MUHSD Matters
January - February 2021
[Livingston High Senior Arianna Walker holds court during a match at LHS]
*Photo courtesy Livingston High Athletics Dept.
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District Vision
Every student will walk off the graduation stage with a diploma in one hand and a CTE certification/proficiency in the other along with college credit on their transcript.
District Mission
Every staff member, every day, will support all students to acquire the skills necessary to develop and follow their post-secondary dreams.
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Superintendent - Alan Peterson
Deputy Superintendent - Ralph Calderon
Assistant Superintendent (Educational Services) - Constantino Aguilar
Assistant Superintendent (Business & Student Services) - Scott Weimer
Board of Trustees
Tiffany Pickle - President
Erin Hamm - Vice President
Richard Lopez - Clerk
John Sweigard - Member
Julio Valadez - Member
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In This Issue...
Athletics Return
Staff Vaccinations Begin
Sites Celebrate Black History Month
MUHSD's Got Talent
ECHS Art Teacher Gets Published
Cancer Survivor's Mission to Help Others
...And much more!
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As we transition from the bitter cold of winter into the warmth of spring, there’s a little something more to the upcoming season of rebirth. You can sense it all around. The sun is shining a little brighter. The flowers are more vibrant. And the birds are singing a happier tune. The clouds of uncertainty that have been hovering above all of us are finally beginning to part.
It’s been one year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent school closures.
The good news has far outweighed the bad in recent weeks. Our athletics programs are now in progress giving our student athletes a much anticipated opportunity to compete. Clubs and organizations like Band and FFA are beginning to meet in person on campus.
Several staff vaccination clinics have taken place as the county is seeing an increase in its COVID-19 vaccine allotment. Again, a huge thank you to Brooke Thompson and Mandy Ballenger for organizing appointments, Cristi Johnson for procuring vaccines and working with Castle Health to make all this happen for our district, and the entire healthcare team at MUHSD for their tireless efforts.
In-person learning returns on March 15th which means students will be back on campus, reenergizing staff for our 4th quarter. Plans are underway to make the most of the rest of the school year for our seniors. All sites are working to make those signature events happen on some scale. There is also a big announcement coming later this month that'll connect UC Merced with MUHSD in a very unique way, so stay tuned for those details.
I would be remiss if I didn't remind everyone to continue following the safety guidelines. It's what got us to this point and we mustn’t get complacent. Keep washing your hands frequently, keep wearing a mask and remain socially distant. It is everyone's responsibility to enforce the guidelines to help ensure our schools remain open for the remainder of the year.
Let’s keep moving forward!
Stay healthy everyone,
ap
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Getting to Know...
Kurt Kollmann, Merced High Principal
[photo taken pre-COVID]
Number of years with MUHSD: I have worked in the district for 20 years. I did have a three year gap when I worked at MCOE.
Number of years in education: I am in my 37th year.
What made you seek a career in education?
My parents and my college swim coach were big influences in my decision to become a teacher.
What keeps you motivated to do your job to the best of your ability?
My staff, students and families here at MHS.
Short-term goals?
Get through the challenges we face right now and bring students back on campus.
Long-term goals?
See all the projects lined up here at Merced High School completed.
What's the best piece of advice that someone has ever given to you?
Two actually. I had a principal once who told me, “Do not bring me a problem without some solutions.” A second was from a board member who reminded me we are here for students.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
To be the father of 5 great children. And to be the principal of my alma mater. But the list can go on and on.
What does it take for a student to be successful during Distance Learning?
Students will be successful if they are effective communicators and collaborators who are self-directed and resilient, have both critical and creative thinking skills, and practice responsible use of technology.
What's something that people might be surprised to learn about you?
About 30 years ago, Mr. Calderon and I started a parenting program at Mitchell Senior in Atwater. It was a bilingual class and we taught them about computers and how computers were going to change their children’s learning.
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Athletic Competitions Return
After almost a year of no sports, Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) athletic competitions are back! Several sports including Cross Country, Swimming, Girls Golf and Girls Tennis will have scheduled matches beginning this week.
“We are very excited to, once again, have our student-athletes participating in the sport that they love while representing their schools,” said MUHSD Superintendent Alan Peterson. “We’ve been committed to bringing them back as soon as possible for the sake of their physical and mental well-being, but only when it was safe to do so.That time is now.”
After the California Interscholastic Federation gave counties and schools autonomy to hold their own competitions, MUHSD’s Athletic Directors worked with other school districts within Merced County on a schedule that would work for everyone. The new league, a reformatted Central California Conference (CCC), consists of all six traditional MUHSD sites plus high schools in Hilmar, Dos Palos, Gustine, Le Grand, and Delhi. Stone Ridge Christian High School will also participate in league play.
