August 2026
Dear Academies at Roxborough High School Families:
It is almost time to start a new school year! My entire team and I are excited and ready to safely welcome all of our students back to school starting August 24, 2026— the first day of school. All summer, we have been preparing for an incredible new school year. We are adding both physical and academic processes and tools to continue to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing in our school. We are also continuing to implement our dress code policy to support a focused and professional learning environment for all students. Our teachers and school staff are attending special training sessions to continue to support our students’ social, emotional, and educational needs. Student schedules are being created. Our hard-working custodians have been cleaning and sanitizing our school. And, our cafeteria workers are preparing to serve your children a delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch each school day. At the Academies at Roxborough High School, we are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Our dedicated team of educators is passionate about inspiring a love for learning and empowering students to reach their full potential. As we navigate through the year, I encourage you to actively engage in the various opportunities available to you, whether it’s serving on our SAC, attending school events, or participating in parent-teacher conferences. Your involvement plays a crucial role in fostering a strong partnership between home and school, which ultimately benefits the success of our students. Furthermore, I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities.
We look forward to welcoming all of our incoming 9th grade students on Thursday, August 20, 2026 to our 9th Grade Orientation scheduled from 9A-12P. I invite all of our families to attend our in-person Back-to-School Open House on September 16, 2026 from 6:00P-8:00P. We will also host a Title I meeting beginning at 5:30P. This will be a great time to meet key staff members including administrators and your child’s teachers, learn more about the new school year, and tour our school. In the meantime, I encourage you to take a few minutes to visit www.philasd.org/ringthebell for the latest back-to-school information in multiple languages.
We emphasize the partnership between parents and families. Partnership involves communication! Parent Portal also makes it easier for us to communicate important school news and announcements directly with you. Additionally, you can sign up for Parent Portal here, or by visiting www.philasd.org/pfportal.
All of us at the Academies at Roxborough High School, Home of the Wolves, look forward to welcoming our new and returning Cubs- especially our SENIORS back to school in person on August 24, 2026! As always, please feel free to reach out to the Main Office at 215-400-3400 with any questions.
In purposeful partnership,
Kristin Williams Smalley