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Dear MUSD Community,
As 2024 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable first half of the school year. Serving as your Superintendent, I am filled with gratitude and pride as I witness the incredible dedication and effort that define our students, families, teachers, staff, and Board at Manteca Unified. Your continued commitment to education and student success is truly inspiring, and I am thankful for our partnership in this journey.
This season, I am particularly proud of our collective efforts and focus on student growth and progress. Visiting classrooms during regular learning walks has been a highlight for me. I have seen firsthand the passion and commitment of our teachers as they inspire curiosity and foster a love of learning.
Looking ahead to the new year, I am filled with optimism about the promising direction of our district. Guided by our dedicated Board of Education, our purpose as a district remains unchanged – we are here to teach students with a belief that every single student can achieve. We know that achievement is most possible when families and schools work hand in hand, building strong connections. Together, we will remain focused on student growth, equipping all students with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive both in the classroom and beyond.
Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. I am grateful to serve as your Superintendent and working together, I am confident that 2025 will be a year of growth, innovation, and achievement.
We at MUSD wish you a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!
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Dr. Clark Burke
Superintendent
Manteca Unified School District
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Gratitude Across the District | |
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We asked a MUSD parent a simple yet meaningful question: Who are you grateful for?
That question sparked a chain reaction, igniting a game of Gratitude Tag—a movement of appreciation spreading across the MUSD community as we close out the year.
Check out the video below to see what unfolded!
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Registration for 2025-26 School Year | |
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New student registration for the upcoming school year will begin on January 13, 2025.
This early registration period is open to new students of all grade levels (TK-12).
If you will be enrolling a new student for the 2025-26 school year, we encourage you to register when the window opens on January 13. By registering as soon as possible, you will have the greatest chance of getting your child a spot in their school of residence. Early registration will end on February 28.
Additionally, Open Enrollment will also begin on January 13. Open Enrollment allows families to apply to have their child(ren) attend another MUSD school other than their school of residence. Open Enrollment forms will be completed online using the MUSD website and must be submitted online by February 28.
To learn more, visit our Registration webpage at www.mantecausd.net/registration. If you have any questions, please contact your school office.
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Register for Transitional Kindergarten!
Families who live within MUSD boundaries have an exciting opportunity to give their youngest learners a strong start with Transitional Kindergarten (TK) - a state-funded, optional program designed to prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.
All age-eligible children residing within MUSD boundaries are encouraged to enroll in this enriching program, which provides a nurturing, full-day learning environment tailored to early learners. To qualify, children must turn 4 years old on or before September 1, 2025.
Program highlights include a free, full-day learning program, lower staff-to-student ratio, and curriculum aligned with instruction up to 3rd grade.
For more information, please visit www.mantecausd.net/TK.
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It's Almost Parent Teacher Conference Time! | |
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In Manteca Unified, we call these conferences Goal-Setting Conferences.
During the week of January 27-31, families of students in grades TK-8 will participate in Goal-Setting Conferences—a key moment in the academic year to strengthen the partnership between students, teachers, and families.
These conferences go beyond the traditional parent-teacher format by focusing on proactive discussions and planning. Rather than reviewing progress after grading has occurred, Goal-Setting Conferences take place before your child’s next report card and center on collaborative feedback and strategies to support their success.
During the conferences, teachers will provide personalized insights for each student, including attendance and participation trends, work samples and testing data, and other essential indicators of progress and areas for growth. Your child’s teacher is there to support you with the next steps for your child’s learning journey.
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Here are "The 4 Questions" to ask your child's teacher
to kick-start a growth-centered conversation:
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1) What does my child need to be able to do? – Talk to your child’s teacher about goals for your child’s learning and what skills they’re expected to learn at their grade level.
2) How will I know once my child knows it? – Learn how progress is measured and what progress and success look like for your child’s grade level.
3) What can I do if my child is struggling to understand? – There are many ways to support learning from home!
4) What do I do to support my child once they know it? – Find out how to keep your child moving forward when they’re ready for the next step.
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By working as a team – parents, teachers, and students – we can create a path to progress and student achievement together! | |
Safety Tips - From MUSD Principals! | |
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At Manteca Unified, we prioritize student safety and well-being. Here are some tips and reminders to help ensure a safe and healthy school year for our students and families:
Transportation Safety
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Morning fog precautions: Foggy mornings can reduce visibility, making roads more dangerous. Review our safety tips for driving in dense fog on the Weather Guidelines webpage.
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Teen driver talks: Reinforce the importance of responsible driving with your teens. Discuss distractions, speed limits, and how weather can impact their driving.
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Bike safely: Remind students to always wear a properly fitted helmet, use bike lights and reflectors, and obey traffic laws.
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Walking/biking safety: Encourage students to use safe routes to school, follow street signs, and avoid jaywalking. Teach them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.
Online Safety
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Positive online behavior: Reinforce the lessons students are learning at school about maintaining a positive online footprint. Remind them that colleges, employers, and recruiters may review their online presence.
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Privacy and screen time: Be aware of your child’s privacy settings on social media and other apps. Set healthy limits on screen time to balance their digital and offline activities.
Mental Health
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Recognize the signs: Keep an eye out for symptoms like depression, mood swings, or irritability in your child. These could be signs they need extra support.
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Utilize campus resources: We have social-emotional counselors on site to support students in need. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you notice any changes in behavior or mood.
