Philly’s 113,000 students go back to school

Monday was August Dixon’s first day of kindergarten, and the 5-year-old stood in the packed F.S. Edmonds Elementary School yard wearing a brand-new Spider-Man backpack practically as big as he was.

His mother hugged him tight.

“You’re going to do awesome,” Kourtney Dixon said. August’s dad, Nate Dixon, squeezed the boy’s shoulder and smiled at him.

Nervous at first, August saw a friend he knew from pre-K, his face lit up, and his assessment of the 2024-25 school year rose by several notches. What was kindergarten going to be like?

“Fun,” August said.

Monday marked the start of the 2024-25 school year for August and 113,000 other students in the Philadelphia School District.

Edmonds, in East Mount Airy, was abuzz with excitement before the first bell: A DJ pumped tunes, students hugged their friends, and parents snapped photos.

Dave Malone, a special education teacher at Edmonds, wove in and out of the crowd, showing students where to stand and greeting parents warmly.

Twenty-six years into a career in education, the first day of school still brings wonder, Malone said.

“This is one of my favorite days every year,” said Malone.

Autumn Mial, 9, said she felt confident about tackling fourth grade.

“It’s harder than third, but you can learn more things,” said Autumn.

King James Abraham, a brand-new third grader, stood with his dad, until he saw a teacher he knew, then ran straight for her, throwing himself into her arms for a hug.

“I’m thrilled about school starting,” said Peter Abraham, who was happy to drop his sons King James and King David, a fifth grader, off at the school they love.

Dignitaries including Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr., and school board president Reginald Streater shook hands and made speeches with the same bottom line.

“Today is about new beginnings,” the mayor said.

Parker, a former high school English teacher, brought educator energy to Edmonds, clapping and cheering for students as they made their way into the school building.

“Sixth grade! Woo-hoo!” Parker yelled as a class of sixth graders walked past her and Watlington.

Later, the mayor and superintendent gave a pep talk to a class of eighth graders.

“No matter where you came from, you can do and be anything,” Parker said.

“We came here to let you know that we believe in you, we support you, and we’ve got your back,” Watlington said.

The back-to-class rite marked the start of Parker’s first full school year as mayor, and the first year of the extended-day and extended-year school programming that she promised during her campaign. This year, free before- and after-care are happening in 25 schools — 20 district schools, including Edmonds, and five charters.

“Our extended day extended year program will close what we reference as the enrichment gap, giving our students the same opportunities as other students in other communities who are starting school today, and it will support our superintendent, Dr. Watlington’s, mission to continue to improve student achievement,” Parker said.

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Watlington said the district has a 96% “fill rate,” or 347 vacant teaching positions — but is still in better shape than it was at the same time last year.

But, the superintendent promised, “we will have a competent and caring teacher in front of every classroom,” either through credentialed substitutes or by central office staff with teaching licenses.

After Monday, the heat will put a wrinkle in some schools’ first week plans. Dozens of schools without adequate air-conditioning are expected to send students home early on Tuesday and Wednesday due to high temperatures.

Air-conditioning was installed at eight district schools over the summer, but 63 schools are still un-air-conditioned. School officials have said it will take until 2027 before all buildings have air-conditioning.