The Mark Highlights - September 2019

THE

MARK Highlights Free Hugs

in Support of Suicide Prevention

Page 12

September 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.

When highlight articles are submitted, they are edited for length and clarity.

Feature writing is produced by the Community Outreach Team and student interns.

Highlights is intended to be a reflection of the

Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe, and is supported to realize individual success.

We are

@proudtobemusd

MUSD Vision, Mission, and Targets because above all, we value supporting students realizing individual success.

The Mark Highlights Team are: Victoria Brunn Director and Executive Editor vbrunn@musd.net Lindsay Stayner Content Coordination and Editor lstayner@musd.net

Taylor Hasal Reporting, Design, Photography, and Editing Erica McCullough Design and Photography Johanna Victor Photography and Reporting Community Outreach Interns Feature stories submitted by student interns, or an outside contributor, will include an author’s byline credit.

S E P T E M B E R 2 019

What’s Inside?

8

Grade Level Standards Students Accepted into Prestigious Medical Program

4

Get Focused, Stay Focused

6

Spartans Attend SHIELD Assembly

8

Sequoia Elementary Nascar Interview

9

The Buffs Put Science to Work

9

Safety

14

Parent Night Panel Discussion

10

Free Hugs in Support of Suicide Prevention

12

Cam Awesome Visits Sequoia

13

“Up in Smoke” Assembly

13

Phase 2 5-10 Year Facilities Plan

14

Emerging Students MUSD and Manteca PD Critical Incident Training

18

BE.Tech 9/11 Tribute

19

Walk-Jog-a-Thon at Golden West

20

George Komure Kickoff Assembly

20

Class of 2023, Your Choices Matter

22

Sequoia Elementary Volleyball Teams

23

Dr. Burke Visits High School JROTC Programs

24

19

Community Buffaloes Host Community Service Fair

25

Calla High School Blood Drive

25

Weston Ranch High School Stadium Kickoff

26

Sierra Names Jack Thomson Stadium

31

Sierra High Supports Birakos in Rescue Wing

32

Classified Staff Training at Manteca High

32

Sequoia Invites Families for Lunch on the Lawn

33

Grandparent’s Day at August Knodt

34

31

The Mark Highlights

Three MUSD Students Accepted into Prestigious Medical Program

Sarisha Jacobs Photo Credit: San Joaquin Physician Magazine

Out of 84 prestigious applicants and only 42 interviewed, 24 students Joaquin County. with an average GPA of 4.11 and a passion for caring for others, were accepted into San Joaquin Medical Society’s Decision Medicine Program. Three of which, are MUSD students.

Sarisha Jacobs

Weston Ranch High School

Safrah Nassimi Lathrop High School

Sanah Nassimi

Lathrop High School

4 | Grade Level Standards

Decision Medicine is a 2-week program started in 2001, designed to introduce San Joaquin County students to a career in medicine.

The goal of this program is to give the students’ the encouragement and other resources that they will need to become physicians and to ideally come back and serve the Central Valley community.

According to San Joaquin Medical Society, there is a growing need for primary care physicians nationwide, especially in San

The program is limited to a small group of 24 participants each year for maximum impact. Participants were challenged with real world decisions as they explored the many facets of a career as a physician.

Sarisha Jacobs, who is part of the BE.Vital Health Career Academy at Weston Ranch High School, shared that one of the most exciting parts for her was when she got the opportunity to shadow the doctors on rounds, as they went through their daily routines interacting with patients.

“After observing a surgeon and seeing a procedure, I think I want

to go into that field. It really solidified what I want to do in the future. It doesn’t seem that unreachable if I stay the course and complete all the classes I have set for myself in high school and university,” shared Sarisha.

Throughout the program students worked in various team configurations. They were exposed to rounds with Residents at San Joaquin General Hospital, received CPR certification at St. Joseph’s Medical Center and typed their own blood at Dameron Hospital.

They also visited Gleason House and St. Mary’s Dining Hall to teach about outreach to the homeless.

Additionally, students visited UC

Davis Medical School, Shriners Hospital in Sacramento and several specialized hospitals in San Francisco to meet and interact with physicians conducting fascinating research in the areas of organ transplantation, physical therapy and even holistic health.

Sanah Nassimi, senior at Lathrop High School, said that her favorite memory during the program was when she visited Shriner’s Childrens Hospital and participated in medical play with burn victims.

