Mifflin School

**Kensolaw** · 03-20-2012, 07:14 AM

As St. Bridget's is about to fade into the sunset. Many parents are looking to Mifflin as an alternative for their children. It would be great if the Meredith miracle could happen in East Falls. Do any of the posters to this forum have children that attend or have attended Mifflin in recent years. It would be great if you could share stories and advice for any of the possibe new parents.

**MrsWeisass** · 03-21-2012, 12:22 PM

I have wondered the same thing myself--My husband and I really do believe in the importance of public education, and would be open to sending our daughter to Mifflin, and it would be a lot easier if there were others planning to do the same.

**Naveen** · 03-21-2012, 01:56 PM

What exactly is wrong with Mifflin? It seems to be in a relatively high quality area. (Just asking; I know nothing about it.)

**annie** · 03-21-2012, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Naveen

What exactly is wrong with Mifflin? It seems to be in a relatively high quality area. (Just asking; I know nothing about it.)

I would advise prospective parents to call the school to set up a tour, if possible, and see the school for themselves as that is more informative than test scores and news articles and other things people might use to answer that question.

There's a district-wide Kindergarten Open House the week of May 21st though it's up to the individual teachers, school administration and HSA to pick a date/time and make it happen. Assisting Mifflin's kindergarten teachers and the HSA (if there is one) with the Open House might be a great introduction to the school and also meet other prospective parents while drumming up interest.

**taxgirl** · 03-22-2012, 08:21 AM

Several years ago, a group of neighborhood parents started asking similar questions about Cook Wiss. We banded together and made a commitment to ourselves to make it the best school that we could. I distinctly remember being at a neighborhood meeting with the ONE parent that I knew that sent her kids to Cook. She was asking us to buy in to the school as a neighborhood. We did. I remember another parent, Tom, saying that said if we spent a fraction of the time and money committing to Cook that we were spending in private schools, just think of the difference it would make. Today, it is a Vanguard School: it earned a School Performance Index of 1, the best that you can get. Our kids cleaned up at Carver Science Fair. They placed in the local spelling bee. They're making news in a good way. So, it's possible to make Mifflin better. You just have to put in the time and energy.

Remember the words of Margaret Mead: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.

**Mondu** · 03-22-2012, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by taxgirl

Several years ago, a group of neighborhood parents started asking similar questions about Cook Wiss. We banded together and made a commitment to ourselves to make it the best school that we could. I distinctly remember being at a neighborhood meeting with the ONE parent that I knew that sent her kids to Cook. She was asking us to buy in to the school as a neighborhood. We did. I remember another parent, Tom, saying that said if we spent a fraction of the time and money committing to Cook that we were spending in private schools, just think of the difference it would make. Today, it is a Vanguard School: it earned a School Performance Index of 1, the best that you can get. Our kids cleaned up at Carver Science Fair. They placed in the local spelling bee. They're making news in a good way. So, it's possible to make Mifflin better. You just have to put in the time and energy.

My understanding is that a group of parents in EF tried to do exactly that at Mifflin a few years ago and it didn't go well at all. Maybe things have gotten better there since, but I doubt it. Review this thread, less than a year old, for a little more background: http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...ool-close.html

We ended up choosing to home-school, which has worked well for us so far. I'd much rather spend my limited time and energy on actual education rather than butting heads with the PSD bureaucracy and other parents.

**annie** · 03-22-2012, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Mondu

My understanding is that a group of parents in EF tried to do exactly that at Mifflin a few years ago and it didn't go well at all. Maybe things have gotten better there since, but I doubt it. Review this thread, less than a year old, for a little more background: http://www.philadelphiaspeaks.com/fo...ool-close.html

Sure, read the thread but go.see.the.school. There are now very prominent neighborhood school groups that had a false start (a first meeting that went "Oh, it's not easy to make this school Meredith? Ok, nevermind - how do I get my kid into Meredith then?" Not a West Philly group, by the way, we're hardcore over here). Just because others have failed in the past doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

It's not easy, it's not for everyone but at least see the school for yourself. Meet the principal and teachers. See a kindergarten class in action. Don't rely on the opinions and hearsay of others.

P.S. If people are into the "Meredith Miracle" because of the increase in housing values, that's fine, I guess, whatever motivates people but it'll be the hardest few thousand you'll ever make.

**Joe_Doherty** · 03-22-2012, 12:51 PM

Mifflin School is hosting an open house for the community on April 12 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM. The open house is open to everyone. The principal, Leslie Mason, and all of the teachers will be there. They will answer questions and provide a tour. Ms. Mason welcomes submitting questions in advance. Please send me a private message with any questions, and I will forward them en masse.

**OldMama** · 03-22-2012, 01:41 PM

The last attempt to get community support at Mifflin failed because certain elements within the school made it fail. They succeeded in getting trumped-up racial charges against the principal (later proved totally false) which led to her removal and scared off those neighborhood residents who were interested in the school (as was their plan; they didn't want to lose their little fiefdom). Those people are no longer there; the school is a different place now. Please, folks, try again. As Annie and taxgirl and I know from experience, a school can come back. It takes effort but the rewards are tremendous.

