Superintendent Newsletter
Issue VIIII
Special Education (SpEd) Compliance
The District continues to work closely with the California Department of Education (CDE) to finalize our Compliance Improvement and Monitoring (CIM) Plan. The plan has been submitted and is currently undergoing final clarifying edits, with approval anticipated in the near future.
This two-year improvement process focuses on two key priorities: ensuring students with disabilities are educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) whenever possible, and reducing suspension rates for students with disabilities through proactive and supportive practices.
To support this work, Director of Special Education, Kevin Smith, has scheduled a multidisciplinary team meeting to review site-level behavioral supports, access, and response procedures. This collaborative discussion will help identify system strengths, as well as opportunities for growth, as we continue to improve outcomes for all students.
Expanding Learning Beyond the School Day
MCSD & MUHSD High School Internship Program
We are excited to launch a new partnership with the Merced Union High School District (MUHSD) that will provide responsible high school students with paid opportunities to support our Merced Academy of Rising Scholars (MARS) afterschool program.
This program is designed to offer students meaningful, real-world experience and mentorship in the field of education. While it will not eliminate program waitlists, it creates a valuable pathway for students interested in becoming future educators.
An informational meeting was held on November 19, and qualified students will interview through the MCSD Human Resources Department, after the application period closes on December 12.
Specialized Student Programs
MCSD continues to invest in culturally affirming, student-centered programs that celebrate identity, creativity, and community. One such initiative is School Yard Rap (SYR), an African American affinity group that engages up to 100 students through DJing, dance, and the creation of original Hip Hop and Rap music. The program will take place across several dates in January and February 2026, culminating in a community showcase performance in February.
Building on this work, School Yard Rap Camp will return in Summer 2026 as a ten-day immersive experience. Students will explore various pillars of Hip Hop, including DJing, music production, and dance, while learning from professional artists in a collaborative, empowering environment.
Certificated - Dennis Roman-Torres
We’re proud to spotlight Dennis Roman-Torres, a dedicated 6th grade teacher at Givens Elementary who brings heart, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her students every day. Now in her third year of teaching, Dennis has already become known as someone who steps up in every situation and always puts students first.
Colleagues admire the way she consistently goes above and beyond, whether navigating unexpected challenges, offering after-school tutoring, staying late to support major school events, or ensuring experiences like Camp Green Meadows become unforgettable memories for students at Givens. Her dedication to her team is just as strong; she is the person others know they can count on, always ready to help, advocate, and uplift.
Dennis shares that her favorite part of working in MCSD is the abundance of support at every level. That support, she says, has empowered her to make a meaningful impact on her students’ academic journeys, and to help them believe in their own potential.
Classified - Danean Stanke
With 23 years in MCSD, including 20 years at Sheehy, Danean Stanke has dedicated her career to supporting student success with care, consistency, and remarkable skill.
As an Instructional Assistant in Special Education, she excels at meeting students where they are and giving them the targeted support they need to grow. Her ability to run small groups with confidence and ease ensures every student receives focused, meaningful instruction, helping the entire program run smoothly.
Danean is also the kind of teammate every school dreams of, collaborative, proactive, and always ready to step in wherever she’s needed. Her impact extends far beyond the classroom, too. She generously volunteers her time with school-wide activities like Drama Club, Student Council, and the Social Committee, helping build the vibrant community that makes Sheehy so special
