized students who achieved academic excellence last Spring semester. 117 students Lobo Gold 325 students Lobo Silver 300 students Lobo Blue “It is the 43rd Lobo Gold Rally to be held, and the 22nd year of the Logo Gold Program at Sierra High School,” shared Sierra High Principal Steve Clark as he opened the ceremony. The rally is sponsored and supported by teachers, parents, and local businesses among other sponsors who donate their time, services, or monetary gifts to this student focused event. Clark continued, “Lobo Gold students exemplify academic excellence, balancing the demands of school, family, jobs, college applications, job applications, and extra-curricular activities. These students made academic success a priority.” After the recognitions, students enjoyed a friendly match of family feud against faculty. Grade Level Standards |
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M-U-S-C-R-A-T
AN ALTERNATIVE TO SCIENCE CAMP If you are like most, you probably remember meeting a banana slug for the first time at Science Camp; You may have even kissed it. Or, how about the song that chants, “Ba-Na-Na Slug, Slug, Slug!” One of the many traditions afforded through San Joaquin County’s Outdoor Education program, commonly known as science camp.
MAKE YOUR OWN S’MORES! What you’ll need: • • •
Graham Crackers Chocolate Bar Marshmallows
With the help of an adult, roast the marshmallow for 15-20 seconds above a campfire. Next, carefully put the marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers. Enjoy! 6 | Grade Level Standards
The outdoor education opportunity is offered to fifth grade students to experience nature in its most natural element. It is known as a camp because it typically entails a week-long stay at Jones Gulch, where students are housed in cabins, hike the trails, and are limited to five-minute showers. In 2010, Manteca Unified developed a committee to create a curriculum that closely mirrors the educational opportunities offered at science camp. “We assigned groups of teachers to areas of focus such as English, music, drama, science, physical education, and art, to develop daily curriculum designed around an overall camping theme,” explained Tevani Liotard, MUSD’s physical education coordinator and one
of the founding committee members. Each year, an average of twenty, fifth grade students stay back from science camp. On August 4, 2010, the Manteca Unified Board of Trustees led by former President Michael Seelye, adopted a resolution acknowledging that some families may choose not to send their children to sleep away at science camp. Therefore, the Board resolved that administration develop a week-long course to study and be delivered within the boundaries of MUSD.
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While it is true that some students stay behind because of different hardships, many students simply cannot miss their extracurricular commitments. “We wanted to give these students bragging rights,” Liotard added. “When other students returned from science camp chanting songs and sharing experiences, we wanted the MUSCRAT students to share their experiences, too.” MUSCRAT is the name of the curriculum which stands for Manteca Unified Science Camp Alternative Theme Unit. “We threw the “R” in there just for fun,” Liotard smiled. The curriculum is designed to mirror the learning objectives of science camp and can be modified uniquely for school sites, if needed. Students learn about the phenomena in the natural and physical world, participate in scientific activities using scientific language and tools, explore science-related careers and of course, learn the famous songs, enjoy
a campfire, and discover the world beneath their feet through a detailed hike around campus. At George Komure Elementary, campfire night is the favorite component of MUSCRAT week. Students gathered for a dinner with teachers Ms. Tania Schutte, Ms. Devan Huepel, Ms. Patt Scott, and music teacher Ms. Dana Odell, chanted the songs they practiced all week, listened for nature sounds, and enjoyed a traditional campfire treat, s’mores. “This is the best thing I’ve ever had!” exclaimed George Komure fifth grade student Rajivir Kaur when she ate a s’more for the first time.
Meanwhile, at French Camp Elementary, because campfire night attendance is low, teacher Ms. Denise Alexander has students reenact a camping scene by assembling a tent during the day. Tevani Liotard visits each school site during MUSCRAT week to implement the physical education component. She challenges students to an obstacle course that has students running through the forest, jumping over streams, and escaping from a bear. Tevani shared, “All 20 elementary schools do a great job of making this a really fun week, and you’ll hear the kids saying, “I can’t wait to come back to school tomorrow, what are we doing?!” and really that’s what it’s all about.”
