A University-Assisted Community School (UACS) is a community school in which universities serve as the lead partner in providing broadly based, sustained support. Academic partnerships connect the university’s and school’s curricula through a focus on helping to solve local community-identified problems. This approach is designed to improve both the quality of life in the community and the quality of learning at all levels of schooling.

UACS, as well as community schools in general, are comprehensive neighborhood centers built on partnerships that educate, engage, activate and serve students, their families, and other members of the community. For neighborhood schools to function as community schools, they need additional human resources and support. Universities are particularly well-suited to be a lead partner in the creation, growth, and ongoing development of community schools, including providing academic, human, and material resources.

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Bell Schedule

School Day: 8:15 AM – 2:45 PM
Lunch:

• 3rd, 4th 5th, Lower ES Lunch 10:35 AM – 11:15 AM
• LSS Lunch 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
• 6th, 7th, 8th, Upper ES Lunch 12:00 PM  – 12:45 PM

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

Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.

Attendance

Attendance matters! The consistency for both students 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

UPenn After School and Summer Programs
The University of Pennsylvania’s Netter Center offers extended learning programs that provide a safe, supportive space for students after school (3:00–6:00 PM) and during the summer (8:00 AM–3:00 PM). Designed for K–8 students, these programs include academic support, arts and cultural enrichment, recreation, and hands-on, project-based learning.

➜ To learn more, contact: Taylor Smith, Netter UACS Site Coordinator, tasmi@upenn.edu

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

• Recognized by the School District of Philadelphia for strong growth in reading and math
• 2024 Lindback Distinguished Teacher Award recipient
• Expanded STEM programming, including robotics, coding, and hands-on science labs
• Schoolwide PBIS program recognized for creating a positive, safe, and supportive climate
• Active arts program featuring visual arts, choir, and student performances
• Community partnerships with local universities and organizations to support enrichment and tutoring
• Strong attendance improvement trend over the last three years
• Award-winning student leadership initiatives, including Student Council and service projects
• Safe and inspiring school building with a vibrant library and updated technology
• Dedicated staff committed to supporting every learner from Kindergarten through 8th grade

Available Sports

• Basketball
• Track
• Cheerleading

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

Find Your Team Schedule: All school and team schedules can be located at arbiterlive.com

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

➔ Hamilton Parent & Student Handbook

➔ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process

Policies

• Attendance
• Dress Code – Uniforms
• Cell Phone Policy
• Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
• Student Health & Safety

Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA
The School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible students 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,  contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

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

Uniform shirts are available for purchase in the main office.

Shirt Color: Uniform shirt, school sweatshirt, or white polo shirt.

Pants/Bottoms: Pants, jeans, or sweatpants with no rips. Shorts or skirts must be finger-length or longer.

Footwear: Sneakers or boots. Lace-up or slip-on shoes that fully cover the foot are required.

Not Permitted:

• Hoodies or blankets.
• Tights.
• Sandals, Crocs, flip-flops, or slides (unsafe for school).
• Earrings larger than a quarter, large hoop earrings, or oversized jewelry (safety concern).

If a student 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

➔ See our uniform policy for more details.

The School District of Philadelphia provides a variety of programs and services in many languages to support our multilingual families. Students whose first language is not English may qualify for ESOL services.

Need Help? Contact your school’s Bilingual Counseling Assistant

Programs & Services

• Multilingual Curriculum and Programs
  Learn more about the different programs and opportunities offered for multilingual students and families, and to get assistance with any District-related questions or processes.

• English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Dual Language (Bilingual)
• Newcomer Learner Academy (NLA)

• Language Access Support Services
  Learn more about accessing interpretation/translation services, including Bilingual Counseling Assistants (BCAs) assigned to your school, and other resources.
• Language Access Concern
  Your feedback is essential in helping us improve language access within our District. If you’ve encountered a language-related challenge, such as a communication barrier, translation issue, or interpretation challenge, your input helps us improve our services.

Our school is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by the law. Students receive accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).

The District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with diverse needs within our schools.

➔ Learn more about IEPs and Special Education Programs.