Laurada Byers, Alison Byers, Anne and Russell Byers, Jr. and their children cutting the ribbon at the dedication of the school's new building, 1911 Arch Street, on Founders Day, October 2, 2003.

Russell Byers Charter School Cut Ribbon on New Home During Founders Day Celebration

As the living legacy of Philadelphia Daily News columnist Russell Byers, who was tragically murdered on December 4, 1999, the Russell Byers Charter School, now in its third year, continues to flourish and celebrated the opening of its new home with a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony during Founders Day, an annual celebration of Russell's life and the founding of the school.

The midmorning celebration featured songs by 300 Byers' school children (4-year-old Kindergarten through 4th grade) from nearly 40 Philadelphia neighborhoods, a time capsule and video presentation, and a ribbon cutting and plaque dedication with the school's founders Laurada Byers, Russell's widow, and his two children Alison Byers and Russell Byers, Jr. Michael Smerconish, chair of Campaign for the Russell Byers Charter School and local radio personality, served as master of cermonies. The plaques were designed by well-known Philadelphia muralist and artist Diane Keller.

"The new building is a beautiful and large space, and its location makes it an ideal starting point for our innovative curriculum, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, which stresses learning by doing," says Laurada Byers, chair of the Russell Byers Charter School Board of Trustees. "From the new location, the city becomes out expanded classroom."

Russell Byers believed that the greatest gift one can give a child is "roots to grow and wings to fly." The school's new permanent home, purchased in fall 2002, allows the school to grow to 6th Grade and accommodate 400 students. The new location, within walking distance of the city's rich cultural resources, engages the students and inspires a strong sense of community involvement.

As a tribute to his life, the columnist's family founded the charter school to honor Russell's lifelong commitment to civic responsibility, community service and academic excellence. The Russell Byers Charter School was granted its charter by the School District of Philadelphia in February 2001, and opened its doors to 160 students (4-year-old Kindergarten through 2nd Grade), from 30 Philadelphia neighborhoods, on September 17, 2001.

RealPhilly: "The Byers Charter School Raises the Bar for Our Children", September 2003 [PDF, 1239K]