There’s only one week left of summer, but it’s already fall in the minds of most Philadelphians.

In between the back to school events and busier mornings, the work of building a stronger Philadelphia in every neighborhood continues.

To keep up with the busy pace of fall, #PhillyMayorThisWeek recaps five moments from the past seven days you might’ve missed.

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1. The Mayor congratulated 5th grader Zydeek Perez on perfect attendance in school since kindergarten and encouraged all students to get to school on time every day.

The School District of Philadelphia rolled out a new campaign this week, #AttendanceHeroes, to encourage students to make it school on time every day. Part of that celebration was honoring fifth grader Zydeek Perez, who’s never missed a day of school since kindergarten.

I recently met Zydeek, a fifth grader who's had perfect attendance since kindergarten. He's been named the School…

Posted by Mayor Jim Kenney on Wednesday, September 13, 2017

2. Mayor Kenney joined Philadelphians and members of the Philadelphia Fire Department and Philadelphia Police Department in remembering those lost on September 11, 2001.

This week marked the 16th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. To honor the victims and remember the sacrifices made by first responders that day, Mayor Kenney participated in a ceremony marking the solemn anniversary. JROTC members from Frankford High School also participated in the ceremony as an honor guard. On September 23, the Philadelphia Fire Department hosts its 1st Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb and 5K Walk, which honors those lost that day and raises money for firefighter charities.

 3. The Mayor visited Beautiful Beginnings, a PHLpreK provider, to kickoff the start of the program’s new school year.

PHLpreK, the City’s no-cost quality pre-K program funded by the Philadelphia Beverage Tax, just started its new school year, and it’s already at full enrollment. This week, the Mayor visited a PHLpreK provider to celebrate the auspicious start for Philadelphia’s early learners. Do you have a child in PHLpreK? Be sure to read the Mayor’s tips on how to make it a great year!

4. Mayor Kenney encouraged Philadelphians to enjoy, and take part in, Monument Lab, a new citywide project from Mural Arts.

Monument Lab features exhibits throughout Philadelphia that encourage residents to think about what we as a society memorialize and how these decisions represent, or do not represent, the lived experience of all Americans. Part of the project includes artist Mel Chin’s work in City Hall’s Courtyard, which invites passersby to pose as “living monuments” atop two vacant pedestals. “Monument lab is an amazing project from Mural Arts looking at how we remember and memorialize history,” the Mayor said. “I can’t wait to see the project in the City Hall Courtyard — and see people like you becoming monuments!”

Noticed the construction going on in City Hall's Courtyard? It's for a statue — of you! In this video, Monument Lab artist Mel Chin explains about how his new Mural Arts Philadelphia work invites you to pose as a living monument to become a symbol of the American spirit of individualism — and our country’s foundational spirit of coexistence.

Posted by City of Philadelphia Government on Friday, September 8, 2017

5. The Mayor asked Philadelphians to submit their ideas on how Philadelphia could best show that it’s perfect for Amazon’s new headquarters.

Last week, news broke that Amazon was looking for proposals from city’s interested in becoming home to the company’s second headquarters. This week, the Mayor asked Philadelphians — including creatives, business professionals, marketing experts, engineers, teachers, students, and all passionate Philadelphians —to submit their ideas on how they’d like to help with the proposal. Submit your idea to the #PhillyDelivers campaign online!


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