Fall Break for all MUSD students is just one week away! While classes pause, learning does not have to. We know that at-home learning has a big impact on progress, so MUSD provides free access to powerful online learning tools that can be used at home.

Families are also encouraged to check in with their child’s teacher before the break for ideas and resources to help keep students engaged and progress toward their learning goals. 

Visit our Student and Family Hub to access ways to take learning beyond the classroom over break.

Click below to download MUSD's "Learn From Home" brochure.

Register for Expanded Learning Programming During Fall Break

There is still time to sign up for Fall Intersession. MUSD, in partnership with Give Every Child a Chance, is offering enrichment opportunities for elementary students (TK-6) over the fall break from October 7-10 (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Programming includes:

• Enrichment activities
• Social Emotional Learning
• Physical activities and games

Students Celebrate Mexican Independence Day with Cultural Performances



French Camp Elementary’s annual Mexican Independence Day celebration took on new energy this year, as its annual event moved to the evening and welcomed the entire community.

Students from French Camp shared the stage with peers from Sequoia Elementary, East Union High School, and Manteca High School, showcasing cultural performances that highlighted tradition, pride, and unity.

Lathrop High School Recognized as National Model School

Lathrop High School has been honored as a National Model School for its dedication to innovative teaching, collaborative leadership, and meaningful opportunities that engage both students and the community.

This recognition underscores MUSD’s ongoing efforts to empower every learner to achieve through our strategic goals centered on Grade-Level Standards.

Watch our latest video starring the Lathrop High School staff to see how this school has prioritized standards-based learning, strengthened collective leadership, empowered students to take ownership of their learning goals, and established a community-wide culture.

Brock Elliott and Joshua Cowell Beam Signings

Students and staff at both Brock Elliott and Joshua Cowell were all smiles as they arrived throughout the school day to leave their mark ✍️. With excitement, and a few fun doodles, they proudly signed their names on beams that will soon become part of their brand-new multipurpose facilities.

These facilities are just one piece of MUSD’s ongoing modernization efforts, which also include playground improvements and other exciting campus upgrades designed to support student learning, safety, and growth.

Dedications & Ribbon Cuttings



This month, East Union and Lathrop High School hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies, welcoming their communities into modernized spaces designed to serve students for decades to come. What may have looked like a simple celebration of new buildings was, in reality, much more: it was a reaffirmation of shared commitment to local youth and their future.

As Annette DuBois, a MUSD Student Board Member, stated, "These new facilities aren't just buildings. they represent opportunity — for students like me to explore and grow in a modernized learning environment. Today marks the beginning of a new era.”

To the families, community members, and partners who made this possible, we extend our deepest gratitude. Great schools build great communities, and thanks to your investment, students now have modern learning environments that prepare them for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow’s workforce. These campuses will shape the next generation of leaders in Manteca, Lathrop, Weston Ranch and beyond.

East Union Upgrades:

🏢 A new two-story classroom building

🌱 A fully equipped agricultural center

🏟️ An upgraded athletic stadium

🏋️‍♂️ A newly built small gym, weight room, and wrestling room

In addition to its modernization upgrades, East Union also hosted a dedication of its new fitness center, naming it after former teacher and coach Jim C. Brown. Brown devoted over 35 years to our district, with time spent at Golden West Elementary, Lincoln Elementary, and Manteca High School, before wrapping up his last 17 years as an EUHS Lancer.

Lathrop Upgrades:

🏈 New football field, including drainage and irrigation systems

🎽 All-weather track & field area

🍔 Renovations at the existing snack bar and restroom building

In late August, LHS also proudly dedicated its large gym as the "Greg Leland Gym", celebrating retired Principal Greg Leland and the many years of leadership, service, and positive impact he brought to the Manteca Unified community.

Updates from the September Board of Education Meeting

Every Student Equipped for Success

The Manteca Unified Board of Education has officially confirmed that every student in our District has access to the textbooks and instructional materials they need to succeed. This important resolution not only fulfills state requirements, but more importantly, reflects our deep commitment to meeting the needs of each and every learner.


Ensuring that classrooms are equipped with sufficient materials is one of the many ways our District strives to remove barriers to learning and create an environment where all students can achieve.

New Scholarship Opportunity - Coming Soon!

In honor of Central Valley farmer Cleo Edward Gillit, the "Cleo's Gift Legacy Scholarship" will be available for graduating MUSD seniors who meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Involved in FFA or AG classes
• Involved in Athletics or Theatre
• Must provide two (2) letters of recommendations from a coach or teacher
• Must provide a letter of interest

Students can also talk with their respective counselors for information on additional scholarship opportunities available to them.

