Mark Highlights December 2018

MARK Highlights

Manteca Unified School Board

the

December 2018

A Little Holiday Sparkle Page 16

Why?

MUSD School Board

Making a positive difference to each and every student daily.

New MUSD Board Members

Left, Cathy PopeGottschall, new trustee for Area 5, and below left, Marie Freitas, new trustee for area 4, were formally sworn into office Tuesday as the recently elected members of the Manteca Unified School District following the Nov. 6 general election.

President Stephen J. Schluer, Area 6 Vice President Eric Duncan, Area 1 Board Clerk Kathy Howe, Area 2 Michael Seelye, Area 3 Marie Freitas, Area 4 Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5 Bob Wallace, Area 7

MUSD Superintendents Superintendent

Dr. Clark Burke Deputy Superintendent

Roger Goatcher

Vision Manteca Unified School District will ensure every school day is relevant, rigorous, and leads students to become productive and engaged members of a global society while residing in the central valley.

Mission Manteca Unified School District is committed to providing a safe environment where all students will thrive with the tools, resources and support needed to achieve their academic and personal potentials.

#proudtobeMUSD

Manteca Unified School District 2271 West Louise Ave Manteca, CA 95337 (209)825-3200 Submit stories:

communityoutreach@musd.net The Mark Highlights is published by the MUSD Superintendent’s Office Community Outreach team. Highlights content is contributed by every school site.

When highlight articles are submitted, they are edited for length and clarity.

Feature writing is produced by the Community Outreach Team.

Highlights is intended to be a reflection of the MUSD Vision and Mission, because above all,

we value making a positive difference to each and every student daily.

Peter Gale Design, Photography, and Reporting

The Mark Highlights Team are:

Erica McCullough Design and Photography

Victoria Brunn Director and Executive Editor vbrunn@musd.net Lindsay Stayner Content Coordination and Editor lstayner@musd.net

Johanna Victor Photography and Reporting Community Outreach Interns In-depth stories submitted by student interns, or an outside contributor, will include an author’s byline credit.

Contents

DECEMBER 2018

Making the Mark

December Fun at Brock Elliott

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Parent Institute for Quality Education

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GV Students Win vs Staff V-Ball

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Lincoln Loves to Learn

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SAIL to Success

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Joshua Cowell Cougars

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County Superintendents Visit Great Valley’s Preschoolers

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Glimpses of Greatness

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Komure’s Rotary Visit

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6th Grade Literacy Training

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Golden West

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Bailey Pine Makes Team USA

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Lancers Lead

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MHS Makes the Mark

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SHS is Sensational

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BE.Tech Lives their Motto

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WRHS Brings Holiday Cheer

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Region 2 Leadership Visit

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Holiday Performances

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Features MHS Feminine Hygiene Product Drive for the Homeless

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SHS Volunteers Help Spread Feelings of Holiday Cheer

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WRHS Jersey Retirement for James Nunnally

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LHS Choirs Help Light the City

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Making the Most of Every $

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Community Corner Local News

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GECAC Teaches Anti-Bullying

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Law Enforcement Against Drugs

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M.E.L.S. Garage Hour of Code

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December Fun at Brock Elliott

December was a month of celebrations at Brock Elliott School. Our students showed their talents in many different areas.

Our Band, Cheerleaders and Color Guard performed in the Manteca Parade.

Brock Elliott’s Spelling Bee Champ, Miguel Tornero, represented our district at the county level.

Our music teacher, Mrs. Gleason, lead the Choir and Band in their winter concert.

Mrs. McMahon’s first grade class explored the question, “How do animal’s bodies help them?”

Students were given the opportunity to create models of different animals as they researched this topic then explained to a partner how the body parts worked together.

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Parent Institute for Quality Education Great Valley, August Knodt, and George Komure School were thrilled to celebrate the graduation of 42 Weston Ranch parents from the Parent Institute of Quality Education.

Parents learned about the educational system, college and career readiness, and how to advocate for their children.

Our parents were committed and involved. They exemplified the importance of life-long learning and they are a great example for our community.

GV Students Win vs Staff V-Ball

It is a tradition for Great Valley students to compete with the staff after each sport season.

This year, our students beat the staff in our Staff vs Student

Volleyball game!

Everyone had a great time supporting their favorite players.

Go Bruins!

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Lincoln Loves to Learn Getting Active With Math This month, students in Mr. Brandi’s math class used math skills to learn how to be healthy.

The students learned that in order to reach maximum benefit in physical fitness activities, they needed to maintain a target heart rate zone.

Using a math formula, students learned to take their resting pulse to determine their target heart rate.

Next, students participated in several physical activities from casual walking, to running for a short period of time before taking their pulse again to determine if they were maintaining

their target heart rate zone.

After they finished gathering data, students created bar graphs to show their results for each activity. Students discovered that each of their heart rates were different for each activity depending on the intensity level of the exercise.

This helped them to determine the level of activity needed for increased fitness.

SAIL to Success Lincoln students are SAILing to success by showing that they can be Safe, Accountable, Inclusive and Leaders.

Students are chosen by their teachers as having been a student modeling those characteristics.

Students in grades 1-6 are awarded certificates and a small prize.

