'A brand new day'
by Benjamin Herold on Sep 01 2010 Posted in Latest news
Principal Brian McLaughlin greets students as they enter Smedley, now managed by Mastery Charter.
Seeking to get a jump on their ambitious change agendas, two of the District’s new Renaissance charter operators opened their doors early this week.
By 8:30 in the morning on September 1, all of the fourth and fifth graders at the new Mastery Charter Smedley Elementary School in Frankford were assembled in the sweltering cafeteria for a combination PowerPoint presentation and pep rally.
“On the screen, you see a big eraser,” preached Brian McLaughlin, Smedley’s energetic new principal who, at 27, is just a few years removed from a stint as a Teach for America corps members at Stetson Middle School.
“I want you to think of all the things from last year that may not have been things you liked,” said McLaughlin. “We’re going to erase those right now.” 
Mastery opened Smedley, Mann, and Harrity Elementary schools on September 1, and Young Scholars Charter School opened Douglass Elementary on August 31. For both, the focus of the weeklong head start is establishing a new school culture and new expectations.
“It’s really working on procedures and routines,” explained Lars Beck, CEO of Young Scholars. “We mix in assessments to get a good handle on where students are academically. But we really try hard from day one to reframe expectations.”
Wiping the slate clean at some of the District’s most troubled schools will be no easy task, however.
At Smedley, for example, fewer than 30 percent of students were proficient in math last year, and fewer than 20 percent were proficient in reading. An independent review found the school to suffer from “a lack of clear leadership” and concluded that “instruction is not occurring in most classrooms.” Parents complained about the lack of safety for their children and an unwelcoming atmosphere for themselves.
“My son had ADHD and autism, but [the school] didn’t address his problems at all [last year],” said Desiree Murphy, 24. “He pretty much failed everything and was below basic the entire year, but they passed him to the second grade because he only missed three days.”
On the first day, some of the changes that Murphy and other parents say they wanted were evident.
Outside the school, nearly a dozen staff members, including McLaughlin, greeted students and parents – and checked to make sure students were in full uniform, with their shirts completely tucked in.
Inside the building, fresh paint, new windows, and new furniture - and an entirely new staff – awaited the children.
But for longtime Frankford residents like Gwendolyn Pickens, 42 and the mother of three Smedley students, such changes are only a first step.
“The building looks a little different, and the staff look pleasant and professional,” said Pickens. “But I want my children to be able to sit and learn without being disturbed. I’ll have to wait til the year goes on some to really get a good impression of it.”
Comments (28)
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 05:50.
I hope this change works out for Smedley. I worked there 10 years ago and it was not an easy school to work in. The children were totally out of control and it became impossible to teach much of anything because of the constant distruption and chaos caused by the children. I wish Mastery luck because they are going to need it.
Submitted by Erika Owens on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 09:53.
I'm curious about that enrollment banner. "Now enrolling students" like they weren't already enrolled? I wonder if that language could be confusing to parents and make them think they couldn't send their kids to their neighborhood school. Maybe I'm just getting hung up on the wording and it's totally normal, but it just seemed a little odd.
Submitted by anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 13:43.
You're getting hung up on the wording, I think. It's basically the equivalent of "Now Open for Business!" in my mind. I don't think parents will get that confused.
Submitted by Erika Owens on Thu, 09/02/2010 - 14:16.
That makes sense. Also, today's story in the Inquirer notes that Mastery's Renaissance Schools are enrolling 420 more students than attended the schools last year. So I guess people are not confused and/or Mastery really did a good job with the community outreach.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/05/2010 - 23:46.
As part of the turnaround process, students and families had to re-enroll in their neighborhood school b/c the school district wouldn't allow Mastery and the other charters access to student files. In addition, most of the files that the school district did have were outdated, incorrect or missing altogether. So, yes, parents did have to physically come and fill out all new paperwork for their children, but any student from the neighborhood was accepted. Here is an article that clarifies some of the confusion: http://thenotebook.org/blog/102808/wait-lists-neighborhood-students-3-ma...
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/08/2010 - 08:18.
I worked at Smedley for the last 4 years and I think that it is terrible the way the teachers are being put down. We did the best we could with the situation. Most parents were not cooperative and the kids were completely out of control. The files were made available for the new Mastery staff and just needed to be photocopied in front of a school district representative but Mastery never did it. The files were in order and we were very free with the information we provided when asked. I hope the school does well for the sake of the children. Every teacher that entered and left Smedley LOVED the children and they deserve to have teachers that do care about their home life situation and the fact that they have to grow up way before their time. However, the only way for that school to succeed is to have the parents more involved!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/08/2010 - 10:54.
