James Manley
On this page you'll find information about James Manley, a beloved Bromwell principal. First, there is a newspaper article about his retirement, then his resume, then a letter support of Mr. Manley's candidacy for the Colorado Distinguished Elementary Principal Award, which he received in 1985. Then we have the eulogy read at his funeral in 1989. Finally, there are two letters from 1996. These were written to support the successful proposal to name the small park north of our school in Mr. Manley's honor.
Love-in for a principal:
He can't leave Bromwell kids' hearts
By Janet Bingham,
Denver Post Education Writer
There is a big red paper heart on the front entrance to Denver's Bromwell Elementary School.
"We love Mr. Manley," say the yellow
construction-paper letters taped across the door.
This is a school where it is hard to find a single soul who hates the principal. Parents, teachers. community members and children joined Thursday evening to pay tribute to Jim Manley, who has been Bromwell's principal for 11 years and who is retiring after 37 years with the Denver Public Schools.
"It's such a bummer he has to leave," wrote fifth-grader Gabe Schroder in one of hundreds of letters written by students.
Adding that "Mr. Manley is One Cool Dude!" Gabe illustrated his letter with a picture of the rather conservative, soft-spoken Mr. Manley dancing down the hall wearing sunglasses and carrying a Sony Walkman radio.
Parents wrote letters telling of the family environment Manley encouraged at Bromwell and of the program gifted and talented students he pioneered, which has gained citywide recognition.
Teachers remembered his guidance, noting that many of his ideas have been incorporated into programs such as Challenge, now offered to accelerated students at all schools.
Children remembered the little things.
"He comes to things that are important to us, like the skating party," said Sarah Wagner, a third-grader. "And when we have a birthday, he gives us a card."
"One time I went to the office because I pulled a girl's hair, and boy was I in trouble," recalled forth-grader Danny Flanigan. "But, he was nice and he helped me. When I got home, I was grounded.
Jenny Plous, a fifth-grader, proposed that "Mr. Manley should be- Principal of the State."
Manley's strengths, according to his admirers big and small, are that he is caring and has drawn everyone into an extended family working together for the school.
"He has encouraged parents and retired teachers who had talents to come into the school and use them," said Suellen Palcanis, president of the local parent group. Parents work as classroom volunteers, lead enrichment classes, and help raise money for extra school needs.
"Parents to him are a resource to be tapped, not an annoyance to be ignored," said Dale and Sue Edwards.
Manley also has drawn on the talents of local community people. Merchants and realtors are invited into the school for breakfast several times a year. Children's artwork is displayed in the local post office.
In a careers-in-residence program, members of a local artists co-op produced their crafts at the school while children watched and asked questions.
"From our gallery near the school, we now look out on our neighbors rather than an anonymous elementary school," wrote Carol Fulcher McCauley of the Show of Hands Gallery in North Cherry Creek.
In the end, the caring shown by Manley boils down to little things shown every day in a hundred different ways.
John Connors recalled how Manley made Bromwell Elementary a happy experience for his handicapped granddaughter.
And fifth-grader Shana Pennington wrote, "The thing it takes to make a principal is to have a heart that can be filled up with love for 300 or more kids."
Resume James N. Manley, April, 1985
A. 37 years with the Denver Public Schools
Elementary teacher
Coordinator of Instruction for Elementary Schools
Elementary Assistant Principal
President of Assistant Principals Association
19 years as Elementary School Principal
B. 19 years a member of the Denver Elementary Principals Association
Chairman 2 years of the Professional Assistance Committee
(Assisting principals in need of help)
Chairman 2 years of the Elementary Principals Workshop Committee (Planning professional growth workshops)
Coordinator of Committees for Elementary Principals, 1981-82
President-Elect of the Denver Elementary Principals Associati 1980-82
Member of Board for Denver Elementary Principals Association, serving 88 principals
Member of committee which met monthly with the Deputy Superintendent
1981-82 represented elementary principals on committee with Personnel Department and Denver Classroom Teachers Association regarding Staffing Patterns for schools
1981-82 member of Elementary Principals Committee, working with Administration for an orientation manual for the ALPAS Program (Academic Learning Progress Assessment System)
1980-81 represented elementary schools in area of articulation leading to formation of Middle Schools
1983-84 President of Elementary Principals Association
C. 25 years a member of Administrators and Supervisors Association
3 years a member of the Board of A.S.A. Chairman of "Concerns" Committee
Member of Participatory Management Committee, 1980-82
Member of Ad Hoc Committee which met monthly with Superintendent
Coordinated workshop for ASA-DEPA which later led into the
concept of Participatory Management
1984-85 Chairman of "Due Process" Committee meeting with Superintendent
D. A Charter Member of Colorado Association of School Administrators (Department of Elementary Principals)
Chairman of first By-Laws Committee, D.E.P.
