New Student Registration Still Open | | |
We are still accepting new students for the 2025-26 school year!
If you or someone you know will be enrolling a new student, register today! The earlier you register, the higher likelihood you have of reserving a spot at your child’s school of residence.
Visit www.mantecausd.net/registration for more information.
| | MUSD Receives Global Recognition for Fiscal Responsibility | | |
Manteca Unified School District is proud to announce that we have received global recognition for the district’s outstanding financial responsibility from Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. This prestigious acknowledgment reflects MUSD’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a strong financial position and managing debt effectively, ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for students.
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., a globally recognized credit reporting agency, has awarded MUSD the esteemed ‘Aa2’ recognition – meaning the district’s financial state is high quality and poses a very low credit risk – based on a comprehensive assessment of the district’s financial practices and performance.
This achievement underscores Manteca Unified’s dedication to responsible financial stewardship and the prudent use of taxpayer dollars to benefit MUSD students and the greater community.
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At Manteca Unified, the safety of our students, staff, and community is always our highest priority—especially during large events like graduation.
We understand how important these celebrations are for families, and we are committed to ensuring they are not only memorable but also safe for everyone in attendance. To support a secure environment, we partner with local law enforcement and implement clear safety protocols, including designated entry points and increased staff presence.
We kindly ask for your partnership in following all event guidelines so that we can celebrate these milestones with joy, pride, and peace of mind.
| | Updates from the April Board of Education Meeting | | | | |
Thank you, Melanie Greene
Manteca Unified extends our heartfelt appreciation to Area 3 Trustee Melanie Greene, who submitted her resignation from the MUSD Board of Education on April 1 to pursue other leadership opportunities. Her dedicated service and advocacy for our students, staff, and community will leave a lasting impact.
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New Science Curriculum (9-12 Grade)
At the April Board meeting, the MUSD Department of Teaching and Learning presented a new science curriculum for high school students, “Living Earth and Chemistry Curriculum.”
After years of research and data collection, this curriculum was the highest-scoring curriculum evaluated. It was chosen and recommended to the Board, who approved and adopted it at the April Board meeting.
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MUSD on the Move!
Several exciting student trips were approved, providing real-world learning experiences for MUSD students:
Weston Ranch High JROTC is headed to the World Robotics Competition in Dallas, Texas, where students will grow their skills in STEM, leadership, and teamwork.
Weston Ranch High Theatre received approval to attend a professional theatre production in Ashland, Oregon. This experience supports the “Responding” and “Connecting” Arts Standards and includes professional workshops and industry activities.
CTE Students from Lathrop High and Weston Ranch High will attend the 2025 HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Students will participate in healthcare-focused competitions and leadership events, gaining real-world experience in the medical field.
Manteca High School students will explore history and culture abroad through the EF Educational Tour to Japan in June 2026.
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Facility Updates
Several exciting facility updates were adopted at the April Board Meeting, including approving plans and specifications for a Multi-Purpose Room at Brock Elliott and Joshua Cowell Elementary Schools!
| | Looking for a New Opportunity? | | |
At Manteca Unified, there's a role for everyone!
We're currently hiring for a variety of positions, including Multiple-Subject Teachers, Paraprofessionals (Classroom Aids), School Site Assistants, Office Support Staff, Nutrition Service Assistants, Visual and Performing Arts Teachers, Custodians, and more!
| | Student & Staff Highlights | | Sierra High School Lobo Gold | |
The Sierra Timberwolves came together to celebrate the academic achievements and growth of 1,320 students at the biannual Lobo Gold Rally!
A huge round of applause to the 246 students who earned Lobo Gold (4.0+ GPA), the 644 students who achieved Lobo Silver (3.25+ GPA), and the 472 students recognized with Lobo Blue (2.25+ GPA). Your hard work and dedication shine bright!
With great excitement and pride, the school announced their Class of 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian—congratulations to Nicole Allison and Siddharthan Gopendran!
| |  | Lathrop High School SHIELD | |
Lathrop High School brought the hype with its biannual SHIELD Rally — a celebration of academic excellence and Spartan pride!
