Some students at West Philly High School will be the subject of tonight’s esteemed documentary program Frontline for all of the right reasons.

Tonight’s episode, “Fast Times at West Philly High,” will build on the legend of the EVX Team, which is competing with top engineers and multi-national corporations to build a viable, affordable car that can get 100 miles per gallon. The prize is $10 million. Most of us in West Philly are familiar with the EVX Team. They’ve been to the White House. They’ve taken on – and beaten – students from top engineering programs and Ivy League schools in design competitions.

Philadelphia filmmaker Debbie Morton followed the team for two years and the result of that work is tonight’s program.

Here’s a line from the promotional material: “In Fast Times at West Philly High, Frontline explores the viability of these cars, the potential that exists within our young people, and the prospects of effective innovation in public education.”

The film is about these kids and their amazing story, but we hope that it reminds people all over that amazing kids are everywhere – they just need the right tools and guidance.

The show will be on WHYY locally at 10 p.m.

If your child is entering Philadelphia School District Kindergarten this fall and needs some extra help getting ready for the first day of school, here’s a program that can help. Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library (52nd & Sansom) is hosting Ready, Set, Kindergarten, an interactive program for parents and children, tomorrow, June 26, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Families will play educational games and will learn about important skills for Kindergarten. Families will also leave with fun, educational giveaways.

Ready, Set, Kindergarten is a new initiative started in partnership with The School District of Philadelphia, LEARN, The Free Library of Philadelphia and Please Touch Museum.

To register, please contact: Betsy Vassallo, 267-350-2863, learn@ccisnephila.com. See the flyer for more information.

Philadelphia schools are closing at 12 p.m. tomorrow due to heat and high humidity.

A School District of Philadelphia announcement reads:

“According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to again soar to the upper 90’s tomorrow in Philadelphia.  The expected extreme weather coupled by the high humidity levels could create a situation in which heat illness is possible The District is taking this heat warning seriously by closing schools, which includes early childhood programs, at 12:00 p.m. tomorrow, Monday June 11, 2012. At the 12:00 p.m. dismissal time, routine transportation will occur for students.”

District-run after-school programs will also be closed. Visit www.philasd.org or call 215-400-INFO (4636) for any updates.

Community members are invited to support local public schools and participate in these upcoming events at Henry C. Lea, Penn Alexander and Samuel Powel schools.

• Lea Elementary recently received a $3,800 grant from Lowe’s to redesign the school’s interior, brighten up the hallways and make Lea a more welcoming place for students. As a part of this effort the school is teaming up with the Renewal Church to hold a paint day this Saturday, June 2. This is the second paint day (the first one was on May 19) and adult volunteers are still wanted to fill in the afternoon shift from noon to 2 p.m. To sign up, please add your name to one of the teams on the Google Doc here. If you have questions, email David Fox at defox@philasd.org. This is part of ongoing renovations at Lea.

• This Sunday, June 3, Penn Alexander School is holding the 2nd Annual Run for Arts and Sciences. There is a 5k run and a 1 mile fun walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. The course will loop through the University of Pennsylvania campus starting and finishing at Penn Alexander. The 5k run will be chip timed. All proceeds will support the Art and Science program at Penn Alexander. For more information, go here. Note: The online registration with a discounted price is closed, but you can download paper a Registration Form and bring it to the event. Also you can support this event by making a donation at the provided link.

• Alumni & Friends of Samuel Powel Elementary and Powel Home and School Association are hosting a silent auction and fundraising event on Saturday, June 9, from 6 – 10 p.m. This adults-only event will take place at Art on the Avenue, 3808 Lancaster Ave.

This is a very important fundraiser for Powel, as they are trying to raise a substantial sum to buy new Science Kits and other instructional materials for their students and to support additional music classes. This event is for current and future Powel families, friends, alumni and anyone who wants to come out to support Powel school and bid on some great items from local businesses. Go here to order tickets, become an event sponsor or benefactor and see all the great items you can bid on.

The School District of Philadelphia has announced early dismissal today due to excessive heat. All public schools will close at 1:30 p.m.

The early closure includes early childhood programs. Routine transportation will be in place at the 1:30 p.m. dismissal time. All after-school programs are also canceled. Staff will remain in the buildings until all students are picked up. For more information visit the District’s website at www.philasd.com or call the Information Hotline at 215-400-INFO (4636).
 

Here’s a list of Kindergarten Open Houses coming up in the area this month. This information was compiled by the West Philly Coalition for Neighborhood Schools.

A. D. Harrington School
5300-34 Baltimore Ave
19143
(215) 471 – 2914
www.philasd.org/schools/harrington
Open House: CONFIRMED, 5/23, 9:00-9:45 a.m., in Annex Building
Kindergarten teacher: Ms. Davis, Room A1

B. B. Comegys School
5100 Greenway Ave.
19143
(215) 727 – 2162
Open House: CONFIRMED, 5/23, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Alexander Wilson School
1300 S. 46th St.
19143
(215) 823 – 8206
www.philasd.org/schools/alexanderwilson
Open House: CONFIRMED, 5/24, 8:45-9:00 a.m.

Samuel B. Huey School
5200 Pine St.
19143
(215) 471 – 2901
Open House: CONFIRMED, All week, Call for time

Henry C. Lea School
4700 Locust St.
19139
(215) 471 – 2915
http://webgui.phila.k12.pa.us/schools/l/lea
Open House: CONFIRMED, 5/22, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Kindergarten teachers: Ms. Mykytiuch and Ms. McCloskey

Penn Alexander School
4209 Spruce St.
19104
(215) 823 – 5465
www.philasd.org/schools/pennalexander
Open House: CONFIRMED, 5/22, Begins 9:30 a.m.

Alain Locke School
4550 Haverford Ave.
19139
(215) 823 – 8202
Open House: CONFIRMED, 5/23, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Martha Washington Academics
766 N. 44th St.
19104
(215) 823 – 8203
www.philasd.org/schools/marthawashington
Open House: NOT CONFIRMED

Samuel Powel School
301 N. 36th St.
19104
(215) 823 – 8201
www.philasd.org/schools/powel
Open House: NOT CONFIRMED, Will likely have a “Kindergarten Tea” in June instead.