Welcome to the Focus on FACE Newsletter!

Family Academy: Courses & Training (FACT) Is Back for the 2022-2023 School Year!

The FACE Office is excited to launch another year of family workshops, this year with live virtual, in-person, and pre-recorded sessions available. FACT workshops are specifically designed with School District of Philadelphia families in mind. They provide helpful information to support families, students, and school communities as well as resources, materials, and takeaways for bolstering student and personal success. Check out September's slate of virtual workshop topics:

• 9/15: Before and After School Programs in the District
• 9/20: Behavioral Health Supports in Schools
• 9/27: Suicide Awareness and Prevention
• 9/29: Understanding the School Selection Process

These virtual workshops will be offered via Zoom at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM on the dates listed. Interpretation is available in 9 languages but must be requested at least one week before a session. Visit the FACT website to learn more or email fact@philasd.org with questions. We hope to see you soon!

Crossing “Back-to-School Anxiety” Off Your Back-to-School List 

If back-to-school anxiety is a concern in your family, check out FACE's article HERE to get advice from two experts that work in our District on navigating these first few weeks of school.  

Families: Ways to be Involved, Engaged, and Informed This School Year!

There are a variety of ways to get engaged in your school's education and school community. Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions for getting started at both the school and District levels. The FACE Office is here to guide you through whatever questions you might have about supporting families and schools. 

The K-12 School Selection Process for the 2023-2024 School Year Opens at 4:00 PM on Friday, September 16, 2022

The School Selection process allows students currently in pre-kindergarten through 11th grade to apply to attend any school for the 2023-2024 school year with available space other than their catchment school. A catchment school is the school that corresponds with your address. The District’s school selection process:

• uses a centralized lottery and waitlist system,
• applies school-specific grades and attendance criteria,
• makes the online application available in 10 different languages.

Students, staff, and families can learn more about the School Selection process, school criteria, how to apply, and more at schoolselect.philasd.org.

Student Immunizations, COVID-19 Vaccines, and More Health and Safety Information

Keep your child safe by staying up to date on their vaccinations. Pennsylvania law requires all students (K-12) to be vaccinated while attending school. Students that do not have the required vaccines may be excluded from school until they have received the appropriate vaccines or an exemption form has been submitted to your school nurse. Families can view immunization requirements on the Office of Student Health Services website. There, families can also view this year's Health and Safety Protocols and where students can find COVID-19 vaccines.

Want to Help Grow Strong Readers in Your Community? Learn About the Neighborhood Literacy Fund!

The best solutions for the community come from within. That’s why Read by 4th and Vanguard Strong Start for Kids are partnering with literacy advocates like you to support projects that change the narrative and lives of young readers in our city. The Neighborhood Literacy Fund supports community-driven solutions to the early literacy crisis by awarding up to $2,000 for projects that help grow Philadelphia’s young readers. Learn more and apply HERE.

Find Free Food Near You!

Philadelphia residents can search for free food and meal sites through multiple programs and sites throughout the city. No identification or proof of income is needed for food sites, general meal sites, or student meal sites. Learn more today and use the flyers below to spread the word!