April 2019 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
In this Issue...
Welcome to the Volunteer Appreciation edition of Focus on FACE . Day in and day out, volunteers in the School District of Philadelphia help to support our staff, enrich our students' learning, and make our schools more welcoming and diverse places. There's no way we could extend all of our appreciation in one newsletter, but we certainly hope you enjoy these features, stories, and tips related to volunteer programs in our schools. We extend a sincere thank you to all volunteers in the District. We could not do it without you!

Happy reading!
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Volunteer Agnes Parrish Reminds Us About the Power of the Small Things
Oftentimes when we think of the things that can brighten a school environment, we think about large changes or initiatives. Ms. Agnes Parrish, parent and volunteer at Samuel Gompers School in West Philadelphia, believes the power of small gestures can make a big difference. Read about her volunteer story and the effect it has had on her and the school community.
There's Still Time to Apply for the District Advisory Council!
The School District of Philadelphia is proud to announce the creation of the District Advisory Council! The DAC is an opportunity for parents, family members, and caretakers to become more knowledgeable about and provide input on District programs that affect students and their families and champion the work of family engagement in their school communities. Don't wait to apply — applications close Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 4:30pm!
Parent Volunteer Jennifer Cullen Spotlights Endless Reasons to Volunteer!
There is a variety of reasons that families choose to volunteer at their children’s schools, but Jennifer Cullen, a volunteer at A.L. Fitzpatrick in Northeast Philadelphia, has a LONG list of why she chooses to stay involved!

Learn about what has been keeping her coming back for 12 years and the effect that being so present at her children’s school has had on everyone involved.
Apply Today to Attend the 2019 State Parent Advisory Council Conference!
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Annual Parent Conference is designed for parents of school-aged children who want to learn ideas and strategies to help their child at home, and become a parent leader at the school level. The conference includes keynote speakers, more than 40 individual workshops, award winning childcare, and networking opportunities. View the flyer and submit your application today!
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
From the Principal's Desk: The Importance of the Parent Volunteer Program
We asked Crystal Edwards, principal of William D. Kelley in North Philadelphia, to say a few words about the value of volunteers in the overall family and community engagement programming at Kelley. Check out her energizing thoughts!
Principals: Looking to further enrich the volunteer program at your school? Order a full-color copy of the Volunteer Toolkit for Principals. Get ideas for recruiting volunteers, managing volunteers and their tasks, appreciating them at all times of the year, and much more! Follow the link to order your copy today!
Low Cost, High Impact Volunteer Appreciation Ideas
We know that everyone in your school is VERY busy, especially as the end of the school year nears! There are many ways to celebrate volunteers that don’t require a lot of time or money but can really go a long way to make your school’s volunteers feel honored. Check out this list of low cost, but high impact Volunteer Appreciation ideas!
MULTILINGUAL FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Multilingual Family Conference: Language, Culture, and Learning in a Different Country
Saturday, May 4, 2019
10am-2pm, 440 N Broad Street
The FACE Office is excited to announce a Multilingual Family Conference on Saturday, May 4, 2019! Join us from 10am-2pm for a resource fair, workshops, performances, and so much more, specifically designed with multilingual, immigrant, and refugee families in mind. We will also welcome special guest Dr. Lucinda Lee Katz , who will speak about her work in multilingual education over the past 50 years. Food from around the world, child care, and interpretation will be provided. We hope to see you there!
FROM THE DISTRICT
An Important Message about Mumps
In the past few weeks, you may have heard about mumps at a college in Philadelphia. You may have some questions about mumps and whether your child could have a chance of catching it. Read this message for families to learn more and understand the steps everyone can take to prevent the spread of the virus.
Check out April's Family Academy: Courses and Training Offerings!
Check out courses on basic household budgeting, early reading skills, how to lay out rules at home, LGBTQ cultural competency, and much more! Don't miss out on these FREE courses offered all throughout the city. Meals are always provided; childcare and language interpretation are available upon request.
Have You Obtained Your Volunteer Clearances Yet?
End of the year class trips are fast approaching! The School District of Philadelphia requires all chaperones to obtain volunteer clearances and submit them to their school's main office to participate in class trips . Check out FACE's Volunteer Website to get a breakdown of the required clearances and how to obtain them.
There's Still Time to Register for Kindergarten for the 2019-2020 School Year!
Do you know a child who will be 5 on or before September 1st? If so, now is the time to register for kindergarten for the 2019-2020 school year to ensure they #ThriveAtFive! Check out the resources linked below to help you navigate the process. Registration closes May 31, 2019!
Take the Parent & Guardian Survey Today!
The Parent & Guardian Survey is designed to find out what you think about your child's school. We encourage you to take the survey for each of your children! The District-wide Parent & Guardian Survey is open to parents and guardians of students in Philadelphia public and Charter schools and closes June 7, 2019 .
A special shout out to the following schools for having the highest parent and guardian response rates so far this year (as of April 2, 2019):

  1. John M. Patterson School - 53.1%
  2. Abram S. Jenks School - 52.9%
  3. Eleanor C. Emlen School - 50.7%
  4. J. Hampton Moore School - 47.5%
  5. Clara Barton School - 44.3%

Encourage your school's parents and guardians to take the survey and check back next month to see if your school makes the list!
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL CORNER
SAC Tip of the Month: How SACs Can Utilize and Mobilize Volunteers
Our family, parent, and community volunteers make a tremendous difference in our schools, and we don’t know what we’d do without them! As School Advisory Councils work to achieve various goals, there are ways that SACs can also use volunteers at their schools. This month’s SAC Tip of the Month gives some ways that your SAC can utilize and mobilize volunteers at your school!
Last SAC Academy Workshop of the School Year!
Succession Planning
April 10, 2019, 10:00am or 5:00pm
440 N Broad Street
Even though April seems early, it’s time to start thinking about next school year! In this workshop, participants will learn how to wind down the SAC school year, how to ensure your SAC doesn’t fall apart over the summer, and how to pick up right where you left off in the previous year.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
5th Annual #ReachHigherPhilly College Signing Day
Registration for the 5th Annual #ReachHigherPhilly College Signing Day is now OPEN for the Class of 2019 and their families! The event will be held on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at The Liacouras Center at Temple University from 10am to 1pm .

Registration for parents, schools, and volunteers is available on the Philly College Signing Day Website .
Eye To Eye Learn Different Day
April 7, 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Temple University
Howard Gittis Student Center
Join Eye to Eye for a day of community, mentorship, learning, art, and fun for students with learning differences, like dyslexia and ADHD. Students will leave with a greater understanding of their learning difference, tools to self-advocate, and more. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are invited to a attend a panel with leaders on learning and attention issues from Eye to Eye and other organizations.
4th Annual Friends of Neighborhood Education Summit
Saturday, April 13, 8:30am-1:30pm
Comcast Center, 1701 JFK Blvd
The Friends of Neighborhood Association (FONE) is invites anyone and everyone working on building support ecosystems for Philadelphia’s neighborhood public schools to the 4th Annual FONE Summit. Whether you are part of a “Friends” group, a Home & School Association, or School Advisory Council or are interested in developing one, this event will be of value to you!
Stay Connected to FACE
Interested in reading more? Want to receive regular updates from the FACE Office?

Focus on FACE will come out on a monthly basis, but if you're interested in receiving regular updates from the FACE Office about programs, events, conferences, and more, you should sign up for our FACE Updates . Subscribe for FACE Updates by clicking the button below.