February 2018
In this Issue...
The FACE Office wishes everyone a very happy winter season! Have you heard the buzz about our new program, Family Academy: Courses and Training ? (That's FACT for short!)

In this issue of FOCUS on FACE, we're highlighting adult education in honor of our FACT launch. Read about two of our FACT providers, how to create a FACT account, what adult education looks like in Japan, and so much more!
FEATURED
Introducing FACT:
Family Academy:
Courses & Training
FACT Course Spotlight: The Fathering Circle
Eric Marsh, Sr. is a father of four children, two of whom currently attend Edward T. Steel Elementary School. He is one of three partners at The Fathering Circle, which offers fathers discussion circles, presentations, workshops, and playdates for fathers and their children. He is also about to start a FACT course with the same name.
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Family Leadership Award Winner Crystal Dailey Shares Her Experience as a Volunteer at Penrose Elementary School
Ms. Dailey became so involved in her school because she firmly believes that it takes a village to raise a child. She wanted to become a part of that village so she could help numerous students at Penrose succeed. In her view, this responsibility does not just fall on parents, but also the school and the community.
Sign up to Attend the March PTO Today Live Expo - for FREE!
The FACE Office is excited to announce that we'll be offering spots for the first 55 registrants to attend the PTO Today Live Expo on March 27, 2018!

Here's what to expect:
  • Tons of new and creative fundraising ideas
  • Face-to-face meetings with vendors
  • A cute event T-shirt and tote bag to fill with samples and freebies
  • Quality time with your fellow SAC members, HSA members, or volunteer friends and other PTO leaders to have fun and share tips

When you register to attend with FACE, you'll get free event attendance AND free transportation to the event! There are still spots left - sign up today!
Eat Healthy, Be Happy: FREE Cooking Workshops for Families
Learn a new healthy recipe and get FREE ingredients to take and try at home!

The first workshop is on February 6 at 440 N. Broad. Can't make it? Don't worry, there are more!
Introducing: S.Y.O.P, Senior Year Only Program!
The School District of Philadelphia's new Senior Year Only Program (S.Y.O.P.) allows high school seniors to graduate with a high school diploma AND earn college credits OR multiple industry certifications! 

There will be a parent information session on Wednesday, February 7 at 10:00am OR 5:00pm at 440 N. Broad.
MULTILINGUAL FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Family Engagement Around the World: Japan
The FACE Office just started its own adult education initiative - Family Academy: Courses & Training - but what kind of continuing education support do adults receive across the globe?

In Japan, a national law supports lifelong learning and the creation of adult education centers, or kouminkan.
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Coming to the School District of Philadelphia: Academic Parent Teacher Teams!
The FACE Office, in partnership with WestEd and the William Penn Foundation, is bringing Academic Parent Teacher Teams (APTT) to Philadelphia!
Inside a SAC Meeting: Overbrook Educational Center
Our AmeriCorps VISTA, Jessica Maharaj, spent time with OEC's SAC members during a recent meeting. She was impressed by Principal Foote's inclusivity throughout the meeting.

"She was especially cognizant about including the few members from multilingual families and the sole male family member in attendance,” Jessica writes. “It was refreshing to see the school staff, family members, and community members work together so seamlessly.”

Read on to learn more about this up-and-coming SAC!
STUDENTS: Send Your Artwork to the Green City, Clean Waters Contest!
Philadelphia students in grades K-12 attending public, private, charter or home school in Philadelphia can participate in this year’s Green City, Clean Waters Art Contest. All they need to do is create an original drawing that shows how we all can keep Philly’s water clean! 
Bryant School Demonstrates the Importance of School Partnerships
William C. Bryant School students and their families' holiday season became a little brighter and warmer because of the generosity of school partners. Thanks to Advancing Families and Driving Away The Cold Foundations, over 400 NEW coats were provided for students, and over 100 turkeys with the trimmings were given to Bryant families.  
FROM THE DISTRICT
FACT Course Spotlight: Writing Grants for Philadelphia Public Schools
Laura Lau, a grant writer in the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of Grant Development (OGD), is energized by the wave of fundraising and grant writing momentum in the city. She’ll be hosting a three-part grant writing workshop as a part of the Office of Family and Community Engagement’s new initiative, Family Academy Courses & Training (that’s FACT for short!).
Students from H.A. Brown Academics Plus School receive free backpacks from Kids in Need Foundation
Click photos to view!
Kindergarten Registration is Now Open !
Registration for Kindergarten is open from January 16 - May 31, 2018. Register at your neighborhood school!

"Enrollment in Kindergarten is one of the first steps parents can take in setting their children up for long-term success," says Dr. William Hite, Superintendent. "Research shows that Kindergarten not only boosts students' academic achievement, it strengthens their social and emotional skills as well."
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL CORNER
Materials from "How to Write SAC Bylaws"
Materials from "Picking a Project"

Tuesday, April 10, 2018
10:00am OR 5:00pm

Get a head start for next school year and learn how to recruit new members for your SAC! We will focus on how to be inclusive in marketing the SAC so that all schools have a council that is reflective of their community. The spring version of this course will be especially helpful as SACs begin to recruit new members for the coming school year.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FREE Job Readiness Training for Job Seekers
Temple University is hosting a general interest meeting for adult job seekers interested in participating in a FREE 8-week professional leadership development/workforce readiness seminar.
Scholarship Alert: PHA Cash 4 Success
The Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) is pleased to announce the launch of  Cash 4 Success , a new program that will match the savings of participants who want to buy a home, pursue higher education, and/or become entrepreneurs.
Register Now for the Franklin Institute's Discovery Camp!
Summer camp activities include museum exploration, theater shows, science projects, games, workshops, presentations by local scientists—all wrapped around dynamic weekly themes!
Click to download flyers:
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