School district launches budget priorities survey
The School District of Philadelphia launched the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Priorities Survey to gather community input that will help inform a budget that reflects the priorities of the community. The survey is focused on three areas: budget management, facilities planning and Parent & Family University.
In alignment with Strategic Action 5.8 of Accelerate Philly, the district’s five-year strategic plan, the operating budget development timeline has been extended by starting the process earlier than in previous years, and improving collaboration and transparency in an effort to limit the impact on students and schools.
The district’s financial stability and progress over the last few years is reflective of its commitment to responsible financial stewardship and sound financial management. The strategic use of the $1.8 billion of federal funding the district received during the pandemic and post-pandemic years has helped lead to lower levels of student learning loss than other large urban districts, balanced budgets and the highest bond rating in decades. Additionally, over the last two years, the district has made significant strides including increases in attendance rates, the four-year graduation rate and a reduction of student dropouts. The district has also experienced its largest enrollment growth in a decade with an increase of 1,841 students.
The survey is available at www.philasd.org in 14 languages through Feb. 28.
Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative secures grant
The Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative has received a grant from the Office of Public Safety to leverage youth sports as a tool for building safer, thriving communities.
Through the grant, PYSC will develop recommendations on how sports can create safe, supportive spaces for empowerment and healing, ensuring all youth, especially those in “underserved” communities, have access to its benefits.
“We know youth sports have the unique ability to create safe spaces, build strong relationships and inspire young people to reach their full potential,” said Dontae Privette, PYSC’s director of community engagement. “This grant allows us to deepen partnerships with community organizations, expand opportunities for youth and ensure every child has access to the resources they need to thrive.”
The funding will enable PYSC to convene sport-specific groups — including soccer, football, basketball and baseball — where providers will share best practices to better support youth and families. PYSC will also offer trauma-informed coach training, healing-centered strategies and conflict resolution tools to better equip providers working in neighborhoods most affected by systemic inequities.
“This grant is a powerful opportunity to unite Philadelphia’s youth sports ecosystem in a shared effort to build stronger, safer communities,” Privette said. “By investing in the potential of our young people and the power of sports, we are ensuring a pathway to resilience, hope and opportunity for every child in Philadelphia.”
PA betters won big on the Eagles
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported that preliminary figures show $101.5 million was wagered in the state on the Philadelphia Eagles/Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl through retail and online sportsbooks. That was a 20.4-percent increase over the previous high for wagers placed in Pennsylvania for a Super Bowl achieved in 2023 when the Eagles and Chiefs also faced off.
At the same time, patrons overwhelmingly placed winning wagers resulting in negative revenue for the sports wagering operators of $6.5 million. The Board noted in particular a high percentage of wagers placed on the Eagles to win. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22.
Apply for Pre-K to 8 scholarship by March 1
The deadline is March 1 to apply for Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia 2025-26 Pre-K to 8th-grade scholarships.
CSFP’s need-based scholarships enable Philadelphia families to choose the right school for their children, regardless of their ZIP code or income. Last year, CSFP awarded more than 6,500 scholarships to families across 150-plus schools.
CSFP has been providing scholarships since 2001. Its mission is to provide scholarships for quality, tuition-based schools.
Scholarships are awarded via random lottery. Scholarship dollars follow the student should they choose to transfer to another CSFP partner school.
Families contribute a minimum of $500 toward their child(ren)’s tuition.
Up to three children in a family may receive a scholarship at one time.
Here is the application link. ••
Senior softball needs players
The Philadelphia Senior Softball League is looking for experienced softball players for its 58 & over and 68 & over leagues. The 58 & over league plays Tuesday and Thursday, while 68 & over plays Monday and Friday. All games are played at Crispin Field, at Holme and Convent avenues in the Northeast. Games start at 10 a.m. The season starts in mid-April and runs through September. For more information, call or text Mike Bojanowski at 215-801-4869 or Marty King at 215-409-5021. ••
Jazz festival fundraiser
The Germantown Jazz Jamm, with a performance by Austin Wagner, will take place on Wednesday, March 26, at 7 p.m. at Attic Brewing Company, 137 Berkley St. Proceeds will benefit the Germantown Jazz Festival. ••
Host foreign exchange student
World Heritage International Student Exchange Program is seeking local families to host foreign exchange students. World Heritage students come from countries such as Italy, Denmark, Spain, France, Germany, Ukraine, Japan and Australia. They are ages 15-18. Host families may be single parents, couples and single persons.
