Tell us: As Philadelphia inches toward reopening some school buildings, what are parents and students thinking?

Young girl in mask plays with blocks while masked and gloved woman watches
Chalkbeat Philadelphia wants to hear from families and students at this moment in time. Our short survey will be used to gain insight into what families are experiencing and what questions they may have. We plan to use the results of the survey to inform our coverage. (FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images)

Philadelphia students in prekindergarten to second grade are supposed to head back to classrooms the week of Feb. 22, two weeks after Mayor Jim Kenney unveiled a vaccination plan for teachers and school staff. 

This would be the first time students and teachers have returned physically to a classroom since March — but the school district and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers are still at odds over the district’s plan to keep educators safe.  

Chalkbeat Philadelphia wants to hear from families and students at this moment in time. Our short survey will be used to gain insight into what families are experiencing and what questions they may have. We plan to use the results of the survey to inform our coverage. Know that this form is confidential and if you are uncomfortable with your name being used, please let us know at the end of the survey.

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The Latest

The Education Department threatened the federal funding of states that wouldn’t comply with the administration’s anti-DEI interpretation of civil rights law. With that demand paused, states are suing to end it entirely.

A presentation used to brief school board members and obtained by Chalkbeat outlined potential cuts, many of which include staff and programs supported by federal COVID relief money. District officials and school board members look to lobby City Hall and Illinois lawmakers for funding.

Republicans have proposed school safety reforms and more public school access for home-schooling students. Democratic proposals include restrictions on school building closures.

New and existing charter schools will go before authorizers to ask for new campuses in the city, mergers, and more. Some schools won’t open until the fall, but public meetings are getting underway.

The Trump administration has sought to exert greater federal control over higher education. Researchers visiting Denver rallied at the Capitol against the president’s actions.

Detroit Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is urging the district community to reach out to lawmakers to express their concerns about potential education funding cuts.