Students in 7th and 8th grade are awarded the privilege of attending a SAIL CafĂŠ with school administrators Randi Fowzer and Melissa Herrera.

Jr. High teachers are treated to time playing games, listening to music and enjoying some healthy snacks.

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Joshua Cowell Cougars

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3rd Grade Business Day

Third grade students brainstormed business ideas, created and marketed their product, and then set up stores to sell to other students.

Classroom behavior incentive tickets were used for money.

Students marketed homemade snow globes, bookmarks, a photo booth, and much more!

Band & Choir Concert

Virtual Field Trip

Under the direction of Mrs. Deana Ehlen & Mr. Cody Marchetti, they dazzled their families and staff members with wonderful melodies at the concert.

Fourth grade classes enjoyed a virtual field trip of La Purisima Mission thanks to Skype technology!

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County Superintendents Visit Great Valley’s Preschoolers Mrs. Gupta’s preschool class at Great Valley participated in the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s public school art competition this past October.

Mrs. Gupta’s 3 to 5 year old students loved painting using different media and techniques. Each masterpiece was submitted to the contest.

Although they did not win the final entry for the holiday card publication, the experience was priceless!

It was an honor for all of the County Superintendents to visit Mrs. Gupta’s classroom and honor the students and staff for all the hard work they do.

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Glimpses of Greatness

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1. Joseph Widmer School Site Assistants volunteered their free time to assist Kindergarten students making ornaments.

2. Nile Garden first graders practiced doing random acts of kindness across the campus spreading cheer!

3. Second graders at Nile Garden, with the help of their teachers, Mrs. Raposas & Mrs. Jeanette Costa, wrote letters to be mailed to military heroes, soldiers, and veterans to thank them for their service and wish them Happy Holidays!

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4. The New Haven 1st Grade classes went on a field trip to the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery, where they saw adult fish being pulled from the river.

5. The students loved learning about the different

stages of the life cycle of the salmon. Here, baby fish are raised before being released back into the river.

6. Stella Brockman’s leadership class held a book

drive benefiting the Butte County Office of Education.

Over the course of two weeks, they collected a total of 1,816 books so those schools affected by the Camp Fire could rebuild their libraries.

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Komure’s Rotary Visit Our Komure 3rd Graders were treated to a surprise visit from Mr. Kent Steele and his wife with Stockton Rotary.

He read the story Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure to the students—bringing the characters to life!

At the end of the story, Mr. Steele presented the students

with their own dictionaries and the expressions of gratitude were priceless!

Our students and teachers appreciate the time taken to read, and giving them dictionaries to keep.

Teaching them how to use the dictionaries to find information that they want to know was a wonderful touch.

6th Grade Literacy Training Literacy expert Kathy Bumgardner is supporting our 6th grade teachers this week as they fine tune their practices with teaching small groups, differentiating their instruction, clarifying the standards, and making data driven decisions.

Teachers also learned about anchor charts to increase skills and strategies through student input in a teacher led and student driven environment. After spending three days working with all 6th grade teachers in the district, her final two days were spent doing model lessons in district classrooms.

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Golden West

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Family Science Night Golden West teachers partnered with Sandia National Labs to present an engaging Family Science Night for all ages.

Students participate in Mystery Science or Stem Scope lessons regularly, but this partnership has provided an opportunity to involve their family in science.

Parents, guardians and children alike found themselves absorbed in fun, hands-on science experiments.

Chromatography activity using blown air.

Marshmallow molecules with toothpicks for structure.

Staff v Student Volleyball Golden West junior high volleyball teams accepted the staff vs student volleyball challenge in front of their peers who met the academic, attendance and behavior expectation standard.

The positive energy that filled the gym created an exciting environment. The games were so close that the audience was at the edge of their seat wondering which team was going to pull off the victory.

The best thing about the games was not which team won but the manner in which everyone supported and cheered for both teams.

The staff took the final win, though as a result they may be a little sorer and stiffer than their younger opponents.

There were lots of high fives and

congratulations to both teams for well played games and incredible school pride and spirit.

We are looking forward to the next challenge!

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Bailey Pine Makes Team USA East Union’s feature twirler Baylee Pine qualified to travel to France as part of TEAM USA. The 15-year old Sophomore Baylee has been twirling and cheering for the Lancers for the past two years. She began twirling at the age of four. The straight A student’s dream is to receive a twirling scholarship to college.

“I saw it in the Manteca 4th of July Parade and I wanted to twirl those sticks,” said Pine. She started taking lessons at Manteca Parks and Rec that August. “I started competing when I was 5 years old. I love getting to meet new friends and experience competing against other twirlers.”

Pine has traveled far with her talent.

“I also get to travel to many new places as I compete at Nationals every July. I have won many 2 baton, dance twirl events, and team titles over the years at the California State Championships, Western Regional Championships and National Championships,” said Pine.

“I am currently internationally ranked after competing in the 2017 Pan Pacific, which takes place every three years. I placed 4th in this competition against USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan and was the highest ranked US athlete for my age in 2 baton.”

Pine’s team, Revolution out of Sacramento—which has twirlers from all over California—won a National title this past July in Jacksonville, Florida. Pine was the Junior (age 14-17) AAA Pre-trials Freestyle Champion at this same competition in July. Pine also qualified to go compete in France for International Cup, not only with her team but as a 2 baton athlete.

