Delaplaine McDaniel School
Delaplaine McDaniel School, situated in the Point Breeze neighborhood of South Philadelphia, is a public elementary school serving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. As a part of the School District of Philadelphia, McDaniels is committed to providing a high-quality education in a safe and nurturing environment.
If you are unable to view the embedded document, you can ➜ View Announcements in a New Tab .
Principals Message
Welcome to Delaplaine McDaniel School!
Dear McDaniel Families and Community,
It is a true honor to serve as your principal of Delaplaine McDaniel School. I am delighted to be here and look forward to working closely in partnership within our school community.
Our central goal at McDaniel is to maintain high expectations for every student, every day, in every class. We want our scholars to be confident, critical thinkers who strive for excellence in all they do.
As a school community, we will continue to be anchored in our core values:
- We keep children at the center of every decision.
- We value every student.
- We are a team, and collaboration is key.
- We ensure every student receives a great education in a school close to where they live.
To support our goals, please remember that the school day begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:39 p.m. I also look forward to collaborating with you at our upcoming monthly Principal Round Table meetings.
Educationally yours,
Principal
Orissa El-Adams, M.Ed
Our School
Delaplaine McDaniel School is a South Philadelphia anchor where students are able to grow academically, socially, and emotionally. With our dedicated educators, our community, and our commitment to equity, we prepare students from Kindergarten through 8th grade to excel in high school and beyond.
Attendance & Bell Schedule
Bell Schedule
Arrival: 8:50 AM
School Day: 9 AM – 3:39 PM
Breakfast: 8:15 AM – 8:45 AM
Lunch/Recess:
- 1st Lunch: 11:15 AM – (Grades 7-8)
- 2nd Lunch: 12 PM – (Grades K-3)
- 3rd Lunch: 12:45 PM – (Grades 4-6)
For details on early dismissals, inclement weather procedures, delayed openings, and emergency closings, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
Specific student schedules may differ depending on class sections.
Attendance
Attendance matters! The consistency for both students and teachers is critical to success. Consequences can come from excessive or unexcused absences.
After-School & Summer Programming
Out-of-School Time (OST)
Out-of-School Time (OST) is the time that a child or youth spends in after school or summer programming. In Philadelphia, OST programs are provided for young people in grades K through 12.
➔ Learn more and find a program near you
Summer Programs
Explore free summer programs from the School District of Philadelphia that keep students learning, engaged, and prepared for success.
➔ Learn more about opportunities for your student over the summer.
Community Partnerships
- 100 Black Men Philly
- Adopt A Classroom
- Brooklyn Robotics
- Council President
- Eat Right Philly
- Franklin Institute
- IM Sport
- I’m a Father First
- Making the Transition
- Mural Arts
- Philadelphia Art Museum
- Pioneer Network
Extracurricular Programs, Clubs & Activities
Our School offers programs to broaden the horizons of our young scholars. We offer a variety of activities geared toward student interests and abilities.
- All Stars – Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 8:45 AM & 3:40 PM – 6:00PM
Points of Pride
- K–8 neighborhood school serving the Point Breeze community
- Gardening Program through Eat Right Philly & Greener Partners
- National Register of Historic Places–designated school building
- Schoolwide implementation of PBIS to promote positive behavior and student success
- Student access to arts, technology, and enrichment opportunities
- Strong family engagement and community involvement
Student Handbook & Policies
➔ McDaniel Parent & Student Handbook
➔ District – Student Code of Conduct & Discipline Process
Policies
- Attendance
- Dress Code – Uniforms
- Cell Phone Policy
- Report Bullying, Harassment, or Discrimination
- Student Health & Safety
School Improvement Plan – Title I Documents
➜ View your school’s School Improvement Plan
➜ Request a translation of your school’s plan
If you do not have web access or need additional assistance, please contact planningsupports@philasd.org for support.
Annual Notification of Rights under FERPA
The School District of Philadelphia is required to annually notify parents and eligible students of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). These rights include the right to inspect and review education records, request amendments, consent to disclosures, and file a complaint.
➔ View the Annual FERPA Notice
For questions, contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Uniform/Dress Code
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing at all times, including shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, skirts, and proper footwear.
Shirt: Green collared shirt or school T-shirt
Bottoms: Black pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, or sweatpants (knee-length or longer)
Footwear: Closed-toe shoes
Physical Education Days:
- Green T-shirt or sweatshirt (no hood)
- Black sweatpants
- Closed-toe shoes
Not Permitted
- Crocs, slides, flip-flops, slippers, or sandals
- Spaghetti straps
- Shorts or skirts above the knee
- Ripped or distressed clothing
- Logos or graphics not approved by the school
If a student violates the dress code:
- A parent/guardian may be contacted
- The school may provide loaner clothing, or request a change of clothes be brought to school
If you have barriers to obtaining a uniform, contact Mrs. James vajames@philasd.org or Mrs. Harris caharris@philasd.org
At A Glance
Principal
Mrs. Orissa El-Adams, M.Ed
Phone: 215-400-8220
Fax: 215-400-8221
Address:
1801 South 22nd Street
Philadelphia PA, 19145
➜ SEPTA – Trip Planner
Grade Levels: K- 8
Learning Network: 2
Student Enrollment: 249
➜ School Data & Statistics
Calendar
School Event Calendar
We maintain a school calendar that highlights important events such as parent-teacher conferences, school performances, testing dates, and more.