MUSD FFA Programs Invited to National Convention

Students from Lathrop High and East Union High will proudly represent MUSD at the 98th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention in Indianapolis, IN.

During the convention, students will attend General Sessions that cover topics such as Agriscience Research, Agricultural Communication and Sales, Dairy Production, Forestry, and more.

This national experience gives students the chance to discover and practice premier leadership, personal growth, and career success — while supporting their pursuit of the Agriculture & Natural Resources CTE pathway.

Meet Our School Resource Officers

At Manteca Unified, our partnership with local law enforcement includes the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which focuses on prevention and relationship building. SROs mentor students, support a positive campus culture, and participate in everyday school life. While their presence is a visible part of our emergency preparedness model, their primary role is to connect with students and foster trust. Remember, it’s completely normal to see a police car parked at one of our schools—most often, it simply means the SRO is on campus connecting with students.

This month, we made the rounds at every high school to snap portraits of this year’s SROs 📸👮! Officer Albert Rivera and Officer Jessical Aguinaga are two of our awesome officers, but we have five other devoted district SROs and you can meet the whole squad by clicking the link below.

Officer Albert Rivera
Weston Ranch Area

Officer Jessica Aguinaga
Manteca High Area

Wellness Update: Updated Smart Snack List

We know how much joy it brings when families share special treats with classmates — whether it’s for an annual celebration, holiday season, or school fundraiser. Last month, we shared an important update to the MUSD Wellness Policy that changes what types of foods can be provided for school functions.

The updates below are designed to help us keep classrooms safe and supportive for every child, while also giving families clear guidance on which items can be shared. Our goal is to make sure that the thoughtful snacks and goodies you bring in continue to be something all students can enjoy together.

What Families Need to Know:


• Certain synthetic food dyes (Blue 1, Blue 2, Green 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6) are no longer allowed in foods served, sold, or provided by the District.

• This applies to foods and drinks brought by families for any classroom or school event. In other words, anytime food is brought in to be shared with other students. Please refer to the Smart Snack List for school approved items.
  
• Families are asked to include food labels on any items brought to campus, this will ensure that the items brought are not prohibited, while also allowing the students to enjoy the items you bring to the classroom.
  
• This policy does not apply to items that students bring from home for their own personal consumption.

At Manteca Unified, there’s a role for anyone who believes every student can achieve! We’re proud to serve the communities of Manteca, Lathrop, French Camp, and Weston Ranch — and we’re looking for passionate individuals to join our team.

We have exciting opportunities available now, including:


• Paraprofessionals
• School Site Assistants
• Nutrition Services Assistants
• Educational Occupational Therapist
• Expanded Learning Site Lead
• District Translator/Interpreter (Punjabi)
  …and more!

Explore all open positions and apply today at edjoin.org/musd

Want to stay in the know about the current job openings? Fill out our MUSD Interest form to receive the latest job opportunity updates.


UPCOMING JOB FAIR ⮯

Paraprofessionals work as instructional aides, offering one-on-one support and assisting with small group activities. They play a key role in fostering an inclusive and engaging classroom.

Position offers:

• 5-6.5-hr workdays
• Full benefits
• Honors up to 10 years of experience on salary schedule

Register by October 15 to secure your spot at the upcoming job fair.

September is Attendance Awareness Month! 🍂📚

At MUSD, we believe in “Achievement through Attendance", because strong attendance habits today lead to lifelong growth.

Did you know these powerful facts about attendance?

• Kindergarteners with strong attendance go on to score 20% higher in 📖 reading and ➕ math in later grades.
• Missing just 2 days per 📆 month adds up to a full month of lost learning by year’s end.
• By 9th grade, attendance is an even stronger predictor of 🎓 graduation than 8th grade test scores.

While we emphasize attendance during September, it’s truly a commitment for the entire school year. 🤝Together, let’s continue building strong habits that support every student’s growth and future success!

2026 Classified Employee of the Year Nominations Are Now Open!

Do you know an MUSD Classified (non-teaching) staff member who goes above and beyond to support your child’s learning and school experience? Parents and families can encourage MUSD employees to nominate these incredible staff members and even support them in the nomination process!

From bus operators who ensure students get home safely, to custodians who keep schools welcoming and clean, to paraprofessionals, food service workers, health aides, and so many more! The Classified Employee of the Year program shines a spotlight on the essential staff who make a lasting impact every day.

