Welcome to the Home of the Firebirds _________________________________________________________
Welcome Back, Firebirds!
The first day of school for all learners is Monday, August 24, 2026. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back into the building and begin an incredible year together.
Cell Phone Collection Upon Arrival
Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, learners will turn in their cell phones upon entering School of the Future each morning.
- Learners must have their phones powered off or silenced before turning them in.
- Phones will be collected at designated collection areas upon arrival.
- Each learner’s phone will be placed in a designated secure storage system.
- Learners will not have access to their phones during the instructional day.
- Phones will be returned to learners through the school’s designated dismissal process.
- Learners arriving late must turn in their phones as part of the late-arrival process.
- Learners may not keep a second or alternate phone after turning in a device.
Refusal to turn in a phone or attempting to circumvent the collection procedure will be addressed through the school’s established behavioral and disciplinary procedures.
Smart Glasses and Wearable Technology
AI-enabled glasses, camera-equipped smart glasses, and similar wearable devices for recording or communication may not be worn or used during the instructional day.
This includes current or future wearable technology capable of:
- Taking photographs or recording video;
- Recording or transmitting audio;
- Accessing artificial intelligence or online applications;
- Sending or receiving messages, calls, images, or data;
- Livestreaming or communicating with individuals outside the classroom; or
- Providing unauthorized assistance during assignments, examinations, or assessments.
Smart glasses and similar devices present additional concerns because recording and communication functions may not always be apparent to learners or staff members.
Learners who bring smart glasses or similar devices to school will be collected and secured.
Smartwatches, Earbuds, and Other Wearable Devices
Smartwatches and other wearable devices that can make calls, send messages, record, access the Internet, or communicate with a cell phone may not be used. These items will be collected and secured.
Headphones, AirPods, earbuds, Bluetooth devices, and similar personal listening devices will be collected, secured, and put away during instructional time unless their use has been specifically authorized for an educational purpose or approved as an accommodation.
Photography, Video, and Audio Recording
Learners may not photograph, video-record, audio-record, livestream, or otherwise electronically capture another learner, staff member, visitor, classroom, or school activity without authorization.
This expectation applies to cell phones, smart glasses, smartwatches, tablets, laptops, cameras, and any other device capable of recording or transmitting audio, photographs, or video.
Emergency Communication
The phone collection procedure does not prevent families and learners from communicating when necessary. The School of the Future phone number is 215-400-7790.
If a parent or guardian needs to contact a learner during the school day, the parent/guardian should contact the School of the Future main office. School staff will ensure that important or emergency messages reach the learner.
If a learner needs to contact a parent or guardian because of an emergency or other significant circumstance, the learner should notify a staff member, who will provide an appropriate means of communication.
Exceptions and Accommodations
Exceptions may be provided when required by a learner’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, documented medical need, or other District-approved accommodation.
School administration may also authorize use of a device when necessary for a specific educational, safety, or emergency purpose.
Violations
The goal of this protocol is not punitive. It is to establish a consistent schoolwide environment in which learners can focus on learning and building relationships.
Learners who refuse to comply with the collection process, possess or use an unauthorized electronic device during the school day, use a second device after turning in another device, or use smart glasses or another wearable device in violation of this protocol will be addressed in accordance with School District of Philadelphia policies, the Student Code of Conduct, and School of the Future’s progressive behavioral procedures.
Serious violations involving unauthorized recording, harassment, threats, academic dishonesty, invasion of privacy, or distribution of recorded material may result in additional consequences consistent with District policy.
Important September Dates
- September 7: Labor Day – Schools Closed for Learners and Staff; Administrative Offices Closed
- September 18: Staff Professional Development (Full Day) – School Closed for Learners
- September 21: Yom Kippur – Schools Closed for Learners and Staff; Administrative Offices Closed
As always, our goal is to provide every learner with a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment where high expectations, strong relationships, and a sense of belonging help every Firebird thrive.
Enjoy the remainder of your summer, and we look forward to seeing our new 9th grade and new-to-School-of-the-Future 10th grade learners on August 18, and welcoming all Firebirds back on August 24.
Have a wonderful rest of your summer, and we’ll see you soon!
With Firebird Pride,
Dr. John R. Smith Jr.
Principal (Chief Learner)
The School of the Future
Announcements
Mission Statement
Utilizing a project-based, learner-driven instructional approach, the School of the Future will prepare learners to demonstrate mastery of 21st-century competencies that will equip them for continuous success and with the ability to positively impact their immediate and global community.
Vision Statement
Learning is: Continuous, Relevant, and Adaptive
The School of the Future, in partnership with the community and families, strives to ignite in learners a passion for learning that inspires a commitment to active citizenship by using technological innovation and engaging pedagogy.
Quick Links
Need Additional Chromebook Support?
Email: FamilyTechSupport@philasd.org