Welcome back mighty Manzanita Mustangs to the 2019-2020 school year. My name is Ashanti Givens and it is an honor to serve the Manzanita students, families, and community as your Principal.   

As I began my journey in education, I attended Arizona State University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I began my career in the Washington School District at Cholla Middle School. While at the middle school level I taught 7^th and 8^th Grade Language Arts, ELL, Social Studies, and served as an Academic Reading Interventionist.  Additionally, I have worked as the 21^st Century Coordinator of the After-School Academy at Cholla Middle School and Lakeview Elementary School.   During my time in the district, I have also served as the Program Coach at Lakeview Elementary School. While teaching I received my Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Principal K-12 from Northern Arizona University.  

As we begin this school year, it is my goal to empower our students to be their best by: building character, to developing leaders, and fostering lifelong learners.  

Please remember my door is always open and I am happy to meet with you if you have any questions or concerns. I look forward to a great year partnering with you to make a difference in our community.

 -Together we can. Together we will. – David Shearin.

Ashanti Givens

Principal