Parent Ledger '26-27 Volume I

9/13 Progress Report Cards Issued

9/16 Back to School Night 6PM-8PM

Greetings Warrior Nation ,

We had a successful first week of school! It was great to welcome our Warriors back into the building and see them continue their journey in the Pursuit of Excellence. We are proud of how our students have started the year and appreciate our families for helping us establish strong expectations from Day 1.

A few important updates and celebrations:

🕒 New Dismissal Times
Please remember that we have a new bell schedule this year, and dismissal times vary throughout the week:

• Monday: 2:50 PM
• Tuesday & Thursday: 4:00 PM
• Wednesday: 3:09 PM
• Friday: 3:20 PM

🌟 Week 1 Glows
We want to celebrate our Warriors for doing an excellent job adjusting to our new cell phone expectations. Students have overwhelmingly followed the expectation of keeping their phones in their lockers throughout the school day. We also saw the majority of our students arrive each day in full uniform. Thank you, families, for your partnership!

🎯 Areas for Improvement
As we enter Week 2, we need to tighten up two areas of our uniform expectations: black belts and black shoes. A small percentage of students wore sneakers during the first week, and we understand that some families were waiting for uniform shoes to arrive. However, a larger percentage of students arrived without the required black belt.

During the first week, students received reminders and warnings as we helped everyone transition back to school. Beginning this week, students who are missing required uniform items will receive a detention or may be required to return home to correct the uniform issue.

We had a strong start, and now our goal is to build on that momentum. Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to helping our Warriors meet the high expectations of Warrior Nation as we continue our Pursuit of Excellence!

It is with deep sadness that we share that Mr. Marvin Payne, a beloved member of our Boys' Latin Middle School staff, passed away last week.

Although Mr. Payne did not teach at our High School campus, many of our Warriors in grades 9-12, who attended our Middle School were taught by him or had the opportunity to engage with him during their time there. Mr. Payne was an integral part of the Middle School community and had a profound impact on countless students, families, and staff members.

We recognize that news of his passing may bring feelings of grief and sadness for students who knew and cared for him. If your Warrior is experiencing grief or needs additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to our school counselor, Dr. Washington, Nwashington@boyslatin.org We are committed to supporting our students as they process this loss.

We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Payne's family, loved ones, and the entire Warrior community during this difficult time.

Our Boys' Latin Crew Team was recognized in the media this week for their continued hard work, discipline, and dedication to the sport. The feature also highlighted Boys' Latin partnership with the BLJ Community Rowing , the first Black-owned and operated boating company in the country, providing our Warriors with meaningful opportunities and exposure beyond the classroom. We are proud to see our student-athletes making waves on and off the water!

A group of our Warriors participated in the Barbers Who Care Back-to-School Haircut event, receiving fresh haircuts to help them start the school year feeling confident and ready. One of our Warriors was also featured on FOX 29, where he spoke about the impact a fresh haircut can have on a young person's self-esteem and confidence as they begin a new school year. We are proud to see our Warriors representing themselves and our school community!

As part of our continued Pursuit of Excellence, we have updated the language and structure of our school uniform policy to better reflect the values we seek to instill in every Warrior. Our new Vestitus Apparatus ("Attire Made Ready") framework emphasizes that our uniform is more than a dress code—it is a tool for preparing students to lead with confidence, professionalism, and purpose.

Please notice a clearer progression of attire expectations throughout the school year and greater flexibility for students to dress appropriately for different occasions while maintaining our high standards. We encourage all families to review the updated Uniform Guide together before the first day of school so that every Warrior begins the year prepared for success.

All Students are required to be in the full Business Casual Uniform Students need to be wearing the Business Casual uniform. Boys’ Latin maroon polo, khaki pants, black belt, and black shoes( NO sneakers, NO boots)

• Students will be sent home if they do not have an appropriate uniform. See images below of both uniforms.

We have a Business Casual uniform (formerly Spring/Summer) and a Business Professional uniform (formerly Fall/Winter uniform) . It is mandatory that all students began wearing the Business Professional uniform on October 26. We highly recommend you begin ordering or purchasing The Business Professional uniform NOW. You can purchase items from Flynn O’Hara or Cramer’s.

As part of our commitment to creating a focused learning environment and preparing for Pennsylvania's upcoming statewide cell phone restrictions in schools, Boys' Latin is strengthening our student cell phone expectations this school year. Pennsylvania's policy emphasizes reducing classroom distractions and maximizing instructional time so students remain fully engaged in learning. In preparation for the anticipated 2027–2028 statewide cell phone restrictions, Boys' Latin will begin implementing expectations that support this transition.

Our Student & Family Handbook has always stated that student cell phones are prohibited during the school day. Last school year, teachers supported this expectation by collecting cell phones from students as they entered each classroom. This year, that procedure is changing. Rather than collecting phones in individual classrooms, students will now be responsible for securing their own devices in their assigned lockers for the duration of the instructional day.

Beginning this school year:

• All student cell phones must remain in students' lockers throughout the instructional day.
• Every student will be assigned a locker and school-issued lock.
• Students are expected to store their cell phone inside lockers during the instructional day.
• Students may not share lockers or remove the school-issued lock from their assigned locker.
• Students may not use or access their cell phone at their locker during the school day. If a student is observed using a cell phone at their locker, the device will be confiscated for the remainder of the day.
• If a student is found with a cell phone in a classroom, hallway, restroom, or any other area of the building, the phone will be confiscated for the remainder of the school day and returned to the student at dismissal.
• As an incentive, students who have followed the policy throughout the instructional day will be permitted to use their cell phones during their assigned lunch period while inside the cafeteria only. Cell phones must be returned to students' lockers immediately following lunch.

