It’s the first day of school for students in the School District of Philadelphia

Monday is the first day of school for students in the School District of Philadelphia.

More than 113,000 students will return to more than 200 district schools to begin the 2024-2025 school year.

At Franklin S. Edmonds School in East Mount Airy, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Superintendent Tony Watlington, and city council officials rang the bell to celebrate the start of a new school year and welcome back classes.

What you need to know about the 2024-25 school year:

Air Conditioning

Eight school district buildings received air conditioning units over the summer.

In April, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts donated $200,000 to the school district to fund the purchase and installation of more than 300 air conditioning units in 10 district schools.

According to officials, 63 schools still lack air conditioning.

Teachers

Watlington said the district is 96% staffed and has hired more than 800 new teachers and counselors for the new year.

The district said it still has a 4% vacancy for teaching positions, meaning it still needs to fill nearly 400 spots.

“We have a competent and caring adult in front of every classroom today,” Watlington said.

The superintendent said each classroom will be covered by either a substitute, retired teachers, or school staff member.

Extended Day, Extended Year program

Also, 20 district schools and five charter schools will begin the pilot Extended Day, Extended Year program, which is a voluntary program for families to take advantage of free before and after school care. The activities will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 6:30 p.m.

New reading curriculum

As part of the district’s plan to accelerate academic achievement, Watlington said a new English curriculum will be used for all students across the district.

New two-way communication system

The superintendent said the district will implement a new two-way communication system that will allow the district to track how quickly it responds to phone calls and emails. Parents and families will be able to provide a feedback score, according to Watlington.

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