SDP Connect: March Issue
Start marching forward, even when into the new and unknown, and don’t be deterred by obstacles.
- Daphne Kollex
WHAT'S HAPPENING
SchoolCash Online
The School District has launched SchoolCash Online, a payment system that enables parents to easily pay for student fees and school items online. For teachers and staff, this means considerable time saved when planning, processing, and handling payments from families for school-related items, fees and events. No more collecting checks and counting cash!
To make this launch successful, we are asking District staff to promote paying online when interacting with parents and families. Please share with parents that they may register and learn more here.
23rd Annual Phillies Teacher Appreciation Night
The Philadelphia Phillies are honoring great educators in the Philadelphia region during the 23rd annual Teacher Appreciation Night powered by Constellation. Each year, the Phillies select 10 teachers, nominated by current and former students, parents and peers, to be recognized as All-Star Teachers. Now through March 17 at 4:59 p.m., you can nominate a teacher, past or present, who has positively impacted your life. The 10 All-Star Teachers will be recognized prior to the Phillies vs. Red Sox game on Friday, May 5. The event features a $4 discount on tickets in select locations. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Girls High S.A.F.E. Summit
Philadelphia High School for Girls students are building an exciting coalition to plan a city-wide Student Safety Summit on March 15th, 2023, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, at La Salle University. The Summit was a result of their activities in developing the Students Advocating for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) project. They are currently looking for more volunteers and donations. For more information, click here. To volunteer, please complete the Sign-Up Form.
2023 All Philadelphia High School Music Festival
The 2023 All Philadelphia High School Music Festival will be held on Tuesday, March 14 at the Kimmel Center, Verizon Hall, at 7pm. The annual music festival, affectionately known as “All City”, is a long celebration of music education in Philadelphia public schools. Highlights of the festival include a performance by the 2022-23 All City Concerto Competition winner, Tristan Bouyer from Masterman High School, and a combined performance of “You Will Be Found” from Broadway’s Dear Evan Hanson, conducted by Na’Zir McFadden, School District of Philadelphia!
This concert is free and open to the public. Tickets are available through the Philadelphia Orchestra’s website HERE. Thank you for your ongoing support of these talented students and we hope to see you at the festival!
2023 Lindback Award Teacher Nominations
This is a reminder that the 2022-2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers nominations are still open. Nominations for the teacher award are due by noon, Friday, March 10, 2023. You can find more information about awards, find application materials, and meet past winners here.
OUR PEOPLE
Roxborough Nurse Rocks!
Dr. Bashira Charles, Ph.D., School Nurse at Roxborough High School, was awarded the 2023 School Nurse Excellence Award for the Philadelphia Region of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Association of School Nurses and Practitioners. Dr. Charles was nominated for her dedication and commitment to the health and well-being of all Roxborough students. “Dr. Charles is stalwart in advocating for students’ rights and does not shy away from making difficult decisions though they may sometimes be unpopular. In all situations, Dr. Charles remains respectful and consistent with her approach and provides a fact-based rationale. She is a true gem and we are grateful for her presence,” said Roxborough Principal, Mrs. Kristin Williams-Smalley. We are truly grateful that our students are in the capable hands of such stellar medical professionals as Dr. Bashira Charles. Well deserved, Dr. Charles!
Cheers to Clarivel
Congratulations to Clarivel Escobar who retired this month from the School District after 42 years of service! Clarivel started working as a temp for the School District of Philadelphia via the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) Program in 1979. Her superior noticed her outstanding work and offered her a full-time position with the district. Since then, Clarivel has served our students and colleagues in various capacities throughout the years. “I have learned a lot and have seen many people. I really didn’t know that I impacted so many people within the school district. I just realized how much they appreciate me. What I will miss is the people, the togetherness, the love, that’s what I’ll miss the most ….the people. Through the hard and good times, we all stick together. We try to help each other as much as we can no matter what the storm is….that’s what’s good about this place,” said Escobar. Thank you, Clarivel for your many years of service and dedication!
