SHQIP | العربية | 汉语 | Español | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | ខ្មែរ | Português | Pусский | O’zbek tili | українська мова | Việt
Dear School District of Philadelphia community,
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a time traditionally set aside for expressing gratitude, reflection and mindfulness, and connecting with those you love. As I reflect on the past year, I cannot help but be extremely grateful for each of my professional colleagues, and every student, parent, guardian, and caregiver that we serve.
The School District of Philadelphia is well on its way to becoming the fastest improving, large urban school District in the nation. The District’s performance on the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) report (also recognized as the Nation’s Report Card), showed that our 4th and 8th grade students recovered more rapidly from the pandemic than the national average, and our large urban peer districts. We have made significant improvement in state assessments. And over the past three years, student attendance has increased, teacher attendance has increased, test scores have improved for students in grades 3-8, the four-year graduation rate has increased, and dropout rates have decreased.
This progress is not possible without all of us working hard, strategically, and in partnership to do what is right for young people and improve academic achievement. You have celebrated with us in the good times and persevered with us in challenging times. For that, I say thank you!
This Thanksgiving, let’s lean into gratitude for all we have accomplished together. Let’s reflect on our work together and the work to come. Let’s rest in the confidence that when we work together, we can accomplish great things. And finally, let’s take full advantage of the holiday break to connect with family and friends, and be mindful of the needs of others across our District and city. I wish you joy, health, and peace this Thanksgiving holiday.
In partnership,
Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia