Palumbo Updates - Students/Parents

* New/updated info.

Monday, October 27, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

• COMPLETE STUDENT WELL-BEING SURVEY!
• Junior class voting

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

• Youth Voter Trip (McGeehan)

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

• MHA Hot Chocolate/Cider Sale
• Norfolk State Choir Performance - 3rd Period

Thursday, October 30, 2025 - 1 Hour Advisory Bell Schedule

• Advisors ensure XELLO Tasks are complete
• HBCU Battle of the Legends - Lincoln Financial Field - 11th & 12th -dismissal time TBA

Friday, October 31, 2025 - Special Bell Schedule

• PARADE OF HORRORS
• Griffin Workday

The Lady Griffins will be playing Central on Tuesday, a rematch of last year, in the Public League Championship. This will take place at 4pm at Mcgonigle Hall on Temple's Campus. This is the first time that the volleyball championship will be played on this kind of stage! We hope that some of you will be able to make it. The winner will play Cardinal O'Hara 5pm on Thursday at Lincoln High School for the District Championship.

Check out the highlights from the Masterman Match.

If you're interested in competing in our annual costume contest please complete this form. The categories are Scariest, Funniest, Most Creative, Best Impression, and best Duo or Group. Note: costumes can not contain black guns.

As we wind down the Fall season, and gear up for the Winter season, please see this document for contact information and Google Classroom codes for Winter sports.

A huge shout out to Ms. Gerbec and the Griffin Ambassadors for successfully plowing through recruitment season! They hosted hundreds of prospective families during six days of tours and got nothing but positive reviews from our guests. We appreciate their dedication!

• NEXT WEEK! District-wide PASSHE Fair: The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) College Fair will be hosted at the Central Office on Wednesday, 10/29 from 4-7 pm. Representatives from the 10 PA State universities will be available for students to learn more about attending a PASSHE school and, for some, provide on-site acceptances. Students are encouraged to bring their transcripts. Registration is not required.
• Black Energy Awareness Month, Youth Career Day: Celebrate Black Energy Awareness Month (BEAM) with the Philadelphia Chapter of American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) on Saturday, 11/8 from 10:00-1:00 at Vaux High School! This event will allow high school students to discover what it takes to prepare for careers in STEM. Students can find more information and register HERE by 11/3. Flyer is attached.
• Home Depot, Path to Pro Skills Program: Students interested in the trades should check out the FREE, on-demand training program run by Home Depot! The coursework is designed to teach transferable skills, and will build knowledge for a successful career in the skilled trades. Check out the training opportunities HERE.
• Foster Care to College, Collaborative Event: Join for a virtual event on Wednesday, 11/5 from 6:00-7:30 to hear from two current college students and their coaches how they've navigated college, and learn about how youth in foster care can earn their degree tuition-free. You can register and find more information HERE. Flyer is attached.

We’re looking for a new HSA Vice-President to join our dedicated team! Email palumbogriffinshsa@gmail.com for more info

Fundraising for 20th Anniversary School Transformation!

Your HSA helped give Palumbo a vibrant makeover over the summer. Check out the photos and make a donation here!

Academy at Palumbo Familias is our community-building initiative for Spanish-speaking families. Please email HSA Member-at-Large Edwin Mayorga to learn more edwin.mayorga@gmail.com

Stay Connected to the HSA

Follow us on Instagram @pgriffinsha and Facebook

Website

Questions, suggestions, or expertise to share? Email palumbogriffinshsa@gmail.com

Upcoming HSA Meetings: Oct. 21, Nov. 18, Jan. 21, Feb. 18, April 21, May 20

The SHPE Greater Philadelphia Chapter is excited to host our Equipando Padres virtual workshop designed to support parents, caregivers, family members, and friends of precollege students interested in STEM careers!

Join us on Wednesday, October 29th from 6-8:30 PM via Google Meets for one engaging session!

This workshop will provide valuable guidance on topics such as:
1. Why College,
2. How to choose a College,
3. Preparing for College visits,
4. Applying for College, Paying for College.
5. Paying for College

Hosted by engineering students and professionals, this session will equip families with the knowledge and tools they need to support their students’ academic and career journeys.

Register now: https://lnkd.in/ezEDdK69

For 9th–10th Grade Girls: The VIEW Program

The VIEW Program is designed for talented young women who are preparing for college admission and long-term academic success. This STREAM-based program fosters both academic readiness and personal development.

Highlights include:

• SAT Prep, College Essay Writing, and Personal Development Workshops

• Partnership with Villanova School of Business & College of Engineering

• 2-week Summer Residential Program with a robust academic curriculum

• Exposure to Advanced Computer & Informational Skills

• A focus on fostering Caritas within a supportive community

Registration for VIEW opens at the end of October and closes at the end of November.
Students may complete an Interest Form here: VIEW Interest Form

For 11th–12th Grade Girls: The Legacy of Grace Program

The Legacy of Grace Program is designed to inspire, educate, and uplift academically strong young women as they prepare for life beyond high school.

Through mentorship, skill-building, and creative expression, participants will:

• Strengthen self-esteem, leadership, and professional skills

• Engage in personal and professional development workshops

• Build awareness of mental health and wellness

• Develop a strong sense of identity and purpose

• Participate in meaningful community service projects to foster compassion and connection

Registration for Legacy of Grace is currently open and will close at the end of October.
Students may register here: Legacy of Grace Registration

NAMI Philadelphia is excited to announce the return of our Adolescent Support Group, now offered in-person at Ellie Mental Health. Starting Wednesday, October 22, teens ages 13 to 17 are invited to join us every Wednesday from 6–7 PM for a supportive space to connect with peers and talk about mental health.

Ellie Mental Health, 255 S. 17th St, Floor 9, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Register here

If your student is new to Palumbo, and has a 504 Plan please reach out to their counselor to ensure that we have a copy of the plan. This is especially important for students coming from non-school district schools. The 504 plans do not automatically transfer to us from outside of the district.

Counselors:

Last Name A-G - Thomas Shanks - tshanks@philasd.org

Last Name H-P - Chloe Gerbec - cgerbec@philasd.org

Last Name Q-Z - Qiana Pray - qpray@philasd.org

Save the Date–Malcolm Bernard HBCU Fair: The Office of Postsecondary Readiness will be hosting the 27th Annual Malcolm Bernard HBCU Fair on Wednesday, 11/19 from 3:30-7:00 at Martin Luther King High School. Students should bring copies of their transcripts, as some schools may be doing instant decisions. Student registration is REQUIRED at this link.

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 doctors 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.