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Hello, Carly here with Chalkbeat Philly.
Coming at you this school year: digital hall passes. The new system will be available — but not required — for all schools and will allow administrators to closely track students’ whereabouts. Officials are hoping the digital passes will help prevent physical violence between students. Reporter Sammy Caiola reports some skeptics are worried about over-surveillance. Let us know what you think.
In other news, the district is putting together new transition committees for schools slated for closure. Applications open on Aug. 31, and committees will be established for the schools closing this academic year, schools receiving students from a closing school in 2027-28, and any school phasing out grade levels at the end of school year 2026-27. We’ll send out that application when it goes live.
Plus, reporter Rebecca Redelmeier goes deep on school cellphone policies.
Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected].
A new school year needs strong local reporting. Help Chalkbeat’s reporters keep asking the questions that matter.
Local News
Philadelphia to make digital hall pass and student tracking system available at all schools
Students will use Chromebooks to request breaks, and school staff can track them. New York City students have criticized a similar system over privacy worries.
Philly schools ask communities to help shape transition plan as controversial closures move ahead
The district is seeking students, families, staff, and community members to help plan school transitions while elected officials continue to push back on the closure plan.
Pennsylvania still hasn’t passed a school cellphone ban. Some Philly principals aren’t waiting.
Gov. Josh Shapiro wants Pennsylvania to ban cellphones during the entire school day. But some school leaders like the flexibility of creating their own cellphone policies.
Around Chalkbeat
Back-to-school: 6 things to watch in Newark Public Schools this year
A new school board is settling in, a state cellphone ban is rolling out, fresh leadership is taking over, and more.
Work first, college degree later: Indiana wants students to consider a new postsecondary model
Indiana is expanding apprenticeships and employer-paid training as an alternative to the college-first path. Will students and families embrace the new model?
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What We’re Reading
This local entrepreneur is using his cleaning business to create opportunities for young people, Germantown Info Hub
A Lincoln High parent and Mayfair resident want a judge to halt the move of Kensington HS students to a Northeast Philly school, The Philadelphia Inquirer (Paywall)
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