Please don't feel bad, because let the district tell it douglass teachers was the worst. My kids had excellent teachers, and they learned a lot last year.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/08/2010 - 10:51.
How could Lars Beck say anything is working out at Young Scholars FD? To start, it is too early to tell.. If they feel like they doing so much better, then I would love for him to explain to me why did a student in foster care get beat up by another student on school ground? Where was the staff, and what actions were taken? Did the student get suspended, or at least sent home like the other 50 students yesterday? Now children saying the fight will be posted on YouTube, but wait this is a no tolerance school. Did I mention that the parent is pressing charges, and the Department of Human Services will most likely step in? Why do k thru 2nd bring home their lunch in a bag, and the other kids don't eat lunch at all every friday? Why do kindergarten bring home color papers, and not real homework? Why did the principal say sarcastically to a parent " you don't like it, take your child out? Now the parents feel sone type of way and is ready to stand up.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/08/2010 - 11:04.
HMM interesting! Of course parents are going to start realizing the "joys" of having your child at a Charter school...those teachers and administrators do not have to tolerate anything...they will put your child out if they do not do what is expected. Us former Smedley teachers actually cared and tried our best to make every child succeed we just lacked the resources and help from some parents. The teachers at Mastery are focused on making everyone see results with the students testing so that they get their annual bonus. I am sure most parents do not realize that the teachers make more money if the children are performing. What does this mean to me? I think the kids who are low performing (which is usually the behavior challenges) will be kicked out and other students will be taught to the test. Of course the school will be better once the challenges are removed! I just hope that everyone, parents and teachers, do what is best for the students and will love them as much as we all did and still do. I spoke to many former colleges yesterday that drove by Smedley to hopefully get a peek at a former student..if thats not dedication I don't know what is!
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/08/2010 - 16:38.
That's the thing, these renaissance charters don't love these kids. Parents so stupid. They think because it's a charter school, it's going automatically do better. Dr. Ackerman boosted her name by getting rid of the low performance schools. I blame it all on those lazy parents, and the administration down at the school district.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/24/2010 - 13:25.
Please don't assume that because the school has new teachers that they don't care for the kids as much as you did. As a teacher at one of the new Mastery Schools I can guarantee you that money has never been an incentive for me. I don't think any teacher goes into this profession because it's a lucrative job opportunity - we go into it because we believe we can make a difference in every child's life. I've been with my students now for 2 months and I LOVE every single one of them. There are some students who will need A LOT of work to be ready to move to their next grade-level at the end of the year. But that's why I took this job - because I believe every single one of them CAN do it.
Let's get something straight - charter schools are not the enemy. And charter schools are certainly not the magic pill to education reform. Smedley Elementary has more resources and funding this year with Mastery than it did as a public school. This is where the the public education system needs to look at schools that are working and making successful gains to see how it can be mirrored in public schools. I can happen - but teachers attacking other teachers or accusing one group to love their students more than another is certainly not the way.
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/24/2010 - 15:01.
And why is that? Why should a charter school be given anything more than what the public schools were expected to operate with when they had it? If Ackerman truly wanted to help all the children (heck, even those Asian kids) then why hasn't she seen to it that the public schools get as much as the charters. We work in buildings that haven't been painted in decades, dwindling services, repairs that are ignored for years, and cleaning staffs that are cut back more and more. The deliberate withholding of materials and services to Philly's public schools is proof of Ackerman and the SRC are out to sabotage of our public schools. And they give this monster an award for being top urban administrator!?!? The only thing Arlene has ever been good at is self-promotion.
Submitted by A Proud Mother (not verified) on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 16:46.
The public think Arlene doing so good. She don't care if our children learn or not because she still get paid. I apoplogize. She get paid and rewarded. She is living large while our children is learning small. Sure if you feel the parents are the blame, we sure are. We should fault ourselves for allowing these city and state politicians to dictate our childrens future. Everybody knows just like the politicians the school district is full of corruption too. Only way our children will get a good education is if we as parents take a stand. We need to be mindful of who we vote for.
Submitted by jabrieka bagby (not verified) on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 14:22.
