East Torresdale Civic Association last week listened to a presentation by Micah Winterstein, principal of Thomas Holme Elementary School.
Winterstein is in his third year as principal.
Holme, at 9125 Academy Road, is being rebuilt, and students have been at the former Austin Meehan Middle School building since the 2023-24 academic year.
Winterstein said ribbon cutting for the new school will take place on Dec. 17. Teachers will report to the new school on Jan. 2, with students there for the first time on Jan. 5.
The property will include trees, a parking lot and a play yard. The main entrance to the three-story, U-shaped building will be at Crispin Street and Willits Road. The building will feature a gym/auditorium, library, dance studio, keyboard lab, vocal music room, autistic support classes, a science lab, cafeteria and elevator.
The principal said there will be a little more than 800 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.
The capacity is 1,200, and Winterstein said he expects the school to ultimately reach that figure for two reasons – population growth and a desire for some Catholic and charter school students to enroll at a newly built school.
The principal said people can reach him at [email protected].
In other news from the Oct. 13 meeting:
• St. Katherine of Siena Parish will host a Trunk or Treat on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2-4 p.m., in the church parking lot. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes. There will be crafts, games and music. The cost is $8 for kids. Adults are admitted free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
• The Philadelphia Parking Authority Neighborhood Enforcement Unit accepts information on nuisance vehicles or illegally parked trucks or tractor trailers. Call 215-683-9620.
• East Torresdale Civic Association will meet on Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 9601 Frankford Ave. ••