Served on several Resolution Committees
Served on two State Convention Planning Committees
Member of Comparability Committee, D.E.P.
Worked with DEP-ASA toward merger with C.A.S.E. Board member, D.E.P.
Delegate of D.E.P. to N.A.E.S.P.
Member of Professional Assistance Committee, C.A.S.E.
1982 received CASE "Contribution to Education" State award
Letter submitted
to the Colorado Association of School Executives
In support of the candidacy of James Manley
for the Colorado Distinguished Elementary Principal Award,
which he received in 1985
Dear Members of the Colorado Association of School Executives,
Attached are 65 letters in support of James Manley's
candidacy for the Colorado Distinguished Elementary Principal Award. They are written by School Board officers, administrators of the Denver Public Schools, school principals, Bromwell teachers and staff members, parents, students and members of the community-at-large.
The letters reveal many common themes. To his employers and supervisors, Mr. Manley is the "epitome of excellence in education" whose commitment is "exemplary of the true ideal of education." He is praised for his "leadership ability," "unsurpassed expertise in human relations" as well as his consideration of the "values of 'educational excellence," parental involvement and staff morale." Under his administration Bromwell Elementary School has developed "outstanding programs and progressive education" that have become known throughout the metropolitan area. Though he is characterized as being "mild mannered" and even personally "self effacing," he is recognized as being "able to bring out the best in the teachers and staff at Bromwell with his enthusiasm. ..(which)..in turn has brought out the best in the children who attend Bromwell. "Perhaps one administrator phrases it most aptly when she notes that:
Bromwell is known for its high standards for all students, its involved parents, and its programs for gifted and talented students. Mr. Manley has been the catalyst, facilitator, and guiding light of the school. He is full of wonderful ideas and wisdom and is a calm voice of reason.
To his fellow principals in the Denver Public Schools, James Manley has served as a "mentor." He is remembered as a person who "always had time to listen, consult and advise," and who "dedicated his life to serving others with the best he had to offer." One principal acknowledges that he was "instrumental" in "helping (her) to become involved in the University for Youth" and "guided" all principals interested in the project "through
the process...in a thorough and efficient manner." Another notes that his "program implementation at Bromwell School for meeting the unique needs of all children (was) an inspiration" to her. Yet a third principal appreciates the contributions James Manley has made to the Denver Elementary Principals Association and the Administrators and Supervisors Association by serving as an officer, participating in committees, conducting workshops and arranging events and presentations.
His fellow principals are unanimous in their characterizations of him as a dedicated, effective and hard working person. One writer says that his name is "synonymous with excellence." Another describes him as a "brilliant, hard working, energetic and philanthropic person." A third dubs him "Mr. Work Continuously." Perhaps the phrase of one of his co-principals, however, helps to capture the essence of Mr. Manley and his effect on others:
To work with him is an experience of the highest moral and professional caliber.
The teachers and staff members at Bromwell enthusiastically support Mr. Manley's candidacy because of his "cheerful disposition," "his willingness to lend assistance at all times," "his dedication and total support," "his democratic manner," "his tireless effort," and "his respect and belief in his staff." Many teachers and staff members "appreciate the fact that his office was always open "to discuss, in confidence, any personal or professional problem" they had. Teachers appreciate the fact that he encouraged innovation and "allowed teachers to risk failure in order to learn from experimentation." Still others appreciate his policy of keeping staff members informed of "changes and expectations" and eliciting "input, wherever possible, in policy decisions for the school." Finally, teachers and staff members praise Mr. Manley for making the "cornerstone of his leadership as a principal...his concern for the well-being of the individual student." The words of one Bromwell School teacher summarizes many of these sentiments aptly:
The morale of the staff and the degree of pride the student body has in its school are a reflection of the principal's enthusiasm, pride and professionalism which he/she brings to the job. Mr. Manley's unwavering belief that his staff and student body are the best, has made that the goal to which they have continued to strive.
