The School District of Philadelphia will resume in-person classes and normal operations on Wednesday, February 25, following a two-day closure caused by a major blizzard. The storm, which blanketed the city with 14 inches of snow, prompted a shift to virtual learning on Monday and Tuesday.
Key Takeaways
- In-person classes for all School District of Philadelphia students will resume on Wednesday, February 25.
- The district has confirmed that student lateness and absences due to weather-related issues will be excused.
- Yellow bus services and all after-school activities, including sports, are scheduled to operate normally.
- The reopening follows a major blizzard that deposited 14 inches of snow and led to a city-wide emergency declaration, which has since been lifted.
A Return to the Classroom
After two days of remote instruction, students and staff across Philadelphia are preparing to return to school buildings. District officials announced Tuesday evening that all schools would be open for their regular schedules on Wednesday.
Recognizing the ongoing challenges posed by the storm's aftermath, the district has implemented measures to support families. Students who arrive late because of transportation difficulties or lingering hazardous conditions will not be penalized. Additionally, any student absences will be marked as excused, provided a parent or guardian submits a note to the school.
The policy extends to district employees. Staff members who face delays in their commute will also be granted an excused lateness. The district's central office is also set to reopen for normal business hours.
Storm by the Numbers
The winter storm that swept through the region left a significant impact. Philadelphia officially recorded 14 inches of snow, leading to widespread disruptions. The severity of the blizzard prompted city officials to issue an emergency declaration, which was formally lifted on Tuesday morning as cleanup efforts progressed.
Logistics of the Reopening
A critical component of the return to school is transportation. The district has confirmed that yellow bus service will operate on its normal schedule. However, officials caution that individual bus routes could experience delays as drivers navigate neighborhood streets that may still be affected by snow and ice.
Resumption of Extracurriculars
The return to in-person learning also signals the restart of after-school programs. All extracurricular activities, including athletic practices and competitions, are scheduled to proceed as planned starting Wednesday afternoon. This marks a full return to the daily routines for thousands of students involved in these programs.
City-Wide Recovery Efforts
The school reopening is part of a broader effort across Philadelphia to return to normalcy. Public transportation is a key focus, with SEPTA having restored all bus services by Tuesday evening. However, some Metro rail services continue to operate with delays or modifications. City residents are also advised that trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by two days this week to allow sanitation crews to assist with snow removal.
Broader Impact of the Storm
Philadelphia was not alone in facing the powerful winter storm. The system had a significant impact across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Boston was buried under 17 inches of snow, also causing school closures and major travel disruptions. In Maryland, communities are still dealing with slippery road conditions after receiving several inches of snow.
The coordinated cleanup and reopening efforts in Philadelphia reflect the challenges municipalities face after major weather events. From clearing roads to ensuring public transit is operational, the city's ability to recover directly impacts the school district's capacity to safely welcome back students and staff. The district's decision to reopen signals confidence in the progress of these city-wide efforts.
As families prepare for Wednesday morning, the focus remains on safety. Parents are encouraged to check for updates on specific bus routes and allow extra time for their morning commute to ensure a safe return to school.