Reporter, Vince Rembulat of the Manteca Bulletin Newspaper, wrote the following article that appeared on the newspaper's front page on Monday, May 7th. A great way to kick off Teacher Appreciation Week.
Vince Rembulat writes:
"Mother of McParland" retiring after 38 years
To some, Sandra Shibata can be considered the "Mother of McParland".
After all, she's dedicated beyond measure and extremely popular with students, parents and faculty members.
At the end of the school year, Shibata is calling it quits after 38 years of teaching.
"She will truly be missed," Brenda Scholl said.
As the assistant principal at McParland Annex, she along with Kim Texeira are trying to get word out to former students and colleagues to attend the May 24 retirement reception being held in Shibata's honor from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the McParland Annex cafeteria, 1370 London Ave.
She's been with the Manteca Unified School District since 1969 upon graduating from the University of the Pacific.
Shibata began teaching third grade at Lathrop School. After eight years, she made a change, switching over to instructing youngsters in first grade.
By the time she transferred to McParland in 1987 - the district's newest school at the time - Shibata was already teaching the Lathrop kindergarten youngsters.
She enjoyed instructing students at that level so much that she continued as a kindergarten teacher at McParland for the next 23 years.
Over the years, Shibata received her just recognition, including MUSD Teacher of the Year in 1990 and the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year in 1999.
She also worked as the Academic Decathlete coach for two ears and coordinator for students in the Gifted And Talented Education program for a year.
"But heading up the Social /Sunshine Committee for 21 years makes her the true 'Mother of McParland'," Scholl said.
For more information on Sandra Shibata's retirement reception, contact Scholl or Texeira at 825-4281.