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Lindback Winner: Ms. Stevens

5/10/2026

 
Congratulations to Mary Ellen Stevens from Masterman's Math department for receiving a 2026 Lindback Award!

Recipients from across the school district are chosen based on their activities that improve the intellectual and character development of students, and are nominated by members of the community.



Ms. Aubry's Photography Exhibiting at the Philadelphia Sketch Club

4/19/2026

 
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Ms. Aubry's film photography was selected for an upcoming exhibition, "Absolutely Abstract" at the Philadelphia Sketch Club. Two double exposed 35mm photos were chosen, which is a technique she has shown her 11th grade photography class.

The show is running in the Upstairs Gallery: May 3 – May 31, 2026 and the Reception: Sunday, May 17th, 2026; 1 – 3 PM located at 235 South Camac Street.

Her artist statement from the show:
​"I started to experience with double exposure in analog film photography so that I could properly teach it to my students. I have never done this before, but I shot a roll of 36 at an ISO 800 on ISO 400 film, and after I was finished the roll, I loaded it BACK into the camera to shoot another 36 and hoped that my images would overlap in an aesthetically pleasing way. Before loading the first roll of film, I drew on the film in Sharpie to indicate where to reload the film and line it up perfectly, but truly, I was ok with any imperfections. I walked around Philadelphia and started shooting both objects, people, nature, and anything I thought would be interesting.

I have my own darkroom in my art classroom, so I developed the photos myself and was pleasantly surprised by how a lot of them turned out. In particular, I liked the abstract images where the viewer has to really stop, look, and think about what two things I overlapped.

​I have been an art teacher for over 12 years and realized I need to experience more with my own art and photography and it felt special to draw in sharpie on my film and hope for the best and then show my students my work. I use the unpredictable nature of 35mm double exposure to explore the overlapping layers of identity and environment. By exposing the same frame of film twice, I aim to move beyond traditional portraiture and into a realm of surrealism where my subjects are physically entwined with the spaces they inhabit: whether it is the vibrant energy of a classroom or the industrial textures of Fishtown. By layering faces over city signs, metalwork, and shared social spaces, I want the viewer to feel the psychological weight of a location. My goal is to capture the "ghost" of a moment, creating images that feel less like a frozen second in time and more like a lingering memory.

I introduced the concept of double exposure to my high school photography class, and we were inspired by the original double exposure images of the Victorian era, where it was aesthetically pleasing to create ghost-like prints."

Ms. Aubry a Featured Artist in District Art Show

3/22/2026

 
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Ms. Aubry's artwork was selected for the Women's History Month art show at the 440 building.

Check it out if you happen to be in the neighborhood! (See flyer attached). The featured work is a 35mm film double exposure called "Classroom Joy".

Artist statement:
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I use the unpredictable nature of 35mm double exposure to explore the overlapping layers of identity and environment. In this series, I explore the family that I was born with (my brother) and the family that I choose everyday: my students in my classroom experiencing joy while learning about analog photography. By exposing the same frame of film twice, I aim to move beyond traditional portraiture and into a realm of surrealism where my subjects are physically entwined with the spaces they inhabit, whether it is the vibrant energy of a classroom or the industrial textures of Fishtown. My process is rooted in a balance of intention and chance. While I choose my subjects and backgrounds carefully, the way the light from two different moments merges on the silver halide of the film creates a third, dreamlike reality that I cannot fully control. Through this body of work, I am documenting a sense of "belonging" that is fluid rather than fixed.

As an art educator, it is important that students also see me as a practicing artist that is continuing to exhibit my work. I am happy that the district chose a photo I took in photography class with my students to be exhibited.
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Teachers Truly Appreciated!

2/14/2026

 
This past Friday our wonderful teachers and other staff got treated three ways!
In the morning, they arrived to a surprise hot cocoa bar set up by volunteers from SAC with HSA funding. 
Then, they received beautiful Valentine's Day messages and chocolate treats. Thank you so much to everyone who submitted messages of appreciation, and to our stalwart volunteer to put them together! This year was our best response yet and the teachers really saw the love.
Finally, staff stayed for professional development after early dismissal, and enjoyed lunch provided by the HSA.

Teacher Candygrams

2/7/2026

 
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Send a note of appreciation to Masterman's amazing teachers and staff this Valentine's Day!

HSA volunteers are preparing a candygram (a sweet treat and valentine) for every teacher and staff member.

You can
add personal messages to individual teachers or submit a note of appreciation to all staff! 

Order by Tuesday, February 10, in order to have your messages delivered Friday!

Proceeds support teacher appreciation efforts all year long.

SEND CANDYGRAMS NOW

Thank You to Our Counselors

2/2/2026

 
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Mr. Allen, Ms. Nelson, Ms. Marcus, and Ms. Ramsey bring energy, enthusiasm, and expertise to supporting our students in myriad ways every day. They assist every student with college and career planning, support them through mental health and adjustment issues, and share resources and opportunities from school selection to scholarships.
The HSA thanked our amazing counselors this week with a festive gift and a special lunch.
Read more about their work on the counseling page of the school website, and give them a high five next time you see them!

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J.R. MASTERMAN
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION​


1699 Spring Garden Street
​Philadelphia, PA 19130


Email [email protected]
Phone 215-400-7580
  • About
    • Our Purpose
    • Board Members
    • Committees
    • Bylaws
  • Meetings
    • 2025-26
    • Past Years
  • Grants
  • Volunteer
  • Support
    • Pay Dues
    • Donate
    • The Auction - 2026
  • News
  • SHOP
    • Logo Merch
    • Books
    • Box Tops