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At Manteca Unified, we are committed to sharing timely, relevant, and helpful information with our families. We want to make sure our parent newsletter reflects what you want to read and how often you’d like to receive it.
Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey. Your feedback will help us strengthen communication and better support our MUSD families.
👉 Click here to complete the survey: https://bit.ly/ParentNewsSurvey
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We believe that Anyone Can Do Math, and we are intentionally building strong mathematical foundations for students from kindergarten through high school.
Across the District, our teachers and instructional leaders are strengthening math instruction through thoughtful, research-based initiatives. These efforts include the use of a workshop teaching model, which allows students to explore concepts deeply and receive targeted support, the work of a dedicated curriculum adoption committee and expanded access to an accelerated Algebra 1 pathway for 8th-grade students.
These initiatives are designed to ensure our students build confidence, problem-solving skills and a strong math foundation that will support success today and beyond.
| | 2026 EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR | | Sandra Brasil Elementary Educator | Joshua Cowell Elementary | | | | |
Sandra Brasil has been supporting student needs with Manteca Unified for over 11 years!
Sandra skillfully implements research-based instructional strategies to ensure she meets the needs of all students. She builds strong relationships with her students by learning about their backgrounds, language needs and strengths, allowing her to connect instruction to meaningful, real-life contexts. With her help, students learn how to work in group lessons, manage their feelings, and keep trying—even when tasks feel hard. Sandra does not simply teach her students to "get through the day," she consistently engages them in rich learning experiences.
She collaborates closely with parents, general education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and administrators to ensure each student receives the best possible learning experience. Her thoughtful, responsive approach ensures every student’s complex needs are met so they are challenged and empowered to reach their potential.
| | Julieta Salcedo Secondary Educator | East Union High School | | | | |
For nearly three decades, Julieta Salcedo has been supporting generations of high school students achieve grade level standards in Manteca Unified!
Julieta designs engaging, student-centered math lessons with clearly defined targets, individualized support, and rigor. She demonstrates mastery of multi-tiered interventions, using strategic grouping, thoughtful questioning, and ongoing formative feedback to support student learning. She exemplifies a lifelong learner who is constantly curious and reflective, and she passes those same qualities on to her students.
A student shared, “My previous teacher taught me how to get the right answer; Ms. Salcedo taught me how to think.” Her instruction always empowers students to engage with concepts deeply and think critically, regardless of course level. In Ms. Salcedo’s classroom, students are standing, moving, collaborating, and learning together—no student is ever isolated or left out.
Beyond the bell, she provides tutoring every morning and most afternoons, and partners closely with families to support student success.
| | Jodi Beaty Support Services Educator | District Office | | | | |
Jodi Beaty has been supporting students and teachers in Manteca Unified for 13 years.
Jodi is highly skilled at training adult learners! Her ability to relate to others and build trust empowers new teachers while inspiring veteran educators. She provides individualized coaching for teachers, modeling effective classroom practices and instructional concepts to help students achieve. Jodi has created a robust system of common formative assessments for science teachers and has supported implementation to ensure teachers utilize student data to inform instruction. She approaches every challenge with confidence, leads by example, and models high expectations that ALL students can learn. With each task she takes on, she is intentional with the “why” and “how” it will support student learning. Her work is grounded in evidence-based practices with incredible people skills and a steadfast moral compass and commitment to achievement aligned to District goals.
One school noted, “Her leadership has not only improved classroom instruction but also strengthened collaboration among our staff.”
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There are exciting Spring Break enrichment opportunities available for Manteca Unified students through our valued community partners.
In partnership with Manteca Recreation, the San Joaquin County Office of Education, and the City of Lathrop Parks & Recreation, families can explore a variety of engaging programs designed to keep students active, inspired, and learning while school is out.
Opportunities include:
🎨 Creative arts and hands-on workshops
🤖 STEM camps focused on coding, robotics, engineering, and digital design
🛹 Recreational camps
🌱 Interactive enrichment activities for a variety of age groups
Programs are free for MUSD students. Pre-registration is required for all programs
To view current flyers, camp details, and registration information, please visit MUSD's Expanded Learning webpage.
We encourage families to explore these community offerings and take advantage of the opportunities that support MUSD students beyond the classroom.