“Spartan Spotlight” recognitions celebrated students who achieved major accomplishments, including Industry Electrical Certifications, spots secured in the Manteca Unified County-Level Honor Band, All-Northern Honor Band, and All-State Honor Band, a selection for the Sandia Women’s Connection - an award from Sandia National Laboratories for accomplishments in STEM, and a Health Careers of America recognition!
Additionally, the prestigious Gold Shield Award was presented to students and staff who live out Lathrop High’s core values: Integrity, Engagement, Leadership, and Determination. Huge congrats to seniors Gavin Miller and Susana Ibanez, and to Mr. Aron Lopez and Mrs. Kristin Miller — MUSD’s Educator of the Year!
The event ended with the exciting announcement of Lathrop High’s Co-Valedictorians and Salutatorian for 2025. Way to go, Jasmeen Kaur, Erleen Mand, and Manpreet Bains!
| | Reclassification Ceremonies | |
At Manteca Unified, the goal of our English Language Development program is to empower students to master the English language with confidence, enabling them to excel academically, communicate effectively, and thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
This month, Manteca Unified hosted Reclassification Ceremonies, honoring students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication in learning and mastering the English language.
| | | California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference | |
Manteca Unified is excited to share that our very own English Language Development Specialist, Wendy Herrick, and high school English Language Development teacher, Janet Sanders, recently presented at the annual California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference!
The CABE Conference is an annual event promoting bilingual education, multilingualism, and equity for English learners. It gathers educators, policymakers, and advocates to discuss best practices, policies, and innovations. The event features keynotes, workshops, networking, and educational resources to support diverse student success.
At Manteca Unified, we are proud to support students in learning English to realize individual long-term success.
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Students and volunteers across Manteca Unified and the San Joaquin County Office of Education gathered to participate in the All-Star Olympics!
The event, hosted at Sierra High School, was a celebration of inclusion, teamwork, and joy for MUSD high school students.
The day was packed with exciting activities including cornhole, face painting, Connect 4, gaga ball, and special medals!
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This month, MUSD spotlighted student creativity at our annual Best of the Best Art Show, hosted by MUSD’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department and organized by VAPA Coordinator Anthony Dahl!
The overall winner was Jalyssa Molina, a senior from East Union High School, whose stained glass piece took over six months to complete! MUSD will be sending 100 pieces to the San Joaquin County Art Show, which will take place on Monday, May 5.
| | Student Recognition from the Board | |
The MUSD Board of Education proudly recognized one student from each school during the April Board Meeting who has shown outstanding learning growth this year.
This recognition celebrates progress, perseverance, and the commitment to continuous learning. We are so proud of each student and how they inspire others through their hard work and growth
Student success is truly a team effort. Thank you to the families and educators who support and inspire students every step of the way.
| | | Lathrop High Scholar Ahtletes | |
Lathrop High School student-athletes are crushing it—both in competition and in the classroom—with an impressive 3.28 average GPA!
Lathrop High School has been nationally recognized as a Model School by the Center for Model Schools for its culture of prioritizing academics and student progress. This is a shining example of the hard work students and staff put in each day to achieve excellence.
| | MUSD Nutrition Education at California Association of Business Officials (CASBO) Conference | |
Manteca Unified is excited to share that our very own Director of Nutrition Education, Tracee Franks, recently presented at the annual California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) conference!
Mrs. Franks presented to school professionals from across the state “From Nutrition Services to Nutrition Education – Transforming a Food Service Department to a Valued Partner in Education.”
| | | | In Case You Missed It: Manteca Unified Stories | | | |
Exploring Standards through
the Arts
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“By overlapping concepts in a creative and meaningful way, students’ minds light up, making learning both exciting and memorable. When lessons are infused with art, recall becomes effortless because the experience itself is filled with joy and discovery,” shared MUSD Arts Integration Specialist Jeannie Pacheco.
