Resources beyond classroom: Struggling students not alone

By SAMANTHA LEWIS 
The Tower 

When students at Manteca High School are struggling with schoolwork, personal challenges or their mental health, help may be closer than they realize.  

From academic counselors and Valley Community Counseling (VCC) on campus to the Thomas Toy community Center just around the corner, students have access to several resources designed to provide support both inside and outside the classroom. 

For students needing academic support, academic counselors are located at the front of Manteca High School beside the main office. Students can visit their counselor for help with classes, grades, graduation requirements, and future plans.  

Having counselors located near the main office makes them easily accessible to students who may need guidance during the school day. 

“Counselors serve an important role for students in ensuring their long-term goals for their future are met.  It is important to have someone on staff to keep graduation requirements on track and provide continued support through your high school career to keep options open for college, trade school, community college, military or more,” said Melissa Woods, a academic counselor at Manteca High. 

Students who are dealing with personal or emotional challenges can also seek support through VCC. The VCC is located inside the school’s office, giving students a place on campus where they can access mental health support and speak with someone when they are going through difficult situations.  

Students can receive support from VCC counselors Mubasshir Khan and Chantal Asadoor, who are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays to provide students with guidance and support. d 

VCC serves students by supporting their mental health and overall well-being while also helping them succeed academically. The program provides students with guidance and support when personal or emotional challenges begin to affect their daily lives or school performance. By addressing both students’ well-being and academic needs, VCC gives students another resource they can turn to for help. 

“VCC helps support students’ mental health through coping mechanisms that we use, strategies that we perform and just keeping the students situated on a day-to-day basis,” Khan said. 

Support is also available outside of the Manteca High School.  

Located about a block away from campus, the Thomas Toy Community Center provides high school students with a nearby place to receive academic support, develop new skills and spend time in a safe environment. The center offers onsite tutoring from Monday through Thursday, giving students another option with schoolwork. 

The center is led by founder and chief benefactor Bob Raymus, alongside Executive Director Amber Butler. It is open to students from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 2:30 to 5 p.m. on Friday.  

The Thomas Toy Center also provides activities and programs such as tutoring, free recreation room and activities and classes such as karate, dance, gardening, and basketball.  

Students can also take advantage of specialized spaces including a bike repair shop with skill-building workshops and a recording studio. Through these programs and mentorship opportunities, the center provides students with a safe environment focused on support and character-building. 

Although students may face different challenges, knowing where to find help can make a difference. Whether a student needs assistance with academics, mental health or other personal situations, resources both inside Manteca High School and within walking distance of campus are available to provide support.