December 2021 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
In this issue...
Winter break is almost here, but it's never too late to get further engaged in your school community! Find out all the ways you can get informed and involved by visiting the Office of Family and Community's (FACE) website. While you're there, you can learn about signing up for a Parent and Family Portal account, find the best contact information for someone in a District school, and more.

We wish you a safe and happy winter holiday season! Happy reading 😊 📖
FEATURED
View December's Lineup of FREE Family Workshops!
Family Academy: Courses & Training (FACT) provides FREE classes and workshops to families and the community at their fingertips! Workshops are offered at 10:00 AM AND 6:00 PM on the day they are scheduled. Workshops are open to the public and are held on Zoom, which you can download here. You can also call into workshops and listen by dialing 267-831-0333 and entering the Meeting ID Number.
December 2021 Workshop Schedule
Thursday, December 9, 2021 ‱ 10 AM & 6:00 PM
Signs of Suicide
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 ‱ 10 AM & 6:00 PM
Supporting Your Child in Science
Thursday, December 16, 2021 ‱ 10 AM & 6:00 PM
K-3 English Language Arts (ELA) Units and How I Can Practice Phonics and
Phonemic Awareness at Home with My Child
Tuesday, December 21, 2021 ‱ 10 AM & 6:00 PM
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): Supporting Students' Academic Needs
Join us for as many workshops as you'd like and spread the word to another parent, guardian, staff member, or community member!
FROM THE DISTRICT
Stay Engaged with Superintendent Search!
In August 2022, following 10 years of service, Dr. William Hite will transition from his role as Superintendent for the School District of Philadelphia. The search for the next superintendent is officially underway! Stay informed about the Board of Education’s Superintendent Search and learn how to stay engaged in the process.
Student Trauma Supports & Resources
Being a student is stressful, but trying to juggle school work and other responsibilities while experiencing mental illness and other barriers can make it even harder. Students (and families!) looking for information can utilize the resources listed below to find the support they need to live healthy and prosperous lives. Take care of yourselves this winter season!
SCHOOL & FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Winter Holiday Safety Tips from District Medical Officer Dr. Barbara Klock
The winter holidays are here and friends and families will gather in ways we haven’t since before the pandemic! While we know so much more than a year ago about how COVID-19 spreads and have the addition of vaccination as an added layer of safety, we all must keep in mind that the pandemic continues and gathering should be done with the safety of our loved ones and ourselves in mind.

Read more tips and advice from the School District of Philadelphia's Medical Officer, Dr. Barbara Klock, on how Philly families can take extra care this winter.
Congratulations to the 2021 Family Engagement Award Winners!
Every October, FACE opens nominations for two awards, the Family-School Partnership Award and the Family Leadership Award to Philadelphia public schools and engaged guardians. These awards are designed to honor those schools and family leaders who are committed to family engagement in their school communities. Check out this year's winners and join FACE in wishing them a huge congratulations! 🎉🎉
Lindback Award Applications for this School Year Are Now Open!
Since 2011, the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia has been recognizing and rewarding school principals and teachers with the presentation of the Lindback Award, a special honor recognizing those educators who have made significant leadership and humanitarian contributions to their school communities.

Visit philasd.org/lindback to view nomination guidelines and materials, learn how to submit a nomination, and read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Nominations for the principal award are due by noon on Friday, February 11, 2022, while applications for the teacher award are due by noon, Monday, March 14, 2022.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
When School's Out, Rec Centers Serve Youth Meals!
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation offers free youth meals on select days during the 2021 winter break and 2022 spring break. The meals are free for children and teens up to 18 years old. No ID is required, and meals are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. All meals must be eaten on-site.

Learn more about this program and find your nearest rec center through the link below!
Free Internet for Eligible Pre-K-12 Families Through PHLConnectED!
Learning doesn’t end in the classroom. The City of Philadelphia’s PHLConnectED program provides thousands of Philadelphia families with free internet access to support their education. Find out if you’re eligible by dialing 2-1-1. For language services, press 8. Find more information at phila.gov/PHLConnectED.
Become a Reading Captain in Your Community!
Reading Captains are a part of a citywide initiative dedicated to championing literacy block by block and connecting parents and caregivers with practical tips and resources to bolster their child’s education. Through connection, conversation, and building genuine relationships, Philadelphia’s Reading Captains work together to defend every child’s right to read.

Are you a Philadelphia resident passionate about literacy? If so, we invite you to learn more about the Philadelphia Reading Captains initiative by attending the final training session for 2021 on Thursday, December 9, 2021, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Girls Who Code: FREE 9-12th Grade Summer Programs
Ever wonder how a career in tech can help you pursue your passions? Join Girls Who Code summer 2022 to find out! If you are or have a 9-12th grade girl – both cis and trans – or non-binary student, you’re invited to apply to Girls Who Code’s 2-week virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) or virtual Self-Paced Program (SPP)!

In addition to our Summer Programs being 100% free, stipends of up to $300 and tech support are available for applicants who qualify. Fill out the interest form today to be the first to know when the application goes live in mid-January 2022!
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 to the right.