October is Family Engagement Month in Philadelphia! This month's issue of Focus on FACE is dedicated to the amazing parents, caretakers, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, siblings, and other family members who support our students through thick and thin. A special shout out as well to staff that engage families as genuine partners and family-school organizations like School Advisory Councils, Home and School Associations, and Friends Of groups that make our schools more welcoming and collaborative communities.
Read on to learn about this month's events and opportunities for families and get caught up on the latest District news.
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YOU'RE INVITED: Young Readers Book Festival |
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Saturday, October 16, 2021
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Northeast High School Football Field
1601 Cottman Avenue
Entrance on Glendale Avenue
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October is Family Engagement Month and the Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is excited to invite you to celebrate with us at our Young Readers Book Festival! Join us from 10 AM to 1 PM on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Northeast High School Football Field Supersite (1601 Cottman Avenue) for a day of family fun and activities.
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The FACE Office is excited to partner again with Read by 4th to make our Reading Promise by providing free books in multiple languages and amazing early literacy resources to families of elementary school students. Families can also receive Philadelphia-centric posters, board games, and books (while supplies last) and will be able to enjoy them together in socially distanced pods.
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Questions about this event can be directed to ask@philasd.org or 215-400-4000.
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School Selection for Next School is Open now through November 21, 2021! |
The school selection process allows students in pre-kindergarten through 11th grade to apply to attend the school of their choice, even if that school is outside their neighborhood or catchment area (the school that connects to your family’s home address). Students can apply to up to five (5) different School District of Philadelphia Schools. |
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The school selection application will close on November 21st at 11:59 P.M., so submit your application today! To learn more about the process or how to apply using our online system Smart Choice, please visit www.philasd.org/findyourfit. If you have further questions about the school selection process, email schoolselect@philasd.org.
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The Equity Coalition Presents: Latinx Identity and Representation
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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The SDP Equity Coalition is an organizational body representing every functional area of the district. Our purpose is to provide the organizational leadership and structure needed to redesign a more equitable school district. This includes, but is not limited to, uprooting policies, deconstructing processes, and eradicating practices that create systems of privilege and power within our school communities and in our workplaces.
Join us live on Facebook at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, for a community conversation to explore the diversity within the Latinx community here in Philadelphia.
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Check out “All the Feels": A Social-Emotional Journal For High School Students |
With CARES Act funding from the Centers for Disease Control, the Promoting Adolescent Student Health Program (PASH), in partnership with the Office of Prevention and Intervention and Lakeside Global Institute, has created a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Mindfulness Journal for high school students. The "All The Feels" student journal, including the guided writing prompts, activities, wellness tips, and healthy habit reminders, is purposed to provide students with an alternative outlet to express and organize thoughts and feelings. In addition to the activities and prompts, the journal includes information about how to access vital local and District resources using links, videos, and QR codes. Check it out today!
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Mental Health and Trauma Resources for Students and Families |
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. |
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SCHOOL & FAMILY SPOTLIGHT |
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Nominate Your School or a Family Leader for the 5th Annual Family Engagement Awards! |
Every October, the FACE Offices honors individual family members and entire schools with two awards, the Family Leadership Award and the Family-School Partnership Award. These awards are meant to celebrate their successes and empower all schools and families to strive for outstanding family engagement in their communities.
The top four selected family members will be chosen to receive a physical award, a story feature in the Focus on FACE Newsletter, and a family engagement "Thank You" package. The top four entries for the Family-School Partnership will be chosen to receive a $1,000 mini-grant for a purchase from a District-approved vendor.
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DON'T WAIT - nominations close Friday, October 29, 2021! Questions about these awards can be directed to sac@philasd.org.
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Must-Listen Family Engagement Podcast: Notes from the Backpack, a PTA Podcast |
While we don't have many Parent Teacher Associations, or PTAs, in Philadelphia, their Notes from the Backpack Podcast is a must-listen for families and caregivers all over the country.
Through the unique combination of expert, parent, and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.
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Family Involvement vs. Family Engagement: What's the Difference? |
Did you know that “Family involvement” and “family engagement” are not the same thing? These are technically two very distinct concepts that look different in practice and yield different outcomes and results.
Take our Quick Quiz to start, and then read below to learn more about how “involvement” and “engagement” are two very different ideas, and why it’s important to know the difference.
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FROM OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS |
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Reading Promise Week is October 10th through 17th - Check out All of the Events throughout Philadelphia! |
Join thousands of families celebrating young readers at 45 free events citywide. Have a blast at book block parties. Get inspired by local and award-winning authors. Raise your voice and write the world. Even bust a move at literacy-themed concerts. |
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All events are free. All events are open to everyone. And all events have been organized for and by the community. And we're giving away over 10,000 new children’s books and 150,000 literacy-boosting giveaways! |
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Families Can Still Find After School Programs with Help from the City's Office of Children and Families |
Did you know? The City of Philadelphia's Office of Children and Families works with community partners to provide in-person safe and enriching programming for kids in every neighborhood! Learn more about these programs and how to register through the link below! |
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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 to the right.
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