📅 Nomination Deadline: October 13, 2025

💻 For full details on the nomination process and criteria, visit: www.mantecausd.net/eoy.

💬 Talk to an MUSD staff member today about how you can encourage or support a nomination!

October 2nd is recognized as National Custodian Day! 🔑 The custodial employees across MUSD work hard to ensure that schools and classrooms are learning-ready for all students. ⭐

From clean-up to daily fixes, our custodial staff work hard to keep campuses clean, safe, and prepared for a student-centered educational experience. ✏️

Join us this October 2nd to recognize the custodial staff at Manteca Unified for their dedication to keeping our campuses learning-ready! 👏

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🌽🍎🥦 Get Ready to Crunch, MUSD! 🍎🥦🌽

Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is excited to announce the 10th Annual California Crunch, the statewide kick-off to Farm-to-School Month, happening Thursday, October 16 at NOON.

On Crunch Day all are encouraged to a take a collective, simultaneous bite of locally grown produce, celebrating the farms that provide fruits and vegetables that nourish our students every day.

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The Manteca Unified School District Board of Education has confirmed that Red Ribbon Week 2025 will be observed October 23–31. This year’s theme, “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free,” highlights the importance of making positive choices and living a healthy lifestyle.

Red Ribbon Week is an annual initiative that brings together students, staff, families, and the wider community in support of drug awareness and prevention. Through themed activities and events, we celebrate the commitment to drug-free living while encouraging positivity, wellness, and healthy decision-making for all.

Visit the MUSD Red Ribbon Week page for parent/caregiver resources on how to discuss drug use prevention with your students.

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Filipino-America History Month

Filipino American History Month, celebrated annually throughout the month of October, honors the rich history and contributions of Filipino Americans in the U.S. It highlights cultural pride, civil rights activism, and historical figures like José Rizal, Larry Itliong, Victoria Manalo Draves, and historian Dawn Mabalon, whose work preserves Filipino American heritage.

Check out the books below on Sora to celebrate the powerful stories, traditions, and enduring influence of the Filipino American community.


• Corazon Aquino - by Maria Isabel Sanchez
• We Belong - by Cookie Hiponia Everman
• The Spirit Glass - by Roshani Chokshi

Above, you'll see some of our amazing Manteca Unified bus drivers and in-house mechanics, the team that makes sure students get to and from school safely every day.

Safety around school buses is crucial to keeping students and other road users safe. In the spirit of School Bus Safety Month, here are some tips for drivers to be safe around school buses!

STOP for Flashing Lights:

In a two-lane roadway, when you see a school bus with its red lights flashing and its stop sign extended, come to a complete stop. This applies to both directions of traffic. By law, you must wait until the bus resumes motion, and the red lights stop flashing. In a roadway with two or more lanes in both directions and/or a median, only the vehicles traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction of the bus may proceed with caution.

Keep a Safe Following Distance:

Maintain a safe following distance when driving behind a school bus. This allows you to stop safely if the bus makes a stop.

Danger Zones:

We also want to highlight the importance of the “School Bus Danger Zone,” which extends 12 feet in all directions from the bus. This is a high-risk area where serious injuries can occur. Students must follow the designated safe paths when boarding and exiting the bus. Parents, please stay clear of the danger zones and avoid standing close to the bus and its doors. 

See below to learn where it is and isn’t safe to walk when approaching and exiting a school bus.

Global Diversity Awareness Month

Global Diversity Awareness Month celebrates the diverse cultures and perspectives that enrich communities. It promotes understanding, inclusivity, and respect by encouraging reflection on cultural heritage and equity. The month highlights how embracing diversity strengthens unity, fosters innovation, and builds more inclusive, resilient communities through education and dialogue.

LGBTQ+ History Month

LGBTQ+ History Month, celebrated in October, honors the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. First established in 1994, it highlights important figures, events, and milestones in the fight for equality, while promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities across society.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Observed with fasting and prayer, it offers a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal. Rooted in ancient traditions, Yom Kippur emphasizes forgiveness, spiritual cleansing, and a fresh start for the year ahead.

World Mental Health Day

World Mental Health Day promotes awareness, education, and support for mental well-being. Established in 1992, it aims to reduce stigma and highlight the importance of mental health in everyday life. The day encourages open dialogue, self-care, and compassion, emphasizing that mental health is essential for all.

Indigenous Peoples' Day

Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native communities while acknowledging the impact of colonization. The day encourages reflection, celebrates resilience, and supports efforts to recognize and uplift Indigenous voices and heritage.

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! 

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