Welcome back to a brand new school year! We know that this year is going to look a bit different than usual and digital learning will be an adjustment. We remain committed to providing families with resources and creating opportunities for engagement.
Read on in this edition of Focus on FACE to understand where to go for help, how families can participate in online workshops, and other important updates on digital learning.
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Get the Help You Need to Navigate Your Child's School |
The Get Help Page is designed to assist families with getting the help they need with their student's education, classroom, and school. Find contact information and resources on this page for support. |
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Find the Essential Information for the Start of the Year |
The Back to School Resource page can help you navigate the beginning of this new school year. Learn what a day in the life of your student will look like, find a back-to-school checklist, learn about attendance, and more. |
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School District of Philadelphia Hotlines |
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The School District of Philadelphia Hotlines remain open through this Back-to-School season to answer general questions about the District. They are available in 10 languages, Monday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
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English: 215-400-5300
Albanian: 215-400-8480
Arabic: 215-400-8481
Chinese: 215-400-8482
French: 215-400-8483
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Khmer (Cambodian): 215-400-8484
Portuguese: 215-400-8474
Russian: 215-400-8485
Spanish: 215-400-8489
Vietnamese: 215-400-8486
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Stay Connected by Creating a Parent and Family Portal Account Today! |
The School District of Philadelphia is proud to offer a tool that parents and family members may use to stay connected to their children and their schools. Parent & Family Portal gives you access to valuable information about your child’s education and school such as:
- Special announcements and updates
- Attendance
- Access to grades and report cards
- and More!
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Prioritize Wellness with the Healing Together Initiative and Philly HopeLine |
Since school doors were last open, our students and staff have experienced isolation; separation from friends, teachers, and colleagues; illness or loss of loved ones; and disruption of familiar routines. We have also experienced the pain and division caused by racial injustice.
Healing Together is a collaboration of the Office of Student Support Services, Office of Teaching and Learning, and Office of Curriculum. Content was developed in partnership with SDP teachers, counselors, and principals, along with trusted local partners and national experts to addresses the needs of students, staff, and families.
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You can also access Philly HopeLine, a free helpline sponsored by Uplift Center for Grieving Children and the School District of Philadelphia. It is staffed by Masters’s level clinicians from Uplift and is open to all School District of Philadelphia students & families. Service is available in both English and Spanish.
Call or text the Philly HopeLine at
1-833-PHL-HOPE (1-833-745-4673).
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Holidays: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
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Access Centers to Provide Students Learning Spaces Outside of Their Homes |
If you work outside of your home and can’t afford or access childcare for your child (grades K-6), you may be eligible to register with an Access Center. The City of Philadelphia and community partners will open Access Centers to provide supervised, connected spaces where children entering K-6th grade can participate in digital learning provided by their school. |
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Meal Distribution Sites Throughout Philadelphia |
Meals for students and families remain open during this time throughout the city. Visit the City of Philadelphia's Food Distribution Sites map to find locations near you. You can also text your zip code to 1 (800) 548-6479 to find additional food near you.
Effective September 3rd, Student ID Numbers will be required at Student Meal Sites.
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Family Academy Online is Back this Year With a Lineup of New Courses! |
Family Academy Online is back this year with course offerings specifically designed for School District of Philadelphia families to help support their students during digital learning.
In addition to offering a wide variety of live virtual courses, families will also have the opportunity to view brand new sessions that are pre-recorded. Live sessions will also be recorded for future viewing.
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*Translated technology videos coming soon! |
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Stay Engaged with Your Child's School with Virtual School Advisory Council Meetings |
Just because the means of connecting has been altered, it doesn’t mean that your engagement at your child’s school has to diminish! Learn a few ways that your school's School Advisory Council can regather virtually and still hold productive, helpful meetings. |
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Free Library of Philadelphia Back to School Resources for Students |
The new school year is here and the Free Library is ready to help Philadelphia students and their families. Check out this list of awesome online resources and programs that will help make the school year a success! |
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Help Your Student Stay Healthy and Active During Digital Learning |
While your children are learning from home and adjusting to this school year, it’s important for them to take breaks and get moving so they can stay focused and ready to learn! Eat Right Philly has some great tips and reminders to help your student stay healthy and active as the school year starts! |
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OTHER EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES |
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Complete the 2020 Census Today! |
As our nation, city and School District work to recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that a complete and accurate 2020 Census is more important than ever. Promoting a complete census is now part of our advocacy strategy to ensure the District receives all funding and financial assistance available in order to ensure that Philadelphia students and communities get what they need to thrive.
Learn more about how the Census impacts our city and how you can complete it today!
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Tune in to Facebook Live and Education Pulse to Get Regular Updates from Dr. Hite
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Every Wednesday at 4:30 PM, join School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Dr. William Hite, Jr. on Facebook Live to get updates from the District and hear family questions answered.
You can also tune into WURD on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month for Education Pulse, a new radio show hosted by Dr. Hite. Listen at wurdradio.com, 96.1FM, or 900AM.
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Learn More about the Ellis Trust for Girls and Other Scholarship Opportunities |
The Charles E. Ellis Trust for Girls helps young women living in single-parent households, attending Philadelphia public and charter high schools, excel in school and be prepared for postsecondary success. Learn more about their Back to School Award as well as their Enrichment Grants today! |
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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 to the right.
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