Manning Vision 2018 and Beyond

Manning Vision 2018 and Beyond
Posted on 02/12/2018
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Dear Manning Families,


As you are aware, Manning will be welcoming 6th grade students to our middle school for the 2018-2019 school year. We are excited to announce Manning’s plans for implementing this transition! In the past several weeks, we sought parent, community, staff and student input as we made thoughtful decisions about our future. The following decisions were based on the feedback we received and we look forward to continuing this partnership! We are thrilled about continuing our tradition of rich academics, rigorous learning and high behavioral expectations while adding to our already robust offerings. To that end, we have decided to clarify and include our focus in our name and vision statement:


Our Vision, beginning the 2018-2019 school year:

The vision of The Manning School of Academics and Arts is to challenge our students to work to their highest potential by encouraging student responsibility as they develop intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally, and creatively.


The following traditions will continue to honor the academics portion of our new name:

  • Rigorous academics focused on preparing students for high school, college and the world beyond

  • An intensive math program based on the Saxon Math resource.  Manning’s math department will develop students procedural fluency, building a robust mathematical foundation for advanced math at the high school and university level.

  • Multiple opportunities for acceleration in math, with high-school level courses like algebra and geometry.

  • Experiential lab-based science that prepares students to apply scientific knowledge to solve complex human challenges.

  • A novel-based English language arts program that values classical and contemporary literature and develops critical & creative thinking.

  • A primary source-based social studies that teaches students academic habits of mind, the process of inquiry, and the skill of intensive deliberation.

  • Robust academic supports through counseling, Access (guided study hall), and tutoring for all students

  • Small grade level size: we will continue to accept approximately 225 students per grade.

  • Small class sizes (approximately 25 students per core class).

  • Individualized academic interventions built into our daily schedule for students who need more time to master grade level standards.

  • Extensive elective choices including world language, STEM, physical education, word wonder, computers, and other possible academic electives like computer programming,  introduction to entrepreneurship and student leadership.


The following traditions will be added to honor the arts portion of our new name:

  • Our name will change to The Manning School of Academics and Arts.

  • We will have an arts focus by including extensive arts offerings throughout our master schedule for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

  • We will offer 3 elective choices (previously 2) to every student, every day.

  • These arts focused elective choices will include beginning and advanced band, beginning and advanced orchestra, beginning and advanced choir, musical theater, beginning and advanced art, jewelry making, creative writing, guitar, stagecraft/design, dance and other possible arts electives such as graphic design and photography.


Furthermore, parents have expressed how important it is to them that Manning remain a safe environment that considers the social, emotional and physical well being of each student throughout this critical time. That value will permeate everything we do! To that end, we will continue to have an exceptional counseling department to support our students academically, socially and emotionally; we will continue to offer rich and varied student clubs; we will continue to support Wheat Ridge Rec to offer middle school sports; we will partner with student leaders to create peer-to-peer mentorship and meaningful orientation for new students; we will work with student leaders to craft and implement a school wide anti-bullying program; we will expand the duties of National Junior Honor Society to become a true service learning organization; and new for next year, we will offer before and after school care through the Denver YMCA to ensure that Manning students of all grade levels have a safe, nurturing place to be in the event that families need flexibility in the mornings and afternoons.


In closing, we want to reiterate how excited we are to transition to a 6-8 system and how important it is that we honor our traditions. Our new name is truly a reflection of who we already are and is an exciting way to market ourselves to the larger community. Please do not hesitate to contact  me at [email protected] or 303.982.6288, if you have questions.


Thanks, as always, for sharing your kids with us; it is our honor to serve them.


Jeena Williams

Principal, The Manning School


P.S.  Please encourage all families who are considering Manning as an option for their soon-to-be 6th or 7th grader to attend our first Manning Open House on Wednesday, October 25 at 6:00pm.  


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