THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PHILADELPHIA

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

440 NORTH BROAD STREET, SUITE 301 PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19130

In recent weeks, large groups of students have gathered in Center City and at transportation hubs after school leading to several incidents of violence and disorderly conduct. To ensure your child’s safety and the safety of others, The School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Police Department and SEPTA Police encourage you to discuss the danger of aimlessly loitering in large groups with no purpose.

While the numbers of youth involved in disorderly and criminal activity make up only a small percentage of our students, it is creating a negative portrayal of all teenagers in the city. Several students have been arrested for disorderly conduct and other students have been physically hurt.

District policy requires students to conduct themselves politely and respectfully when traveling to and from school and while using district provided transportation. Please be aware if your child’s conduct, while using a transportation pass, is determined to be disorderly it will result in your child losing their SEPTA transportation pass privileges. If this occurs parents must provide for their child’s transportation to and from school. Students who lose their transportation passes will be expected to attend school each day and arrive on time. The Code of Student Conduct applies to all students while traveling to and from school and on all modes of public transportation, as well. Students who violate the Code may receive additional disciplinary consequences.

We ask that you stress to children the importance of representing themselves and the school community in the most positive light at all times. We urge students to avoid unsafe activity.

As the weather gets warmer, police will be more visible in Center City and throughout the city to ensure the safety of students and others. We want residents and visitors to see the best in our students at all times, both on and off school property. Please help us ensure this happens.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and support. Sincerely,

William R. Hite, Jr., Ed.D. WRH/dpw

WILLIAM R. HITE, JR., Ed.D.