Principal's Message
We are looking forward to another year of learning and growth for students and staff at Manhattan Middle School of Arts and Academics. Each year, we focus on the integration of the Arts in all content areas. In addition, we will continue to study and implement high leverage instructional strategies that benefit all learners. Finally, we will further explore ways to meet all students’ needs while holding high academic and behavioral expectations for all students. We have seen a positive effect on our school climate since the implementation of the RISE (Respect, Individual responsibility, Safety and Excellence) code of expectations for behavior.
Our commitment to academic excellence and student achievement continues to be at the center of all of our endeavors. Our School Improvement Plan goal is in the area of literacy. Our school’s Mission Statement: ”At Manhattan Middle School, students learn to combine academic excellence, artistic discipline and social mindfulness to design solutions and successes.”
School climate is always an area focus for us. We will be hosting a series of events throughout the year to strengthen our connections to families and support parents’ understanding of school climate issues including the social-emotional development of adolescents. Our first presentation of the year, sponsored by our counselors, is titled, “Supporting your 6th Grader through the Transition to Middle School.” Manhattan is home to BVSDs first GSA at the middle level. Our “Allies” program supports LGBTQ students and straight allies work to create safer schools for all students and staff.
We continue to be recognized by various agencies for our strong sense of caring for others in our city, state, country, and world. Several service learning projects have become an on-going part of our community’s experience including Coats for Kids, a Penny Pot fundraising drive, and contributions to Heifer International and Reading Village.
Thanks to all of you who help us to sustain and increase our momentum in providing the very best educational experience for all students at Manhattan.
John Riggs, Principal
Our commitment to academic excellence and student achievement continues to be at the center of all of our endeavors. Our School Improvement Plan goal is in the area of literacy. Our school’s Mission Statement: ”At Manhattan Middle School, students learn to combine academic excellence, artistic discipline and social mindfulness to design solutions and successes.”
School climate is always an area focus for us. We will be hosting a series of events throughout the year to strengthen our connections to families and support parents’ understanding of school climate issues including the social-emotional development of adolescents. Our first presentation of the year, sponsored by our counselors, is titled, “Supporting your 6th Grader through the Transition to Middle School.” Manhattan is home to BVSDs first GSA at the middle level. Our “Allies” program supports LGBTQ students and straight allies work to create safer schools for all students and staff.
We continue to be recognized by various agencies for our strong sense of caring for others in our city, state, country, and world. Several service learning projects have become an on-going part of our community’s experience including Coats for Kids, a Penny Pot fundraising drive, and contributions to Heifer International and Reading Village.
Thanks to all of you who help us to sustain and increase our momentum in providing the very best educational experience for all students at Manhattan.
John Riggs, Principal