Welcome to the second to last Focus on FACE Newsletter of the 2020-2021 School Year! We are eager to end the school year strong and support families as we move toward summer learning and the next school year. In this issue, read about one parent's experience with PTA, how families can secure their P-EBT benefits, and more!
A note for teachers, administrators, and staff: If you've missed us directly in your inbox, don't worry! Focus on FACE is now sent to all School District of Philadelphia employees through the new monthly SDP Connect Newsletter. Find the FACE Newsletter Link at the top of the newsletter webpage to get your monthly fix of FACE!
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For the latest information regarding the phased return to in-person learning, please visit www.philasd.org/aes.
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Summer 2021 Academic Programming: Register Today! |
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We understand that more than ever, our students will be seeking academic support, opportunities to connect with their peers over the summer, and help in preparing to return to in-person learning in the fall. We have designed our summer programming to meet the challenges we know our students face right now. We are excited to welcome students entering grades K -12 when summer programming begins on June 28, 2021.
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All current School District of Philadelphia students entering grades K-12 are eligible and encouraged to participate! Summer learning programs are proven to reinforce and build new skills, sending young people back to school in September ready to learn. Additionally, summer youth employment programs engage older youth in meaningful activities that help them cultivate new skills, prepare for college, improve grades, and earn money. Learn more about Summer 2021 Academic Programming and how a student in your life can register!
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Get Your Questions Answered During Digital & Hybrid Learning! |
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The School District of Philadelphia Hotlines remain open to answer general questions about the District. They are available in 10 languages, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
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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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Ensure Your Home Address is Correct for the Second Round of Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT)! |
Pennsylvania was approved to issue Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits to families of school-age children who have not had access to free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures. |
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- All K-12 School District of Philadelphia students are eligible to receive the P-EBT benefit.
- Families who currently receive EBT benefits will begin noticing the additional funds, for each of their District students, added to their existing EBT card beginning in early May.
- For those who do not currently receive EBT benefits, the state will mail a P-EBT card to the household address on file in the District’s student information system (SIS).
If the address the school has on file for your student is correct, no action is needed.
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***Please Note: All student address information has been sent to the PA Department of Human Services. Requests submitted after April 16, 2021, may not be included in the P-EBT cards mailed in early May.
If necessary, families should continue to update their address on file through the form below. Updated addresses will be sent to the state in June. Families should then receive a new card at the corrected address as long as the previously mailed card has not been activated.
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The District-Wide Parent & Guardian Survey Closes May 14!
Take 10 Minutes to Share Your Feedback
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Thank you, families, if you’ve already taken the annual District-Wide Survey! We know this year has been challenging, and we appreciate your time.
If you haven’t yet, please take ten minutes to speak up as your child’s biggest champion. Your survey responses are confidential. School officials will not know who completed a survey or how you responded. The survey is available in 10 languages.
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Congratulations to these five School District of Philadelphia schools for having the highest parent and guardian response rates to the survey so far! (as of May 2, 2021)
- Camelot Academy East (North Philadelphia)
- Eleanor C. Emlen School (Northwest Philadelphia)
- Camelot Academy (North Philadelphia)
- J. Hampton Moore School (Northeast Philadelphia)
- Chester A. Arthur School (South Philadelphia)
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Register Your Child for Kindergarten by May 28th! |
Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year is open. If you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 1st, please register them for kindergarten by May 28, 2021, to give them an opportunity to Thrive at Five!
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Our Class, Our Future – Celebrating the Class of 2021 |
The School District of Philadelphia is proud to announce that we will be participating in National Decision Day by hosting our annual event entitled “Our Class, Our Future – Celebrating the Class of 2021” (formally College Signing Day). |
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This year’s event will take place virtually on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. The “Our Class, Our Future” celebration is a chance for us to rally around our graduating seniors who have committed to a post-secondary pathway whether that be: attending college, joining the military, skilled trade, or entering the workforce.
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Students and families can visit the Our Class, Our Future Site to view over 40 available scholarships. The School District of Philadelphia's Scholarship Bank also features dozens of opportunities for graduating seniors.
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Two Parents’ Responses to the Engagement Strategies at Strawberry Mansion High School |
In the April Focus on FACE newsletter, we learned about the family engagement initiatives happening at Strawberry Mansion High School. After hearing from Principal Brian McCracken, School Counselor Ms. Ameera Sullivan, and Family Engagement Liaison Victoria Trower, we had the chance to hear from two Strawberry Mansion parents to speak about their experiences collaborating with school administrators and staff. Read on to hear their thoughts!
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May 2021 SAC Tip of the Month: The Benefits of SAC Bylaws |
Bylaws are a set of agreed-upon regulations that will dictate how a School Advisory Council (SAC) functions. While SACs are not required to write or submit bylaws, they have proven to be very helpful for many schools. Review some of their benefits and learn how your SAC can write bylaws. |
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Parent Shares Her Experience with the PTA at Charles W. Henry School |
There are only two schools in the entire School District of Philadelphia that have official Parent Teacher Associations, or PTAs. Read on to hear Charles W. Henry parent Orien Warren-Smith's experience with the PTA and how it functions in the school community. |
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Families Learn from Each Other at the "Meeting of the SACs" |
Have you ever wondered how family engagement looks at other schools in the School District of Philadelphia? Well, all you have to do is ask! Read about how members of four school communities in North Philadelphia came together to learn from each other and share resources around SAC and family engagement! |
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FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS |
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YOU'RE INVITED: 2021 Moving Forward...SPACtacularly Virtual Conference |
Everyone is welcome to join the FREE 2021 Moving Forward...SPACtacularly Virtual Conference. The State Parent Advisory Council (SPAC), in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, will provide families with valuable information, resources, and giveaways.
Use the registration link here to sign-up for the conference. After registration, an email will be sent to you containing further information on presenters, topics, resources, and instructions on how to join.
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May 2021 Family Offerings at the Free Library of Philadelphia |
The Free Library has exciting events happening virtually in May for children and families! Join a Virtual Pet Party, join a love songwriting workshop for families, and more. There are also dozens of free digital resources available for students and families, all you need is a library card! Read on for the most relevant resources and to learn how you can apply for a library card digitally. |
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Summer Employment for Teens and Young Adults - WorkReady Applications are Still Open! |
WorkReady Philadelphia is accepting applications from 12 to 24-year-old Philadelphia residents who are looking for paid summer employment.
WorkReady programs run from July through August and will include safe, in-person participation at least 3 days a week. Learn more about how a young person in your life can apply 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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