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.
Monday, May 13 2013 1:53 PM EDT2013-05-13 17:53:44 GMT
Mother's Day just wasn't the same for Olga Ortiz of Newark, NJ. She said her daughter Melissa Rodriguez of Collingdale, would have spent the holiday weekend with family up there, but has not been seen
Police consider rebooting investigation of missing Delco mother as her mother marks Mother's Day without her.
Sunday, April 7 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-04-07 21:32:07 GMT
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
A Philadelphia firefighter from Ladder 27 died fighting a three-alarm blaze Saturday night in the city's Queen Village neighborhood. A second firefighter was injured.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:38:51 GMT
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Police in Lancaster County are searching for two suspects after a woman called 911 from the trunk of a car to report that she had been abducted by strangers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:33 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:33:17 GMT
Brides are eager to take the last name of their husband after they tie the knot. Recent studies show that only 18% of women are interested in keeping their maiden names- which is down from a record high
More women are going retro when it comes to their last names after they marry, and taking their husband's surname.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 11:18 AM EDT2013-05-21 15:18:39 GMT
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Appoquinimink High School officials say a gym teacher and head baseball coach is on administrative leave and barred from contact with students after an arrest on indecent exposure charges.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:36:58 GMT
In a day and age where pampering our dogs is at the top of the to-do list, and our furry friends are on social media, there is a new question to consider- just how smart are our pets? Dognition is giving
What's your dog thinking? Exciting new research that could have you reading your best friend's mind.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:00 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:00:09 GMT
It feels like summer out there. We're expecting milder temperatures than yesterday: highs in the mid 80s. Just like summer, it'll be humid, with a chance of a few spotty showers during the day.
This pattern stays in place until Thursday, when strong thunderstorms usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:15:24 GMT
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers. Edwin Vargas was arrested Tuesday outside his home in Bronxville.
An NYPD detective is accused of hacking into department computers and obtaining information about dozens of people including co-workers.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:39 PM EDT2013-05-21 16:39:13 GMT
The MTA says limited service will resume this afternoon on Metro-North and Amtrak trains between New York and New Haven.
The MTA says limited service will resume this afternoon on Metro-North and Amtrak trains between New York and New Haven. Beginning with the 3:07 p.m. departure from Grand Central Terminal, Metro-North will operate about half of the regular eastbound PM peak service and regular hourly westbound service with the 4:23 PM train from New Haven. Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly, says the MTA.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:53 GMT
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
The New York jury on which Caroline Kennedy served has acquitted a man of dealing crack cocaine. Kennedy was juror No. 7 at the trial of Harlem resident Nelson Chatman.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:51 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:51:26 GMT
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company.
The Metropolitan Opera says it's decided to disband its resident ballet company. The American Guild of Musical Artists said the eight remaining dancers of the Metropolitan Opera Ballet have accepted buyout packages.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 10:06:47 GMT
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
Looking for some waterfront property in tony Greenwich? A 50-acre compound known as Copper Beach Farm has hit the market with an asking price of $190 million.
