Our Lady of Port Richmond Receives Pre-K Expansion Grant From The Philadelphia School Partnership
The Philadelphia School Partnership (PSP) presented a $60,000 grant to Our Lady of Port Richmond Regional Catholic School on Wednesday, June 29. The grant will go toward the expansion of the school’s pre-K education program, classroom renovations, and additional academic programs aiming to increase the school’s total enrollment by 40 students.
Our Lady of Port Richmond Exterior/Patrick Clark
The presentation of the check was preceded by speakers including Sister Mary Ripp, the principal of Our Lady of Port Richmond.
“This check benefits the students and their learning environment,” Sister Ripp said. “It’s always about the students and creating that really quality learning environment. And that’s what this will help us do.”
Sister Mary/Patrick Clark
Our Lady of Port Richmond currently serves 406 students in pre-K through 8th grade. Of those students, 65 percent are economically disadvantaged and 62 percent receive financial aid. Thanks to grants like this one, OLPR is able to accommodate these students that require assistance. Since 2011, the Philadelphia School Partnership has invested over $53 million into schools in Philadelphia.
Our Lady of Port Richmond Exterior/Patrick Clark
Sister Mary was followed by Bobby Henon, 6th District Councilman. He spoke about the importance of early education in Philadelphia.
“More children who have early education and a great start in school will grow up to be contributing adults in the city of Philadelphia,” Henon said. “These additional 40 seats are an incredible step in the right direction. Clearly showing that Philadelphians care about their kids and giving them the best possible start in life.”
The event continued with Michelle Ganley, a local parent, speaking. Ganley’s daughter will be joining OLPR’s pre-K program in the fall and expressed her excited about the program and what PSP’s grant means for its development.
Michelle Ganley/Patrick Clark
“It’s refreshing to walk into a classroom on a tour and see happy faces on the teachers and the students,” Ganley said. “I couldn’t be more excited about this grant given to our school by Philadelphia School Partnerships and I’m so happy that my child will be starting in the Pre-K program this September.”
