Attention Families!
James Rhoads Community,
I want to welcome you to the 2024-2025 school year! A lot has been
happening at James Rhoads since school ended in June. Our dedicated custodial staff has been working tirelessly, preparing the building for the start of the school year. The teachers have been taking classes and learning about the new language arts program. And I know the students have been relaxing and preparing for their new grades. The floors are waxed, the desks are set, and we are ready to welcome all students on the first day of school, August 26, 2024!
The auditorium has a new drop-down screen and sound system, and we have a wireless microphone system up and ready for assemblies and the talent show.
The library is almost done! Thanks to WEPAC, nearly all the books have been reshelved, and we even have extra books to send home with the students.
The new cafeteria tables are here, and they are a beautiful blue. These new tables will allow us to collapse the tables and store them on the stage when we use the cafeteria as a gym! I can’t wait until the first staff vs. students basketball game.
A few reminders as we embark on this new school year.
Remember that James Rhoads is a phone-free school, and all students will place their phones in pouches at the start of the school day and have the pouches unlocked at the end of the day. We have seen great success since implementing this policy three years ago. Students are engaged with each other and are not preoccupied with social media during the school day.
James Rhoads has a school uniform, and all students are expected to wear uniforms every day. The uniform, consisting of plain blue or yellow tops and blue, black, or khaki pants, is a reflection of our school’s standards and expectations. Students must wear closed-toed shoes, no crocs or flip-flops.
Breakfast is served in the cafeteria every morning from 7:45 to 8:10. Students enter through the door on 50th Street. We encourage students to start the day off with breakfast! School starts at 8:10 for students.
We look forward to working with you during the school year to ensure the success of all James Rhoads students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Megan Wapner
Principal James Rhoads Elementary School
***James Rhoads Sweatsuits, T-Shirts and Polo shirts are available for purchase in the main office. ( $10 polo shirts, $5 t-shirts, $25 full sweatsuits and $15 sweatshirt or Sweat Pants separates)
We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the main office at 215-400-7680.
Megan Wapner Principal
Fatima Welcome Assistant Principal 
Frequently Asked Questions
● School Starts at 8:10 AM. Dismissal is at 2:54 PM
● Breakfast for K-8 is served in the cafeteria daily from 7:45-8:05
● Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades students will arrive and dismiss from Cafeteria yellow door on 50th Street
● 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades arrive and dismiss from the schoolyard
● James Rhoads will be cell phone-free! School number: 215-400-7680
● School Uniform: Blue or Yellow Shirts, Blue or Khaki Pants. NO crocs, or open-toed shoes
● Parents/Guardians must bring current photo ID to pick up their child for early dismissal
● Please send your child with a water bottle each day
Important Contact Information
Megan Wapner: Principal; mwapner@philasd.org
Fatima Welcome: Assistant Principal; fwelcome@philasd.org
Francis Askew: School Counselor; faskew@philasd.org
Rhonda Boyd: Behavioral Health Counselor; rboyd@philasd.org
Kenyatta Brown: School Counselor; kbrown8@philasd.org
Dr. Thomas Papi: School Counselor; tpapi@philasd.org
Lamond Muhammad: Climate Manager; lmuhammad@philasd.org
Our Vision
The James Rhoads Vision is to provide a world-class learning environment where children become lifelong learners to positively impact not only their future, but also the future of their families and community.
Our Mission
It is our mission as the staff of James Rhoads to provide a highly effective educational program that informs, inspires, liberates and empowers students to seize academic, emotional and social success.
Provide effective instruction that is standards driven, differentiated and rigourous and provided by highly qualified and dedicated teachers.