Bell Schedule

School Day: 8:15 AM – 3:19 PM
Breakfast: Breakfast is available upon arrival.
Lunch/Recess: Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.

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.

The Importance of Student Attendance

Regular attendance helps students stay engaged, build strong learning habits, and succeed academically. Every school day matters, and arriving on time helps students make the most of their instructional time.

Attendance Benchmarks

• 🟢 100% — 0 Days Missed | Perfect Attendance
• 🟢 99% — 2 Days Missed | Excellent Attendance
• 🟢 97% — 5 Days Missed | Good Attendance
• 🟡 95% — 9 Days Missed | Slightly Below Average Attendance
• 🔴 93% — 12 Days Missed | Poor Attendance
• 🔴 90% — 18 Days Missed | Very Poor Attendance

Our Goal

Grover School’s attendance goal is 95% or higher. Every day matters — thank you for helping students attend school on time, every day.

• Attendance Policy
• Absence Excuse Form
• Helpful information, toolkits, and other resources to support your child’s attendance success

Out-of-School Time (OST)
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12.
➜ Learn more and find a program near you

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

Partnership Dashboard
Explore programs and opportunities available to students across the School District of Philadelphia, including arts, STEM, wellness, mentoring, and more.
➜ Search the Dashboard

Our school offers several programs to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities and clubs geared toward student interests and abilities.

• Basketball
• STEAM
• Volleyball

Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School is named in honor of Grover Washington Jr. (1943–1999), an internationally acclaimed saxophonist, composer, and recording artist who made Philadelphia his home. A pioneer of contemporary jazz, Washington earned multiple Grammy Awards and became known around the world for his distinctive sound. He was also deeply connected to Philadelphia and supported music education and opportunities for young people throughout the city. His legacy of creativity, excellence, and giving back continues to inspire the school community today.

The school building in Philadelphia’s Olney community has served generations of students as a neighborhood center for learning and growth. The school was renamed in honor of Washington following his death, creating a lasting tribute to an artist whose life and career had a significant impact on Philadelphia and the world of music.

Today, Grover Washington, Jr. Middle School proudly carries forward its namesake’s legacy of creativity, perseverance, and excellence. The school continues its tradition of academic achievement, community partnership, and providing students with opportunities to discover their talents, develop their voices, and prepare for future success.

• Robust PBIS Program centered around Grover’s 5 Rs: Responsible, Respectful, Ready, Reflective, and Represent
• Commitment to the Whole Child
• Daily Community Meetings centered around Belonging
• Extracurricular Programs & Activities

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

Available Sports

• Football
• Girls and Boys Basketball
• Lacrosse
• Volleyball

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

• Parent/Student Handbook & Code of Conduct
• District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process

Policies

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

School Improvement Plan – Title I Documents
➜ View your school’s School Improvement Plan
➜ Request a translation of your school’s plan

If you do not have web access or need additional assistance, please contact planningsupports@philasd.org for support.

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, please 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.

Shirts/Tops: Solid navy polo or approved Grover Washington Jr. School shirt.

Pants/Bottoms: Khaki pants, shorts, skirts, or dresses. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be knee-length.

Footwear: Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes or sneakers.

Physical Education (PE):
On PE days, students may wear the approved gym uniform: a navy blue T-shirt or sweatshirt with navy sweatpants or knee-length athletic shorts. Students should only wear the gym uniform during quarters when they are scheduled for Physical Education.

Not Permitted:

• Hats inside the school building
• Ski masks
• Hoods worn on the head inside the building
• Hooded sweatshirts, except approved Grover sweatshirts or plain navy blue sweatshirts
• Cropped shirts
• Jeans, ripped jeans, or jeans with holes
• Denim or jeggings
• Tights or biker shorts
• Athletic pants, except as part of the approved PE uniform
• Shorts, skirts, or dresses above the knee
• Flip-flops, sandals, sling-back shoes, or shoes with wheels
• Crocs during physical activities

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.