Parents of students who attend Bromwell School are unabashed in their enthusiasm for Mr. Manley's candidacy. He is loved by his parents because he "gives from his soul" and consistently evidences "expertise, warmth, sensitivity, professionalism and real concern for children." Over and over again, he is characterized as being a "caring professional." He is given credit for orchestrating a "symphony of educational excellence" and team effort which he has termed the "Bromwell Family." Far from being an office principal, Mr. Manley knows his students on a personal level and consistently evidences a "personal touch with parents and students." His "door is always open"; "he is always available." Several parents note that he is an example of "going the extra mile." Despite his "low profile," he is widely regarded as an effective administrator who "gets things done in a quiet, efficient, unobtrusive and positive manner." Mr. Manley is praised because he is "open to new ideas and methods" and is "progressive." He is revered because of his "unwavering support and dedication to children" as well as his "love for kids." He garners parent support because he consistently opts to consider and address the individual needs of each pupil.
Many principals of weaker mettle might have been intimidated by the sophistication of this parent body, put off by their demands, inconvenienced by their zeal for participation, threatened by their level of scrutiny. Instead, Mr. Manley has won their hearts. He enjoys the affection of parents because he has conveyed his "infectious enthusiasm" for the children, the school and the staff to the parents and has successfully mobilized the talent, energy and resources of the parent community in a wide variety of programs that complement the core academic program, including, but not limited to: Challenge Program, Gifted and Talented Program, University for Youth, Careers-in-Residence, Spring Arts Festival, Junior Great Books, Olympics of the Mind, Junior Bowling League, Computer Education, Cultural Arts Program. As one parent asks: "In what other school could you get 250 parents, children and community people to school by 7:15 in the morning for breakfast?"
It is no exaggeration to say that many parents have opted to educate their children in Denver Public Schools because of Mr. Manley and the quality programs he has initiated at Bromwell. These extracurricular enrichment opportunities have enhanced learning for exgeptional children throughout the Denver area. In his emphasis on individual attention, his commitment to maximizing potential, his high standards, his caring and support, Mr. Manley has earned the enduring gratitude and affection of parents. To quote one parent writer:
Through Mr. Manley's tireless efforts, students whose needs are often ignored have been aided by in-school enrichment, Challenge Cluster Centers and the University for Youth. These opportunities have allowed bright students to experience a high level of peer stimulation. In addition, the average or below average student is exposed to a significant number of role models and is more likely to adopt higher expectations. ...Mr. Manley's awareness of all these needs and his determination to improve education for all students will result in a society where there are more persons who have developed their potential and have fewer persons who are frustrated, inhibited and/or apathetic.
The final set of letters are written by some Bromwell students. Like their arents and teachers, students support Mr. Manley's nomination because he evidences qualities of concern, kindness, warmth, support and generosity in ways that understandable, meaningful and important to them. Thus, a first grader supports Mr. Manley because he attended the school skating party and cheered the Bromwell team at the Olympics of the Mind competition. A second grader marvels that Mr. Manley person drove her to her class at the University of Denver's University for Youth Program when she missed the bus and signed her cast when she broke her arm. A third grader appreciates Mr. Manley because he turned the rope for her on the playground and sent a birthday card. Older children acknowledge the wide variety of extracurricular options available to them as well as his approachable manner and apparent concern. They believe that school rules are fair and that Mr. Manley is someone they turn to to talk. Indeed, in a world of faceless and nameless bureaucracies, it is a credit to James Manley that he personally knows his 300 students and is known by them in turn.
James Manley has served the Denver Public Schools for 37 years. In addition to being an exemplary educator, he has served in numerous capacities in local and national professional associations including, but not limited to, the National Elementary Principal's Association, the Denver Elementary School Principals Association and the Colorado Association of School Executives. He has also expressed his deep humanitarianism in a variety of church and civic activities including the YMCA and Delta Kappa.