Medical play is a practice performed with patients that encompasses normative, developmental, educational and therapeautic play. It is important

The Mark Highlights because it can help reduce a patient’s anxiety and fears that come with being hospitalized.

“Through this program I got to learn so much; I attended lectures on pathology, simulated a code blue, became CPR certified, talked to current medical students, and more. I gained irreplaceable advice and wisdom and I will take it with me throughout my journey as I strive to become a cardiologist in the future. When I accomplish that goal, I hope to come back to San Joaquin Valley and serve our wonderful community,” said Sanah.

At the end of the program, all 24 students received white, physicians’ coats with their names engraved.

Sanah’s sister , Safrah Nassimi, is also a senior at Lathrop High School and she shared that her most touching memory in the program made was at the white coat ceremony.

Safah continued, “My grandfather was especially touched because he said he didn’t know if he would be able to attend my actual white coat ceremony. This opportunity gave me an additional surge of motivation to pursue my dream of becoming a licensed physician.

I will never forget the memories and people I met through Decision Medicine.”

Safrah Nassimi and Sanah Nassimi Grade Level Standards |

5

The Mark Highlights

Get Focused, Stay Focused Lathrop High School is a gold medal school dedicated to student success. This year, honored by Academic Innovations for their Get Focused Stay Focused Program, Lathrop High moved from a bronze medal winning program to a gold.

Irene Munguia is the Get Focused Stay Focused teacher at Lathrop High School. She explains that the purpose of the program is to get students focused on their plans for the future. As freshmen, all students enroll in the Success 101 class which is the foundation of the Get Focused Stay Focused (GFSF) program.

“The freshmen course works through activities that help students discover their behavior styles, values, passions, strengths, and skills while introducing students to the career research process,” explained Mrs. Munguia. “While follow-up modules of the Get Focused Stay Focused curriculum is embedded into grade level core academic classes to encourage students to stay focused on their goals as they make their way through high school.”

The follow up modules are designed to further lead students through a career exploration process.

Students are challenged to develop an education plan as well as a guide to act on their plan. This includes preparing for college applications, scholarships, or training programs to enter the workforce.

6 | Grade Level Standards

Far Right: Mrs. Munguia with Link Crew presenters

This month, Mrs. Munguia in collaboration with academic counselors and Link Crew students hosted a Senior Expo.

“The Link Crew leaders were tasked with designing a presentation that would introduce the senior class to the module lessons,” explained Mrs. Munguia. “Each group met with the academic counselors to gather and develop supplemental materials to enhance their presentations.

Students had to draft their presentation and share it with the counselors, who then checked them for accuracy. After several revisions,

the students began practicing their delivery.”

This is part of the GFSF Module 3 curriculum which afforded seniors an opportunity to gather time sensitive information such as college application deadlines and financial aid. This day helped prepare seniors for a more productive and individualized senior conference with their academic counselor.

“I often have parents tell me that they wish the program was available to them while they were in high school,” shared Mrs.

The Mark Highlights

Munguia. “Having to navigate the world of college and careers on their own has made them grateful that their children are receiving the opportunity to begin the process at such an early age.”

Mrs. Munguia loves being the GFSF teacher at Lathrop High School. It allows her to pursue her passion for helping students plan post-secondary. She explained that in the freshmen Success 101 course, students explore answers to questions like, “Who am I?”, “What do I want?”, and “How do I get there?” Students exit the class with their initial 10-year Career and Education Plan.

“The course allows me to teach real-world skills such as building a resume and participating in job interviews,” Mrs. Munguia described.

At the end of the Success 101 course, students work to prepare for a mock interview as part of their final exam. Leaders throughout the District and community come together to volunteer to help conduct the interviews. “I have

received such positive feedback on student performance during interviews,” Mrs. Munguia added.

“So often, my students are more prepared than some adults.”

Lathrop High received gold honors for demonstrating excellence in careful planning and intentional implementation of the curriculum.

Principal Greg Leland commented, “This is a direct result of the hard work and leadership of Mrs. Munguia and our Get Focused Stay Focused team at LHS!” The class of 2020 will be the first class of graduating seniors who have gone through the entire GFSF program. The school is confident that their graduation rates and A-G completion rates will reflect the success of the program.

Michael Pacheco is a junior at Lathrop High School and has completed the GFSF program.