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In Manteca Unified, the partnership between home and school plays a vital role in student success. Trimester 2 report cards for students in TK–6th grade will be available on March 13 and can be accessed through Q Parent Connect.
Our standards-based report cards are designed to give families a clear picture of how students are progressing toward grade-level standards. Rather than “good” or “bad” grades, these report cards reflect where your child is in their learning journey and where they may need additional support to reach proficiency by the end of the school year.
Every child learns at their own pace. When we understand where students are achieving and where they need additional support, schools and families can work together to strengthen skills and celebrate growth.
Your child’s teacher is your best partner in this process.
After reviewing your child’s Trimester 2 Report Card, take time to:
🎉 Celebrate the wins. Acknowledge the standards your child is meeting or exceeding and recognize their effort and progress.
🔎 Identify areas for growth. Review the standards where your child is marked "BE" or "AP." These marks show skills that are still developing and where extra support can make a difference.
💬 Helpful questions to ask your child's teacher:
- What does my child need to focus on next to make progress in this area?
- What are some simple ways we can support this skill at home?
- What does strong progress look like for this standard?
- When can we check back in to review my child's progress before the end of the school year?
| | Manteca Unified is HIRING! | | | | |
Help Us Grow Our Routes
As enrollment continues to grow and transportation needs expand across our community, Manteca Unified is actively seeking Bus Operators to help safely transport our most precious cargo, our students!More bus operators mean more routes, greater flexibility, and improved services for families who rely on daily transportation to and from school.
If you know someone who would make a great addition to our team — a friend, family member, or neighbor — or if you are looking to start a meaningful career supporting MUSD students, we encourage you to apply.
🚏 No experience? No problem. We provide paid training to help you get licensed and prepared.
💲 Starting pay begins at $25.42 per hour once training is completed.
🚌 For experienced drivers, we honor up to 11 years of professional experience on our salary schedule.
⏰ Looking for additional hours? This opportunity may be a great fit.
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Know a passionate educator who is looking for a student-centered district?
At Manteca Unified, we foster a culture of purpose and trust, putting student needs at the heart of every decision. Our modernized schools feature up-to-date instructional materials and technology, and comprehensive support services that address both academic and social-emotional growth of every student.
Do you know a passionate educator committed to supporting student success from the very beginning? Encourage them to join Manteca Unified School District!
We’re hosting an Educator Hiring Event for candidates interested in Multiple Subject positions. The job posting will open in March. Apply once it goes live to be considered for an invitation to attend!
| | There is so much to celebrate across Manteca Unified, and sometimes our incredible student stories move fast! In case you missed them on social media, we’re highlighting some recent moments that showcase the talent, dedication, and heart of MUSD students. | | |
Weston Ranch Hosts Welding Event
Weston Ranch High made history this month by hosting its first-ever fabrication competition, welcoming students from across the Central Valley for a hands-on welding challenge that focused on teamwork, creativity, and skill. Many participants are part of MUSD’s Ag Mechanics CTE pathway, where students gain real-world, career-ready experience that prepares them for life beyond graduation.
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Lathrop Elementary Spreads Kindness
Lathrop Elementary closed out Kindness Week by creating 685 handmade cards for children in hospitals across the state. Each card was thoughtfully designed to bring comfort, encouragement, and a smile to a child who may need it most. This growing annual tradition is a beautiful reflection of the compassion and generosity of our MUSD students and staff.
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New Haven Hosts Annual Patriot Rally
The Patriot Rally is part of New Haven’s commitment to Manteca Unified’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative. Throughout the year, students from every class and grade level are recognized for making positive choices, demonstrating responsibility, and giving their best effort each day.
The celebration itself was filled with energy and encouragement. Students and staff walked the red carpet, danced to music, and cheered one another on — creating a joyful atmosphere that reflects the strong culture of positivity on campus.
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Woodward Student Inspires
Pink Shirt Day
On February 25, Woodward Elementary students and staff wore pink in support of Pink Shirt Day, taking a powerful stand to spread kindness, inclusion, and prevent bullying. This meaningful event was initiated by Woodward fifth grader Skylee Valiante, who created a flyer and submitted a written proposal to her principal to bring the campaign to her school.
Students not only wore pink but also participated in classroom activities focused on social-emotional learning and being an “upstander” — someone who takes action when they see unkind behavior.
