Top 5 stories of the week in NW Philly

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

1. Reduced support from funders played key role in Neighborhood Interfaith Movement’s closure

On Nov. 29, the vaunted nonprofit ceased operations and closed its Mt. Airy office. The move came as a big surprise to many Northwest Philadelphia residents. NIM officials were similarly caught off guard in the weeks leading up to the closure. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

2. For Roxborough resident with Newtown roots, news of school shooting hit hard

Sunny Gupta is not typically an emotional person, but last week’s deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary has brought the Newtown native to tears more than once in the days afterward. Though he didn’t know any of the 26 victims directly, news of the massacre has left a hole in his heart for the town he loves. Check out Jana Shea’s story to learn more.

3. Discussing parents’ perspectives on school safety after the Sandy Hook tragedy

In the days after the deadly shooting in Newtown, Conn., parents across the country have been holding their children a little tighter. They’ve also been forced to contemplate the safety of their child’s school. With that in mind, NewsWorks headed to Northwest Philadelphia to discuss the subject with residents. Check out our latest installment of ‘Street Level Conservations’ to learn what neighbors told Kimberly Paynter and Meg Frankowksi.

4. ‘We will not let Germantown High School die,’ say alumni in face of School District proposal [Video]

Last Thursday, the School District of Philadelphia recommended that 37 schools close by the end of this academic year, including Germantown High School. Members of the GHS community aren’t taking the news lightly and have already starting mounting their opposition. Check out Aaron Moselle’s story to learn more.

5. Was this year’s Germantown/MLK High Thanksgiving football-rivalry game the last one?

If the city’s School Reform Commission votes to close Germantown High School, a move the School District of Philadelphia recently recommedend, students from GHS would have the option to transfer to either Martin Luther King High or Roxborough High. Many community members are nervous about GHS and MLK students walking the same hallways. The schools have a football rivalry, but there are also neighborhood rivalries that some fear will bubble to the surface. Check out Kiera Smalls’ story for more details.