News Release
July 18, 2006
Manual HS Advisory Committee Announces Renewal Team
The Manual High School Advisory Committee, led by Denver District 8 Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth and Denver Public School Board President Theresa Pena, announced today the team that will lead the Manual High School renewal process as Manual prepares for its fall 2007 re-opening.
"We wanted to utilize a thorough and thoughtful process in the selection of the Renewal Team," said co-chair Wedgeworth. "Our goal was not just to identify a group of individuals skilled in the community engagement process, but to put together a team that was equally passionate about the vision for what Manual could be. We think we've done that."
The Advisory Committee was charged with putting together a dynamic team to lead and oversee an authentic community process that allows all Manual stakeholders the opportunity to weigh in on the future of the school.
The Manual Renewal Team includes: Glenna Norvelle, Project Manager; Effley Brooks, Project Facilitator; Wil Alston, Communications Manager; and Assets for Colorado Youth and the Statewide Parent Coalition - led by Stephanie Hoy, Richard Garcia, and Patsy Roybal to head up the Community Engagement effort.
"This team brings a broad array of experience working in the Manual community, and they are committed and dedicated to the work ahead," said Cynthia Gallegos, a Manual Advisory Committee member. "We are thrilled to have them on board," continued Gallegos.
The first Manual renewal community meeting will be held on Thursday, August 3rd from 6-8pm at Kimball Hall 700 E. 24th Avenue (corner of 24th and Washington).
The Renewal Team Members and their respective organizations include:
Glenna Norvelle
For the past four months, Glenna has worked to launch the Manual Academic Resource Center, which supports former Manual students as they transition to other high schools. Prior to that, she served as the Executive Director and co-founder of Colorado Youth-At-Risk (CYAR) for the past fourteen years. Over the last two years, CYAR ran the Manual Mentoring Program in which all freshmen were paired with a Mentor and many other students participated in their Steps Ahead Program. Glenna is entering her third year mentoring a Manual student. Prior to Colorado Youth at Risk, she was Director of Marketing at FOX Sports Net and Marketing Coordinator for HBO. Glenna is a former member of the Rocky Flats Environmental Council and serves on the Denver Mayor's Commission for Strategic Partnerships and the Board of Directors for Family Star.
Effley Brooks
Effley Brooks is currently the Director of the Denver Community Leadership Forum, of The Centers in the Graduate School of Public Affairs at the University of Colorado in Denver. Mr. Brooks also owns Tiger Bee Consulting, a company he started in order to expand his opportunities in working toward positive social change.
Wil Alston
Wil Alston is a twenty-year marketing and public relations veteran, and is currently serving as president of his six-year old public relations firm called The PR Shop, LLC. Wil has developed extensive expertise in crafting and implementing communication strategies for communities of color.
Stephanie Hoy
Stephanie Hoy has been with Assets for Colorado Youth (ACY) for nearly five years and currently serves as the Executive Director. A Colorado native, Stephanie has worked extensively in urban and rural communities, and worked with grassroots groups, schools, non profits and government agencies to plan and implement research-based programs and services for children and families.
ACY was established in 1997 as the first-of-its kind initiative in the country to promote a framework for positive youth development in schools and communities across Colorado. ACY's unique strength-based approach results in diverse community groups uniting for the benefit of students and families.
Richard Garcia
Richard Garcia has served as the Executive Director for the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition since 2001. During his tenure in that position, Richard has led the organization's effort in working closer with the Department of Education and other local education agencies. His work centers on implementing the organization's primary mission - to provide knowledge and skills to parents so that they can become effectively engaged in the education of their children.
Patsy Roybal
Patsy Roybal has served as the Director of Education Programs for the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition since 2001. In that position, she has been responsible for the development of culturally appropriate training materials for teachers, parents, students, and community-based organizations. In addition, Patsy has been responsible for facilitating trainings for a variety of community groups, and for developing and managing forums for young people.
The Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition provides training and technical assistance to parents and educators to enhance their ability to establish effective home/school partnerships to increase student achievement. The primary goal of the CSPC is to close the achievement gap and increase graduation rates for students who come from historically under-represented families.
About The Manual Renewal Process
The Denver Public Schools (DPS) Board voted in February 2006 to temporarily close Manual High School for a year because of low academic performance, declining enrollment, and high attrition. Manual will re-open in 2007 with a 9th grade class only and add a grade-level each subsequent year. The Manual Renewal Team will be working with the community over the next several months to provide guiding principals and recommendations to the superintendent on a shared vision for the new school, qualities and attributes of a new school leader, and elements/principles of a new school program. All Manual stakeholders will have the opportunity to participate in this process and will be kept informed as the work develops.
For more information contact Wil Alston at 303-321-7441 or wil@theprshop.net.