Guide reveals locations for Philadelphia residents to obtain free backpacks and immunizations before the school year begins
The School District of Philadelphia is gearing up for its annual "Ring the Bell" back-to-school bus tour, a city-wide initiative designed to support families by providing essential resources and services ahead of the upcoming academic year.
This year's tour, scheduled from July 28 to August 15, 2025, will make stops at various locations across Philadelphia, offering a range of services to help families prepare for the new school term.
## Dates and Locations
- **July 28, 2025**: The School of the Future at 4021 Parkside Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 - **August 1, 2025**: Fashion District Philadelphia at 901 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 - **August 4, 2025**: Martin Luther King High School at 6100 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19138 - **August 6, 2025**: George Washington High School Football Field at 10175 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116 - **August 9, 2025**: Citizens Bank Park at 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148 - **August 12, 2025**: Marcus Foster Memorial Stadium (Gratz Supersite) at 1627 W. Hunting Park Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140 - **August 15, 2025**: Roosevelt Mall at 2329 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19152
Each event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
## Services Offered
The tour aims to create a "giant block party-style" atmosphere, complete with giveaways, free games, water ice or ice cream, food trucks, and a DJ. Families can expect to find the following services at each stop:
- **Health Services**: Free vaccinations and physicals for children. - **Educational Support**: Opportunities to enroll children in school and sign up for the online parent portal. - **Community Engagement**: A lively and engaging environment, fostering connections within the community. - **School Supplies**: Distribution of free backpacks filled with basic school supplies like notebooks, rulers, pencils, folders, and erasers.
At each stop, parents and guardians can enroll students for the school year, sign up for the Parent Portal, receive free backpacks and school supplies, and access free immunizations at select locations. Parents are not required to bring their student to the tour - only their student ID is needed.
The School District of Philadelphia's 2025 "Ring the Bell" back-to-school bus tour is an excellent opportunity for families to prepare for the upcoming academic year, which begins on August 25, 2025. A map showing all the stops on the Philly back-to-school bus tour is available for those who wish to plan their visit.
Wakisha Bailey, a reporter for News Philadelphia, will be covering the tour. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the events.
[1] School District of Philadelphia - "Ring the Bell" Back-to-School Bus Tour [2] News Philadelphia - "School District of Philadelphia Announces 2025 'Ring the Bell' Back-to-School Bus Tour"
- During the School District of Philadelphia's 2025 "Ring the Bell" back-to-school bus tour, attendees can expect to find science-related activities and health-and-wellness resources at various locations across the city, along with educational support, free school supplies, and engaging community events.
- News Philadelphia will cover this annual event, shedding light on the latest health advancements, science discoveries, and educational opportunities available to families in Philadelphia, as part of the school district's city-wide initiative to support families ahead of the new school year.
