CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
May 12, 2023
Carlsbad Unified's Teacher of the Year: Melanie Lupica at Magnolia Elementary School
An instructional leader. A communicator. One who “sees the good in everyone.” A Technology Coach. Innovative. Collaborative. These are the words used by professionals who know her best to describe Melanie Lupica, a 3rd grade teacher at Magnolia Elementary School and Carlsbad Unified’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. “Mrs. Lupica represents all that is good about public education,” says her principal, Aaron Nelson. “She focuses all of her attention on creating a better learning experience for students.”
Mrs. Lupica – a mother of three children who have attended Carlsbad Unified schools – has served the CUSD community for more than 20 years as a classroom teacher at Pacific Rim Elementary and now at Magnolia Elementary. She has served as a grade level leader and a technology coach, sharing her expertise and supporting her colleagues’ instructional programs.
Mrs. Lupica also provides personal care for her students, families, and colleagues. This year, one of her students suffered a serious brain injury requiring multiple surgeries. With the student now embarked on a long road toward recovery, Mrs. Lupica has been active in supporting the family and spearheading efforts in the community – including setting up a GoFundMe campaign, organizing a 5K walk for students with the Mitchell Thorp Foundation, and more – to raise funds for the student’s ongoing medical needs.
One of Mrs. Lupica’s noteworthy instructional initiatives is Team MAG. Mrs. Lupica and two other teachers, Stephanie Bentley and Ehrin McDonald, designed and implemented a multi-age classroom, for grades 2, 3, and 4, where 78 students engage in a personalized, flexible learning experience to support their individual needs.
The day always begins with their student-written class pledge: “We are a kind and encouraging family. We work hard and never give up. We are honest and trustworthy. We say please and thank you. We are includers, helpers, and friends. We stand up for one another. We see the good in everyone. We are ‘Team MAG!’”
In their interconnected classrooms, some students might participate in whole-group activities, while small groups of students might receive additional instruction in a key skill area. Twenty “book clubs” of three or four students at the same reading level might be working together cooperatively, while the teachers move about to interact with the groups. A teacher might be overseeing large groups of students involved in a cross-curriculum project, while another might be tutoring a student one-on-one.
The teachers sit down to collaborate and plan each day with care. They strive to meet each child where the child is, building on the child’s strengths, and working with the students in small groups or individually to assist them in areas where they need targeted help.
“This multi-age program has been a highlight of my career and is something that I hope continues,” said Mrs. Lupica. “Although it's still in its early stages, I'm proud to have been a part of the idea and to have guided its growth over the last few years.”
Mrs. Lupica also teaches an elective 3D printing course as part of Team MAG’s Master Makers program. Each Wednesday, for one hour, the students work in teams to learn skills such as sewing, fantasy baseball, 3D pens and printing, FM radio, watercolor techniques, Lego Robotics, and more.
A grateful parent observes that “Mrs. Lupica teaches kids invaluable lessons of leadership, kindness, teamwork, and perseverance. She loves to see them shine.”
“I try to make sure that every child's voice is heard and that they feel included,” said Mrs. Lupica. “Classrooms that foster quality relationships are where students learn the most. When students are comfortable they are able to take risks and share their thoughts and ideas. My philosophy is that, if my students are engaged and happy, they will enjoy school and become passionate, lifelong learners.”
Congratulations and thank you to Mrs. Lupica, our Teacher of the Year, and to all of our talented teachers who have a powerful impact on the lives of our students every day in classrooms across Carlsbad Unified.
Listening and Learning Sessions: May 23
Our district is in the process of developing a strategic plan for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Part of that process involves listening to and learning from the community.
We hope you’ll join us on May 23 (locations are noted on the flyer below). Feel free to attend any one of the sessions listed; all three are held on the same night and will present the same information. We’ve selected three locations to make it more convenient for families and staff to attend and participate.
Our goal for the Listening and Learning Sessions will be to create a respectful and productive environment where everyone's voice can be heard. We’ll ask that participants listen respectfully, speak courteously, and focus on the issues and ideas being discussed.
The format of the Listening and Learning Sessions will involve about 10 minutes of staff presentation, followed by 45 minutes of small group discussion on a limited number of guiding questions. We’ll also provide opportunities for attendees to share written input during the session.
For planning purposes, please let us know you’re coming by sending an RSVP here: bit.ly/May23CUSD or by scanning the QR code below. (But don’t worry, if you don't RSVP we’d still love to see you there!)
Stay Connected with ParentSquare
Please download the ParentSquare app to stay updated on all of the news and announcements from your school throughout the year. Click here to learn more on our website.
Download the iOS App - Apple Store
Download the Android App - Google Play Store
Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.k12.ca.us
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlsbadUnifiedSchools
Twitter: @CarlsbadUSD