Top 4 stories of the week in NW Philly

January 5, 2013
  • <p><p>"Keep the G in Germantown" signs were distributed. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>"Keep the G in Germantown" signs were distributed. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>(Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>(Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Rallying support for the cause. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Rallying support for the cause. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Students said they want to see GHS remain open after June. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Students said they want to see GHS remain open after June. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>A bullhorn-aided "One! Two! Three! Save the G!" (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>A bullhorn-aided "One! Two! Three! Save the G!" (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Some were worried about the impact of GHS closing would have on neighborhood businesses. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Some were worried about the impact of GHS closing would have on neighborhood businesses. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Marching past Vernon Park. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Marching past Vernon Park. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>The group stated their intentions loudly. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>The group stated their intentions loudly. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Alumni cited good GHS stories that don't often get told outside of the community. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Alumni cited good GHS stories that don't often get told outside of the community. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Low enrollment numbers at Germantown High, which opened in 1914, are being cited in the district's closure proposal. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Low enrollment numbers at Germantown High, which opened in 1914, are being cited in the district's closure proposal. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Supporters continued onto Germantown and Chelten avenues in an effort to garner community backing. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Supporters continued onto Germantown and Chelten avenues in an effort to garner community backing. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>"One! Two! Three! Save the G!" was the march's chant. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>"One! Two! Three! Save the G!" was the march's chant. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>The march started at the high school, located at E. High St. and Germantown Ave. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>The march started at the high school, located at E. High St. and Germantown Ave. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Several dozen students, parents, alumni and supporters marched in Germantown on Wednesday in an attempt to keep Germantown High School open. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Several dozen students, parents, alumni and supporters marched in Germantown on Wednesday in an attempt to keep Germantown High School open. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>Current students joined Wednesday's march led by the Save Germantown High School Coalition. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>Current students joined Wednesday's march led by the Save Germantown High School Coalition. (Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

  • <p><p>(Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p></p>

    <p>(Kevin Cook/for NewsWorks)</p>

Here’s a look at what you may have missed this week:

1. 6 questions for U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah on the fiscal cliff, gun violence and more

On Wednesday, NewsWorks caught up with U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah as he and the rest of the 113th Congress prepared to be sworn in. The longtime lawmaker – who represents Mount Airy, Germantown, Roxborough and parts of Montgomery County – took time to discuss a variety of tough subjects, including the fiscal cliff, Hurricane Sandy relief and entitlement reform. Check out Brian Hickey’s interview with the East Falls resident to learn more.

2. Drive or walk through nearly any Philadelphia neighborhood most mornings and you’re bound to pass a crossing guard. To honor the important, but often unrecognized, service these men and women provide in the Northwest, NewsWorks rolled out a week-long series full of stories, videos and photos. Below are links to each of the five crossing guards we highlighted via nomination.

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3. Students join battle for Germantown High’s future with march and rally

The fight to keep Germantown High School open after this academic year continued Wednesday afternoon. A group of students and alumni braved the brisk weather to protest the School District of Philadelphia’s recommendation to end the school’s near-century old history. Check out Meg Frankowski’s story to learn more.

4. Kelly Elementary greening overhaul efforts move into fundraising phase

For years, the grounds at J.B. Kelly Elementary in Germantown have been uninspiring to say the least. To change that, a group of near neighbors and school staff has been working hard to secure funding to make the campus more green and inviting. Their effort was recently recognized. Check out Alaina Mabaso’s story to learn more.

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