“This is a great honor because I get to represent our country and be a part of TEAM USA. I have always looked up to the elite twirlers on TEAM USA when I was growing up,” said Pine. “Now I am able to twirl alongside and compete on the same team as them.”

Pine will be going to Limoges, France in August of 2019. She will be in France for 10 days. This is a major competition and Baylee is looking for sponsors to help with the cost of costumes, travel expenses, and entry fees— all of which will total over $4,000.

Any monetary donation would be deeply appreciated. Baylee’s travel with TEAM USA must be paid in full

by February 10, 2019. If you wish to donate, please contact Erika Pine at (209)401-1645, or using Venmo @ Erika-Pine.

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EUHS AVID

EUHS AVID Seniors completed their FAFSAs and applied to universities.

Many attended the SoCal college tour and visited 9 university campuses.

They participated in a 2-day UC personal statement writing boot

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Lancers Lead camp with by Dr. Roxanne Ocampo.

Several have received college acceptance letters.

AVID Juniors toured UC Davis and attended the PAC 12 College Fair at Levi Stadium. Many have been tutoring after school for Neil Hafley students.

Sophomore AVID students walked to

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The Commons to offer Technology 101 tutoring sessions for the senior citizens on emailing, social media, Microsoft, Facetime, and Skype.

Freshmen AVID students chose William Jessup and Sacramento State Universities for the annual day trip.

For a fundraiser, they sold fresh fruit cups with fruit generously donated from A1 AG Farmers Market in Lathrop. Students also provided car washes at Manteca’s Les Swab.

Lancer Band Performances The East Union Lancer Band was invited to share a concert with the Delta College Wind Ensemble.

The Lancers performed four pieces and

then combined with Delta to perform three holiday tunes.

The Band also held its annual winter concert. There were performances

by the East Union Jr. High Band, The East Union Symphonic Band, The East Union Percussion Ensemble and the Advanced Choir.

Lancer Battalion Hosts Competition

EU Army JROTC hosted a sports competition Saturday, November 3rd.

with nearly 400 students and families attending the highly successful event.

Manteca, Lathrop, Edison, Lincoln, and Franklin high schools, and the Discovery Academy participated

JROTC cadets competed in volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, tug of war, swim, and a physical

endurance challenge. ROTC cadets from Fresno State University and Army non-commissioned officers served as judges.

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MHS Makes their Mark Every year the Manteca Senior Center takes applications to help seniors in need during the holidays.

Senior Angels

The applications come from staff at Prestige Senior Living, The Commons, Meals on Wheels, Manteca CAPS, and members of the senior center.

The Senior Center then distributes the names of these seniors and a list of items needed to community members.

MHS senior, Maribel Castillo is the vice president of the DECA club who asked her club members to participate in this event.

DECA invited other clubs and classes on campus to help.

Eleven senior angels will have a better holiday this year because of the generosity of Maribel and her classmates and teachers!

Hope for Amy

On February 1, 2019, the MHS Girls Varsity Soccer team will hold its annual Kicking for a Cure game.

The beneficiary of this year’s event is Amy Gross, an MHS teacher who has taught in MUSD for 31 years. All proceeds will be donated to her fight against cancer. She was diagnosed last

February with Stage 4, Non-Smoker Lung Cancer.

Coach Coenenberg at (209) 608-0652 or jcoenenberg@musd.net.

The Kicking for a Cure game is a chance to bring local awareness and hope. Donations are being accepted for the raffle, silent auction, as well as monetary donations. For more information on how to help, contact

In the photo, Amy Gross is presented with a lifetime achievement award from MHS. During the ceremony, this video was presented showing staff and student support in her fight against cancer.

Calendar Art Contest Winner

In September, Mrs. Low’s Environmental Science class submitted drawings to the Healthy Air Living Kids’ Calendar Contest.

Student Juliet Aguirre-Owens was chosen as the winner for San Joaquin county and her drawing will be featured in the 2019 Calendar!

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SHS is Sensational The Sierra High FFA held its annual Greenhand Awards Banquet on Monday, December 17th.

FFA Greenhands Power lifting Sierra High alumnus Kyle Alexander visited the girls and boys Body Conditioning classes to conduct a power lifting demonstration, discuss precise lifting techniques, proper diet and sleep habits, and opportunities in the field of power lifting.

Kyle began the day by warming up and demonstrating proper techniques, explaining each movement to nearly 100 students who packed the weight room.

After his warm-up, he easily executed, below parallel, a “light 500 lb. squat!”

Kyle then explained how proper

Art Contest Winner

Sierra High School Advanced Art Student Alexys Elizondo has won the 2018 Manteca Garden Club Art Contest!

Alexys said, “my focus was to produce a water-color painting featuring a goddess in a spring garden.”

The banquet was attended by parents, students, and staff.

Under the leadership of Ms. Amy Bohlken, the SHS Ag program has continued to

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provide numerous opportunities for students to participate in agricultural endeavors, leadership, and public speaking opportunities!

During the fall term, the MantecaSierra FFA Chapter had 23 Greenhand Degree recipients and two Chapter Degree recipients.

In addition, the Chapter Star Greenhand Award—in Memory of Christy Limas—was presented to Blake McKenzie by the Limas Family.

