Sherry Stone TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER August 28, 2025
Universal Charter Schools’ community of educators and families kicked off the new school year with a back-to-school event on Thursday at the intersection of 14th and Catherine in South Philadelphia.
“I used to go to Universal Institute charter school when it first started in 1997,” said Janiah Applin, director of marketing for Universal. “So, I just remembered having a big block party with games and activities and performances. But this time, we’re making it a back-to-school thing, so that way kids can come and get their book bags, their supplies, have some snacks, have a hot dog, bounce a little bit, and get some family resources.”
The teachers, staff and administrators of Universal Alcorn, Universal Audenried, Universal Institute and Universal Vare started the new year with the festive occasion. Students are scheduled to return to class Tuesday.
Natasha Daniels, mother of a Universal student, brought her daughter Legend to the event.
“I love this school because it’s family oriented,” she said. “They care about the kids. They teach them structure, and no matter what title they have, everybody looks out for the kids.”
Legend said she enjoyed the bounce house and eating blue raspberry water ice the most Thursday. She’s excited to get back to school.
“I like math the most, really, because I love learning,” she said. “I’ve been going to the beach a lot this summer but will be so happy to see my friends when school starts.”
Vendors providing information and resources, included: the Philadelphia Fire Department; the Free Library of Philadelphia; Holland Wheelhouse Home Care and Health Services; state Sen. Nikil Saval; and the Philadelphia Office of Public Safety.
Philadelphia Sheriff Rochelle Bilal joined a row of vendors who were on hand to support the event.
“We come out because we want students to have a good start in their educational year, from 2025,” she said. “We are out here to encourage them to make sure that they have the things that they need to start off with, and to just encourage them to keep moving forward.”
