While summer break can be a fun, relaxing time for students, not everyone picks up where they left off academically. While away from campus, many students experience what is called “learning loss,” which is the forgetting of previously learned information when students do not practice the skills they have acquired in school.

“It’s a chicken!” “I see a sheep!” “Look at the flowers!” were only a few students’ excited exclamations that sounded across the Great Valley Elementary School campus. See how the day's fun-filled experiences relate back to curriculum and grade level standards with an emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education.

With advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, driverless cars, and spacecrafts taking shape every day, our students need to be more prepared for technological changes than ever before. As a part of the effort to prepare our students for the future, Manteca Unified offers Computing and Robotics math courses as alternatives to traditional algebra I, geometry, and algebra II classes. This STEM Math program was created by the University of California C-STEM Center, which provides a full curriculum aligned with common core math standards and approved by the California University systems.

MUSD teachers recently attended professional development demonstrations led by the UC Davis C-STEM team with live robotics math demonstrations held at seven elementary schools. Using this curriculum and the RoboBlockly software, students solve math problems and use code to drive a robotic vehicle. Hands-on activities enhance concentration, motivation, and enthusiasm for learning. In the meeting following the demonstrations, teachers reported 100% engagement from the students!

Computing and Robotics courses are already being offered at Manteca, Sierra, and Calla High School and in the coming years, MUSD plans to expand to other high schools and junior high school math classes.

Featured this year are Evalyn Vazquez of Lathrop High School, Daniel Garcia of Manteca High School, Rosalia Mantong Wei of Sierra High School, Brian Guzman Mendoza of Weston Ranch High School, and Sarah Ornelas of East Union High School.

“I wanted to give them some other options," said Zachary Franceschetti, Resource Specialist at East Union. It’s not every day that students get to learn how to use heavy machinery, but at Manteca Unified a new opportunity is emerging.

Manteca Unified's Music Department was recently recognized as one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation. Having received special distinction for our diverse musical opportunities, we're proud to share why MUSD's Music Department stands out nationally!

With technology and digital media evolving at an astonishing rate, digital citizenship skills have become essential for students. Manteca Unified School District is dedicated to helping students think critically and use technology responsibly. In light of this, MUSD has just been approved as a Common Sense District, an honor that recognizes our efforts in teaching digital citizenship to young people and engaging the entire community in this important discussion.

“Manteca Unified has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to use the immense power of digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn, while limiting the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. The recognition acknowledges our district’s commitment to creating a culture where our whole community is invested in helping students thrive as they harness the full potential of technology for learning and life,” said Lara Wong, MUSD Social-Emotional Learning and Digital Citizenship TOSA (teacher on special assignment).

This honor is provided by Common Sense Education, part of a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology.

On May 5, 2022, local philanthropic group Women of Woodbridge hosted their annual “Sips for Scholarships” event at the Del Webb clubhouse! A festive fundraiser including great food, music, socializing and even a not-so-silent auction, the event is not only fun – it’s organized for a great cause as proceeds are funneled into scholarships for MUSD students.

“Sips for Scholarships” is also the largest catering event of the year for Manteca Unified’s BE.Cuisine students, who plan a menu around a unique theme each year. This year’s concept was “Around the World in 8 days”, with Chef Andrew Griggs and his students selecting eight countries from around the globe to inspire their menu. Students started brainstorming all the way back in March, and created dishes inspired by the culinary delights of Italy, Japan, Spain, France, Germany, China, Mexico, and Hawaii (USA).

“Community events like ‘Sips for Scholarships’ are the hallmark of the BE.Cuisine Culinary Arts program. In addition to our fine dining restaurant and cafe, these events allow students to apply what they learn in the classroom in a meaningful and rewarding way. Our students cater many types of local events and are involved every step of the way, from menu planning to costing, preparation, and service. These real-world experiences are invaluable in helping our students prepare for post-secondary success.”

– Chef Griggs

We were delighted at the turn out for the Acorn Track and Field season with a total of 934 students participating in long jump, shot put, and a variety of races! Participants attended a clinic with high school coaches who taught them the fundamentals including events and their corresponding rules. Two large practice events at each high school were what qualified participants for the championship finals.

Manteca Unified is proud to recognize the excellence of our staff by naming select individuals as Employees and Educators of the Year. In 2022, MUSD named ten teaching and non-teaching professionals as Employees of the Year who have directly impacted student success and safety.

*Employees also named Classified School Employee of the Year by San Joaquin County Office of Education!

MUSD recently celebrated the accomplishments of our students and staff in the Spring Spectacular District Celebration. If you missed it, all videos are available to watch!

Prior to joining Manteca Unified, Ms. Johnson served as a classroom teacher, vice principal, principal, instructional coach, and Director of Educational Programs. She has served in both traditional and charter school settings and strongly believes in building a strong Multi-Tiered System of Supports that includes Academics, Behavior and Social Emotional components. She is excited to bring her knowledge and experience to Great Valley where she plans to create shared leadership opportunities with staff, students, and parents. Ms. Johnson would like the Great Valley Bruins to know that she is committed to learning about the school’s community, culture, and traditions, and will work diligently to create a safe, positive school climate focused on each child's unique pathway to success. In her free time, Ms. Johnson enjoys spending time with her three children and four grandchildren, hiking, kayaking, and reading a good book. She loves spending time in her favorite place, Lake Tahoe, and travels often with her close friends.