Michael reflected, “I really loved the program and I hope that all students get to experience Get Focused Stay Focused. The best part is that, our teachers made us feel comfortable talking about the

future and really helped us figure things out. It feels like you’re not walking down this lonely trail by yourself.”

The GFSF program is unique in that, it is not designated for one group of students. It is designed to support all students in their postsecondary planning.

Mrs. Munguia said, “I believe that all students, regardless of their future plans, need to begin preparing for life after high school as soon as they enter 9th grade; it doesn’t matter if they are an honors or AP student or someone who is identified as being an at-risk student. They all need the opportunity to answer the questions, “Who am I? What do I want? How do I get there?” And sometimes, students just need to know that someone believes in them so that they can have the courage to believe in themselves.”

Each comprehensive high school offers the Get Focused Stay Focused program.

Grade Level Standards |

7

The Mark Highlights

Spartans Attend SHIELD Assembly Early this month, Lathrop High School held their fall Shield Assembly. The assembly welcomed Lathrop High students back from summer break, as well as recognized impressive academic achievements of over 100 individual students.

Principal Greg Leland greeted students as they entered the gym.

Students with strong grade point averages received a medal from MUSD Board of Trustees, Bob Wallace, Marie Freitas, Kathy Howe, and Director of Secondary Education, Clara Schmiedt.

Students who earned a grade point average of 4.0 or higher received a gold medal, 3.5 or higher received a silver medal, and 3.0 or higher received an onyx medal.

A total of 12 students scored a 5 on Advanced Placement (AP) exams last year in subjects such as World History and Biology. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1-5. Scores of 3, 4, and 5 are all considered passing grades, with 5 being the highest possible score. These students were recognized by administration for achieving such an incredible feat.

A handful of students were also recognized for having perfect attendance including no tardies to any classes.

8 | Grade Level Standards

The assembly included a friendly student vs. staff competition, a dance performance, drumline demonstration, and a surprise line dance performed by LHS staff and employees to the popular song The Git Up by Blanco Brown.

The Mark Highlights

Sequoia Elementary Nascar Interview

As part of a Mystery Science Lesson working on forces, friction, and gravity, students in Miss Weiher’s 4th grade class made juice box racecars! A balloon was used as force for the racecar to move.

After the races, Miss Weiher’s fourth grade students conducted an interview with Todd Gilliland to learn what it is like being a Nascar driver.

Students took that information and have begun writing a narrative

on a racecar driver. Todd is the driver of the #4 car for Kyle Busch Motorsports in the NASCAR Truck Series.

He won the K&N Pro Series West championship in both 2016 and 2017.

The Buffs Put Science to Work

Last spring, Mrs. Low’s Environmental Science students took advantage of some empty flower beds outside their classroom, and did a little planting.

Students arrived back to school in

August to find that their plants were producing watermelons. Imagine to everyone’s surprise, when walking down the breezeway to classroom S-3, seeing watermelons grow right on campus in the flower beds!

The students planted both yellow and red watermelon plants and the resulting fruit, upon harvest, was a hybrid of both the yellow and red.

Now that’s science at work!

Grade Level Standards |

9

The Mark Highlights

Parent Night Panel Discussion Youth Suicide Awareness

Suicide is the leading cause of death in children aged 10-12, and the second leading cause of death in people aged 15-24. September is National Suicide Prevention Month and MUSD hosted parent night panel discussions on the topic of youth suicide awareness.

“This is the second year the MUSD Suicide Prevention/Intervention/ Post-vention Committee has worked together for the mental health needs of our students,” stated Neil Hafley Principal Lori GuzmanAlvarez and active committee member.

The committee consists of a crosssection of people in different roles and departments such as MUSD Health Services, Child Welfare and Attendance, school psychologists,

10

| Safety

counselors, administrators, and school resource officers from Manteca Police Department.

“I have worked in education for twenty-nine years and I have seen an increase in mental health issues among our young children,” described Principal GuzmanAlvarez. “In my school alone, in the past year, I have completed twenty-one suicide protocols for students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade.”

Suicide protocols are documents used to identify the risk level of a student’s behavior.

The driving force behind the committee is to ensure that students in MUSD have access to suicide prevention education and programs, and intervention support

including risk identification or follow-up after a crisis.

“Because suicide is a leading cause of death, parents and the community need to be aware of it,” urged Principal Guzman-Alvarez.

“The idea is that, the more people that are aware of the warning signs and know what to do to intervene, the more lives that can be saved.”

