Once a symbol of failure within urban schools, the experiment that is the newly reopened Manual High School got a visit and a helping hand from top members of the Democratic Party on Thursday.
Howard Dean, the party’s chairman, and executives and staff with the Democratic National Convention Committee volunteered during the afternoon and painted Classroom 103 an industrial white — not blue — and did arts and crafts with Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members for Martin Luther King Day.
“Congratulations on doing this,” Dean said of the reopening to Denver Superintendent Michael Bennet — from atop a stepladder while painting window trim. “It’s a big risk, and I hope it turns out well.”
Academics were so poor that Bennet closed the school last year, attracting national attention. The school opened this year for ninth-graders only and will add a grade each year.
Principal Rob Stein said the visit from Dean would give students “an incredible energy boost,” but he acknowledged he looked forward to the day Manual no longer is held up as a school in need.
“We love the support we’re getting,” Stein said. “Is there a time when I hope the support goes away? No. Is there a time when I hope the need for the support goes away? Yes.”
The DNCC joined the volunteer effort launched by the Volunteers of America Community Connect program. Each month, DNCC staffers volunteer for an event that benefits either youth, the environment or the homeless.
Student Cedric Williams said he appreciates the effort and added he thinks Manual is on positive footing.
“I think we’re going to improve it,” Williams said. “They’ve got a better teaching program right now.
“We have to set the tone,” he said. “You just have to have that kind of mentality.”
Chuck Plunkett: 303-954-1333 or cplunkett@denverpost.com
