The Friends of Manual alumni group is asking for help in supporting the current Manual high school students as they transition to other DPS high schools this fall.  As reported in the papers, due to the high attrition rates and low academic performance at Manual, in February the School Board decided to close Manual for next year.  It will be reopened in the ’07-’08 school year, starting with just 9^th graders. 

There are roughly 580 students who currently attend Manual in need of adult role models and supporters. These students now face many challenges including where to go to school next year, planning for daily transportation, and the need to develop new relationships with classmates, teachers, counselors, and coaches. 

 The Friends of Manual Alumni Board is asking that anyone who has the time and interest to mentor one of these young people as they make this difficult transition to please help out.  Interested mentors may sign up at: http://www.dpsk12.org/mentors or may contact mentoring partner Andrea Catozzi of Colorado Youth at Risk at andrea@coloradoyouthatrisk.org or 303-623-9140. 

I