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SCHOLAR ATHLETES
MAKE UP 5 SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS
The 2019 Fall sports season was a successful one for MUSD teams. Dozens of teams and individuals competed in the Sac-Joaquin Section Playoffs and five teams brought home section championships. While the players on the section championship teams are stellar athletes, they are also stellar in the classroom.
East Union High School Boys Cross Country Division III Section Champions
Manteca High School Football Division III Section Champions
Sierra High School Football Division IV Section Champions
Manteca High School Girls Tennis Division III Section Champions
Sierra High School Girls Tennis Division IV Section Champions
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Read More About The Champion Scholar Athletes Ahead!
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East Union High School Boys Cross Country Division III Section Champions
The East Union High School Boys’ Cross Country Team took home 6th place overall at the CIF State Cross Country Championship state meet on December 6th. Coach Ricardo Cuevas explained in his 22 years of coaching cross country and track and field, this is the highest achievement any of his teams have earned. What makes this cross country championship team unique is that they also excel in the classroom, having an average team GPA of 3.21, with the Team Captain, senior Daniel Morales, pulling a 4.0 GPA. Morales balances a rigid class schedule including AP microeconomics and physics and has already been accepted into five colleges such as St. Mary’s, Montana State, and Notre Dame de Namur University to name a few. “Morales helps me keep the team together,” explained Coach Cuevas. “I can count on him. He supports his team, and lifts them up when they are not doing well.” Morales takes his role as team captain very seriously. “This team is such a great team and it means a lot to be their leader. Every day, I set an example to be a hard worker and to give it my all;
not only in sports but also in the classroom,” said Morales. For Morales, the key to finding success is not always the easy road. “Right when I get home from practice, I go straight into doing my homework that way I don't procrastinate; even though all I want to do is lay down and rest,” Morales admitted. “But once I get in that mindset, it's easy for me to stay on task.” Cooper Freeman is a sophomore on the team who also maintains a 4.0 GPA. Coach Cuevas commented that, between the two, they find time to study during practice. “Sometimes I have to encourage them to put the books down and live in the moment,” Cuevas shared light heartedly. East Union has made great strides in cross country achievements this year. Freshman and team member Alex Cuevas is the first student to be invited on the all-state cross country team. Coach Cuevas, assistant coaches Paul Whitaker and Nancy Cuevas, and East Union High School are very proud of their scholar athletes who prioritize their academics and give it their all on the track.
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By Kaylee MacDannald
Manteca High School Football Division III Section Champions
Community Outreach Student Intern
On November 30, the Manteca High football team, lead by Coach Mark Varnum, won the D-III section championship against Placer High School to earn their seventh section
title since 2000. The team’s successful season started with a 3-1 preseason, followed by a string of wins and only one loss in league (5-1). To ignite the Buffaloes postseason, they got a first-round bye and then propelled forward winning three more games including the Sac-Joaquin Section Title. The final score of the Section Championship game was 33-14 and the Buffaloes got to move onto the Nor-Cal Bowl. Some highlights from the game include, Trabron Russell’s 226 yards on 21 carries and Andy Alvarez’s pick six that helped the Buffaloes take the game away. Coach Varnum stated, “It was an amazing season and I am so proud of what our team did on and off of field. We got back what’s ours!” This team not only excelled on the field, but they also thrived in the classroom. The team grade point average was around 3.0 with the highest GPA of a 3.93 from Jerry Walser. Two of the team captains, Ryan Ward (3.37) and Jacob Dejesus (3.86), also pride themselves on
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getting it done on and off the field. Jacob Dejesus says, “As an athlete, I have responsibility for what happens in the classroom. I must have the same respect for my teacher as I do my coach. My parents have always taught me that if I want any kind of future with football, I have to get it done in school.” For Jacob, one of Manteca High’s best studentathletes, it has always been easy to excel in the classroom because he knows that being a student always comes before being an athlete. Ryan Ward, also outstanding on and off the field believes that, “To get further in life, you have to do both. Academics come first and it isn’t always about sports. Anything I do, even if I don’t enjoy it, I do it to my best ability. I do it for my team, my coach and for myself.” Ryan Ward and Jacob Dejesus both got recognition in the VOL for their exceptional performance this season. Ryan Ward got offensive MVP while Jacob Dejesus received MVP of the league. Both captains were able to juggle the hard work it took to be successful student-athletes. Overall, the Manteca High football team put in great effort to their sport and their classwork. The staff, students, and coaches at Manteca are extremely proud of the football boys and their accomplishments this season.
