December 2018 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
In this Issue...
Welcome to the December Edition of Focus on FACE ! In this issue, we follow up on Academic Parent Teacher Teams in one of the nine participating schools, discuss how School Advisory Councils can further involve community members, highlight two of the Family Engagement Award Winners, and much more!

Happy reading!
FEATURED STORY
How to Keep Kids Engaged Over Winter Break!
Can you believe winter break is almost here?! While we certainly hope it will be a peaceful and restful one for your family, we also want to make sure students come back to school in January eager and ready to learn. Check out these awesome tips on how to keep students engaged through winter break.
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Family Leadership Award Winner Glenda White Shows Us the Power of Presence
For Glenda White, Parent Volunteer at James Sullivan School in Northeast Philadelphia, volunteering is neither a chore nor an obligation, but an active and joyful choice she makes. Read all about the impact she's had on the school and the school has had on her.
Celebrating 25 Years of Service with Pregnant and Parenting Students!
The Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (ELECT) Program is proud to celebrate 25 exceptional years of service this school year. Learn about the history of ELECT and the services it provides to pregnant and parenting teens across the state.
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Family School Partnership Award Winner: Abram S. Jenks School
The Office of Family and Community Engagement awarded Abram S. Jenks School in South Philadelphia with the Family School Partnership Award this past October. A.S. Jenks models what family engagement can look like in a school—organic, innovative, and heartfelt. Read about their family engagement journey and quest to be inclusive for all families.
APTT Individual Sessions…Talk about Family Engagement!
Learn about the intended purpose of Academic Parent-Teacher Team (APTT) Individual Sessions and what they looked like at Henry C. Lea School in West Philadelphia.
MULTILINGUAL FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Interpretation Services 101: Tips and Information for All
Have you ever wondered about the difference between translation and interpretation? Are you new to utilizing language interpreters in your school community? The Office of Family and Community Engagement’s Multilingual Family Support Team has compiled tips to help you out.
FROM THE DISTRICT
Check out the December FACT Course Catalog!
December's FACT offerings include how you can support your school through grant writing, how to navigate your child's early adolescence and puberty, how you can minimize chances of catching and/or spreading the flu, and much more.
Introducing Future Ready PA Index
Read a letter to families about Pennsylvania's newest data tool for schools along with information about the School District of Philadelphia's School Progress Report.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL CORNER
School Advisory Council December Tip of the Month
The members of a School Advisory Council are not just from within the school but also stakeholders outside of the school who may have great things to contribute to the school community.

Want more community representation in your SAC? Check out these tips on getting community members involved in your SAC!
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program
The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program recognizes students for their community service, academic performance and leadership skills. This year, scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to over 800 students nationwide. Applications due December 7, 2018.
First Wednesday at the Please Touch Museum
Please Touch Museum will be serving up a big dose of cheer as they explore the wonders of Chanukah with cooking demonstrations, games, and other activities.

On the first Wednesday of every month, Please Touch Museum is open until 7 pm for two extra hours of play and offers $2 per person admission from 4:00 on.
Barnes @ LOLA38 Family Art Workshop
Saturday, December 8, 2018
12:00pm-2:00pm
The Bank, 3750 Lancaster Avenue
Bring your family for an afternoon of hands-on art making, conversation, and community building.

In December, learn about portraiture, landscape painting, and paper mache and enjoy winter crafts and festive art-making.
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