Hello, I am Mrs. Goija. I have been involved within Manchester Elementary School for about 7 years-as a parent, volunteer, and employee. I served on the Site Council committee for four years as a parent/staff representative and I urge all to get involved. The educational process and the desire to inspire children to want to learn has always been on my mind throughout my many professions. My family came to the Mendocino coast in 1971. I graduated in 1990 from UCSC with a degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis on scientific Illustration, Book-Arts, Printmaking, and Education. I did my first student teaching in 1988 at Live Oak Elementary in a kindergarten classroom. I feel strongly that the Arts are  an integral part of the learning process and nurturing the creative process is a valuable asset to all children. This year I have been invited to join our open classroom team in a collaborative teaching environment fostering  independence, creativity, choice, and strong academics. This year I am the ELA-Lit and Social Studies instructor. Excitement is the name and critical thinking is the game! Our new bilingual teachers are firecrackers bringing with them experience and a wealth of knowledge, as well as green thumbs. We learn from each other as we guide the children on their educational journeys inciting curiosity, compassion, and a desire to learn. I am excited about our Environmental Literacy program and to bring a global perspective to our local on-site garden projects. We have Garden #1, the ‘No-Til’ Garden #2, and our new ‘H.H.’ (Hoop House) #3. We also have our Vermiculture project which creates wonderful castings (vermicompost). I am interested in waste management and fostering the awareness of self-sufficiency and our human connection and role within the cycles of life, biodiversity, and sustainability. We have a dynamite and exceptional MUESD team-energetic and strong. We are all devoted to the children and are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. I look forward to keeping you up to date on your child's progress and listening to anything you may have on your mind. 

My name is Nicole, and I embarked on a transformative journey from Chile to the United States in January 2024, accompanied by my son. This transition marks the beginning of my work in the Dual Language Program, a project that I approach with immense passion and enthusiasm. The warm and welcoming reception from the entire school community has filled me with gratitude, making me feel truly at home. 

In an increasingly globalized world, the importance of bilingual education cannot be overstated. Spanish immersion in an English-speaking context not only enriches students' linguistic abilities but also fosters cultural understanding and collaboration. It empowers students to communicate across diverse communities, enhancing their cognitive skills and preparing them for future opportunities in a multicultural environment. 

As an educator with a specialization in Mathematics, my goal is to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive learning atmosphere where all students can thrive and reach their fullest potential. My interactions with my students have been enriching and heartwarming; their consistent support and affection inspire me daily as I navigate this exciting new chapter in my professional life. 

I firmly believe that education serves as a powerful catalyst for societal transformation, cultivating critical thinking and awareness in individuals. My mission is not just to impart knowledge but to empower my students to become conscientious and engaged members of society, equipped with the skills to navigate an interconnected world. I look forward to continuing this journey, collaborating with my colleagues and students, and contributing positively to our community.

Hello families from Ms. Jennifer!

I am a happy member of the Manchester School community for 20 years, as an instructional aide, parent, and now as the education specialist teacher in training. I studied geography in college and worked in city government before my husband and I moved to the coast with our two daughters. I did not anticipate making a career in education but I discovered that time spent teaching and learning with children is an exceptional challenge that fills my heart.

Hello families,

Hi I am Ms. Laura ( Laura Erwin). I LOVE our school and our community! I'm the bus driver and after-school support aid. This is my 5th Year at Manchester Elementary. I love ocean kayak fishing,  working in the yard with the plants and the flowers, feeding the wild birds, and chilling at the ocean with my husband. You may see me in the neighborhood of Irish Beach walking dogs. I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, playing games, listening to music, and reading! I feel honored to work here at Manchester Elementary with the awesome staff and our incredible students!

Hello families,

My name is David, I am very pleased to be helping out around Manchester.  I will be assisting with the before school program, teaching about gold mining, and teaching guitar and harmonica.  I think it's going to be a great year and look forward to all that we are going to learn!