November 27th News

Posted November 27, 2023

Hello Manual Families, 

Icannot believe that the end of the first semester is just around the corner. Manual has had one of its most successful semesters in recent years and our data is proof that we are on the right track at Manual. There is a lot to celebrate and a lot of events coming up at the end of the semester. Please take a moment to read through this message so we are all on the same page about the end of semester one. 

Celebrations:

  • Manual’s attendance continues to stay well above historic averages at about 85%. 
  • Chronic absenteeism has not increased and has actually leveled off to about 25% less than this time last year. 
  • Manual’s enrollment continues to stay well above projections at just above 360 students.   
  • We continue to reduce suspensions at Manual in alignment with our priority of school and student safety. 

New Program Alert:

  1. Manual added two additional mental health professionals through a partnership with Centus Counseling. Each therapist will have a caseload of students and we have added an art therapy group through this relationship. 
  2. Manual has three new mentors working with students from the organization F.L.Y. (Fully Liberated Youth). These mentors help students both academically and socially. We are thrilled with this partnership with this amazing organization.  
  3. Families at Manual (F.A.M.): Is a new parent group that has formed at Manual with the goal of bringing parents and families together to support the needs of the school through volunteer projects and opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about FAM or volunteering through FAM please do not hesitate to reach out to Linn Stanley at linnstanley@gmail.com. 

Mark Your Calendars:

Monday, November 27th: Class resumes for all students at 8:30 a.m. Students should arrive at school by 8:20. 

Wednesday, November 29th: Parent/Caretaker Conferences from 4:00 – 7:00 in the Cafeteria. All parents/caretakers are welcome. No need to schedule appointments.   

Friday, December 1st: Basketball season Kick-Off vs. Yuma. Girls at 5:30 and Boys at 7:00.

Friday, December 8th: Winter Showcase and Posada Night from 4:00 – 9:00. All parents and families are welcome. 

Wednesday, December 13th: Blue Day Final Exams – Regular Bell Schedule.

Thursday, December 14th: Red Day Final Exams – Regular Bell Schedule.

Friday, December 15th: No School for students. Teacher grading and work day. 

Important Links:

Principal Feedback Survey: Please use this link to provide feedback to Principal DeRemer so he can improve as a leader at Manual. 

Announcements:

Morning Arrival: It is important that all parents/caregivers are pushing their students to arrive by 8:20 each morning. A lot of students are missing significant learning time because of 1st period tardies. Please support students to arrive at school on time as much as possible so that they do not miss this precious and important learning time. 

Preparing for Inclement Weather: As we get into the winter be reminded that, on snowy days, DPS may call a two-hour delayed start or cancel school. As soon as I know the to parents and guardians via email and text. Please see the inclement weather schedule on page two of this document.

It is an honor and a joy to work with each of your children at Manual. Their ongoing success and achievement is our priority and I cannot wait to see them all again tomorrow morning. 

In Community, 

Chris DeRemer

Principal

Manual High School