The exchange students have pocket money for personal expenses and full health, accident and liability insurance.
If interested in hosting an exchange student, call Debra at 800-888-9040, visit www.world-heritage.org or send an email to info@world-heritage.org to request more information or start the application process. ••
A retreat for moms
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center (3501 Solly Ave.) will present The Paschal Mystery and Everyday Life on Saturday, March 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The speaker will be Stephanie McCarthy, a Catholic wife, mother and spiritual director. The retreat is open to mothers of all ages for faith sharing and reflection with other mothers. The retreat costs $55 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. To register or for more information, call 267-350-1830 or visit msbt.org. ••
Sign up for free Review newsletter
The South Philly Review has a new website: https://patimes.media/
The website includes news, arts and entertainment, crime, sports, opinion and ways to subscribe and sign up for a free newsletter that will bring stories to your inbox.
The site includes an option to read the current issue in “flipbook” style.
Readers are also encouraged to follow the newspaper on Bluesky, on Facebook at South Philly Review and on X @SoPhReview.
In addition to the Review being delivered to homes, the paper can be found at these spots: https://patimes.media/pickup-locations/#spr. ••
Germantown Jazz Festival in April
The Germantown Jazz Festival will take place from April 25-27. Venues are Germantown Friends School, Vernon Park, First Presbyterian Church and The Nile Cafe. There will be performances, workshops, food vendors and cultural experiences. For more information, visit GermantownJazzFestival.com or call Sherri Pennington at 267-882-7385. ••
Theater performance of Honk!
The Star Players, of the city Department of Parks and Recreation, will present Honk! The Ugly Duckling Musical on May 30-31 and June 1, at 7 p.m., at Venice Island Performing Arts Center, 7 Lock St., in Manayunk. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased on Venmo @TheStarplayers or at Holmesburg Recreation Center, 4500 Rhawn St. For more information, follow @starplayersPPR on X, like the group’s page on Facebook or contact director Bill Arthur at 215-685-8714 or Starplayers2013@gmail.com. ••
VFW looking for members
Bustleton-Somerton/CTR1 Michael J. Strange VFW Post 6617 meets on the third Wednesday of every month at American Legion Post 810, 9151 Old Newtown Road.
Meetings start at 7:30 p.m.
If you are a military veteran who served in a designated combat zone, you are eligible to join the VFW.
Call Commander Israel Wolmark at 215-725-0630 if you would like to join the post. ••
Pacific Wine Country tour
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is going on a Pacific Wine Country cruise aboard the Sapphire Princess, May 10-17. Ports-of-call include Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Astoria (Oregon) and Victoria and Vancouver (Canada). Rates range from $3,048 to $3,578 per person, double occupancy, which includes round-trip airfare from Philadelphia, port charges, government fees, taxes and transfers to and from the ship. Call 215-788-9408 for more information. ••
Cruise in July
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is traveling on an Independence Day Celebration cruise, July 1-8. Ports-of-call include New York, Newport, Boston on July 4 and Halifax, Nova Scotia. A passport is required. Rates range from $1,920 to $2,680 per person, double occupancy. For a flyer, call 215-788-9408. ••
Fundraiser for cancer research, care
The Marlyn Chakov Fein Chapter, Board of Associates, Fox Chase Cancer Center is holding a High Tea/Mini Bingo (five games) on Friday, March 28. It will be held at Maggio’s Banquet Hall, 400 2nd Street Pike, Southampton, starting at noon. Participants will be playing to win baskets. The cost is $55. Call Lorraine Braverman at 610-277-3631. The event supports cancer research and compassionate patient care at Fox Chase Cancer Center. ••
Trip to Hindu temple, lunch, chocolate
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation is sponsoring a bus trip to Robbinsville, New Jersey, on Thursday, April 10, featuring a tour of BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the largest Hindu temple outside of India, a three-course luncheon at The Cranberry Inn and a visit to David Bradley Chocolatier. All-inclusive cost is $130. Reservation deadline is March 15. Call 215-788-2106 or visit bristolhistory.org for a flyer/reservation form. ••
Folk music concert
The Bristol Cultural and Historical Foundation, 321 Cedar St. in Bristol, will welcome folksinger Mary Roth to perform “Enchanting Appalachia,” an interactive program of music and history with a focus on the rich culture of Appalachia and its people, on Sunday, March 30, at 2 p.m. Light refreshment will be served. A donation of $5 per attendee is suggested. The public is invited. Call 215-788-9408 or go to www.bristolhistory.org. ••
