Lathrop Lowdown

Dear Spartan Families,

As we move into March, I want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing partnership with our school. These past several weeks have brought important conversations, thoughtful feedback, and a continued reminder of how much our students benefit when families and school staff work together with care and compassion. I am grateful to each of you who has reached out, shared concerns, or partnered with us to support your students. Your voices matter, and together we continue to foster a school community where students feel seen, heard, and valued.

Suspensions Are Down—A Reflection of Our Restorative Work

I am proud to share that suspensions at Lathrop High are down significantly—from 80 at this time last year to just 20 this year. This is a direct reflection of our continued commitment to restorative practices and proactive supports.

Our Peer Mediation Program has been especially impactful, giving students a structured and supportive way to resolve conflicts with guidance from trained peers. Our counselors have also worked closely with incoming 8th graders to help them become “Spartan Ready,” easing the transition to high school and setting clear expectations for behavior, responsibility, and positive communication.

In classrooms, our teachers continue to strengthen their use of active learner engagement strategies and consistent classroom management routines, including a schoolwide cell phone policy that keeps devices put away during instruction. Reducing cell phone distractions has made a noticeable difference in student focus and classroom climate.

Families can support this effort by reinforcing expectations at home—encouraging students to keep phones silenced and put away during learning time and reminding them that limiting distractions helps them get the most out of each class.

Thank you for supporting this work—it truly takes all of us

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Spring Testing Season Is Here

This time of year marks the beginning of our spring assessment season. Testing is an important opportunity for students to show what they have learned and for us to understand how best to support their growth. We know testing can sometimes bring stress or uncertainty, and we encourage families to talk with their students about the process, listen to how they’re feeling, and help them approach the experience with confidence.

A good night's sleep, a positive mindset, and encouragement from home truly make a difference.

Upcoming Testing Dates

MAP: Spring MAP Assessment

• March 24 and 26
• March 24 is a minimum day with a modified schedule.
• Additional details will be shared soon.

CAASPP & PE Testing: April 21–23

• 9th and 11th graders will start at their regular time for testing.
• 10th and 12th graders will arrive on campus at lunch time.
• More information will be sent out closer to the testing window.

Advanced Placement Review & AP Exams

• AP review sessions will be offered during the CAASPP window.
• AP testing will take place throughout May.
• Your student will receive more information form their A.P. teachers.
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Working Together for Student Success

We know that academic growth does not happen overnight—it happens through consistent effort, support, and encouragement. Thank you for partnering with us in that work. Talking with your student about their progress, their testing goals, and their feelings during this busy season helps us ensure that every LHS student feels supported and prepared.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or if we can assist you or your student in any way. We appreciate your continued trust and collaboration as we help all Spartans grow, learn, and thrive.

Dr. Melissa Beattie

Principal, Lathrop High School

What is The Zen Den?

• The Zen Den is a peaceful space within the counseling office, created by our VCC/ Admin team to offer students a quiet, safe environment where they can self-soothe, reflect, and regulate their emotions.
• The Zen Den was thoughtfully designed to promote peace and calm through:
• Warm lighting and a soothing color palette.
• Comfortable seating and soft pillows.
• A sound machine and nature-themed light panels.
• Mindfulness posters offering gentle guidance.

• Outside the office, a light indicates when the room is in use, and a 15-minute timer helps ensure everyone has access while maintaining structure.

When can/should a student go to the Zen Den?

• When a student feels escalated feelings (anger, anxiety, panic, stress) that are preventing them from functioning in class.
• All students are welcome to use the Zen Den when it’s available — no permission slip or referral is needed.

What do students do in the Zen Den?

• When students enter the Zen Den, they’ll find two sets of gentle guidelines posted on the wall — “Must Do’s” and “May Do’s.

Must Do’s

• Place phones outside the room to invite calm and focus.
• Take three slow, grounding breaths.
• Journal any thoughts or feelings that feel heavy or present.
• Check in with a VCC counselor before leaving.

May Do’s

• Try a mindfulness coloring activity.
• Listen to calming nature sounds.
• Observe your breath for one full minute.

What is the impact of this space on our campus?

• Since its creation, the Zen Den has been used daily by students and staff.
• It has become a supportive space for practicing coping skills, taking a reflective pause, and managing emotions effectively.
• The room has also helped our VCC team provide privacy for students during difficult moments and better manage crisis situations, all while continuing to support our ongoing caseload.

Big shoutout to our Valley Community Counselor Claudia who took the lead on designing this space to best serve the needs of our students!

Mrs. Heather Anderson, Vice Principal

At Lathrop High, we are proud of our students and the thoughtful ways they express their beliefs. Students do not forfeit their First Amendment rights at school. Both federal law and California Education Code protect students’ political expression on campus, and LHS and Manteca Unified School District fully uphold those rights. Students are free to express their views peacefully on campus as long as instruction is not disrupted.

At the same time, student safety is our highest priority, and the District is required to remain neutral and apply established attendance laws consistently. First Amendment protections do not extend to leaving campus without permission during the instructional day. When students arrive on campus, they must follow check‑out procedures and may only leave with prior parent/guardian approval.

