April 2022 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
FEATURED
The District-Wide Survey is Open Now through Friday, June 10!
Parents and guardians of Philadelphia public school students are now able to complete this year's District-Wide Survey!

The survey asks questions about key topics that matter a lot for our schools. District and school leaders can use response information to understand strengths and challenges across all schools and in each school. Families and community members can also look at the information to get a better idea about different schools.
Participation in the confidential survey is voluntary and school officials will not know who completed a
survey or how you responded. Learn more in preparation for the survey opening and thank you in advance for participating!
SCHOOL & FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Check Out the Final Family Winners of I ♥ Parent Portal!
A huge THANK YOU to all families and staff that participated in the I ♥ Parent Portal initiative! Thousands of families signed up for new accounts, getting them more digitally connected to their child's learning and school. Even if the campaign is over, it's never too late for a parent or family member to sign up for a new account, which can be done here.
Parents/Guardians from the following schools were winners from the last raffle drawing.
Stay tuned for the May edition of the Focus on FACE Newsletter to find out the winners of the school-level contest!
Don't Miss April's New Slate of Family Academy Workshops!
Family Academy: Courses & Training (FACT) is the FACE Office's workshop series for parents, guardians, community members, and beyond. Join us on Zoom for as many workshops as you would like; registration is not necessary and information to join can be found on the FACT Website Calendar.
Tuesday, April 5: Supporting My Dual Language Child (English & Spanish)

Thursday, April 7: The District Policymaking Process - What is Policy, How Does it Change, and How Can You Influence it?

Thursday, April 19: Understanding Your Credit Report

Tuesday, April 21: Homebuying Made Simple: Roadmap to the Settlement Table

Thursday, April 26: Do You Think You Are Ready to Be a Real Estate Investor?
Workshops take place at both 10 AM and 6 PM on the days they are scheduled. Interpretation is available in Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish for evening sessions only upon request.
Questions about Family Academy: Courses & Training (FACT) can be directed to fact@philasd.org.
Getting Back into the “Spring” of Things
For so many of us exhausted over another frigid winter, the freshness of Spring proves to be a welcome arrival– like a friend at our door whom we haven’t seen in forever. Read about the benefits of getting outside and moving around now that the weather is nicer and where you can go in Philly to participate in fun, safe, outdoor activities.
FROM THE DISTRICT
April is Celebrate Diversity Month - Find out How You Can Get Involved!
April is “Celebrate Diversity” Month here in the United States, although Global Diversity Awareness Month is in October. Now is a chance to reflect on diversity in a variety of ways including; how we identify, how we speak, how we think, how we move around in the world, and where we come from. This month the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is highlighting different types of diversity. If you are looking for small ways that you can educate yourself, they created a calendar with tips, tricks, and activities. April will also feature several events and panels of special importance to families. Check them out below!
PANEL: APPRECIATING OUR BILINGUAL COUNSELING ASSISTANTS (BCAs)
Thursday, April 7, 2022 | 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

This is a prerecorded panel discussion that will air on the School District of Philadelphia's Facebook live. We will hear from some of the District's BCA’s as they talk about their journey and share advice and resources.
UPLIFTING OUR VOICES: FAMILY EQUITY TRAINING
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
REGISTER HERE | JOIN ZOOM (Meeting ID: 861 7443 8729 | Passcode: 692740)

In this session, families will engage in conversation about equity work within the District. They will begin by examining their personal core values and working in small groups to deconstruct the equity definition to understand. Families will end the event by participating in a visioning process with local community members. This will be an event you won’t want to miss!
Virtual Annual Community Meeting on Policy 138:
English Language Development and Bilingual Education Program
You are invited to the School District of Philadelphia's annual meeting on Policy 138 to tell us what you think about our English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education. This meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 27, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

Interpretation is available. If you need an interpreter, please register by April 14 so one can be scheduled for you. Let us know you are attending here. Questions can also be sent to multilingual@philasd.org. We hope to see you there!
School District of Philadelphia 2022 Oratorical Contest
The School District of Philadelphia is hosting an Oratorical Contest that is open to ALL students in grades 9-12 who attend a District school. This year’s theme, “Show Us Your Light”, is based upon Amanda Gorman’s poem The Hill We Climb. Throughout this theme, we encourage students to reflect on what it means to be introspective, self-expressive, and to identify the special light that is inside of you that you share with the world. Learn more about how students can participate and enter! Entries will be accepted until Monday, April 25, 2022.
Register for Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 School Year by May 31!
Will your child be five on or before September 1, 2022? Don't delay - register them for kindergarten today! Learn what documents families need to start and how you can enroll on the Office of Student Enrollment and Placement's website.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Child Tax Credit & Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) are programs to give money back to eligible Philadelphians. It’s your money to use for whatever you want, but you need to file your taxes to claim it. Tens of thousands of people miss out on claiming it every year. There’s no reason to leave that money in the government’s pocket when it could—and should—be in yours! Make sure to #ClaimYourMoneyPHL with one of the City's free tax prep partners!
PHLConnectED Extends for a Third Year, Providing Caregivers Access to the Internet and Digital Literacy Support
Support with school starts at home. #PHLConnectED is helping caregivers build their digital skills so they can support their students. We’re funding organizations to offer digital skills support this spring and beyond. Learn more over on their website about how you can participate or spread the word!
Prepare Your Tween or Teenager for Summer Work with WorkReady!
Do you know a 12-24 year old looking for work experience? WorkReady is a paid summer work experience that allows Philadelphia youth to earn, while they learn valuable working skills. Some programs will be 100% in-person (5 days a week), while other programs will be hybrid, with at least 3 days in-person and 1-2 days virtual. Learn more and apply now at workready.org.
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