Fall events
Open House
On the Thursday before the new school year begins in August, we hold an open house and a lunch to welcome enrolled students and their families. Open house is an opportunity for us to get to know new students and welcome back former students and their families. Parents also meet with their children’s teachers to discuss topics relevant to the upcoming school year.
School Dances
Manus Academy holds a school dance once in the fall and once in the spring. We rent dancing space in the community and our principal, Jeremy Ervin, DJ’s the dance.
Food Drive
Working with Charlotte Rescue Mission, students, families and staff bring in canned and boxed food and raise money to help support Charlotte’s families in need.
Fall Festival
To help us celebrate fall, our students’ families help host a few hours of fun and games. In one classroom might be a seed-spitting contest, in another a ring-toss game and in another a jewelry-making and face-painting activity. Following the games is our talent show. Students who wish to share their talents perform before the rest of the school community. In the past, students have acted out skits, recited poems, sung, played musical instruments and danced.
Spirit Week
In the late fall, students and staff celebrate “Spirit Week.” Students help pick a theme for each day and everyone dresses in accordance with that theme. For example, Monday might be “1920’s Day,” Tuesday might be “Pajamas Day” and Wednesday might be “Sports Day.”
School Picture Day
On School Picture Day, a photographer takes pictures of each student individually and each class of students with their teachers. The photographer then sends the developed pictures to us to review and students and their families may purchase these pictures if they wish.
Spring Events
Charlotte Knight's Game
Every spring, Manus Academy students and staff attend “Math Day” sponsored by the Charlotte Knights and held at the Knights’ Stadium. In addition to participating in the team’s math activities, we watch the Knights compete against another team and, of course, enjoy a hot dog and bag of popcorn.
Bowling
On the last day of school in the spring, students in the middle and basic high school courses of study go bowling with the teaching staff. The celebration takes place at a local bowling alley where we all bowl a few games and have a pizza party for lunch. This popular event has always been a fun way to conclude the school year.
Ongoing Events
Birthdays
On the last “Fun Friday” of each month, the school celebrates every student’s birthday that falls within that month. We make a large birthday cake for everyone to share and pass around birthday cards to sign.
Parents' Group
Parents meet monthly with our parent coordinator to discuss topics related to raising children, particularly children with academic barriers. Parents also plan extra-curricular events to give their children opportunities to expand their social skills and make new friends. In past years, these events have included Game Day, Art Club, Bowling, Tae Kwon Do, Fall Festival, Family Fun Day and developing the school yearbook. During some of the meetings, parents arrange to have speakers from local organizations visit to share their expertise on parenting topics. The parents’ group is a great opportunity for parents to “recharge their batteries” and offer support to each other in their efforts to raise a child with special needs.