January 2023

Student Engagement

through Cooperative Learning

High schools in Manteca Unified are boosting student engagement through classroom structures that go beyond lecturing! District-wide, educators prioritize “cooperative learning” by encouraging teamwork and collaborative discussions in their classrooms. 

Teachers on Special Assignment

Supporting. Connecting. Guiding Success.

Exceptional teaching is the kind that stays in a student’s heart forever! It is also vital for someone who chooses to become an educator to continue to improve their teaching style and materials.

Enrolling for Student Success

Based around early development with an emphasis on literacy, math readiness, play, and social emotional growth, Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) provides free, full-day learning opportunities with a lower staff to student ratio.

Ms. Morris, French Camp UTK teacher says, "as a parent, I would want my children to get the best education possible, and I feel UTK is the best possible education for 4 year-old children."

On Target:

SROs, School Safety and Strategy!

This month our District Incident Command team met to discuss reunification procedures. The team, comprised of District and site leaders, law enforcement partners and School Resource Officers, meets quarterly to evaluate safety practices and protocols.

School Board Appreciation Month

Our Board of Trustees set the vision and mission for the District, which our superintendent, leaders, teachers, and staff turn into practice. We are thankful for these 7 deeply committed local citizens who make students a priority and share our passion for education. Thank you for your dedicated leadership in MUSD!

First 100 Days of School

This month, schools across the District celebrated the 100th Day of School for our youngest students, this celebration marks 100 days of significant progress and achievement.

Four Years of Hitting the Right Notes

Earlier this month at the annual San Joaquin County High School Honors Concert, four exceptional students from Manteca Unified received the prestigious Nelson Zane Award! 

Order in the Classroom!

CTE Students Learn by Doing in Mock Trial

Students got a glimpse into the professional life of an attorney, judge, court reporter and more. Witness by witness, acting prosecutors and defense attorneys tried a case of snakebite scandal! 

Student Connectivity is a “PLUS” at Weston Ranch High School

For students and staff at Weston Ranch High, school culture is all about connection. This is why each month, Ms. Debie Chavez and her students host a PLUS Forum, inviting a random selection of students to interact with one another in hopes of breaking down social barriers and fostering a feeling of connection between participants. 

Spending Savvy:

MUSD's Purchasing Department Attends Conference

From textbooks to computers to new playgrounds, Manteca Unified School District’s Purchasing Department oversees every request and inquiry that is made by MUSD staff.

February Student Calendars

February is Black History Month!

As a District who prioritizes equitable access to education and has attendance boundaries across three cities and a township, our student demographic is rich in diversity and culture, and we proudly celebrate national Black History Month!

Check out these resources you can use at home:

We are excited to share student work each month in The Mark Highlights, spotlighting future journalists!

Weston Ranch High School - The Prowl

Elijah Mobley Makes Most of Moment in Win at Linden

By The Prowl Staff

Mobley’s historic night included 19 2-pointers, four 3-pointers, and two free throws en route to the team’s 71-point runaway win against the Lions. 

Manteca High School - The Tower

Passion for paint: Alcazar Crowned MUSD's Top Artist

By Melissa Valle

Art isn’t just painting on a canvas or molding pieces of clay. It’s a lifestyle, an outlet, even a form of expression. For Manteca High senior Mariah Alcazar, it’s all of that and more.

Kicking for a Cure: Soccer Plays for a Greater Cause



By Ronnie Fuentes

The game raises money for a local youth enduring a significant and often times costly medical condition. Coenenberg also uses Kicking for a Cure to teach his varsity team to give back to those who are in need.  

Sierra High School

Unparalleled Carbon-free Energy but at what cost?

By Kenneth Higashi

There are ongoing and evolving scientific tests every day to achieve a more thorough understanding of science and its technology.