Meet the Principals

Mr. Jon Reising
jon.reising@pennsauken.net

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Hello Phifer Families!

My name is Jon Reising, as Principal at Phifer Middle School, I wanted to welcome everyone to the 2024-2025 school year. Along with myself, Phifer has three Grade Level Principals who are here to help guide the education of your child:

• Mr. Ralph Midora – 8th Grade Principal
• Mr. Peter Nardello – 7th Grade Principal
• Ms. Ruth Andrade Thomas – 6th Grade Principal

Along with a fantastic administration, Phifer has wonderful teachers and staff members who strive daily to ensure your child’s educational journey is the best.

This year I am starting my 30th year in education. I was a high school social studies teacher for 21 years and an administrator for 9. I have worked in Florence Township Memorial School District, Northern Burlington County Regional School District and here in Pennsauken.  Being an administrator in the Pennsauken Public Schools has been the most rewarding and enjoyable position that I have held and I look forward to making an impact as the Principal of Phifer. 

Academics is the foundations for the success of each student. Students will be encouraged to strive to do their best in each class. We have eliminated  distractions by not allowing students to access their phone during the school day and grades have drastically improved. Students will need to bring their chromebooks (and chargers) to and from school each day.  Although we will not be “paperless” this year, we will be using less paper. We will be using online textbooks and learning platforms for instruction.

We encourage our students to make a choice every day to “Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible” when it comes to their studies, attending school on time, using proper online etiquette and choosing friends. If students are able to make good choices and have a positive mindset, they will surely have great success in school! However, we know it is not always easy to keep students motivated, which is why we count on our parents’ help. Parents, there are a few simple things you can do to ensure the success of your child while at Phifer Middle School:

• Make sure your child attends school every day and on time.  Doors open at 7:35am.  Homeroom begins at 7:45am.
• Know what is required of your child to pass each of his/her courses. 
• Log in to the Genesis Parent Portal and ensure all contact information is correct,
• check your child's grades, etc. Log in each week to view grade books, attendance, and conduct. If your child is in danger of failing, promptly contact the teacher.
• Return calls and emails from teachers, administrators, etc.
• Talk to your child about having friends who are a positive influence in your child’s life.

I am very excited about this school year. We have many changes to the building and the programs that will be exciting for the staff, students, and families. So let’s make this a great school year together!

Feel free to reach out to me at any time!

Mr. Jon Reising

Mr. Ralph Midora
rmidora@pennsauken.net

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This is Mr. Midora's seventh year as an Administrator at Phifer Middle School. As the 8th grade principal he is looking forward to helping the students prepare for their High School years while enjoying their last year of Middle School.

PHIFER MIDDLE SCHOOL 8TH GRADE BLUE WING!!!

The 8th Grade has 320 students and if you add the 2 other grades we have close to 1,000 students here at Phifer. If anyone needs assistance please contact Mr. Midora at (856) 662-8511 ext.4507 

Mr. Peter Nardello
pnardello@pennsauken.net

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Please view our annual information presentation below!

Ms. Ruth Andrade-Thomas
randrade-thomas@pennsauken.net

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We are excited to announce that Ruth Andrade-Thomas has been appointed as the 6th grade Vice Principal. With 22 years of experience in education, Ms. Andrade-Thomas began her career in the Philadelphia School District before dedicating the past 18 years to the Pennsauken Public Schools as an educator. In 2023, Ms. Andrade-Thomas transitioned into her role as Vice Principal.

Ms. Andrade-Thomas is a United States Veteran and a proud employee of the Pennsauken Public Schools. Her academic journey has been shaped by the pursuit of knowledge, culminating in three degrees: a bachelor's in Science, a master's in Special Education, and a master's in School Leadership. Her mission in life is to make an impactful difference in the lives of the students, staff, colleagues, and communities.