**Speedbump** · 03-22-2012, 03:35 PM

Parental involvement and support is one of the most crucial elements that allow a school to succeed. As a high school science teacher, I can attest readily to this fact. And I am certain from what I know about this district that a strong contingent of motivated, involved, determined and supportive teachers and parents can turn almost any situation around. What happened a few years ago did have all the hallmarks of a well crafted conspiracy of mean spirited staff and misguided adults mostly from the Abbottsford homes. It was terrible but that is in the past, and the time is right for a new coalition of teachers and real parents to work together for the benefit of all students and ultimately the community

.

**OldMama** · 03-22-2012, 03:53 PM

Originally Posted by Speedbump

Parental involvement and support is one of the most crucial elements that allow a school to succeed. As a high school science teacher, I can attest readily to this fact. And I am certain from what I know about this district that a strong contingent of motivated, involved, determined and supportive teachers and parents can turn almost any situation around. What happened a few years ago did have all the hallmarks of a well crafted conspiracy of mean spirited staff and misguided adults mostly from the Abbottsford homes. It was terrible but that is in the past, and the time is right for a new coalition of teachers and real parents to work together for the benefit of all students and ultimately the community

.

+100000

**Parent** · 03-22-2012, 07:20 PM

The Closing of St. Bridget and the subsequent difficult choices parents will have to make due to rising tuition costs for a Catholic education combined with the great improvements that have been made at the Mifflin school in recent years come together as a unique chance for families in the neighborhood to once again embrace Mifflin as the neighborhood school of choice. The current principal at Mifflin school really has her act together. East Falls needs a good neighborhood school more then anything else to keep the neighborhood alive and vibrant. Go see the school, you will be pleasantly surprised.

**Speedy Creek** · 03-23-2012, 02:26 PM

Wasn't the original question "Do any of the posters to this forum have children that attend or have attended Mifflin in recent years?" and if so can they share their stories? There are 11 responses here and no one cites actually sending their child to Mifflin.

**billy ross** · 03-23-2012, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Speedy Creek

Wasn't the original question "Do any of the posters to this forum have children that attend or have attended Mifflin in recent years?" and if so can they share their stories? There are 11 responses here and no one cites actually sending their child to Mifflin.

The one above yours implies that. They seem to have signed up to make that post, too.

**MrsWeisass** · 03-23-2012, 07:32 PM

well i don't know about all of you but i will definitely be at that open house, and I am letting all my friends with 1-2 year olds know. We want this to be a better place for everyone.

**Tom Sauerman** · 03-26-2012, 08:03 PM

If you can't make the April 12, 6:00-7:30pm Open House, the Principal (Mrs. Mason) has tours every Thursday morning at 9:30. I've been in the school and in classrooms numerous times in recent weeks with the "Peaceful Posse" anti-bullying program and have been thrilled with the cleanliness, quality of teachers, new Media Room, and--especailly--the discipline of the students.

**annie** · 04-16-2012, 10:24 AM

In wake of local school closure announcements, parents explore Mifflin Elementary option

**Malloy** · 04-16-2012, 12:17 PM

Mifflin is one of the most beautiful schools in Philly. The setting on the hill, restored clock tower, new gym, new library etc. etc. makes this play a gem. Nice neighborhood too

Nice to see that they are getting it together inside the building.

**Tom Sauerman** · 04-16-2012, 03:38 PM

Contact Chris(topher) Caporellie at chrisensas@mac.com. He's a St. B parent with 2 children and he's visited Mifflin a number of times. He has also organized a blog for St. B parents. Mifflin held an Open House last week to which over 100 people attended (about 40-50 families) and everyone who left seemed pleased. The East Falls Community Council is currently providing some small support to the school in an effort to grow a strong public school in the community. We don't want our young families to leave the community.

**billy ross** · 04-16-2012, 03:49 PM

Originally Posted by Tom Sauerman

Contact Chris(topher) Caporellie at chrisensas@mac.com. He's a St. B parent with 2 children and he's visited Mifflin a number of times. He has also organized a blog for St. B parents. Mifflin held an Open House last week to which over 100 people attended (about 40-50 families) and everyone who left seemed pleased. The East Falls Community Council is currently providing some small support to the school in an effort to grow a strong public school in the community. We don't want our young families to leave the community.

The quality of a school is a function of the quality of its leadership and its community, i.e. the students, parents, faculty, principal, etc. However, among these it is my opinion that the parents and their interest in their children's education is the most important, followed by strong leadership from the principal. If Mifflin can build a core group of k-3 families and give them reasons to stay to graduation it can make the transition that so many other city schools have made already or are in the process of making. It would be really nice if Mifflin became a school of choice. East Falls is fortunate to have so very many landmark, marquee buildings, and Mifflin is among them. Most of these great buildings signify very strong, world-class communities which use and enjoy them. Mifflin has a world-class building, built by John McShane in 1935, 5 years before he built the Pentagon, and well-cared for since. I'd love to see Mifflin have a world-class program, also.