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MUSD Schools Shine at San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon
Manteca Unified students delivered an outstanding performance at the 45th Annual San Joaquin County Academic Decathlon, earning top team finishes, individual championships, and medals across all divisions.
Sierra High School Placed 3rd overall with 72 medals
Manteca High School Celebrated individual champions and subject-area wins
Lathrop High School Earned 22 medals, including standout essay performances
Weston Ranch High School Secured multiple medalists and Super Quiz honors
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Manteca Unified Launches
"Caught Reading" Campaign
This week, we launched our new “Caught Reading” social media series as part of Manteca Unified’s Early Literacy campaign. This series spotlights district and community members who are modeling a love of reading and encouraging students to build strong literacy habits!
The series kickoff featured the Manteca Fire Department, whose firefighters are gearing up for Read Across America Week while modeling a powerful habit: a love of reading.
| | Check out more Manteca Unified stories like these by following us on Facebook and Instagram. | | February Board Meeting Updates | | |
Board Presented with Mid-Year LCAP Progress Report
At the February Board of Education meeting, Manteca Unified presented its 2025-26 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) mid-year report, highlighting progress toward District goals in academics, safety, and student support. Highlights presented include:
- 8.7% increase in MAP Reading growth
- 2.5% increase in 11th graders meetings/exceeding Math CAASPP standards
- 1.3% decrease in suspensions and a dropout rate below 4%
- 47.4% of English Learners making progress toward English proficiency
- 22% increase in Foster Youth meeting graduation requirements
In recent weeks, the district hosted several LCAP Community Feedback Sessions to gather input from families and staff. Feedback from our families and community members continues to guide decisions on future priorities that support student success.
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Board Clerk Nominated for CSBA Delegate Assembly
The Board of Education took action to nominate its Clerk Denise Mathews to serve on the California School Boards Association (CSBA) Delegate Assembly for Region 8-A.
Mathews is one of six candidates on the ballot with the election result announcement scheduled for May 11, 2026. This is an exciting opportunity for our leadership and MUSD representation at the state level.
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Schools Present on Academic Progress
Three Manteca Unified schools – Lincoln Elementary, Shasta Elementary, and East Union High School – presented to the Board of Education their academic progress through their respective Strategic Implementation Monitoring presentations. These presentations aim to ensure that MUSD is carefully tracking its goals toward student achievement.
Some Key factors of growth were:
Lincoln Elementary highlighted remarkable growth in Early Literacy. They presented three main actions towards this area, including Intervention Teacher, Reading Core, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Through this work, their campus has seen an increase in Reading achievement scores.
Shasta Elementary had impressive growth in Math achievement scores, with a 5% increase toward proficiency. Their campus has implemented actions like coaching and collaboration with instructional specialists and PEBC, weekly collaborative meetings, and after-school math tutorial offerings for 6-8 grade students.
East Union High School presented great progress in English Learner reclassification. Part of their strategic plan was to reclassify 40 students annually, and they have already exceeded this goal for the 2025-26 school year, with 42 reclassifications to date.
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Across the District, modernization projects continue to enhance learning spaces, outdoor areas, and facilities that support student success and wellness.
Four schools are currently undergoing major modernization projects, with more planned across the district. Want to stay informed? Follow @proudtobemusd on social media for regular project highlights, behind-the-scenes progress, and our weekly Modernization Monday updates!
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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 Superintendents, 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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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 ages and reading-level appropriate eBooks and audiobooks.
Search "Women's History" on SORA to get started!
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March is National Nutrition Month, and MUSD is serving up a full menu of fun!
Join us as we celebrate healthy habits all month long, including National School Breakfast Week (March 23–27) with student-favorite breakfast items, daily nutrition-themed prizes, a brand-new menu debut, and two special days of hot breakfast in the classroom.
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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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Stay connected with us throughout the year by following Manteca Unified on social media and visiting our website for the latest news, events, resources, and more!
📲 Follow us & turn on notifications:
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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, Assistant Superintendent
Clara Schmiedt, Assistant Superintendent
Melanie Greene, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Jody Burriss, Senior Director of Special Education
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MUSD Board of Education
President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6
Vice President Eric Duncan Sr., Area 1
Board Clerk Denise Mathews, Area 3 Kathy Howe, Area 2 Marie Freitas, Area 4 Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5
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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