These updated procedures provide students with greater responsibility while ensuring that instructional time remains free from unnecessary distractions. We appreciate your partnership as we prepare for Pennsylvania's statewide cell phone restrictions during the 2027–2028 school year. Together, we can create an environment where every Warrior is focused, engaged, and prepared to achieve excellence.

Bookbags and Back Packs

During the day students will be required to LEAVE their book bags or backpacks in their lockers during the day. Students can visit lockers during transition to retrieve any important items for their classes or lunch.

Students are allowed to carry Shoulder Zipper Binder(see image below) or small Laptop Sleeves NOT bags (see image below)

My name is Ms. Sheppard and I am the Administrative Assistant for the high school. I’m excited to be working with you all again this year and look forward to getting to know any new families. Please take note of my email address, as you will be using it for various reasons throughout the year. Also, please read this letter in its entirety.

1. Early Dismissals- We understand that early dismissals are necessary at times. Here are some things to keep in mind when seeking an early dismissal:

• Some parts of our day are busier than others, for this reason, we ask that all early dismissals happen before 2:30pm. We are preparing for the close of the day and do not want to overwhelm the front office so close to dismissal.
• I cannot accept requests for early dismissals over the telephone. Once you submit the request form, I will call you to confirm the dismissal. Please make sure that all contact information is updated in our system. You can use this link to update your contact information.
• Students are not permitted to leave class to request a dismissal from me. This request must come from the parent, via the early dismissal link on our website.
• To request an early dismissal for your student, please visit our website at boyslatin.org, select "families", then under high school, select "contact information" and it will be the first link listed. For your convenience, I've included the actual link. Please use this request form and include the time you are expecting your student to leave and whether or not they are leaving on their own.
• Our students are permitted to leave on their own for an early dismissal, but please keep in mind that you must still request the dismissal through the link and I will still call you to confirm the dismissal. Students over 18 must still follow this rule, and get permission from the parent to leave.
• Please do not call your student on their mobile phone during the day. Students are not allowed to use their phones during the school day. If your student is running behind to leave for their early dismissal, please call me. If you cannot reach me by my desk phone, please call or text my cell. The number is 215-704-7195.

2. Excusing an Absence- Reporting a student's absence is done through a form that must be filled out. The link to the form can be found below. Please review the following information:

• When your child is absent, an absent note is required to excuse the absence.
• You are able to excuse the absence for up to 2 consecutive days with the parent excuse note.
• If your child is absent for more than 2 consecutive days, a note from a medical professional is required.
• Vacations are not considered excused absences and we would use your parent notes to excuse 2 of those days in a row.
• Only 9 parent excuse notes are accepted during the entire school year.
• The form to excuse your student's absences can be found here.
• The Attendance Policy has been attached to this email

3. Transportation- Only students that live 1.5 miles or more from the school qualify for transportation and will receive a Septa Fare Card. The fare card is of no cost to families. The School District of Philadelphia determines whether your child is eligible for transportation. If your child is found to be eligible for transportation, they will receive (1) YELLOW fare care.

Although issues are isolated, please be advised that you may have to provide transportation for your child for up to the first 2 weeks of school if there is an issue with your transportation status. The school district does not furnish us with day passes, vouchers or any other fare items. More information regarding the Septa Student Fare Card can be found here.

• If you live outside of Philadelphia, the school district where you reside is responsible for providing transportation for your student. Please visit that school district in-person and apply to their school for "transportation only". Your child will still be a student at Boys' Latin, but we do not provide their transportation(this includes lost, stolen or damaged Septa passes).

• If your child was a student at Boys' Latin High School last year and was issued a Septa Student Fare Card, your child will continue to use that same card this year, as long as your address qualifies for transportation. It will be activated by the School District of Philadelphia at the beginning of the school year. If that card was lost, stolen or damaged, please email me and I will issue your student a new card.

• If your child has never received a fare card from Boys' Latin or was a student at Boys' Latin Middle School last year, your child will be issued a brand new card as long as your address qualifies for transportation to and from the high school.

4. Contact Information- Please make sure that all of your contact information is up-to-date. We use the contact information that you provide to issue early dismissals, emergencies and communication, etc..

• If you need to update any information, please use the following link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. I can be reached at [215] 387-5149, ext. 221 or via email. My contact information can be found below.

If you would like the nurse to administer Tylenol and other over the counter medicine. Please print the form below, sign it and have your warrior return the form the school nurse.

Who to Contact:

Attendance and Transportation Questions

Administrative Assistant Ms. Sheppard

Csheppard@boyslatin.org

Academic Questions:

History and ELA- Mr. Goodwin lgoodwin@boyslatin.org

Math, Science, and Latin - Mr. Padilla tpadilla@boyslatin.org

Electives and Scheduling- Mr. Parker rparker@boyslatin.org

Specialized Services Questions:

Ms. Shaki- lshaki@boyslatin.org

Climate and Culture Questions

Mr. Swiggett- Jswiggett@boyslatin.org

Laptop/Technology Issues

IT Support - support@boyslatin.org

Dr. Washington's Virtual Counseling

If you need resources or want to connect with Dr. Washington visit her virtual page

Dr. Washington's Counseling page

ALL RETURNING STUDENTS === If your warrior’s laptop was lost or stolen over the summer or during last school year you must pay a $300 replacement fee for your student to receive a laptop. Please click the link to make a payment link: https://www.boyslatin.org/for-families/chromebook-fees Payment Plan option is available.