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The Section Championship game was extremely close and came down to number two doubles. They ended up winning the match, clutching the Section Title for two years in a row. Eight players were also on last year’s team, which makes them back to back Valley Oak League Champions and Section Champions.
of 3.67, with five out of the fourteen girls having a 4.0. Katie Kim, Jenna Poncini, Raveen Nijjar, Melissa Poncini, and Kerren Zou ended the season and the first term of the school year with a bang. They persevered and reached top success on campus and on the court. “I couldn’t be prouder of my team as students and as athlete,” shared Tolbert. Manteca High School is also extremely proud of the Tennis team for being consistent and successful both in the classroom and on the field.
Manteca High Girls Tennis Division III Section Champions
On November 12, the Manteca High School Tennis team won their second consecutive D-III Sac-Joaquin Section By Kaylee MacDannald Community Outreach Student Intern championship title. They had an amazing season, coming first in the Valley Oak League and making it all way through Section playoffs to win it all.
The head Tennis coach, Ms. Maryann Tolbert, elaborates on how proud she is of what her team has accomplished this year, “Most of our team are Scholar-Athletes and it is not easy to balance those two things and be as successful as we are.” The entire team represented Manteca High with their excellence in and out of their sport. They show their effort on the court and in the classroom by having a team grade point average Grade Level Standards |
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By Aisha Saeed
Community Outreach Student Intern
Athletic Scholars at Sierra High School
Juggling the rigor of the classroom and the competitive nature of the field and court, athletic scholars like Kaitlyn Rausa, Bradley Moorhead, and Holden Fishburn, find the balance between schoolwork and athletic activities, and excel in both disciplines. Senior Kaitlyn Rausa, #1 singles player for Sierra High School’s Girls Tennis Team, rallied her team into the section championship game against Central Catholic. In a showdown between the last two VOL singles champions, Rausa played for her win at 7-6, 7-6 for both games, and the tennis team won Sierra High School’s first ever Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV team title. After celebrating their historic win, team captain Rausa, headed straight to the books before finally giving out and waking up bright and early for another eventful day. Despite the stigma that athletes can only excel in sports, and academic scholars at schoolwork, Kaitlyn Rausa defines
new borders unseen in high school society. However, Rausa confessed that managing her schoolwork and playing sports on the side is not an easy task. She said, “Maintaining my GPA while having tennis has been difficult, especially with having to miss school often due to traveling for games or VOL/section tournaments.” When asked how she maintains an astounding 4.5 GPA while juggling tennis she said, “I just have to be persistent. Even when I am exhausted when I arrive home from a game, I push myself to still complete my work before resting. My studies are still a priority for me even with sports; we are called student athletes after all.” Rausa has immersed herself in the sport of tennis for 7 years. Rausa says she began playing tennis at a very early age. It started as a fun activity her and her family played on the weekends. Soon, Rausa would join Northern California’s United States Tennis Association
Kaitlyn Rausa and play on the Junior Team Tennis league. She relocated to Laguna Creek Sports Club in Elk Grove and played in the same divisions offered by NC. She has been with them ever since. Rausa began realizing the impact of the sport on her and her family and the opportunities awaiting her outside of it, when she began winning titles through competing in tournaments and leagues. At school, Rausa Is the president of National Honor Society: an organization committed to students who serve their community and maintain an overall 3.75 GPA and higher. Rausa also serves as secretary for California Scholarship Federation, and community service club, KIWINS. Rausa plans to pursue a career in the medical field, spending nearly 230 hours volunteering at the Doctors Hospital of Manteca, managing the front desk, and visiting and taking care of patients. Playing the dual role of scholar and
