ReopeningSchool safetyStudent Voices

Tell us: As Philadelphia inches toward reopening some school buildings, what are parents and students thinking?

By 
Caroline Bauman
and
Carrie Melago
 | February 11, 2021, 9:04pm UTC
Young girl in mask plays with blocks while masked and gloved woman watches
Chalkbeat Philadelphia wants to hear from families and students at this moment in time. Our short survey will be used to gain insight into what families are experiencing and what questions they may have. We plan to use the results of the survey to inform our coverage. (FatCamera / E+ / Getty Images)

Philadelphia students in prekindergarten to second grade are supposed to head back to classrooms the week of Feb. 22, two weeks after Mayor Jim Kenney unveiled a vaccination plan for teachers and school staff. 

This would be the first time students and teachers have returned physically to a classroom since March — but the school district and the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers are still at odds over the district’s plan to keep educators safe.  

Chalkbeat Philadelphia wants to hear from families and students at this moment in time. Our short survey will be used to gain insight into what families are experiencing and what questions they may have. We plan to use the results of the survey to inform our coverage. Know that this form is confidential and if you are uncomfortable with your name being used, please let us know at the end of the survey.

If you are having trouble viewing this form on mobile, go here.

The Latest
Denver Public Schools drops lawsuit over Trump guidance for immigration enforcement at schools

Although DPS did not win the lawsuit, the district declared “a victory” in the case and said it wouldn’t hesitate to sue again “should circumstances change.”

By 
Melanie Asmar
 | June 10
Over 70,000 Colorado students would be impacted by proposed changes to low income student funding

Trump’s bill proposes increasing how many credit hours it takes to be considered for federal aid and would lower how much some students get.

By 
Jason Gonzales
 | June 10
How NYC’s mayoral candidates would respond to Trump administration threats to federal school funding

New York City schools receive more than $2 billion a year in federal funds. How would the next mayor respond if President Donald Trump threatens to withhold it?

By 
Michael Elsen-Rooney
 | June 10
Newark’s schools anticipate more students next school year amid rise in applications

Newark district and charter schools received more than 10,000 applications for enrollment this fall, with charter schools receiving a record-high number of applicants.

By 
Jessie Gómez
 | June 10
Tennessee launches its summer food benefits this week. Most students in the state will miss out.

For the first time in five years, most low-income Tennessee students will not receive summer grocery benefits to help bridge the gap before school starts back. Advocates warn Tennessee’s decision to reduce its program will harm students.

By 
Melissa Brown
 | June 10
‘Extremely frustrating’: Philly community leaders blast district’s approach to closing schools

School district officials promised that residents would inform its facility planning process. But community leaders and parents say they’re not being heard.

By 
Rebecca Redelmeier
and
Carly Sitrin
 | June 10