FALL 2015
CELEBRATING NEW BEGINNINGS
HEAD OF SCHOOL CORNER THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE If you ever run into me and I happen to be thinking about our strategic plan you might catch me humming to myself: Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel? No! I’m gonna let it shine.
ABOUT THE COVER
This fall we opened our second elementary campus, the Fairmount Campus. Our opening day was festive as our forty students and their families gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to start our little learners’ school year off with prayer and panache.
Let it shine, Let it shine, Let it shine It may be a children’s song, but “This Little Light of Mine” has deep resonance with my daily walk, our life as a school, and even our strategic plan. I have to choose every day whether I am going to hide my little light
Pictured on Cover: Mr. Ajiboye and son Donovan. Right: 7th grader Travon works on identifying parts of speech is Mrs. King’s English class.
or let it shine. Through the lens of that same choice is how we train our students’ minds and disciple their hearts. And this is the most important question we have to answer as we think about our strategic plan—hide our light or let it shine? The answer is pretty easy at The City School, because it is the choice we have made since our first campus opened in 1978. Let it shine! Choosing to let our light shine has created some amazing things over the years. The best example I can give is from the marketing research we recently did with parents at the school. When asked in focus groups, interviews, and surveys, over and over again parents told the researchers, “My child’s school is like a family.” I was in awe when I heard the results. What a testimony to the work of the Lord that the light shining through us has created such a deep sense of home and comfort within our community. The resounding joy from our family of families isn’t even something we could hide if we tried at this point. We can’t hide our light under a bushel because the light is too bright, the testimony of God’s goodness too strong, the family is ready to embrace a growing community. Opening the Fairmount campus is an exciting example of our desire to boldly share our light. When we began to consider the feasibility of opening this campus, we projected an opening class of 30 students. By God’s grace, we were blessed to open with 40 students! We were also able
FALL 2015 LANTERN VOLUME 3
ISSUE 1
We hope you enjoy reading the Lantern. We are excited to keep you informed about all that God is doing in the life of our school. EDITORIAL
ADMINISTRATION
Krista Wieder Development Director
Jake Becker Head of School
Brandon Van Deinse Communications Director
Dr. Barbara Moses Senior Advisor & Community Liaison
Anna Taylor Gunther Staff Writer and Publication Design
Katelin Jankowski Alumni Relations
Special thanks for photography go to Iola Broaddus, Abi Reimold, Tara Durkin, and Joe Sinagra. Illustration on page 14 found at https://www. madison.k12.al.us/Schools/bhs/facultystaff/ asolberg/default.aspx. Icons in Annual Report and Strategic Plan designed by Freepik. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Contact the Development Office. The City School, 860 N. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 or call 215.769.5363.
to raise $700,000 beyond the Annual Fund to open our doors. When it
PRINTING
came time to hire teachers, God showed us favor in directing talented,
Messiah College | Mechanicsburg, PA
passionate educators to us and giving us a clear sense of unity in our mission. All of this results in our light shining more brightly and more broadly than ever before. As you read this issue of The Lantern, I hope you are encouraged by your part in helping us bring light to the city—one child at a time.
Jake Becker
The Lantern is the biannual publication of The City School. The City School is a pre-k through 12 collegepreparatory Christian school celebrating over 35 years in the heart of Philadelphia. Our mission is to train students’ minds, disciple their hearts, and bring light to the city—one child at a time.
EXCELLENCE TO THE GLORY OF GOD
2
Learn how one family’s quest for an excellent education led them to our new Fairmount Campus.
PUTTING FEET ON GRACE
2
8
Biblical counseling is one way we live out our commitment to discipling hearts. Find out how our counselors run toward brokenness with Jesus’ love and grace.
WHAT DO SWISS ANABAPTISTS HAVE TO DO WITH PHILADELPHIA TEENAGERS?
14
Board member and Mennonite pastor Fred Kauffman shares his reflections on the connections between the global church and The City School.
GOING DEEPER, GOING WIDER
T O TA L F U N D R A I S I N G :
8
ENDOWMENT
15
AN INTERVIEW WITH RUTH NAOMI FLOYD
20
29
OTHER CAPITAL
24
STRATEGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$390,000 FAIRMOUNT CAPITAL. . . . . . . . . . $181,043
One of the newest members of our City School family shares how a year of DESIGNATED - OTHER interning confronted his stereotypes and redeemed his vision of city schools.
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
FAIRMOUNT CAPITAL
From Top to Bottom: Students at our new Fairmount campus. Counselor Melissa Clemens shares wisdom with intern Sara. Numbers, numbers, numbers: a look back ENDOWMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600 on FY15. ANNUAL FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,298,691
N N U Aand L FMusic U N DTeacher B R E ARuth K D ONaomi W N : Floyd, and find out her Meet ChoirADirector thoughts on worship, culture, and music.
NOT YOUR STEREOTYPICAL CITY SCHOOL UNDESIGNATED
ANNUAL STRATEGIC
We have a newly completed strategic plan, and we’re excited to share it with you. See some of the highlights of how we plan to go deep to grow wide.
29
DESIGNATED-SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT DONATIONS* *5% FEE WAS TAKEN OUT OF
Investigate our FY15 Annual Report. Find information TOTAL DONATIONS about who we are, how we are funded, and some of the highlights of our last school year.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Commencement 2015, p 6; Board Spotlight: Ellyn Waller, p 7; Middle School Partnership with The University City Science Center, p 11; Student Hopes and Dreams, p 12; Ode to the Arts, p 18; p 23; Alumni Spotlight: Miriam UNDESIGNATED . . . Sew . . . .Analytical, . . . . . . . $788,297 Wright-Nesbitt, p 25; Maranatha: A Partnership between Tenth Church and The City DESIGNATED - OTHER . . . Call: . . . . Dr. . $125,323 School, p 26; S.T.E.A.M., p 27; Following God’s Barbara Moses, p 28 DESIGNATED - SCHOLARSHIP. . . . $74,698 TAX CREDIT DONATIONS . . . . . . . $310,373
OTHER CAPITAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,980 TOTAL RAISED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,298,691
EXCELLENCE TO THE GLORY OF GOD by Rechab Gray, A New City School Dad
schools falsely believe they must
with many of those schools, serious
and my wife is a naval
choose one or the other. On the one
academics are neglected, and I feared
engineer. In our family, the
hand, there are a few select schools
that many Christian schools would put
glory of God and the pursuit
with rigorous academics and a strong
my children at a lifelong educational
of an excellent education go hand-in-
focus on preparing children to thrive
disadvantage.
hand. All truth is God’s truth, we say, and we strive to honor our Creator with all our hearts, our souls, and our
“I DREADED THE
minds. We celebrate our creativity and
UPHILL BATTLE OF
curiosity, our sense of wonder, and our
TRYING TO RE-WIRE
ability to learn more about ourselves and our God through history, art,
MY KIDS’ WORLDVIEWS
math, science, and language. A truly
EVERY NIGHT.”
excellent education, we believe, must be academically rigorous and must also teach our children they are loved, they bear the image of a glorious God, and they are future of our city. BUT WHERE DO YOU FIND AN EDUCATION LIKE THAT?
2
in college and beyond. But with those schools, I dreaded the uphill battle of trying to re-wire my kids’ worldviews
As parents who want the best for our children—and who want to honor God with our choices—we were stuck. For a long time it seemed we must choose between one extreme or other. My children would be entering preschool and kindergarten this year and were already accepted into four different schools. Trusting in God, but not yet in love with any of our options, we were praying for a miracle.
every night. On the other hand, there
THEN WE DISCOVERED THE CITY
are schools where the life, death, and
SCHOOL.
resurrection of Jesus are proclaimed boldly in the classroom and children
Few schools are academically excellent
are taught to view new knowledge in
and Christ-exalting—it seems most
light of biblical wisdom. Unfortunately,
I am amazed a place like this exists in our city. The City School is a place that is both spiritually thriving and
Photo Credit: Abi Reimold
I
AM A CHURCH PLANTER
“I LIKE THAT MY TEACHERS ARE FUNNY AND THEY SMILE AND LAUGH. THEY MAKE LEARNING EASIER BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS WANT TO HELP US.” - JASIN, GRADE 3
Jasin wants to be a police officer or fireman when he grows up. He says, “My favorite thing about coming to school is doing math every day. It’s hard, but we keep practicing, and eventually it isn’t so hard anymore.”
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academically challenging. They offer a rigorous college-preparatory program
helping them discover their passions, showing them new beauty in hard
that uncovers the glory of God across
subjects, and leading them to a deeper
every discipline and teaches students
knowledge of self, the world, and
to live out the radical grace and love
God. As the Open House ended, we
of their Savior, Jesus. This place is an
were so enamored of this place that
answer to our prayers.
my wife and I stayed nearly an hour
I knew almost immediately that The City School was our school home. As we walked through the doors of the Fairmount Campus on our way to an Open House, we were greeted by Principal Melissa Sanchez. She was kind and joyful, and it was clear to me that she loves her students with the kind of sacrificial love you only find in Jesus. During the Open House, we were blessed to hear testimonies from current City School parents.
