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March 25, 2021

Dear School District families,

Now that all of our PreK-2 families have had the opportunity to opt into hybrid learning, we are excited to announce the next phase of our plan to slowly and safely welcome more students back to school buildings for in-person learning. For Phase II, families of students in the following two groups will be able to choose between the hybrid learning model and the 100% digital learning model — whatever works best given the needs of your child and family:

• all students in grades 3-5, and
• students with complex needs in grades 6-8 only.

Limiting Phase II to these student groups ensures that we are able to maintain all school health and safety protocols. The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) has successfully completed its readiness reviews for the majority of the school buildings serving these students populations. Readiness reviews for any remaining Phase II buildings will be completed and communicated before staff and students return.

The Phase II Learning Model Selection Survey will open on Tuesday, April 6th, and close on Tuesday, April 13th. If you choose hybrid learning, your child will be assigned a schedule to attend school in person two days per week and engage in digital learning three days each week, beginning the week of Monday, April 26, 2021.

All staff supporting grades 3 through 8 who have not already returned — except those with an approved leave, accommodation, or remote work modification — are expected to return to schools in person beginning Monday, April 12th.

To learn more about the many layers of safety we have in place to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our schools, please visit philasd.org/aes. If you still have questions, you can call our hotline for English-speaking families at 215-400-5300 or find hotlines in other languages here. Hotlines operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. but will be closed next Friday, April 2nd in recognition of Good Friday.

We look forward to this next phase of our plan to welcome more students back to school for in-person learning and meet the needs of more families who want this learning option for their child.

Sincerely

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