Editor, Manteca Bulletin,

Quick, sharpen your pencils! Registration for Manteca Adult School’s winter quarter is open through Dec. 18. I urge area residents to enroll in its low-cost classes. Indeed, beyond its senior citizen discount, this school’s menu of subjects is a big plus for job-seekers.

We are incredibly blessed that MAS charges affordable fees ($10-$25) for classes that boost job skills. In addition, several classes are unique because they are not taught at Tracy Adult School or Stockton School for Adults. Yes, students trek to Delta College, Modesto Junior College, or pricey vocational schools, for similar courses. (Turlock Adult School fees range from about $45-$90.)

The list of MAS’s notably unique classes includes: Medical Terminology, American Sign Language, Workplace Spanish, Medical Transcription, Cabinet Making, Ceramics, Folk and Classical Guitar, Quilting, Yoga, P.E., Parenting and Home Economics.

By the way, kudos go to someone’s (or some school district’s) foresight and deal-making skills. This fall Manteca Adult School/Lindbergh Educational Center partnered with Boston Reed College (also prominent in Bay Area adult schools) to provide a Clinical Medical Assistant Training Program for around $1,600 (a reasonable price compared to area vocational schools).

Yes, Lindbergh Educational Center delivers a Regional Occupation Program (weekday, year-long courses in automotive technology, ag metal manufacturing, careers with children, finance, fashion, culinary skills, office careers, criminal justice careers and healthcare careers). Here’s an ROP hint for older adults - you can enroll as long as younger students haven’t filled all the openings.

Like most adult schools, MAS provides multiple ESL, computer and software courses. Job-seekers hoping to improve their English and literacy skills can choose from many days and times.

There you have it. Register at the school, 311 E. North St., or call the office at 858-7330 for more information. Please, please participate and keep this educational gem shining for us.

P.S. Here are links to two area adult schools:
 
Manteca Adult School: http://www.mantecausd.net/LAS/General%20Information.htm or go  to www.mantecausd.net and click on the “Schools” link in the main graphic.

Tracy Adult School: www.tracy.k12.ca.us/sites/tas