Philadelphia’s School District Launches ‘Ring the Bell’ Bus Tour

Families gather at the Philadelphia 'Ring the Bell' bus tour to receive school supplies and enjoy community activities.

News Summary

The School District of Philadelphia is starting its annual ‘Ring the Bell’ bus tour to prepare families for the new school year. Running from late July to mid-August, the tour will provide free school supplies, immunizations, and engaging community activities at various local venues. With the anticipated first day of school fast approaching, this initiative aims to support students and address family concerns about upcoming transportation challenges. Local leaders will also participate in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community support in education.

Philadelphia – The School District of Philadelphia is launching its annual “Ring the Bell” bus tour to assist families in preparing for the upcoming school year. The initiative aims to provide essential resources, such as free school supplies and immunizations, in an effort to support students and their families prior to the September 2025 start of classes.

The bus tour will commence on Monday, July 28, at the School of the Future, located at 4021 Parkside Avenue. Families can benefit from the tour’s offerings between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and it will run through August 15, 2025, with a total of seven scheduled stops throughout Philadelphia. These stops include popular local venues, with each event designed to cater to the needs of families as they gear up for the school year.

The specific dates and locations for the bus tour stops are as follows:

July 28: School of the Future
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.

At each event, families will receive free backpacks filled with school supplies, which is particularly helpful as the financial burden of back-to-school shopping can average over $500 per child, according to the National Retail Federation. In addition to supplies, select bus tour stops will offer immunizations and sports physicals to ensure that all students are ready for the classroom and extracurricular activities.

The previous years’ bus tours have historically attracted substantial attendance, with estimates ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 individuals per event. The School District aims to effectively connect with families by addressing their concerns about the upcoming academic year, especially as the first day of school is scheduled for August 25, 2025.

In light of recent challenges, parents are expressing concern regarding transportation options, particularly due to SEPTA’s planned 20% service cut set to take effect on August 24. This service reduction will impact approximately 55,000 public school students who utilize SEPTA transportation. Families are encouraged to review SEPTA’s resource plans to navigate potential transportation hurdles.

In addition to the distribution of school supplies and health services, the bus tour events will feature engaging activities for families, including games, music, food, and even opportunities for haircuts. These community-building activities aim to foster a sense of unity and support as families prepare for the school year.

Local leaders, including the School District’s Superintendent Tony Watlington and Board of Education President Reginald Streater, will be present at the inaugural event, underlining the importance of community involvement in education and the value placed on supporting families during this transitional period.

The “Ring the Bell” bus tour continues to serve as a vital resource for Philadelphia families, ensuring that students are equipped both academically and physically before the new school year begins.