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RISING STAR PUBLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL

Academic Rigor, With Balance
Technology focus and a breadth of other studies at downtown middle school

Sixth- through 8th-graders at Manhattan Academy of Technology and P.S.126 elementary students share their school, which is next to the Brooklyn Bridge on the edge of Chinatown. But the two divisions have a cozy feel.

“It’s a small community school with a homey environment,” said Carlos Romero, assistant principal in charge of the middle school program.

Kerry Decker is principal for both P.S. 126 and the middle school, which is often referred to as MAT, but 5th-graders from P.S.126 must apply to enter the middle school, just like other interested students. Graduates from P.S. 126 represent about 40 percent of the academy’s 322 students and most of the rest come from other District 2 elementary schools.

“The big draw for the school is the energy and dedication that the teachers here give our students,” said Romero, who noted that applications are increasing.

Class size ranges from 20 to 30 students in the middle school grades. Most academy graduates enter sought-after Manhattan high schools including Bard High School Early College, Baruch College Campus High School, Beacon High School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School.

Ellen Mullan-Jayes, now an 8th-grader, entered the academy in 6th grade, although the middle school was not her top choice. “It turned out, though, to be very fortuitous,” said her mother, Colette Mullan, “because the school provides amazing teaching. The student-teacher ratio is low, and the teachers know the kids by name.”

“The teachers make you feel so comfortable, you don’t have to worry or stress out about anything, because the teachers are always willing to stay after school and help you,” Mullan-Jayes wrote in an e-mail.

The school’s project-based curriculum includes five core classes: English and language arts (ELA), social studies, math and science. The fifth core is technology. All middle school students learn touch-typing, as well as how to use Power Point to make presentations and how to create spreadsheets for problem solving. In 8th grade, students are introduced to web design and animation. Students also have the option of taking an advanced technology class that teaches robotics, or participating in the after-school technology program that competes in a LEGO robotics tournament and in the New York City ThinkQuest Educational Website Contest.

Cullan and other parents also praise the academy’s arts and physical education programs. Cullan, an artist, said that middle-schoolers are given the opportunity and encouragement to produce better works of art than she’s sometimes seen coming out in the early years of art school.

Tanya Anthony said that her 8th grade daughter, Rebecca, has thrived in the rigorous academic environment, but she has also been able to pursue her love of music and play the clarinet.

A wide variety of sports—volleyball, handball, basketball, kickball, hockey, tennis, soccer, softball and gymnastics—are available during gym and as after-school options.

“The gym teacher will not stop until every single child is involved,” said Debbie Bader whose son, Nick, is an 8th-grader at the academy.

“MAT has a great sports program,” Nick, who plays soccer, wrote in an e-mail. “The school’s long distance running team is sponsored by the New York Road Runners Foundation, which provides the middle school runners with free entry into many road races, coaching, nutrition counseling and transportation.”

Vice Principal Romero said that most of the school’s teachers go the extra mile to help students. They often forego their own free time to tutor children who need extra help, and they offer special after-school programs, including reading and movie clubs.

“The school and teachers,” wrote Ellen Mullan-Jayes, “are really geared to help you and help you progress in your education.”

— Susan M. Sipprelle