Study in contrasts

As Linda De Lorme perused Center City’s Mastery Charter High School, she got a glimpse into her child’s future.

De Lorme saw spacious classrooms – many with computers – painted a lavish rainbow of colors. She took note of the building’s hallways, adorned with motivational quotes such as "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." Even the lunchroom, referred to as the "cafetorium" by students, seemed unique.

After the open-house tour April 26, De Lorme decided to keep her son, Michael, 11, at Thomas Middle School, Ninth and Johnston streets, as the facility undergoes a 15-month transformation intended to mirror Mastery’s building and curriculum.

Though De Lorme called Mastery a "beautiful school," she still has concerns about Thomas’ transition into a college preparatory high school.

"I’m not crazy about it," said De Lorme, of the 2600 block of South Watts Street. "Right now, there aren’t too many options in South Philly, so we’ll try it out for a year and find another alternative if he doesn’t like it."

Mastery Charter officials bused parents and students from South Philly to the high school at 35 S. Fourth St. to try to ease concerns over the change.

The School Reform Commission approved the plan to transform the middle school into the Mastery Charter School-Thomas Campus last month. The $8 million project goes hand in hand with the district’s ongoing mission to phase out the city’s middle schools, replacing them with kindergarten-to-eighth-grade institutions.

District officials also are overhauling Thomas as part of the Small Schools Transition Project, which eventually will result in 66 high schools citywide.

Thomas students have the option to remain at the revamped school as grade levels are simultaneously added and deducted each year (for example, the school will eliminate fifth grade while adding ninth). Once Mastery implements a ninth grade in 2006, 95 percent of the slots will go to local students. Although fifth grade will be eliminated at the school this fall, officials want to complete their renovations before enrolling high-school students.

Many of Thomas’ teachers, who were given the option to stay, are transferring to other public schools. Mastery is now searching for new recruits.

ABOUT 125 PARENTS took advantage of the chance to see the original Mastery school last week.

"We know you’re concerned parents and we wanted you to check us out," Mastery founder and CEO Scott Gordon told the visitors.

After arriving in busloads, parents toured the four-story school, which includes music and personal-fitness rooms outfitted with stationary bikes and other equipment designed to replace typical gym-class activities.

"Kickball is not helpful in preparing for the next stages of life," said Gordon, who noted Thomas’ renovated facility would have the same amenities.

Small class sizes are essential for students to interact harmoniously, said Gordon. Thomas’ entire student body – consisting of no more than 225 sixth- through eighth-graders next year – will adhere to a strict code of conduct, said Rufus Taylor, Mastery’s dean of students.

"If you do something in this community, you have to give back and you have to make amends," he said. "Something as simple as gum chewing or as major as a fight, we take very seriously."

Students who participate in a fight or "prefight" must rectify their wrongdoings through a series of apology letters and group projects, Taylor added. A brawl during school hours might result in expulsion – just one of the rules outlined in a nonviolence contract every student must sign, said Gordon.

"Violence is not an option in any situation whatsoever, whether you are defending yourself or not," he said.

Similar to the Center City campus, Thomas’ staff will not include janitors, secretaries or security guards due to budget constraints. At Mastery, faculty members and parent volunteers fill those roles.

The charter school will implement its signature grading system at Thomas. A "Mastery," or 76, is required on all tests, quizzes and assignments. Scoring below this figure will result in a retake.

"There is no reason why every single child can’t get Mastery in every single marking period in every single subject," said Gordon, who noted teachers are available to help students during and after school. At the open house, Mastery students, who sported the required uniform of dress pants and a school shirt, were quick to praise the facility and staff.

"Mastery Charter High School is different from a public high school and I’m not set for a public high school," said Ahkeem Towles, a freshman from West Philly. "It’s a great atmosphere and we are all a family."

SOME PARENTS TOOK issue with Mastery’s plans to extend Thomas’ school year from the third week of August to the third week of June starting fall 2006.

"I think kids need a break too," said De Lorme. "They need some time to do their own thing."

Gordon urged parents to form a committee that would address their concerns about the curriculum and new facility.

"We want you in the building," Gordon said. "The more you are in the building, the happier we are."

While filling out the enrollment application for his daughter, Aliyah, John Miller applauded Mastery’s staff and clean facility. He was comfortable with the transition plans at Thomas.

"She’s got another year at the school," said Miller. "Since she is already going there, she might as well stay there."

Initially upset by word of Thomas’ changes, Marie Gustafson, of the 2800 block of South Randolph Street, has since found some positives.

"I’m still concerned about the teachers," said Gustafson, who has two daughters at Thomas, "but at least most of their friends are staying."

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Parents of Thomas Middle School students must complete an application to enroll their child at Mastery Charter School-Thomas Campus for the fall. For more information, call Angela McIver at 215-922-1902 ext. 2114.