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Bradley Moorhead athlete is a challenging task. Both require copious amounts of time, effort, and determination. Rausa is not the only Sierra High School academic scholar who’s accomplished high level achievement on both sides of the spectrum. Football players, Holden Fishburn and Bradley Moorhead, are also highly driven athletic scholars who’ve shown commitment and dedication in both playing fields. Fishburn looks up to his football coach dad. He started playing football since the start of high school and since then, has committed himself to the sport all 4 years. He is an inside linebacker for his football team. Outside of his sport and schoolwork, Fishburn is a proud member of the Future Farmers of America Club and serves as an officer for the Farm Credit Association. He is also secretary for the Get Focused Stay Focused Program, an initiative designed to facilitate college-readiness skills to high school students. Fishburn commented, “I have trained myself to simply be my best. Anything else is unacceptable. You can’t compartmentalize your life, you are either all in or all out.”
Bradley Moorhead’s position on his football team is left guard on the offensive line. Moorhead has played football since freshman year. A lifelong fan of the sport, Moorhead took a leap of faith in trying out the sport for itself. In doing so, he has been a major catalyst in the direction of his team’s successes. He says, “My love for the sport as a fan sparked my interest to begin playing the great game of football!” Moorhead is a student first and athlete second. He makes sure his schoolwork is taken care of before participating in any extracurricular activities. He is a member of National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club. Moorhead plays an active role in his community as member of Manteca Youth Advisory Commission. He volunteers at the local senior center and attends monthly board meetings where he has the opportunity to share his progress in the community with city officials. Moorhead has been a Lobo Gold recipient for 5 straight terms. It is awarded to students who have
Holden Fishburn maintained a 4.0 GPA or better throughout the term. He is an awardee of the Coaches Award, endowed to him for his attitude and commitment during the baseball season. By staying positive, focused, and always putting forth the maximum effort possible, Moorhead has been able to find success in both disciplines. For athletic scholars like Kaitlyn, Holden, and Bradley, talent is found in persistence and dedication to their sport and their academics. These athletic scholars have challenged perceptions of the typical scholar or athlete. In doing so, they have achieved what most of us would consider a near impossible task. Kaitlyn, Holden, and Bradley contend that their dual involvement in both sports and academics, have shaped them into successful people, ready for anything life has in store for them. Kaitlyn, Holden, and Bradley aim to pursue their sport in college. In the meantime, they are awaiting graduation day and are looking forward to a bountiful of successes in the future.
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Curriculum author visits classrooms Wonders author and literary coach, Kathy Bumgardner, continued to support MUSD’s standards-based lessons using the core English Language Arts curriculum. Following last years full day of 6th grade teacher training with Mrs. Bumgardner, teachers observed multiple model lessons in 6th grade classrooms throughout the district.
Using Wonders Leveled Readers to differentiate instruction in a small group lesson, Mrs. Bumgardner modeled phonics-based word study, comprehension strategies, and understanding an author’s point of view. Understanding the author’s point of view allows students to identify with the stories through that unique perspective.
Whole class lessons include engagement in fluent reading, meaningful repetition, citing text evidence, collaborative conversations with partners, learning vocabulary in context, using formative assessment to differentiate in the moment, and responding to text via writing prompts.
Students gathered on the rug in front of the teacher to work in small groups or in pairs to learn to identify with the words and the deep meaning behind those words. Through multiple observations and teacher debriefing after each lesson, MUSD 6th grade teachers are better equipped to support the needs of all their students.
