PHILADELPHIA – The Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander University of Pennsylvania Partnership School will become official Monday, Oct. 7. More than two dozen Alexander family members and friends will join with students and teachers; Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and Penn representatives; and invited guests to cut the ribbon.

Ceremonies will begin at 11 a.m. in the atrium of the school, 4209 Spruce St., where a school string ensemble will greet the guests with musical selections.

Students will gather on the balconies surrounding the space as guests fill the tiers and chairs on the main floor. Principal Sheila Sydnor will welcome the guests, and School District CEO Paul G. Vallas, Penn President Judith Rodin and PFT President Ted Kirsch will talk about the partnership that created this unique school. James E. Nevels, chairman of the School Reform Commission, will also comment. A number of state and local government representatives have been invited to speak as well.

Susan Fuhrman, dean of Penn's Graduate School of Education, which has been instrumental in bringing the school from concept to reality, will discuss how its namesake, Sadie Alexander, exemplifies the possibilities that this school represents. A portrait of Alexander will be unveiled, and her family and friends will offer remarks.

Guests will be invited to tour the building, where members of the Home and School Association will serve as guides. Favors and refreshments will be available in the cafeteria.