4
Above The author’s children, Aaron and Zipporah, are a joyful presence in our inaugural Fairmount class.
“A TRULY EXCELLENT EDUCATION, WE BELIEVE, MUST BE ACADEMICALLY RIGOROUS AND MUST ALSO TEACH OUR CHILDREN THEY ARE LOVED, THEY BEAR THE IMAGE OF A GLORIOUS GOD, AND THEY ARE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.”
later to talk with Mrs. Sanchez. She kindly obliged us and we talked about our children, the school, and all the miraculous things God is doing in the city. At that point, the only possible barrier to sending my children here would have been finances. As for many working families, the cost of a private education was daunting. I expressed this concern to Mrs. Sanchez and she happily told me about The City
They shared with us stories of teachers
School’s generous gifts of financial
investing deeply in their children’s
assistance and helped me get in touch
lives—encouraging them to excel
with Jake Becker, Head of School,
where they have struggled, praying
to talk through the possibilities. Mr.
with them through difficult times,
Becker treated me to coffee and talked
through all the details of tuition, need-
Special Education and bring with them
based scholarships, and the school’s
a passion for one-on-one instruction
desire to make excellence accessible
for struggling students. Several
across the spectrum of socio-economic
Fairmount staff are fluent in both
backgrounds. The financial aid
English and Spanish, and Spanish is
“WE NEED SCHOOLS
process, he told me, consists mainly
offered in the earliest grades as both
WHERE CHILDREN
in two questions: What do we think
an exercise in new language and a
we can afford? And is that consistent
way of instilling appreciation for new
ARE KNOWN, WHERE
with what other families are paying?
cultures. My kids’ teachers are dancers,
THEIR UNIQUE HOPES,
For some families this means paying
actors, and artists, and they are already
as little as $100 a month, and for some
forming after-school groups for praise
DREAMS, PASSIONS,
families it means paying full tuition,
dance and drama. Even early in the
but for every family The City School
school year, I can say with joyful
BE CULTIVATED BY
is willing to partner closely with you
confidence that these are the people I
as you consider how to invest in your
want teaching my children to love the
TEACHERS WHO LOVE
child’s education.
pursuit of learning.
By God’s grace and the generosity of
Our city needs better schools. We need
the school, my kids are attending The
more sacred spaces in the city where
City School’s new Fairmount campus
excellence in academics flows from
this year.
a commitment to the glory of God.
As a church planter, I feel a familiar sense of excitement in joining a brand new campus. God is moving in Philadelphia, and just as surely as he is planting churches in our neighborhoods, he is blessing The City School to grow in their beautiful mission. Fairmount has all the rich heritage of The City School’s 37-year history and all the excitement and enthusiasm of a new adventure in ministry. I am thrilled to have my own children among the first enrolled in
AND TALENTS CAN
THEM AND DESIRE TO SEE THEM THRIVE. THE CITY SCHOOL IS RISING TO MEET THIS NEED.”
We need schools where children are known, where their unique hopes, dreams, passions, and talents can be cultivated by teachers who love them and desire to see them thrive. The
Rechab Gray is a church planting intern under Pastor Eric Mason at Epiphany Fellowship Church.
City School is rising to meet this need, and I am honored and humbled to be a part of this mission. As a new City School dad, it’s a joy for me to say my children have found a school home where they will pursue excellence to the glory of God. Below: Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s kindergarten class.
this new location. I am also excited about the unique talents and passions Fairmount teachers bring to the school. They were chosen because they specialize in early childhood education, they have valuable experiences and insights that complement their growing team, they have a passion for teaching and a sincere love for the children entrusted to them, and they walk closely with their Savior. Most of the Fairmount teachers have Master’s degrees in their field, including two who majored in
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PU RS UI N G G O DLY WI S D O M CON GRAT UL AT I O N S TO T H E C L ASS OF 2015!
Above Some shots from our 2015 Commencement ceremony. Pictured from left to right, top to bottom: Sabree, Semora, Michael, Deorre, Tahtyana, Cianni, Emani, JosĂŠ, Derrick, and Valedictorian Milan.
FIND MORE PHOTOS AT: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/THECITYSCHOOL.
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LAST FALL DR. WALLER WAS CHOSEN TO GIVE A CHARGE TO OUR GRADUATING SENIORS. HERE ARE HER CLOSING EXHORTATIONS. I charge you to exercise Godly wisdom by discerning what is true, right, and just in the eyes of God. I charge you to exercise Godly wisdom by listening to the Spirit and focusing on the Word of God. Recognize the Word of God as your valid and reliable source of wisdom. Hide it in your hearts; keep it on your night stands while away at school; read it; meditate upon it; study it; live it; breathe it; cling to it! Don’t let it get pushed aside or collect dust—let the Word of God truly be your guide. As graduates of The City School, your minds have been trained, your hearts have been discipled. Now exercise Godly wisdom and boldly go and bring the Light of God to the places you’ve chosen to continue your lifelong pursuit of excellent education.
2015 GRADUATING CLASS – SCHOOLS ATTENDING Alvernia University Cairn University Community College of Philadelphia Hampton University Howard University Lincoln University Long Island University at Brooklyn Messiah College Morgan State University Penn State Abington Penn State Altoona Penn State Berks Penn State Brandywine Penn State Schuylkill Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Rowan College at Gloucester County Saint Joseph’s University STAR Academy for Cosmetology Temple University University of Maryland Eastern Shore Wesley College West Chester University
M E E T D R . E L LY N WA L L E R B OA R D S POTL I GHT “Give of yourself while teaching, as if Jesus Himself was seated in your classroom. Give of yourself while teaching, as if your own child was seated in your classroom. Give of yourself while teaching, as if you were seated in the seat of every child in the classroom.” - Ellyn Waller, Ed.D., Education Chair
Above Dr. Ellyn Waller exhorts the class of 2015 to seek out Godly wisdom.
D
R. ELLYN WALLER
“I am humbled and honored to serve
IS PASSIONATE
in this way,” she says, “and I believe
ABOUT EDUCATION
God has prepared me to use my gifts
AS A DISPLAY OF
in this ministry for his glory and the
GOD’S LOVE AND WISDOM. She
faithfully served on the PMHS Board of Directors for five years before our merger, and over the past year she has been an important leader in celebrating our united community. “I knew of The City School by reputation,” she says, “I knew this is a place where Jesus is honored and children are educated with excellence. I am excited to a part of this family and hopeful about what God is doing through us.”
joy of our students.” “To honor Jesus in all we do is the mandate of every Christian,” Ellyn says, “My service with The City School Board is a natural expression of my life of ministry.” Ellyn is also a leader in women’s ministry at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, where her husband Rev. Dr. Alyn Waller serves as Senior Pastor. “My husband describes his ministry at Enon as ‘unapologetically youth-oriented,’ and we have a shared passion for children. At Enon as at The
As an educator herself, Ellyn brings
City School, children are cherished,
valuable experience and expertise
nurtured, and encouraged in every
to our education committee. She has
aspect of their lives. God is at work
been crucial in piloting our academic
in our city, and I am excited to foster
support program and is assisting
young people who will bring the
teachers and principals in continuing
light of Jesus to Philadelphia and the
to hone our whole-school curriculum.
world.” 7
EMOTIONS CAN BE SCARY AND CONFUSING OR GIDDY AND EXHILARATING. This is especially
true in middle school. Our 6th grade boys are learning the importance of naming and describing emotions during their weekly guidance class. Counselor Jamie Rose and intern Heidi Yun have been helping our young men explore emotions through games, artwork, and discussion. These guidance classes are one of the ways we incorporate biblical counseling into our school life. Right: During a guidance class game, Jordan holds up an emotion for his classmates to act out and help him identify.
PUTTING FEET ON GRACE C O U N S E L I N G AT T H E C I T Y S C H O O L by Brandon Van Deinse Communications Director
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The City School has two fully certified biblical counselors, a rare blessing in the city. Jamie Rose and Melissa Clemens both completed the rigorous Master of the Arts in Counseling program at Westminster Theological Seminary. They also founded and operate the West Philadelphia chapter of the Christian Counseling & Education Foundation, which they run through our Spruce Hill Campus. Jamie and Melissa are pioneers of biblical counseling in the city and have a heart for sharing Jesus’ love with their students.
Right: Each 6th grade boy made a drawing of a superhero personifying an emotion. On the back they wrote a special prayer for themselves. Here Jaysir shares his drawing.
