(215) 364-5950 x13011

Welcome to the Klinger Middle School website! I encourage you to visit often to learn more about our school, our educational programs, and all of the great things our students and staff are accomplishing throughout the year. It is my honor to serve as the principal of this amazing community of Klippers.

Middle school is a wonderful and tricky time for students and all of us at Klinger are drawn to this age group as we appreciate the challenge and enjoy helping students to learn and grow as they discover their interests and develop new talents. In Centennial, we have a shared belief that "all students and staff have the capacity to grow as thoughtful, creative, and responsible learners and citizens." For us at Klinger that is evident in the love we have for our students and the belief that every student can achieve to a very high level and find success, even in her or his greatest challenges. To continue to grow we also value "service to the CSD learning community, mutual respect and empathy towards others, equitable access to learning experiences and resources,  and safety, well-being, and a sense of belonging for all." Thank you for partnering with us in these pursuits.

This year we are excited to begin our second year of the "Reimagined Middle School" program and schedule, including teams and a "What I Need (WIN)" period for all students. Teachers on each team collaborate to support the same group of students. This setup helps students to feel a strong sense of community and belonging. 

Please enjoy our website to learn more about Klinger and please reach out to me if there is anything you need.

Most kindly,

Martin Hayes, Principal

(215) 364-5950 Ext. 13002

My name is Jim Ford, and I am honored to serve in the role of assistant principal at Klinger Middle School.  This is my twentieth year at Klinger and my twenty-fifth year working with middle school students.  

I graduated from Salisbury University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Arts in Teaching.  From there, I taught middle-level life, physical, and earth science in Maryland for five years.  I moved to Pennsylvania in 2004 and started working at Klinger Middle School that fall.  While at Klinger I taught both 7th and 8th-grade science and coached soccer, basketball, and baseball.  In 2008, I earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Gwynedd-Mercy College, and have been working as the assistant principal since 2013.  

I am a husband and father of three wonderful children; two daughters, and a son.   I regularly tell the kids at school the same things that I tell my own children.  Every day I  want you to do three things; try your best, have fun, and be nice; and the most important thing is to be nice.  

Our faculty and staff at Klinger are dedicated to supporting students academically and developmentally as they navigate through middle school.  We want to challenge students, provide them with opportunities, and help them to grow as young men and women so they are prepared for high school.  Our school-wide expectations are respectful, responsible, reliable, and safe.  I’d think you would agree that these are more than just school expectations, they are life expectations.    

We look forward to another wonderful year at Klinger Middle School.  Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything.  We are here to help and support you in any way possible.  

Best regards,

Jim Ford, Assistant Principal