“Making all of this work and getting everyone on the same page has been a huge undertaking, but it’s what's best for the kids and that’s been our guiding principle,” said Atwater High Athletic Director Scott Wine. “Seeing them suit up and getting back on the field will make it all worth it.”
More sports will be added as conditions allow and the idea is to provide the opportunity for as many sports to be played as possible, even if for an abbreviated season.
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Staff Vaccinations Begin
Over 200 of the district's employees received shots at a pilot clinic held at Buhach Colony High. The event was a partnership with Castle Family Health Center and Merced County Department of Public Health. More clinics are planned with the hopes of providing vaccinations for all by the end of March.
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Surveillance Testing Makes The Rounds
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MUHSD Holds Community Vaccination Clinic
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Golden Valley High's Black Student Union Marks Black History month
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Former Livingston High student's Artistic Tribute To MLK Jr
Click on the link below to read the Merced County Times story on Joel's mural!
*Photos courtesy Merced Sun-Star
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El Capitan High Teacher's Illustrious Career
"It's definitely surreal," said Lauren. "I remember holding the book for the first time and just not being able to process it."
The books that she and Susan have worked on are in English and Spanish with the aim of promoting literacy in the Central Valley. Lauren loves that the multilingual aspect of the stories allows them to reach both English and Spanish speaking communities. She also enjoys sharing the books with her students.
"The students are always impressed when I show them what I've done and it inspires them when it comes to what kind of project they want to do in class," said Lauren. "It's very humbling because I remember the impact that my art teachers had on me when I was in high school at Merced High."
Lauren feels that she is still growing as an artist and sees growth with every project, something she hopes to impress upon her students. She also hopes to leave them feeling enthusiastic about their art and not to worry about pleasing others.
"Above all, you should be the most excited about your own work," said Lauren. "Look at me. I became a published illustrator just by doing something that I like to do."
You can purchase Lauren's work on Amazon.
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Battle of the Books Is Happening This Year!
Another new wrinkle this year, students from one site will be allowed to form teams with students from other sites including Yosemite High, Independence High and Sequoia High. As such, there will not be a winning school, but rather a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winner. Organizers say that, while this year's event will be significantly different, they have worked hard to put together an event that will be fun for all participants.
The 2021 Battle of the Books will take place on May 7th. Students interested in signing up should contact their site librarian.
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Camera On Challenge
Staff we talked to said it was great to see so many groups participate in the challenge and it was really nice to see all of the students' faces.
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MUHSD's Got Talent!
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Heartfelt Gesture For Senior Citizens
While trying to think of something nice to do for the residents of a local assisted living facility this Valentine’s Day, Buhach Colony High sophomore Leah Chapman got the idea to hold a teddy bear drive. Leah says that the ongoing pandemic has made life tough for people, and even harder for senior citizens.
“I wanted to do this because I know that the people in these homes haven’t been able to see their family in a long time,” said Leah. “I want them to see that they are loved and that there are people in the community who appreciate them.”
The event was promoted on social media and bins were placed at locations around town, including one at her school. Having never done anything like this before, Leah wasn’t sure what to expect but she hoped for a good response. She got a great response!
“I was super pleased with the turnout,” said Leah. “I got twice the number of teddy bears that I was expecting, which means that every single person at the facility will receive a teddy bear as well as a card signed by a member of the community.”
Leah’s campaign received so much support that she still had 50 teddy bears left over after the initial distribution, which she donated to CASA of Merced County - a non-profit that specializes in assisting foster youth. Leah hopes that the stuffed animal gifts make everyone feel special.
“I just want them to know that they are cherished members of the community and that people do care about them,” said Leah.
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A Creative Endeavor at Golden Valley High
Sensing a need at Golden Valley High for a creative outlet, Gisela Ramirez put together an outline for a literary journal and brought the idea to her fellow book club members. Everyone agreed it was something worth pursuing.
"The idea was to create a space where everyone could share their work with an audience," said Gisela. "It also brings people together which, in this time, is something that is also needed very much."
So the GVHS Book Club went to work and began putting together its first literary journal. Having never done something like this, the group wasn't sure what kind of response they would get but they were excited about it providing them with an opportunity to express themselves in a new way.
"We knew it was going to be a rocky start, but we learned from our mistakes and we plan to keep improving as we go," said Gisela.
All of their hard work has paid off. Their literary journal continues to grow each month and is filled with a variety of artforms including poems, short stories, digital and hand-made art, as well as videos. The journal was opened up to other clubs to promote programs and fundraisers. It's all part of the group's goal to reflect the many facets of the student body at Golden Valley High.
"We want people to see that students are much more then their grades or the classes they take," said Gabrielle Andrade. "And we hope that people see the feelings and pride that goes into putting this together."
The GV Book Club appreciates all of the submissions it receives. They are also thankful for the staff who helped them get started and support them every issue. Some teachers even offer extra credit for students who submit to the literary journal!
