Days Off Being Scheduled At Area Schools For September Papal Visit
By John McDevitt
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia is expected to draw millions of people to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in September. Because of this, days off are being worked into many school calendars for the historic event.
Getting around town is expected to be challenging, which is why Philadelphia School District students will not have class the day before the Papal visit Friday September 25th.
All Philadelphia Archdiocesan elementary, high school and special education schools will be closed Wednesday, September 23rd through Friday, September 25th so that teachers and families can participate in the World Meeting of Families conference.
The Community College of Philadelphia is announcing there will be no school on Friday, September 25th and Saturday, September 26th.
"What we have been advised is that all of the street closures and the anticipated volume of people, it's going to be extremely difficult to gain access to the college location from a variety of sources, whether it be subway, walking, parking, etc.," says Dr. Samuel Hirsch -- vice president of student affairs. "So that was what the decision was based on."
Dr. Hirsch says they fortunately have built in days to do this:
"Whether it be for weather emergencies or other type of situations, so we have some flexibility within our calendar to make adjustments."
Moore College of Art & Design on the Parkway has no plan of canceling class at this point.