The committee, with support of school leadership throughout the district, organized four parent panel discussions on the topic of youth suicide awareness during the month of September. Parents learned of the possible warning signs of suicide and how schools are responding to the growing concern. Perspectives were shared from Valley Community

The Mark Highlights Counselors, school resource officers, psychologists, nurses, and administrators respectively.

David Love, family therapist and founder of Valley Community Counseling of San Joaquin County, was present at the Region 1 Parent Night. Love explained, “We are on site at every Manteca Unified School campus each week. There are not many school districts that have reached out so far to ensure that mental health services are supported at each school campus and available for every student.”

Love continued, “This is something MUSD should be recognized for.

There is a big discussion on the national level; the need for more mental health services. In this community, it is being done.”

Leslie Agostini, coordinator of MUSD Health Service and registered nurse, shared an overall driving message: always keep an open line of communication. “You guys [parents in the audience] are the experts on your children; you know your children. The one thing I would encourage is, if you notice change, be it good change or bad change, just start asking questions.”

Principal Guzman-Alvarez shared with parents that, there is no shame and should be no stigma in seeking help for mental health. “Together, we can bring down the numbers of students who suffer from these feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.”

Love continued, “This is something MUSD should be recognized for.

There is a big discussion on the national level; the need for more mental health services. In this community, it is being done.”

MUSD hosted four parent nights separated by region: Region 1, 2, 3, 4 Valley Community Counseling Services (VCCS) is a private, non-profit corporation providing a variety of counseling, therapy and educational services to county residents. Services are provided to individuals, families, couples, and groups.

To contact Valley Community Counseling: 19 East 6th Street, Tracy (209) 835-8583 129 East Center, Manteca (209) 823-1911 https://communityconnectionssjc.org/ Safety |

11

The Mark Highlights

Free Hugs

in Support of Suicide Prevention

Sierra High School Student Body President and Student Board Representative, Rupina Sandhu, opened Sierra High School’s Suicide Prevention Walk by saying a few words.

“We’ve gathered here today to raise awareness, decrease the stigma, and support research that will help identify and treat people suffering from mental health issues, with the ultimate goal of lowering these numbers […] In 2017, an estimated amount of 1,400,000 people attempted to commit suicide without receiving the help they desperately needed. In our very own county, suicide caused 80 deaths during 2017.”

Jared Rio, teacher and activities director at Sierra High reported that eighty-six people registered for the walk and more showed up the morning of the event.

Manteca Vice Mayor David Breitenbucher presented a proclamation and a certificate was given from Assemblyman Heath Flora’s Office in recognition of 12 | Safety

Sierra’s dedication.

“My leadership class and the Peer Resource class under the direction of Janet Sanders helped organize the event for our community. I was inspired by a similar event that took place at my former place of employment where a student initiated an awareness walk after the loss of a close family member,” described Mr. Rio. The leaders of Sierra intend to build on this year’s event, for next year.

Mr. Rio explained that he would like to include specific groups that have been impacted by suicide such as senior citizens and military veterans.

“We had such a wonderful response from our own Sierra family that only confirmed the fact that we need to do this again! Our administration team was behind

us 100%. Janet Sanders attended last week’s City Council meeting to accept the City’s Proclamation as well,” said Mr. Rio. Sierra wishes to convey a message of hope and support. The topic of mental health is something that is often avoided; however, it is impactful to many. Their objective is to spread a positive message of love and begin dismantling the stigma associated with mental health issues such as suicide.

Rupina closed the ceremony by expressing, “As we all walk together today, let us not forget that in this life, we are not alone.”

The Mark Highlights

Cam Awesome Visits Sequoia

Cam Awesome, USA Heavyweight Boxing Champion, recently spoke to Sequoia’s 4th-8th grade students. His inspirational message focused on ambitious goal setting, appropriate use of social media, and social and emotional learning.

“Up in Smoke” Assembly Joel Wurgler of Point Break presented his new “Up in Smoke” assembly to Sequoia Elementary School’s 7th and 8th grade students.

Big Tobacco spends 8.8 billion dollars to advertise their products every year. This includes targeting young people with their E-cigarette business, using flavors like bubble gum and candy corn.

The assembly revealed the truth about tobacco companies, their products and their strategies with video clips, pictures, illustrations and a skit.

Safety |

13

The Mark Highlights

Phase 2

5-10 Year Facilities Plan Following the completion of Phase 1 of the 5-10 Year Facilities Plan, MUSD gathered input from the public about Phase 2.

