Monday is back to school for kids in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Even with all the worry over SEPTA schedules, there’s still lots of excitement for the first day of school in Philadelphia.

Kids at Edward T. Steel School in the city’s Ogontz section got the red carpet treatment as they walked into the school courtyard. A literal red carpet was rolled out as school leaders and teachers joined district administrators and city leaders holding red pom poms, cheering for the kids as they came to school.

“We’re bringing all positive vibes and good energy today,” said Mayor Cherelle Parker as she spoke to one student.

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School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington was also among those cheering on the kids.

Parents appreciated the warm welcome.

“It helps the kids with encouragement. Now they feel good about coming it. See the smiles on the teachers face so they can feel better,” said Bashir Robinson of Germantown.

The more than 198,000 students in the School District of Philadelphia are returning to class. Edward T. Steel schools one of the 331 schools in the district.

Last year, for the first time in a decade, enrollment in the school district of Philadelphia saw an increase. It’s one of many things that makes parents and leaders hopeful for the new school year.

“(The students) continue to make us the fastest-improving large urban school district in the country. And we really are making significant improvement,” said Watlington.

Parents are also glad to see kids get back into the swing of things with a new school year.

“She was doing great last year,” said Nicetown’s Tia Green. “I can’t wait for her to learn!”