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Standards Based Teaching
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Play it safe Neil hafley elementary school
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students learn to use new playgrounds safely and effectively On December 9, Tevani Liotard, Physical Education Coordinator, and Melanie Smith, Neil Hafley Vice Principal, held training sessions to help Neil Hafley teachers and students correctly use the three new playgrounds on campus. After several months of construction, Neil Hafley’s three new playgrounds are complete and ready for their grand opening. But before students can enter, Mrs. Smith thought that everyone using the equipment, should learn how to utilize them properly. After expressing her idea to Liotard, the two planned out an entire morning to train every K-6 student and teacher on their respective playgrounds. “I needed students to be taught how to use the equipment properly, teachers to know how to incorporate equipment into physical education, and our support staff to see how these structures can be used safely,” stated Mrs. Smith. Liotard came prepared with a full circuit plan, where she demonsrated
how one piece of equipment can be used several different ways, and how the entire playground can easily keep over 50 students active at once. “These sesssions showed participants the proper way to climb through, up, and across the structures, as well as the safest way to exit,” added Mrs. Smith. Teachers walked away with a packet of Liotard’s circuit plans, instructional ideas, and strategies to use during classroom and PE time. “The best part of the day was teaching the students who felt that they could not use the equipment, or complete an activity. After watching them successfully finish the challenge, they would shout, ‘I did it!’ So AMAZING!”
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Topping-Off Ceremony
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East Union High School
Students and staff leave their signatures on new Ag Building support beam.
East Union celebrated the final beam to the future Agriculture building with a special topping-off ceremony. Students, alumni, school and district officials alongside members of the Ag community joined to commemorate this moment, by signing the last supporting beam as part of the new structure. This modernization effort was made possible by $5 million from dedicated local Bond Measure G, with a Career Technical Education grant of $1.6 million. East Union High School has a leading Ag department
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under the advisement of teacher and District Ag. Coordinator, Kristen Buck. The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association named East Union’s Ag. Department as ‘Outstanding Large Agricultural Department’ with an award at the recent regional meeting. This is part of Phase 1 of East Union High School modernization. The new CTE building is estimated to be completed in August 2020 and will accommodate a metal shop, two classrooms, restrooms and a green house. See our 5-10 year plan at www.mantecausd.net/plan.
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Adult School Graduation Warehouse and Logistics Program The Central Valley is a booming area for economic development. There are dozens of job opportunities in various sectors, with employers that are ready to hire qualified applicants. For the first time, Manteca Adult school launched a warehouse pilot program that provided students with essential warehousing skills such as forklift driving, operations, and logistics. Adult School principal, Brad Harrison opened the ceremony, “Twenty-two people started the program, and twenty-two people finished the program. I am hoping this success rate is something that can be sustained for years. We
strive to put people through a program that is valuable and helps students advance their career, find their career, or both.� The pilot program was sponsored by Prologis, a global warehouse developer, who assists in providing logistic training for students in the Central Valley. Manteca Adult School worked with many other agencies who helped pilot the program: Prologis, Tracy Adult School, Delta Sierra Education Alliance, San Joaquin Delta College, San Joaquin Valley WorkNet, University of the Pacific, and the Cities of Manteca, Lathrop, and Tracy.
For more information on adult school classes, visit: www.mantecausd.net/mantecaadultschool Emerging Students |
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ELPAC GRAD By Kaylee MacDannald
Community Outreach Student Intern
On Thursday, December 5th, thirty-eight Manteca High School students were recognized for scoring a “4” on the ELPAC assessment. The ELPAC assessment is a test for English Language Learners to test proficiency in English language and is given by the state. Those thirty-eight students demonstrated mastery of the English Language in four important categories: speaking, listening, reading and writing. MHS had a surprise planned to celebrate these students— they were given passes to the computer Lab during fourth period and when they arrived, they were completely surprised as they were greeted with cheers by teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, administrators and Alby, the buffalo school mascot.
