Read message in your language (coming soon): SHQIP | عربي | 汉语 | ខ្មែរ  | Français | Português | Русский | Español | Việt

February 25, 2021

Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,

I am happy to share that the city-led third-party mediation process between the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers on the phased reopening of our city’s public schools is nearing conclusion. Details will be finalized over the next few days, and will be shared with you on Monday, March 1, 2021. In the meantime, our PreKindergarten through second grade students who were set to return on Monday, March 1, will remain virtual until further details are announced.

We realize that the uncertainty surrounding the safe reopening of our school buildings has been unsettling and inconvenient for many families, and that you would prefer to know details today. What I can share today is that there are still some important details that are being worked out, and we want to have those details finalized so we can announce the full phase-in plan for PreK-2 hybrid learning students at one time.

Our focus has been and remains the safe reopening of our school buildings so we can slowly and safely begin offering in-person learning opportunities to our students and families who want and need this learning option, starting with our youngest learners.

I look forward to sharing details on Monday. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we conclude the mediation process in the best interests of our students and staff.

Sincerely,

William R. Hite Jr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia