January 2019 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
In this Issue...
Welcome to the new year and a new edition of Focus on FACE ! In this issue, we'll share tips and tricks for helping your student during the winter months and Keystone Exams, give you the low down on Kindergarten registration in Philadelphia, and highlight a parent and school practicing stellar family engagement!

Happy new year and happy reading!
FEATURED STORY
Pre-K Enrollment
Now Open!
The School District of Philadelphia accepts Pre-K applications year-round at 440 N. Broad, First Floor, Suite 170, but if you want to be in the first placement of children for the 2019-2020 school year, you will need to submit your application before February 28th. Don’t delay – secure your spot today!
Kindergarten Registration opens January 22, 2019!
Do you know a child who will be 5 years old on or before September 1st? If so, be sure to register them for kindergarten in the School District of Philadelphia starting January 22! Follow the link below to learn about kindergarten registration and get step by step directions!
Fun Fridays!
For the months of January and February, Sesame Street Characters will be at 440 N. Broad every Friday from 10am-12 pm to help kick off our 2019-2020 Pre-K enrollment! Don't miss your chance to meet the characters while enrolling your child.
FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Family Leadership Award Winner: Luz Pratts, Potter-Thomas Promise Academy
There’s something to be said about what a big difference a consistent parent volunteer makes at any school. The Potter-Thomas Promise Academy community has seen this first hand through parent volunteer, Luz Pratts. Read about her contributions to the school community and what keeps her coming back!
Don’t Miss the Productive Conversations at Your School’s Winter Title I Meeting!
Get the rundown on what Title I is, what the school-wide Winter Meeting works to accomplish, and how you can contribute to the future of your child's school!
Attendance in Winter Months
Winter time can present many barriers for students to get to school on time. We're here to break down the importance of continued strong school attendance in the winter months and how you can help your child get to school on time and in good health!
SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
Learn the Meaning of True Family-School Partnership at Overbrook Educational Center
This past fall, Overbrook Educational Center won the Family School Partnership Award, with Community Partnerships Coordinator VISTA Caroline Robinson writing, “...it only took five minutes for me to realize that this school is special," in her nomination essay. Learn what makes the school unique in its family engagement strategies!
Help Your Child Be Prepared for the Keystone Exams, Beginning January 7, 2019
In just a few days, Keystone Exams will begin for 8 th through 11 th graders. We know Keystone Exams have the potential to be confusing and stressful for students and families alike, but we’re here to provide some tips on how to make these couple of weeks go smoothly for your child!
FROM THE DISTRICT
Check out the January FACT Course Catalog!
January's FACT offerings include how you can get creative in engaging in your child's education, how to navigate behavioral health services and special education services for your child, and much more! Don't miss out on these FREE courses offered all throughout the city! Meals are always provided; childcare and language interpretation available upon request.
Lindback Award Nominations for Distinguished Principals and Teachers Now Open!
The School District of Philadelphia is once again partnering with The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation to honor exemplary Philadelphia public school teachers and principals, continuing an annual tradition that has awarded more than $3 million in total grants to deserving educators throughout the city. Learn how you can be a part of nominating an outstanding principal or teacher!
Reminder: Report Card Conferences, January 30-February 1
Report card conference time is almost here again! We want to make sure you have the tools you need to ensure your conferences are as productive as possible. Check out an article from our Focus on FACE archives for helpful tips and suggestions.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL CORNER
January SAC Tip of the Month: Keep Up the Momentum in the New Calendar Year
Now that the holiday break has come to a close, it’s time for students and staff to hit the ground running again–and the same goes for School Advisory Councils! Read on for helpful suggestions on how to maintain the momentum of your School Advisory Council for a productive second half of the school year!
Upcoming SAC Academy Workshop: Discussing School Budgets as a SAC
January 9, 2019, 10:00am or 5:00pm
440 N Broad Street
School budget season is upon us and we understand how confusing this can be for families! In a workshop developed with the Office of Federal Programs and the Office of Management and Budget, SAC Members will learn their rights as family and community members as it relates to school budgets, understand the basics of Title I, and how input into the school budget can be tied to SAC.
UPCOMING EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Participate in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service!
The Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service, the largest King Day event in the nation, and Global Citizen, promotes year-round volunteer service and civic engagement. Learn how you can participate on Monday, January 21, 2019 , for the 24th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service.
Franklin Institute Community Nights
January 28, 2019, 5:00pm
The Franklin Institute is pleased to present Community Nights! Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at these educational and fun-filled science extravaganzas that include The Franklin Institute's famous permanent exhibits, special programs, and hands-on activities. Admission is free and there is no need to pre-register.
Give Your Feedback on Kindergarten Family Resources
January 22 & February 5, 2019
5:30pm-7:30pm
In partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania is creating supports for families to help foster learning skills in kindergarten students.  Read on for details and to see if you qualify to participate!
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