Presentation in detail the movements associated with each lift.

Students then had the opportunity to ask Kyle questions about technique and power lifting in general.

nutrition and healthy eating habits, along with a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each night, reduce the potential for injury by 30%.

He also demonstrated and discussed many lifting techniques, explaining

She credits much of her inspiration to Florence Welch, lead singer of the band Florence and the Machine.

Alexys was also very thankful to The Manteca Garden Club for allowing students a platform to express their talents as well as the $100.00 prize awarded to the student and matching prize to the teacher!

Kyle is a top-ranked power lifter and on the Deans List at Stanislaus State University! He currently has a 385 lb. bench press, 705 lb. squat, and 755 dead lift in competition.

Kyle credits Sierra High coaches and employees, Coach Hobby, Coach Boyd and Mr. Pagal with inspiring him to pursue power-lifting and leading a healthy lifestyle!

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BE.Tech Lives their Motto Students in every academy at BE.Tech are living up to our motto “hands on learning.”

Students have taken field trips to industry businesses and colleges. Daily, students practice skills in their Career Technical Education courses.

Students participate in Learning through Interests activities and present “Who Am I?” projects during student exhibitions.

All students are defining their passions and creating a path to follow after graduation.

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These photos capture a glimpse of this hands on learning.

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Michelle and Tiaynna show off holiday cookies.

2. New energy efficient HVAC units

dramatically improve student learning environments.

3. Students from BE.Industrial had the

opportunity to visit Holt of California and Delta College earlier this month.

4. Students at BE.Next have been

creating masks from start to finish.

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Region 2 Leadership Visit

MUSD’s Administrative Leadership is divided into regions to support professional learning and inquiry, dialogue, and data review.

Manteca Day School hosted the Region 2 visit where Superintendent Dr. Clark Burke, Senior Director of Secondary Education Clara Schmiedt, and Principals from Lathrop, Mossdale, Joseph Widmer, and Lathrop High School came to learn more about the WHY TRY program.

Classroom teachers showcased lessons from the WHY TRY curriculum in which they were teaching the “Reality Ride” analogy that develops social and

emotional learning and skill development.

Administrators then visited the STORM room (Students Taking Ownership Reaching for More) which is utilized as an environment to assist students when behavioral, social, or emotional concerns arise.

Principal Jillian Friend has implemented the WHY TRY Program and STORM room to support the school mission, “To help people achieve opportunity, freedom,

and self-respect using education and interventions that motivate and create positive change.”

WRHS Brings Holiday Cheer Members of the WRHS Students for Democracy Club went to Lottie Grunsky Elementary School in South Stockton to bring a visit from Santa.

The students were Edwardo Bocanegra, Nayeli De La Torre, Carlos Souza, and Daisy Cortez.

Carlos dressed as Santa in full costume, sitting on a stage by a Christmas tree. The two ladies were dressed as his elves and Eduardo was backup. They visited with hundreds of students. The students donated a gift to Santa and in return, received a special candy cane.

It was a wonderful and rewarding morning that produced more than 250

gifts for Toys for Tots.

Christmas Day.

Toys for Tots give presents to children in Haven for Peace and the children’s shelters in the City of Stockton for

Many thanks to Club Advisor Allison Barahona and Campus Monitor Ismelle Harris.

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Golden West

Holiday Performances

There were several Holiday Programs during the month of December. These included the holiday program organized

by Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Austin, the Band & Choir Concert presented by Mr. Twomey, and the Holiday Parade.

Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Austin’s students sang their hearts out for peers during the day and for their families in the evening.

It was a magical experience. Santa stopped by to give the teachers hugs and

each student a candy cane.

A grateful audience member sent a message to say, “The music teacher has done incredible things with the kids.

It was young and fresh and we truly enjoyed it. We were very impressed! Two thumbs up!”

Golden West wishes each of you a very Happy Holiday Season!

Stella Brockman Stella Brockman School Band led by music teacher, Ms. Richichi,

Veritas

takes first place in the Manteca Annual Holiday Parade!

The Veritas Junior High band gathered and entertained holiday shoppers and movie goers on Tuesday, December 18 outside the AMC theater in Manteca.

They performed

a variety of music from movie themes, previous performances, and seasonal favorites.

This is their second year sharing their gifts with the community in this venue.

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Mossdale

Students in grades 1st and 3rd, beginning band, intermediate band, and choir performed during the month of December.

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The Mossdale gym was overflowing with families watching our students sing, dance, play instruments, and enjoy the holiday season.

Brock Elliott

Nile Garden

Congratulations to Mr. Perez and the Nile Garden Band who played with all their heart at Manteca’s

Annual Winter Parade. They placed third for their band category. Great job Panthers!!

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Music Teachers and Lincoln Carolers perform at the District Office

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Fe a t u re s

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MHS Feminine Hygiene Product Drive for the Homeless Levy Cutar

Student Intern

Imagine this: you are a woman minding your time when unexpectedly your period starts. Unprepared, you panic. You search through your bag hoping to find a pad or tampon, but unfortunately you do not have one.

For most women, not having a needed feminine hygiene product is a rarity, but for many women it’s a reality.

