On November 14, students and staff at August Knodt Elementary honored Ruby Bridges, the first African American student to attend a formerly all-white school in New Orleans, by walking together and wearing purple to commemorate her legacy. Visit @proudtobemusd to see photos. | |
Manteca Unified Names 2025
Classified Employees of the Year | |
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Tracey Kestyus
Clerical and Administrative Services
| “Tracey embodies an incredibly strong work ethic, approaching every task with the same level of dedication and precision. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, and frequently goes above and beyond to assist others. For over 20 years, her commitment to the department and the students we serve has never wavered. Her positive attitude and constant smile brighten our workplace, making her an invaluable asset to our team.” | |
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Paula Reynoso
Food and Nutrition Services
| “Paula goes above and beyond daily to support both students and staff. While prioritizing quality and food safety, she simultaneously brings out the best in her team by making them feel valued and empowered through her guidance, direction, and passion. Her dedication to supporting the lunch staff and ensuring everyone is well taken care of truly makes a difference. We are lucky to have such a hardworking and compassionate leader guiding our team.” | |
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Joshua Bowers
Technical Services
| “Joshua consistently demonstrates exceptional technical skills and remarkable leadership. His meticulous attention to detail ensures our IT systems function flawlessly, providing seamless support to both staff and students. His commitment to helping those around him learn has empowered both students and staff, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of technology’s vital role in our educational environment.” | |
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David Halla
Transportation Services
| “Every day, David approaches his work with a genuine passion, always upbeat and ready to help in any way possible. He exemplifies dedication and compassion in his role, ensuring that each student and staff member he interacts with feels valued and supported. His teamwork and willingness to help his colleagues exemplify the spirit of our organization.” | |
Jessica Munoz named the
2025 School Counselor of the Year | | |
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“Jessica’s innovative approach to counseling has made a significant impact on students, as she consistently goes above and beyond in her efforts to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed. She inspires students to hold themselves accountable and find success within themselves, instilling a strong sense of purpose and determination. Her unwavering commitment to student needs and her collaborative spirit makes her an invaluable asset to East Union and the broader community.” | |
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This month, TK – 6 grade students across the district received their very first standards-based report card.
After receiving your child’s report card, you might be wondering: What now?
Your child’s teacher is there to support you with the next steps for your child’s learning journey. Here are “The 4 Questions” to ask your child’s teacher to make the most of this valuable feedback:
1) What does my child need to be able to do? – Talk to your child’s teacher about goals for your child’s learning and what skills they’re expected to learn at their grade level.
2) How will I know once my child knows it? – Learn how progress is measured and what progress and success look like for your child’s grade level.
3) What can I do if my child is struggling to understand? – There are many ways to support learning from home!
4) What do I do to support my child once they know it? – Find out how to keep your child moving forward when they’re ready for the next step.
By working as a team – parents, teachers, and students – we can create a path to progress and student achievement together!
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See what our teachers are saying about the new
Standards-Based Report Cards! | | |
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This video takes you inside Manteca Unified classrooms, highlighting how this approach transforms learning for teachers, students, and the community.
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We would like to thank all students, parents, and community members for prioritizing student and staff safety this school year. We want to remind everyone that if they see something, please say something to your teacher, school administration, or law enforcement. Safety is truly a collective commitment within our communities.
Our Expanded Learning, Emergency Preparedness, and Safety departments are actively working to ensure that safety protocols are followed in before- and after-school programs. Safety is paramount in MUSD anytime someone steps onto one of our campuses, and our work is expanding as the programs develop and grow.
We are currently updating our protocols for large events on our campuses. This is a collaborative effort between District departments, local First Responders (Law and Fire), and each Manteca Unified high school.
Finally, we continue to meet quarterly with First Responder agencies to discuss safety topics and strengthen collaboration. Through quarterly meetings organized by our Emergency Preparedness and Safety Department, we review Comprehensive School Safety Plans (CSSP) and discuss trending safety topics.
If you haven’t already, check out our district’s dedicated Safety hub for all the things you can do to support safety at school and from home.
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Board of Education Updates | | |
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Thank you, Board Trustee Marisella Guerrero
As her four-year term on the Manteca Unified School Board comes to a close, we extend our deepest gratitude to Area 7 Trustee Marisella Guerrero for her dedicated service to our students, staff, and community. Her commitment to fostering equity in education will leave a lasting impact.
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MUSD Auto Shop
The MUSD Automotive Technology Shop Project is now complete! The Auto Shop will be used for Career and Technical Education courses starting in January, as well as learning opportunities for those enrolled in our Manteca Education and Training Center.
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English Language Development Support
This month, the Board proudly adopted a revised policy that better reflects the enhanced support provided for students learning English. The new language highlights that our curriculum maximizes the attainment of high levels of proficiency in English, advancing multilingual capabilities and facilitating student achievement. Support for students learning English includes but is not limited to research-based language acquisition programs and a structured English immersion program.
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Reclassification Ceremonies | |
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This month, MUSD hosted our first annual Reclassification Ceremonies to recognize 316 students who have worked diligently to meet the criteria of becoming proficient in the English language.