This included findings from round table meetings at Manteca High School, and East Union High School, where members of the public expressed their priorities.

MUSD then took those results to finalize Phase 2.

Schools that will receive upgrades and modernization during Phase 2 are East Union, and Manteca High School (pictures coming soon), New Haven, French Camp, George McParland, and Nile Garden Elementary. Although each of these schools has unique needs,

New Haven

Aerial View of Campus

Multi-Purpose Room 14

| Safety

as identified in a thorough needs assessment, we strive for equity and parity among schools.

Schools will receive upgrades to improve health, safety, major maintenance, and modernization.

As a community, we must continue our effort and support to provide MUSD students safe and maintained places to learn.

The Mark Highlights

French Camp

School Front

Main Office

Classroom Building Safety |

15

The Mark Highlights

George McParland

Multi-Purpose Room Exterior

Multi-Purpose Room Interior

Aerial View of Campus 16

| Safety

The Mark Highlights

Nile Garden

Multi-Purpose Room Interior

Multi-Purpose Room Exterior

Aerial View of Campus Safety |

17

The Mark Highlights

MUSD and Manteca PD Hold

Critical Incident Training Students in career technical education class, Administration of Justice, and from Be.Tech Charter High School’s First Responder Academy, participated alongside the Manteca Police Department in a Critical Incident Training.

“Our students got to experience what it would be like to be involved in a mass critical incident,” said Ben Cromwell, former police officer and current career technical education teacher.

Manteca Police Department reached out to Mr. Cromwell to organize this training day for the benefit of students and officers.

Students enrolled in BE.Tech’s First Responder Academy and career technical education’s Administration of Justice class, aspire to serve in public safety or related field.

Students learned that the decisions made in the first 30-60 minutes of a critical incident such as a mass casualty, hazardous material, or major fire, are crucial to its outcome. The initial responding of public safety officers will determine whether the incident will accelerate or quickly stabilize.

Kathy Ruble, Director of Career Technical Education and STEM, stated that, “Students really learned how important it is to vocalize clear direction and information during a crisis; Which will serve helpful to them as they pursue a career in public safety.”

18 | Emerging Students

Manteca PD Dispatchers

The Mark Highlights

BE.Tech

On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in a terrorist attack on the United States. This day is remembered as Patriot Day, to honor the innocent who lost their lives, many of them through heroic efforts trying to help others.

BE.Tech Charter High School senior, Mason Wilder, is a First Responder Academy student who climbed 110 flights of stairs in show of solidarity on this September 11, 2019.

In honor of the New York firefighters who gave the ultimate sacrifice 18 years ago, Wilder climbed each flight of stairs in full fire turn-out gear, a self-contained

9/11 Tribute

breathing apparatus on his back, and carrying all the firefighting equipment. 110 stories represent the floors of the World Trade Center.

Wilder’s First Responder classmates supported his climb by cheering him on, while others decided to grab firefighting equipment and climb with him.

The stair climb is a symbol of solidarity among firefighters nationwide. For those in today’s first responder field, such as Wilder, have a special love and respect for the first responders on scene during the attacks. 412 emergency responders lost their lives this day: 343 firefighters, 60 police officers,

8 emergency medical technicians, and 1 patrolman.

September 11th is a day in history that happened before Wilder, and students today, were born.

“Never forget” became a national rallying mantra after the attacks to remember the victims and families affected.

Wilder plans to join the Navy after high school and would like to become an Air Medic and/or a Fire Fighter. He currently is an Explorer with the Lathrop-Manteca Fire Department and job shadows with Reach Air.

Emerging Students |

19

The Mark Highlights

Walk-Jog-a-Thon at Golden West

Each year, Golden West students and families participate in the FUNdraising Run also known as the Walk-Jog-a-thon, and this year was no different. Leadership students helped create and set up the track for the morning event.

The track included stations such as

Hula Hoop, Jump Rope and more, for students to stop and engage.

Mrs. Gates sounded a music play list for students to enjoy as they ventured around the track.

Staff and family volunteers also enjoyed the day as they recorded a few laps around the track

themselves. Several families provided water and smart snack treats for students to hydrate and refuel during laps. The donations students collected will help to support field trips, assemblies and special activities throughout the school year.

