Morton McMichael School
Morton McMichael School, situated in the Mantua neighborhood of West Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and grades 1st through 8th grade. As part of the School District of Philadelphia, McMichael is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
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Principals Message
Welcome to Morton McMichael School!
Dear McMichael Families,
At McMichael, we believe in empowerment at every stage of a student’s journey. Our mission is centered on building confidence, character, and community so that every child grows academically, socially, and emotionally.
We work to ensure students believe in their abilities, demonstrate integrity and perseverance, and feel a strong sense of belonging in our school community. Through strong instruction, supportive relationships, and meaningful opportunities to lead and learn, our students develop the skills and mindset needed to succeed in school and beyond.
Together with our families and community partners, we remain committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every student can thrive.
Warm regards,
Dr. Dollette Johns-Smith
Principal, Morton McMichael School
Darren White-Green
Assistant Principal, Morton McMichael School
Our School
Morton McMichael School provides a safe, nurturing educational environment that supports the “whole child”, emotionally, socially, and academically. All staff, in partnership with students, families, and the community, are fully committed to empowering students to become global citizens in the 21st century and beyond.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
School Day: 9 am – 3:39 pm
Breakfast: 8:30 am – 9 am
Lunch: 11 am – 1 pm
Recess: 11 am – 1 pm
For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.
Attendance
Attendance matters! The consistency for both students and teachers is critical to success. Consequences can come from excessive or unexcused absences.
Points of Pride
- Acceleration Network Successful exit in 2019
- 250,000 Elevate 215 “Beat the Odds” Grant Recipient
- AIMS Pathway Institute Participant: Science of Reading
- 40,000 3RD DISTRICT COMMUNITY EDUCATION FUND CLASSROOM
- GRANTS Recipient
- 2022 Neubauer Fellow
- 2020 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award winner
After-School & Summer Programming
Out-of-School Time (OST)
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12.
➜ Learn more and find a program near you
Summer Programs
Explore free summer programs from the School District of Philadelphia that keep students learning, engaged, and prepared for success.
➜ Learn more about opportunities for your student over the summer.
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
- Art Club
- Dancing Classrooms
- Drexel Teacher Residency Program
- Friendship Group
- Joyful Readers
- Mighty Writers
- Morning Homework Club
- PSTV
- Robotics
- SHINE Group
- SquashSmarts
- Sunrise
- Temple Scholars Program for Middle School Students
Community Partnerships
- 16th District
- Drexel University
- Grand Canyon University
- Heights
- Mantua Civic Association
- Mighty Writers
- Mt. Vernon Manor CDC
- PSTV
- S.T.E.P. Program
- Sunrise
- T.H.R.I.V.E. Program
- Temple University
- Tiny WPA
- We Embrace Fatherhood
- WePAC
- WES
Student Handbook & Policies
➜ McMichael Parent & Student Handbook
➜ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Attendance
- Dress Code – Uniforms
- Cell Phone Policy
- Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
- Student Health & Safety
School Improvement Plan – Title I Documents
➜ View your school’s School Improvement Plan
➜ Request a translation of your school’s plan
If you do not have web access or need additional assistance, please contact planningsupports@philasd.org for support.
Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA
The School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These rights include the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file a complaint.
➜ View the Annual FERPA Notice
For questions, contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Uniform/Dress Code
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
Shirt/Top: Light blue polo shirt
Pants/Bottoms: Navy blue skirt, pants or shorts
Footwear: Any closed-toe dark shoes
Not Permitted: Open-toe shoes
If a student violates the dress code:
- A parent/guardian may be contacted
- The school may provide loaner clothing, or request a change of clothes be brought to school
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact 215-400-7750 and ask for the counselor or case manager.
➜ See our uniform policy for more details.
At A Glance
Principal
Dr. Dollette Johns-Smith
Phone: 215-400-7750
Fax: 215-400-7751
Address:
3543 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19104
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: PreK-8
Learning Network: 3
Student Enrollment: 280
➜ School Data & Statistics
Calendar
School Event Calendar
We maintain a school calendar that highlights important events such as parent-teacher conferences, school performances, testing dates, and more.
