Weekly Updates - Students/Parents
August 24 - 28, 2026
Just giving a heads up that there has been scaffolding placed around the entire school building in preparation to repair the exterior. Unfortunately, the scaffolding will be there for at least a year. Please be careful while walking and use the designated openings. Do not sit or climb on the scaffolding, and do not block the sidewalk with large crowds of people.
Monday, August 24, 2026 - First Day for students! School starts at 8:00 AM
- 1 Hour Advisory Schedule
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- 1 Hour Advisory Schedule
- 12th Grade Meeting during advisory (will likely run into 1st period)
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- 1 Hour Advisory Schedule
- 11th Grade Meeting during advisory
Thursday, August 27, 2026
- 1 Hour Advisory Schedule
- 10th Grade Meeting during advisory
Friday, August 28, 2026
- 1 Hour Advisory Schedule
- 9th Grade Meeting during advisory
- Senior Prom Fundraiser Begins
All students living 1.5 miles or greater from the school (1100 Catharine St.) are eligible to receive a Septa Fare Card. The card is good until the student graduates from high school. Fare cards will be distributed at new student orientation or during the first week of school. Current students should use their existing fare cards, so please keep them in a safe location over the summer. New 10th, 11th & 12th grade students who are transferring will receive a new fare card if eligible. All students are able to travel to school for free on the first day of school. For fare card questions email Ms. Khadiyah at kbunion@philasd.org. Please see the district’s website for more information on Fare Cards.
Students may not use phones during class for non-instructional purposes. Teachers may either require students to keep phones in their bags (not in their pocket), or keep phones in a wall-hanger. Students are allowed to use phones responsibly before school, after school, and during their assigned lunch period. We highly encourage parents/caregivers to call the school's office at 215-400-8130 if they need to contact their student.
Consequences for students in violation of the policy are as follows:
1. After the first infraction teachers will have a private conversation with students
2. After the second infraction teachers will call the student’s home
3. After the third infraction students will be referred to the dean’s office. Thereafter the dean will follow progressive discipline according to the code of conduct.
CLASS OF 2027: View the Gates Scholarship fact sheet here. Deadline is quickly approaching.
You may use this electronic form to submit an excuse for your child's absence from school within three days of the absence. A doctors note must be provided after three consecutive days of absence. After 9 parental excuses, a doctor's note will be required. Be sure to complete each section below to ensure the excuse is accepted. Written notes are also accepted in the main office. All request are subject to administrative approval.
WAYS TO REQUEST AN EXCUSED ABSENCE:
- Complete this form within three days of the absence.
- Send a written note within three days of the absence
- Call 215-400-8130 on the morning of the absence.