George Komure

Kickoff Assembly

George Komure Elementary School’s Vice Principal, Anita Tillotson, did an awesome job presenting our Coyote PRIDE for the 2019-2020 school year to our Kindergarten through fifth grade students on Friday, September 20 | Emerging Students

6th. The assembly was a formal kickoff to the Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports Program which encourages students to “Be Safe, Be Respectful, & Be Responsible!” The room was filled with excited energy as our

mascot, Cody The Coyote, joined Mrs. Tillotson in introducing our positive incentive program. PBIS helps build a collaborative and caring community where staff and students feel safe and welcome. Go Coyotes!

The Mark Highlights

The Mark Highlights

Class of 2023, Your Choices Matter Special to the Mark The Prowl, student news site of WRHS

what was about to take place.

want to achieve.”

The Cougars, class of 2023 got their first opportunity to become thriving members of the campus as they participated in their very first assembly titled, “Your Choices Matter.” Spurred on by the message, the freshmen witnessed firsthand what this campus can be and how they can be part of the change.

The band played live music, the drumline added their renowned beats, and cheerleaders lead the crowd in various call and response chants. Most importantly, the Weston Ranch High School fight song. Music teacher Joe Barron taught the Freshmen how to chant within the beats of the drumline.

While Principal Fast challenged the class of 2023 to consider choices, he encouraged those in attendance to consider everything that goes into being a well-rounded high school student.

This event was no ordinary assembly. School clubs, the band, our cheerleaders, leadership and lots of staff helped the class of 2023 understand that Weston Ranch is a great place when we all show up, work together, and commit to making this campus a spirited community.

Next to come was Mr. Fast, Weston Ranch’s new principal. Principal Fast’s message was simple: Be the change.

Each freshman student was welcomed into the large gym, through a tunnel formed of leadership students cheering their arrival. Students then filled the bleachers and were anxious to see 22 | Emerging Students

“We need to close the gaps between those who do and those who do not,” Principal Fast charged. “Don’t let others make decisions for you because they will hold you back from what you

“To be successful here at Weston Ranch, you have to surround yourself with people who will make you better,” Principal Fast added.

Not only is it essential to make good choices and find a sound system of support, but students

The Mark Highlights

here at Weston Ranch also need to understand that all decisions will have consequences. Some of the outcomes may not be good.

Principal Fast added, “We have to hold you accountable because we want you to be better students and better as young people. When you

are better, we are better.”

In between Principal Fast’s messages, students were treated to performances by the show choir, a dance by the BOBA club, and music by both the band and drumline.

It was an exciting day for the freshmen. As they exited, the

buzz in the gym was positive and inspiring.

Principal Fast’s closing comments were simple but powerful. He said, “If you’re having trouble, change your game plan.”

The game plan is changing for Weston Ranch High School.

Sequoia Elementary Volleyball Teams

Take Both Gold Trophies

The Sequoia Tigers boys and girls volleyball teams competed at Manteca High School’s annual Jr. High volleyball tournament.

Both teams earned a first place finish! Congratulations to all players and Coach Tara Maruyama on your victories.

Emerging Students |

23

The Mark Highlights

Dr. Burke Visits

High School JROTC Programs

MUSD Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke, who actively serves in the United States Army as Lieutenant Colonel Burke, visited High School JROTC classrooms in uniform.

Lathrop, Manteca, East Union, and Weston Ranch High School Jr. Cadets respectively, engaged in a Q&A with Lt. Colonel Burke. Burke described his commitment to public service, in both professions, and provided insight to the aspiring military soldiers and officers of MUSD.

24 | Emerging Students

As Burke stood in front of the JROTC students at Weston Ranch High, he said, “The military is a great option for a lot of people. You can be a doctor, veterinarian, pilot,

truck driver, or even a chef.

But if you do not choose to go down that path, what you learn in this class will be with you wherever you go.”

The Weston Ranch High School Battalion team briefed Burke on the structure of their team, their participation in events, team achievements, and results from codes and regulation inspections.

Burke congratulated specific Jr. Cadets on their program accomplishments with challenge coins that bear the MUSD logo. A challenge coin is a long-standing military tradition given by a commander in recognition of special achievement.

The Mark Highlights

Buffaloes Host

Community Service Fair

Manteca High School students were excited to see what opportunities were available at the 4th annual Community Service Fair. Representatives from Assemblyman Heath Flora’s Office, Manteca Parks and Recreation, Manteca Public Library, Give Every Child a Chance, the Interact

Club and St. Anthony’s Harvest Festival provided information about community volunteer opportunities available for Manteca High students. Students learned that community service helps to provide work experience and can represent character and work ethic for colleges and scholarship

committees. Students who were unable to attend the event, but interested in learning about the opportunities, are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Norton in Room 22 after school hours.