People generously donate clothing and shampoo to the homeless, but do not often donate feminine hygiene products, which is a vital thing they need.

“It’s an easy product

to forget since it’s so personal,” stated senior Andreina Sanchez.

It frankly doesn’t occur to most people to donate menstrual supplies. Perhaps this is because society discourages women from talking about their menstrual cycle needs because of how embarrassing or uncomfortable it can be.

“A lot of people think this hygiene drive is biased, but it is actually trying to make up a balance,” said Equality Club adviser Sarah Haskett.

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Haskett, who teaches English, Women’s Studies and Creative Writing for Manteca high, has been running this drive for three years now.

Haskett stated, “I was reading a lot of articles about homeless women still having their periods but didn’t know what to do because they didn’t have the necessary products.”

This has inspired her to get involved by starting the Feminine Hygiene Product Drive at Manteca High. With the help of club members and other MHS students, everyone has had the opportunity to be involved in the drive.

“It’s important for girls to realize that menstruation is not weird. It is not something to be ashamed of,” said Haskett.

To get this project moving, Haskett and her student team have spent time making posters and advertising it on the Equality Club Instagram page.

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The posters are hung in the quad, classroom wings, the hallways and the parking lot. They also include a fact to show why it is a necessity for homeless women to have these products.

Also, students placed boxes in classrooms for people to donate hygiene products like pads, tampons, period cups, pantie liners, etc. Other donated items include toothbrushes and combs.

The Feminine Hygiene Product Drive started on Monday, the 19th of November and ended Friday, the 21st of December.

All the donations collected will go to The Hope Family Shelter.

Starting a Feminine Hygiene Product Drive is a way to give back to the community of Manteca. It’s being committed to supplying menstrual health products to people who are either homeless or can’t afford them due to low income. Hopefully, this effort inspires other schools to help those in need of these products.

All the donations collected will go to The Hope Family Shelter.

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SHS Volunteers Help Spread Feelings of Holiday Cheer One of the best ways to feel holiday spirit is to help others feel it.

Aisha Saeed

Student Intern

Sierra High School students volunteered to help spread that holiday spirit at the first night of the two-day Christmas in the Park event held at the Manteca library.

The small community atmosphere warmed holiday hearts through the events offered.

At the gingerbread decorating contest

tent, children of all ages lined up to showcase their work on the cookies.

Frosting smeared the tables, and sprinkles were thrown everywhere.

As the night continued, children swarmed the tables eagerly awaiting their turn as the Sierra High volunteers worked hard to keep up with demand as the night had just begun. “I loved seeing kids come out and participate rather than spending their time doing something without meaning,� said SHS junior Kanani Drummond.

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“Usually kids are busy on their phones or at home.

This is a good change.�

Another highlight of the night was decorating the Christmas tree. SHS Interact and California Leadership Association clubs were among the volunteers. Both clubs worked together to decorate the Christmas tree.

One student held up a large flashlight, chasing around volunteers with ornaments in their hands. A long line of students formed a conga line holding a string of Christmas lights, eventually becoming entangled in one another.

At one point, the Christmas tree itself was about to topple over. It began to look like a mess until soon the volunteers worked together to successfully decorate the tree.

Before the night ended, club members felt closer.

Many exchanged phone

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numbers with promises to deepen their friendships later.

Most of all, many students who attended Christmas in the Park felt rewarded for participating in the event.

Many made new friends with the event coordinators and the younger children who came to have fun.

For many volunteers, the event was worth-while and gave them a sense of community pride. Holidays get a little bit brighter when you help others enjoy them more.

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WRHS Jersey Retirement for James Nunnally Julia Martinez Student Intern

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Nunnally with WRHS cheerleader Julia Martinez and her father.

2. Bill Slikker offers his tribute while Nunnally embraces his daughter.

3. Nunnally’s family, friends, and teammates.

4. Teammate Jason Rose with a fan.

5. Signing autographs for excited students.

Former Weston Ranch student James Nunnally is one of the first alumni in Manteca Unified School District to make it to a professional sport by playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA.

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The WRHS Cougars invited Nunnally to attend the McClymond Warriors game on December 11th so they could formally retire high school basketball jersey— number twenty-one.

This inspirational event brought faculty, students and families together in the Weston Ranch community.

Nunnally said, “Believe in yourself because the day you stop believing, there is somebody else out there who is believing 2 and working just as hard—or twice as hard—as you.”

Many people who are a part of Nunnally’s extraordinary journey came to support his accomplishment. This included his mother, wife, two daughters, cousins, uncles, brothers, friends, and a few Minnesota Timberwolves

team members—Derek Rose, Anthony Tolliver, and Orlando Johnson.

Former coach Bill Slikker came to the jersey retirement before the varsity game to share positive words about Nunally’s “brilliant career” and fond memories about his years attending Weston Ranch from 2004 to 2008.

“He set many school records and led his team to league championships and section final appearances,” said Slikker.

“James was named unanimous MVP for the VOLs his Junior and Senior years. He was also named player of the year by the Stockton Central Valley.”

Slikker added, “His achievements on the court and in the classroom led to James receiving a full ride scholarship to UC Santa Barbara. After completing his studies at Santa Barbara, he played a brief stint in the NBA and had a very successful career overseas. James’ journey to reach the NBA showed his hard work and never giving up on himself.”

