after-school programs
Though the program hasn’t overhauled the academic calendar, parents say the new extended-day pilot program has helped them.
Tony Watlington shared his priorities for this new school year including how to better train and recruit new teachers. He also hopes to rebuild trust with the school community through better customer service tools.
Mayor Cherelle Parker stressed the pilot won’t significantly change the academic calendar, won’t be mandatory, and won’t disrupt collective bargaining agreements.
The “Summer Achievers” program will start in June and offer a mix of academics and camp-like activities. It could set the table for new schedules at 20 schools in 2025-26.
Jesse Mell, the city school district’s drumline coordinator, wants to grow the program until it’s in every school. This year, for the first time, the district will offer drumline as a summer program.
The district’s top safety official stressed that schools remain “the safest place” for students.
Supporters say getting students interested early in fields like coding is crucial.
Brent Johnstone and Akeiff Staples started FathersRead365 from scratch five years ago and worked hard to expand its reach.
It also approved a billion dollars in financing for major building upgrades.
Both the SRC and the Board of Education have voted to revoke ASPIRA's charters for Stetson and Olney. The issue has been tied up for years. The third charter vote includes conditions, which may not be enforceable.
"How many more people have to die before you step up?" a student asked.
The Philadelphia educator and social entrepreneur focused on big-picture problems, founding several nonprofit organizations.
The bill is part of a larger package aimed at reforming Pennsylvania's charter school system.
A Penn student started the program to help others like her.
After pleas from parents, teachers, and students, the vote was 4-1. The board also voted 5-0 to close Khepera.
