Palumbo Updates - Students/Parents

* New/updated info.

Monday, November 3, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

• Attendance Celebration Lunch Party

Tuesday, November 4, 2025 - Schools Closed

• ELECTION DAY

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 - Regular Bell Schedule

• CCP Trip - Dr. L & Ms. Nevin

Thursday, November 6, 2025 - 1 Hour Advisory Bell Schedule

• STI Testing
• Xello task completion
• FAFSA Completion Night 6-8 PM

Friday November 7, 2025 - 1 Hour Advisory Bell Schedule

• STI Testing
• Xello task completion

Cheers to another successful Parade of Horrors! A great time was had by all during one of our favorite traditions. Students competed in categories of scariest, funniest, most creative, best impression and best duo or group, while staff dressed as characters from your favorite cartoons!

Juniors and Seniors got a glimpse into life on the yard at Thursday's battle between Delaware State University and Norfolk State University held at Lincoln Financial Field. This was a great opportunity for students to experience the richness and culture of HBCUs. There were onsite admissions, a step show, battle of the bands, and the main event - the football game coached by former Eagles, DeSean Jackson and Michael Vick.

Thanks to those who made sure I was ok during a minor medical emergency, especially Ms. Khadiyah, Ms. Bond and Maggie!

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.

• 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 making instant decisions. Student registration is REQUIRED at this link. Flyer is attached.
• Equitable Excellence Scholarship: The Equitable Excellence Scholarship (a $20,000 award) is now open through 12/18! "Equitable is committed to students who show potential: those with the courage to pursue what's possible; who display strength in managing challenges; who share wisdom with others." Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA can learn more about eligibility and apply HERE. Several SDP students received this award last school year.
• Get Schooled, November Resources: Get Schooled is a great age-appropriate resource for all things postsecondary preparation. Check out their November resource page with grade-specific activities HERE.
• City of Philadelphia Apprenticeship Guidebook: Please share this year's comprehensive Apprenticeship Guidebook with students interested in apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in the City.

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

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

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

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.