Calla High School Blood Drive

Calla High School hosted the first of four blood drives for the 20192020 school year for the American Red Cross.

“We registered 26 donors, collected 17 units and had 15 first time donors,” said Michele Bryson,

teacher at Calla High School.

“Those 17 donations can potentially help save up to 51 lives.”

Calla High first started hosting blood drives in 2017 to promote social awareness and for students to recognize that they can make

a positive impact on our local community.

Bryson shared, “Student and staff donations have increased each time Calla has held a blood drive.

Community |

25

Weston Ranch High School

Stadium Kickoff

The Mark Highlights

Weston Ranch High School

Stadium Kick-Off

Weston Ranch High School celebrated a grand event this month at their Stadium Kickoff.

In recognition of the school’s new natural turf and all-weather track, WRHS administration organized a ribbon cutting ceremony that thanked the School Board of Education and district officials involved in the stadium makeover.

To ignite the ceremony, Weston Ranch High Principal Troy Fast thanked everyone in attendance and all who worked so hard over the weeks to plan the festivities and celebrations that allowed the community to come together. At his side were athletic director Mr. Brett Lewis, assistant principal Aracely Sandoval, vice principal Dr. Roland Davis, and Student Board Member Alejandra Arevalo-Mercado at the podium.

Mr. Fast expressed gratitude toward the Board of Education who proactively designated one-time funds to renovate the recreational facility for our students and community partners.

Board President Stephen Schluer alongside Board Vice President Eric Duncan cut the red ribbon to commemorate the opening of a new era of traditions in the stadium.

28 | Community

The Mark Highlights

The Varsity Football team line up for the National Anthem.

Weston Ranch Jr. Cougars cheer from the stands.

The Weston Ranch Jr. Cougars were in attendance, in the stands and on the sidelines, as they rooted for the Cougars on their big night, on their new field, under the Friday night lights.

Weston Ranch High School varsity football team played against the Franklin High School Yellowjackets and swept the game with a final score of 18-0. It was a shared night of victory, community, and togetherness.

From Left: Vice Principal and Athletic Director Brett Lewis, Assistant Principal Aracely Sandoval, Vice Principal Roland Davis, and Principal Troy Fast

Community |

29

The Mark Highlights

Coach Jack Thomson in front of the newly revealed scoreboard.

Sierra Names

The Mark Highlights

Jack Thomson Stadium Sierra High School held a ceremony to reveal the new name of their baseball field, Jack Thomson Stadium.

Coach Jack Thomson built Sierra High School’s baseball field with his bare hands, literally. When he arrived to the Home of the Timberwolves in 1994, the baseball stadium barely met the standards of an official high school playing field.

According to former Sierra High Athletic Director, Vern Gebhardt, the infield had little grass, the pitcher’s mound wasn’t much of a mound at all, there were no bleachers for spectators, and the fence surrounding the outfield was a mere 5 feet tall.

Within a few months, Coach Thomson and a group of volunteers began work on the baseball field.

Soon, the field had green grass, bleachers, a much taller fence, an electronic scoreboard, and even a public announcement system. But it’s not what Coach Thompson did to the field that caught the attention of the community, it’s what he accomplished with his players as coach on the baseball diamond.

Over his 22 year career with the Sierra High Timberwolves, Coach Thomson amassed an impressive record of 355-233-5, a win-rate of over 60%. His 607 overall career wins are the most in South Sac-Joaquin Section history. Those who stood at the podium, as well

Jack Thomson and family

Athletic Director Andrew Lee addresses the crowd of over 200 people.

as the 200+ in audience, agreed that not only was Coach Thomson outstanding at leading his team to victory, but also great at leading his players to be respectable young men.

Coach Thomson took pride in serving as a role model in every aspect for his players. Rigo Ledesma, a former player of Coach Jack Thomson, said “You showed us how to be great baseball players,

but you unknowingly showed us how to be fathers, and husbands as well. Thank you for that.”

In many competitive sports, players and coaches sometimes get lost in chasing wins. Coach Thomson always stayed on track. He coached his players to victories on the field, but mentored them to be winners off the field as well.