Frederick douglass is suppose to b a no tolerance school. A foster care child was punched in the face three times after school, then my 6 yr old son was getting attacked in the school yard by another student while the teachers were present on thursday sept.9th, 2010. On friday my son was punched in the stomach while in class then when he hit the child back he got in trouble. That afternoon while my son was going to another class he was stabbed in the back with a pencil mind you the teacher seen this & told the dean of students. When talked to the dean of students she didnt know anything about this but the child will get a phone call home. While im talkn about my childs day the principal looked at me & went inside the buildind & never even asked what was wrong & how to fix it. They suspend kids for the wrong reason that child could of stabbed my son in a major artery & harmed him for life but the only thing he get is a phone call home. Another thing is I respect everyones sexuality but why should these children have to be around openly gay men especially the boys, let alone that the parents are not allowed in the building so we the parents really dont know whats going on. Im ready to transfer my son out of young scholars frederick douglass because they really dont care about these children & too much is happening in the first month of school already.
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 09/10/2010 - 14:39.
Frederick Douglass school last year had some good teachers, some just didnt care but the school district failed our children because everything them children were learning came from 440 now that the teachers are gone they gave us teachers that were not certified, openly Gay men, & alot of people who just care about money. I think all parents from all schools should come together & do a cilvil lawsuit against the school district & dr. ackerman. These parents are ready & willing to stand up for these children & its about to happen. Its a shame that mrs. bagget had to eve she was a principal that meant no tolerance when something happened to any child she dealt with it right then & there she stood up the way a principal should have. Im actually glad that the school district sent her she was the next best thing. Now the principal they have now (ms. pela) she very rude, how could you tell a parent "if you dont like whats going on take your kids & leave", so unprofessional. Then they have no one crossing them children to & from school, they have cars parked in the end of the school yard which is a safety hazzard. Something needs to be done
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/16/2010 - 17:17.
ITS SAD TO SAY YPUNG SCHOLARS FREDERICK DOUGLASS IS NOT GOING TO WORK. THE STAFF IN THE BUILDING DO NOT EVEN CALL PARENTS WHEN THEY CHILD HAVE AN DETENTION. I WENT LOOKING FOR MY CHILD & THEY DIDNT KNOW WHERE HE WAS, I ASKED IN THE FRONT OFFICE & THEY TOLD ME I HAVE TO WAIT TIL AFTER SCHOOL IS OVER TO FIND HIM. FINALLY WHEN MY SON COMES OUT HE IS WITH AN OPENLY GAY MAN HOLDING HIS HAND, I DONT WANT THEM MEN WORKING AROUND MY CHILD, TOUCHING MY CHILD. MY NEPHEW HAD AN DETENTION WITH AN MAN COME TO FIND OUT ITS WITH ANOTHER GY MAN AT THE SAME SCHOOL, BUT THAT TEACHER DIDNT EVEN NOTIFY THE CHILDREN ABOUT HIM STAYING AFTERSCHOOL. IM READY TO TRANSFR MY CHILD OUT & SO ARE ALOT OF THE OTHER PARENTS.
Submitted by Erika Owens on Fri, 09/17/2010 - 00:18.
Thanks for your first person account of what's going on at Douglass. In regard to the gay staff members--no teacher is allowed to inappropriately touch a child; it doesn't matter if the teacher is gay or straight. Your child is just as safe around a gay staff member as a straight one (if not moreso given statistics that show most child molestors are straight).
Submitted by A watchful eye (not verified) on Thu, 09/23/2010 - 12:49.
WOW!!!, Its seems that parents are majoring in the minor.
Do you understand why FD was revamped and reconstructed? Have you seen the failing test scores???...Or the high Violence rate in the past years? Yes, schools do have fights, but they are trying to control every situation to the best of their ability. But it Is hard to do so, when the parents are combative, completely and utterly disrespectful and are not supportive of the choice that had been made by the school’s leaders. I have seen it with my very own eye. And I know it is some of the very same parents that are on here complaining, but you have yet to come up with a positive solution, to suggest to the school’s staff. Change does not happen over night, and everyone should know that. FD had a terrible reputation. And everything that you hear and read isn’t always tree. Its funny to me, to hear that parent are “unhappy, and that they want to take their child out”.. but the hundreds of time that I have been at the school, I have yet to see a parent ask for a transfer…. Go figure. AS far as for the Kindergarten’s homework, if you read in the hand book, it stated that the first 2 to 3 weeks would be culture conduct (meaning the students are learning and being taught how to be a ‘Young Scholar’ so the homework was minimal.
