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Manteca Unified Names 2025 Educators of the Year
Read sentiments from each of their nominating teams below.
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Sarah Smith
Elementary Educator
| “Ms. Smith demonstrates exceptional skill in creating a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, tailoring her teaching to meet each student’s unique needs through creative lesson plans, small group activities, and assistive communication tools. Her ability to listen empathetically and offer practical solutions has fostered a supportive and trusting partnership between our school and families.” | |
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Annamarie Hutsell
Junior High Educator
| “With 17 years of dedication to MUSD, Ms. Hutsell’s positive attitude and ability to uplift her peers have significantly enhanced our school environment. She truly embodies all the qualities we want to see in an educator by showcasing a keen understanding of diverse learning needs and tailoring her lessons to ensure that all students benefit from her teaching. Her dedication, passion for teaching, and tireless advocacy for her colleagues and students make her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.” | |
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Kristin Miller*
High School Educator
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“Ms. Miller embodies the gold standard of teaching excellence and leadership, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her classroom. To her students, she is affectionately regarded as the "GOAT”—the Greatest of All Time—a title she more than earns by creating a classroom where students can be curious, grow, and feel valued. Her influence is so profound that students adopt her "Miller-isms," creating a culture of peer encouragement that mirrors her own. Every instructional minute is optimized, and her classroom operates with precision, making her the teacher every school dreams of having.”
*Ms. Miller is also a finalist for the San Joaquin County Office of Education - Educator of the Year.
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Bonnie Stogner
Support Services Educator
| “Ms. Stogner approaches teachers with humble leadership, providing insight, suggestions, and strategies to enhance instructional practices. As a Teacher on Special Assignment, she serves as a vital liaison between school sites and district leadership, playing a pivotal role in curriculum adoptions and teacher training. Known for her professionalism, warmth, and expertise, Bonnie creates a welcoming atmosphere for all while navigating complex situations with grace. Her tireless dedication to students, educators, and families and her commitment to excellence make her an invaluable asset to MUSD.” | |
Three Manteca Unified Schools Earn
Statewide Recognition for Excellence
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Manteca Unified School District is proud to announce that New Vision High School, Calla High School, and Yosemite Community Day School have been recognized by the California Department of Education for their outstanding commitment to alternative education.
New Vision and Calla High Schools have been named Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2025, a distinction awarded to only 74 of the 429 continuation high schools in California. Meanwhile, Yosemite Community Day School has been named a Model Community Day School (MCDS) for 2025, one of just nine schools statewide to earn this recognition.
Continuation and community day schools serve students facing unique challenges, offering flexible scheduling, individualized instruction, and comprehensive support services to help students succeed academically and socially.
A Culture of Support and Success
Leaders from New Vision, Calla High School, and Yosemite Community Day School emphasize the importance of fostering a supportive and personalized learning environment where students feel valued and empowered to succeed.
They highlight the dedication of their staff in creating school cultures that nurture student growth, recognize individual learning journeys, and provide the necessary support to help students overcome challenges. Their recent recognition reflects the impact of their efforts in ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
These three schools will be officially recognized at the California Continuation Education Association Plus 2025 State Conference later this year.
Congratulations to New Vision, Calla, and Yosemite Community Day School on this well-deserved honor! You make us #ProudtobeMUSD!
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New Student Early Registration Closes February 28 | |
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The early registration window for students who will be brand new to Manteca Unified will close this Friday, February 28.
Families will still be able to register their child in March. However, we recommend registering as early as possible for the best chance of securing a spot at your child’s school of residence.
For current Kindergarten through 11th grade families, you do not need to re-register.
If your child is currently in TK, please visit our TK to Kindergarten registration webpage for details: www.mantecausd.net/TKtoK
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school of residence.
Visit www.mantecausd.net/registration for more information.
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Preparedness
During the February Board meeting, our Department of Emergency and Safety Preparedness presented our School Site Safety Plans to the Board of Education.
Developing comprehensive emergency plans with each of our school sites is a key component of the Preparedness phase of our Emergency Preparedness Model, which aligns with the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). Our safety plans emphasize proactive training, effective communication, and strong recovery protocols to ensure that students and staff are well-prepared for any emergency situation.
Following the presentation, Board President Schluer commended key components of our district's planning process and its detail-oriented nature.
Response
Did you know that in addition to our school site safety plans, we have a designated District Incident Command team who remains ready to respond in the event of an emergency? The District Incident Command team at Manteca Unified consists of key department leaders who mobilize and help respond working alongside law enforcement and the school site to ensure school safety.
We encourage families to visit our Safety webpage to explore our Emergency Preparedness Model and familiarize themselves with our key safety terms. We appreciate your continued support in keeping our students and staff safe.
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Report Cards Coming Soon! | |
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Reporting student progress is an essential part of the relationship between home and school. In MUSD, TK-6th grade standards-based report cards give us a clear data of where students need more support in order to reach proficiency (PR) in their grade level standards by the end of the school year!
Reminder that report card marks are NOT meant to be thought of as “good” or “bad” grades. Marks simply tell us how and where your child is learning and making progress. We know that all students learn differently and at a different pace, and that’s OKAY. When we have a clearer picture of where a child is in their learning, we know where they need support and what they’re ready to learn next. Teachers and parents then can work as a team to help their child grow.
Your child’s teacher is there to support you with the next steps for your child’s learning journey.