District Academic Calendar
The School District of Philadelphia provides an official academic calendar each year that includes start and end dates, holidays, report card conferences, and more.
Academics
At McMichael, we provide a supportive learning environment where students grow academically and socially. Our curriculum builds a strong foundation in reading, math, science, and social studies, while also offering enriching subjects like music, art, physical education, STEM, socio-emotional learning, and business technology.
View our full academic overview to learn more about our curriculum and academic programs.
Multilingual Curriculum & Programs - Language Access Support Services - ESOL services
The School District of Philadelphia provides a variety of programs and services in many languages to support our multilingual families. Students whose first language is not English may qualify for ESOL services.
Need Help? Contact your school’s Bilingual Counseling Assistant
Programs & Services
Multilingual Curriculum and Programs
Learn more about the different programs and opportunities offered for multilingual students and families, and to get assistance with any District-related questions or processes.
Language Access Support Services
Learn more about accessing interpretation/translation services, including Bilingual Counseling Assistants (BCAs) assigned to your school, and other resources.
Language Access Concern
Your feedback is essential in helping us improve language access within our District. If you’ve encountered a language-related challenge, such as a communication barrier, translation issue, or interpretation challenge, your input helps us improve our services.
Special Education - Accommodations - Specialized Services
Our school is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by the law. Students receive accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
The District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with diverse needs within our schools.
Enrollment
Welcome to Morton McMichael! We’re excited to welcome new students in PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if McMichael is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Health & Wellness
School Nurse
Our school nurse provides immediate care for health concerns, conducts required screenings, and supports students’ overall wellness.
For details on medication administration, mandated screenings, immunizations, and other health services, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
➜ Need Help? Contact your School Nurse
Immunization Requirements & Health Services
Pennsylvania law requires all students to be fully immunized or officially exempt before attending school. This is mandated by the PA Department of Health, Philadelphia County Board of Health, and the School District of Philadelphia.
➜ Learn about immunizations, physicals, and wellness programs
Mental Health Resources
Find free support, counseling, and tools to care for your mental well-being.
➜ View Resources
Vaping/Smoking Resources
Family guides, free tools, and support to help quit vaping or smoking.
➜ View Resources
Resources
Parent & Family
Parent and Family Portal
➜ Log in to the Parent & Family Portal to view school announcements, messages from your child’s teacher, and access grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, and report cards.
PBIS Rewards
➜ Learn about our positive behavior program and view the rewards students earn for demonstrating respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn.
Family Hub
➜ Visit the Family Hub for help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more.
Google Classroom
➜ Log in to Google Classroom using your student’s Chromebook and District credentials to view classwork and homework. For help, see the Google Classroom Login Directions.
Chromebook Support
➜ Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
Transportation
➜ View transportation services for bus routes, bus status, the Flat Rate Program, and support.
Accommodations & Multilingual Support
➜ Request translation or accessibility accommodations for any school or District event.
AHERA Inspection Reports
➜ View AHERA inspection reports for asbestos material status and school-specific details.
Students
Student Hub
➜ Visit the Student Hub for help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
Working Papers
➜ Learn more about how to obtain working papers.
Get Involved
Parent & Family University
Parent & Family University provides free resources, courses, and support to help parents and families engage with their children, schools, and community.
➜ Learn more about Parent & Family University
Volunteer
We love parent involvement! Make a positive impact at our school by volunteering your time and talents.
➜ Find out how to become a volunteer
School Advisory Councils (SACs)
SACs are peer-elected groups of family members, school staff, students (grades 7–12), and community members who work together to support academic success and strengthen school partnerships.
➜ Learn more about School Advisory Councils
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Principal
Dr. Dollette Johns-Smith
Phone: 215-400-7750
Fax: 215-400-7751
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.