The students were praised for their effort on the ELPAC and were rewarded with a MHS t-shirt that reads, “Buffaloes Achieve,” a healthy snack, as well as a Honor the Code bracelet with a personalized certificate. They even got to choose a brand new scholastic book to take home. A follow up meeting is scheduled on December 11th to address the criteria in order to Reclassify and be Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). We are so proud of these students and know that they will work hard to reclassify as fluent, this year.
PIQE GRAD Lathrop High School graduated seven parents as part of their Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) program. Through an intensive workshop, parents work within a program that is designed to engage, empower, and transform parents to actively engage in their children’s education and strengthen parent-school collaboration in an effort to improve the academic success of students. Each PIQE graduation features a keynote speaker; Lathrop High School teacher Edith Torres-Rios shared an empowering and personal speech. 20 | Emerging Students
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CHOIR FESTIVAL East Union, Lathrop and Weston Ranch High School combined choirs for a musical extravaganza performed in front of families and community. Lathrop High School performed Teen Beach Movie under the direction of Elizabeth VanEerde, East Union performed Add a Riff, Battle of Jericho and All that Jazz under the direction of Gary Fritzen, while Weston Ranch performed La La Land Choral Highlights under the direction of Trisha Kennedy. For the Finale, choirs joined to perform Lean on Me by artist Bill Withers with student soloists, Amaka Ikechiuku (LHS), Vithem Rumthao (EUHS), and Leonard Bell (WRHS). Extra Curricular Corner |
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Winter Concerts BAND AND CHOIR PERFORMANCES AROUND THE DISTRICT
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Key 1. MUSD Music Teachers Perform for District Office 2. East Union High School Choir with Gary Fritzen 3. East Union Jr. High, Mariachi, and Lancer Band Perform with Terry Silveira 4. August Knodt Band and Choir Perform 5. Woodward Choir, Beginning, Intermediate, Jr. High, & Advanced Band conducted by Shannon Beattie 6. Lincoln Band Perform Extra Curricular Corner |
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Color Run Sequoia Elementary School held their annual Color Run to help raise funds for 5th grade science camp.
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Students from first through sixth grade, dressed mostly in white and light colors, ran dozens of laps, and while passing “Go� were sprayed with simple mixtures of water and food coloring. Rather than receiving sponsors per lap, like in a traditional jog-a-thon, participants raised flat donations and received prizes for reaching different milestones. Students received raffle
tickets for every $5 raised. If a student raised over $30, they were invited to an exclusive pizza. For students that raised $50 or more, they get to silly string Sequoia administration staff at a later school event. About 40 Sequoia parents volunteered their time to help spray students as they ran through the color zone. Participants that did not want to get doused in color had an option to bypass the color zone entirely, and still participate in the running portion of the event. Many younger students were at first hesitant to pass through the color zone with parents waiting with spray bottles, but after a few warm-up laps, no one could wait to complete their next lap and wiggle through the color zone again. Sequoia thanks staff and volunteers for organizing such a unique and creative way for students to have fun, exercise, and support science camp!
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lancer academy Every freshmen student at East Union High School attends the Lancer Academy to learn about school values, meet fellow classmates, and become acclamated with the high school. Lancer Academy is organized by Link Crew students and occurs seven times over the course of the school year. Four of those days are Workshops, where students communicate with upperclassmen to learn about the aspects of high school. For example, the workshop held at the beginning of the school year focused on how freshmen can become involved with school activities, clubs, and committees.
The remaining three days are Academies. Academy days are filled with fastpaced activities, where students participate in small to large group settings. These activities focus on communication, teamwork, and interaction with each other. The objective of these days are to help freshmen become more comfortable among other students, and give students the opportunity to create longlasting friendships. The Lancer Academy has been an East Union tradition for over 13 years and has helped welcome thousands of students onto the campus. It has been a successful way to teach new students what it truly means to be an East Union Lancer.