"Our advisor, Mrs. Woodall, has been tremendous as well as Principal Swartwood and all of the staff at GV," said Tassha Tilakamonkul. "The response has been very positive."
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Sharing the Joy of Reading
"The elementary students look up to these older kids, so we were happy to participate," said Atwater High Activities Director Nathan Braga.
The Leadership Class soon began recording themselves reading children's books and even got some of the schools coaches involved. Everyone involved said they enjoyed the experience.
"Showing them that reading can be fun and that you can learn a lot from opening a book is the lesson we hope the Hawks go home with," said Nathan.
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Bob Means Day
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Atwater High Celebrates Its School Counselors
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Student LCAP Meeting
The LCAP describes the services that MUHSD plans to offer and is the tool that the district uses to leverage funding from the state. To learn more about how the LCAP process works, check out the video below!
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Student's Gift of Gab Opens Doors
Based on her first-place finish, you'd be surprised to learn that Isabelle Dillsaver wasn't sure she was even going to participate in her last public speaking contest. The Buhach Colony High senior found out about the event only a couple of days before it was scheduled and didn't think she had enough time to prepare. But after some words of encouragement from her Interact Club at BCHS, she decided to go for it and won a trip to Regionals.
"I really surprised myself," said Isabelle. "I did way better than I anticipated I would."
Isabelle has been competing in public speaking events since 6th grade. She credits her success to her support system which includes her family, friends and coaches. As for what she likes the most about public speaking, Isabelle says that she enjoys connecting with people. She's also a fan of being picked apart.
"I think critique is the best way to grow as a public speaker," said Isabelle. "You're never going to know where you need to improve if someone doesn't give you honest feedback."
Isabelle appreciates the work that organizers have done to hold competitions online during the pandemic, but she can't wait to get back to in-person events. She says there's a connection that takes place during in-person events that you don't get talking to a screen. But she also feels that the current model forces participants to sharpen other areas of their communications skills.
"Communicating effectively is definitely a skill," said Isabelle. "All students should be working on their communications skills in some fashion so that they can learn how to express themselves in a respectful way."
Isabelle has parlayed all of her acquired skills to securing admission to the prestigious Smittcamp Family Honors College at Fresno State where she plans to work on a Psychology degree before, hopefully, transferring to Stanford for medical school.
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Merced High Student's Personal Mission
"In the blink of an eye, my life and the lives of everyone who surrounded me would be forever changed," said Bianca. "A long road awaited, filled with ups and downs and twists and turns."
Thanks to the amazing medical staff at Valley Children's Hospital and her strong support system of family and close friends, Bianca was able to ring the bell that all cancer survivors get to.
But even though she has beaten cancer, Bianca still has her struggles.
"A lot of people tend to think that being able to ring the bell makes everything better. I myself thought that too, but truthfully it doesn’t," said Bianca. "The battle, just like the scars will always be a part of me, who I am, what I do, and why I keep going."
Still, Bianca knows that not everyone who is diagnosed with blood cancer gets to ring that bell and has pledged to help others going through the same thing she did. She is part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Students of the Year" campaign and is currently raising money for childhood cancer research.
"I hope people can find it in their hearts to help me achieve my goal," said Bianca. "Help me make a difference for children around the world to begin the process of research with the hopes of eliminating that fear that no child nor parent should have to worry about, or go through."
You can click the button below to donate to Bianca's cause.
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District Roll Call
Atwater High
Blood Drive
Top Photo Finish
Students in Mrs. Eckman's Photography Club at AHS received the top four scores in the SkillsUSA contest, making them all eligible for state competition. Pictured is the gold-winning submission by Daniela Perez-Gonzalez
Kiss the Goat
Buhach Colony High
Merced County Academic Decathlon
Improv Show Must Go On
Computer Science Diversity Award
El Capitan High
Junior Making History
Kiss the Pig
Soccer Star Makes News
Golden Valley High
Star Achievement
Spoken Word Sweep
Showing Some Love
Livingston High
Environmentally Friendly Endeavor
Helping Less Fortunate
Parent Workshop
Merced High
Speaking Skills On Display
Distinguished Recognition
Leading the Way
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Former Yosemite High Student's Legacy
Larayna's mom, Latisha, reached out to let us know that her daughter lost her fight with cancer on Valentine's Day, but that the two did get to go on several getaways after all. Trips to the beach were documented and can be seen in the story below that aired on ABC 30 Action News.
Latisha plans to keep Larayna's memory alive by creating a scholarship fund in her daughter's name. The scholarships will help students who are battling cancer or have family members who are.
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We Want To Hear From You!
MUHSD Matters is published by the MUSHD Communications Department.
Follow us on social media!
Email: syniguez@muhsd.org
Website: muhsd.org
Location: 3430 A Street, Atwater, CA, USA
Phone: 209-325-2046
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Twitter: @MercedUHSD