You'll Be Missed Mary Lee
Mary Lee, School Facilities Planner from the Office of Operations will be retiring after 42 years of service to the District. She began working for the district in 1980 and served in many roles including Reading Specialist, First Grade Teacher, Lead Academic Coach, and Cluster Community Coordinator. In July 2003, she accepted the role of School Facilities Planner in the district’s Capital Programs Department. During her time as a Facilities Planner, she has overseen the implementation of 6 new schools; 15 school renovations; 9 additions; 3 primary education centers with over 50 classroom modernizations, and K-8 renovations. Thank you, Mary, for your many years of service and for implementing significant change within the walls of our schools!
Kudos to Karen
Dr. Karen Kolsky is retiring after 38 years of serving the students and families of the School District of Philadelphia. Her ties go beyond 38 years though – she grew up in North Philadelphia and proudly attended District schools, while her mother served as a District secretary for 28 years. Dr. Kolsky has had numerous roles and responsibilities within the District that include teacher, principal, assistant superintendent and Interim Chief, Neighborhood Schools, and Deputy Chief Operating Officer. She currently serves as Deputy Chief of School Operations & Management in the Academic Services Division. Dr. Kolsky’s legacy is grounded in her core belief that the work of the District is in Schools and the work of Schools is in classrooms. She is known as a servant leader working with, for and by others! Thank you, Dr. Kolsky, for your many years of impacting the lives of your colleagues and students throughout the City of Philadelphia!
Senior & Teacher of the Month Winners!
SCHOOL OF THE WEEK
The Philadelphia Tribune features “Good News” from The School District of Philadelphia each week in its Learning Key section. In addition to SDP’s “Good News,” every Tuesday the Tribune names a district school as School of the Week. Every week one of our schools is highlighted for the amazing work they are doing with our students. We’re excited to announce William C. Longstreth School as School of the Week in The Philadelphia Tribune’s Learning Key. Read Longstreth’s feature article in the Tribune here.
Be on the lookout for more School of the Week features in SDP Weekly and SDP Connect!
MARCH FEATURES
Where We're Cutting Our Teeth
Last week, the School District of Philadelphia in partnership with Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry opened the City’s first on-site pediatric dental clinic inside William D. Kelley School in North Philadelphia. The clinic will serve K-8 public school students who will be able to make appointments to receive full dental care, including examination, cleaning, and treatments, regardless of their insurance status.“Because the clinic is on-site, inside our school, our families and community feel more comfortable receiving care from a school they know cares about the community and the TU Dental faculty. I am so proud of the work and partnership that has been forged for this amazing resource for our children, said Crystal Edwards, Ed.D., principal of W.D. Kelley. ” Read more about William D. Kelley School’s New Dental Clinic here.
Tie Tuesday
100 well-dressed men and male students in grades 6-8th at Roberto Clemente Elementary School gathered together for the sole purpose of empowerment. Among the gentlemen who came to motivate and encourage the young men about the importance of manhood with the right of passage of learning how to tie a tie were local elected officials, faith-based and community-based organizational leaders, entrepreneurs, law enforcement officers, along with employees from the School District of Philadelphia. After a pep talk by Superintendent Watlington, the students participated in a panel discussion focused on setting goals, success and, choosing good behavior, then the tie-tying celebration began. Ken Blanchard once said, “It’s been true in my life that when I’ve needed a mentor, the right person shows up,” We’re thankful for the great men that continue to show up for our male students!
Kindergarten Royalty
The kindergarten class at Overbrook Education Center celebrated Black History Month by studying historical African Kings and Queens. The OEC kindergarten team and students focused on learning about their ancestry through the great emperors and queens on the continent. The royal kindergarten class concluded their month-long celebration by dressing up as Royal African Kings and Queens at their Royal Tea Party. At the tea party, the students presented what they learned, performed a song, and celebrated their own excellence! We see you beautiful young kings and queens! Job well done to the kindergarten team at OEC!
TELLING OUR STORIES
Police Athletic League
The School District of Philadelphia’s Office of School Safety is expanding its Police Athletic League Program to help increase student attendance, reinforce positive student behaviors, and strengthen student-adult relationships – all to help students succeed in school and beyond. Watch this video to learn
Bilingual Counseling Assistants
The School District of Philadelphia serves a rich mosaic of students and family members who speak about 157 different languages. Our Bilingual Counseling Assistants help family members whose primary language is not English stay engaged in their child’s school. They provide the convenience and service of speaking the same home language as family members. Watch this video to learn more.
