Colorado Springs SD 11

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News Release

Mann Middle School Students Explore Identity, History, And What It Means To Be American Through Award-Winning Program - 04/30/26

Students at Mann Middle School are bringing history to life through a powerful, immersive learning experience made possible by two prestigious awards: the Anne Frank Fonds Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Inspiring Creativity Educator Grant from the Colorado Springs School District 11 Foundation.

 

At the center of this work is the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, which students studied with approval from the district curriculum department. The grants ensured that every 7th grade student at Mann received their own copy of the book, along with creative tools including graphic novel templates, sketching supplies, and access to dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.

 

Through this unit, students engaged deeply with themes of identity, justice, and citizenship. They analyzed multiple perspectives within the memoir and explored how those viewpoints shape our understanding of what it means to be American. As a culminating project, students authored essays comparing perspectives in the text, with top submissions recognized through a school-wide essay contest.

 

To extend learning beyond the classroom, students will participate in a special artifact exhibition in partnership with the History Colorado Center, featuring portable exhibits that connect directly to the historical events explored in the memoir. The experience also includes guest speakers who bring additional context and personal insight to the topic.

 

Media Invitation:
Local media are invited to attend and cover the student artifact exhibition:

Event: Student Artifact Exhibition
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Location: Mann Middle School Library, Colorado Springs

 

Media will have the opportunity to photograph and film the exhibition, as well as interview student essay finalists about their learning and reflections.

This experience reflects District 11’s commitment to creating meaningful, student-centered learning opportunities that build empathy, critical thinking, and real-world connections—preparing students to be informed, engaged citizens.

 

Mann Middle School Students Explore Identity, History, And What It Means To Be American Through Award-Winning Program - 04/30/26

Students at Mann Middle School are bringing history to life through a powerful, immersive learning experience made possible by two prestigious awards: the Anne Frank Fonds Award from the National Council of Teachers of English and the Inspiring Creativity Educator Grant from the Colorado Springs School District 11 Foundation.

 

At the center of this work is the graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, which students studied with approval from the district curriculum department. The grants ensured that every 7th grade student at Mann received their own copy of the book, along with creative tools including graphic novel templates, sketching supplies, and access to dynamic, hands-on learning experiences.

 

Through this unit, students engaged deeply with themes of identity, justice, and citizenship. They analyzed multiple perspectives within the memoir and explored how those viewpoints shape our understanding of what it means to be American. As a culminating project, students authored essays comparing perspectives in the text, with top submissions recognized through a school-wide essay contest.

 

To extend learning beyond the classroom, students will participate in a special artifact exhibition in partnership with the History Colorado Center, featuring portable exhibits that connect directly to the historical events explored in the memoir. The experience also includes guest speakers who bring additional context and personal insight to the topic.

 

Media Invitation:
Local media are invited to attend and cover the student artifact exhibition:

Event: Student Artifact Exhibition
Date: Monday, May 4, 2026
Time: 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Location: Mann Middle School Library, Colorado Springs

 

Media will have the opportunity to photograph and film the exhibition, as well as interview student essay finalists about their learning and reflections.

This experience reflects District 11’s commitment to creating meaningful, student-centered learning opportunities that build empathy, critical thinking, and real-world connections—preparing students to be informed, engaged citizens.