TURN & TALK WITH DR. HITE
In his first blog, Dr. Hite talks about how we continue to work towards eliminating the digital divide, even now during a pandemic. Read more here!
SDP Connect – Issue 2
NEWS
We’re celebrating our heroes – the outstanding educators who care for Philadelphia’s students so well. THANK YOU teachers!
Help us celebrate by shouting out our teachers on social media using #ThankATeacher.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Every year, SDP partners with the William Penn Foundation, Temple University’s College of Education, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and The National Board of Professional Teaching Standards to support Philadelphia public and charter school teachers to become board certified. National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) demonstrate a high level of content knowledge, outstanding pedagogical practice, and the ability to positively impact student learning.
We are proud of the twenty-one SDP teachers who became board certified this year. Visit the NBCT website to see all of our board certified teachers!
GET WHAT YOU NEED!
Starting today, every donation to a project on DonorsChoose will be matched 50% thanks to SONIC Drive-In, while funds last. This means that a $20 donation will become a $30 donation, a $100 donation will become a $150 donation, and so on. Whether you need books for your students, new science kits, or something else entirely, now is a great time to create a project on DonorsChoose. Create a project here!
MUSIC TO OUR EARS
For the third year in a row, SDP has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation. This award is given to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Shout out to our more than 220 music educators who, against the odds, have helped students excel this year in everything from instrumental music, to choir, to songwriting and DJing!
SAVE THE DATE!
The School District of Philadelphia will be participating in National Decision Day by hosting our annual event entitled “Our Class, Our Future – Celebrating the Class of 2021.” The “Our Class, Our Future” celebration is a chance for us to rally around our graduating seniors who have committed to a post-secondary pathway whether that be: attending college, joining the military, skilled trade, or entering the workforce. Learn more by visiting the Our Class, Our Future website and return to the website to join the virtual party on Wednesday, May 19th.
DRESS DOWN DAY
Remember, May 21st is Dress Down Day! Join your colleagues and hundreds of Philadelphia companies, organizations and individuals in rocking your Dress Down Day t-shirt or mask. Proceeds from mask and t-shirt sales support schools through the Philly FUNDamentals program.
This year’s t-shirt back was designed by Desire Acevedo, senior at Swenson Arts & Technology High School. Click here to order your gear today!
GET COVERED
Open Enrollment is open now through May 31st! This is your opportunity to make certain changes to your benefits like enrolling or cancelling Wage Continuation and adding or removing a dependent. You can sign up for a virtual enrollment session here, and you can call (215) 400-4630, email or visit the Open Enrollment website for more info.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
The annual District-Wide Survey is now open for teachers, principals, APs and school support staff. If you fall into those categories, visit the employee portal to complete your survey today! DWS data is used to improve instruction, school climate, professional capacity and leadership ties.
PEOPLE
Big Phans!
Last night, the Philadelphia Philles hosted their 21st annual Teacher Appreciation Night powered by Constellation. They showed that they are fans of education by honoring 20 outstanding teachers from the Philadelphia region at last night’s home game. Congratulations to Kaitlin Kirby from Juniata Park Academy and Stephen Lindeman from Disston Elementary, who represented SDP among the honorees!
ON THE FRONT LINES
Congratulations to Eileen Duffey-Bernt, school nurse at Academy at Palumbo High School, for being named the National Association for School Nurses Pennsylvania School Nurse of the Year for 2020-2021. The COVID-19 pandemic put nurses squarely on the front lines more than they’ve ever been, and Ms. Duffey has continued to excel. Read her story here and here.
SISTERLY LOVE
On April 10th, National Siblings Day, SDP Principals and twin sisters Maya and Kala Johnstone were featured on CBS3. They were celebrated not only for their outstanding work at Wagner Middle and Edmonds Elementary (respectively) but also for the book they wrote together — The Fast Funnies — a story about how children can confront and overcome bullying in a positive way. Congratulations Maya and Kala!
April's Teacher and Seniors of the Month!
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ANNOUNCING THE EQUITY PARTNERS FELLOWSHIP
On April 27th our district launched the Equity Partners Fellowship, featuring an inaugural cohort of individuals from varying roles throughout the district. This fellowship is comprised of 16 teachers, students, and central office staff members who will engage in a year-long professional learning journey to infuse equity into their personal and professional practice. The Fellowship is a personalized, experiential learning opportunity designed to help educators and students create interpersonal, institutional, and ideological change around race and equity. It will develop, support, and sustain a group of diverse and exceptional students and leaders who are primed to drive transformational change in our District. Check out the Equity Coalition Newsletter to meet the fellows!
You can learn more about the work by visiting the Equity Coalition website and in the May newsletter below, where you’ll also find episode 3 of the “Equity Is…” podcast and more info about the DEI work happening this month!
RESOURCES
COMMUNICATIONS CORNER
The Office of Communications strives to make news, information and resources easily accessible. Every month we will provide information and reminders to help keep you connected. Here’s a helpful hint: all-staff messages are usually scheduled for weekdays at 10AM and 2PM. Depending on the volume of info we have to share, the schedule doesn’t always work out that way, but more often than not you can expect to see important messages at or near 10AM and 2PM.
Remember, if you have a story to share or someone to celebrate, you can submit them using the buttons below.
GET A LITTLE EXTRA
See the Office of Grant Development’s list of grant opportunities on their website. View the newsletter for more information.
SPREAD THE WORD
Candidates interested in teaching or support positions should visit teachinphilly.com or the SDP job board.
KEEP TRACK
Follow the District’s progress towards the Goals & Guardrails.
STAY SHARP
Cornerstone has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Akili DeBrady is a senior at Central High School and recent winner of the District’s Annual Oratorical Contest! Check out his winning Oratorical Contest entry here. Akili will feature another original piece later this month during the Our Class, Our Future celebration. Be sure to tune in!