Accountability
Philadelphia council members won’t ‘rubber stamp’ school closure plan
The final vote on the closure plan will come from the school board but City Council members said Tuesday they want their input to be considered.
Schools & Education
School news in Kensington, Philadelphia — K-12 schools, the school district, libraries, graduation and the issues that affect students and families.
Accountability
Conwell Middle School will no longer close, Philly school district says
The decision to spare the two schools from proposed closures comes after nearly a month of intense community pushback against the district’s sweeping facilities plan.
Accountability
Small Business
Cantina La Martina brings tamales and tradition to Kensington for fourth annual La Tamalada
Tables of tamales, family recipes and new twists filled The Lighthouse as residents and visitors came together for a fourth year of tradition and community.
Accountability
“Our families deserve a school they can walk to:” Stetson community rallies against closure
A Philadelphia school district official admitted the district has neglected Stetson’s building for decades. Students and educators questioned the district’s data and scoring of the school’s capacity.
Arts & Culture
New workshop series asks Kensington residents to help shape greener public spaces
Neighbors and community organizers gathered at the Kensington Engagement Center to kick off Co-Creating a Greenprint for Kensington, a workshop series organized by NKCDC focused on expanding and improving safe public green spaces.
Arts & Culture
‘It feels like we are grieving’: Philadelphia school communities fight school closure plan
Philadelphia school communities are pushing back against the district’s plan to close 20 schools. At Conwell Middle School, community leaders urged the district not to take resources away from the neighborhood.
Arts & Culture
‘Life or death issue’: Kensington schools seek higher graduation rates by embedding student support
Over 25% of West Kensington residents don’t have a high school diploma. Embedded advisers and support could help students overcome poverty and other systemic barriers, experts say.
Accountability
Philly school closure plan would move Kensington students to lower-performing schools
Concerns grow that Philadelphia’s school closure plan disadvantages some already vulnerable neighborhoods.
Accountability
“Conwell should not be on that list:” Lozada, parents resist district’s plans to close two Kensington middle schools
Despite declining enrollment, parents and City Council member Quetcy Lozada describe Conwell and Stetson as community anchors and resource hubs.
Conwell grad Councilmember Isaiah Thomas opposes middle school's closure
A key member of the Philadelphia City Council has already expressed opposition to parts of the district’s plan to close, relocate, and co-locate several schools.
Arts & Culture
Philadelphia school district wants to close Conwell Middle School, expand Elkin Elementary
The proposal would have a particularly large impact on middle schools, with more than a dozen elementary schools turning into K-8 schools.
New nonprofit promises paid, yearslong mentors for kids in Kensington and North Philly
Friends of the Children offers families a commitment that the program will be there in a child’s life from kindergarten through high school graduation — “12+ no matter what,” they say.
Arts & Culture
Kensington voters trickle out for judges, SNAP cuts, and inspiration from the NYC mayoral election
Voters turned out with the hopes of retaining Pennsylvania's Supreme Court Justices, and some were inspired by New York’s history-making mayoral election.
Kids in Kensington
Fab Youth Philly gives teens first-time job experiences otherwise in short supply
Fab Youth Philly’s Play Captains program empowers Kensington teens by paying them to lead educational play for younger children and helping them build job skills for the future, despite challenges like neighborhood safety.
Community Life
What does the future hold for the next Latine generation in Philadelphia?
From South to North Philadelphia, resilient residents shared the hopes and fears of the Latine community. Their concerns range from gun violence and economic disparities to aspirations for education and the pursuit of a better future.
Arts & Culture
Photos of Kensington: Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center showcases student performances
Students of all ages closed out their Bomba and Plena classes with a recital in North Philadelphia organized by the Philly Bomba Plena Cultural Center.
Arts & Culture
Why the Terms “Second-Generation” and “Third-Generation” Matter for Philadelphia’s Latine Communities
Community storytelling and cultural preservation matter. Organizations like Taller Puertorriqueño are doing that work through arts, early childhood programs, oral histories, and cultural events.
Neighborhood Voices
Cuts to SNAP and SNAP-Ed: A war on Kensington families
. Cutting both direct assistance and evidence-based education is like declaring war on the people of Kensington. Food security means more than just access to food.
Housing & Shelter
Are you exempt from the new SNAP work requirements? Here’s how to find out.
As of September 1st, people receiving SNAP benefits are required to work, volunteer, or be in an employment training program a minimum of 20 hours a week in order to continue receiving assistance. If they don’t comply and aren’t exempt, their benefits will terminate December 1st.
Small Business
‘Not bold enough’: Kensington muralist uses Vizion Art Gallery as home base for building community, reducing stigma
Vizion Gallery on Kensington Avenue offers artists a place to practice, vend and find community.
Government & Policy
Richmond Library reopens after eight-month renovation: ‘The community feels whole again'
After an August 18 reopening, the library held a ribbon-cutting event to shed light on the building’s importance to the lives of the Port Richmond community.
Accountability
Some Kensington business workers say overnight curfew has been a financial hit, as council votes to expand
An ordinance that expands a business curfew currently in effect in a section of Kensington will be enforced in much of North Philadelphia and more of Kensington in 60 days.
Small Business
Kensington native blends business models to bring fresh food to neighbors at Ava's Farm
Born and raised in Kensington, Austin Wright launched Ava’s Farm — a local produce market and nonprofit that offers free meals and youth programs to residents.
Immigration
Systemic conditions hinder access to maternity care
Maternity leave must be a public policy priority. While current law is insufficient, it’s even more inaccessible for women in vulnerable communities.