B
“
IBLICAL COUNSELING IS INTEGRAL TO THE CITY SCHOOL’S MISSION,” elementary
and middle school counselor Jamie Rose declares. “Counseling is a way of sharing Jesus’ love and grace and pointing students to the lifechanging gospel that can work real miracles in their hearts.” At The City School, counseling, like everything, is rooted in the life, ministry, death, and triumphant resurrection of Jesus. Our deepest desire in counseling is to connect students with their Savior and help them walk in light of his love. High school counselor Melissa Clemens adds, “Jesus’ incarnation is the model of how we care for one another—like Jesus, we insert ourselves into our students’
“THE CITY SCHOOL PUTS FEET ON GRACE. WHEN YOU’RE WORKING WITH NINE-YEAR-OLDS, ABSTRACT CONCEPTS AND LOFTY THEOLOGICAL IDEAS AREN’T GOING TO CUT IT. WORKING WITH STUDENTS CHALLENGES US TO TAKE JESUS’ LOVE AND OUR COUNSELING EDUCATION AND BREAK IT DOWN TO SIMPLE, TANGIBLE DEMONSTRATIONS OF GRACE IN OUR STUDENTS’ LIVES.”
stories, listen well, and demonstrate thoughtful love.”
-REBECCA, INTERN
Jamie and Melissa have been working as counselors with The City School for four years and share a passion
counseling intern Rebecca says,
and understanding that come
for proclaiming Jesus’ radical love in
“The City School puts feet on grace.
from professional counseling. Our
the midst of brokenness. “Jesus ran
When you’re working with nine-
counselors are bold in confronting this
towards brokenness,” Jamie says. “He
year-olds, abstract concepts and lofty
tragic untruth. “We all rely on grace,”
sought out places where the hurt
theological ideas aren’t going to cut it.
Melissa says, “and God’s word is clear
needed healing,” Melissa adds, “and
Working with students challenges us
that there is wisdom in surrounding
that’s our calling as counselors.”
to take Jesus’ love and our counseling
yourself with good counsel.” “Families
education and break it down to simple,
who take advantage of counseling
tangible demonstrations of grace in
services should never be ashamed,”
our students’ lives.” This culture of
Jamie adds, “They should be joyful
grace is a defining aspect of The City
that they have opportunities to invite
School community, and our counseling
God’s grace into their lives. Counseling
program allows us to invest deeply in
is very personal, but it is never, ever
our students’ hearts.
shameful. It is love.”
to help grad-students getting
In some circles, counseling is unjustly
Because family support is crucial
their Masters In Counseling from
stigmatized, and people in need are
to biblical counseling, Jamie and
seminaries gain valuable experience
shamed into hiding their problems
Melissa have decided to offer their
in their field. Our middle school
instead of seeking the grace, clarity,
support to City School families outside
Jamie and Melissa’s passion for counseling has helped us expand our program across all our campuses, making biblical counseling sessions available for students at every grade level. They have also started a highly sought-after internship program
9
of the classroom. Every week they schedule appointments at our Spruce Hill campus to meet with students and parents after business hours, to bring the whole family together in an atmosphere of grace and unity. “Our family counseling sessions let us partner with parents to identify ways of encouraging and supporting our students at home as well as at school,” Jamie says. Biblical counseling allows us to get into the trenches of our students’ lives, sharing their sorrows and celebrating their victories as we connect them with Jesus’ powerful, transformative love.
“JESUS RAN TOWARDS BROKENNESS. HE SOUGHT OUT PLACES WHERE THE HURT NEEDED HEALING.” -JAMIE, COUNSELOR
COUNSELING HEARTS Sometimes the beauty of our mission is seen most starkly in the wake of conflict. Jesus’ love and grace becomes most evident in our students’ hearts when they learn from mistakes with humility, pursue reconciliation and forgiveness, and use their failures as opportunities to grow in grace. This year one of our middle school students was, uncharacteristically, caught in a lie. The maturity and self-reflection shown in his apology letter, written of his own volition (and shared here with his permission), demonstrates the redemptive work of Jesus in his heart and mind.
Mrs. Hook and Mrs. Hamel, Please forgive me for being deceptive yesterday. I honestly was just so afraid of being in trouble. Instead of being completely honest, which would have been the right thing to do, I was led by my emotions. This was a poor decision. If I could go back, I would have done what I’ve been taught to do and done what would have pleased God, which was to be truthful. Today after our meeting, my mom took me to meet with my Bishop. I also talked to my mom some more. They both reminded me of God’s love for me and His forgiveness. They also made sure I understood exactly what I did wrong. My actions were inappropriate. Like my Bishop and mom, I appreciate the love both of you expressed for me today. I understand there are consequences for sin. However, I pray that you will not only forgive me, but be able to fully trust in me again. I have spent time with God and repented. I asked the Lord for his wisdom. You have my word that everything I said today was true and I am going to make sure that you don’t have to deal with this issue from me again. Please forgive me for disappointing you. That was not my intention. You both spoke so highly of me. I made a bad decision and wasn’t totally honest when you first questioned me. Dishonest is not who I’ve been and I will not let that be who I become now. God has predestined me to do great things through Him. I will be a better ambassador for Christ. I love you both. Thank you again for
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Above: High school counselor Melissa and intern Heidi Yun.
showing God’s love to me.
Pre-k through 8 counselor Jamie leads the 6th grade boys through a workshop on identifying emotions.
Even as educators, our students can continue to challenge and teach us every day. What can we learn from this young man’s heartfelt repentance?
Photo Provided: courtesy of the University City Science Center
Above: Autumn and Yasan work on their DNA projects at the University City Science Center.
D N A SE LF I E & PO LYMER PLAY:
O U R PA R T N E R S H I P W I T H T H E S C I E N C E C E N T E R The Science Center is the oldest and largest urban research park in the United States. They describe their facilities as, “a dynamic hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and technology development.” Last year Principal Stephanie Hook met Danielle Stollak, Program Manager for S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Initiatives at the University City Science Center. With a shared interest in science and technology in education, they began to explore ways students at The City School could take advantage of the Science Center’s resources in their pursuit of excellent education. The Science Center’s FirstHand department had recently revamped its suite of programs, and they agreed that our 8th grade class would be a perfect fit for their new offerings. Last year boys and girls explored two different programs. Danielle explains:
D N A- S E L F I E
P O LY M E R P L AY
“Girls from The City School did a deep dive into what
“Boys pursued a program called ‘Polymer Play’.
makes each of us unique: our DNA. They spent time
Students learned about material science by creating their
learning about their own genetic code by isolating and
own bio-plastic and recycling plastics. The final team
visualizing their DNA. Students also participated in lessons
projects challenged students to create or redesign an
about inherited traits, which included a very stinky visit to
environmentally-friendly product. Examples of projects
Monell Chemical Senses Center. Their final projects were
included a paddle ball, rope, and pencil grip.”
to build a product for a ‘client’ that celebrated their own unique qualities.” This year our 8th grade class will spend their entire year with the Science Center. “We are really going to focus students on taking the responsibility as a team to go through a problem solving process,” Danielle says. As we deepen our partnership with the Science Center, we hope to help our students uncover the beauty and joy of science. For too long, women and racial minorities have been underrepresented in the field of science. As a school with such a beautifully diverse population, we are really excited about getting our students passionate about science. “We live in a city with a lot of beauty and a lot of untapped opportunities,” Danielle says, “but if we partner together to graduate students who can confidently look at a problem and identify a process to solve it, then science education can help us uncover some of those missed opportunities.” 11
HOP ES & DRE AM S by Ashley Fornwalt, Spruce Hill Kindergarten Teacher
W
HAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS? This is the
question I posed to our kindergarten class on the first day of school. Every student drew their hopes on a large cloud. Peter’s
hope for kindergarten was to have a classroom pet—a dog, a cat, or a fish… or maybe a lizard! Ava was looking forward to making new friends. Bryce hoped to play in the building site. Other hopes included reading books, going to art class, and playing on the playground with their friends. As we thought about our hopes and dreams for the year we discussed how some hopes, like having a classroom pet, were not realistic and would not happen. However, some hopes and dreams, we could make happen this year. We started to discuss what we would need to do as a class if we wanted our realistic hopes and dreams to happen. We generated a list of ideas about what we would need to do and say to put our hopes and dreams into action. Some of the items on our list included Avi’s idea of sitting criss-cross on the
Jasin, 3rd Grade: “I want to be better at reading the Bible because I want to learn more about God”. Zion, 3rd Grade: “ I dream that I will someday become a famous painter or artist, and my parents will look at my paintings and say, ‘That is my girl!’ And art teachers will say, ‘Today we will study a famous painter: the famous and only Zion Jones!”
carpet. Zanai shared that in order for us to put our hopes into action we would need to listen to the teachers’ directions. As we continued to brainstorm Alex thought we should use kind words in order to make our hopes happen. As we looked at our list we started to look for things that were the same. We looked for items on our list that could be controlled by each individual body and circled them in red. Next we found items on our list that pertained to the materials in our classroom and circled them in yellow. Lastly we found items on our list that addressed our words and thoughts and circled them in orange. The next day we came back to our organized list and used our list to agree on our classroom rules. So this year our Kindergarten rule, as developed by the Kindergartners, is: I CAN TAKE CARE OF MY FRIENDS, MY ROOM, AND MY SCHOOL.
