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Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,

Summer is here! It’s the perfect time to explore the outdoors, enjoy the warmer weather, and spend more time with friends and family. It’s also the perfect time to schedule your child’s wellness visit to ensure their immunizations are up to date. Visit philasd.org/vax to find information about school-required immunizations. The School District is eager to share some valuable information to help students and families find the right doctor, and stay healthy this summer. Additionally, we’re thrilled to introduce two new health initiatives for students! Please find more information below.

Stay Active this Summer

Staying active and moving is important for both mental and physical health at any age! Here are some ways to promote an active lifestyle at home: 

• • Sign your child up for a school sport, which offers significant benefits for both physical and mental health. All students who play sports next school year must have a sports physical completed on or after May 2025. 
  • Make physical activity part of your family routine – go on a walk after dinner, stretch in the morning, play games together.
  • Decrease screen time, and replace time on the phone, TV, or computer with physical activity. 
  • Be positive about physical activity and encourage your child to participate in new activities. 
  • Talk to your child’s pediatrician about safe and adaptive physical activities and preparticipation physical examination for sports. 

Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass

Students 14 through 19 years old are able to work out for FREE at any Planet Fitness in Philadelphia from June 1 through August 31. Students can sign up at the Planet Fitness front desk or www.planetfitness.com/summerpass. Students who are under 18 years old need to sign up with a parent/guardian present. 

Menstrual Health Equity Program

Did you know that 2 out of 3 teens felt stressed because of a lack of access to menstrual products at school? Menstrual products help students manage their periods, the time of the month when blood and other bodily fluids are excreted through the vagina. Lack of menstrual products at school can impact a student’s attendance, academic achievement and participation in extracurricular activities.

Through Governor Shapiro’s Free Menstrual Product Grant program, the District now provides free menstrual products at all middle and high schools, as well as Educational Options Program schools. Your child’s school offers a variety of products, including pads, tampons and period underwear, which are available in restrooms and the nurse’s office. Students can take products to use during the school day, over the weekend, and school breaks. We also plan to host informational assemblies to educate students about menstrual health, reduce stigma, and create a supportive environment.

For more information and resources about menstruation and menstrual hygiene products, please see the District’s Menstrual Equity FAQ, linked here. You can use this guide to talk to your child about menstruation. If you have questions, please contact Student Health Services via Let’s Talk – https://www.philasd.org/studenthealth/#contactus. 

Thank you for nurturing and empowering your students to be active and healthy this school year and through the summer!

Sincerely,

Dr. Kendra B. McDow MD, MPH, FAAP

School District Medical Officer

Office of Student Support Services