Posted September 24, 2026
| A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL |
| Good Afternoon Manual Middle School Community, We had a blast this week with Spirit Week! From dressing up for Character Day to showing our school spirit during Color Wars, it was a great week to build community. I believe 7th grade took the win for Color Wars—but we may need to double-check that!And, of course, the Middle School Dance was a huge success. It was so much fun seeing our students enjoying themselves, connecting with friends, and celebrating together.The first quarter is moving fast—we are already halfway through! Here’s a look at what our scholars are learning across the school:Picture Day is Monday, September 23rd. To order online go to mylifetouch.com create an account or login with your Picture Day ID: EVTZWZGPS. ScienceOur future scientists are learning about how the human body heals and exploring what is inside our bones and tissues. Students are investigating how the body is structured and how its different systems work together.ELAIn ELA, students are diving into narrative writing and exploring how authors craft stories. They are examining how an author’s choices impact the way we experience and understand a story.At the end of the unit, students will craft their own original narratives, and we look forward to sharing some of our best student writing with families in October!MathOur mathematicians are exploring ideas and solving real-world problems. Students are building their mathematical thinking by working through problems, discussing their ideas, and explaining their reasoning.Social StudiesIn 8th grade Social Studies students are exploring taxation without representation 6th graders are using climate and population-density data to tackle an important question:Where would be the best place to relocate if the zombie apocalypse started?Who says Social Studies can’t be fun?Library CelebrationWe also have some exciting news from our library!The Manual Middle School Library currently has more than 12,000 books, and students have already checked out more than 450 books since the beginning of the school year!Last year, our community helped raise more than $8,000 through fundraising and grants, helping us continue to build one of the strongest middle school libraries in DPS.Thank you to our students, families, and community members who continue to support a culture of reading at Manual!Interested in Volunteering?We want to thank the many families who have reached out asking for ways to support Manual Middle School. We are always looking for parents and community members who are willing to lend their time and talents.Volunteer With Us!We’re looking for family volunteers to support our students! Opportunities include:Thunder Block Support (Tue – Thu, 12:25 – 12:55 PM) — work one-on-one or in small groups on math and reading interventions6th Period Enrichments (2:34 – 3:30 PM) – support book club and other enrichment activitiesCampus Beautification (dates/times vary) – help spruce up our campusAll volunteers must complete a DPS background check through Sterling Volunteers: https://app.sterlingvolunteers.com/en/Candidates/Account/RegisterInterested? Let us know by filling out this quick form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdJtgXCUoJbTwMBT6MJ4A7aHMjfMDC1SCCWzF-dNqFUHdRB1w/viewform?usp=publish-editor Join Our CSCWe are also looking for parents and community members to participate in our Collaborative School Committee (CSC).The CSC is our school governance body and provides an opportunity for teachers, parents, and community members to have a voice in school decisions and governance. The CSC meets approximately every six weeks. Our first meeting will be Wednesday, September 23rd 5:00 PM. Some of our areas of focus this year will include:Increasing community engagementSupporting major fundraising effortsSupporting and retaining the wonderful staff at Manual Middle SchoolIf you are interested in joining the CSC, please email me directly at:dclinks@dpsk12.netThank you for continuing to show up for our students and for helping make Manual Middle School such a strong community. |
| Have a wonderful weekend,Manual Middle School Administration |
STAFF MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ✨ Our staff member spotlight this week is Mr. Kevin Wyatt – Math Intervention Teacher.Hello Manual Community! I am starting my 15th year as a teacher and my first ever in a middle school. My role at Manual is as a Math Intervention teacher and a Team Lead for our Special Education department. I am excited to be in a new environment and have already learned so much about working with middle schoolers. I enjoy spending time with my family outside of work, competing in any type of game, and watching the Broncos and Nuggets! Thank you for welcoming me into the Manual Middle School community!UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, 9/21Blue DayPicture DayGround Beef Enchilada Bake Buffalo Chicken Wrap Cheese Quesadilla (V) Tuesday, 9/22White DayBreakfast with PrincipalsHomemade Hawaiian Pizza Homemade Cheese Pizza (V) Wednesday, 9/23Blue Day6th Grade Departs YMCA to the RockiesCSC MeetingChicken Caliente & Spanish Rice Teriyaki Chicken Sandwich Garden Chili & Biscuit (V) Thursday, 9/24White DayCheeseburger Hamburger Domino’s Meat Pizza (P) Domino’s Cheese Pizza (V) Cheese Friday, 9/25Blue Day6th Grade ReturnChicken Alfredo Pasta Cuban Wrap (P) Alfredo Pasta (V) Turkey & Cheese SandwichBIRTHDAYS🎂🎈 9/20 ♍ Mx. Cami Reyes |
| PHOTO DUMP 📸 |
 |
  |
  |
  |
| SEPTEMBER 14TH ANNOUNCEMENTS |
| SHARED CAMPUS NEWS |
 |
| ATHLETICS |
| Sports Updates:Flag football is right around the corner. Please register now for Flag Football so we can start the season on time. Upcoming Sports for Fall: 10/19-12/4. Link for Late Fall RegistrationGirls Flag FootballBoys Flag FootballFloor Hockey  Next week’s games:Baseball has been swinging bats and throwing strikes doing pretty well in their first two games Soccer is riding the wave from the summer world cup, and is off to a 3-0 start this year. Way to go Lady Thunder.  |
Baseball: Tuesday/Friday 3:45pm – 5:00pm (Middle School Baseball Field)Girls Soccer: Tuesday/Thursday 3:45pm – 5:30pm (Middle School Soccer Field)Cross Country: Monday through Thursday 3:45pm – 4:45pm (HS Track) Registration is now open using the link below:https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2026-2027-early-fall-middle-school-athletic-registration-22 Go THUNDER! |