After the rules were agreed upon each student signed our rules poster to agree to follow the rules. As we grow together this year, we will continue to model these rules and learn new things.
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Dat, 4th Grade: “I hope that I will do better in writing and reading so I can learn more”.
Mylah, 1st Grade: “I want to learn more math this year.”
Cannon, 2nd Grade: “I want to learn more about God and Jesus and to play basketball.”
Kindergarten: “I hope to have fun with my friends.”
SETTING HOPES AND DREAMS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR IS SOMETHING IN WHICH ALL STUDENTS PARTICIPATE. EVEN NEW KINDERGARTEN PARENTS AND TEACHERS JOIN IN THE PRACTICE. HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITES SPOTTED IN THE HALLS OF SPRUCE HILL.
Aaron, 5th Grade: “My hope and dream is to get my math grades up so I will be ready to go to college. My dream is to become a famous basketball player. I want to be like Dr. J and Michael Jordan. These are my hopes and dreams”. 13
But is this not the pattern in the Photo Credit: (see inside cover)
Scriptures? Paul wrote to believers in Corinth, “not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (I Co 1:26). Our Bible was written by Hebrew slaves, not their masters; by exiles, not the Babylonian empire; and by followers of an executed outcast, not the powerful
W H AT DO SWISS AN AB APTI STS HAV E TO DO WI TH PH I LAD ELPHIA T E E NAGERS?
Roman legions. The Good News of
by Fred Kauffman, Board Member
God’s grace and the power of
C
Jesus really is good news for people who are oppressed by the powerful of their day. The early Anabaptists were but one example that has been repeated throughout the ages: people with their backs against the wall discovering belonging to God’s People. That early
HARLES WESLEY WROTE, “O, FOR A THOUSAND TONGUES [LANGUAGES] TO SING MY GREAT REDEEMER’S PRAISE!”
Sing we did. Last fall over 8,000 followers of Jesus from 77 countries joined at the Mennonite World Conference to sing our
great Redeemer’s praise in English, Swahili, Hindi, Spanish, Indonesian, Swazi, German, Luo, French, and Korean. Such diverse beauty and energy rang through each culture’s praises. It was inspiring and refreshing, and I am still drinking in that experience.
witness spread through Europe and has caught the imaginations of people in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Somehow in this mix of humanity and our human weaknesses, the Spirit of Christ continues the work of creating all things new. How does this experience of the global church relate to The City School?
But I was puzzled.
After ten years serving on the board of
I looked about me and saw the rich variety of faith experiences from brothers
Philadelphia Mennonite High School
and sisters in Christ from around the world. I saw God’s artistry on bold display
I have chosen to continue on The City
in the beautiful array of languages, skin tones, and styles of dress donned by
School board. Why? Because the rich
our assembly. I looked back in history and recalled stories of Swiss peasants who
diversity of the global church is right
discovered God’s grace moving among them in unexpected and powerful new
here. Because some of our students
ways—ways that threatened the established powers. Sneered at as Anabaptists
have their backs pressed against a wall
(“re-baptizers”) and later called Mennonites in Europe, they first arrived in
and desperately need God’s grace to
Pennsylvania in 1683 to escape persecution, with many following in the 1700’s.
give them hope and a future. And
so fervidly that Europeans now comprise a mere quarter of the global Mennonite fellowship? From a small group of stubborn Swiss peasants committed to following Jesus at any cost to over 2 million richly diverse believers who trace their spiritual roots back to this “radical reformation.” What happened?
because God may well use some of the “least of these” to break new ground in shaping the kingdom which Jesus proclaimed. Who knows, maybe some stubborn kid from North Philly, like those stubborn Swiss peasants, will experience God’s grace in
Fred Kauffman has had a long history with The City School, first as a parent at Spruce Hill Christian school, then on the board of PMHS, and now continuing on the board of The City School. As a Mennonite pastor, Fred chose to send his children to Christian schools, “so their lives will be shaped by the Gospel as they grow into men who will share Jesus’ love and grace with their city.”
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unimaginable ways that challenge our comfortable ways of following Jesus!
Photo Credit: Petr Kratochvil
So how, I wondered, did the faith of these withdrawn Swiss Anabaptists spread
DEEP (er) & WIDE (er) AN OVERVIEW OF OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
LAST FALL THE PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP AWARDED US $93,000 TO PURSUE A STRATEGIC PLAN. THIS PLAN WAS DESIGNED TO HELP THE CITY SCHOOL CONSIDER HOW TO GROW AS GOD PROVIDES US WITH EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE MORE STUDENTS IN THE CITY. WITH THE OPENING OF OUR FAIRMOUNT CAMPUS THIS YEAR, WE ARE BEGINNING TO GROW ALREADY, OPENING OUR DOORS WIDE TO MORE FAMILIES SEEKING AN EXCELLENT, JESUSHONORING EDUCATION. OUR STRATEGIC PLAN HELPS US THINK THROUGH THE LONG-TERM HEALTH AND SUSTAINABILITY OF OUR BEAUTIFUL MISSION. OUR DESIRE IS TO GROW NOT ONLY WIDER—TO SERVE MORE STUDENTS—BUT TO GROW DEEPER—SERVING OUR STUDENTS IN RICHER, MORE ENGAGING WAYS. WE HAVE TAKEN TO CALLING THIS STRATEGY OUR “DEEPER AND WIDER” PLAN. OUR DEEPER AND WIDER PLAN WAS FINALIZED THIS SUMMER. HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS.
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THE CITY SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN: GOING WIDER
GOING DEEPER
SERVING MORE CHILDREN
EXPANDING ELECTIVES
Adding swimming to the 5th grade curriculum
INCREASING EMPHASIS ON THE ARTS
Establishing new Arts Director position by promoting Joe Sinagra
GROWING STUDENT LEADERS
STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATIONS
INVESTING IN OUR PEOPLE
Expanding & developing our student councils & prefect system
Establishing new Communications Director position by promoting Brandon Van Deinse
Increasing compensation and defining a clear salary structure
GOING DEEPER, GOING WIDER
Renovating and opening Fairmount; pursuing a new 6-12 Upper School Campus
Increasing enrollment at each campus; adding a new grade level at Fairmount each year through 5th grade
Cultivating an openness to partnering with other schools in Philadelphia
Starting after-school praise dance and drama at Fairmount
Incorporating weekly trips to the University of the Sciences and offering golf classes as an elective for our middle school
Continuing to offer unique June-term electives and strengthening college prep at Rittenhouse
Invigorating our S.T.E.A.M. program at our elementary campuses
Seeking more opportunities for our choirs to share their gift of music across the city and beyond
Strengthening preforming arts across campuses
Pursuing more service opportunities through local charities and organizations
THE CITY SCHOOL SOCIOLOGY OF CHANGE AND GROWTH: 1) SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIVERSITY
Introducing The Spotlight, a monthly newsletter for parents
Internally promoting staff, creating positions that suit their skills & build the school
Sending monthly inter-campus staff and board emails to foster deeper community across campuses
Revitalizing peer-level professional development groups and inter-campus collaboration
2) INFORMED GEOGRAPHIC STRATEGY 3) “FAMILY OF SCHOOLS” APPROACH STUDENTS, STAFF, AND FAMILIES WHO ARE BETTER THAN EVER AND AN ABILITY TO SERVE EVEN MORE.
INVESTING IN THE ARTS
T
The City School Stands in the heart of the city
How He sings over us in Heaven above,
Four campuses now, all throughout Philly.
He sings because of His infinite love.
investing more deeply in leaders
And with so many teachers and students to teach. . .
He tells all His prophets to act out small plays.
at our school and a reinvigorated
It’s clear that our school is
emphasis on the arts. One way
expanding its reach.
The joy of Miriam through dance is displayed.
But teaching together with mission aligned
There’s poems in the Psalms and Solomon’s Song
(Discipling heart and training up mind)
Check out Psalm 119—that one’s quite long.
Is tough for teachers to always know
The music of angels, the songs of ascent,
Which direction each lesson should go.
The trumpets that blast as the heavens are rent!
So Mr. Becker, our brave Head of School—
The Temple of God was a sight to behold,
Backed by the board’s majority rule—
Draped with fine scarlet and gilded with gold.
Asked Mr. Sinagra (in the Rittenhouse sector)
God instructed the artists (so it goes in the story)
To become The City School’s Arts Director.
So that every last bit would show His great glory.
Mr. Becker and Mr. Sinagra both know,
So we don’t want the arts to ever become
The arts are something that all kids should know.
Something called “worthless” as they are to some
They need to make music, they need to make art,
If creation is pointless, I’m sure you can see,
Dance their dances and act out their part.
Then God wasted His time creating you, creating me!
What’s more we are called in God’s word to be,
As The City School grows with each passing year
The reflection of Him—the one God in three.
