Parents packed an impromptu line outside the Penn Alexander School in University City hoping to get a spot for their child in kindergarten enrollment.
It is scheduled for Tuesday. Most parents were more than willing to wait several days in frigid temps.
About 80 people were camped out with chairs, tents, blankets, and portable heaters. One family even had a giant RV.
"I care very much about education for my kids," said Mariana Farach, one of the parents.
"We've sacrificed a lot so that they can have that."
She is a single mother with one kid in the school and another hoping to get in.
She and dozens of others grew frustrated when the School District of Philadelphia made a Friday night announcement, saying the first come first served system would be replaced by a lottery.
That means the first person in line would have the same chances as a person that didn't even show up. District officials said they made the change so parents did not have to wait outside for so long.
Most parents said it came too late and left in frustration.
"We have children in these schools already. We are now in a situation already where some of us, and we don't know who, are going to have to send our kids to other schools," said Eric Santoro.
The District said they will arrange a meeting between parents and the new superintendent to sort out the controversy. Officials also say they will also honor the wait list put together by those that waited in line Friday.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:10 GMT
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Monday, June 17 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-06-18 02:21:46 GMT
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
In Chester County, there was damage caused by severe storms as they ripped through the area this afternoon. It did not take long but it did quite a bit of damage.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:19 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:19:02 GMT
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and out Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
The Rolling Stones rocked Philly last night and our Mike Jerrick was there - front and center!Mick Jagger sauntered (as only Mick can) right past Mike and we have the footage.So, how was Mike's first Stones
Wednesday, June 19 2013 9:15 AM EDT2013-06-19 13:15:45 GMT
AP PHOTO
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Pope Francis has given a 17-year-old boy with Down Syndrome the ride of his life -- sort of. Francis invited Alberto di Tullio up onto his open-top Mercedes at the end of his general audience Wednesday,
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:42 AM EDT2013-06-19 12:42:28 GMT
Serena Williams is one of the world's top tennis stars, but now she is causing quite a stir off the court.She recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone where she made some controversial comments regarding
Serena Williams is one of the world's top tennis stars, but now she is causing quite a stir off the court.She recently gave an interview to Rolling Stone where she made some controversial comments regarding
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:38 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:38:35 GMT
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
In Delaware County, a man is charged with raping a woman. And what led to his arrest--her iPhone. Upper Darby police arrested 23-year-old Gaurave Kumar for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:27 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:27:56 GMT
An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
An NFL player has reportedly been questioned as part of a murder investigation. Police say he's not a suspect, but they think he could shed some light on the crime.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:17 AM EDT2013-06-19 11:17:13 GMT
There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
There will be a special investigative committee hearing Wednesday morning at City Hall regarding the deadly building collapse earlier this month in Center City.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:43 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:43:10 GMT
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
Times are tough for many in Philadelphia with almost half a million people turning to food pantries just to survive. Several organizations are working to provide healthy options.
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