Newly opened in the fall of 2015, The City School at Fairmount is our second elementary school. For the 2018-19 school year, the campus will serve grades Pre-K through 4. As our campus grows, it will serve grades Pre-K through 5 beginning academic year 2019-20.
Our curriculum is driven by a pursuit of excellence and grounded in a commitment to love and care for each student as an individual. Beginning with our youngest children, students are taught to love their lifelong pursuit of learning. Elementary students are creative, curious and inquisitive: we embrace their natural love for knowledge and help them understand learning in the context of a well-rounded Christian education. We embrace the responsive classroom philosophy, which emphasizes creating a safe, joyful and challenging learning environment. Because students learn most effectively through social interaction, we believe the social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum and thus incorporate morning meetings, positive teacher language and a positive approach to student discipline. Our strong academic program is complemented by an innovative emphasis on the arts, and every subject is seen as an opportunity to explore how God works in our world. Small class sizes and nurturing teachers ensure each child is given the one-on-one attention they need to discover their academic potential.
Pamela MiltonFourth Grade TeacherView Bio
John DelaneyPE/Media/Computer TeacherView Bio
Shantel SmallFairmount PrincipalView Bio
Dionne DelaneyOffice ManagerView Bio
Ashley FornwaltAcademic Support Coordinator View Bio
Karen GregoryArt and S.T.E.A.M. TeacherView Bio
Margaret KendallBusiness ManagerView Bio
Noel TerrellMusic TeacherView Bio
Alexis VictorSecond Grade TeacherView Bio
Davida WoodardPre-Kindergarten Lead TeacherView Bio
Joyce CrosscombeKindergarten & First Grade Co-TeacherView Bio
Carol GuyFirst Grade TeacherView Bio
Bryannia BongiorniThird Grade TeacherView Bio
Email:
pmilton@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2020
“I look forward to an amazing year of learning about my students and sharing with them as they continue their educational journey. Fourth grade is an exciting year in each subject area, and I trust that as we learn and grow together we can have some fun along the way!”
Pam Milton has been a teacher for more than 25 years, and is excited to join The City School. She has a Masters of Elementary Education, and enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family.
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Email:
jdelaney@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2018
“I truly have been drawn to this school, for many of reasons. However I must say the biggest draw is the heart of leadership here which is founded and built on Jesus Christ!
My mission while I’m here is simply to steward and shepard the hearts of the children. I believe these kids are precious and the most valuable resource we have. ”
A native of Wilmington, John currently lives in Newark Delaware. He loves tribal African jewelry, cooking, reading, and Pinterest! John has 4 yr old twin boys, who he admires and loves deeply.
John is pursuing a B.A. in Biblical and theological studies on at Liberty University.
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Email:
ssmall@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2020
Email:
ddelaney@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2016
“Excited doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about being at The City School. Here, my passion for ministry and the Kingdom of God, my gifts in administration, my love for children and the education of their minds, shaping of their hearts and lives is brought together in one place. Being here is not by happenstance–it is an assignment from the Lord.”
Dionne and her husband Jay have enjoyed over eighteen years of marriage. They have two adult children and rambunctious twin toddler grandsons. In her free time, Dionne enjoys traveling, baking, cooking, fellowship with friends, sewing and making jewelry.
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Email:
afornwalt@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2010
“I am passionate about children and our work at The City School because it is what I believe God has called me to. Seeing the impact I can have on the development of the whole child—spiritually, physically, emotionally, academically—gives me goose bumps. As I grow, I am always getting a clearer picture of how God views us and invests in our growth and development. I view my job as an extension of God’s love and care for each child.”
Ashley lives with her husband and one-year-old son. She enjoys camping, gardening, and “attempting craft projects.”
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Email:
kgregory@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2014
“I prepare little minds for the adventure of embracing their Creator God through the arts. I am passionate about participating in a learning community that glorifies God across all academic disciplines. As a City School parent and teacher, I have a front row seat in observing the love and dedication that each teacher invests in the children entrusted to them.”
Karen and her family live in Passyunk Square, where they moved as part of a local church plant. She brings with her 30-plus years of experience in the teaching fields of technology, art, and early elementary. While Karen satisfies the requirements of the art room by educating students in the Elements and Principles of art, she takes her program to the next level by adding STEM for interesting subjects to engage her students.
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Email:
mkendall@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2013
“As the Business Manager I am responsible for leading and coordinating the school’s finance, business, and general operating matters. I have been at The City School for almost 2 years now, and have loved getting to know and working with all of my talented colleagues. Watching them serve and care for each individual student has given me a deep appreciation for the school and its vision for our students and our city.”
Margaret lives in West Philadelphia with her husband and loves the diversity and community they have experienced in their neighborhood. She enjoys running long distances, reading books from the local library, and cooking for her friends and family.
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Email:
nterrell@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2016
“Music is more than notes and harmony–it’s a way of unleashing your emotions. Music moves people. It brings us together. It glorifies God. My dream is to share the power of music with my students.”