At Manteca Unified, our robust English Language Development (ELD) program is designed to support students who have a limited understanding of how to speak, read, write, or comprehend English facing unique academic learning barriers. The goal of the ELD program is for students to attain high levels of English proficiency, master learning standards, and gain opportunities to develop proficiency in multiple languages.
Reclassification is the process by which a student transitions from learning English to being recognized as proficient in the language based on the academic criteria set by the state and MUSD.
We are so proud of the students who have worked so hard for this immense accomplishment!
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Registration for 2025-26 School Year | |
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New student registration for the upcoming school year will begin on January 13, 2025.
This early registration period is open to new students of all grade levels (TK-12).
If you will be enrolling a new student for the 2025-26 school year, we encourage you to register when the window opens on January 13. By registering as soon as possible, you will have the greatest chance of getting your child a spot in their school of residence. Early registration will end on February 28.
Additionally, Open Enrollment will also begin on January 13. Open Enrollment allows families to apply to have their child(ren) attend another MUSD school other than their school of residence. Open Enrollment forms will be completed online using the MUSD website and must be submitted online by February 28.
More information will be coming soon. If you have any questions, please contact your school office.
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Thanksgiving & Winter Break Learning Opportunities | | |
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MUSD, in partnership with Give Every Child a Chance, is offering enrichment opportunities for elementary students over the winter break from January 2 - 7.
Programming includes:
- Enrichment activities
- Social Emotional Learning
- Physical activities and games
Express interest today! Enrollment closes on December 11.
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Explore Our Free Digital Library: Sora | | |
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Did you know that MUSD students have access to a FREE digital library?
Sora gives students one-tap access to hundreds of age and reading-level appropriate eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and more on any device! This digital library makes reading for school or leisure easy and enjoyable by incentivizing reading with fun avatars and achievements.
Boost your reading skills during breaks by trying out Sora!
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Build Skills with Exact Path | | |
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MUSD students in grades K-10 can access an interactive learning path created just for them using Exact Path!
This exciting digital tool uses a child’s MAP assessment data to meet them where they are, customizing a learning path to help them improve reading, language arts, and math skills.
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Holiday Gift Giving Program | |
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Annually, the Transitional Student Success Program (TSSP) staff and MUSD schools run a Holiday Gift-Giving Program, connecting our most in-need student populations, including homeless and foster youth, with gift programs in our communities.
This year was the largest Holiday Program yet. MUSD school staff and TSSP were able to place more than 950 students and their siblings in over 12 programs throughout Manteca, Lathrop, and Stockton. We are extremely proud of MUSD staff and TSSP for their efforts, and so grateful that we were able to support these students and their families during the holiday season.
Gift donations are still welcome! If you would like to donate gifts or gift cards this year for infants through high school-age students, please contact MUSD Health Services representative Lynda Donelson at ldonelson@musd.net or call MUSD Health Services at (209)-858-7423.
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Operation School Bell
MUSD is part of the national program known as Operation School Bell. This program is for families in need of clothing from sizes 4T to 14. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please call Health Services at (209)-858-7423.
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Attend One of Manteca Unified's Hiring Events | |
Paraprofessional Hiring Event | | |
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Passionate about supporting students? Become a paraprofessional!
Assist with one-on-one support and small group activities in the classroom. At MUSD, you can receive credit for up to 10 years of relevant experience on our salary schedule.
Register by December 8, 2024 to attend.
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We’re hiring Single Subject, Multiple Subject, and Special Education teachers - but hurry! The last day to apply for this event is Wednesday, November 27. | |
Looking for a new opportunity? | |
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At Manteca Unified, there's a role for everyone!
We're currently hiring for a variety of positions, including Clerical Assistant, Nutrition Service Assistant, School Site Assistant, Transporter/Bus Driver, Custodian, Visual and Performing Arts Teacher, Substitute Teacher, Office Manager, Music Teacher and more.
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November & December: Save the Dates | |
Thanksgiving Break
No School
November 28 - November 29
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This year around the dinner table, share some exciting history about Thanksgiving. | |
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3
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December 3rd marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global observance dedicated to promoting awareness, understanding, and support for the rights and well-being of individuals with disabilities.
This day celebrates the achievements of people with disabilities and underscores the importance of inclusive practices in our schools and communities.
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Winter Break
No School
December 23 - January 7
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In Case You Missed It: Manteca Unified Stories | | |
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Shaping the Creators of Tomorrow | |
In Mr. James Burns' Advanced Digital Communication class at Manteca High, students are gaining real-world experience by working with clients throughout the local community.
By running a simulated design agency, Mr. Burns is equipping students with practical skills and industry knowledge that will set them up for success well beyond high school.
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Discover "Learning Landscapes" | |
Dive into Learning Landscapes: MUSD Teachers and the Spaces They Shape, a heartwarming photo essay celebrating the incredible passion, creativity, and dedication of our MUSD educators.
From vibrant classrooms to inspiring teaching philosophies, this series highlights the unique ways our teachers empower students and build a brighter future. Don’t miss this uplifting tribute to the heroes shaping young minds every day!
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MANTECA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT |
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Superintendents
Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent
Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent
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MUSD School Board
President Marie Freitas, Area 4
Vice President, Eric Duncan, Area 1
Board Clerk Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6
Melanie Greene, Area 3
Marisella C. Guerrero, Area 7
Kathy Howe, Area 2
Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5
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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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