This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
The summer ended on a high note for the Notebook, as the nonprofit brought on its first staff reporter. Darryl Murphy, a South Jersey native and Temple University English student, worked as an editorial intern over the summer, covering education news, feature stories, and the Democratic National Convention. In August, Murphy joined the staff as a part-time reporter. The position, which the Notebook has been working toward creating for some time, was made possible through the generosity of Notebook members and funders.
Murphy said that he is excited to be a part of the Notebook.
"This opportunity will not be taken for granted. I couldn’t ask for a better way to begin a career in journalism,” Murphy said.
“My ultimate goal is to learn and contribute as much as possible, in as many ways as possible, to help grow and push the Notebook forward."
Before joining the Notebook, Murphy wrote for the Temple News op-ed section. As a part-time staff reporter, Murphy will continue his coverage of education in Philadelphia, writing for both the website and print editions. An experienced photographer, Murphy will also take on photo assignments for print and online stories.
Though Murphy is working hard at his new position, he does find time to relax. He likes to read, cook, and practice French. He loves hip-hop and is an avid podcast listener. Murphy said that his ultimate goal is to travel the world as a writer and eventually settle down and teach.
High School Fair
Philadelphia’s annual High School Fair will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on Friday, Oct. 14, and Saturday, Oct. 15. The fair is presented by Great Philly Schools and will offer information about high school options for 7th and 8th graders, as well as students who may be thinking about transferring schools.
Staff from participating District, magnet, charter, and private high schools will be on hand to answer questions about admissions, special programs, and extracurricular activities. The Notebook will also have a table at the fair, where you can talk with us and pick up a copy of our new Fall Guide to high schools.
The guide shines a spotlight on the District’s career and technical education programs. It also contains detailed profiles of 86 public high schools and a data spread to help students and parents compare schools on certain criteria such as SAT scores, and graduation and college-going rates.
The fair will run from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. For more information and a list of participating schools, visit http://highschoolfair.squarespace.com/.
Membership drive
The Notebook has launched its 2016-17 fall membership drive. Help us continue covering education in Philadelphia by renewing your membership or joining today. Contributors who join now will receive member benefits through June 2017 and show their support for independent, local journalism about Philadelphia public schools.
Find out about membership levels and benefits, and make your tax-deductible donation to renew or join today at thenotebook.org/donate. For more information, contact development director Lauren Wiley at laurenw@thenotebook.org or call 215-839-0082, ext. 106.
Contact Notebook managing editor Wendy Harris at wendyh@thenotebook.org; on Twitter @WendyHarrisUSA.