Nunnally’s jersey retirement has been described as a proud moment by so many. Through it all he remained

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“I think that’s what they really want to see, that you are dedicated. You don’t have to be the smartest person to be the most successful,” said Nunnally.

“People who work the hardest are always going to make it. This is what education has taught me.”

During the event, Nunnally signed autographs and took pictures with many people. This was an opportunity for him to also see his former teachers and coach Eddie Menzel from his freshmen year in 2004.

Nunnally described his years at Weston Ranch High School as unforgettable.

“Basketball made every problem go away once we got to practice, once we got to the game, and once we were together.” Nunnally stated.

4 Weston Ranch. “I loved representing Weston Ranch playing basketball. It was really big to me to go out there to try and make Weston Ranch the best team in the valley, and in the state.

That was always a goal.”

In the WRHS gym, James Nunnally’s jersey number twenty-one will be hung upon the walls for generations of students to see and be inspired by his actions and perseverance.

Although his actual jersey could not be displayed, a banner hangs with his name, number, and pictures of him playing in high school, college, and as a current team member for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He had great chemistry with his teammates and they would always spend a lot of time together.

Nunnally was grateful to have gone to Weston Ranch High school. “I almost went to St. Mary’s on a football scholarship, but I’m glad my mom persuaded me to come here.”

As Nunnally explained, he made memories that would last a lifetime at

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“I am just humble to be in the NBA,” said Nunnally.

“It’s a great opportunity that not many get, and I am just taking it day by day.”

The retirement of his jersey was a symbolic recognition to the game of basketball at Weston Ranch High School. It is an honor for Nunnally to be looked up to by so many for pursuing his career in basketball and he is thankful to have had such a great support system to get him to where he is now.

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LHS Choirs Help Light the City

Vanditha Vemparala Student Intern

On Dec. 1 the entire community came together for the 29th Lathrop Tree Lighting Ceremony. This is a time for not only the lighting of the tree, but also a time to get into the Christmas spirit with hot chocolate, cookies, and some Christmas carols.

Mr. Zachary Jones, Director of Parks and Recreation, welcomed the community to enjoy the Tree Lighting Ceremony. In his speech, Jones acknowledged the Lathrop-Manteca Firefighters for coming together and dedicating time to help Parks and Recreation set up for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on short notice.

After Jones addressed the crowd, the choir performed.

“We spent three months on this,” said choir member Dakota TorresO’Callaghan. “I hope the audience enjoys it the way I did when learning the songs.”

The choirs that performed were the Lathrop Elementary School Choir, Lathrop Area Music Program (LAMP) Choir, and the Lathrop High School Choir.

“I loved the LAMP choir’s song ‘Celebrate Hanukkah’ especially with the choreography that they added to it,” said LAMP band member Pranav Vemparala.

LAMP Choir provided diversity in the songs that they performed by alternating songs with upbeat tempos with those that were calmer.

They also added a cultural variety by singing a song about Hanukkah.

The songs they sang were Celebrate Hanukkah, Good Night, and Wintersong with a few Lathrop High Choir women.

They added tiny bits of choreography to the song Celebrate Hanukkah by clapping at the end of every other stanza. At the end of the song, they all clapped in unison and made their hands look like fireworks in the sky.

After the LAMP Choir’s performance, Lathrop Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal took the stage to dedicate prayers to the

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Paradise fire victims as well as the men and women in uniform. He wished that everyone—regardless of religion— include the Paradise fire victims in their thoughts and prayers.

He thanked everyone who came out to celebrate the Tree Lighting Ceremony. He gave a special thanks to the Lathrop, LAMP, and LHS choirs as well as to Lathrop Lions club, LHS Leadership, and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

“Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year,” said Dhaliwal. “May this holiday season be joyful and bright and filled with love and laughter.”

Lathrop High School (LHS) Choir then took the spotlight and sang three holiday classics. The LHS Concert Choir threw in a tiny move at the end of their song Jinglin’ Bells. In the song Last Christmas, there were multiple small groups and solosists who performed individual parts.

“The audience this year was by far the best audience we’ve ever had,” said LHS and LAMP Choir director Elizabeth VanEerde.

“They were really into the songs and moved along

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with the rhythm.”

Along with inviting the two special visitors from the North Pole, Lathrop Lions Club also had some hot chocolate and cookies waiting for the community.

Overall, the 2018 Lathrop Tree Lighting Ceremony was a heartwarming way to welcome the holiday season, but also a gentle reminder to think of others and perform acts of kindness.

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The Core Planning Team reviews plans with the project architect to insure that site needs are being met within the budget.

Making the Most of Every $ 1.

A crane raises an HVAC unit to place it on a school building roof.

2. New energy efficient HVAC units

dramatically improve student learning evrinoments.

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As the Facilities and Operations departments move forward with Phase 2 of Measure G, they are making the most of every dollar with Prop 39 energy improvements.

The $5 million received from Prop 39 will enable energy dollars to go to other needs as construction begins in the summer of 2019 on the Measure G Phase 2 school sites: Neil Hafley, Nile Garden, East Union High School and Manteca High School.

Aaron Bowers, Director of Facilities and Operations explained, “Proposition 39 is related to creating green energy jobs. So it

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has funded energy efficient projects like HVAC replacements, and lighting retrofits.”