Jeannie Pacheco, Manteca Unified’s Arts Integration Specialist, is spearheading the district’s Arts Integration Pilot Program. This innovative program weaves California’s essential grade-level learning standards into lessons incorporating artistic expression, helping students explore subjects like math and science through creativity.
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Social Emotional Learning -
Spreading Kindness One Card at a Time
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Lathrop Elementary students set out on a mission to spread kindness, one card at a time. Their goal? To create 500 heartfelt messages for children receiving care at St. Jude’s Research Hospital. In just under two weeks, they didn’t just meet their goal—they far exceeded it, sending an incredible 680 handmade cards filled with messages of encouragement and love.
"Social-emotional learning plays a vital role in elementary education, helping students develop empathy and kindness," Ledezma shared.
"When we discussed the idea of making cards for St. Jude’s, my class didn’t just embrace it—they took it a step further. They challenged the entire school to join in, setting a goal of 550 handmade cards. Their enthusiasm and generosity exceeded all expectations, and, in the end, we created an incredible 680 cards to bring joy to children in need."
| | | | Every 15 Minutes - Manteca | |
Manteca, Sierra, East Union, and Calla High students gathered for the annual Every 15 Minutes (E15) event, a two-day program that educates high school upperclassmen on the dangers of drinking and driving. Day one involves a mock alcohol-related car accident with participation from local police, firefighters, paramedics, and other partner agencies. Following the crash simulation, students gathered for a staged “funeral”.
E15 is designed to spotlight the risks students’ actions can have on the lives of others and themselves. This poignant event leaves a lasting impression on students and couldn't be done without the support of community members and first responders.
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School Principals Day
May 1
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🎉May 1 is School Principals’ Day! 🎉
On this day, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools with dedication, compassion, and vision. Thank you, principals, for all you do to support students, staff, and families daily!
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School Lunch Heroes Day
May 2
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🥗💛May 2 is School Lunch Hero Day! 🥗💛
Join us in celebrating the hardworking nutrition staff who fuel our students with healthy meals and warm smiles every day. Thank you for being true heroes in our schools!
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National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5-9
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📚❤️ National Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5–9! ❤️📚
Throughout this week, we will honor the incredible educators who inspire, challenge, and support our students every single day. Thank you, teachers, for your lasting impact in and beyond the classroom!
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💙🩺 May 7 is School Nurse Day! 🩺💙
On this day, we will recognize the compassionate and skilled professionals who care for the health and well-being of our students. Thank you, school nurses, for being a vital part of our school communities!
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🎖️ May 17 is Armed Forces Day! 🎖️
We are proud to honor the brave men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.
We’re especially proud to recognize our Superintendent, Dr. Clark Burke, a dedicated leader in education and a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army. Thank you for your service—both in our schools and our country!
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Classified Employees' Week
May 18-24
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📚 Classified School Employees Week is May 18–24! 📚
We are excited to celebrate the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep our schools running smoothly, from office staff and custodians to bus drivers and paraeducators. Thank you for the vital role you play in supporting students every day!
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Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May
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Join us in celebrating the rich cultures, diverse traditions, and important contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. This month, we honor the stories, achievements, and vibrant heritage that shape our shared history.
Throughout this month, we encourage you and your child to explore history in our free digital library, available to all MUSD students – Sora!
Search “Asian American” to discover reading options for all ages!
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Mental Health Awareness Month
April
| | This month, we highlight the importance of mental well-being and the power of support, understanding, and connection. Let’s work together to break the stigma, raise awareness, and promote a culture of care for ourselves and each other. | | |
MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT |
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Superintendent's Cabinet
Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent
Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent
Victoria Brunn, Chief Business and Information Officer
Clara Schmiedt, Executive Director of Secondary Education
Jenni Andrews, Executive Director of Elementary Education
Dr. Jody Burriss, Senior Director of Special Education
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MUSD Board of Education
President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6
Vice President Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5
Board Clerk Marie Freitas, Area 4
Eric Duncan Sr., Area 1
Kathy Howe, Area 2
Bob Wallace, Area 7
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Our Vision
Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe and is supported to realize individual success.
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Our 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.
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