Philadelphia public schools to return to in-person learning; many Archdiocesan schools to also open

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- After one snow day and two days of virtual learning, students in the School District of Philadelphia will be heading back to class.

The district said all school programs and activities will return to normal, in-person operation on Thursday, January 29.

School officials released the following guidelines as the city continues to navigate the aftermath of the weekend storm:

-Students who arrive late due to weather-related challenges will not be marked late, or will be excused if absent, upon receipt of a note from a parent or guardian.

-Staff who arrive late will be marked with an excused lateness.

-All yellow bus services will proceed as usual, although there may be delays on individual routes.

-Parents and guardians should plan for possible delays with the District's yellow bus services and on SETPA's subway, trolley and bus routes.

-All athletic events and after-school activities will proceed as scheduled.

-All District Central Offices will be open during normal business hours.

"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. School District and City of Philadelphia officials have been working around the clock to clear snow and ice from roads and walkways to support a safe return to in-person learning," the district said in a statement.

Many archdiocesan schools to also open

The Philadelphia Archdiocese said all archdiocesan high schools will also return to in-person learning on Thursday.

Parochial elementary school families in the city will receive direct communication from their local school leadership regarding the status of school, the archdiocese said.