Top 6 stories of the week in NW Philly

Here’s what you may have missed in Northwest Philadelphia this week:

1. AMY Northwest’s 8th grade graduation ceremony marks the school’s final year in Mt. Airy

The School Reform Commission’s mid-March vote to close William Levering Elementary in Roxborough meant that AMY Northwest was moving in. Wednesday marked the final eighth grade graduation before the special admission school leaves its Mount Airy home for good. Check out Bob O’Brien’s story for more details on the ceremony.

2. Fire-damaged Black Olive building remains eye-sore one year later

An East Mount Airy property remains unrepaired a year after a blaze broke out on the second floor. The city’s repeated requests that the owner attend to the damages have failed to ignite action. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more about why neighbors may have to continue living with the blighted building.

3. Temple grad to film documentary about Potter’s Field issue in Germantown

The burial ground trapped beneath a public housing high rise is ready for its close-up. During a Northwest Neighbors meeting, Chinonye Chukwu told the crew about her intentions to capture the ongoing debate around the controversial West Germantown site on her camera. Check out Kristen Mosbrucker’s story to learn more about why the Temple student is so intrigued by the subject.

4. Low enrollment threatens viability of St. Blaise Regional School in Manayunk

The fate of the newly formed Archdiocesan school hangs in the balance as student enrollment continues to lag far behind the target needed to financially operate the institution. News of the predicament preceded the impending closure of the St. Bridget School, one-half of St. Blaise. Check out Matthew Grady’s story for more details and to find out when a final decision may come.

5. Man killed on Germantown block where neighbors complained of drug activity

A group of residents recently reached out to their nearby neighbors in West Mount Airy for help in addressing persistent drug activity. This week, the need for that assistance was brought to the forefront with a the shooting death of a 27-year-old man. Check out Brian Hickey’s story for more details.

6. A bittersweet send-off for Levering’s last batch of students

The Roxborough-based school closed out the final chapter in its 260-plus year history Thursday afternoon. The School District of Philadelphia recommended in November that Levering close as part of its citywide effort to address ongoing and severe budget woes. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story for more details on the heartfelt day.