Connecting quickly: New VP seeks to build strong bonds

Manteca High’s newest vice principal, Debi Chavez, at a press conference at Manteca High School on Oct. 19, 2023, in the school’s tutoring center. (Autumn Wagoner) 

By RAMIRO OSUNA
The Tower

Debi Chavez has been named the vice principal at Manteca High School after working at Weston Ranch High School for 17 years as mostly an English teacher.

Chavez made a big impact while working at Weston Ranch and hopes to make positive changes at her newfound school. Being known for her work-oriented and immensely helpful self, her arrival at Manteca High is welcomed.

“I feel like Chavez has done a really good job moving her work ethic forward and that — alongside with (fellow vice principal Frank) Fontana — they'll do a really good job together,” said outgoing vice principal Brett Lewis, her colleague dating back to their time together at Weston Ranch.

Chavez arrived on campus Monday, Oct. 16, but she already understands the student behavior and has plans for the Manteca Unified School District’s oldest campus. Her expertise, she says, is in building bonds with students and staff members, which is why Chavez wants students to be more involved in school events. She also plans to add a program called PLUS, which stands for Peer Leadership Unites Students. This is a program that helps students excel in education, which is one of Chavez’s long-term goals for the school.

PLUS is a program centered on students who don’t have an immediate or obvious connection to the school. Perhaps they lack a coach or team, or even a teacher to connect with. The program helps students feel safe and cared for. PLUS also creates a culture where students take care of other students who use the program. Chavez said that schools in the Stockton and Lodi area have been using the program with success for years. She is familiar with the program since she helped integrate it at Weston Ranch.

Chavez believes students who are involved in school activities will enjoy being at school, which will positively impact the school’s attendance rates.

“Bringing more programs to this school. You guys have ton of electives but maybe a couple more leadership type of classes I’d love to bring are some SEL programs, social emotional learning, to acclimate our freshman a little better.”

Manteca High vice principals Debi Chavez (left) and Brett Lewis answer questions at a press conference at Manteca High School on Oct. 19, 2023, in the school’s tutoring center. (Autumn Wagoner) 

Lewis knows her work ethic well.

“While working with her, she had a very successful program in her classroom with the students she was teaching at the time,” Lewis said. “Chavez also created a very big bond and relationships with her students.”

Chavez is an advocate for mental health, and she hopes her office, the epicenter for discipline on campus, becomes a safe place students will seek out, rather than avoid. She wants to build relationships with her students; she doesn’t want them to dread walking into her office or fear approaching her on campus.

“Everyone should have someone on campus that they can go to,” she said. “If it’s not me, then let’s find a teacher that could. Let’s find a teacher who you can make a connection with.”