Hello,

I’m writing this letter to welcome everyone to a new year. I am excited to start this semester as your Interim Principal and I have learned a lot about Manhattan this past semester. I know that our students here are creative, eager to learn, inquisitive, and kind. Our students have volunteered at Frasier Meadows Retirement Community; that is true Phoenix spirit. We are also continuing to encourage a positive learning environment through our students demonstrating RISE: Respect, Individual Responsibility, Safety, and Excellence. Our staff have sent postcards home and we have had a RISE assembly recognizing our students all of our students that demonstrate RISE.

I am proud to be a part of a staff who inspire children to discover, explore and learn. The teachers at Manhattan are not only experts in their craft, but are professional and great to work with. I’m excited to continue our work together increasing academic achievement for all of our students.

I feel fortunate to be a part of a community that is very supportive and positive. As we begin our second semester, I look forward to working with parents and staff to continue moving in the same positive direction. This includes keeping our students and staff safe by continuing our monthly emergency drills. In addition, every exterior door will be locked- including the front door between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Everyone entering the building will need to activate our intercom/video system at the main entrance to enter the building. These new security measures will promote a safe environment by giving students, staff, and parents a higher sense of security.

Finally, we have hired a interim assistant principal, Linda Hubbard. She comes to us from Monarch High School where she most recently was the dean of students. Previous to being the dean of students at Monarch she helped develop the master schedule, she was the special education department chair, ICAN teacher, and TCAP coordinator. She will begin working at Manhattan on January 8. When you see her, please give her a big Manhattan welcome.

This new year will bring many accomplishments that we can celebrate together and challenges that working together we can overcome.  As always, if you have any questions or concerns feel free to call or email.

Sincerely,

Brent Graham

Interim Principal