The following letters only begin to convey a sense of Manley--the educator and the human being.
In June 1985, Mr. Manley will retire as principal Bromwell School. We urge the Colorado Association of School Executives to bestow on James Manley the award of Colorado's Most Distinguished Elementary Principal--an honor which he has thoroughly earned and justly deserves.
Jessica Pearson
Nominating Parent
April 15, 1985
FUNERAL MEDITATION
James N. Manley May 31, 1989
In one of Paul's letters to Timothy he wrote: "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Paul was advancing in years. He had spent himself in the propagation of the Faith, the end was near. Anxious that the work should go on after he left the scene,
Paul shared with Timothy the very heart of his faith. In a letter filled with testimony, encouragerent, and acclaimation, Paul gave Timothy the charge of his office. The thing that made the charge so compelling is that it summed up the life of him whose footsteps Timothy was to follow. Paul must have felt a deep sense of personal satisfaction as he surveyed the long road over which he had traveled. It had not been easy. All had not been victory and light. But when taken as a whole, it enabled him to say: "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race, I have kept the faith!"
James N. Manley would have reason to think about his own life in these terms. He might not have considered himself worthy of such an epitaph. However, we who knew and loved him would not hesitate to remember him in this way.
Jim put up a courageous fight against cancer for almost two years. He knew he was going to die and he accepted it with poise and dignity. He wanted to squeeze out as much quality life as he could in the time that remained. Jim managed to do that until January of this year, when his condition worsened. The gift of death relieved him from his suffering last Sunday evening. His passing was peaceful and serene.
But no matter how we try, we cannot prepare ourselves fully for such a loss. The separation from one so dearly loved hurts deeply. We need to turn to God, our family and friends for help at such a time .
Jim Manley was first and foremost an educator.
Jim had only been attending Grace United Methodist Church in Denver a short time when he invited me to attend an "Early Bird Breakfast" at Hallett School, where he was principal. I was impressed with the number of parents present and the positive feelings which were expressed about the school. I was also impressed by Jim Manley's flair for theatrics, as I watched him runnning around the room, blowing a horn, to get and keep everyone's attention.
Shortly after that, Jim moved to Bromwell School, where my wife was a teacher. I came to appreciate his skills as an educator in that context.
Jim moved into Bromwelll when it was undergoing some major changes. A new building was constructed around the old. When it was completed, faculty and students moved from closed classrooms to open space in a bright, modern facility. This was the time when court ordered bussing was creating a lot of stress for students and faculty alike.
Jim gave himself to his work with extravagant abandon. He worked long and hard to provide a stable atmosphere in difficult times. With students and faculty alike he was firm and fair.
Jim worked with troubled children in a very quiet reassuring way. He helped many of
them to work through their problems. His counseling also included parents and faculty. He enabled many of the parents to fulfill their role as parents. Some of these parents became volunteers in the classroom.
Jim encouraged creativity and was willing to let teachers try new ideas and new concepts. He encouraged them to do their best. In faculty meetings, he facilitated sharing, openness and problem solving.
Jim enabled people to be better than they might have been otherwise. He drew out the best in people.
Jim was an excellent principal. He made Bromwell an outstanding elementary school. Today, some consider it to be a flagship elementary school of Denver!
When the kindergarten was being honored for its participation in a special safety program, some of the Denver Broncos, their coach and Mayor McNichols visited the school. The children had all been instructed to be on their good behavior. As the dignitaries were touring the building, with Jim Manley, one little girl, who could not contain herself, ran up to Mayor McNichols and asked: "What number are you?" Without batting an eye, Mayor McNichols replied: "I'm number one!"
Jim Manley was also a man of faith. It was my privilege to be his pastor at Grace for many years. Jim was faithful in his worship attendance. He served on the Missions Commission, helped with a Lenten study and served his church in many other ways. But, the church, as Ephesians suggests, equipped Jim for service in the world. The Christian faith for Jim Manley was not an escape from life and work, but a resource to enable him to be the kind of person God would have him to be in all of his relationships! That faith enabled Jim to face his death, "the final stage of growth," with meaning.
