Due to dangerous weather conditions in the region forecasted for today with the temperatures in the mid-90’s and high humidity, Philadelphia Health Commissioner James Buehler has issued an excessive heat warning for Philadelphia beginning at noon. The ‘Heatline’ (215-765-9040) will be in operation from noon through midnight.

Just like on July 19, when the summer’s first heat warning was issued, the City will activate summer heat programs, including enhanced daytime outreach for the homeless. The authorities also encourage the public to check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors.

In a heat wave, the majority of the victims are older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions, so health officials urge the public to visit older friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure that air conditioners or fans are working, and homes are adequately ventilated. Other groups at risk in the extreme heat include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment and persons engaged in strenuous physical activity.  Continue Reading

All public schools will close early, at 12 p.m., on Tuesday, June 16 due the high temperatures in the forecast, the School District of Philadelphia has announced. Schools with a graduation ceremony scheduled for Tuesday have the option to remain open for the ceremonies. Parents are asked to contact schools directly to confirm graduation schedules.

Due to the high temperatures in the forecast for today, all Philadelphia public schools will dismiss at 12:00 p.m., the School District of Philadelphia has announced.  Schools with a graduation ceremony scheduled for today have the option to remain open for the ceremonies. Parents are asked to contact schools directly to confirm graduation schedules.

The temperatures are expected to reach the mid 90s today in the Philadelphia area, and heat and air quality alerts are in effect.

Click on the images below to view breakfast and lunch menus served in Philadelphia public schools in June 2015. Click here if your school uses the Satellite menu.

June 2015 K-8 breakfast, lunch menu

June 2015 9-12 breakfast, lunch menu

Staff and volunteers from PA Working Families (Facebook page) were at 52nd Street Station this morning to distribute information to commuters about recently passed local legislation on paid sick leave.

Starting today (Wednesday, May 13), those working more than 40 hours per year in Philadelphia for companies of 10 employees or more will begin accruing paid sick leave time. Here is an informative poster about the new legislation. You can also visit the Coalition for Healthy Families and Workplaces’ Website for more information. (Photos courtesy of PA Working Families).

The law passed in February and caps sick time at five eight-hour days per year and is accrued at a rate of one hour per 40 hours worked.

Here is the monthly breakfast and lunch menu served in Philadelphia public schools. Click on the images below to view the menus for grades K-8 and 9-12 for May 2015. If your school uses a Satellite menu, click here.

K-8 Breakfast and Lunch Menu, May 2015

9-12 Breakfast and Lunch Menu, May 2015