At Manhattan Country School, Black Lives Matter Week of Action is a time to highlight the work we do year-round to center historically marginalized voices and experiences. Each year, the MCS community comes together during this week to share in special lessons, activities, and learning opportunities specifically focused on the Black Lives Matter 13 principles.
Applying to high schools in New York City is a prospect that may strike fear into the hearts of middle school students and their families. Yet, at Manhattan Country School, the guidance and support that our families receive via a dedicated High School Placement Director helps them gain a substantial advantage over the vast majority of 8th graders throughout the city.
At this year’s MLK march, the 8th graders spoke passionately about issues like disinformation in social media, voter disenfranchisement, police brutality, hate speech, climate change, and access to mental health resources. We were joined at the march by NBC New York, who featured Manhattan Country School on local news!
Each year the 8th grade students of Manhattan Country School organize and lead a march inspired by the hopes and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At this year’s march, titled, The Power of Awareness: A March for Justice and Change, we will address social justice issues that the world needs to have a greater awareness of, discussing both the roots of those injustices and what each of us can do to move toward a place of greater equity.
On the eve of the Manhattan Country School Class of 2022 graduation, I write with mixed emotions. I’m equal parts sad, proud, and a little envious, but filled with hope. I’ve witnessed the growth of these kids, some from the 7-8’s and others who joined the class along the journey. I know they’re ready and prepared to take their show on the road and spread the MCS gospel far and wide.
On Thursday, June 16, we celebrated the Class of 2022 at their graduation. This year’s group of impressive eighth grade students have collectively been accepted to a total of 42 high schools. They have been amazing leaders at MCS and we can’t wait to see what the future holds!
On Tuesday, April 5, members of the MCS community came together for a Fireside Chat entitled “Why We Sing and Why We March”, the first event in a series of celebrations for our 55th Anniversary.
It often feels like a family reunion when the 7th grade comes together at their Manhattan Country School Farm. Having been split in homerooms with the 8th grade for the two Farm trips earlier in the school year, this was their first time being all together since last spring.
We are excited to announce that Alisa Soriano ‘98 will be our next Lower School Director! After a highly competitive national search led by RG175 and our Lower School Director Search Committee, Alisa stood out for her lifelong commitment to progressive education, devotion to supporting teachers dedication to cultivating diverse, equitable, and just school environments, and considerable managerial skills. As an MCS alum, Alisa’s love for MCS is obvious, and we are so excited to welcome her back to MCS!
On April 1, Manhattan Country School's 8th graders took part in Mentoring Day. This annual event connects our graduating students with MCS community members, including alumni, current/former parents, and friends.