While Goal-Setting and report cards are valuable opportunities to discuss learning goals, we encourage you to communicate with your child's teacher throughout the school year. After receiving your child's Trimester 2 Report Card, here are some great questions to get the conversation started:
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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 - like Exact Path!
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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Trimester 2 Report Card Distribution: | |
Trimester 2 report cards will be distributed on March 7, 2025. Report cards can also be accessed via Q Parent Connection. If you have any questions regarding report card distribution, please contact your child’s school. | |
Board of Education Updates | |
LCAP Mid-Year Report
During the February Board Meeting, Director of Strategic Alignment and Accountability Dr. Lisa Herrin presented the mid-year report on MUSD’s strategic plan (Local Control and Accountability Plan - LCAP) to the Board.
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Measure A & G Oversight Committee 23-24 Audit Report
Voter-approved bond measures guide how we invest in our schools to ensure funding is used as intended. Measure A funds are dedicated to upgrading classrooms and school facilities to support safe, in-person learning. Measure G funding helps modernize classrooms to meet current academic, technology, and safety standards.
To ensure transparency and accountability, an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee reviews the use of these funds. At this month’s meeting, the committee presented the 2023-2024 audit report, confirming zero findings—meaning every dollar from Measures A and G was properly spent and accurately reported.
At Manteca Unified, we remain committed to creating safe, modern learning environments where all students can thrive.
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Golden West Parking Lot Expansion
The parking lot expansion project at Golden West Elementary was authorized by the Board at this month’s board meeting. The MUSD Facilities team will begin designing plans for this project to be presented to the Board at a later date.
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Looking for a New Opportunity? | |
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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, Media and Web Communications Specialists, Nutrition Service Assistants, Visual and Performing Arts Teachers, Grounds Workers, and more!
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Get to Know MUSD's School Counselor of the Year | |
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Last November, we announced our School Counselor of the Year! To spotlight all of our employees of the year, the Department of Community Relations & Engagement has launched a video series that follows these employees behind the scenes.
This month, we’re spotlighting Jessica Munoz, School Counselor (EUHS).
Stay tuned as we continue to share Employee of the Year videos!
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In Case You Missed It: Manteca Unified Stories | | |
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College & Career Ready: The Crucial Role of School Counselors | From providing personalized guidance to offering resources and support, our school counselors empower students to navigate their educational journeys so that they can become college and career-ready! | | |
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Manteca Unified’s Classified Employees of the Year were recently highlighted by the California School Employees Association (CSEA). Check out their post and our article on the CSEA’s website by clicking the link below! | | |
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From MUSD Student to Award-Winning Educator | |
Meet Cameron "Cammie" Harris – the 2025 recipient of the Judy Pine – West Emerging Music Educator Award!
From her days as a student in band and choir at Manteca High to teaching the next generation with her hands-on, innovative music lessons, Cammie’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
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Manteca Unified Brings Opera to Students | Manteca Unified recently transported students into the enchanting world of opera with a captivating performance of Hansel and Gretel. Hosted by the District's Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Department, the Opera Modesto performance introduced professional opera and orchestral performers to elementary and high school students. | |
Read Across America
March 3-7
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The first week of March is Read Across America Week, a time to celebrate the joy and importance of reading! Throughout the week, students will enjoy special literacy activities, including classroom visits from special guests like our Board of Trustees and Superintendent, who will share their love of reading with our students.
Stay tuned for more exciting moments as we inspire young readers across MUSD! 📖✨
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Women's History Month
March
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The month of March is National #WomensHistoryMonth, an inspiring time to recognize the contributions of female leaders, innovators, and present-day history makers.
Discuss Women's History Month at home using the resources below:
Read About Women's History!
MUSD students can use SORA, MUSD's free online library, to access hundreds of age and reading-level appropriate ebooks and audiobooks.
Search "Women's History" on SORA to get started!
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National Nutrition Month
March
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March is all about nutrition, and we’re serving up some fun!
From Pancakes and Pajamas during Read Across America to a Farmers Market at New Haven Elementary's Literacy Night, we're making healthy eating exciting!
During National School Breakfast Week (March 17-21), students can look forward to:
✔️ Daily nutrition-themed prizes
✔️ Hot classroom breakfasts
✔️ New, lower-sugar breakfast items
All month long, MUSD Nutrition Education will highlight the power of breakfast with the theme "Better Breakfast, Brighter Futures!" Follow us on social media for highlights throughout the month, and follow @mantecanutritioned for ways to fuel up for success! 🚀 #NationalNutritionMonth
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Music & Art in Our Schools Month
March
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March is Arts Education Month in California, a time to celebrate the importance of visual and performing arts in schools. Organizations across the state highlight the value of arts education through special events, performances, and student showcases. From visual arts and music to dance and theatre, these programs help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills.
By recognizing Arts Education Month, we celebrate the role of the arts in shaping well-rounded, innovative, and engaged students.
“Every day, in classrooms and rehearsal halls across MUSD our Arts Educators dedicate themselves to reaching all students with life-changing experiences in art, music, theatre, and dance. Parents, administrators, and the wider community often only see the wonderful results of performances or art shows; however, we miss the months of practice and rehearsals and more importantly the learning process that takes place to make it all happen.
I encourage members in our community to acknowledge and celebrate all areas of arts education as an essential part of every student’s educational journey.”
– Anthony Dahl, Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator
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Spring Break
No School: March 10-14
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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
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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