Trying to contact parents is almost impossible, when parents do not return forms, or give correct phone numbers, so that they can be contacted. Now how is to blame for that???. Parents need to take responsibility as well. And all that I’m saying I have seen on a number of occasions
Oh and the comment about the two “openly gay” gentlemen that work there, what does their sexually preference have to do with anything??? Would you prefer that they were” closeted gay men”? I know every staff member has taking and passed with flying colors their FBI, child abuse clearances, or they would not be working there.
It seem that parents reason for “complaining “ about how the school is now being ran, are a little ridiculous.
Teachers, staff, and administrators are trying to give your children the best education possible, but without the full support of parents and the community, it makes all that they are trying to do in vain.
Please look at the bigger picture here people. And start holding your selves accountable as well.
Submitted by A Proud Mother (not verified) on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 13:47.
Well my children attended FD for years. I have to say, all my children were and still is doing excellent. My daughter ended last school year on principals honor, student of the year, as well as perfect attendance for the year. Please do not say how it failed. I graduated from FD an honor student, graduated from high school, and now I attend LaSalle University. Grade school is where you the learn your essentials in education. There is nothing wrong with change, but my kids education is not an experiment. The school us unorganized. Other than songs about college, could anyone tell me what these children are learning? I am a parent who cares about my children education. If I want them in boit camp where they getting treated like criminals instead of students, then I woulf send them to boot camp. Before my children spiral down, I am pulling them out. My sob as well ended last school year on honor roll and passed his PSSA tests. I say it again and again, my children learned from the teachers at FD. Sad to say, but the new staff thought they were getting all dumb kids. We proved them wrong!!! Maybe you haven't been at YSFD, but the cops sure have just about everyday. Wait, but not when that student brought that gun to school and waved it in the hallway.
Submitted by a former FD teacher (not verified) on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 15:39.
Dear Proud FD Mother, It is sad to read your report on what is happening at Frederick Douglass now that Young Scholars Charter is in charge. You should know that the Douglass teachers did NOT want to be sent away from Douglass and that they miss the children and families at 22nd and Norris -- the "good" students who were achieving academically even when the School District kept sending us new principals and kept changing the reading, math, science and social studies curriculum. -- and the struggling students who needed more stability than the School District could offer. It is true that Young Scholars wanted to hire back a few of the teachers who were sent away (even Young Scholars people realized that Douglass had excellent teachers!) but they couldn't offer a secure job. Young Scholars reserved the right to fire any teacher who didn't fit in with their way of doing things. Teachers felt they needed the protection of a union so they can do and say what they think is right, even if it isn't what the school administrators want to hear.
Submitted by A Proud Mother (not verified) on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 16:40.
I love my children and value their education. I will fight as hard a I have to to get my children the education they deserve.
Submitted by A Proud Mother (not verified) on Mon, 10/25/2010 - 16:36.
Young Scholars doing so good, they didn't even unpack the student pockets. Mr Caredan said "students were placed in grades that the parent said they were in". As far as transfers, I went directly to the people in charge, the School District of Philadelphia. I know everything will go through.
Submitted by Fed Up (not verified) on Fri, 06/03/2011 - 01:18.
The Principal of Young Scholars Fredrick Douglas Is not trust worthy and unprofessional, she rather defend staff for being dishonest about classroom activities, Then create a safe supportive learning environment for our children. I am there frequently because I can't trust a place who have so many secrets behind those metal doors. They also locked the doors of the building during a half day for their program,but shares the building with public pre-K who have three classrooms full of preschoolers inside, how safe is that? I don't want to transfer my kids I want the business people out and the compassionate Teachers in. I am sure YSFD can find much better leaders for our school, and for our children! I am my child's voice, and if more parents don't go over the visible leader head and make noise they will continue to treat our school and children they way they want to because at the end of the day it is our childs word against theirs, and trust me they stick up for each other( Principal for staff not student) if they can rid the noise makers one by one, they know we will not be able to come against them. Without Us There is no Them!
Submitted by Mister Keith (not verified) on Thu, 09/23/2010 - 14:37.
I honestly believe a lot of the parent that are complaining should see if it would be possible to take the day off from work, and sit in the office of the school or in the classroom of their child to see what is really going on.
