 2027 Masterman Lunar New Year Celebration Join us on Saturday, January 23, 2027, to celebrate through culture, performances, and community activities! The event time is tentatively 10:00 AM–3:00 PM. Student Emcee Applications Closed Thank you to everyone who applied! Our student hosts will be announced soon. Talent Show-Performers Wanted! Students, parents, families, and Masterman staff are warmly invited to share their talents. Music, dance, instruments, singing, martial arts, cultural performances, and other creative acts are welcome! Perform individually, with a group, or as a family. Performance sign-up deadline: October 31, 2026 Volunteers Needed! We welcome parents, students, staff, and community members to help make this celebration a success. Every helping hand makes a difference! Volunteer sign-up deadline: December 31, 2026 To perform or volunteer, please contact: * Ruby Wu, Bilingual Counseling Assistant: [email protected] * Hanling Zheng, HSA VP2: [email protected] Come share your talents, your culture, and your Lunar New Year spirit with the Masterman community! More event details will be shared as we get closer to January.  Thank you to all families who joined our 5th & 6th Grade Parent Meetup on 9/28 and 7th & 8th Grade Parent Meetup on 10/5! We appreciated everyone who participated, shared experiences, and connected with other Masterman families. Our next Parent Meetup is: High School: October 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM These informal meetings give families an opportunity to connect, ask questions, share helpful information, and learn from one another. HSA members will also be available to support families when possible. If parents are interested in an additional individual grade-specific Parent Meetup, please email [email protected] We are happy to arrange additional opportunities for families to connect. Masterman HSA's Parent Meetup Zoom Meeting Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87917578903?pwd=0yYUGTglAXJLLR6aTiY2h4oEnyBLA1.1 Meeting ID: 879 1757 8903 Passcode: 981790 Follow-Up & Resources: Masterman High School Information Session Dear 8th Grade Students and Families, Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Masterman High School Information Session. Critical Application Deadline Tuesday, November 24 at 11:59 PM: The School Selection application closes. Current Masterman Students: If your child meets the eligibility criteria and wishes to stay at Masterman for high school, you must rank Masterman #1 on your application to guarantee their seat. The School District of Philadelphia School Selection Website is the official hub for families seeking to apply to schools outside their neighborhood catchment. Visit this page to access application portals, key timeline updates, admission criteria for criteria-based and citywide schools, and detailed resources to guide you through the selection process. https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/ Session Resources & Presentations Oct. 6th Masterman High School Info Session Slides: Outlines the transition from middle school to high school, grade-by-grade academics, AP courses, and signature experiences. It also explores school traditions, athletics, clubs, the arts, the college preparation pathway, and the support systems available for students and families. https://tinyurl.com/ymbf63te Sept. 30th District Selection Overview ("Find Your Fit"): Outlines the School District of Philadelphia’s 2027–2028 Selection Process, including eligibility, timelines, and specialized support services.: https://tinyurl.com/5n8dfnt4 Questions & FAQs FAQ Document: Review answers to frequently asked and session questions. https://tinyurl.com/44532d6z Submit Additional Questions: Have a question not answered in the FAQ? Add it to our Question Parking Lot. https://forms.gle/8c7qPzVazK84yxUd8 Prior School Selection Update: For full details from our Oct. 1st update, including breakdown scenarios on ranking Masterman #1 versus other schools, our session Q&A, and high school course pathways, please refer to our correspondence linked below. Please note, the correspondence was updated on Oct. 6th. https://tinyurl.com/448cmxey General School Selection Assistance: Contact [email protected] or call 215-400-4290. Counselors are assigned by grade and the first letter