Administrative Team

Mr. Jon Reising
jon.reising@pennsauken.net

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Welcome Letter - Mr. Reising

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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 2025-2026 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 31st year in education. I was a high school social studies teacher for 21 years and an administrator for 10. 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 foundation 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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Welcome Letter - Mr. Midora

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My name is Ralph Midora and I was born and raised in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.  After earning my High School Diploma in the city, I attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  From there I completed my studies by earning a Master's Degree in Leadership from Wilmington University in Delaware.

I am currently the 8th grade Principal at Phifer Middle School.  This is my 19th year working for the School District of Pennsauken.  I began as a Social Studies teacher at the High School in 2006.  After eight years in the classroom I became an Administrator in 2014.   I have been serving the students here at Phifer in that capacity ever since.

Mr. Peter Nardello
pnardello@pennsauken.net

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Welcome Letter - Mr. Nardello

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Mr. Nardello is entering his 20th year as a part of the Pennsauken family. He spent his first thirteen years at Pennsauken High School as a special education teacher of mathematics. During his years at PHS, Mr. Nardello coached varsity baseball and freshman football, building lifelong memories and relationships with students, players, parents, teachers, and coaches. He was also the adviser for various clubs, such as the Varsity Club, The Tribe, Peer Leadership, and SADD. Additionally, Mr. Nardello served as a dean of discipline, member of the I&RS team, and contributor to the Title I committee.

Mr. Nardello graduated from Winslow Twp. High School in 2002 and earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at The College of New Jersey. Upon graduation from TCNJ, he earned his Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Temple University, which began his interest in being an administrator. Currently in the dissertation phase of his doctoral studies, Mr. Nardello’s research interests include restorative justices, which seeks to build children’s accountability and understanding of their behaviors before, during, and after conflict.

The 2025-2026 school year marks Mr. Nardello’s seventh year as an Assistant Principal here at Phifer Middle School. These years have been the most rewarding of his career, as he has met thousands of students and their families and witnessed the children grow from young children to high school graduates. One of Mr. Nardello’s fondest memories at Phifer includes the annual Senior Walk, where graduating seniors take one final walk through the Phifer halls during graduation week. It is truly moving to see how much each child has developed into a young citizen ready to achieve their potential and proudly step into the real world!

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

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Welcome Letter - Ms. Andrade-Thomas

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My name is Ruth Andrade-Thomas. I am the 6th grade Vice Principal at Howard Phifer Middle School. In addition, I serve as the Supervisor of Science and the History Departments. I am grateful to be a part of the Pennsauken School District and to have the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of staff, students, parents, and community.

I was born in Central America but I grew up in South Jersey. After high school I joined the United States Army and served in the military for several years and simultaneously pursued a degree in education.

My academic journey has been shaped by the pursuit of knowledge, culminating in three degrees: bachelor's in Science from Philadelphia Biblical University now Cairn University, a master's in Special Education from Cheyney University, and a master's in School Leadership from Wilmington University.

I began my teaching career in the Philadelphia School District before dedicating the past 19 years to the Pennsauken Public Schools as a science teacher. In 2023, I transitioned into the role of Vice Principal.

This school year I look forward to shaping and molding students academically and personally into becoming productive, contributing members of our society.  Let’s partner together for a wonderful school year. Thank you for your time