Lathrop High School Nationally Recognized as a Model School | | |
Manteca Unified is proud to announce that Lathrop High School has been nationally recognized as a Model School by the Center for Model Schools!
Hosted by the Center for Model Schools, this program honors forward-thinking schools that drive transformation, inspire change, and implement groundbreaking strategies to improve student outcomes.
“Chosen from a competitive group of schools nationwide, Lathrop High School has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success and innovation. By fostering a culture of collaboration, ambitious instruction, and continuous improvement, the school exemplifies excellence in education,” stated the Center for Model Schools.
Lathrop High School remains dedicated to fostering a campus culture centered on student progress toward mastering learning standards. By empowering students to take ownership of their learning goals, the school encourages them to play an active, engaged role in their own academic growth.
"We are honored to be recognized as a Model School," said Dr. Melissa Beattie, Principal at Lathrop High School. "Lathrop High School’s recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to student success.”
They will be officially recognized at the prestigious 2025 Model Schools Conference in Washington D.C. in June.
Congratulations Lathrop High students, staff, and administrators!!
| | New Student Registration Still Open | | |
We are still accepting new students for the 2025-26 school year!
If you or someone you know will be registering a new student, register today! The earlier you register, the higher likelihood you have of reserving a spot at your child’s school of residence.
Visit www.mantecausd.net/registration for more information.
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As we work together to ensure the safety of all our students, we would like to remind you of some important guidelines regarding school bus transportation.
The School Bus Danger Zone: 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, leaning on the bus, standing in the front or back of the bus, and crowding the bus doors when students are entering or exiting the vehicle. Parents are asked to stay 12 feet away from the bus at all times and stand on the same side of the street as the bus.
| | We encourage you to review the “School Bus Danger Zone” graphic with your child, along with any additional parent, guardian, or adult who is authorized to pick up your child from the bus stop. By reinforcing these safety measures, you are helping keep students safe! | | | | |
Flashing Red Lights & Stop Sign Extended:
- Drivers must stop in both directions when a school bus has flashing red lights and an extended stop sign.
- Remain stopped until the lights stop flashing and the stop sign retracts.
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Flashing Yellow Lights:
- Slow down and prepare to stop. The bus is about to load or unload children.
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Speed Limits Near a School Bus:
- Always drive carefully and be extra alert in school zones and near buses. The speed limit in school zones is 25 mph, or 15 mph in some areas when children are present.
| | Updates from the March Board of Education Meeting | | The Fiscal Services Department presented the Second Interim Budget Report, which confirms that Manteca Unified School District will be able to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the current fiscal year and the next two fiscal years. | | |
The MUSD Facilities Department shared updates on their ongoing projects, including:
- Manteca High Master Plan
- Lathrop High Athletics Complex
- East Union High Master Plan
- Nile Garden Elementary – Phase 2 of Modernization Plan
- New Haven Elementary Master Plan
| | | | The Department of Community Relations & Engagement shared a new video about MUSD's brand new Career Technical Education: Auto Shop Program! | | Looking for a New Opportunity? | | |
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, Office Support Staff, Nutrition Service Assistants, Visual and Performing Arts Teachers, Grounds Workers, and more!
| | Get to Know MUSD's Educators 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:
- Annamarie Hutsell – Junior High Educator of the Year (French Camp Elementary)
- Sarah Smith – Elementary Educator of the Year (Walter Woodward Elementary)
Congratulations to our incredible Employees of the Year! You make us #proudtobeMUSD.
| | Student & Staff Highlights | | Calla and New Vision Recognized as Model Schools by the State | |
In case you missed it, Manteca Unified is proud to announce that out of 429 continuation high schools across the state, New Vision High School and Calla High School have been named Model Continuation High Schools (MCHS) for 2025 by the California Department of Education!
Both schools have been recognized for their overall excellence as alternative learning centers, excelling in personalized education that empowers students to achieve academic and social success—whether their next steps lead to college, careers, or beyond.
Congratulations to New Vision and Calla High School on this incredible achievement! You make us #proudtobeMUSD!
| |  | Yosemite Community Day Recognized as a Model Community Day School by the State | |
Yosemite Community Day Recognized as a Model Community Day School by the State
Manteca Unified is proud to share that Yosemite Community Day School has been named a Model Community Day School (MCDS) for 2025—one of only nine schools in California to receive this recognition!
Yosemite Community Day School provides students with individualized support and skill-building opportunities to help them improve attendance and behaviors, setting them up for success when they return to their comprehensive school sites.