We hope to find God’s presence is here.
The God who created all that we know,
And as long as his presence never departs,
His love of the arts in His word He doth show.
Then we’ll always be sure to study the arts!
WO OF THE MAJOR INSIGHTS TO COME OUT OF OUR STRATEGIC PLAN
are a renewed commitment to
we’ve begun to honor both of these commitments already is by promoting long-time art teacher and school culture leader Joe Sinagra to Arts Director. As Arts Director, Joe will work with teachers across our four campuses to share the beauty, joy, and creative power of art. When we asked Joe for his thoughts about his new position and the significance of the arts in education, he responded—in true artist fashion—with a poem.
Photo Credit: Tara Durkin
O DE TO T H E ARTS by Joe Sinagra, Arts Director
Left: Lion artwork by Joe’s son Joey Sinagra, Grade 2. 18
“ROBERT FROST SAID, ‘I AM NOT A TEACHER, BUT AN AWAKENER.’
I AM INSPIRED TO GIVE TO THE CITY SCHOOL AS THEY ROUSE NOT ONLY THE MINDS BUT ALSO THE SOULS OF OUR CITY.” -Lizzy, Partner
Every student is uniquely knit together in the image of God. Children are naturally curious, creative, and captivated by learning. Educating students begins with recognizing their inherent worth and awakening their God-given love of knowledge. Tragically, many children in our city will never have their minds or souls roused awake to their full potential.
At The City School, we are committed to making an excellent education accessible to the children of our city. This year we have set our Annual Fund goal at $1,400,000. At an average scholarship of about $4,500, this represents, for over 240 students, the difference between formative years struggling in an underperforming school, or a youth spent under the loving guidance of teachers at The City School. Our faithful partners make this mission possible.
Thank you!
GIVE TODAY AT CITYSCHOOL.ORG/GIVE
Or contact the Development Office 215.769.5363 | agunther@cityschool.org
C ULT URE, WO RS H I P, MU S I C : AN INTERVIEW WITH R U T H N AO M I F LOY D Ruth Naomi Floyd has blessed The City School family with her passion and voice as our Choir Director and Music teacher for the past twelve years. Ruth teaches students to embrace the beautiful diversity of world cultures expressed through music and to use music as an expression of joy and gratitude to God. In addition to serving our mission, Ruth has traveled the world and gained international recognition as a vocalist. She is also a gifted photographer and has been featured in galleries and museums across America and Europe. As our Arts program continues to grow, we are investing more deeply in the gift of music. We sat down with Ruth to gain some of her insights on music worship, culture, and life.
W
to focus our mind and thoughts on the glory of God. Music also can prepare our hearts for hearing the Word of God preached, and also gives us an opportunity to collectively respond to the preached word of God. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell within you with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Music in worship helps us to show our love for God, to praise Him, worship Him in spirit and truth, and give Him the glory He so richly deserves. DOES MUSIC HELP US CONNECT WITH CULTURE—OUR OWN HERITAGE OR CULTURES THAT ARE NEW TO US?
HY IS MUSIC SO
and movement. It can increase
IMPORTANT?
language of reasoning, help express
It is important to understand the
feelings, enhance memory, improve Friedrich Nietzsche
relationship between music and
communication, create a positive
stated, “Without
culture. Music is one of the products
learning state and a sense of
music, life would be a mistake.” Well,
of culture. Music is a powerful tool
anticipation, aid in learning activities,
our God, the First and Greatest
that can create powerful connections
focus concentration, increase attention,
Musician, perfect and all-knowing,
between people, and help us to
provide a multisensory learning
created music out of nothing. Music
learn more about our own culture
experience, enhance imagination,
is an important and beautiful gift
as well as other cultures. Music can
build rapport, inspire and motivate,
because it is a universal language,
also inspire us to seek out different
and accentuate theme-oriented units.
cultures, shatter stereotypes, question
which evokes human emotions, connects cultures, create community,
HOW DOES MUSIC RELATE TO A
but most importantly it is used to bring
LIFE OF WORSHIP?
glory and honor to God.
In Psalm 96:1, God does not ask us but
WHY IS MUSIC ESSENTIAL TO
instructs and commands us to “Sing
EDUCATION?
to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth.” Music is one of
The use of music education helps in
the most creative ways we can express
many ways but it also enhances skills
our faith, praise, and gratitude in
that students use in other learning
worship to the Lord. Music in worship
areas and subjects.
can assist us to imagine God on His
Music education can produce: development of the brain, openness to other cultures, intellectual curiosity, discipline, creative thinking, teamwork, listening skills
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holiness and glory. Music helps us
throne in all His glory. J. S. Bach
social injustices, and see the world through the lens of others. Music prompts us to form a worldview. We want our students to see the beauty of culture but also to be able to sense and question the dangerous aspects of culture as we strive for them to be strong Christian young women and men for God’s kingdom. HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME INTERESTED IN MUSIC?
signed his compositions, “Soli Deo
As a young child I sang in church
Gloria” (To God alone be the glory).
choirs and studied piano, flute and
Bach understood that music is a gift
bassoon. African American Spirituals,
from God and that it can help us in
Black Gospel, and European Classical
worship to reflect on God’s beauty,
Music provided a foundation for my
compositional and vocal skills and
vision of The City School resonated
Dr. Barbara Moses, had the privilege
birthed a love for music. Jazz Music
with us. Our daughter flourished and
to participate in the Mennonite
allowed me the freedom I sought
we all loved the school. I volunteered
Schools Council Choir Festival. This past year as a newly combined school
Below: A new focus of our music program is small choral groups. Yasan and Olivia are both members of one such group, which helped to lead our community in worship at our all-school convocation earlier this fall.
community The City School’s High School Choir, “Lux Urbi” (Light to the City), participated in the Choir Festival
“MUSIC IS ONE OF THE PRODUCTS OF CULTURE. . . WE WANT OUR STUDENTS TO SEE THE BEAUTY OF CULTURE BUT ALSO TO BE ABLE TO SENSE AND QUESTION THE DANGEROUS ASPECTS OF CULTURE AS WE STRIVE FOR THEM TO BE STRONG CHRISTIAN YOUNG WOMEN AND MEN FOR GOD’S KINGDOM.” Photo Credit: Abi Reimold
to create additional layers of notes,
every Friday in the kindergarten and
hosted by Bethany Christian School at
chord progressions, and a multitude
saw the dedication of the teachers
Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana.
of propulsive rhythmic patterns in an
and their love for the students. The
There were 16 choirs comprised of 500
improvisational language.
following year the music teacher
participants. We performed at Zion
resigned, and the leadership asked me
Mennonite Church in Archbold, Ohio
to consider interviewing for the Music
(the home church of Kent Beck, one of
Teacher and Choir Director positions.
our former teachers) and at True Vine
Twelve years later, I joyfully remain at
Tabernacle in Indiana before heading
The City School.
to the choir festival. Our choir was well
HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN ABOUT THE CITY SCHOOL, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BE A PART OF THIS MISSION?
I first learned of the City School over two decades ago. I attended kindergarten in the same building (Spruce Hill Campus) when the building bore the name of Pillar of Fire
LAST YEAR YOU TOOK YOUR CHOIR TO PERFORM AT THE MENNONITE CHOIR FESTIVAL. HOW WAS THAT EXPERIENCE?
Christian School. When my husband
For 17 years the Philadelphia
and I were looking for a school for our
Mennonite High School, under the
5-year-old daughter, the mission and
guidance and leadership of
received and they did a wonderful job singing individual selections as well as choral music in English, Latin, Russian, and Swahili with the mass choir. One inspiring story is about a young man named Eduardo, who as a senior was a member of the choir. During
21
the choir trip, Eduardo was sick. We
HOW DOES MUSIC HELP US
were quite worried about him. The
CONTINUE TO CONNECT WITH THE
music was challenging and he was
MENNONITE COMMUNITY?
pretty stressed out because he had worked very hard learning the music material and desired to do a great job. The afternoon of the final rehearsal, Eduardo came to me and said he did not have the energy or stamina to sing in the concert. Our hearts were saddened. Eduardo rested a while
We have a rich and beautiful foundation of sharing music with the Mennonite community. Over the many years, the choir has shared music in the Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, Indiana, Iowa, and Florida as well as Canada. In 2009, we hosted a Regional
“MUSIC IS ONE OF THE MOST CREATIVE WAYS WE CAN EXPRESS OUR FAITH, PRAISE AND GRATITUDE IN WORSHIP TO THE LORD.” Photo Credit: Abi Reimold
and I saved him a seat in the front
Choir Festival, which included a choir
row so he could still experience the
from Puerto Rico. A number of our
beautiful singing. When the mass
International Exchange Students also
choir began coming onto the stage,
participated in singing and traveled
I could not find Eduardo. I thought
with the choir. We are honored to have
he probably was in the holding room
been invited to host another Regional
resting. All of a sudden I looked in the
Festival in 2017. We will be looking for
tenor section and there was Eduardo
host churches and families. For many
walking on stage beaming at me. He
years, during the academic year, the
had arranged to stand at the end of his
choir has been invited to share music
row just in case he had to make a quick
in Sunday worship services at many
UP•CY•CLE
exit. Eduardo sang the entire concert.
