This year, Philadelphia School District students returned to school on Monday, August 27. There are 12 Community Schools in the city, and there was a lot of excitement and activity at each of them for the first day. Here is a look back at 10 great moments from the schools all across the city.

1. The moment a student at George Washington High School welcomed in the new school year by ringing the school’s first bell of the morning.

2. The moment Alain Locke School buses started to arrive, and the walkway filled with students at Samuel Gompers Elementary School.

3. The moment that our Coordinators, like Beth at Southwark School, waited and planned for all summer for — the school year has begun!

4. Teachers were ringing bells during this art class at South Philadelphia High School.

5. Murrell Dobbins CTE High School alumni arrived early to greet incoming students.

6. At Edward Gideon Elementary, students sang their way into the new school year.

7. Meanwhile, community partners came together at Tilden Middle School to welcome students.

8. Students at William Cramp Elementary School received supplies from Cradles to Crayons for the new school year. F.S. Edmonds Elementary School kicked off the year with a resource fair, too!

9. The moments students at Logan Elementary School recited this an affirmation: “I will do my best to excel in every way.” And parents pledged “to be an example for our children.”

10. And of course, the moments of looking ahead, like here with goal setting at Kensington Health Sciences Academy.

Share your favorite memories at Community Schools throughout the year on social media with #CommunitySchoolsPHL and have a wonderful school year, Philadelphia students!

Learn more about Philadelphia’s Community Schools
Philadelphia has 12 Community Schools all across the City. Learn more about this initiative that serves all Philadelphians.