| For the most up to date sports schedule visit the DPS Prep League Athletics website. |
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
| September 28th – No School for StudentsOctober 12th – No School for Students October 14th – Parent – Teacher Conferences 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM October 16th – Quarter 1 Celebration |
| GIFTED AND TALENTED |
| Nomination testing for Gifted and Talented Services: The fall nomination window for GT services is now open until October 2nd. Please fill out the testing nomination form if you would like to have your student tested.For more information, please go to the DPS Gifted and Talented Testing page.If you have any questions please contact Joyce Whitman at jwhitma@dpsk12.net.What to join the GT Family Series? Register for the Event In the registration link below you’ll be able to sign up for family series sessions throughout the year and order simultaneous language interpretation during the virtually hosted events. Registration link: tinyurl.com/GTFamilySeries2026-27 Check out our full Family Series calendar to reference future event topics. |
| RESOURCES |
| Upcoming Student Voice Opportunities |
 |
| My City Academy |
New to Denver? Then join one of the My City Academy (MCA) sessions. These FREE programs help community members better understand how Denver city government works, what resources are available, and how to get involved in their communities. Interpretation is available upon request through the registration form. Direct Registration Link: https://us.openforms.com/Form/37d8d3ac-bd97-4a73-a1a3-53057a08877a Reach out to Tsigereda Feseha at tsigereda.feseha@denvergov.org with any questions. |
¿Es nuevo en Denver? Entonces, únase a una de las sesiones de la My City Academy (MCA). Estos programas GRATUITOS ayudan a los miembros de la comunidad a comprender mejor cómo funciona el gobierno de la ciudad de Denver, qué recursos están disponibles y cómo involucrarse en sus comunidades. Hay servicios de interpretación disponibles previa solicitud a través del formulario de registro. Enlace directo de registro: https://us.openforms.com/Form/37d8d3ac-bd97-4a73-a1a3-53057a08877a Comuníquese con Tsigereda Feseha en tsigereda.feseha@denvergov.org si tiene alguna pregunta. |
 |
 |
 |
| Manual Market |
| Manual Market is back for those that are in need of food you can reach out directly to Mr. Clinkscales. For others who want to support you can bring donations to the Manual Middle School office or the high school office. In these times of uncertainty I want to thank our wonderful community for always looking out for each other and supporting those you can also make financial contributions to the Manual Market on the Friends of Manual website or you can purchase items on this Amazon Wishlist. |
 |
| Local Food Resources for Colorado Families Needing Support |
If families need additional food before SNAP benefits are available, they should contact these local organizations:Tasty Food Program: Afterschool meals for children will be offered at Denver recreation centers. Visit the Tasty Food website for locations and hours of operation.Food Bank of the Rockies: Find a food pantry near you using their Pantry Locator tool.Colorado 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across Colorado. Call 2-1-1, 866-760-6489 or visit 211colorado.org. Note: The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, expect long wait times. To avoid waiting, use the call-back feature.Feeding Colorado: The collaborative effort of the 5 Feeding America food banks that serve Colorado and Wyoming to coordinate and enhance food resources, ensuring food insecure Coloradans have access to healthy, fresh foods. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org.Hunger Free Colorado: Connects Colorado families and individuals to SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, free meal sites, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other nutrition programs geared toward families, children and older adults. Call 855-855-4626 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. |
| Food Mini Market at Central Community Hub |
| We’re excited to launch The Hub Mini Market, offering fresh food at no cost to families with children in Denver Public Schools and eligible Denver residents. We encourage families to schedule an appointment for their shopping time. For more details, visit our website. Help spread the word! Contact us at cencommunityhub@dpsk12.net or check the attached flyers for more info. |
  |
| Explore the Thunder Family: Schedule a Tour or Shadow Experience Today! |
| School Tour Sign Up |
| If you or someone you know is considering joining the Thunder family, we invite you to take a personalized tour of our school! See our campus, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school unique. Use the link below to schedule your tour today! Family Tour Sign Up |
| Student Shadow Sign Up |
| If your student is interested in getting an inside look at our school and experiencing a day in the life of a Thunder student, we offer the opportunity to shadow one of our current students! This is a great way to see our school environment firsthand. Use the link below to schedule your shadowing experience today! Shadow a Thunder Student |
| SHOP MANUAL SWAG |
Shop Manual Middle School gear at our Spirit Shop online store. Click here to shop! |
We have some Manual hats for sale $25.00 Each. You can purchase them in the Manual Middle School main office or use this link. We will reach out upon purchase to see which hat you want and get it to you or your student. |
| MY SPARK DENVER |
| This is an incredible resource for our students. My Spark Denver provides eligible DPS middle school families with $1,000 to pay for youth programs like sports, music, art and more. Visit this link for more information. |
| CONTACT US |
| Manual Middle SchoolPrincipal: Douglas ClinkscalesMain Phone: 720-423-6550Attendance Line: 720-423-6551Website: https://manualms.dpsk12.org/Calendar: https://manualms.dpsk12.org/calendar/Free and Reduced Meal Application: https://www.myschoolapps.com/ |