Noel has served as a Musical Director and keyboardist for diverse musical acts like Pharrell Williams, Meek Mill, and Jill Scott. He also toured Europe with British hip-hop/r&b duo Floetry and currently performs with his contemporary Christian band, The Browne Boyz. Noel is happily married and has two sons, Roman and Lincoln.
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Email:
avictor@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2018
“I am passionate about my work at The City School because I love seeing the unique and beautiful qualities God has instilled in every child. I’m also passionate about encouraging my students to love others and love God. The way that we show love and encouragement to our students prepares them to act in love to the people in our city.”
Alexis lives in Port Richmond with three college friends. She enjoys baking, crafting, traveling, and exploring Philadelphia.
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Email:
dcollins@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2018
“I am passionate about my work at The City School because I was a City School Alumni.
I am passionate, because I was able to experience an excellent education. Not to mention, I am a strong believer in their mission. The City School not only promotes excellence in education, but they also make it their business to feed students spiritually. It is a great joy to give back to a school that I once was a part of and that allowed me to have a bright future as well.
I want prospective parents to know that the teachers here are all working towards one goal, and that is to help each student grow spiritually and academically.”
Davida and her husband live in Southwest Philadelphia. Her favorite book is Plato’s Republic. She enjoys writing poetry, blogging about justice issues, and skiing.
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Joined The City School family:
2018
“I am very happy to join The City School family as a teacher after having been a part of the family as a parent.
Our daughter is a recent graduate and we were so pleased with the quality education she received and the caring support of the staff. Now I get to give that same quality of commitment to future generations.”
Joyce lives in the Frankford section of the city with her husband, three daughters and one son.
She enjoys gardening, running and doing puzzles.
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Email:
cguy@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2015
“I am a seasoned teacher with many years of experience in a variety of settings. What I have come to realize is that working in a Christian school is a very special and uniquely rewarding opportunity. As a teacher at The City School, I am not only fulfilling the task to which God has called me, but I am benefitting daily from fellowship with believers who are also called to serve God in this way.”
Carol lives in Abington with three cats and a Cocker Spaniel—Princess, Minnis, Squitchy, and Sophie—although she confides that her “heart belongs to Philly.” She enjoys home improvement projects like painting, gardening, and interior design. Carol’s son Ben carries on the Guy teaching legacy by lending his talents as our high school History teacher.
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Email:
bbongiorni@cityschool.org
Joined The City School family:
2016
Soccer Shots
Soccer Shots is an engaging children’s soccer program with an emphasis on character development. It is available to students in Pre-K through third grade and is offered three times a year. Registration is completed online.
Praise Dance
Praise Dance is worshipful modern dance using variations of street, jazz and hip-hop dance styles. Dancers use motions and gestures to interpret music and bring praise to the Lord. We offer one session of Praise Dance per school year to our students kindergarten and above. The session culminates with a presentation.
Drama Club
Our Drama Club explores the art and craft of drama through creative writing, public speaking, costume and set design. Open to students second grade and above, there is one session per year that culminates with a presentation.
Tune Up Philly
At Tune Up Philly students in first grade and above learn how to play a stringed instrument. Instructors from The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra spend time teaching students each week in small groups. Participation in city-wide performances and special weekend rehearsals are also required with this activity.
Tutoring
At The City School we are not only committed to challenging students where they excel but also helping them where they struggle. Our after school tutoring program focuses on supporting students in the core areas of reading and math. This is an opportunity to receive support after school in a small group setting. Tutoring is offered as funding is available.
"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 City School is rising to meet this need."
Welcome Letters, Supply Lists and Summer Enrichment
Our classroom and specials teachers are EXCITED to introduce themselves and share with you their request for student and classroom supplies. The link associated with you student’s grade level will connect you with the information relevant to your family. We have also included summer reading and math activities for each grade level to help keeps students engaged.
If you are unable or reluctant to venture out, you can shop for the items on your student’s list at local retailers. Visit https://www.teacherlists.com/parents to find your student’s list and shop.
Fairmount Pre-Kindergarten Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment STEAM Supplies List
Fairmount Kindergarten Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment STEAM Supplies List Spanish Supplies List
Fairmount First Grade Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment STEAM Supplies List Spanish Supplies List
Fairmount Second Grade Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment Reading Summer Enrichment Math Multiplication and Division Tables STEAM Supplies List Spanish Supplies List
Fairmount Third Grade Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment Reading Summer Enrichment Math Multiplication and Division Tables STEAM Supplies List Spanish Supplies List
Fairmount Fourth Grade Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment Reading Summer Enrichment Math Multiplication and Division Tables STEAM Supplies List Spanish Supplies List
Fairmount Fifth Grade Families: Welcome Letter Supplies List Summer Enrichment Reading Summer Enrichment Math Multiplication and Division Tables STEAM Supplies List Spanish Supplies List
Fairmount Letters from Specials Teachers: Music PE/Computers/Media Spanish STEAM
Other Important Information
(1) Our tentative 2020-2021 Calendar is now available. It contains all of the dates we have scheduled thus far. In the event that anything changes prior to the opening of school, we will advise you.
