Packed House at Le Moyne for Right to Read Documentary

More than 300 Upstate New York educators, administrators, community members, librarians, politicians, and parents, attended a documentary screening of The Right to Read followed by a panel discussion sponsored by Manlius Pebble Hill School on Wednesday evening at Le Moyne College. The documentary and discussion centered on the implementation of science- and phonics-based reading instruction to address America’s literacy crisis, a topic recently covered in The New York Times and Washington Post.

The Right to Read features Kareem Weaver, an NAACP activist from Oakland, as well as Oakland-area first-grade teacher and two families advocating for science-based reading instruction. The panel discussion following the film featured Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D-Brooklyn), Reading League Founder Dr. Maria Murray, Kate Mayer of Everybody Reads PA, Special Education Attorney Patrick Radel, MPH parent Dr. Reba Hodge, and clinical psychologist Dr. Sheila Clonan.

“This has been a remarkable year in the movement for implementing reading instruction that is truly based on scientific research,” said Amy Abdo, head of MPH’s Lower School (Pre-K through Grade 5). “We are committed to teaching using science- and phonics-based instruction at Manlius Pebble Hill School. Now this movement is truly gaining traction throughout the country. It is a huge issue for our youngest students. The incredible attendance we had here tonight – we filled every one of the 250 spaces available and had more than 70 families watching at home – is evidence of the interest in this work.”

According to the 2022 Department of Education Assessment of Educational Progress, 67 percent of American fourth graders are not proficient readers. Seeking to address teaching techniques that would ameliorate this issue, MPH turned to phonics-based instruction that gives even students who are not raised in literacy-fluent homes the opportunity to learn through research-based methodology.

“This is an issue about equity and opportunity for all children,” Abdo said. “The ability to read proficiently is connected to lifelong comfort, confidence, and success. We are committed to continuing to not only use these practices at MPH, but also to serve as a resource for other educators in the Central New York community looking to implement these methods.”

Friday, June 9 | 11 a.m.

Friday, June 9 | 5 p.m.

Sunday, June 11 | 2 p.m.

Below you’ll find information on expectations for the prom, as well as important links. If you have any further questions, please contact Ms. Bentley Hoke, Director of Student Life: pbentleyhoke@mphschool.org or (315) 446-3049.

The prom will take place on Saturday, May 27, at SKY Armory in Syracuse.

As always, all attendees, including non-MPH guests must follow all Major School Rules while in attendance. Chaperones will contact a parent or guardian to pick up any attendee in violation of these expectations.

Admission will be $25 for MPH juniors and seniors (and their MPH guests) and $50 for guests from other schools. Please note, you may bring a guest only if you have submitted the guest permission form by May 22.

Any non-MPH guests must be under 21 years old, present photo ID, and have submitted the completed guest attendance form by May 22 in order to be admitted. 

The End-of-Year Academic Events Calendar is now available HERE and on myMPH . The most up-to-date version will always be at myMPH, and we will inform families of any important changes here in Snapshot.

Athletics note: The most-recent athletics schedule is always available through Schedule Galaxy and can be accessed on the MPH Calendar page or via the Schedule Galaxy mobile app. The schedule included below is subject to change after the date of distribution, so please check Schedule Galaxy before heading out to a contest.

4:30 p.m. | Modified Softball @ Onondaga

4:30 p.m. | Modified Baseball @ Bishop Ludden

4:30 p.m. | Modified Softball vs. Tully

6:00 p.m. | MPH Art Show

Please schedule your student’s yearly physical and necessary vaccinations now to avoid a mad dash in August and September. New students in all grade levels, and current students who will be entering Grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, are required by New York state to have a physical on file in the Health Office. There are also specific vaccinations required for Grades K, 6, 7, and 12. Please communicate with your child’s health care provider or the school nurse, Christine Civello, if you have any questions about what is due or whether your child will need a physical. Thank you!

The MPH 2023 summer brochure is now available for viewing and registration is open!

We are excited to offer a variety of programs this summer for entering grades PreK-12.

Grade 6 students in Ms. Foster's science class used hand generators this week to build and investigate parallel and series circuits. The video below is positively enlightening.

MPH continued its run of remarkable spring athletic performances this week with highlights in golf as Amitees Fazeli qualified for the girls state golf tournament from June 3-5 at The Edison Club in Rexford, outside of Schenectady.

The MPH Boys Golf team are Section III Small School Champions after edging out Bishop Ludden by a score of 463-474. James Wildhack, Nathaniel Orsen, and Dash Goode moved on to the state qualifiers at Colgate University later in the week and all represented the school well. Here's the team's sectional scores:

James Wildhack – 86

Nathaniel Orsen – 89

Dash Goode – 92

Owen Sacks -96

Alex Fung – 100

Andy Wladis – 106

Jaasim Zaman won his first round state qualifier match this week then lost a close match to the #2 seed, wrapping up a fantastic year.

An MPH contingent will be joining marchers and revelers at the CNY Pride Festival & Parade on June 10 in Syracuse's Inner Harbor. To march with the MPH crew, plan to meet in the parking lot by Destiny (on the Solar Street side) around 10 a.m.

Hello MPH families!

On June first, the Parents’ Association, with support from the campus shop, will be hosting our second annual Ice Cream Social during the Art Show.

In order for this to happen, the Parent’s’ Association is asking for a half hour of your time that evening to help us out. Please take a moment to sign up and make this fun community event happen. We can’t do it without you!

Thank you and we look forward gathering as a community to share art and ice cream!

The MPH Parents’ Association

If you have any questions, please contact Jay Brown.

Manlius Pebble Hill School | 315-446-2452 | mphschool.org