District Academic Calendar
The School District of Philadelphia provides an official academic calendar each year that includes start and end dates, holidays, report card conferences, and more.
Academics
McDaniel Elementary School is a vibrant K–8 learning community within the School District of Philadelphia, committed to providing a rigorous, well-rounded education for all students. Instruction is anchored in high-quality, standards-aligned curricula, including Illustrative Mathematics, EL Education for English Language Arts, and Amplify for science, and is enriched by social studies, music, physical education, and digital literacy.
Beyond the classroom, students benefit from a range of extracurricular and enrichment opportunities, including robotics, after-school programs, student government, and intramural sports. These experiences foster leadership, collaboration, and personal growth, while the middle school digital literacy program helps students build communication, technology, and self-advocacy skills as they prepare for high school and beyond.
View our full academic overview to learn more about our curriculum and academic programs.
Multilingual Curriculum & Programs - Language Access Support Services - ESOL services
The School District of Philadelphia provides a variety of programs and services in many languages to support our multilingual families. Students whose first language is not English may qualify for ESOL services.
Need Help? Contact your school’s Bilingual Counseling Assistant
Programs & Services
- Multilingual Curriculum and Programs
Learn more about the different programs and opportunities offered for multilingual students and families, and to get assistance with any District-related questions or processes.
- Language Access Support Services
Learn more about accessing interpretation/translation services, including Bilingual Counseling Assistants (BCAs) assigned to your school, and other resources. - Language Access Concern
Your feedback is essential in helping us improve language access within our District. If you’ve encountered a language-related challenge, such as a communication barrier, translation issue, or interpretation challenge, your input helps us improve our services.
Special Education - Accommodations - Specialized Services
Our school is committed to providing specialized services to children in the least restrictive environment, as required by the law. Students receive accommodations and modifications as outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
The District provides an extensive range of educational services and supports for students with diverse needs within our schools.
Enrollment
Welcome to Delaplaine McDaniel! We’re excited to welcome new students in Kindergarten and Grades 1–8.
Not sure if McDaniel is your neighborhood school? Check with the School Finder Tool
Health & Wellness
School Nurse
Our school nurse provides immediate care for health concerns, conducts required screenings, and supports students’ overall wellness.
For details on medication administration, mandated screenings, immunizations, and other health services, please refer to the Parent & Student Handbook.
➔ Need Help? Contact your School Nurse
Immunization Requirements & Health Services
Pennsylvania law requires all students to be fully immunized or officially exempt before attending school. This is mandated by the PA Department of Health, Philadelphia County Board of Health, and the School District of Philadelphia.
➔ Learn about immunizations, physicals, and wellness programs
Mental Health Resources
Find free support, counseling, and tools to care for your mental well-being.
➔ View Resources
Vaping/Smoking Resources
Family guides, free tools, and support to help quit vaping or smoking.
➔ View Resources
Resources
Parent & Family
Parent and Family Portal
➜ Log in to the Parent & Family Portal to view school announcements, messages from your child’s teacher, and access grades, test scores, attendance, immunization records, and report cards.
Family Hub
➜ Visit the Family Hub for help with registration, academics, special education, English learner support, student records, transportation, and more.
Google Classroom
➜ Log in to Google Classroom using your student’s Chromebook and District credentials to view classwork and homework. For help, see the Google Classroom Login Directions.
Chromebook Support
➜ Get Chromebook help and support including repair locations, resources, and FAQs.
Transportation
➜ View transportation services for bus routes, bus status, the Flat Rate Program, and support.
Accommodations & Multilingual Support
➜ Request translation or accessibility accommodations for any school or District event.
AHERA Inspection Reports
➜ View AHERA inspection reports for asbestos material status and school-specific details.
Students
Student Hub
➜ Visit the Student Hub for help with academics, athletics, records, college & career planning, CTE programs, and more.
Working Papers
➜ Learn more about how to obtain working papers.
Get Involved
Home and School Association (Coming Soon)
Our HSA invites all families to get involved in building a welcoming school community.
Parent & Family University
Parent & Family University provides free resources, courses, and support to help parents and families engage with their children, schools, and community.
➜ Learn more about Parent & Family University
Volunteer
We love parent involvement! Make a positive impact at our school by volunteering your time and talents.
➜ Find out how to become a volunteer
School Advisory Councils (SACs)
SACs are peer-elected groups of family members, school staff, students (grades 7–12), and community members who work together to support academic success and strengthen school partnerships.
➜ Learn more about School Advisory Councils
Contact Us
Stay Connected
Phone: 215-400-8220
Fax: 215-400-8221
➜ Staff Directory
➜ Parent & Family Portal
➜ Google Classroom
➜ Contact Central Office: Get help with enrollment, special education, student records, and more.