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Penn Alexander, GAMP schools awarded National Blue Ribbon Schools designation

Posted on 23 September 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com

Two School District of Philadelphia schools – the West Philadelphia based Penn Alexander School and South Philly based Girard Academic Music Program School (GAMP) – have received the 2021 National Blue Ribbon designation, according to an announcement by the District. Both schools are among the nation’s highest performing based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates. These are two of 13 schools in Pennsylvania – and the only two schools in Philadelphia – to achieve Blue Ribbon status this year.

Penn Alexander received the 2021 National Blue Ribbon designation for “Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing.” The school was also recognized as National Blue Ribbon School in 2016. Penn Alexander serves just under 600 students in kindergarten through eighth grade and is the result of a historic partnership between the University of Pennsylvania and the District. Continue Reading

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SEPTA’s Trolley Modernization project underway (updated)

Posted on 22 September 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com

An artist’s rendering of an improved off-street trolley station planned by SEPTA as part of its Trolley Modernization Project.

SEPTA is currently in the planning stages of its Trolley Modernization Project, a multi-year effort to replace its entire fleet of trolleys with new, larger light rail vehicles that are also more accessible to people with disabilities and seniors. In addition to replacing its fleet, SEPTA is planning to rebuild trolley stations to make the platforms more accessible, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The plan also includes construction of Eastwick Intermodal Center, a new maintenance and storage facility for the new trolleys, and a trolley line extension in the Parkside area (Centennial District Trolley). Continue Reading

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School District offering payments to parents who will drive their kids to school

Posted on 17 September 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com

Philadelphia public schoolchildren returned to schools for full-time in-person learning on Aug. 31, first time since March 2020. Since the beginning of the current academic year, the School District of Philadelphia has been experiencing a shortage of school bus drivers, according to a recent announcement by Superintendent Dr. William R. Hite. This problem, actually, has been reported nationwide.

To mitigate this problem, the School District has launched a pilot program (Parent Flat Rate Program) that will offer a monthly payment to families who will opt out of bus, van or cab assignment and will transport their kids to and from school. All eligible families who will choose to enroll in this program will be offered $300 per month ($3,000 for the school year). Continue Reading

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Philadelphia School Board approves COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all School District employees (updated)

Posted on 25 August 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com

UPDATE (8/25/2021): The School District of Philadelphia’s Board of Education voted on Tuesday night to approve a resolution to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for all School District employees.

“It is the Board’s duty to protect our children, many of whom cannot get vaccinated, and being vaccinated is the best protection against the virus,” Board President Joyce S. Wilkerson said in a statement released Tuesday evening. “We believe that preventing COVID-19 infections through vaccines will lead to fewer missed school days, more in-person learning days, and ultimately, to improved student achievement.”

Following the Board’s resolution, School District Superintendent William Hite will develop a mandatory vaccination plan that would require employees, contracted workers and service employees who work in District facilities and on District property to be fully vaccinated and to submit proof of vaccination status. The plan would also include a process to request exemptions and accommodations for certain documented medical circumstances or “sincerely” held religious beliefs. Details of the plan will be developed and shared soon with District staff and school communities. Continue Reading

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Philadelphia reinstates indoor mask mandate, with some stipulations

Posted on 11 August 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com

Philadelphia officials have announced a new indoor mask mandate to fight the latest surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. The new requirements will come into effect Thursday at 12 a.m. on and will only effect businesses and institutions that do not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for their staff and customers, according to today’s announcement by Mayor Jim Kenney.

Some Philadelphia area restaurants have been asking their customers to show proof of vaccination to be served at their business since the delta variant began spreading last month. Those restaurants that do not have such rules will have to ask their staff and customers to wear masks inside unless they’re actively eating or drinking. Continue Reading

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Back-to-School Bus Tour kicks off Monday, Aug. 9: Student immunizations, school supplies giveaway and more

Posted on 06 August 2021 by WestPhillyLocal.com

The School District of Philadelphia is sending its Back-To-School buses to 31 city neighborhoods starting Monday, Aug. 9. This new program will provide important information and services to students and families, including free state-required childhood immunizations at four event sites, as they are preparing for the return to in-person learning on August 31st.

Students and families will also have an opportunity to communicate with the School District’s Street Team Ambassadors to receive back-to-school information, register for pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, sign up for the Parent Portal and receive a free backpack and school supplies. Continue Reading

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