Mennonite churches in Philadelphia
Later, I asked Eduardo why he
and surrounding areas. This time of
`əP , SĪKəL/
decided to sing, he replied, “I did not
sharing worship together has served
want to let my fellow choir members,
as a thank you to the churches that
school or you down. I knew God
have supported us in prayer and
would give me strength.” Eduardo was
with financial gifts as well as provided
the soul and heart of our concert tour.
opportunities for the students and
We returned to Philadelphia changed,
parishioners to learn more about each
renewed and as a deeper bonded
other.
choir. We also had to out run a tornado on our way to Ohio! In the midst of the dark storm clouds, we knew that God remained our Light and that He was with us. We made it through! 22
Above: Pilar helps guide Yi-En through the stitching on his pillow.
UPCYCLE:
VERB GERUND OR PRESENT PARTICIPLE: UPCYCLING TO REUSE DISCARDED OBJECTS OR MATERIAL IN SUCH A WAY AS TO CREATE
Ruth Naomi Floyd teaches music across The City School campuses. Her husband, Kenyatta is our Athletics Director, and her daughter Grace is a senior at our high school.
A PRODUCT OF A HIGHER QUALITY OR VALUE THAN THE ORIGINAL.
Every year our high school offers a new and diverse lineup of electives. These courses are designed by their teachers and usually draw from that teacher’s unique passions, hobbies, talents, and interests. This allows our students to explore various classes like film criticism, photography, weightlifting, food appreciation, self-defense, and local history. This year we are offering a new course called Sew Analytical.
in teaching science—looking for ways
the whole, how they fit together, and
to connect textbook information
how to measure each piece correctly.
with real-world applications like how
The result is that students learn not
to grow healthier plants or create
only about sewing, but about how
homemade cleaning solutions.
to approach real-world problems by
This year, she’s combining her love
deconstructing them and making a
“I am a very practical person,” says
students are challenged to think
science teacher Wendy McCarthy.
through how products are designed
“I believe in a practical education—
and to consider the steps necessary
students should learn how to think
to create a unique item. “Looking
strategically, plan carefully, and solve
at a handbag, for instance,” Wendy
problems with real-world application.”
says, “students need to figure out how
Ms. McCarthy abides by this principal
many individual components make up
for practical problem-solving with her
plan.”
passion for sewing in an elective she’s
So far this year students have sewn tote
calling Sew Analytical. In this course,
bags, stuffed animals, and hats, and they are working towards repurposing and upcycling more elaborate articles of clothing. “I really love teaching this class,” Wendy says, “I love when what we teach in the classroom has an immediate, tangible effect on the daily lives of our students.”
NOT YO UR STE REOT Y P I CA L C I T Y S C HO O L
When I found out that The City School would be my service site, I envisioned helping out at a school where the youth were rough, where the teachers were burnt out, and where everyone was just barely hanging on. That was my image of urban schools—an image formed by years of consuming media that paints that very dire picture to the rest of the country.
by Adam Bacher, Office Assistant
“I ENVISIONED HELPING OUT AT A SCHOOL WHERE THE YOUTH WERE ROUGH, WHERE THE TEACHERS WERE BURNT OUT, AND WHERE EVERYONE WAS JUST BARELY HANGING ON.”
Photo Credit: Abi Reimold
My first day came and I was ready for the long battle ahead. I arrived at the doors of the Walnut Street Campus, took a deep breath, and opened the door to find… a table of joyful, smiling middle school teachers. I was Above: Mrs. King teaches a seventh grade class about parts of speech.
I
CAME TO THE CITY SCHOOL AS AN INTERN .
Really, I thought my time at the school would be a smaller
part of a larger program I was in called Mission Year. The City School ended up challenging my stereotypes about urban education and being more formative to my year, and my life, than
24
They recruit young adults from around the world to live together in intentional community in chronically neglected neighborhoods in large cities around the United States. Over the course of a year they train those young adults to live in community together, to confront racial inequality and injustice, and most importantly
warmly welcomed to their morning staff meeting by Mrs. Hamel and her small-yet-mighty crew of teachers. The purpose of these morning meetings went beyond the typical sharing of information and scheduling. It was a time of prayer and keeping up with the joys and struggles we had in our own personal lives, as well as a time for coming up with solutions on how to better serve our students. It turns out that my image of urban schools needed
I ever thought it would be.
to be good neighbors. This happens
Mission Year is a program whose
into the lives of neighbors, and into
As the year progressed, I was not only
motto is, “Love God. Love People.
service sites where they serve forty
learning that The City School was
Nothing else matters.”
hours a week. That is where the City
different than that flawed image in
School came into my life.
my head, but I was also discovering
through plugging into local churches,
some serious work.
the million beautiful little things that makes it so different. I spent my days at the front desk talking with kids who were genuinely excited about being a part of our school. We have cultivated an atmosphere here that encourages students to express themselves freely without fear of judgment, and I loved joking around with students, listening to them freestyle, and watching them breakdance. I spent time between classes helping them with math homework and editing their rough drafts. Occasionally I would see a student get in trouble, but in the face of conflict, grace always won out—by the end of the day the student and teacher would be praying together and mutually pursuing a renewed relationship. I learned that our students are curious, inquisitive, and bright. By the end of the year, my view of the city, and of urban education in particular, had been redeemed. I had a richer, more robust vision of both the beauty and brokenness that our students experience. I knew God was working here, and I wanted to stay. As my time with Mission Year was coming to a close, The City School was looking to hire an Office Assistant, doing for the Spruce Hill Campus essentially what
MERIAM WRIGHT-NESBITT CCA CLASS OF 1990, EASTERN UNIVERSITY CLASS OF 1995
I had done for the past year at Walnut Street. By God’s grace
Miriam came to The City School as a freshman after
and the kind recommendations of my middle school co-
spending her early childhood in Philadelphia’s public
workers, I got the job. While I am sad to be parted from my
schools. “One thing that become immediately clear to
Mission Year team, I feel I have been welcomed as a part of
me,” she says, “is that there were substantial gaps in my
The City School family.
learning—blind spots in my ability to read closely, write compellingly, and perform higher-level math.” For Miriam, this revelation was a pivotal moment in the
“I WAS NOT ONLY LEARNING THAT
course of her life. “I remember so vividly sitting in Mrs.
THE CITY SCHOOL WAS DIFFERENT
Boice’s English class, thinking about my own
THAN THAT FLAWED IMAGE IN MY
educational journey and how grateful I was for The City School. I knew at that moment I wanted to make
HEAD, BUT I WAS ALSO DISCOVERING
excellent education accessible for students like me who
THE MILLION BEAUTIFUL LITTLE
were victims of a substandard educational system.”
THINGS THAT MAKES IT SO
After graduating in 1990, Miriam attended Eastern
DIFFERENT.”
University, where she studied elementary education with a Christian emphasis. She graduated in 1995 and began to pursue a career as a teacher. “I knew teaching
The City School has redeemed my vision of education in the city. There is still a lot of brokenness to confront in Philadelphia’s educational system, but through The City School I’ve learned there’s beauty, hope, and joy in city schools.
was my way to give back to the community—to invest in young hearts and minds the same way my teachers at The City School invested in me.” Miriam now teaches middle school science and social studies at Hunting Park Christian Academy. Her own
The City School and Mission Year have been partners in ministry for the last five years. We share the common vision of a city transformed by the love and light of Jesus, and it is a joy to pursue this mission together. This year Mission Year is providing us with two more interns. Cheyanne will be taking over Adam’s previous role as an assistant to the Walnut Street Campus.
son has found an excellent education there, and Miriam is joyful to be part of a thriving community of teachers and learners. “The work I do now,” Miriam says, “is the direct result of my City School education.”
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MA RAN ATH A
A PA R T NE R SHIP B E T W E E N TENTH CHURCH & THE CI TY SCHOO L by Dora Phan, Director of Youth Ministry at Tenth Presbyterian Church
I
STILL REMEMBER THAT MARCH SUNDAY AFTERNOON WHEN TACHARI FIRST WALKED
INTO MY OFFICE. Fourteen years Photo Credit: Grace Kiehlmeier
old and bright beyond her years, she was full of questions. We talked through challenging things like grace and forgiveness, the consequences of following Jesus, and what it really means to be reconciled to God. As we spoke, I saw in her eyes that Tachari was beginning to believe. I asked if she would like to invite Jesus into her heart, and she asked if I would pray with her as she did. We prayed
Above: City School students Tachari and Sophie on a mission trip to Buffalo, NY.
and the blood of our Savior fully and finally washed away the stain of sin
Tachari has grown into a wise young
Every year the partnership between
that haunted my young friend. She
woman whose bold life of faith is
Maranatha and The City School
was made new. We immediately left my
inspiring to campers, counselors, and
grows deeper as students from both
office, walked to a local bookstore, and
her friends and peers at The City
ministries become friends and begin
bought Tachari her first Bible.
