School news in Kensington, Philadelphia — K-12 schools, the school district, libraries, graduation and the issues that affect students and families.
Real progress starts with branding Kensington’s drug supply for what it is: a source of brutal withdrawal and suffering.
Accountability
After seeing the redesign plans for McPherson Square Park and Library, residents asked for more shade, and requested the library stay open during construction.
Public Space
McPherson Square Library, which has been closed since June 21st due to a broken air conditioning system, may reopen by next Tuesday in time for a meeting with the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild program.
Kids in Kensington
The Norris Square Neighborhood Profile, released in July, explored rising housing costs and other shifts in the neighborhood. This resource list points residents to support.
Arts & Culture
Closing the distance between families and their favorite books, The Simple Library gives kids and adults a place to relax and read without traveling too far.
Housing & Shelter
The 2025 Norris Square Neighborhood Profile sought to capture information on the area’s population, quality of life, and economic status and spark dialogue among community leaders and residents.
Arts & Culture
Kensington’s first Queer Circus brought neighbors together for a day of queer joy, performance, and self-expression to close out Pride month.
Accountability
The bill imposes strict permitting, time, and location limits on medical providers offering wound care and addiction treatment as well as any organization offering basic necessities like food, water, and clothes.
Immigration
PB&J’s Wednesday Leadership program incentivizes teens to build communication skills while cooking together.
Accountability
Students from Gloria Casarez Elementary School in Kensington lined up to testify in support of the legislation, carrying handmade signs that read: “No needles,” “Don’t sell drugs,” “I just want to be a kid,” “We want to be able to play outside,” and “I want to feel safe.”
Accountability
The amendments, approved in a 12-3 vote, would require mobile providers to obtain permits while also imposing strict location and time limits on their operations.
Kids in Kensington
The Building a Brighter Future through the Art of Construction program draws young people from across the city.
Clean Streets
An abandoned lot in East Kensington sparked a community-led movement to reclaim green space.
Kids in Kensington
Los Bomberos de la Calle’s new center in North Philly serves as a cultural hub, where bomba and plena rhythms unite the community and teach the next generation.
Public Space
Kensington residents gather at McPherson Library for an early celebration to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Schools & Education
La eliminación de protecciones para las escuelas frente a las autoridades migratorias por parte de la administración de Trump ha generado temores entre educadores en toda la ciudad.
Community Life
Although no ICE arrests have occurred at Kensington schools, the Trump administration’s decision to revoke school protections from immigration enforcement has stoked fears among students and parents.
Community Life
Por más de 80 años, expertos en salud, académicos y líderes comunitarios han enfatizado la necesidad de mejorar el acceso a médicos y centros de salud para los boricuas en Filadelfia.
Arts & Culture
The Kensington Engagement Center is a hub for community connection and better resource access as part of the organization’s “Co-Creating Kensington” process.
Community Life
La crisis que enfrentan las escuelas del vecindario y que intentan corregir está traumatizando a los estudiantes.
Clean Streets
The “health hub” model creates locations where anyone, regardless of insurance status, can walk in and access primary care, infectious disease care, mental health assessments and opioid use disorder treatments such as methadone and buprenorphine.
Arts & Culture
This year’s gift guide features a mix of new and returning businesses, plus local toy drives and organizations you can support this season.
Accountability
The $1.3 billion proposal, which would move the team from South Philadelphia’s Stadium District to Center City, is scheduled for a third City Council committee vote on Wednesday afternoon.
Arts & Culture
Through non-profit organizations Rock to the Future and As I Plant This Seed, youth build production skills and community.
