News
Phil D’Ambrosio - Physical Education Teacher and Coach
I want every student to look forward to returning. I also want to provide them with an idea about or interest in fitness and performance.
Physical Education Teacher and Coach
What three adjectives would you use to describe your classroom?
Energetic, Friendly, Joyous.What do you love about Shipley?
Shipley is a fantastic community with great students.What inspired you to choose education?
I enjoy working with children and seeing them grow!What is your favorite lesson, project or activity? Why?
YOU ARE OUT! A fun game that keeps the kids engaged and emotions running high.What is your year-end goal for every student who walks into your classroom?
I want every student to look forward to returning. I also want to provide them with an idea about or interest in fitness and performance.What is your favorite season?
SummerWhat is your biggest pet peeve?
LitteringName one of your hobbies.
Basketball. I am Shipley's varsity boys' basketball coach.What is your favorite quote?
“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard.”Name one thing you can’t live without:
Family
News
-
Lower School’s Tina Wattles Retires After Nearly 20 Years
Shipley's beloved PreKindergarten teacher Tina Wattles will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 school year, leaving a lasting mark on the community. Her energy and smile will be greatly missed by her students and colleagues alike. "For a generation, Tina has planted acorns that have grown into mighty oaks. Her work will reverberate for years and years to come,” said Head of School Michael Turner.Read More -
Anna Dejdar ’04 Says Farewell to Shipley after 16 Years of Service
Anna Dejdar ’04 is set to embark on a new journey, leaving behind a legacy that spans over two decades. As she prepares to assume her new role as Head of Upper School at Stratford Academy in Macon, GA, in the 2024-2025 school year, we reflect on her invaluable contributions and the indelible mark she has left on our School.Read More -
Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams Earn Medals at Regional Tournament
Shipley's Middle and Upper School Science Olympiad Teams earned many medals at the Pennsylvania Southeast Region Science Olympiad Tournament on March 8 at Penn State Abington.Read More -
Peter Makela ’04: 2024 Alumni Artist Exhibition
This year’s alumni exhibition features work from the Sky Paintings series by Shipley alum Peter Makela ’04 and will be on display in Speer Gallery from April 9 to May 5. Celebrate the fine arts at Shipley with an artist reception in Speer Gallery on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The Alumni Artist Reception is part of Alumni Reunion Weekend and is open to family and friends of the Shipley community, we ask that you please register online or contact alumni@shipleyschool.org with any questions.Read More -
BJ Glenn ’07: Building a Career on Exposure to Communities Outside His Own
The son of a North Philly cop and South Philly educator, Shipley alumnus Robert "BJ" Glenn III ’07 demonstrated prowess as an athlete and as a student. Knowing the importance of a good education, BJ's parents enrolled him in Kindergarten at Shipley where he soon made his mark in class, and later on Shipley’s playing fields in lacrosse, baseball, and other sports. But it was at daily recess at age 6 when he discovered a sport that perfectly blended his budding speed and agility with a strong leg: soccer.Read More -
Two Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Read MoreThe Shipley School proudly announces two members of the Class of 2024 have been recognized by The National Merit Scholarship Program as Finalists -
Middle Schoolers Present Research at American Astronomical Society Annual Conference
Shipley Middle Schoolers Anderson Knipe ’28 and Lily Pressman ’28 presented their joint research on young stellar objects at the 243rd Meeting of the American Astronomical Society held January 7-11 in New Orleans, LouisianaRead More -
Gators Brought the House Down at Swamp Night
Shipley’s annual Swamp Night was held on Friday, January 26! Everyone in the community came together to share a meal, participate in games and activities, and cheer on Shipley's basketball teams. Check out highlights from the evening!Read More -
Fourth Graders Demonstrate Compassionate Participation
Compassionate participation in the world is a foundational pillar of Shipley’s mission. They aren’t just words - Shipley students live by this statement through their everyday actions. Read more about our fourth graders' mission to help others.Read More -
Roxana Barry Robinson ’64: High Praise for Latest Novel
Roxana Barry Robinson ’64 is an award-winning author whose upcoming novel, Leaving, received a Kirkus Star and was featured on Oprah's list of The Most Anticipated Books of 2024. Leaving comes out on February 13, 2024, and is available for pre-order. You can learn more about Roxana and her work by visiting www.roxanarobinson.com.Read More -
Creating a Culture of Kindness in Middle School
“Shipley is really special because three kids can go to a teacher and say, ‘I think it would be cool to do this.’ And the teachers and administrators support them all the way through.” Learn more about the Middle School's culture of kindness and November's Kindness Month events.Read More -
Lexi Wojtelwicz ’20: THON 2024
Just before graduating in 2020, Lexi Wojtelwicz reflected on her time at Shipley, writing, “Shipley is constantly presenting different ways to try something new…. There are so many ways to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and discover your passions while knowing you have the support of the whole community”. Now a senior at Penn State University, Lexi will be representing her Greek organization, Delta Gamma, in THON 2024. Lexi shares more about THON and her leadership role.Read More -
From Greeters to Graduates: How Shipley Develops Student Voice
Explore Shipley's commitment to developing and empowering student voice. From Lower School greeters to Upper School Admissions Ambassadors, and from fourth-grade debates to Harkness discussions, Shipley cultivates confident communicators who learn to use their voices with empathy and humility and to communicate in a range of forms.Read More -
Ishea Johnson ’19: How Shipley Prepared Me for Academic Success at Princeton and Beyond
Princeton University graduate Ishea Johnson ’19 credits her Shipley teachers with creating an environment where she developed and thrived as an independent learner, contributing to her success in college. "Shipley is truly outstanding in that it simultaneously provides its students with a rigorous, academically challenging curriculum while also fostering intellectual exploration and creativity," she says.Read More -
Fall Sports Round-Up
The Gators wrapped up a successful fall sports season with many teams reaching their respective Friends Schools League Championship and PAISAA state tournament, and many student-athletes earning spots on FSL All-League teams. Read more about each team's season.Read More -
Ozzie Jones Receives Barrymore Award Nomination for Outstanding Outdoor Production
Ozzie Jones earned a Barrymore Award nomination for Outstanding Outdoor Production, showcasing his transformative journey and key role in Theater in the X's acclaimed "Dreamgirls."Read More -
Finding Your Voice in Eighth Grade English
In the journey of self-discovery and personal development, eighth grade students at Shipley embark on a path of finding their voice. This article highlights eighth grade English, and how students learn to express their opinions, beliefs, and thoughts through literature and class discussions, laying the foundation for compassionate participation in the world.Read More -
Q&A with Henry Katz ’19: From All School President to White House Intern
Shipley All School President Henry Katz ’19, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in May with a BA in Political Communication. This summer, he served as an intern at The White House in the Office of Scheduling and Advance, and has recently started a new position as a Political Strategist at Schoen Cooperman Research in New York City.Read More -
Meet Chantra Reinmen: Shipley's New Head of Middle School
Learn more about Chantra Reinman—from her unexpected journey into education to her love for travel, and a surprising encounter with royalty, Chantra shares what drives her to make a difference in the lives of young learners. Discover why she's so passionate about protecting children's options and possibilities, what she loves to do in her free time, and why the classic film Roman Holiday holds a special place in her heart.Read More -
From Ice-Breakers to Algebra: Building Community and a Strong Foundation for Learning
In the whirlwind of the first few weeks of school, Shipley's teachers set the tone in their classrooms with engaging ice-breaker activities that transcend traditional introductions. Through these activities, our students are not merely getting to know each other; they are building the foundations of a thriving, supportive, and vibrant community that will guide them on their journey to becoming their best selves.Read More
1/20
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.
