Mickey Mantle School (Thursday Doors)

Who will open me,
look inside for potential
seeds expanding into dreams?

Autumn in the air–
fresh notebooks pencils backpacks
greeting new teachers, old friends

I can’t remember when this school was not under scaffolding. Imagine my surprise the other day when I walked by and I could actually see the beautiful building. Constructed in the 1890s to replace a vermin-infested wooden structure, the original PS 9 (which is now located on Columbus Avenue) was a modern structure, with electricity and plenty of large windows for light and ventilation. Designed by CBJ Snyder, the Superintendent of School Buildings, to blend in with the local architecture, it was landmarked in 2009.

This latest renovation still has temporary doors on the side exits, but seems to have finished most work just in time for the new school year. I’m sure the students will be happy to see the scaffolding is gone. Now known as PS 811M, the school serves 400 disabled students from pre-K to high school, supporting both academic and social/emotional growth. The students even run their own in-school diner where they acquire multidisciplinary skills to aid them in integrating into life after school.

Before becoming The Mickey Mantle School in 2002, the school was the John Jasper School, named for an educator who was principal of the school for 30 years. After PS 9 moved in 1965 it became PS140, The Peter Cooper School, and then The Livingston School in the 1950s. I could not find out exactly why it is now named for Mickey Mantle, although AI suggested that the naming it after the Yankees icon “inspired students to pursue their dreams with hard work and dedication”.

Riverside Park is lush and beautiful right now. The garden is in full flower too.

And there were some interesting cloud formations over New Jersey.

My poem is a mondo for Tanka Tuesday where Robbie has asked us to use personification.

And you will find the Daytonian article about the school building history here, along with comments from former students and one teacher.

And don’t forget to check out all the doors at Thursday Doors, hosted by Dan Antion.