Philadelphia Launches 5th Annual Back-to-School Bus Tour

Families gather at the Philadelphia Back-to-School Bus Tour to receive supplies and enjoy community activities.

News Summary

The School District of Philadelphia is set to kick off its 5th annual Back-to-School Bus Tour, providing essential resources and activities for families as students prepare for classes. Commencing on July 28, the tour will feature seven events throughout the city, offering free backpacks, school supplies, vaccine availability, and entertainment. With ongoing COVID-19 safety measures in place, families will also have the opportunity to enroll their children in school on-site. As students gear up to return on August 25, the initiative highlights community support during the transition to the new academic year.

Philadelphia – The School District of Philadelphia is gearing up for the new academic year with the launch of its 5th annual Back-to-School Bus Tour. This initiative aims to provide resources and information to families as students prepare to return to classes on August 25.

The bus tour will commence on Monday, July 28 and will feature seven events scattered across the city. Each event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and promises an array of activities, including free games, food trucks, a DJ, water ice or ice cream, and various giveaways. Attendees will receive free backpacks filled with essential school supplies such as notebooks, rulers, pencils, folders, and erasers.

In an effort to enhance safety, particularly concerning ongoing public health measures, COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed at each location. Families attending the tour can also enroll their children in school and register for the online parent portal on-site.

As part of the bus tour’s offerings, state-mandated vaccines and sports physicals will be available at select stops, specifically the School of the Future and Martin Luther King High School. To ensure availability, families are encouraged to pre-register for immunizations, as walk-in services may not be guaranteed.

In recent years, the bus tour has seen considerable participation, with each stop averaging between 2,500 to 3,000 attendees. The calendar for this year’s events includes:

July 28: School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Ave.
August 1: Fashion District, 901 Market St.
August 4: Martin Luther King High School, 6100 Stenton Ave.
August 6: George Washington High School Fields, 10175 Bustleton Ave.
August 9: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way.
August 12: Marcus Foster Stadium (Gratz Supersite), 1627 W. Hunting Park Ave.
August 15: Roosevelt Mall, 2329 Cottman Ave.

In a related note, SEPTA, the region’s transit authority, is implementing a 20% service cut effective August 24, which will affect approximately 55,000 students who rely on SEPTA passes for transportation. As families prepare for the upcoming school year, they are encouraged to explore alternative transportation options for students affected by the cuts. While state lawmakers are anticipated to offer additional funding to help mitigate the impact of these cuts, families are advised to plan accordingly.

In terms of back-to-school spending, the National Retail Federation estimates families will spend an average of $570 per child this season. However, a recent Deloitte survey indicates that parents in Philadelphia are expecting to spend an average of $725 per child, reflecting concerns regarding rising costs and economic uncertainty influencing their shopping habits.

This year’s Back-to-School Bus Tour not only serves to equip families with necessary resources and supplies but also fosters community engagement in the vital transition from summer to the school year. As the start of classes approaches, the School District of Philadelphia continues to prioritize student readiness and family support.