The school year has been off to a busy start at the Mifflin School. The School District has initiated new K-5 science and social studies curricula. Teachers and students have been busy academically with the new as well as the old core curriculum materials. Yet we still have time for many other interesting and enriching activities.
Students have had opportunities to experience many interesting activities beyond the school building. In September student representatives attended the National Constitution Day Celebration at Independence Mall. After all, Thomas Mifflin was not only the first Governor of Pennsylvania but also a signer of the Constitution. Through our partnership with Drexel University, students went to Drexel’s Dream Day where they attended a basketball game. Through the generosity of Cynthia Kishinchand and the East Falls Tree Tenders, students from grades second to fifth went to McMichael Park where they did tree-related activities with a representative from Bartram Gardens. In December, several classes went to the Philadelphia Zoo and even thought the weather was cold, they had a great time and tours, compliments of the zoo docents.
Verizon Reads very generously provided books and tee-shirts to our second grade students. Representative Jewell Williams very kindly provided 50 book bags filled with school supplies. Drexel medical students visit classes on a weekly basis to provide health-related lessons. Students from Penn work with Mifflin’s older students. All of these programs provide opportunities for our students to interact with excellent role models.
A wonderful holiday concert will take place with musical entertainment provide by our very talented students grades k-8 under the direction of Ms. Highsmith, choral and bells, and Mr. Webb instrumental. This is always a wonderful treat for all who attend.
When the bell rings at 3:24, it doesn’t necessarily mean the day is over for everyone. There are several different after school programs at Mifflin. Drexel University’s Center for Violence Prevention has provided a grant for academic and enrichment programs for students. In addition, there is the School District’s Power Hour Academic Program for literacy and math and the Hunting Park City Stars after school program.
We are very proud that Mifflin made Adequate Yearly Progress as determined by the No Child Left Behind Act for two consecutive years. The school was recognized at a reception hosted by the school district. We will endeavor to make it three years by working hard this year to surpass our previous achievements. We were also one of only forty-two schools recognized as a best practices school. This recognition happened at a second reception hosted by the school district. We are proud of our students and staff for all their hard work.
Finally, after many meetings and much discussion, the renovations have begun. First has come the demolition of the library to make way for the new gym. While the new gym will be wonderful and we will have a new library it was still a little sad to see the old one torn down. Much learning and many happy events happened there and many memories were made.
