December 2019 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
In this Issue...
This month, Focus on FACE is featuring helpful articles on all things STEM - that's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for short! STEM education is not only important for college and career readiness, but also for developing important critical thinking, problem solving, and innovation skills that carry all through life. Read about how you can support your child in their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics learning this winter break and throughout their schooling.

Happy reading and have a restful and peaceful winter break!
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Embrace STEM Over the Winter Recess
The Winter Recess is a great time to keep your child learning, exploring, and growing in environments outside of school. Check out some suggestions to keep your child engaged with STEM activities this winter.

Winter Recess for Students begins on December 23, 2019. School resumes on January 2, 2020.
Reading List: Fusing Literacy and STEM
STEM learning does not exist without the skills gained from other subjects in your child's schooling! Discover STEM through literacy with these books that your child can read or that you can read together! 
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Understanding Your Student's "New Math"
We often hear feedback from families about how the “new math” that their children are learning can be hard to navigate and understand. Focus on FACE sat down with two Math Curriculum Specialists to give families insight on how to support their students.
Introducing the ELECT Coordinator: Teen Outreach!
Are you or do you know a young parent (under 22 years old) who needs to get reconnected to high school or a GED program? Learn more about the Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (ELECT) Program's Teen Outreach efforts! ELECT is here to help – it is #Never2Late2Graduate!
FROM THE DISTRICT
2020 Lindback Award Nominations Now Open!
Do you know of a principal or teacher who should be awarded for the positive contributions they’ve made to their school community? Nominate them for the 2019-2020 Lindback Awards for Distinguished Teacher and Principal Leadership.

Learn more about the goals of the awards and the process and deadlines for nominating today!
Continue your STEM Learning with These Awesome FACT Workshops in December!
Family Academy: Courses and Training (FACT) continues in December 2019 with Crayola: Moved by Math, Simply Science!, Families Cooking Together, and a variety of other topics!

Learn more about the FREE courses offered and sign up to reserve your spot in workshops around the city today!
Notice about Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination
The School District of Philadelphia's commitment to creating safe, positive school climate for all students. Read a notice from Chief of Student Support Services and Title IX Co-Coordinator Karyn Lynch on students' rights as it relates to Title IX and unlawful harassment and discrimination.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL CORNER
SAVE THE DATE: Understanding School Budgets Workshop
Tuesday, January 7, 2020
10:00am & 5:00pm, 440 N Broad Street
School budget season is right around the corner and we understand how confusing this can be! In this workshop hosted by the SAC Support Team, families and community members will learn about their rights around school budgets, understand the basics of Title I, and how school budgets relate to SAC.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Become a Read by 4th Parent Council Liaison
READ BY 4th’s Parent Council is a volunteer group of parents and caregivers who offer advice about how the Read by 4th Campaign can help ALL children read on grade level.

Learn about how parent leaders support Read by 4th and how you can get involved as a Parent Council Liaison!
Philadelphia Futures Program Applications Opening January 2020
Philadelphia Futures is recruiting current 8th grade and 10th grade students for two direct service programs, the Sponsor-a-Scholar Program and the College Connection Program. Learn more about these amazing college preparatory and support opportunities!
City Scholarship Applications Now Open
Is there a high school senior in your life who will be attending a four-year bachelor program at a local college? Tell them about the City Scholarship which awards $1000 scholarship per year. Applications are due by March 1!
Don't Miss Out on Free Library of Philadelphia Events Around the City
Are you taking advantage of your local Free Library of Philadelphia branch? If not, you are missing out! Check out events for all ages like story times, math clubs, and even Family Academy workshops at branches all across the city and use your library card to access millions of books, videos, magazines, and more!
Stay Connected to FACE
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