Category: News from SDP
Amy Van – Senior of the Month January 2026
For Amy Van, this moment feels full circle. Earlier this year, while serving as Vice President of Citywide Student Government, she noticed that a previous Senior of the Month honoree had also been a member of the Citywide Student Government. Seeing that connection, she quietly thought to herself, I’d like to be able to do...
Aster Chau– Senior of the Month January 2026
Aster Chau shines brightly within the Academy of Palumbo community, embodying the values of academic excellence and community involvement. Growing up in a family that cherishes education, Aster was strongly inspired by their mother, an immigrant from Vietnam, to pursue knowledge and advocate for social justice. Aster’s journey through the school system alongside two siblings...
National School Counseling Week – 2026
This week - February 2-6 - we will honor our talented school counselors. We hope you will enjoy reading these profiles as much as we enjoyed creating them. Remember, there are hundreds of other counselors who weren't highlighted here, so make sure to celebrate the counselors that you know on social media using #SDPThankACounselor! Faith...
School District to Return to In-Person Operation Tomorrow, January 29
Dear School District of Philadelphia Families, As you know, the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. School District and City of Philadelphia officials have been working around the clock to clear snow and ice from roads and walkways to support a safe return to in-person learning. As a...
All Schools and Offices to Operate Virtually Tomorrow January 28
Dear School District of Philadelphia Families, This weekend’s snowstorm and the resulting snow and ice across the region, has continued to yield hazardous travel conditions and ongoing impacts for drivers and commuters. Based on the conditions due to the inclement weather, out of an abundance of caution and in order to ensure the safety of...
Announcing the Proposed Facilities Master Plan
SHQIP | العربية | 汉语 | Español | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | ខ្មែរ | Português | Pусский | O’zbek tili | українська мова | Việt Dear School District of Philadelphia community, Today we are releasing the proposed Facilities Master Plan, with recommendations for 307 District facilities. The Plan contains recommendations for school buildings that make key investments including but not limited to: delivering access to Algebra I for every middle school student; investing in upgrades to...
Timothy “Chef Tim” Lopez – Teacher of the Month December 2025
Timothy “Chef Tim” Lopez brings excellence, discipline, and heart to everything he does, and the impact of his work is felt far beyond the walls of the kitchen. After spending 13 years cooking for the Philadelphia Eagles and earning a Super Bowl ring, Chef Tim chose to bring his world-class experience to the classroom. Today,...
A Dr. Martin Luther King Day Message from Superintendent Watlington
Read in your language: SHQIP | العربية | 汉语 | Español | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | ខ្មែរ | Português | Pусский | O’zbek tili | українська мова | Việt Dear School District of Philadelphia Families, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle.” As we observe Dr. King’s legacy through this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day...
55 District High Schools Earn Middle States Accreditation
55 School District of Philadelphia High Schools Earn Middle States Accreditation PHILADELPHIA, PA — The School District of Philadelphia has reached a significant milestone in academic excellence, with all 55 district high schools now fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). With the official accreditation of the District’s...