Philadelphia’s Back-to-School Bus Tour kicked off Monday with a block party at the School of the Future.
Local students were given a free backpack filled with school supplies during the event, while parents and caregivers had an opportunity to register their children for pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade and sign up for the district’s online Parent Portal, school officials said.
Since 2021, the School District of Philadelphia has brought free school supplies and resources to families through the tour in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. This year, seven stops are planned throughout the city.
“This event brings important resources, school supplies and information directly to Philadelphia families in neighborhoods across the city to help them prepare for the 2024-2025 school year,” Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. said in a statement.
The bus tour will continue to make stops across Philadelphia in the weeks leading up to the first day of school. All events will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dates and locations include:
- Wednesday, July 31: FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave. (follow signs to boathouse)
- Friday, Aug. 2: Central High School football field, Broad Street and W. Somerville Avenue
- Tuesday, Aug. 6: George Washington High School fields, 10175 Bustleton Ave.
- Friday, Aug. 9: Fashion District mall, 901 Market St.
- Wednesday, Aug. 14: Martin Luther King High School, 6100 Stenton Ave.
- Saturday, Aug. 17: Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave.
More School District of Philadelphia back-to-school information can be found at philasd.org/ringthebell.
