CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS
May 31, 2024
Certificated Staff Spotlight:
Calavera Hills Middle School
For many years, Jesse Bullock juggled teaching music at both Carlsbad High School and Calavera Hills Middle School, so settling down at one campus was a great improvement for him. And the students at Calavera Hills Middle School are fortunate to have won him over.
As the music director at Calavera Hills, Mr. Bullock encourages the best from his students, whether tackling challenging new music or competing at regional choir competitions. Mr. Bullock now teaches Beginning Band, Beginning Orchestra, Choir at all levels, Choir on “the wheel,” and ASB. Next year he will trade in “the wheel” class for an Advanced/Intermediate Symphony class. A multi-talented musician, he is an accomplished pianist and plays all of the band and orchestra instruments (many of them as a beginner, he would say) to teach his music students.
Spring is a very busy time of year for young musicians at CHMS. It is competition season: they have been performing very successfully at competitions, even winning some. And then there are end-of-the-year band and orchestra concerts and trips to perform at Knotts Berry Farm and Disneyland. Mr. Bullock’s music students are also planning to perform “Pomp and Circumstance” at 8th-grade promotion next week. By being a part of these celebratory performances, students recognize that their hard work and the beautiful music they play is valued and appreciated by their classmates, their families, and the community.
During Covid-19, music teachers found it very difficult to teach remotely. So, as in-person restrictions eased, Mr. Bullock used that opening to start from scratch to recruit students for his programs. In doing so, he recognized the importance of creating a vertical collaboration, or pathway, from elementary music exposure, to middle school choir, band, and orchestra, to high school musicals, jazz band, drumline, and other performance opportunities. He has developed strong collaborative relationships with programs from elementary school up through community college programs.
“Mr. Bullock's dedication to music education is truly exceptional,” says CHMS principal Judi Stapleton. “His passion for music is infectious, and he instills a love for the arts in all of his students.”
In his role as ASB advisor, Mr. Bullock teaches “leadership by ‘service-ship,’” encouraging students to take initiative and make a positive impact on the school community. Through ASB events, he fosters a sense of unity and purpose among the student body. He runs the biweekly Coyote Community assemblies that bring the entire school together for friendly class competitions, student recognitions, and performances. He makes sure that both the orchestra and choir perform at least one time at the assemblies each semester. Mr. Bullock also includes all students when hosting lunchtime activities such as foosball tournaments, karaoke, and chess tournaments.
Mr. Bullock is known for his compassion and unwavering support for his students. He creates a nurturing environment where all students feel valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. In addition to all of his academic responsibilities, Mr. Bullock volunteers to run the No Place for Hate Committee at CHMS, engaging students and staff in active learning on the topics of bias, bullying, and inclusion.
Mr. Bullock joined CUSD in 2013 as the vocal music teacher for Carlsbad High School, and, as part of his schedule, also taught a class at CHMS. He became a full-time teacher at the middle school in the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Bullock is also a Coyote parent – he has two young children, and one is in kindergarten at Calavera Hills Elementary.
Ms. Stapleton says, “Whether leading the choir, or directing the band or orchestra, Mr. Bullock's enthusiasm and expertise shine through, inspiring his students to strive for greatness. His ability to wear many hats and his dedication, passion, and talent as an educator have left an indelible mark on Calavera Hills Middle School.”
“I love being part of the team here at CHMS, and I love my middle school students,” says Mr. Bullock. “I have found my calling. I want my students to aspire to be both good musicians and good citizens, working together, collaborating, and learning responsibility.”
Peter Manzi Named San Diego County Teacher of the Year
Carlsbad Unified School District is proud to announce that Peter Manzi, Director of Bands at Carlsbad High School, has been named one of five San Diego County Teachers of the Year for 2024-25.
San Diego County Superintendent Dr. Paul Gothold was on campus this week to surprise him with the news, and brought a film crew along to document the moment.
Mr. Manzi and the other four County Teachers of the Year for 2024-25 will be honored by the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) throughout the 2024-25 school year.
Since 1974, the SDCOE has recognized teachers from across the region for their commitment to exceptional teaching and learning. Every year five teachers are selected as ambassadors for the profession, representing the best of the San Diego region.
Mr. Manzi follows in the footsteps of Maria Teran-Cruz, teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, who was recognized as a 2015 San Diego County Teacher of the Year; and Doug Green, retired broadcasting teacher at Valley Middle School and Carlsbad High School, who was recognized as a 2016 San Diego County Teacher of the Year and a State of California Teacher of the Year.
Summer Opportunities at CSUSM
Please see the flyers below with information about free summer workshops for high school students, taught by CSUSM professors, in the following areas:
- Financial Literacy
- Supply Chain
- Entrepreneurship
- AI and Cybersecurity in Business
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Carlsbad Unified School District
Email: cusd@carlsbadusd.net
Website: https://www.carlsbadusd.net
Location: 6225 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA, USA
Phone: 760-331-5000
Facebook: facebook.com/CarlsbadUnifiedSchools
Twitter: @CarlsbadUSD