Philly plane crash: School district offers support to students, staff members impacted

As students gear up to head back to school Sunday, the School District of Philadelphia is offering support. 

After a weekend of tragedy following a plane crash in Northeast Philly Friday, students may feel uneasy while getting back to their school routine Monday. 

Therefore, the School District of Philadelphia has announced resources to help those affected. 

The backstory:

On Friday, January 31, seven people were killed and at least 22 people were injured due to a medical transport plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. 

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), who is leading the investigation, is in the Philly area to collect debris and other evidence.

What we know:

The School District of Philadelphia will resume all classes as normal Monday, February 3. 

In a letter to school district families, Superintendent Tony B. Watlington said because the tragic crash caused ‘major disruptions,’ "any student and staff who are late due to accident related road closures and delays will have an excused lateness."

With at least 22 people injured in the aftermath of the deadly plane crash and the circulation of videos and pictures of the tragedy, many students and staff members may feel scared or upset.

The Office of Prevention and Intervention will work alongside school counselors for those who want to talk to someone.

What you can do:

The district encourages parents/guardians to speak openly with their child(ren) to grasp how they’re feeling as the school routine kicks back in. 

Reach out to your school’s main office for additional support. 

You can also call or text 1-833-PHL-HOPE (1-833-745-4673) for free support and information.

What they're saying:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with residents of the City of Philadelphia as we collectively work to recover and rebuild together," read Superintent Watlington's letter.

Road closures, delays

What's next:

The Philadelphia Licensing and Inspection workers will survey buildings that are close to the crash scene.

Though police have worked to reopen the outer lanes of Roosevelt Boulevard in both directions, Cottman Avenue remains closed for further investigation.

Police will continue to direct traffic around street closures.

SEPTA has also identified alternate routes and detours on their Alerts and Advisories website. 

The Source: The information in this story is from the School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington.

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