Congratulations to Yosemite Community Day School—you make us #proudtobeMUSD!
| | Expanded Learning Leadership Award | Coordinator of Expanded Learning, Candace Espinola, recognized by the California Department of Education Afterschool Network for Region 6 | | | Exemplary School Nurse Administrator Award | Coordinator of Health Services, Jessica Red, recognized by the California School Nurse Organization | | California School Public Relations Association Awards of Excellence | The Community Relations & Engagement Department received 9 Awards of Excellence and Merit at the 2025 Annual California School Public Relations Association (CalSPRA) Conference for effective public communication. | | | Calla High School Robotics Team – Annual Engineering & Technology Day | Congratulations to Calla High School's Robotics Team, who achieved a clean sweep at the 32nd Annual Engineering & Technology Day hosted by San Joaquin Delta College. | | Student Board Member Gavin Miller Achieves Pole Vault Record | At the Sierra High Track Invitational earlier this month, Student Board Member Gavin Miller, who represented Lathrop High, soared to victory in the pole vault with a height of 14-06! | | | EUHS JROTC Leads Military Marching and Color Guard Competition | The East Union Lancer Battalion dominated the 2025 Ripon High School Military Precision Marching and Color Guard Competition! | | In Case You Missed It: Manteca Unified Stories | | | | MUSD featured in County Publication | |
Manteca Unified was featured in the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s latest edition of Outlook, their countywide publication, for MUSD’s district-wide implementation of Standards-Based Report Cards!
“Our purpose is to educate students with the skills they need to be college and career-ready,” shared Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke. “Standards-based reporting is a more authentic and aligned way to assess student learning.”
At Manteca Unified, we believe that every student can achieve with the right tools, resources, and access in place. Tools like our new standards-based report cards are just one of the many strategies used to help support students in owning their learning growth and ultimately achieving long-term success.
| | | | Music and Arts in our Schools | Celebrating Music and Arts in our Schools Month across MUSD! We are #proudtobeMUSD to extend arts and music education to our students, among many college and career readiness opportunities that are offered with our district. | | | | Lathrop Elementary Students Send 680 Cards to St. Jude’s | Students at Lathrop Elementary are learning the power of kindness through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). As part of a heartwarming project, they created thoughtful cards for patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, spreading joy and encouragement beyond the classroom. | | | | Connecting Students to Careers | |
Students from New Vision, Yosemite Day, and Calla High explored career paths at the MUSD Career Fair, networking with colleges, trade schools, and local industries. Thanks to resume workshops and teacher support, students arrived prepared to make a great impression.
“We’re providing our students with options,” said New Vision Principal Lemuel Vergara. “This event removed barriers and gave them direct access to opportunities.”
| | | | Empowering the Next Generation of Women | |
Hosted by MUSD’s Student Services Department, the second annual Women’s Empowerment Event inspired high school students to embrace their strengths and support one another.
Guest speakers from Manteca Unified, including Clara Schmiedt and Dr. Francine Baird, shared powerful insights on resilience and leadership. Students engaged in affirmation rock painting, mindful journaling, and reflection, leaving empowered to shape their futures.
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National School Library Month
April
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April is School Library Month, and National Library Week is April 7-13!
Libraries open doors to endless learning, and with Sora, MUSD students have free, 24/7 access to eBooks and audiobooks.
Parents, you can empower your child by encouraging daily reading—whether it’s a bedtime story, a favorite series, or exploring new topics. Let’s build a love for reading together!
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Student Break
No School: April 18-21
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Administrative Professionals Day
April 23
| | Administrative Professionals Week (April 21-27) is a time to celebrate the hardworking staff who keep our schools and offices running smoothly every day! From managing schedules and assisting families to supporting staff and ensuring everything stays organized, their dedication is the backbone of MUSD. Their kindness, efficiency, and commitment make a difference in every interaction. Join us in showing appreciation for our incredible administrative professionals! | |
School Bus Driver Appreciation Week
April 22-26
| | School Bus Driver Appreciation Week (April 22-26) is a time to recognize the dedicated drivers who ensure our students travel safely to and from school every day. With a warm greeting in the morning and a safe ride home in the afternoon, they play a vital role in each student’s educational journey. Their commitment, patience, and care make a difference in the lives of MUSD students and families. Join us in thanking our incredible bus drivers for going the extra mile! | |
School Nutrition Employee Week
April 28-May 2
| | School Nutrition Employee Week (April 28-May 2) is a time to celebrate the dedicated staff who fuel student success every day! From preparing healthy meals to creating welcoming cafeterias, their hard work ensures our students are nourished and ready to learn. Join us in thanking MUSD’s incredible Nutrition Services team for their commitment to student well-being! | |
Arab American Heritage Month
April
| | April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Arab Americans in our communities and beyond. From the arts and sciences to education and public service, Arab Americans have played a vital role in shaping our society. At MUSD, we honor diversity and the unique stories that make our schools and community stronger. Join us in recognizing and celebrating Arab American heritage this month! | |
Autism Acceptance & Awareness Month
April
| | April is Autism Acceptance Month, and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day! This month, we celebrate the unique perspectives, talents, and contributions of individuals with autism while promoting understanding and inclusion. At MUSD, we embrace diversity and strive to create supportive environments where all students can thrive. Let’s work together to build a more accepting and inclusive community! | |
National Bilingual Learner Month
April
| April is National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy Month, a time to celebrate the incredible skills and resilience of bilingual and multilingual students! At MUSD, we recognize the power of language and the diverse cultural perspectives that enrich our schools and community. Let’s continue to support and uplift our bilingual learners as they develop language skills that open doors to endless opportunities! | |
Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
April
| | April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month! This month, we celebrate the power of math and stats in our everyday lives—from problem-solving and critical thinking to real-world applications in science, technology, and beyond. At MUSD, we encourage students to embrace the beauty of numbers and explore how math shapes the world around us. Let’s make math fun, engaging, and meaningful! | | |
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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