Health Tips
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Cold weather precautions: Encourage regular hand washing to prevent the spread of germs, especially during flu season.
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Stay hydrated: Drinking water is essential even in colder months.
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Nutritious meals: A balanced diet fuels learning and keeps the immune system strong. We offer free breakfast and lunch daily, ask your child if they’re taking advantage of available meals each day!
If you hear or see something concerning, we encourage you to report it immediately. No concern is too small when it comes to the safety of our students and community. Report concerns to local law enforcement, school administration, or any trusted adult.
Working together, we can ensure that all Manteca Unified students stay safe, healthy, and supported!
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We sent you some mail! You should have received a postcard from us detailing the key facility updates we’ve implemented over the past year, as well as upcoming modernization projects designed to enhance student learning and success thanks to local special taxes.
To view this information digitally, please visit:
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Board of Education Updates | |
Welcoming Our Newly Sworn-In Trustees
- Area 7 Trustee Bob Wallace, Area 3 Trustee Melanie Greene, and Area 1 Trustee Eric Duncan were officially sworn in, reaffirming their dedication to serving the Manteca Unified School District community.
- Each year, the Board reorganizes by voting for new leadership positions. This annual process ensures fresh perspectives and shared responsibility as the Board works to serve our students, families, and community. The Board elected their new executive members as follows: Stephen J. Schluer, Board President, Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Board Vice President, and Marie Freitas, Board Clerk.
- The board approved two new memberships to the Measure G and Measure A Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee as Manteca Unified continues to modernize and build new facilities with funds from Measure G and Measure A. The role of the Citizen's Oversight Committee is to review the spending of bond funds and report findings. They ensure that bond revenues are used only for specific projects as planned. This committee is just one example of how the community and schools work together in Manteca Unified.
- The first interim budget report presentation was given by MUSD Director of Fiscal Services Dana Vaccarezza. The Board of Education President signed a positive certification declaring that Manteca Unified School District will be able to meet its financial obligation for the remainder of the fiscal year 2024-25 and the subsequent two years.
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The Holidays are Here - Time for the Best Gift of All: Opportunities! | |
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As we wrap up another year and embrace the holiday, there's no better gift than the chance to grow, inspire, and make an impact.
At Manteca Unified, we're excited to invite YOU to explore the variety of roles available in our district. From educators to support staff, we’re looking for passionate individuals ready to make a difference.
This holiday season, why not give yourself, or someone you know, the gift of opportunity? Whether you're an experienced teacher, a support staff member, or looking for a career change or to take the next step in your career, there's a role for everyone at Manteca Unified who shares our belief that every student can achieve!
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Know a teacher eager to work in a student-centered district?
Apply now to attend our 2025 Educator Hiring Event! Manteca Unified is hiring for the 2025-2026 school year, and we’re seeking passionate educators who want to join a district committed to student achievement.
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Want to Stay in the Know About Job Openings?
Every month, our Human Resources Team sends out a newsletter featuring all the latest job opportunities. Don’t miss out—click here to sign up and get the latest updates straight to your inbox!
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In Case You Missed It: Manteca Unified Stories | | |
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Sierra High Scholars Put Manteca on the Map at the World Scholar's Cup Tournament of Champions | |
Last month, sophomores Miles Lima, Colin Nguyen, and Kaushik Chamchani represented MUSD with distinction at the 2024 World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions, held at Yale University.
Competing against the top 3% of teams worldwide, their hard work and collaboration showcased the best of Sierra High’s academic excellence.
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MUSD Celebrates Inaugural Reclassification Ceremonies | Manteca Unified recently held our first Reclassification Ceremonies, recognizing 316 students for their dedication to mastering the English Language. Reclassification signifies a student’s transition to being proficient in English, allowing them to communicate, read, and write confidently. | | |
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During the week of October 28, spoken word poet and America’s Got Talent winner Mr. Brandon Leake visited August Knodt Elementary, working with students and staff from kindergarten through eighth grade to embrace their creative potential.
Throughout the week, students engaged in writing, poetry techniques, and performance methods. Through each lesson, students were encouraged to explore their unique perspectives and voices, crafting original works inspired by Mr. Leake’s own artistic journey.
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Spotlighting MUSD's Classified Employees of the Year | |
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Last month, we announced our Classified Employees of the Year! To introduce you to these remarkable individuals, the Department of Community Relations & Engagement has launched a video series that follows these employees behind the scenes.
This month, get to know:
- Paula Reynoso, Nutrition Services (MUSD)
- Joshua Bowers, Information Technology (MUSD)
Stay tuned as we continue to share Employee of the Year videos!
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December & January: Save the Dates | |
Winter Break
No School
December 23 - January 7
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
No School
January 20
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Martin Luther King, Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader who championed civil rights and equality. Celebrated annually on the third Monday of January, this day is a meaningful opportunity for students and families to reflect on the values of equality, kindness, and community service. As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, we are reminded of the importance of standing up for justice and treating others with respect and compassion. We celebrate his vision by encouraging students to learn about his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and by inspiring them to make a positive impact in their own communities.
Search “Martin Luther King, Jr.” in MUSD’s free, digital library to explore multiple titles.
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MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT |
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Superintendents
Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent
Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent
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MUSD School Board
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
Melanie Greene, Area 3
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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