School. I believe her transformation
to pursue Jesus’ peace together in
is a testament to the beautiful synergy
unity. Maranatha teens sometimes
between The City School and Tenth
become City School students, and
Church.
City School students often begin to
That was two and a half years ago. Since then, Tachari has enrolled at The City School and has been
attend Maranatha with friends they
faithfully attending Maranatha, Tenth Presbyterian Church’s youth ministry. This summer she served as a counselor
“I WAS AMAZED AT
with our summer camp, a partnership
HER ABILITY TO SPEAK
between Tenth and The City School, held every year at the Spruce Hill
GOSPEL GRACE INTO
Campus. One of the highlights of my
SUCH A CHALLENGING
summer was when a counselor came
SITUATION AND TO
bursting into my office to share that
counselors. As their lives become intertwined, so do our ministries, and God’s kingdom advances here in Philadelphia in ways neither of us could have dreamed individually. The partnership between Tenth and The City School is especially vibrant
Tachari’s brother, after months of
COMMUNICATE JESUS’
questioning and struggling through
REDEEMING LOVE IN
of the faithful leadership of Adriana
A WAY THAT REALLY
Melendez. Adriana teaches Spanish
issues of faith, decided to give his heart to Jesus. We ran to find Tachari. She was overcome with joy at the news and prayed through tears with her brother as he gave into the love of his Creator.
26
made at camp. Many of them become
CONNECTS.”
at Maranatha summer camp because
and first grade at The City School, is a member of Tenth and a year-round mentor with Maranatha, and serves
as Assistant Director of our summer camp. She is known by students, campers, counselors, and their families as a woman devoted to sharing Jesus’ love and grace through everything she does. I will never forget sitting in the office one day when one of our counselors
S .T. E . A . M . S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Integrating the arts and sciences fuels students’ natural curiosity and cultivates their God-given desires to explore, create, and learn. S.T.E.A.M. education prepares our students to become tomorrow’s pioneers in the fields of science technology, and creative expression.
marched in a group of campers
Here’s a look at our first Fairmount
hopelessly getting into trouble. I
S.T.E.A.M. Team 2015 art project.
quickly found some busywork to do
Kindergarten and first grade
in the far corner, but Adriana boldly
students observed the works of
approached the conflict. Listening
Jackson Pollock. To understand
from afar, I was amazed at her
the WHY of ABSTRACT art they
ability to speak Gospel grace into
recreated their own works of art
such a challenging situation and to
using a marble and tempera paint.
communicate Jesus’ redeeming love in a way that really connects with wayward kids. I actually cried as she spoke—I was so moved by the power of her words. This year more than any other, we have seen a growth in the relationship between Maranatha and the school.
The answer, “Because it’s fun!” Next we created a TEAM painting using a large black canvas and fluorescent paint. Mrs. Sanchez joined in the fun too. When it was all finished Mrs. Gregory pulled away some of the paint to reveal a secret message, “LUX URBI” Light to the City.
My hope is that the school is blessed by the summer camp. It requires much on the part of the school staff and faculty, much on the part of the teens and leaders of Maranatha, but I can say confidently that Maranatha has become a better place because of its interaction with The City School community! I am so thankful to be a part of the school in this very small way. What a wonderful community where I can be confident that Tachari, along with any Maranatha student or camper who attends or interacts with the school, will be loved, prayed for, ministered to, and cared for by teachers and parents, staff and peers. I am happy that we are not only partners for two weeks, but all year around.
Our Spruce Hill and Fairmount S.T.E.A.M classes have been busy. Our Fairmount first graders used construction paper and decorated paper plates to learn about fins and scales by building a 3-D model of a fish. At Spruce Hill our third, fourth, and fifth graders looked at the work of contemporary mixed media artists Jackie Tileston, Julie Mehretu, Joanne Greenbaum, and Arturo Herrera. Then they made watercolor paintings for a background. The next class, they started collaging paper on top of their backgrounds. The last step was drawing into the collages with marker, colored pencil, or even crayon. They talked with Mrs. Santos about color contrast, size, and texture and learned a lot about making a composition and dealing with negative space. While studying government in social studies, second grade explored these concepts in the block area. First they built structures with the blocks such as governmental buildings or offices. Then they utilized some dress up to make their characters (the mayor, governor, or president) come to life.
FOL LOW I N G G O D’ S CA L L A L E T T E R F ROM DR . BA R BA RA MOSES
DEAR CITY SCHOOL FAMILY, Dr. Moses grew up in West
LAST YEAR IT BECAME CLEAR TO US AT BOTH PHILADELPHIA MENNONITE
Philadelphia. She is a graduate
HIGH SCHOOL (PMHS) AND THE CITY SCHOOL that we could honor God and serve
and retired teacher and
his people better together than we ever did apart. For the past year I have been blessed
administrator of the School
to be a part of this newly merged and growing school, serving as our Community
District of Philadelphia. Her
Outreach Liaison and Senior Advisor to the Administration. But just as God called me to
commitment to and passion
this ministry 17 years ago to act in the capacity of founding principal of PMHS, he has
for education spans a lifetime
placed another amazing opportunity in front of me.
commitment to loving and building the minds of children of all ages. Dr. Moses’ leadership, passion, and faith have been an encouragement to all of us, and she has been instrumental in integrating PMHS into The City School community and continuing to honor PMHS’ unique heritage
AS OF LAST WEEK, I HAVE ACCEPTED THE POSITION OF INTERIM ACADEMIC DEAN AT GIRARD COLLEGE. Although I will no longer be at The City School in a
formal capacity, I will continue to donate my time and talents to cultivating the growth of the school community. I am committed to the senior leadership team of the school and to ensuring that children of all backgrounds across Philadelphia are able to access an excellent Jesus-honoring education. I will also continue to stay connected with the Mennonite community as I am able, particularly as I chair the committee to host the 2017 Mennonite Schools Council Regional Choir Festival in Philadelphia and cofacilitate the Mennonite Educators Conference with Bert Lobe in February 2016.
as we pursue God’s peace as a
TODAY I AM HOPEFUL AND CONFIDENT THAT GOD’S WILL FOR PMHS IS BEING
unified school. While we are sad
LIVED OUT THROUGH THE CITY SCHOOL. I have full trust in God’s love for our
to see her step down, we trust
mission and in the leadership of our school. As I follow God’s call to a new frontier, I
God has great plans for her
find joy in knowing that I leave the PMHS legacy in good hands.
and we are excited to see her talents put to good use serving
Blessings,
Girard College.
Dr. Barbara Moses
28
ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015
AT A G L A N C E : OUR STUDENT BODY:
129
OTHER ASIAN HISPANIC
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
+
AFRICAN AMERICAN
54% 46%
170
FEMALE
K THROUGH 8 STUDENTS
CAUCASIAN
MALE
OUR HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMED:
= 299 TOTAL CITY SCHOOL STUDENTS
8
EMPLOYMENT FAST FACTS:
57
TOTAL STAFF & FACULTY
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
37
OF THOSE WERE TEACHERS
17
CURTIS INSTITUTE OF MUSIC PART-TIME STUDENTS
60%
OF OUR HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS HELD MASTERS DEGREES
6
STAFF MEMBERS WERE INTERNALLY PROMOTED INTO NEW POSITIONS
PREPARING OUR STUDENTS FOR COLLEGE:
2,500
HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE
90
COLLEGE VI SITS
250+
TRANSCRIPTS SIGNED, STAMPED, SEALED, & MAILED
~65
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE LETTERS
HARD WORK TO ACHIEVE
100%
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATE
2
FULL-TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS & THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN MERIT & NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID
F I N A N C I A L I M PAC T :
50%
O F O U R S T U D E N T B O DY Q UA L I F I E S FOR FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH
75%
RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
$1,024,261
T O TA L S T U D E N T D I S C O U N T S & A I D G I V E N O U T I N F Y 1 5
$5,428 O P E R AT I N G I N C O M E :
AV E R A G E T U I T I O N P A I D PER STUDENT
O P E R AT I N G E X P E N S E S :
OTHER INCOME
GENERAL
TOTAL FUNDRAISING
OFFICE FACILITIES
NET TUITION
EDUCATION COMPENSATION
NET TUITION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,403,237
GENERAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $316,666
TOTAL FUNDRAISING. . . . . . . . . $1,899,314
OFFICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$150,172
OTHER INCOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$282,983
FACILITIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $227,793
TOTAL REVENUE. . . . . . . . . . .
COMPENSATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,344,165
EDUCATION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$206,598 $3,585,534
TOTAL EXPENSES. . . . . . . . . . . .$3,245,394
$4 MILLION
T O TA L E X P E N S E S T O TA L I N C O M E
$1 MILLION $0
EXPENSES
$2 MILLION
INCOME
$3 MILLION
=
A Growing School
T O TA L F U N D R A I S I N G :
ANNUAL FUND BREAKDOWN:
ENDOWMENT
UNDESIGNATED
ANNUAL
DESIGNATED - OTHER
STRATEGIC
DESIGNATED-SCHOLARSHIP
OTHER CAPITAL
TAX CREDIT DONATIONS* *5% FEE WAS TAKEN OUT OF TOTAL DONATIONS
FAIRMOUNT CAPITAL
ENDOWMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $600
UNDESIGNATED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $788,297
ANNUAL FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,298,691
DESIGNATED - OTHER . . . . . . . .
STRATEGIC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$390,000
DESIGNATED - SCHOLARSHIP. . . . $74,698
FAIRMOUNT CAPITAL. . . . . . . . . . $181,043
TAX CREDIT DONATIONS . . . . . . . $310,373
$125,323
OTHER CAPITAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,980 TOTAL RAISED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,298,691 TOTAL RAISED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,899,314
>700
GENEROUS DONORS CONTRIBUTED TO OUR FUNDRAISING GOALS
CAMPUS & SCHOOL-WIDE HIGHLIGHTS: S T R A T E G I C P L A N : The City School received a $93,000 strategic planning grant from the Philadelphia School Partnership during the 2014-2015 school year. Over the past nine months, the leadership of the school has been working with Bloom Planning, an educational consulting firm, to produce a very detailed and well-researched plan for the school’s growth over the next five years. We have aptly entitled this plan “Deep & Wide” because of the intent to grow deeper by developing our staff and our infrastructure to better serve our students while also sustainably growing wider to serve more students in Philadelphia.
SPRUCE HILL CAMPUS (KINDERGARTEN TO 5 T H G R A D E ) : The City School effectively piloted an Academic Support Program at the Spruce Hill Campus. We hired FA I R M O U N T C A M P U S ( P R E - K T O 1 S T
an Academic Support Coordinator to pilot this program utilizing
G R A D E ) : The City School raised over $700,000 in gifts and
the Response to Intervention model with our K-5 students. The
pledges to help renovate and open the Fairmount Campus in the
Academic Support Program will continue to assist teachers in
fall of 2015. More funds are still needed, but we are well on our
accurately assessing their students’ educational and behavioral
way. The Fairmount campus was formerly the Philadelphia
needs, and it will empower teachers to meet the various needs of
Mennonite High School building. Although this building was in
their students. The program provides teachers with the tools and
good condition, it needed some upgrades as well as resources to
strategies to not only positively impact individual student
transition from a high school to an elementary school facility.
achievement but also enhance the overall learning environment.
Initial enrollment was projected at 30 students, and we opened
The coordinator also provided one-on-one support to students to
our doors with 40 students.
target specific learning challenges.
WA L N U T S T R E E T C A M P U S ( 6 T H T O 8 T H G R A D E ) : Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams visited the middle school this year to talk to the students about cyberbullying. His office then awarded six middle school students who were recognized for being Champions of Change and working to put an end to bullying. The students and their families were invited to a special award ceremony and reception at the District Attorney’s office. The middle school basketball team, coached by Iola Broaddus, won their sixth title at the Philadelphia Area Christian Schools Athletic Conference Basketball Championship. The City School ensures that our students get exposure to college starting in middle school. Thus, the middle school students took a tour of Drexel University this past year where they had a chance to learn about the university, ask questions and even participate
RITTENHOUSE CAMPUS (9TH TO 12TH
hands-on with projects being developed by college students in the
G R A D E ) : This year The City School unveiled a new Student
Robotic Center.
Council program that allows our high school students to explore leadership responsibilities relating to their unique interests and
Eighth graders had the privilege of being involved in an
talents. Kyle Delhagen (High School English teacher) and Katelin
innovative program offered by the University City Science Center.
Jankowski (High School Guidance Counselor) were inspired to
The students were introduced to an array of information
create more opportunities for our students to take responsibility
regarding science and careers in science. They had a chance to
the Spiritual Life, Advancement, Senior, Life & Culture,
learning about their own DNA, working with science center staff
Academic, Lux Urbi (service) and Arts & Athletics Councils.
to design a prototype and then presenting to the other
These councils empower students to take more initiative of their
participants and creating a bioplastic product and marketing plan
own school life and to use their gifts to get involved in the world
for that product.
around them. Also in the fall, the high school formed their first ever girl’s volleyball team, coached by Ben Moore (Dean of Students). Nine juniors and two sophomores traveled to the Dominican Republic in May 2015 for leadership training and service as part of their roles as “Prefects” at The City School (TCS). During their time in the Dominican Republic they participated in “Justice Week” at the Santiago Christian School (SCS). Part of their time was spent learning about social justice from international Christian leaders. The other part of the time included being on service teams, each having a few students from each school. Students had the opportunity to learn first hand about the challenges in education for those in poverty in the Dominican Republic. Students served by painting a school and leading a bible school program geared toward children.
A C C R E D I TAT I O N S & A F F I L I AT I O N S F U L LY A C C R E D I T E D B Y :
Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools (MSA)
Mid-Atlantic Christian School Association (MACSA)
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Mennonite Education Agency (MEA) MEMBERSHIPS:
Philadelphia Area Christian Schools (PACS) Schools That Can (STC) Conference Related Ministry of Mennonite Church USA (four regional conferences): Franconia, Atlantic Coast, Eastern District and Lancaster Mennonite Conferences.
Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce (GPCC) Kingdom Chamber of Commerce (KCC) Icons used in Annual Report: Designed by Freepik
Photo Credit: Abi Reimold
for the life of their school. They created seven councils, including
participate in various science projects including viewing and
PLANNING FOR YOUR FUTURE? RETIRING SOON? RETIRED NOW?
WAYS TO GIVE ANNUAL FUND The Annual Fund is the most significant fundraising priority for The City School. As a school committed to excellence and accessibility, our Annual Fund supports significant scholarships to students in need. This fund also provides money to support teachers, classroom materials, and the general operation of the school. MATCHING GIFTS If your employer participates in a matching gift program, your contributions can be doubled. Send your donation to The City School with your company’s matching gift form to initiate the matching gift process. TAX CREDITS (EITC & OSTC) Eligible businesses that pay taxes in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania can provide scholarship support to students in need. Contributing businesses can receive up to a 90% tax credit in return. STOCK GIFTS We welcome gifts of appreciated securities. You may take a charitable deduction for the full value of the stock and avoid capital gains tax. ENDOWMENT
There are many ways to invest in the future of The City School while making a good investment choice for you and your family! GOOD NEWS!
Make a Legacy Gift Today! How can a Legacy Gift benefit you and The City School? PROVIDE
student scholarships
PROVIDE
long-term, sustainable income to The City School
PROVIDE
income for you and your family during your lifetime
PROVIDE
tax benefits for you and your family
For more information about leaving a Legacy Gift contact the Development Office at 215.769.5363.
Gifts to the Endowment Fund provide a permanent source of funds, enabling us to provide scholarships to deserving student for years to come. LEGACY GIFTS (PLANNED GIFTS) Legacy Gifts are designed to provide donors with tax benefits, income benefits during your life, and provide a legacy through your will, while also providing for the future of The City School. GIFTS IN KIND The City School welcomes gifts of books (learn more about our library project at www.cityschool.org/library), supplies, and equipment. We will send you a tax deduction letter for these types of gifts. GIVE ONLINE AT CITYSCHOOL.ORG/GIVE OR THROUGH THE MAIL USING THE GIVING ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
860 N. 24TH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19130, 215.769.5363 FAIRMOUNT, ELEMENTARY CAMPUS
M A R K YO U R CA L E N DA R
SPREAD THE WORD 2015–2016 UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES
We have a full schedule of opportunities for families to find out about what an education at The City School offers their child. Help us out by passing the dates along to others in your network of friends and acquaintances.
N O V. 2 0
PARTNERS’ BREAKFAST
FAIRMOUNT (PRE-K TO 2ND)
SPRUCE HILL (K TO 5TH)
November 17 9:30 AM January 20 9:30 AM February 16 9:30 AM
November 19 9:30 AM JanuaryTH)21 9:30 AM February 18 9:30 AM
860 N. 24TH STREET
DEC. 18
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
WALNUT STREET (6TH TO 8TH)
M A Y. 2 0
SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL
JUNE 11 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
4115 BALTIMORE AVENUE
RITTENHOUSE (9TH TO 12TH)
4501 WALNUT STREET
315 S. 17TH STREET
November 18 6:00 PM January 13 9:30 AM February 17 9:30 AM
. 12 5:15 PM November January 12 5:15 PM February 11 5:15 PM
Contact Admissions to RSVP or to schedule an individual appointment at 215.805.4129 or admissions@cityschool.org