Updates From Josh
Updates From Josh
Weekly Updates From Our Family to Yours
Wyncote Weekly Update 05/16
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote Families,
Calendar Reminders
Thursday, May 21 - Noon Dismissal
Friday, May 22 - School Closed - Memorial Day Weekend
Monday, May 25 - School Closed - Memorial Day Weekend
Wednesday, May 27 - School Closed - Eid al-Adha
Special Event
Wyncote Academy is pleased to announce that our Annual Upper School Awards Ceremony for students in grades 10 through 12, along with our Upper School Art Show, will take place on Thursday, May 21. This special event will celebrate student achievement, growth, and excellence while showcasing creative work from our talented artists. Families and community members are invited to join us as we honor the accomplishments of our upper school students and highlight the creativity that enriches our school community..
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend,
Mr. Josh Bornstein
Head of School
Wyncote Academy
moreWyncote Weekly Update 05/09
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Happy Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to the teachers, parents, guardians, and caregivers who show up for our students every day. Your care, patience, and love make a lasting difference—often in ways you may not even realize. We’re grateful for all that you do and wish you a very happy and well‑deserved Mother’s Day!
Student Acknowledgement
We are proud to celebrate Ashiyah Coleman on her acceptance to Manor College! Ashiyah’s hard work, determination, and focus have paid off, and we are excited to see her take this next step toward a future in Sonography. Her commitment to her goals is inspiring, and we know she will continue to thrive as she pursues her passion in the healthcare field. Congratulations, Ashiyah—we can’t wait to see all that you accomplish!
High School Graduation Details
Graduation is quickly approaching at Wyncote Academy! Tuesday, June 2 will be the last day of classes for pending graduates. Graduation practice will take place on Wednesday, June 3, and all graduates must arrive at Wyncote Academy by 1:30 PM for this mandatory rehearsal—students must attend in order to participate in the ceremony. The Graduation Ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 4 at 5:00 PM in the Auditorium of the former Gratz College building, located at 7605 Old York Road, directly across the parking lot from the Wyncote Academy building. Graduates should arrive no later than 4:20 PM. Each family will receive 10 tickets for the ceremony, with additional accommodations available if needed. Caps and gowns will be sent home soon, and we look forward to celebrating our graduates!
moreWyncote Weekly Update 05/02
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Teachers Appreciation Week at Wyncote Academy
During Teachers Appreciation Week, we proudly recognize the incredible faculty and staff of Wyncote Academy, whose dedication, compassion, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of our students every day. Our educators go far beyond instruction — they build relationships, provide consistency, and support students with care, patience, and understanding.
Working tirelessly in and out of the classroom, our team creates a safe, supportive environment where students are known, valued, and encouraged to grow academically and personally. We are deeply grateful for their professionalism, collaboration, and unwavering belief in our students’ potential.
Thank you to our remarkable faculty and staff for all that you do to make Wyncote Academy a place where students can learn, succeed, and thrive.
Recognizing Student Accomplishments
We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our students as they continue to grow academically and
personally.
Congratulations to Tyfiq Autry (9th grade) and Alexis O’Brien (11th grade) on being named Students of the 3rd Quarter. This honor was thoughtfully selected by our faculty and staff and reflects not only their academic efforts, but also their positive attitudes, consistency, and contributions to our school community. We commend Tyfiq and Alexis for their hard work and dedication—well done!
moreWyncote Weekly Update 04/25
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Upcoming Event
The high school students at Wyncote Academy have been invited to attend a seminar hosted by the Philadelphia Laborers’ Union on Friday, May 1. During this experience, students will participate in a series of workshops and hands‑on learning sessions that provide an inside look at what it is like to work as a union laborer. The seminar will introduce students to various career pathways within the union, highlight the benefits of union membership, and include a guided tour of the training facility.
Transportation and meals will be fully provided by the Philadelphia Laborers’ Union, including a chartered bus to and from the location and a catered lunch for all participating students.
The construction and skilled trades industry continues to grow and remains a highly in‑demand field, making this an excellent chance for students to gain real‑world exposure, ask questions, and consider post‑secondary pathways that may align with their interests and strengths.
This experience reflects Wyncote Academy’s commitment to preparing students for a wide range of post‑secondary opportunities. By exposing students to real‑world career pathways, skill‑based training, and industry professionals, we aim to help them build the knowledge, confidence, and direction needed for success beyond high school.
moreWyncote Weekly Update 04/18
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
With less than two months remaining in the 2025-2026 school year, I wanted to take a moment to preview the upcoming important dates. As we move closer to each important date, detailed information will be provided.
April 24, 2026
This coming Friday will be an Asynchronous Day for the students and an In-Service Day for the Faculty and Staff. Our teachers will send hard copies of assignments home for the students to complete. All work will be collected and graded on Monday, April 27.
May 21, 2026
We will be holding our annual Upper School Awards Ceremony (Grades 10 - 12). In addition, we will have an Art show displaying all the amazing creative work by our students. All families are welcome to attend. Events start at 10 AM, and the students will have a Noon Dismissal.