East union High School
LANCERS LEAD, OTHER FOLLOW
Link Crew members lead a group activity where freshmen students introduced themselves, and shared some of their interests.
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Whobilation
In the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Whos from Whoville celebrate Christmas at the town Whobilation, where the Grinch is elected the Holiday Cheermaster. At Lathrop High School, the third annual Whobilation looks a bit different. While there is still costumes, games, food and camaraderie among the Spartans dressed as Whos at Lathrop High, the purpose of this day is to focus their efforts outside of their school community.
Jennifer explained that months leading up to the Whobilation celebration, there is much coordination that takes place among leadership students, club students, advisors and teachers. “It is very much a campus-wide effort,” described Jennifer. “It takes effort from a lot of different people involved to make the event happen and operate successfully.”
“Our campus clubs collect the toys from students and staff, and bring them to room H2 to be donated,” explained Jennifer Santillan, Lathrop High School ASB President.
Inside Ms. Allison Birakos’ leadership class, there are two club commissioners that host monthly meetings with each club president. Commissioners communicate upcoming events, school news, and specifically, actionable items. This was the first step in getting school club participation at Whobilation.
All toys collected are donated to the Native TANF in Stockton, which benefit needy families of Native American descent.
There is also a Whobilation committee formed inclusive of student council, charged with logistics, outreach, publicity, décor, and lunch time
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activities (LTA). These student chairs form subcommittees to see to fruition the various elements needed to accomplish Whobilation. “LTA is responsible for making the timeline for activities happening during lunch,” detailed Jennifer. “The
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AT LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL subcommittee consults with club advisors to charge each club with hosting an activity.” The Whos at Lathrop High participated in a costume contest and a series of games; One of which included an eggnog challenge with an objective to drink as much eggnog as possible without using hands. While the Polynesian Club performed a culture-based routine and the cheerleaders choreographed a special Whobilation cheer performance. “To see the development of Whobilation is really fulfilling,” expressed Jennifer. From the first year, Jennifer explained that there was not as much campus involvement as they had hoped. But since coordinating more with the school clubs, there has been more reach, more impact, and better turnout. It’s a really important thing that we get to contribute towards.
Overall, it’s a great event and I feel every school should do this. It’s not Christmas-based it’s holiday-based, getting in the spirit, wearing ugly-sweaters, etc. It actually really makes a difference around the campus.” The Native TANF hosts an annual Christmas celebration where the donated toys are given to families. A few Lathrop High students are invited to volunteer, seeing first-hand the impact of their Whobilation efforts.
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MOBILE DAIRY The Mobile Dairy Classroom visited TK-3rd grade students at Golden West Elementary. Operated by the Dairy Council of California, Mobile Dairy teaches students about agricultural technology, different foods made from milk, the anatomy of a cow, and how milk travels from farm to table. To learn more about Mobile Dairy, and the Dairy Council of California visit https://www.healthyeating.org/.
FOOD DRIVE Stuff the Bus programs usually refer to filling a school bus with toys, food, and other donations for others in the community. But in this case, Lathrop Elementary School collected donations to help fill a San Joaquin County Sheriff ’s Bus! Thank you Lathrop Elementary students, staff, and community for your generous donations.
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FRIENDSGIVING Students in the FFA at Weston Ranch High School organized, for the fourth year in a row, its annual Thanksgiving Dinner drive. Appropriately called Friends-Giving; clubs, classes, teachers & staff donated items to make whole dinners to be given out to Weston Ranch High Students’ families and others in the community. For 3 weeks the FFA organized the event and with the help of many clubs, staff & students, enough food items were donated to put together 85 whole dinners, including turkeys, for families in the Weston Ranch community.