of the student's last name. Mrs. Nelson (A – Gr): [email protected] Mr. Allen (Gu – Pa): [email protected] Mr. Whitlatch (Pe – Z): [email protected] Urgent or Unresolved Concerns: Reach out directly to Dr. Graham at [email protected]. Thank you for your ongoing partnership. We hope you find that Masterman is the right fit for your child and we look forward to the next four years together. Warm regards, Sharae Graham, Ed.D. Assistant Principal Julia R. Masterman Laboratory and Demonstration School  To the parents/guardians of our 7th and 8th graders: Please fill out this form if you are interested in chaperoning any of the 7th and 8th grade trips/activities this year. If you have not yet completed your background checks and volunteer paperwork, you can find all of the information on this page: https://www.philasd.org/face/#volunteer Upon completion of your volunteer forms, please download and email them to Ms. Markita Lambert at [email protected]. Thank you so much! Ms. Donna Amit | 7th grade sponsor | [email protected] Ms. Jaymarie Santana | 8th grade sponsor | [email protected] LINK TO FORM: https://forms.gle/ejZgVdPhb7AaPVJ16  In order to cover the costs of graduation expenses, class t-shirts, and yearbooks, dues at the amount of $70 are a requirement for all eighth grade students. Dues can be paid in the form of cash, check, or via School Cash Online (highly preferred). You can pay in increments or all at once, regardless of the method you choose. However, if your family is experiencing any challenges related to participation, please reach out to me or your child’s counselor directly. We are committed to supporting all students and can work with you confidentially to explore options, including payment plans, to ensure every student can participate. Parents/Guardians of 8th Graders - School Selection opens on 10/5/26. Counselors will meet with 8th graders to help them "Find Their Fit" in the next few weeks. Further details about the process can be found at: https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/ Parents/Guardians of Seniors - Just a quick reminder. Please check in with your child to make sure they are progressing on their college applications. Seniors are working on their applications during Senior Seminar class. Many applications are due 11/1/26 (EA/ED). The HSA’s annual dues campaign is a cornerstone of community support for the “extra” things that make Masterman special–our library, musical program, student clubs and activities, curricular supplements, and teacher and coach needs for the classroom or practice. Each year, the HSA spends nearly $200 per student to fund these "extras" and we invite families to contribute $100-200 in dues to help cover these costs. If this amount is not possible for your family, please give what you can--every contribution truly matters, whether it’s $5 or $500. Participating at any level is a meaningful signal of your commitment to and appreciation for the Masterman community. Our goal is 100% participation. As of today, almost 23% of families have pitched in. A special shout out this week to our middle school families -- almost 1/3 of them have already contributed! Can you help boost this number by donating today? New class of students inducted into the Masterman chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS)10/2/2026
On Friday October 2, a new class of students was inducted into the Masterman Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). Fifty-one Seniors participated in the candle lighting ceremony, signifying their renewed commitment and previous efforts towards the ideals or pillars of NHS. These students exemplify pillars of NHS: character, scholarship, leadership and service. Alumni & former leaders in NHS Xin Huang ('26) & Lorina Mucollari ('26) took time out of their schedule as UPenn students to help light the 1st candle, signifying the "passing of the torch" to the new members. The newly elected leadership team of Jaelynn Hives, Giovanny Moniga, Hannah Phun & Kayra Bazuki lit the next 4 candles; representing the four pillars of NHS. All of these members will participate in tutoring & service work as part of the larger NHS community. The customary time with family celebrating, pictures & breakfast ensued. Click here for the names of new class of students who were inducted today.
Dear 8th Grade Families,
Thank you to everyone who joined our recent School Selection session! We are excited to support your family through this process as your child prepares for their next step. To help you make the most informed decision for high school, we have put together key resources for you to review:
Join Us for a Virtual Information Session! Please join us to learn more about academics, daily life, athletics, and clubs at Masterman High School. Students and families are both welcome! Date & Time: Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM Details: Zoom registration link. Reminder: The District's School Selection application opens Monday, October 5 at 4:00 PM and closes Tuesday, November 24 at 11:59 PM. Masterman Book Fair 2026
Friday, October 23 – Friday, October 30 It's time for the Masterman Book Fair AND WE NEED YOU! The Book Fair needs a team of incredible parents to assist customers and run checkout. It’s an easy way to give back to the school and get a window into student life. Our students get a chance to shop for literary treasures and our Library receives a portion of the profits to add to its own book budget. Your few donated hours translate into countless hours of reading and fundamental support of our students’ love of books. Please review the available slots on our Signup Genius HERE and sign up. There are open slots nearly every day for all shifts! Thank you! The boys varsity soccer team had a convincing 5-2 win over Washington this week. It was perhaps their strongest showing this season, and plants them firmly in place for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, the boys JV held up their side with a 3-2 win over Central. Once again, both teams continue to grow and improve when it counts the most. Masterman is buzzing with soccer fever and looking forward to a great Blue October!   College Rep Visits for the next 10 days:
9/30 Amherst College 10/1 Yale University, Haverford College 10/2 Smith College, Barnard College 10/5 Columbia University 7th Period - University of Miami presentation (Seniors - notify Mr. Allen and your teacher if you would like to attend in the IMC if you do not have Senior Seminar at that time) 10/6 10/7 Northeastern University (CANCELLED), Chapman University 10/8 SENIOR PICNIC - No Visits Masterman has been selected as one of 20 schools in the Philadelphia region to compete in the Germination Project’s inaugural Civic Cup. The goal of the Civic Cup is to document and celebrate both individual and school-wide acts of community service. Students will gain access to additional service opportunities through universities, hospitals, and other prominent non-profit, civic, and corporate organizations in the network of the Germination Project. 10 of the most dedicated and service-oriented students will be selected for the Masterman Civic Cup team this year. For any interest in and further questions about the initiative, please fill out this google form Germination Project Civic Cup Interest. Additionally, competing in the Civic Cup demonstrates a dedication to enacting positive change in Philadelphia that will elevate the applications of those applying to the Germination Project.
Come celebrate our super soccer seniors on their girls' varsity senior night, Tuesday, October 6th at the South Philly Supersite. The game starts at 4:15 PM - so head down after school (or work) to join in the celebration. Congratulations to our seniors Beatrice Bloovman, Zoe Jackson, Selma King and Nehemie Fanfan on four years of hard work and success! Please congratulate Sophia Plastaras as, on Friday, she won the AA Public League Singles Title! After losing the first set, she upped her game, found her competitive spirit, and won the second and third sets to earn the title as PPL Girls Singles Champion. She is proving to herself that she can overcome challenges that once seemed insurmountable. Her teammates see her determination and are following her lead. Their sights are set on a team Public League title, and another trip to states.  Thank you to all the parents who joined our 5th & 6th Grade Parent Meetup on September 28! We appreciated everyone who participated, shared experiences, asked questions, and connected with other Masterman families. Please save the dates for our upcoming Parent Meetup meetings:
These Parent Meetup meetings are informal opportunities for families to connect with one another, share experiences, ask questions, exchange helpful information, and learn more about school life and available resources. HSA members will also be there to help support families and answer questions when possible. Would you like an additional meetup for your child’s individual grade? Parents are welcome to email me if there is interest in arranging an additional grade-specific Parent Meetup. We are happy to help create more opportunities for families to connect and support one another. We hope many parents can join our upcoming meetings. Your participation helps us build stronger connections among families and a more supportive Masterman community. Masterman HSA Parent Meetup Zoom Meeting Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87917578903?pwd=0yYUGTglAXJLLR6aTiY2h4oEnyBLA1.1 Meeting ID:879 1757 8903 Passcode:981790  This year's musical has been officially announced! Last Friday after school, students gathered in the auditorium for the big reveal. Mr. Laurie was there to make the announcement. The event included winter games, photos and freeze pops. Audition dates have yet to be determined but will likely be in November. Students wishing to be in the musical should join the google classroom where audition information will be posted as it becomes available. Link --> https://classroom.google.com/c/ODg0NzI3MDEwNjU3?cjc=rn4idcxi There will be many ways for parents to get involved. One such opportunity is to join our costume team. Another is with set construction. If you might be interested in either of these areas, please contact Mrs. Neu at [email protected]. 9th Grade (Class of 2030) was sent their class dues letter this week. --> Click here to view it. This letter is to inform you about class dues that your child will need to pay within the next few months. We collect dues over a four-year period in order to spread out the cost of all of the senior year expenses in addition to paying for a yearly trip and other small activities throughout the year. This year, our class of 2030 trips is in the works - I am figuring it out with the student events committee and parent board. More information will be coming home about that closer to the date. Dues for this year are $180 to cover the cost of the trip & other events we have planned. Last weekend we once again welcomed a group of college student volunteers from Villanova University, on their annual Day of Service. We are so grateful to these students, who worked with HSA and school leaders on several projects to help improve the school. We finished weeding and mulching the front of the school, assembled a new desk front security desk, and put together four large industrial fans to cool the cafeteria on hot days. The volunteers also installed sun shades in the rooftop lounge area, helping make outdoor space more comfortable and welcoming. Volunteers will also be following up to set up massage chairs funded by an external grant for teacher wellness, and replace rooftop umbrellas and ping pong table nets. And in case you missed it, the rooftop also gained a foosball table for recess fun thanks to HSA funding! Thank you to all of our volunteers, especially Facilities chair Andjelko Kovac, for their hard work and dedication!      
