SEPTEMBER 2020 NEWS & UPDATES | STPHILIPS1600.ORG
The 2020-2021 school year has commenced! 
We kicked off the first day of school on August 19th with virtual learning. We were delighted to see so many familiar and new faces eager to learn. Although this year will be like no other, we are blessed to have amazing leadership, faculty, staff, and St. Philip’s families willing to work together to help our students thrive. Together, we will educate, support, uplift, and use the power of prayer to ensure this year is a success for everyone. “Together, WE WILL forever be DOPE and L.I.T. (Loving, Innovative, Together)”

Reopening Plan Update: 
We will continue with our plan to open as follows:
  • September 3rd: In-person learning starts for Grades 1-6 / virtual learning continues
  • September 8th: In-person learning starts for Early Childhood / virtual learning continues

We are committed to providing an unparalleled academic experience and to doing our part in keeping our community safe and healthy. In preparation for some of our students to return to campus this week, we have placed signage throughout the inside and outside of our school, purchased equipment and supplies to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe, and created new protocols.
We feel very comfortable and confident that our safety protocols and process will be effective in helping to keep students, faculty, and staff safe. Unlike a large district such as DISD, we have the advantage of our size and ability to utilize spaces throughout campus. We are confident in our preparedness and know that we have families who will do their part. We look forward to providing an unparalleled 2020-2021 academic experience.

For more information, refer to our Return to Campus page.
Welcome New Faculty & Staff!
We are so happy to welcome the newest members of the St. Philip’s family. We are so honored to have this wonderful group of people join our team!
Ayesha Craig – 3rd ELAR/ Social Studies
Lauren Holder – Volunteer Coordinator
Anniemae Horne – Early Childhood Instructor for Spanish
Alexis Jackson - Primary Teacher Grad 2 – ELAR/SS
Marcus Johnson – Physical Education Teacher Grades K-6 (Welcome BACK, Coach Johnson!)
Lorene McCloud – Custodial team
Chasity Porter – Middle School Math/Science
Tresa Reynolds – Teacher’s Assistant
Armando Say - Custodial Team
Richard Wesley – Chief Financial Officer
North Texas Giving Day is approaching, and we need YOU to help lead the way. Please save the date for Thursday, September 17, 2020. This festive day of giving kicks off our annual fundraising season. This year’s goal is $125,000 and our theme is “My WISH for St. Philip’s...”

“You are never given a WISH without also being given the power to make it come true.” - Richard Bach 

Even though the official giving day is September 17, you can make your North Texas Giving Day donation NOW! Make your donation here.

Thank you for your support, and for all you have done and continue to do for St. Philip’s.
Alumni News 
Have you visited the St. Philip's Alumni Association Facebook page lately? What are you waiting for?! Our alumni are doing amazing things - read about St. Philip's alum Anthony Andrews leaving his mark on the world, our dynamic alum and screenwriter, Kristin Tucker, Chef Gabrielle McBay, and her new cookbook, and more. Be sure to follow the SPSCC Alumni Association on Instagram, too.
Dr. Flowers' Words of Wisdom
Dr. Flowers’ latest Words of Wisdom Blog entry is a conversation between him and a student from a race relations class he taught in 1990 at SMU. The former student initiated the conversation after he was re-inspired by Dr. Flowers’ lessons over 30 years ago. Take a look at his inspirational and thought-provoking messages informed by faith, ministry in education, and community development. Read the Blog
Book Drive 
Friends of St. Philip’s is pleased to partner with Interabang Books to provide new books to all clients and families of Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry at St. Philip’s School & Community Center. By purchasing a book here, you can share the gift of reading with our community clients. Friends of St. Philip’s will hand deliver your purchased books to Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry where clients may select the literature of their choice to take home to share with their families.
Volunteers in Action!
Steve Mecom began volunteering in the pantry through the Dallas Stars Foundation. Once the pandemic hit and the pantry modified its operations, Steve committed to weekly shifts and recruited his wife, Renee, to join him as well. In addition, each week they pick up large loads of surplus foods from Super Target at Skillman/Abrams road. Thank you, Steve and Renee, for your commitment and service to Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry.
Thank you to SPSCC Board member, Courtney Flanagan, and the Dallas Chapter of National Charity League (NCL) for establishing a partnership to serve the St. Philip’s neighborhood community. NCL is a mother-daughter service league for girls in 7th-12th grades. Over the last few months, girls and their mothers have signed up for shifts to transport surplus meals from Snap Kitchen stores several days a week.
Aunt Bette's Community Pantry
Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry needs volunteers! As we adjusted to changing needs and concerns in response to the pandemic, we were able to manage modified operations utilizing pantry and school staff along with a few dedicated and committed volunteers who served weekly over the past 3 months. We are excited to announce we can again offer a more flexible schedule for our volunteers.
 
There is an opportunity for a limited number of volunteers to sign up for shifts on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:45am-11:30am. All volunteers must wear masks and gloves, maintain safe social distancing, and neighbors are required to wear masks upon arrival. Masks are provided for those without one. 

We can’t wait to welcome back our volunteers and meet new ones! Sign up for a shift here.

Recycle Your Paper or Plastic Bags! We are always in need of paper and plastic shopping bags for Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry. In addition to regular sized grocery bags, we also need slightly larger bags, similar to those from Bed Bath & Beyond and Target. Please feel free to drop off your bags at our pantry during hours of operation.
Hamburgers for Henry 
A huge thank you to the Crook family for hosting their 8th annual Hamburgers for Henry, this year benefitting Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry. The family raises funds for a scholarship in honor of their son who passed away from SIDS. In 2018, the Crook family partnered with St. Philip’s awarding two students the scholarship to help fund their middle school education. 

This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family collected charitable items for families facing food insecurities. In addition, there was a special delivery of an assortment of breads from Signature Baking Company. (O.J. DeSouza is an ESD graduate who wanted to participate in this project by donating his delicious breads.)

We are grateful to Nancy and Greg Crook, and their daughters Abigail and Anna, for these wonderful donations that will bless so many neighbors. For more information on the Henry Jackson Crook Memorial Foundation Scholarship click here.
Tackle Hunger Souper Bowl of Caring
Aunt Bette’s Community Pantry has been selected to participate in the Tackle Hunger Souper Bowl of Caring. Souper Bowl of Caring uses the energy around football’s biggest celebration to inspire youth to tackle hunger across the country. Each campaign runs throughout the American football season, starting in September through the Super Bowl. St. Philip’s supporters can make donations to our campaign portal which directly supports our pantry. When the campaign comes to an end around the time of the Super Bowl, we will report our total number of donations, which will be added to a collective total throughout the country. Last year, with thousands of individuals and groups participating the Souper Bowl of Caring donated over $10.6 Million to help feed the hungry. Donate today!
Job Training and Small Business Support
Are you interested in job training or small business support? On Wednesday, September 15th from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm our community partners from the City of Dallas will be discussing available opportunities. We encourage you to join this virtual session! Follow this link on the day of the event (please note that this link will only work on the date and time of the event).
How You Can Help
For those who have asked what you can do to support St. Philip’s – PRAY and DONATE. Our needs and that of those we serve continue and grow daily. You can make an online charitable donation here to support our families.
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