<p>School Culture Project By Jeffrey Hernandez To fulfill the School Culture Project assignment I attended multiple events at </p><p>Manhattan High School (MHS) here in Manhattan, KS. Manhattan High School operates from two separate locations; One-location teaching freshmen and the other location- teaching sophomores through seniors and undergraduate. In total Manhattan High teachers about 1,976 students: 70% being Caucasian, 11% Hispanic, 11% other, and 8% </p><p>African American. The students here strive in academics, sports, literature, mathematics, and science. Approximately 66% of the MHS graduates move on to major universities like Kansas State University, The University of Kansas, Purdue University, and Harvard. </p><p>While 7% enter Technical Colleges to learn industry leading trades. MHS’s URl is as follows http://www.usd383.org/Schools/Secondary/MHS/</p><p>One of the events I attended at MHS was a parent meeting. This meeting was not only educational and informative for staff and parents, but for local educators and professionals in the area. The School Resource Officer and school staff put together a presentation informing parents about cyber bullying, sexting, and current technology and applications that their students are using. The presentation informed parents about the hazards of not monitoring their child’s interactions on the Internet and cell phones. The truth is we never know who truly is on the other end of that conversation. </p><p>The culture of MHS’s parents is one of deep commitment. Many of times we see schools where rare input and commitment exists from parents. That was not the case for </p><p>MHS. The parents filed in one by one filling a giant auditorium. The sacrifices these parents made to attend this meeting were depicted in their faces. Tired, sleepy, stressed, overworked, underpaid, and still in uniform they signed in and took a seat. They all came to learn about the reality their children face and to be heard as parents. Technology is something that changes everyday. Most parents are not up to speed with social media, snap chat, cell phones and video gaming systems. </p><p>It is through many of these communication avenues that some students have gotten into trouble. Sexting is something that minors learned through multiple avenues but have failed to remember that they are illegal. Distributing child pornography is a serious legal ramification. By sharing photographs and videos of their peers under the age of 18, they are contributing to the illegal distribution if child pornography. Parents were in awe and had many questions because they wanted to be informed and did not want to be liable for their child’s use and misuse of technology. </p><p>Another event I attended at MHS was a High School Baseball game. Being so close in proximity to the prominent Kansas State University one would only imagine the local high school be a breeding ground for great athletes. Even the local Wal-Mart sells decals, tee shirts and other accessories in support of MHS. I also got the privilege of attending a swim meet. Most parents were as supportive as any parent whose child is in the limelight. The influence the community had here left me in awe. These student athletes are little celebrities who receive kudos from teachers, staff, and administrators as they walk up and down the school hallways. </p><p>Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is something I have no experience with. These students of Christian faith meet before school and conduct lessons. Since this is a religious program faculty is not allowed to conduct any lessons. Faculty is only present to facilitate a safe environment; the students run the program. I have never been exposed to religion in the academic setting. In saying this, I would say there is a major Christian presence at MHS, thou there are many of other faiths enrolled here. The dominating region at the school has a major impact when considering school culture. </p><p>School culture has become a central concept in many efforts to change how schools operate and improve educational results. All in all I would say that the school culture at MHS revolves around sports and academics. I would say the local beliefs, perceptions, relationships, attitudes, and written and unwritten rules that shape and influence every aspect of how this school functions is based upon family and community involvement, sports, faith and academics. </p>