Mayor Parker Provides Gives Update on Extended Day Extended Year Pilot Initiative at Southwark Elementary

Ahead of the Winter and Spring sessions, the program has nearly doubled the seats available in after-school programs

PHILADELPHIA - Yesterday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was greeted by students in South Philadelphia as she toured Southwark Elementary School's after school enrichment program, part of the Parker Administration's Extended Day, Extended Year 25-school pilot initiative. Launched on September 3, 2024, the pilot program provides before and after-school care at 20 District-run schools and five Charter Schools across the city.

"These students have the opportunity to explore new interests and discover new passions that will keep them engaged in the classroom, boosting their chances for success," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "Not only does Extended Day, Extended Year help close the opportunity gap, it also supports working parents by aligning school hours with a typical workday, creating greater economic opportunity for parents."

Across the 20 District-run schools, Extended Day has created a before school care program, serving up to 1400 students. The program has also nearly doubled the seats available in after school care programs, increasing from 1,435 to 2,555. The Parker administration and the School District jointly fund this Extended Day/Extended Year program. The district has allocated $24 million to launch ED/EY for the 20 District schools.

In addition to before and after care and enhanced enrichment programs, pilot schools will also be open for up to 2,000 students during Winter and Spring breaks, and for six weeks in the summer as well. While the summer schedule has not yet been released, Mayor Parker confirmed yesterday that Extended Day, Extended Year schools will be open December 23, 26, 27, 30, and January 2 (Winter session), and April 14-17 (Spring session).

"As a caregiver to my younger sister, high quality before and after school programming has been so beneficial to us," said Brianna Morales, whose sister is a Southwark 4th grader. "Not only does it provide a safe environment outside of school hours that supports my work schedules, but it also has supported my sister in her emotional growth and development and building lifelong friendships with a diverse group of students and meet new mentors between school and before and after school staff."

The tour, which included School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington and the City's Chief Education Officer Dr. Debora Carrera, featured stops at a media lab where students learn radio production and a robotics workshop.

"The School District of Philadelphia is honored to partner with Mayor Parker, the Mayor's Office of Education, the Office of Children and Families, and our unions in launching the Extended Day and Extended Year pilot schools to create new opportunities for our students and school communities," said Dr. Tony Watlington, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia. "As schools are a safe haven for our students, this program is also a great benefit to our working families."

"Sunrise has been a partner of the Southwark community for over 25 years now. Mayor Parker's deliberate commitment to student safety, academic success, and support for working families made joining this pilot an easy decision," said Vince Litrenta, Executive Director at Sunrise of Philadelphia, one of dozens of trusted community partners that operate enrichment programs.

"The Extended Day, Extended Year initiative will afford Southwark students and families the opportunity for additional programming that will have a positive impact on their school day success. More families now have access to before and after school programs that provide their children with an array of enriching activities, such as arts, athletics, and STEM. On behalf of the Southwark community, I thank Mayor Parker for this opportunity," said Principal Andrew Lukov, Southwark Elementary School.

The list of participating School District of Philadelphia Schools include:

• Vare-Washington Elementary School
• Southwark Elementary School
• Thomas G. Morton Elementary School
• George Childs Elementary School
• Add B Anderson Elementary School
• Alain Locke Elementary School
• Samuel Gompers Elementary School
• Overbrook Educational Center
• Richard R. Wright Elementary School
• Edward Gideon Elementary School
• Solomon Solis-Cohen Elementary School
• John H. Webster Elementary School
• Juniata Park Academy
• William Cramp Elementary School
• Thomas M. Peirce Elementary School
• Joseph Pennell Elementary School
• Franklin S. Edmonds Elementary School
• Laura Carnell Elementary School
• Louis Farrell Elementary School
• Joseph Greenberg Elementary School

The list of participating Charter Schools include:

• Belmont Charter School
• Northwood Charter School
• Pan American Charter School
• Mastery Pickett (6-8 only)
• Universal Creighton Charter School

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