Philadelphia School District cancels classes, after-school programs Monday due to snow; city offices also closed

With the first significant snowstorm of the season expected to create travel havoc Monday, the Philadelphia School District has canceled school. All city government offices also will be closed.

In a statement issued to the schools community Sunday, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington Sr. cited “the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families” in the decision to postpone classes Monday and all after-school activities including all athletic programs and professional development sessions.

He also encouraged students to have fun.

“As a father of three, I understand the importance of children having fun and experiencing joy, which is one of our Accelerate Philly core values,” Watlington said. “Snow days offer special moments for our students to experience the joy and wonder of winter. We encourage families to embrace this opportunity to build memories together, while exercising appropriate caution during winter weather conditions.”

All parochial elementary schools in Philadelphia also will be closed Monday, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia said. Archdiocesan high schools in the city will utilize a flexible instructional day, the archdiocese said in a statement Sunday night, referring students to their respective schools’ websites for further details on how teaching will be conducted.

The National Weather Service has slightly altered its forecast, which on Saturday called for 3 and perhaps up to 6 inches of snow in the city, western suburbs and areas south. On Sunday, the weather service said the city should expect more like 2 to 4 inches.

Watlington said the school district this year allotted one extra day in the school-year calendar beyond the state-mandated 180, which we will used as Monday’s snow day. “Going forward, any school closures related to inclement weather will be remote learning days,” he said.