Recognizing and thanking Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School for reaching out and enrolling displaced children impacted by war in Ukraine.

WHEREAS, On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War destroying several major cities and displacing millions of Ukrainians; and

WHEREAS, In response, President Biden announced his commitment to welcoming up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees through the “Uniting Ukraine” program; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia City officials expect 10,000 Ukrainians to settle in the region by the end of the year. About 90% of these Ukrainians are women and children; and

WHEREAS, Northeast Philadelphia has become one of the landing spots for this new and growing population of school-aged children who speak little English; and

WHEREAS, Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School, ranked a Top 10 Pennsylvania Charter Elementary School by Newsweek (2021) and named a Top Public High School in Philadelphia according to Philadelphia Magazine (2020), expressed interest in supporting this growing community of displaced Ukrainian children by establishing a unique enrollment opportunity designed for Ukrainian students in July 2022; and

WHEREAS, Councilman David Oh facilitated an introduction between String Theory Charter School and local Ukrainian community leaders including Bishop of Philadelphia Luke Zhoba, Ukraine Orthodox Church / Kyiv Patriarchate of USA & Canada and Iryna Mazur, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Bishop Luke, has led the efforts in promoting this opportunity to Philadelphia’s Ukrainian community on social media and numerous local and international news organizations. Bishop Luke has also worked tirelessly in helping parents with the application process as well as housing and transporting these families throughout the City; and

WHEREAS, Honorary Consul Iryna Mazur also contacted the local community and organized fundraising and charitable efforts to support these displaced Ukrainian families in Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, Currently, 48 students have been enrolled with 7 more awaiting finalization of their enrollment. Families still arriving in Philadelphia will have an opportunity to enroll their children as Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School will continue enrollment of these students until all 100 spots are filled; and

WHEREAS, We commend Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School for their generosity in providing these displaced families with this opportunity given the significant positive impact quality education has on the lives of disadvantaged youth. The school serves as an inspiration to many to take meaningful action in supporting vulnerable populations: now therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and thanks Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School for reaching out and enrolling displaced children impacted by war in Ukraine.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Philadelphia Performing Arts: A String Theory Charter School, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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