Excuse me!!! Mister or Misses Parent do you realize you are the problem.
Your first step should be finding out the mission of the school. You need to know if this school mission is something you want your child to live and breathe for the next 8 years of their life. If the mission is up to your standards then find out what can you do to help the mission become successful, rather than complaining about fights that happen, do to the way children are raised at home. Do not look at an education institution to show your children how to behave civilized. That is your job as a parent, if you want to blame a group of people for your child or children getting in to fights, or not being educated due to distraction in the classroom, than you need to turn around and blame the unfit parent that lives next to you, around the corner, or down the street. Do not blame the individuals that are being over worked and under paid.
Submitted by Philadelphia Citizen (not verified) on Fri, 09/24/2010 - 07:17.
“Overworked and underpaid”? Maybe there’s something wrong with the Renaissance model that posits school reform on the backs of non-union teachers. Maybe there’s something wrong with the Renaissance model that pretends to give parents a voice in choosing their takeover provider (School Advisory Council) and then arbitrarily assigns a different provider. It sounds as if the Renaissance plan sets up teachers, families and schools for failure.
Submitted by Mrs. G (not verified) on Sat, 09/25/2010 - 07:41.
The model for a school does not really matter. The fact is there are complex problems in education and policy makers continue to implement simple solutions. This is the equivalent of using a bandaid on a cut that requires stitches. The powers that be say, "Have high expectations." Then they hand down a program that presents 2nd grade work to a group of 7th graders (the other day I had to teach my students that 'ph' makes the 'f'' sound). Last year 16 of the 20 students I taught in Corrective Math scored high proficient or advanced on their math PSSA. They say, "differentiate lesson, every child has different streghths and needs." Then they place a one-size-fits-all curriculum in our schools. We have been using an excellent model for the past eight years in our schools. The proof of this is that test scores have improved and those students who have completed 5, 6, 7 years of the gradual release of responsibility model are learning. Stop treating our children like they are idiots!
I propose the SRC, 440, and the Empowerment teams do their job. Evaluate our schools and our students by looking deeper into the problems not by using a single indicator, an overall test score, to determine whether or not a school is failing. Look at the statistics. Many of our supposed failing schools missed AYP by one indicator, typically an ELL or Special Education subgroup.
Teachers, we are not innocent. Do your job. When students come into your classroom they are there to learn. If this is not happening, if there are too many disruptions, you are the adult. Get your students into seats and ready to start the day and accept nothing less. Parents, stay involved in your child's education. Make sure they do homework and understand how to behave in their classroom.
This is everyone's fault and everyone's problem -- policy makers, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. We all need to take responsibility and be held accountable.
Submitted by Philadelphia Citizen (not verified) on Sat, 09/25/2010 - 09:38.
Excellent post, important details. But I still think the Renaissance Schools plan is taking Philadelphia in a dangerous direction.
Submitted by jabrieka bagby (not verified) on Fri, 10/01/2010 - 09:02.
I JUST FOUND OUT THAT FREDERICK DOUGLASS SWEEPS ALOT UNDER THE RUG. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO MY CHILD AND CLASSMATES WERE LOCKED IN A CLOSET BYE THE GYM TEACHER HE TOLD THEM "I HOPE YALL SWEAT TO DEATH", THEN MY SON GOES INTO THE BATHROOM AND THERE ARE TOO 1ST GRADE BOYS IN THE BATHROOM LAYING ON TOP OF EACH OTHER. AND THEN THERE WAS THE CHILD WITH THE GUN RUNNING AROUND WITH IT IN HIS BOOKBAG, THE SCHOOL STAFF NEVER EVEN CONTACTED THE PARENTS ABOUT ANYTHING UNTIL IOTS ALL OVER AND DONE WITH. IM CALLING 3, 6, 10 , 17, AND 29 SOMETHING HAS TO GET DONE ABOUT YOUNG SCHOLARS FREDERICK DOUGLASS. WHAT MAKE IT SO BAD IS THAT THESE CHILDREN IN THE 8TH GRADE HAD TO WRITE A LETTER ABOUT THE CHILD BRINGING A GUN TO SCHOOL. OF COURSE THE PRINCIPAL DONT WANT TO TALK TO ANYONE ABOUT THE SITUATION UNTIL THE NEWS JUMP IN IF THATS WHAT IT TAKES THEN SO BE IT.
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