Community |

31

The Mark Highlights

Dimos Birakos in uniform.

Sierra Leadership

Sierra High Takes Flight

to Support Birakos in Rescue Wing Sierra High School supports physical education teacher Mr. Dimos Birakos in his active service to the 129th Rescue Wing of the National Guard. Early this month, the Rescue Wing hosted an employee appreciation day and Dimos invited his leaders from Sierra High School.

Located in the heart of the Silicon Valley, the 129th Rescue Wing’s mission is to train and prepare to perform its wartime mission of combat search and rescue

anywhere in the world. The 129th has performed a wide variety of civilian search and rescue missions, including distressed persons aboard ships, lost or injured hikers, and medical evacuations.

crew north to San Francisco along Highway 101, around the Golden Gate Bridge, and back south to Moffatt Field along the coast of California. This was made possible by the volunteers of the Employer To much excitement, Dimos’ guests, Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).

Vice Principal Andrew Lee, Office Manager Stella Oliver with husband Sierra High is proud to support Mr. Steve, and Assistant Principal Dimos Birakos, active member of Anthony Chapman with wife Erika, the 129th Rescue Wing and Sierra were afforded an opportunity to High educator. fly in the HH-60G Pave Hawk Helicopter. The flight took the

Classified Staff Training at Manteca High

Classified, or non-teaching, staff is at the heart of Manteca High School. They serve a critical role in providing for the welfare and safety of our students so that learning can occur. They communicate with parents, students and the community on a daily basis, and are often the first smiling face to greet you upon campus entry.

On a minimum day, classified staff at Manteca High attended a special training session with Jeremey 32 | Community

Bates, a motivational speaker from Tru Hope. This was no ordinary training session; Bates is celebrated nationwide as the Hope Dealer.

Principal Frank Gonzales invited the Hope Dealer back to Manteca High after previously presenting to students and teachers. He left such an impact, Principal Gonzales felt that classified staff should experience the same opportunity.

Bates lead an interactive workshop that touched on how to stay hopeful

during times of adversity, lead with compassion, and make a positive impression.

The Mark Highlights

Sequoia Invites Families for

Lunch on the Lawn

Community |

33

Grandparent’s Day at August Knodt

August Knodt hosted fifty-eight grandparents who enjoyed a special lunch with their grandchildren.

Forty-eight August Knodt students arrived in the library eager to treat their grandparents to a crowd favorite lunch of turkey, gravy and all of the fixin’s.

“It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces. Thank you to the great staff at Nutrition Services for helping us honor these grandparents,” stated Principal Sherryl Price.

6th Annual Sierra High School FAUSTINA ROSAS MEMORIAL 5k Fun Run Saturday, October 5, 2019 Race-Day Registration/Packet Pick up: 7:00 a.m.

5k Run: 8:00 a.m.

Awards: 9:00 a.m.

Run starts and finishes at Sierra High School.

Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in the following Male & Female groups: 14 and Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ $20.00 Registration (Shirt guaranteed IF registration is received by September 17, 2019) $25.00 after September 17, 2019 Registration includes: T-shirt, post-race food, water For more information, please email Anne Marie Shaw at ashaw@musd.net _________________________________________________________________________________________ SHS 5k Fun Run Registration Form One form per person Mail or Hand Deliver to: Anne Marie Shaw, Sierra High School, 1700 Thomas Street, Manteca, CA 95337 Name ____________________________________________________ Age______ Male □ Female □ Address __________________City/Zip ____________Phone # _________________ Email:_______________ T-Shirt Size: Adult: S □ M □

L□

XL □

XXL □ Child: S □ M □ L □

Waiver: In consideration of your accepting entry, I intend to be legally bound, do herby for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators waive and release forever any and all rights and claims or damages I may accrue against any sponsors, MUSD, their employees, representatives, managers or public entities affiliated with the Sierra High School 5k Fun Run. I further attest that I am physically fit and sufficiently trained to participate in this 5k run and by signing this form, I acknowledge that there are certain inherent risks associated with participating in an event of this type and have read and fully understand my own liability and accept the restrictions.

Signed ___________________________________________________ Date ____________________ Participant Signature (parent/guardian signature if participant is under 18 years of age

2271 West Louise Ave. | Manteca, CA 95337 (209) 825-3200 | www.mantecausd.net

#proudtobemusd

Weston Ranch High School Stadium Kickoff Page 26

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.