Wissahickon School District Teaches an Unexpected Civics Lesson

As I was walking my little guy to school today, we were discussing the end of the school year.  Saying goodbye to friends for the summer and the long, lazy days ahead filled with swimming, camping and harvesting our bounty of veggies and fruits.  We touched on the end-of-the-school-year picnic that has been painstakingly planned for Mattison Avenue Elementary students and family members.  He can’t know, and likely will hardly remember, the emotions surrounding this picnic as it will be the last event held at the school while under the jurisdiction of the Wissahickon School District. 

Oh what a year it has been... 

As my little guy could not really know the importance of the final Mattison event, nor could I and countless other parents and community members know what was in store for us this academic year.  We could never have predicted the numbers of hours spent, alliances found, illegalities revealed or true intentions made known.   While formally, according to the school district map, we are divided – never before has our community been more galvanized.  It is this grit, this victory of human spirit, that provides the fiber that is the essence of our community.  Yes, our community school is closing.  However, while that door is shuttered, so many windows have opened. 

So let’s give the school district administration and board credit, where credit is due.  Thanks to the decision to close Mattison Avenue Elementary, the community has yielded:

• A solid candidate for Borough of Ambler Council whose initial and continued community activism positions him well in the General election.
• The leading candidate for school board, who, as a father of Mattison students and concerned community member, will bring a refreshing transparency to an otherwise secretive group.
• Inspired advocates for the Hispanic community who are acutely aware of ESL needs and are carefully designing a system of services that are not reliant on public funding.
• Vocal parents at school board meetings holding that body accountable and ensuring that history is not repeated.
• Voices in the community working towards the greater good with block parties, a farmers’ market and a real social network that rivals the virtual social network.

As the school year comes to a close and our thoughts of summer creep in, our galvanized community will be ready in a couple of months to address critical items at hand:  expired contracts for teachers and support staff, outsourcing, construction of a new high school and renovations at the middle school with or without a referendum. 

Well done, community of Ambler!  Relish the bounty of your work – see you in September!