8th Grade Graduation

Last month we celebrated the inaugural 8th grade class graduation! This special occasion was full of joyful moments as students received awards recognizing their achievements and scholarships for high school. Congratulations to Eden Murrell, recipient of the Headmaster’s Award, for exemplifying all tenets of the St. Philip’s Creed!

Lifers, students who had attended St. Philip's since PreK, shared their most notable memories, reflecting on their journey through COVID and other significant milestones.

The audience was a sea of smiles, filled with friends, family, and former teachers. This inaugural graduation was a touching celebration of growth, friendship, and community.

Alumnus Jamar Root added to the evening's emotional depth with a heartwarming message to the graduates about embracing the foundation that St. Philip’s has instilled in them, finding and following their passions, and believing in the limitless possibilities.



With this being the first class of eighth graders, a new tradition has begun. Each student rang the ceremonial Bell of Responsibility from Ghana, to signify their final step as a student at St. Philip’s and show their understanding that the world and the community need their contributions.

We extend our gratitude to all the generous donors, partners and volunteers who have supported our middle school program. Your contributions have been vital in providing our students with enriching educational experiences and opportunities for growth. Thank you for being an essential part of the St. Philip's village and helping us nurture the next generation of leaders.

Photos by Tony Boyattia, Luther Cline and Kaitlyn Holmes

Community Stories - Meet the "Mayor"

Barbara King is a cornerstone of our community at Grace on Holmes and works diligently at the front desk of House of Parts. Affectionately nicknamed "the Mayor," Barbara is deeply invested in everything that happens along MLK and always ready to take the initiative to address any issue in our neighborhood.

“Years ago, I used to live in what's now called The Grace on Holmes apartments. Back then, it wasn't a great place to live because of the criminal activity in the area... St. Philip's isn't just helping with housing, they're also improving businesses along MLK Jr. Blvd. I work at one of those businesses, House of Parts. People are happy to see the improvements, and I feel a lot safer walking home from work now, all due to revitalization of The Grace on Holmes Apartments in 2022 and The House of Parts in 2023.” – Barbara King, Forest District resident since 1960  

UPCOMING EVENTS

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Sisterhood Among Teachers

We are incredibly proud of Toyota Morrison, Tameika Booker-Wallace, and Michelle Carey who recently pledged into the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Inc. Last month, along with long-term member Leisa Booker, they celebrated their founders' day.

NSPDK is an organization of Black, female educators that are dedicated to developing youth and adults. Their YES (Youth, Education, Service) program provides workshops for teacher development and mentoring as well as parent workshops on the new trends in education and how to help children succeed. Learn more about NSPDK here.

Employee Service Awards

This year we celebrated employee anniversaries for one, 10, 20 and 40 years. Congratulations to the honorees and a special shout out to Dr. Flowers for 40 years of service! Thank you to our HR department, Friends of St. Philip's and the Board of Trustees for making our employees feel seen and appreciated.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Alicia Robinson, PhD.: Adjunct Instructor, Youth Advocate & Scholarly Researcher

Dr. Alicia Robinson is a 1996 graduate of St. Philip’s School and Community Center. She received her PhD in Education Policy, Organization & Leadership at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2021.

As a youth advocate, educator, and a scholarly researcher she believes in the philosophy that “It takes a village to raise a child”. Alicia’s background in education started at Tuskegee University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education which prepared her for her ultimate goal: changing the narrative of the American education system by creating positive learning engagement for all learners. She aspires to become the US Secretary of Education.

If you went to school or participated in Athletics at St. Philip’s School and Community Center, we want to hear from you! We would love to stay in touch and continue to support you in all your future endeavors. Please send updates, graduation announcements, and contact information to Breanna Turnley bturnley@stphilips.com 

Field Day with the Dallas Cowboys!

Boys and girls are invited for a day of football fun on our athletic field. Registration is FREE - sign up today!

WE NEED YOU - Our Volunteers are Vital

Volunteer at Gwen's Garden!

You're invited to join us in Gwen's Garden on the second Saturday of each month.

Volunteering in the garden is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and groups to enjoy the outdoors, meet new friends, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you have a green thumb or are just eager to help, your contribution will be greatly appreciated. Let's cultivate a vibrant and flourishing garden of vegetables and herbs together!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Chef Monisha Clifton

Thank you to Chef Monisha Clifton for volunteering at the Nudge Kitchen at Aunt Bette's! Because of you, our pantry clients and visitors enjoyed a delicious new dish featuring lentils! The recipe you shared lets us recreate this tasty meal at home using items available in the pantry.

We look forward to more amazing opportunities like this! If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at Aunt Bette's call us at 214-753-5600.

Aunt Bette's Community Pantry is Accepting New Clients!

Residents of 75215, 75210 and 75203 are encouraged to apply to become clients at Aunt Bette's. Becoming a client allows you to shop in our store with dignity, every two weeks, taking home a cart full of groceries.

If you or someone you know is in need of food, stop by the pantry or give us a call Monday through Thursday at 214-753-5600!

The Application Deadline has been Extended to June 28th

We're saving a seat for our future student! Submit your application to become part of the St. Philip's family today.

Friends of St. Philip's

WE'RE HIRING!

Missed the Hiring Event?



No worries, we still have open positions! Visit our website to learn more.

We're looking for someone who upholds these Core Values: (1) Servant Heart (2) Respectful (3) Trustworthy (4) Pursuing Excellence (5) Collaborative, and (6) Dedicated.

For more information, don't hesitate to contact our HR Director, Regina Walton. 

Open Positions:

• Kindergarten Instructor
• 3rd Grade Instructor
• Substitute Teacher
• 1st Grade Instructor
• Middle School Instructor
• Maintenance Technician
• 2nd Grade Instructor
• Art Instructor
• and More!

Experience Feedback Box

We want to hear from you! We now have an anonymous form that can be submitted electronically to offer feedback regarding your experience, suggestions, or compliments.

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.

www.stphilips1600.org