May 22, 2026 and May 25, 2026
School will be closed for Memorial Day Weekend.
May 27, 2026
School will be closed in observance of Eid al-Adha.
June 3, 2026
We will hold Graduation Practice at 1:30 PM for our 12th grade students. Following the rehearsal, we will hold a special dinner for the graduates.
moreWyncote Weekly Update 03/21
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Important Dates
Tuesday, March 24 - Picture Day for grades 6 - 11 and make-up photos for graduates
Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26 - Noon Dismissals - Terra Nova Testing for grades 6 - 11 - Senior service hours at the Wyncote Academy farm on Manor College campus
Friday, March 27 - End of 3rd Academic Quarter
Week of March 30 - School Closed - Spring Break
Monday, April 6 - School Resumes
Friday, April 10 - Report Cards Mailed
Requests
While we encourage our students to have good hygiene habits, students who spray other students with cologne, perfume, or other deodorizing products will have the items confiscated and consequences will be levied. We ask all our students to respect each other's boundaries and personal space.
Students who would like to bring Art tools to school (particularly sharp items) should ask Ms. Shante for permission prior to bringing the object to school.
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Josh Bornstein
moreWyncote Weekly Update 03/14
Josh Bornstein
Calendar Reminder
Friday, March 20 - School CLOSED - observance of Eid Al-Fitr
Picture Day
Picture Day for all underclassmen will be on Tuesday, March 24. Make-up pictures for graduates will also be taken. A dear friend of our program, Ms. Bernice Goll, will be volunteering her services as photographer.
Extended School Year (ESY)
Our Extended School Year program, led by Dr. Adam Berman, offers students a vibrant and enriching summer experience that blends academic growth with exciting activities. Each morning, students participate in targeted academic classes—including writing, reading, and mathematics—to strengthen essential skills and maintain steady learning progress. Afternoons bring a variety of engaging activities such as arts, outdoor recreation, and swimming, giving students opportunities to explore interests and build confidence. The program will also feature inspiring guest speakers and a weekly field trip that extends learning beyond the classroom. Student eligibility for Extended School Year is determined by the services outlined in their IEP, and our registrar, Ms. Claire Hays, will be contacting eligible families directly with enrollment information.
moreWyncote Weekly Update 03/07
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Women's History Month
Wyncote Academy is proud to observe Women’s History Month, honoring the extraordinary contributions women have made to our society, our communities, and to the life of our school. Throughout March, our students will engage with stories of resilience, leadership, creativity, and courage that highlight the vital role women have played—and continue to play—in shaping our world. We also take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the remarkable efforts, dedication, and talents of our female staff and faculty, whose guidance, expertise, and care inspire our students every day. This month reminds us of the importance of gratitude, reflection, and our ongoing commitment to uplifting the voices and achievements of women past, present, and future.
Standardized Testing
As a licensed private school in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, we are required to administer annual standardized testing for students in grades 6 through 11. The TerraNova Complete Battery is a nationally norm‑referenced assessment that measures student achievement across core academic areas. It offers a comprehensive view of each student’s progress in reading, language, mathematics, science, and social studies, with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem‑solving, and the application of skills rather than simple recall.
moreWyncote Weekly Update 02/28
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Important Upcoming Dates
March 20, 2026 - School Closed - Eid al-Fatir
March 25-26, 2026 - Noon Dismissals - Terra Nova Testing (Grades 6 through 11)
March 30, 2026 through April 3, 2026 - School Closed - Spring Break
Academic Progress
The Interim Reports will be mailed later this week. The reports provide a snapshot and a narrative for your student's progress in their classes. If you have any questions, please feel free to email your student's teachers for further insight. The official end of the 3rd Quarter is March 26, 2026.
The student logins for Google Classroom that were sent last Tuesday will allow you to view your student's progress on their assignments. Students may access their assignments on Google Classroom at any time at home and at school.
Thank you, and have a wonderful weekend!
Mr. Josh Bornstein
Head of School
Wyncote Academy
moreWyncote Weekly Update 02/21
Josh Bornstein
Good morning, Wyncote families,
Snow Watch
With the expected snowfall, I will be closely monitoring any updates from the School District of Philadelphia. Because PSD transportation serves a large portion of our student population, if the District closes on Monday, we will close as well.
Important Note
Our top priority is the safety of our students. In light of recent events at other local schools, I believe it is necessary to communicate clearly with our school community. Students may leave the building before dismissal only for the following reasons:
- Early dismissal approved by a parent or guardian
- Walking to the Gym in the Perlman Building on our campus, supervised by staff
- Using campus outdoor space for recess, supervised by staff
- Participating in field trips/sporting events, approved by a parent or guardian and supervised by staff
- Attending special events in the Auditorium located in the former Gratz College building on our campus, supervised by staff
I have also reaffirmed our commitment to our families and students. The following message was shared with the Board of Directors, Faculty, and Staff.
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