Excel Joins Philadelphia Back-to-School Event

Excel Supports Philadelphia Back-to-School Event

Excel Middle Years Academy staff teamed up with Pennsylvania Sen. Vincent Hughes’ office and other community organizations Aug. 13 to help Parkside and West Philadelphia families prepare for the 2026-2027 academic year during the Packed for Success back-to-school event. Community partners joined forces for the event, with a goal of distributing 150 backpacks to local children.

Excel Middle Years Academy donated school supplies and hosted an arts-and-crafts station for students, as well as an information table where families could learn more about the school and its services.

Excel Staff Volunteer Alongside Community Partners

Director Sadiqa Lucas, Principal Jaleeca Jacobs, Student Services Coordinator Aatiqah Ali and Behavior Specialist Albria Jones represented Excel Middle Years Academy and volunteered throughout the event.

In addition to distributing supplies, the team spoke with families about some of the challenges that can arise as students return to school, including maintaining consistent attendance, finding after-school child care and accessing additional family supports. When families needed services beyond those available through Excel Middle Years Academy, staff connected them with resources offered by the city of Philadelphia and other organizations participating in the event.

Building Connections With Local Families

“Being part of Packed for Success gave us another opportunity to connect with families where they live and make sure they know there are people and resources in their community they can turn to,” said Lucas. “Many of our students come from Parkside and West Philadelphia, so it is important for us to show up, listen to what families need and build relationships that extend beyond the school building.”

The event reflected Excel Middle Years Academy’s focus on maintaining strong connections with the communities it serves. By working alongside Hughes’ office and other local partners, staff was able to meet families ahead of the new school year and connect them with supplies, information, and resources to support a strong start.

With a small, supportive setting, Excel Middle Years Academy offers an accelerated middle school track designed to prepare students for success in middle and high school, with a focus on academic achievement, emotional wellness and social growth.