Sock Drive During their after school Sock Drive, the Give Every Child a Chance After School Advantage Program of French Camp Elementary collected 2,000 socks to donate to a local homeless shelter, in collaboration with the school day. Students used this opportunity to learn how to coordinate efforts, work as a team, and about the importance of giving to those in need.
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Senior takes Command on Military donation drive Manteca High School senior Kiersten Melan initiated a collection drive to support military troops as a way to give back to our brave men and women who serve. Knowing he wanted to initiate a project that supported a greater purpose, he thought to himself, “What better way to serve my community than by giving back to those who are serving our country?” Kiersten shared. Last year, Kiersten considered joining the military himself. “When I went to all of the recruiter offices in Manteca to learn more about joining the military, I asked every recruiter what they thought about care packages,” shared Kiersten. “I learned that most service members love Gatorade chewables and deodorant.” According to Kiersten, it was easy to get 30 | Community
people involved. He shared his initiative with the Manteca High community by broadcasting through the school’s morning announcements. Ms. Nina Norton, Kiersten’s History teacher, was instrumental in the initiation of this project and explained that Kiersten made a great effort to get staff and teachers involved by asking them to place donation boxes in their classrooms or offices. “The support for the military is very high at MHS, and the response by our MHS family was strong,” said Ms. Norton. “Kiersten was responsible for giving our students and staff an opportunity to say thank you to the soldiers.” Kiersten ordered free boxes from the post office and found boxes laying around. He taped a list of suggested items onto each box.
The Manteca high community collected six boxes in varying sizes to be donated to the military troops. “Six boxes might not seem like a lot, but I’d say the amount we collected would be enough to make anyone’s day,” expressed Kiersten. Kiersten initially thought he would send the packages directly to Iraq and Afghanistan. But looking at the USPS rates, he knew he had to be resourceful. Until one day, he came across a flyer when volunteering at Doctor’s Hospital in Manteca. “I saw this flyer that advertised care package donations. I took one look at the name “Palmer” on the flyer and I knew I was set,” said Kiersten. “When I was a 5th grader at Joshua Cowell in 2011, my classmate Genevieve Florez and her mom who was a teacher, had the brilliant idea of creating an event known as Patriot Day. Our principal at the time, Ms. Bonnie Bennett, touched
The Mark Highlights bases with Chuck and Teri Palmer from the Cpl. Charles O. Palmer II Memorial Troop Support Program to make Patriot day happen. Charles Palmer was a United States marine who died protecting his country, but he was also one of Mrs. Bennet’s former students.” Mr. and Mrs. Palmer sponsored Patriot Day where every student was encouraged to donate an item to be shipped to active duty service members. Kiersten remembered being one of those students who helped Mr. and Mrs. Palmer package the many boxes of donations during recess. The six boxes will be sent with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer. Among the many items donated, Kiersten shared that his favorite were
hand-made letters. He described the letters as not being boring, penciled words on binder paper but artsy, colorful, and festive. “I’m not a soldier, but reading the messages found in each letter brought me a sincere sense of gratitude for the men and women who make sacrifices for our nation. I remember talking to one recruiter and he said that reading letters during deployment made him feel appreciated and that the country had his back,” shared Kiersten. “It was the generosity of the community that allowed for this to happen. Without them, we’d just have empty boxes. I’d like to give a big thanks to everyone who was able to write a letter or donate an item. Our JROTC was especially generous in this event. “
SIERRA FCCLA DONATES PILLOWCASES The Sierra High Chapter of FCCLA made pillowcases to be included in the holiday care packages that the Cpl/ Palmer II Mermorial Troop Support Program packs and ships. Students worked afterschool for 4 days to sew, iron, and package 40 pillowcases. Senior Justin Lacdao and sophomore
Renia Valdez led the project and will be presenting this activity at the Spring FCCLA STAR competion for the Chapter Service Project. They organized this activity with the help of their advisors, Amy Lee, Liz Aschenbrenner, and Valerie Flores.
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Mission
Vision
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.
Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe, and is supported to realize individual success.
