September 5th was the official first day of school for Philadelphia’s community schools students. To celebrate, we asked our community schools coordinators and staff to share some behind the scenes pictures and tweets from what the first day of school was like.
Community schools are public schools where a full-time coordinator works with the entire school community to identify and meet the needs of the community so students and families can thrive.
Below, are some of our favorite moments captured by community school coordinators and staff!
1. This video that captures just a bit of the organized chaos from the first day of school
They're here! Welcome back to school Dobbins students #CommunitySchoolsPHL #firstdayofschool #PHLed pic.twitter.com/Svad07V0MI
— Louisa Mfum-Mensah (@ltmfum) September 5, 2017
2. This much-deserved shout out to parent volunteers
Parent volunteers are here and ready to make this the best year yet! Thanks for all you do! #CommunitySchoolsPHL #PHLed pic.twitter.com/6AMYMs7RcQ
— William Cramp School (@CrampSchool) September 5, 2017
3. This confident Gideon student who is going to take the 4th grade by storm (and his awesome support system that will help him do it)
Tyshawn headed for 4th gr, confident & ready2go. Mom, Lyshawn going to volunteer this yr! #communityschoolsphl @GWright_PHL @PHL_MOE pic.twitter.com/6hcLBfUL8d
— Susan Gobreski (@sgobreski) September 5, 2017
4. This example of what “positive school climate” really looks like
Hate has no home @khsaphila or any @PHLschools. Here's to a safe and happy school year for ALL #PHLed students! #CommunitySchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/0ADuzvkJRQ
— Mayor's Office of Ed (@PHL_MOE) September 5, 2017
5. This community coming together and pledging to support their students
.@OtisHackney and Logan Elem. staff, parents and community member recite a pledge to support the students this year. #CommunitySchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/x16vrwzbin
— Sarah Peterson (@sarahinphilly) September 5, 2017
6. This principal and coordinator dream team looking calm and caffeinated before the students arrive
This team is ready for the new school year! #CommunitySchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/6loBnam2Z0
— Andrea DiMola (@ar_dimo) September 5, 2017
7. This epic first day selfie with Dobbins CTE High School staff
Dobbins First Day of School Rally, Welcome Back Mustangs!!!#CommunitySchoolPHL pic.twitter.com/SLNZnYCCH4
— Charles Reyes (@CReyes_PHLMOE) September 5, 2017
8. This community school coordinator’s first day in school
It's Rennie's first day (in school) too! Meet our new #CommunitySchoolsPHL coordinator for Gompers, Rennie Parker! #PHLed pic.twitter.com/cjSflZZGw2
— Mayor's Office of Ed (@PHL_MOE) September 5, 2017
9. This tweet delving into the many roles of a community school coordinator
Helping field first day questions, registrations etc at @FS_Edmonds @rmtorrence724 @PHL_MOE #communityschoolsphl pic.twitter.com/BJzwgTmmUL
— Susan Gobreski (@sgobreski) September 5, 2017
10. This customized snapchat filter for South Philadelphia High School students to use (just not during school hours)
Southern Rams snapchat filter for the first day of school. Say cheese☺️ #CommunitySchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/SZogsboL22
— JanelleH_MOE (@JHarper_PHLMOE) September 5, 2017
11. This before and after of Southwark School’s blacktop
The calm before the storm @southwarkschool! So happy to have our kids back at school. #CommunitySchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/1B4h7kRtg8
— Beth Dougherty (@bdougherty1656) September 5, 2017
12. This casual lunchtime chat between George Washington High School students, Mayor Kenney, and Superintendent Dr. Hite
Just hanging w/ @PhillyMayor & @SDPHite on 1st day of HS, no biggie. What are you doing today? #CommunitySchoolsPHL @PHL_MOE pic.twitter.com/9pWyroPezK
— Susan Gobreski (@sgobreski) September 5, 2017
13. This coordinated back to school dance break
How do you get active? This Is how Gideon does it #CommunitySchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/L7rrxb5dtU
— Gregory Wright (@GWright_PHL) September 5, 2017
14. This beautiful mural at George Washington High School and the even more beautiful meaning behind it
"People say we're arguably one of the most diverse schools on the east coast" GW student explaining mural 😍🙌🏼 #CommunittSchoolsPHL pic.twitter.com/Dx4DjH06kQ
— Caitlyn Boyle (@CaitlynBoyle_) September 5, 2017
15. And finally, these words of wisdom that apply to all students
Start strong, finish stronger #CommunitySchoolsphl #phled pic.twitter.com/d6AxBlMwIm
— KHSA (@khsaphila) September 5, 2017