UPDATE Philadelphia Air Quality Upgraded to Code Maroon

Dear School District of Philadelphia Families,

AirNow, a partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Park Service, NASA, Centers for Disease Control, and tribal, state, and local air quality agencies, is currently rating the air quality as “Code Maroon,” which means that everyone is encouraged to stay indoors and reduce activity levels. They are also currently forecasting a downgrade to “Code Orange”  later today as conditions are expected to improve throughout the day.

Students are encouraged to wear masks during the commute to and from school. At schools, outside activities such as recess, outside field trips and field days will be moved indoors if possible, postponed or canceled. The District’s Athletics Office will support schools in rescheduling outdoor athletic games that were previously scheduled.

In addition, all windows and doors at school buildings will remain closed to minimize air pollution. According to the forecasts for the rest of the week, temperatures are not expected to exceed 78°F. Though warm, indoor temperatures should not reach levels that would warrant early dismissal.

We will continue to follow guidance from the City, and will provide regular updates as the air quality status changes.

Sincerely,

Oz Hill
Chief Operating Officer
The School District of Philadelphia