January 2021 | Focus on FACE Newsletter
In this Issue...
Happy New Year! We hope you and your family had a restful holiday season and winter break. As we move into the new calendar year, the Office of Family and Community Engagement is here to provide support to both families and schools to further student success. In this month's newsletter, learn about the great family engagement work at Jay Cooke Elementary School, ways you can keep your family safe and healthy, and more!
FAMILY RESOURCES & INFORMATION
Get Your Questions Answered During Digital Learning!
The School District of Philadelphia Hotlines remain open to answer general questions about the District. They are available in 10 languages, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Get Help Page is designed to assist families with getting the help they need with their student's education, classroom, and school. Find contact information and resources on this page for support.
Jay Cooke Elementary School: Meeting Families Where They Are
If there’s been any constant during this pandemic time, it seems to be the fact that things are constantly changing, and we all need to roll with the punches. At Jay Cooke Elementary School, the administration has applied this open-minded approach to engaging with their families. Read all about their family engagement strategies and awesome school staff.
Lindback Award Applications Are Now Open!
The School District of Philadelphia is once again partnering with The Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation to honor exemplary Philadelphia public school teachers and principals, continuing an annual tradition that has awarded over $3 million in total grants to deserving educators throughout the city. Learn how you can nominate a principal or teacher today!
SAC Tip of the Month: Taking SAC Meeting Minutes
As School Advisory Councils come together to discuss important school topics, there are often many strands of thoughts, questions, and opinions presented. A good way to consolidate these different thoughts can be to take meeting minutes or notes during SAC meetings. Learn about the value of this practice and how you can implement it at your school.
Protect Your Family by Storing Medicine in Your Home Safely
In an effort to decrease the number of accidental deaths and near deaths in children due to drug ingestion, the Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS), in partnership with DBHIDS and the Health Department asks that parents/guardians keep opioids and all medicines locked away and out of reach of children. Learn about medicine safety and how you can protect your family.
Choose a Healthier You in 2021! 
Happy New Year, SDP families! Eat Right Philly is here to help you “Choose a Healthier You” in 2021. Remember - it’s a marathon, not a race. Start small this month by rethinking the snacks you eat at home or on-the-go. What healthy swaps can you make that will still satisfy? Click here for snack time tips, a video on Smart Snacking, and easy delicious recipes! 
Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective – A New Program to Increase Diversity in Students Pursuing STEM Careers
The Philadelphia STEM Equity Collective (PSEC) is a $10 million, 10 year commitment by a global healthcare company, GSK, focused on increasing the number of women, Black/African American, and Latinx Philadelphia students to overcome obstacles to their pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Learn more about the formation of the Collective and its approach.
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