City and School District provide update on back-to-school safety and programming for the 2023-2024 school year

PHILADELPHIA, August 30, 2023 At a press briefing, the City of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia School District, and the School Board announced plans for keeping students safe during the upcoming school year.

"Our students' security and well-being are essential for their learning and academic achievement," said Mayor Jim Kenney. "As we continue to address violence and crime citywide, one of our top priorities is the safety of all students throughout the school day. As we look ahead to a new school year, the City is glad to continue its partnership with the School District of Philadelphia on programs designed to keep children safe and engaged." 

The Office of Children and Families (OCF) provided an update on Out-of-School Time (OST) and other programming in advance of the return to school. This fall, OCF is working to engage over 6,400 students at 129 OST programs, and with hundreds more students in Parks and Recreation, Free Library, and Department of Human Services programs.

"We all know that the hours after school are a critical time for young people," said Vanessa Garrett Harley, Deputy Mayor for the Office of Children and Families. "They are at greater risk for unsafe behavior when not positively active, engaged, and supervised. Research also confirms that students who participate in quality Out-of-School Time programs are more likely to attend school and to be physically active and less likely to become victims of violence or be involved in violent activity.

Most OST programs are located in School District of Philadelphia schools. Charter, parochial, private, and community-based locations, including recreation centers also host programs.

Other OCF department programs are:

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation provides affordable, fun after-school programming for more than 2,000 students at 100 sites across the city. Programs serve students aged 6 to 12 and provide a snack, homework help, and recreational time until 6 p.m. On School District half days students go on trips (i.e., ice skating, environmental centers, etc.). Visit phila.gov/ppr to learn more.