(2) Medical Forms: These are our most up-to-date medical forms from our school nurse. If your student will need medication(s) administered at school regularly or on an as-needed basis, please complete the “Medication Administration At School” Form. This form AND your student’s medication(s) must be turned in together; the medication must also include the prescription information label from your pharmacy.
Physical Form Dental Form Immunization Requirements Student Emergency Form
For New Families: We realize that regularly scheduled pediatrician and dentist appointments may be postponed or are not available right now. Please submit your student’s most recent information through the Parent Portal and we will look to obtain updated information as it becomes available.
(3) Uniforms: Our uniform vendor is Flynn O’Hara. Clicking on their name will take you to The City School – Elementary landing page. Additional ways to contact them are included here.
(4) Parent Volunteers: Parents, grandparents, we welcome your participation in our school community. In order to volunteer for any special events or chaperone a field trip, you MUST have your Pennsylvania State Child Abuse Clearance and Criminal Background Check completed. These documents can be obtained for FREE and are good for FIVE YEARS. If your student has been with us since 2015, it may be time to renew your clearances. Please check in with Mrs. Delaney for your date of submission. Please click here to see our information letter regarding clearances.
(5) My Hot Lunch Box: We plan to continue using My Hot Lunch Box for hot lunch delivery on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please click here to see the information or go directly to the My Hot Lunch Box website to establish your account.
(6) Arrival and Dismissal Procedures: For families who are not familiar with our arrival and dismissal procedures, please read this document.
Have More Questions?
If you have more questions that were not answered here, please feel free to reach out to the campus office manager:
Mrs. Dionne Delaney at ddelaney@cityschool.org
Reading/Writing (PK-12)
Khan Academy Kids – Prek through 2nd
Khan Academy – What is Khan Academy? They offer exercises, quizzes, and tests so students can practice and master skills, as well as instructional videos to help students learn or review material.
ReadWorks – FREE reading content, curriculum, and tools to power teaching and learning from Kindergarten to 12th grade.
Teachers, parents, and students never have to pay to access ReadWorks digitally or otherwise. All adults, no matter who they are, may create a digital class and assign reading content and curriculum to students for free. We have always believed that students deserve barrier-free access to the highest-quality reading materials and instruction, and that belief has only grown stronger during this crisis.
Reading/Writing (K-5)
Reading Eggs – Students should already have a TCS login they can continue to use at home
Storyline – Read-a-loud books and stories
Math (K-12)
Khan Academy – What is Khan Academy? We offer exercises, quizzes, and tests so students can practice and master skills, as well as instructional videos to help students learn or review material.
IXL – Math practice skills for K-12
Math (K-5)
Prodigy – Prodigy is a leveled math program. Students are tested, leveled, and then progress at their own pace. Third through fifth grade students at Spruce Hill have been using this for the past two years (as part of computer class) and have logins that they should already be using at home.
Math Blaster – The goal at Math Blaster is clear: “Your success depends on your ability to use your brain and logic skills.” With an exciting theme featuring aliens and outer space, Math Blaster lets your students become intergalactic heroes based on their math operation and critical thinking skills. Registration is required, but the game itself is free. Be sure to check out the Teacher Section to find Math Blaster for the Classroom.
Computers (6-12)
Typing Club – Free account has a ton of capability. Watch typing lessons, practice, and store progress. Premium account (paid) not necessary to get full benefit of these typing lessons.
Code.org – Beginning coding program (Grades 6-8 already have login)
Science (K-12)
National Geographic Kids – Games, videos, science projects, etc…
NASA – Explore NASA’s online activities, e-books, podcasts and other content. The universe is waiting.
Fun Learning
Kahoot – Fun and super competitive trivia game that you can play in small or large groups. Choose from already created games or create your own games. Needs setup by an adult.
GoNoodle – Website to get kids up and moving
The Learning Station – Energizing kinesthetic brain breaks to use in between learning times
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From Jessica Scott, City School Student Care Director:
Hello, I wanted to connect with you all to offer my support and care during this time. You’ll see my phone number listed below. Feel free to reach out via email, phone or text. You can reach out to ask questions, vent, voice frustrations, anything that would be helpful to take some of the burden off.
This season can produce a lot of stress, anxiety and frustration. This is all normal, but we do not need to bear it alone. We are the body of Christ, we bear each other’s burdens.
Trying to teach our children at home can produce a lot of stress. You are doing an excellent job; I firmly believe we are all doing the best we can with the skills and resources we have.
Below is a list of resources for self care, how to talk to about COVID-19, how to deal with homework frustration, as well as practical resources of where to receive meals, support and assistance.
Praying for all of you, and truly hoping to hear from you,
Jessica Scott, MEd
Student Care Director
jscott@cityschool.org
(215) 693-6386, ext. 312
Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus
Dealing with Homework Frustration
CDC Resources for Self Care, Managing Stress and Helping Children Cope:
https://emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcare.asp
https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/helping-children-cope.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Counseling and Mental Health Resources:
https://www.opencounseling.com/pennsylvania/philadelphia
Open Rec Centers: https://www.phila.gov/2020-03-16-50-recreation-centers-and-six-older-adult-centers-to-remain-open/
Fairmount Campus
860 N. 24th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
215-769-5363