A Few Helpful Reminders for Families

• Students who leave campus without checking out must be marked with an unexcused absence (“cut”), and consequences follow District policy and the LHS Student Handbook.
• Any consequences issued are tied solely to the attendance violation, not to a student’s viewpoint or the message they wish to express.
• These expectations apply on all school days, including days when students may choose to participate in civic expression.

Thank You, LHS Families

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to the families who reached out and met with LHS leadership to share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas for improving communication. We truly value your partnership and appreciate your willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. Your feedback helps us strengthen our practices and continue building a supportive, informed, and connected school community.

We remain committed to ensuring that students feel heard, valued, and safe—while also helping them develop the skills needed to become informed and responsible members of society.

If you have questions about attendance procedures or how we support student voice on campus, please reach out. We appreciate your ongoing partnership in helping all Spartans learn, grow, and thrive.

CURRENT HAPPENINGS...

Spring is officially here, and we hope your March is off to a strong start! Keep pushing, Spartans—you’re almost across the finish line. Finals are coming up on Thursday, March 12th and Friday, March 13th, so now’s the time to stay focused and finish the term strong.

Seniors, this is a huge moment! Keep an eye on emails from colleges and trade schools, and don’t forget to complete those scholarship applications—they can make a big difference for your next chapter.

FAFSA IS DUE MONDAY, MARCH 2ND!!!

Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshmen, we hope this spring term has sparked new interests and opened doors to exciting possibilities beyond high school. As you start looking ahead, continue connecting with your teachers, counselors, and friends to explore what’s next on your journey.

As always, visit the Counseling LinkTree and the LHS website for important updates and upcoming events for the next term. Let’s make March a great one!

26-27 FAFSA Online Application: FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid

26-27 CA Dream Act Application: CA Dream Act Application

For more details on upcoming events and resources, check out the Counseling LinkTree and visit the LHS website regularly.

March 2026 | IMPORTANT DATES & EVENTS

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KEY DATES TO REMEMBER

Final App Lab

Monday, March 2nd

Finals

Thursday, March 12th and Friday March 13th

Mandatory Senior Meeting

Tuesday, March 24th during 2nd period

Honor Cord, TA, Block Waiver and 26-27 Early Grad Applications are available

Monday, March 23rd

Academic Block L and Lamp Applications are Due

Friday, March 27th

Friday, March 27th

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COLLEGE & CAREER EVENTS: Sign up at the links posted to the grade level TEAMS.

Students, have any questions? Stop by Counselor Quad Talk (CQT) and chat with the Counselors during lunch outside of the office!

Stay up to date with information by checking Teams and by following us on Instagram @LathropHighCounseling

We are proud to celebrate Mrs. Wilson for being honored by MUSD for her exceptional dedication and service. Her commitment to supporting students and families is truly inspiring. This recognition is well deserved Congratulations!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our LHS Athletic Boosters

We are thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible LHS Athletic Boosters for once again hosting a fantastic Annual Crab Feed—our biggest fundraiser of the year and a cornerstone of support for our athletic programs. This event not only brings our community together but also provides essential funding that directly benefits every student‑athlete at Lathrop High School.

None of this would be possible without the dedication and passion of our outstanding Booster Board: Victoria Picazo, Alicia Lowery, Jen Hopping, Mary Jo Cantu, and Becca Julien. These five remarkable individuals pour countless hours into planning, organizing, and running events like the Crab Feed. They do this work quietly and selflessly, without any personal gain, simply because they care—about our kids, our athletic programs, our school, and our community.

Their commitment is nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to their efforts, our athletes have access to the resources, equipment, and support they need to excel both on and off the field. The impact of their work can be felt throughout our campus, in every game played, every student supported, and every opportunity made possible through their generosity.

To Victoria, Alicia, Jen, Mary Jo, Becca, and all the volunteers who helped make this year’s Crab Feed a huge success: thank you. Your dedication strengthens the foundation of our athletic programs and enriches the experience of every Spartan athlete.

We are grateful for you—and proud to call you part of the LHS family.

Thank you to County Supervisor, Sonny Dhaliwal, for your generous donation to the LHS Athletic Boosters for two new trophy cases. These cases will proudly showcase the achievements of our student‑athletes and help preserve the legacy of LHS athletics for years to come.

The vision of Lathrop High School is to be a united team preparing all students for life beyond high school; becoming a place of synergy and energy in all aspects of school culture and a community of excellence: making LHS a school that is recognized for high quality academics and strong programs.

The mission of Lathrop High School is to provide each student with a comprehensive education in a safe and supportive environment that promotes critical thinking, self-discipline, and accountability. Lathrop High School strives to prepare its students with the skills and abilities to be successful and becoming contributing members of their communities.

Email: lathrophigh@musd.net
Website: https://lathrophigh.mantecausd.net/
Location: Lathrop High School, Spartan Way, Lathrop, CA, USA
Phone: (209)938-6350
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lathrophigh