Prop 39 Progress Retrofitting lights means keeping the existing light fixture while bypassing the ballast in order to replace the fluorescent tubes with LED bulbs.

“We are about 85% through the program and have about a year left of funding,” said Bowers.

“We have retrofitted parking lot lights

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3 and interior lights. We are also doing HVAC units across the district.”

HVAC—or heating and air conditioning—improvements are a huge cost savings as they are replacing some units that are 20 years old and do not hold temperature well. These upgrades will also dramatically improve classroom climate.

“This funding increases how far Measure G can be stretched as it allows Measure G to take care of other health and safety items,” explained Bowers.

“For example, Sequoia had 11 units identified in Prop 39 that allowed the Measure G funds to build a new building.”

When it comes to efficiency, many of the old HVAC units were too old to even have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER).

“If we tried to rate their efficiency, they would probably be in the SEER 8 level,” said Bowers. “These new units are rated upwards of SEER 14-15, which is right on the cusp of being certified as green buildings. The higher number the better.”

Fund 40 Facilities As they finish up Prop 39, and get ready to start moving soil for the Measure G projects in the summer, there are some Fund 40 Facilities Upgrade projects happening at Weston Ranch.

“Weston Ranch is a fully Department of State Architects (DSA) approved project for an all-weather track and new hybrid Bermuda natural turf

4 3. An aerial view of the Weston Ranch

High School track and field that is being replaced as a part of Fund 40.

4. A close up of the heavy equipment used to help repair the soil infrastructure.

Phase. This phase includes the detailed design work for the project. The project is scheduled for DSA submission in in December of 2018 with construction scheduled to begin in Summer of 2019.

2 figure 1.1, isFe a t u re s Below,3in a representation of the schematic design site plan for the project.

NEW OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

EXISTING BUILDINGS

NEW PLAY EQUIPMENT

EXISTING MULTIPURPOSE

ng the school’s program capacity to 1,000 students, the modernization of the campus will eviously identified in the District’s 2014 Facility Master Plan and prioritized as health and Figure 1.1 ‐ Proposed Schematic Design ‐ Site Plan maintenance, modernization and upgrades, and code compliance issues.

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5. Thewithin Neil Hafley proposed scope schematic ” said Bowers. “Thistoalso includes am has identified the project’s of workgrass, specific improvements address the design, or site plan, for the campus as all the facilities for the jumping events onding with the Master Facility Plan Priorities: a whole. for track: pole vault, high-jump, long-

ment – play areaexterior views of Nile 6. court Planned jump and triple jump.” provements, as Garden’s requiredMulti-Purpose building.

The bigger concern for the project was mprovements, required 7. as The overall site plan for East Union all of the infrastructure improvements, required.

High School, including marked areas such as drainage. ging system upgrades for the new student drop off and and ADA compliance workfacility in existing restrooms agriculture improvements.

“One of the biggest issues in ment in portables and permanent buildings Weston Ranch was soil type, 8. Rendering of basic concept for of the existing the cafeteria / admin area into a new secured administration new two-story classroom, proper compaction space. and moisture ion and improvements administration, and gymnasium for content,” said Bowers. “So a lot of the eplacement Manteca High School.

of the overall ctured t with ontrol Water Water s a which anteca chool, ucture the ope of ct also water firehool’s

Figure 1.2 Proposed Schematic Design ‐ Multi‐purpose Building Exterior Elevations

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improvements were needed to the infrastructure of the field. We have ripped out the entire track and field and are putting in all-new irrigation.”

Planned to be comparable to Sierra High’s track and field, Weston Ranch is planned to be finished in February—in time for track season.

NEW ASPHALT PLAY COURTS

MODERNIZED CLASSROOMS

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RECONDITIONED PORTABLES

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Measure G Moves Ahead The Facilities and Operations Department are making great progress on Increment One of Phase Two of Measure G. “We are now working on Neil Hafley, Nile Garden, Manteca High School 1 and East Union High School,” said Bowers. “We have board approval for each of these projects for schematic design. We know what we are building and the parts of what we are building.”

As the architects design and develop to include floor plan, elevation, cabinet placement and more, Bowers meets with key people to advise the process.

“Each school site has a core planning team that includes the site principal, office manager, head custodian, two teachers from the site, and the district office facilities team,” said Bowers. “Those two teachers were very important to bring the site’s perspective. It is their job to visit with other teachers and get feedback on the design. They then bring back those comments so that site teachers are engaged in the design process.”

According to the Master Facilities plan, each school has a portion of modernization that is implemented by removing portables and replacing them with new classrooms. But the majority of each project is modernization of existing buildings.

“It could be HVAC, electrical, fire alarms, carpets, interior finishes, or cabinets,” said Bowers. “A portion of each projects’ budget is that kind of

In Figure 3.1, the overall site plan is presented. The Architect, Eric Whole, will review the details of the design during the presentation, however, in this figure several major improvements to the project are identified. The proposed layout of the new agricultural facility is shown and to the south, a new access from Northgate avenue to the D ec eparking m b e rlot201 gymnasium and 8 to the north alterations to the existing student parking lot are represented.

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without the site work we have around the Ag Shop.”

