Bell Schedule

School Day: 8:15 AM – 2:54 PM

Breakfast: 7:50 – 8:10 AM, Grades 3–8

Lunch & Recess:

• Grades K–3: 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
• Grades 4–5: 11:20 AM – 12:05 PM
• Grades 6–8: 12:10 PM – 1:05 PM

K–2 Dismissals

• Kindergarteners can be picked up in the cafeteria starting at 2:45 PM.
• Grades 1 and 2 can be picked up in the gym starting at 2:45 PM.

Early Dismissals

• Scholars may not be picked up for early dismissal after 2:00 PM.
• Parents/caregivers are required to present photo identification.

Half-Day Schedule

School Day: 8:15 AM – 11:54 AM

For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.

Specific scholar schedules may differ depending on class sections.

Attendance

Attendance matters! The consistency for both scholars and teachers is critical to success. Consequences can come from excessive or unexcused absences.

• Attendance Policy
• Absence Excuse Form
• Helpful information, toolkits, and other resources to support your child’s attendance success

Out-of-School Time (OST)
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12.
➜ Learn more and find a program near you

Summer Programs
Explore free summer programs from the School District of Philadelphia that keep scholars learning, engaged, and prepared for success.
➜ Learn more about opportunities for your scholar over the summer

Our school offers several programs to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward scholar interests and abilities.

• Writers Matter
• Homework Club

• Penn Community Violence Prevention

S. Weir Mitchell School is named in honor of Silas Weir Mitchell (1829–1914), a prominent Philadelphia physician, scientist, and author. Born and educated in Philadelphia, Mitchell made important contributions to the study of medicine and neurology while also becoming a successful writer. His lifelong pursuit of knowledge and scholarship reflects the importance of curiosity and learning.

The S. Weir Mitchell School building has served students and families in Southwest Philadelphia for more than a century. The current school was built in 1916, during an important period of growth and development for Philadelphia’s public school system. The building included specialized spaces for academics, physical education, practical learning, and student activities, reflecting new approaches to school design and education in the early 20th century.

Today, S. Weir Mitchell School continues its longstanding tradition of serving generations of Philadelphia students and families. The school remains committed to academic excellence, strong family partnerships, and providing a welcoming environment where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Health, Wellness & Safety

• Eagles Eye Mobile
• Vision and hearing screening each year
• Positive Behavior Intervention & Support (PBIS)
• 7-Mindsets social and emotional program
• Class and school trips

Student Participation

• Assemblies throughout the year
• After-school clubs
• Student Council
• Black History Month celebration
• Classroom and whole school jobs
• Mitchell’s Got Talent end-of-year showcase

Academics

• Technology integrated into daily instruction
• Social and Emotional Curriculum 7-Mindsets taught daily
• School-Based Teacher Leader for Math and ELA
• Coaching cycles for teachers
• Reading Specialist for grades K–3
• Math whole school initiatives
• ELA whole school initiatives
• Writer’s Matter

Family Involvement

• Monthly SAC meetings
• Monthly Third Thursdays Parent Workshops
• Class Dojo connection
• Volunteer Program

Participation in sports requires a completed physical form signed by a doctor.

Available Sports

• Football
• Boys Basketball

Elementary Intramural Sports
Grades K–5 learn fundamentals, good sportsmanship, and team-building skills.

Middle Grades Conference (MGC)
Grades 6–8 are taught the benefits of interscholastic athletics while learning discipline, structure, and competition.
➜ Learn more about MGC

• Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
• District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process

Policies

• Dress Code – Uniforms
• Cell Phone Policy
• Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
• Student Safety
• Visitor Procedures

School Improvement Plan – Title I Documents
➜ View your school’s School Improvement Plan
➜ Request a translation of your school’s plan

If you do not have web access or need additional assistance, please contact planningsupports@philasd.org for support.

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA

The School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible scholars of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These rights include the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file a complaint.

View the Annual FERPA Notice

For questions, please contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Scholars are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.

Top Options

• Navy blue or powder blue short- or long-sleeved shirt with collar
• Navy blue or powder blue sweater or quarter zip, optional in colder weather

Bottom Options

• Solid color pants, skirt, jumper, or shorts
• All skirts, shorts, and jumpers must support fingertip length

Shoe Options

• Sneakers or closed-toe and supportive back shoes of choice

Not Permitted

• No ripped jeans
• No hoodies may be worn within the school. Hoodies may be worn to school and during outside recess.
• No Crocs, open toes, slides, sandals, or heels
• No light-up shoes, to prevent distraction

If a scholar violates the dress code:

• A parent/guardian may be contacted
• The school may provide loaner clothing, or request a change of clothes be brought to school
• Repeatedly violating the school dress code may result in detention or suspension

If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact a school counselor.

➜ See our uniform policy for more details.