Congratulations to the girls' varsity soccer team on their impressive 1-0 win over Palumbo this week. Abigail Dahan was outstanding in goal. Beatrice Bloovman anchored the defense and also scored on a corner kick from Sophia Sali to secure the win. Excellent job, Dragons! Next up: Abington Friends on Saturday and Central on Tuesday The boys' soccer team were victorious in their match against Franklintowne this week courtesy of a goal from Alex Wu and some fine net-minding by Micah Topche. The boys are currently second overall in the public league. The team takes on Abington Friends this Saturday and Washington next Wednesday. Great work! Let's hear it for our amazing golf team! The squad has qualified for the PPL championships in Plymouth Meeting this week. Representing Masterman are: Peter Clinton, Lawrence Gerber, Sam Philippi, James Philippi, and Lucas Madden. Bring home the trophy, Dragons!  Fat Bear Week: The students marked Fat Bear Week by voting for their favorite chunky bear from the Katami National Park. Overdue Notices: Paper notices will be distributed on Monday, Sept. 28. Students cannot get out new materials if they have an overdue book. Students can log in to Destiny to view their accounts. Every Friday, high school students receive emails in their SDP accounts reminding them of overdue materials. Ms. Kearney is trying to get this feature for the middle school as well. Ms. Kearney encourages students to check with her if they think they returned their book and they received an overdue notice. Cardboard: Ms. Kearney is planning a project that requires lightweight cardboard. Anyone who has tissue boxes, cereal boxes, etc. can send them to the school library. Replacement books: If anyone has Harry Potter books or Rick Riordan books in mint condition and would like to donate them to the library, it would be appreciated.   Congratulations to our Masterman Students Run Philly Style team for taking on the Philadelphia Distance Run on Sunday, September 20! Despite the rainy weather, our runners and leaders showed incredible courage and effort. While SRPS is built around personal growth rather than competition, we’d like to highlight a few outstanding performances from the day: Half Marathon Dana Chepysheva – 1st Place, Female 14 & Under Lesnid Bowen – 2nd Place, Male 14 & Under Alexander Zhao – 2nd Place, Male 15–19 5K Grace O'Connell – 2nd Place, Female 15–19 Charlotte O'Connell – 3rd Place, Female 15–19 Congratulations to all of our PDR runners for an amazing race day!l Half Marathon Alexander Zhao Bohiedana Chepysheva Chase Burnett Emma Solomon Lesnid Bowen Micah Neale Raviv Weiner Ashley Nash Jacob Fisher LeeAnne Fox-Jones Patricia Neale Rachel Wu Sarah Cooperman Steve Gilligan Steve Rauscher Thomas O'Connell 5k Charlotte O'Connell Grace O'Connell Sarah Cooperman Thomas O'Connell The HSA’s annual dues campaign is a cornerstone of school community support for all of the “extra” things that make Masterman special–our library, musical program, student clubs and activities, curricular supplements, and teacher and coach needs for the classroom or practice. We invite each family to contribute $100-200 annually per student. If this amount is not possible for your family, please give what you can—every contribution truly matters, whether it’s $5 or $500. Participating at any level is a meaningful signal of your commitment to and appreciation for the Masterman community. Our goal is 100% participation. As of today, just about 20% of families have pitched in. Can you help bring up this number by donating today? |
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J.R. MASTERMAN
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 1699 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email [email protected] Phone 215-400-7580 |
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