Kevin Bethel, Chief of School Safety for the Philadelphia School District, wants parents to feel that their children are safe at school. After the 2022 Uvalde School shooting in Texas, he was quoted by CBS News as stating, «Right now, the fear in our system is real. These (Uvalde) are the incidents that keep you up, the concern that someone could come to your school and do harm to your child.» In the 2022-2023 school year, the City of Philadelphia is launching new efforts to keep our Philly students safe and provide after-school programs for enrichment and activity. The School District, under the new administration of Superintendent Tony Watlington, will receive additional support from other city programs such as the Free Library and Parks and Recreation.
New security measures include the installation of 100 new cameras on the school property and updated safety plans at each school. The schools ask that parents ensure that all contact information is accurate and up to date. Below is the link to the School Emergency Preparedness Brochure with which each parent should be familiar.
After-school safety is just as important. Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families plans to enroll over 6,4000 students in 129 programs and hundreds more in programs conducted by the Parks and Recreation department, the Free Library, and the Department of Human Services programs.
Vanessa Garrett Harley, Deputy Mayor for Children and Families, stated in a recent community meeting that the city is investing in these programs because research evidence confirms that students who are participating in these types of programs «are more likely to have better school attendance… less likely to be involved in violent activity».
Recreation Centers offer affordable after-school programming for students ages 6-12 in every neighborhood. Some park and rec programs pick students up directly from school and include snacks. You can check out what is available in your area by visiting phila.gov/ppr.
Philadelphia Libraries are pitching in as well. They are a great after-school resource and are open to help with homework through the Literacy Enrichment After-School Program (LEAP). LEAP is an established out-of-school time program providing free homework assistance and promoting a love of reading. The program is an informal and inclusive program that helps to build on life skills and social-emotional development. With the mentorship of neighborhood librarians and trained staff, LEAP is a safe space for students to learn and explore interests!
New after-school programs are also available in your area. Out of School Time (OST) programs are offered for children and youth in grades pre-K through 12. In the 19133 area, Julia de Burgos offers after-school programming daily from 3:45 to 6:00 pm, and Hartranft offers after-school programming with Education Works. You can look up after-school programs in your area by visiting https://www.phila.gov/ost/program-locator.
Use the Locator and then contact the programs directly. Space is limited, so sign up early. You can find programs for your child’s age in your neighborhood and search by zip code, age, keyword, price, or type.
Families receiving services from the Department of Human Services (DHS) have priority for DHS-funded OST programs. Please feel free to contact your case manager or email DHSOST@phila.gov for information on how to sign up.
Check out all the info and ask your local school for more suggestions. We all have a part to play in keeping our children safe.
For more information on LEAP, email LEAP@freelibrary.org or call the Youth Services & Programs Department at (215) 686-5372.
Philadelphia School District 440 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa
