September 2021 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
Welcome back!
The Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is thrilled to welcome students, staff, and families to the 2021-2022 school year! It was great to see so many families and students at our Back to School events - so many of whom were ready to learn, engage, and collaborate. FACE staff is here to support schools and families, whether it's with family workshops, Parent and Family Portal, or translation and interpretation. Please visit our website, www.philasd.org/face, to learn more about the many programs and services we offer for all stakeholders of Philadelphia public schools.
FEATURED
Find the Assistance You Need from Your Child's School on Our Get Help Page!
The FACE Get Help page is designed to be a one-stop location for families and other stakeholders to get connected to the help they need in their child's school. Here are some of the things you can find on the Get Help Page:

  • Contact directories for your child's school
  • Contact directories for central office support for things like registration, transportation, and more
  • What to do if you need further assistance with a concern

Not finding what you're looking for on the Get Help page? Please email ask@philasd.org for further assistance!
School District of Philadelphia Hotline Information
English: 215-400-5300
Shqip (Albanian): 215-400-8480
Arabic: 215-400-8481
汉语 (Chinese - Mandarin): 215-400-8482
Français (French): 215-400-8483
ខ្មែរ (Khmer): 215-400-8484
Português (Portuguese): 215-400-8474
Русский (Russian): 215-400-8485
Español (Spanish): 215-400-8489
Việt (Vietnamese): 215-400-8486
*For all other languages click here.
FROM THE DISTRICT
Information about In-School Student Testing for COVID-19
In our efforts to safely welcome all students back to school for in-person learning, the School District of Philadelphia is providing COVID-19 testing for all K-12 students. COVID-19 testing is part of a comprehensive, multilayer approach to protect the safety and protection of students and staff.

The purpose of student testing is to provide an additional layer of prevention to slow the spread of COVID-19 in school buildings and extracurricular activities. The testing program is convenient, safe, and free of charge. Learn more about the testing model here.
You're Invited: Community Conversations around Welcoming Sanctuary Schools
September 13-15, 2021, Virtual sessions offered in 5 different languages
In honor of Welcoming Week 2021, the School District of Philadelphia will be hosting Community Conversations around the Welcoming Sanctuary Schools Resolution. This Resolution was passed in June of this year and details the District’s commitment to support all students and families, regardless of immigration status.

Learn about the resolution, understand the District’s goals, and share what you would like to see in this plan going forward. We hope to see you there!
It's Not too Late to Register for Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 School Year!
If you know of any children who are 5 years old, they are ready to Thrive at Five! It's not too late to register for Kindergarten for the 2021-2022 school year.
Families may register for Kindergarten online, by telephone, via drop box or in person. Families who need assistance with registration can call the Office of Student Enrollment and Placement at 215-400-4290 or email them at osep@philasd.org. Families can also reach out directly to their neighborhood school.
SCHOOL & FAMILY SPOTLIGHT
Welcoming our Youngest Families Back to School!
The ELECT Program welcomes our young families back to school and is ready to support pregnant and parenting students of any gender as they work towards graduation. Learn about the rights of pregnant and parenting students, the assistance available through ELECT, and how you can get involved TODAY!
5 Good Reminders for Families as the School Year of In-Person Learning Begins
Fall 2021 has finally arrived, and students are back to in-person learning 5 days a week. It seems to go without saying that certain adjustments will be needed after over an entire school year of virtual and hybrid learning. Click the link below to read some tips that could be helpful to keep in mind as you and your student transition back to in-person learning.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Give Kids Sight Day: Free Eye Care & Eyeglasses for Kids
Saturday, October 9, 2021
9:00am to 5:00pm
Give Kids Sight Day will provide telehealth vision screenings. Children 17 years and under, from Philadelphia and surrounding counties, who have not had, or who have not passed, an eye screening and/or who are uninsured are encouraged to participate!
Starting Monday, September 20th, call to make an appointment for a virtual vision screening at 215-563-5848 x21. A limited number of appointments are available.
Act Now to Claim the New Child Tax Credit!
Most Philadelphia families with children qualify for a monthly payment of $250 or $300 per child
starting in July from the Child Tax Credit. This new benefit is part of the American Rescue Plan
and could mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in direct payments to help pay for rent, utility
bills, diapers, groceries, or anything else your family needs.

The good news is it’s really easy to receive! If you have not filed your taxes in 2019 or 2020, there is still time to sign up.
You May Be Eligible for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Have you lost income due to COVID-19? The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created to help renters dealing with financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For eligible households, the program offers rental and utility assistance to help Pennsylvanians avoid eviction or loss of utility service. Get more info at dhs.pa.gov/erap.
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
Come Aboard the Reading Promise: Coming to SEPTA This Fall!
Families: this fall, let’s take our reading promises on the road. Literally.

Discover the Reading Promise family reading and learning opportunities as you ride on SEPTA in the coming months. All designed to help grow strong readers—from infants to elementary students.
The Charles E. Ellis Trust for Girls' Annual Back to School Award is Now Open! 
Young women attending a Philadelphia public or charter high school can apply today and get $500 towards uniforms, basic school apparel, school supplies, & more! High school students, including rising Freshmen, are invited to submit their online application at www.ellistrust.org.

Free Rides to COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments are Available for Families and Youth Who Qualify!
FREE Septa Transit Passes are being distributed at various sites across the city for anyone heading to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. There are also FREE Limited Septa CCT and LYFT rides to and from vaccination sites offered for Philadelphia residents who have access and/or functional needs. Please note children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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.