Superintendent Newsletter

October is a wonderful time to reflect on the importance of creating safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for every student. At Merced City School District, we want every child to know they are valued, supported, and an important part of their school community.

This month, we recognize National School Bus Safety Week and reaffirm our commitment to keeping students safe both on and off the bus. Our transportation team plays such an important role in caring for our students each day, helping them get to school ready to learn and return home safely to their families. Student safety is a shared responsibility, and I encourage our families and community members to partner with us in reinforcing safe behaviors around school buses and helping students understand the importance of following bus safety expectations.

October is also an opportunity to celebrate kindness and strengthen our commitment to bullying prevention through our MCSD United for Kindness initiative. Creating a positive school environment takes all of us. When we encourage our children to lead with empathy, respect differences, include others, and stand up for one another, we help create schools where every student feels they belong. I encourage our families to continue these conversations at home and remind our children that even the smallest act of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day.

As we continue through the school year, I know October can sometimes feel like a long month as we settle into our routines and balance the many demands of daily life. During these times, it is important to remember that we are all in this together. By supporting one another, celebrating the small victories, and keeping our students at the center of everything we do, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives. I am grateful for the care and dedication our staff show our students and for the continued partnership of our families and community. The relationships we build with one another are at the heart of a strong school community, and together, we can create environments where every student feels safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

Thank you for being part of the MCSD family and for all the ways you support our students. I look forward to the wonderful things we will continue to accomplish together!

With appreciation,

Warmly,

Mrs. Julianna Stocking
Superintendent
Merced City School District

Merced City School District is proud to celebrate three outstanding employees recognized at the 2026 MCOE Excellence in Education Awards! Each of these individuals brings dedication, compassion, and a commitment to student success to their work every day.

Jeremy Spangler, Information Systems Specialist, helps keep our District connected through secure, user-friendly technology and platforms such as ParentSquare and Peachjar. He also creates opportunities for students to explore, discover, and learn through hands-on STEM experiences and events.

Savannah Ramirez, Special Education Teacher at Reyes Elementary, is dedicated to helping students with moderate to severe support needs thrive through individualized instruction, collaboration, and her unwavering belief in every student's potential.

Jose Munoz, Principal at Gracey Elementary, leads with compassion and a commitment to ensuring students feel seen, included, and supported. Through his leadership and strong connection to the Gracey community, he encourages students to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and embrace new opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of Jeremy, Savannah, and Jose and grateful for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of our students, families, and colleagues. Their work reflects the heart of MCSD and our shared commitment to helping every student succeed.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

• Monthly Parent Cafes: Join us at Clark Preschool at 9:00 AM for our monthly Parent Cafes, led by Family Specialist Martha Mejia. These sessions offer a welcoming space to connect, share ideas, and learn about local community resources. Mark your calendars for upcoming dates:

• Family Friday: Preschool hosted its first Family Friday event, where parents joined their children in the classroom to complete developmental screeners (ASQ-3 and ASQ-SE). Our team scores these questionnaires to identify strengths, offer targeted classroom support, and provide family resources or referrals as needed.

• ELOP Forum: Our first ELOP Forum of the school year took place via Zoom to discuss funding transparency, share ideas for extended-day learning, and update the community on the progress of the MCSD Engagement Center currently under construction at 26th and K Streets.

• 6th Grade CTE Afterschool Programs: Our inaugural rotation of Culinary and Nailtology enrichment courses was a massive hit! Students learned directly from local professionals, including Chef Allen Brooks (Cousin's Corner), 'D' (Cassaro's Pizzeria), Gricel Tanori, Samantha (Forever Young Nails), and Cinthia Reyes (Site-Based Community Liaison).

• Next Rotation Registration is Open!

• Culinary moves to Hoover Middle School (featuring guest speaker Gyzelle Olmos on cake pops and charcuterie boards).

• Nailtology moves to River Middle School.

We are thrilled to launch our district-wide Student Champion Initiative, a targeted mentorship strategy serving over 900 students. Participating schools are pairing students with adult Champions—mentors dedicated to building positive relationships, advocating for academic growth, and celebrating student milestones. This initiative combines personalized mentorship with extended-day skill building and regular data check-ins to help every student succeed.

ATTENTION: Preschool requirements have changed!

Do you have a child between the ages of 2 and 4, and live or work within the boundaries of Merced City School District? Enroll today! Call 209-385-6619 for more information.

Did you know??....

MCSD is on social media. Come hang out with us daily as we share exciting photos, videos, and information about current and upcoming events. If you are a parent, you might just see your little one get featured!

Instagram & Facebook: @MercedCitySchoolDistrict