Parking Lot Alteration & Expansion New AG Facility Improvements

Bowers explained that there is a $1.6 million Career Technology Education (CTE) Incentive Grant to help with the East Union project and that MUSD has applied for another $3 million for the project through the CTE facilities grant process.

“We are doing the most efficient project according to the budgets that we have,” said Bowers.

New Student Drop‐off Gym Parking Lot

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At Manteca High, there is a $15 million Measure G contribution as part of a total $40 million project.

The bulk of the funding is related to growth, which includes a new gym and cafeteria expansion to accommodate 2 2,200 students.

Community, staff and student events were held on several occasions toFigure 3.1 ‐ OVERALL SITE PLAN

further review the priorities of all “The new classroom building will modernization.

“For example, at East Union we are stakeholders. In” each event, the be two story, with anywhere from Architect and design team members replacing the Ag wing because it They closelyindividual to what is 12-16 new classrooms, which will be were adhere able tovery discuss serves as a compact solution that approved by theoverall voters. built where the current softball field priorities in forthe theplan campus’ replaces some classrooms, some failed modernization and explore the Health and safety, modernization is located,” said Bowers. “The admin portables, and some site improvements impact of potential solutions. and upgrades, deferreddesign maintenance building will be connected to the twothat are all around the building,” said The goal of these activities to identify code compliance are the four priorities story classroom building and located how recommended solutions may Bowers. “You cannot address the Ag that every project is aligned with. off Sherman and Moffat to make a new impact the school’s educational shop issues that we have out there front of campus.” program and operation.

Figure 2.1‐ Science Wing “Open Space” (80 wing location)

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Figure 3.1 South View of Campus ‐ New Classroom Building, Gymnasium, & Administration

The Facilities and Operations team are moving forward and construction will begin in the summer of 2019.

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Local News

Manteca High senior Solman Aniss bound for Stanford in fall

How often does ‘Sponge Bob’ and ‘Stanford’ come up in the same sentence?

Answer: very rarely, if ever. But for Manteca High senior Solman Aniss, that was the thrilling moment he learned of the great news of being accepted to the college of his choice.

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Association’s annual Education Conference and Trade Show in San Francisco.

New greenhouse for Manteca High, replacement for Sierra football turf

Sierra High in the coming months will have an upgraded football field playing surface while Manteca High will have a replacement greenhouse built.

2 newcomers gain election as trustees Joint Use for Pool & Arts for Manteca Unified It’s the end of an era for the Manteca Unified School District’s longest-serving board member.

Manteca High needs a replacement swimming pool. The City of Manteca wants a new swimming pool.

Manteca Unified trustees take oath of Developers step up to help pay for classrooms office Cathy Pope Gottschall and Marie Freitas were formally sworn into office Tuesday as the recently elected members of the Manteca Unified School District following the Nov. 6 general election.

Golden Bell Award for be.tech high school

Carey Simoni is proud of the recognition be.tech Charter High School received at the California School Board

Developers are stepping up to continue to help pay for more classrooms to house students generated by growth.

Blue Santa In Lathrop

When Lathrop Police Community Resource Officer Jefferson Dominguez first participated in what is now the Lathrop Police Blue Santa event at Target three years ago, he noticed that the underprivileged children who were selected to privately shop at the store for Christmas

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GECAC Teaches Anti-Bullying Students at the Give Every Child A Chance French Camp Elementary After School Program payed it forward with an Anti-Bullying project for students and teachers.

expressing their appreciation for all of their hard work and how they hoped they never get bullied.

Students learned how bullying not only happens to students, but to teachers in their own classrooms.

Students attached flowers to the letters and left them in teacher boxes for them to find the next day!

Students decided to write letters to their teachers

Teachers were very happy to have received the letters, and some teachers talked about the importance of bullying in class.

Some teachers wore the flowers in their hair. It was a day filled of kindness.

Law Enforcement Against Drugs The City of Lathrop Law Enforcement Officers implemented the Law Enforcement Against Drugs (LEAD) program at Joseph Widmer, Mossdale and Lathrop Elementary Schools.

LEAD is a drug prevention program that has replaced the former DARE curriculum. This new program covers tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, bullying, and peer pressure.

It is a 10 week program that consists of completing a workbook, class participation, and an essay.

Pictured is an LEAD graduation at Mossdale Elementary with local police officers and MUSD Board Trustee Bob Wallace in attendance.

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During the week of December 3rd – 7th over 3,300 MUSD students joined students from around the globe by participating in Hour of Code week.

MELS Garage sponsored a raffle for all teachers who participated.

Winning teachers were Megan Smith (Lathrop High School), Martha Salcedo (6th – 8th Lathrop Elementary), Gina Groswell (3-5 McParland), and Kathy Acosta (TK-2 Brock Elliott).

The grand prize winner was Marissa Fells (Brock Elliott).

Ms. Fells class will receive $200 in STEM manipulatives or a field trip to the FabLab at San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Brock Elliott had 100% of classrooms participate.

Stella Brockman’s Leadership Media students became teachers, as they instructed several class of K-3 students on coding.

Over the course of the week, the 15 students taught over 130 of their younger peers in both on-line and offline activities.

It was great fun for all involved.

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M.E.L.S. Garage Hour of Code