And Jim Manley was a public servant. His community service exemplified in the YMCA. His love of basketball led him into "Y" work. Jim served on the Board of the Schlessman Branch. Jim was elected to the first class of the "YMCA of Metro Denver Hall of Fame" and has been continued in that position each year since. He was voted the "Outstanding Layman of the Year" at both branches. When he retired he was made an honorary member of the East Branch.
Jim worked with a group of boys at the Pre-Schlessman Branch. Several of them went into education. One of them, who had been headed for Canon City, made a complete about face!
And Jim Manley was also a family man. His wife and children meant a great deal to him. He loved doing things with his family. Same of his happiest times were spent at the condo at Dillon. Here Jim could get out on the Blue and Williams Fork and lure the wiley trout to his expertly cast flies.
Jim Manley's life stands as a challenge for all of us. He fought the good fight; he finished the race, he kept the faith!
These qualities, which we remember, are immortal!
William James once said, "The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." It is with a very real sense of appreciation that we recall the blessings which flowed from the life of Jim Manley.
We have no doubts or fears concerning the present state of the one whom we honor. He is in the Father's loving care.
I would covet for us who have been left behind, a faith that sustains us. A faith which prompted Paul to declare: "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!"
Letter from The James N. Manley Park Committee
May 16, 1996
Advisory Board
Parks and Recreation Department
City and County of Denver
2300 15th Street
Denver, CO 80202
RE: James N. Manley Park
Dear Members of the Board:
The undersigned group, The James N. Manley Park Committee, respectfully requests your consideration of our proposal to name the area bounded by:
Josephine on the west, Columbine on the east, E. 4th Avenue on the south and the southern boundary of the private property on the north,
the "James N. Manley Park."
You may recall that we appeared before you at your January meeting. Since that time, we have gathered in excess of 350 signatures to support this request in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the city. We are appearing before you at your May meeting to get your final approval before moving on to City Council.
As the enclosed letters and documents indicate, James was a respected, admired, emulated and beloved member of the Denver educational community for 37 years. He, along with students, parents and teachers, created what was, and is, arguably the best elementary school in the Denver Public School system. It would be entirely fitting that his legacy by memorialized in the mini-park adjacent to the school he cared so deeply for.
We respectfully request the Advisory Board's favorable recommendation of our petition.
For The James N. Manley Park Committee,
Lois Court, Bobbie Heisterkamp, Chuck Turner, Debbie Turner
Letter in support of The James N. Manley Park Committee
April 8,1996
To Whom it May Concern:
I would like to write in support of the proposal to name the park just north of Bromwell School for James Manley. I had the rare privilege of teaching under Mr. Manley's guidance and tutelage at two Denver elementary schools. My decision to teach at Bromwell was based almost solely on the fact that Mr. Manley was the principal.
Jim Manley had the unique ability to turn a building and a group of people into a highly functioning, mutually supportive, nurturing, effective academic family. In fact, he always referred to the community, students and faculty of Bromwell as a family whose job it was to provide the highest quality education possible for all the students in the school. He accomplished this with a work ethic that never demanded more of his teachers than he would have asked of himself. He supported and encouraged innovative approaches to the curriculum, always cognizant of the need for addressing different learning styles. He never failed to recognize efforts on the part of his teachers or his students. He promoted full inclusion of parents in the day to day operation of the school and valued the input of the community and business leaders in the Bromwell neighborhood. He was well ahead of his time in forming the kinds of coalitions we see operating today to make public education everyone's concern.
Jim Manley was a man of integrity who knew how to glean the best from everyone and make them feel appreciated in the process. He was a leader, a motivator, a mediator, a model and a friend. He was never too busy to listen or to lend a helping hand. He was a person from whom many of us learned so much. His work with the Boy Scouts and the school children of Denver should be commemorated in a way which reflects his life. He loved the outdoors, signs of growth, beauty and serenity. He pursued these things for himself and for all who were lucky enough to receive his guidance. I salute all those who are working to make Manley Park a reality .This tribute is so well deserved.
Sincerely,
Susan M. Loftus
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