Health & Wellness
Need a Health Coach?
Did you know that as an SDP employee, Health Coaches are made available through your SDP medical coverage? Health Coaches are registered nurses who are available to answer your health-related questions and help you meet your health goals. You can speak to a Health Coach 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-ASK-BLUE (1-800-275-2583; TTY/TDD: 711) if you are enrolled in School District of Philadelphia sponsored medical coverage. Stay on top of personal health information, screening reminders, health tips, and more! To view more health and wellness benefits, visit our Employee Benefits website.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
- 3/17 – Professional Development Half Day (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
- 3/24 – Term 3 Ends (Grades Due) – 3/24
- 3/29-3/31 – Report Card Conferences Half Day (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
- 4/3-4/6 Spring Recess (Schools Closed)
- 4/7 Good Friday (Schools and Administrative Offices Closed)
New Academic Calendar
The Board of Education adopted new academic calendars for 2023-24 and 2024-25. In developing the academic calendars, our primary goal was to establish a schedule that supports student learning and meets the diverse needs of students, families and staff, while also adhering to calendar requirements mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Collective Bargaining Units. There are a number of very important updates to the calendars. We encourage you to review the 2023-24 and 2024-25 calendars here.
Women’s History Month
Women’s History Month began as a week-long celebration in March of 1982. In 1987, following the petitioning of the National Women’s History Project, March was declared “Women’s History Month.” Since then, Presidents have issued a series of annual proclamations designating March as “Women’s History Month.” These proclamations celebrate the contributions of women to our nation and their achievements over the course of American history, in a variety of fields. This month, the School District of Philadelphia celebrates and acknowledges the contributions women have made to our District, city, and nation. Learn about how you can celebrate Women’s History Month on the District’s Cultural Celebration Page.
International Trans Day of Visibility
March 31 is International Transgender Day of Visibility. International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual awareness day celebrated around the world. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of transgender and gender-nonconforming people while raising awareness of the work that still needs to be done to achieve trans justice.
OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
THE OFFICE OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
The Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) exists to support and empower teachers and leaders in providing a high-quality education for every student. This high-quality educational environment creates the conditions for students to develop their academic capacities to deal critically and creatively in participating in the positive transformation of the world around them. The Office of Curriculum and Instruction supports this purpose by providing a culturally and linguistically sustaining foundation bound with curricular guidance and resources, and professional learning to educators.
Mission: The Office of Curriculum and Instruction (OCI) supports teachers and leaders in providing a high-quality education for every student, to ensure they become dynamic thinkers and leaders who are positive contributors to society.
Vision: To provide a well-rounded and excellent curriculum, content-based curriculum development, and instructional coaching to ensure that teaching and learning are consistently rigorous, engaging, inclusive, and effective.
You’re Invited
The Office of Curriculum and Instruction is inviting all SDP staff and stakeholders to participate in helping us refine the selection process for our Core Instructional Resources. In alignment with the Board of Education’s Goals and Guardrails and our goal to become the fastest-improving large urban public school district in the nation, we seek to provide students with equitable access to high-quality, standards-aligned, evidence-based instructional resources that support their academic achievement. Selecting core instructional resources is a necessary first step. To learn more, provide feedback or apply to be an active participant in the selection process, click here.
School-Based Staff: Please print this flyer and this flyer and make them available for families to pick up from the front office. Also, please take time to familiarize yourself with the additional resources that explain the Instructional Resources Selection Process:
- Audio Recording to learn more about the “Instructional Resources Information Overview.”
- Instructional Resources Information Overview Presentation
- Instructional Resources Information Overview Two-pager
- PreK-12 Core Instructional Resources Website, which provides all stakeholders with up-to-date information regarding the RFP.
Vendor Meet & Greet
The Office of Curriculum and Instruction is preparing to engage in a process to solicit proposals from businesses and organizations that specialize in developing instructional resources. In the request for proposal (RFP) process, we will be asking for core instructional resources in the subject areas of: PreK -12 Math, PreK-12 English Language Arts (ELA), PreK-12 Science, Grades 3-12 English Language Development (ELD), and K-12 Special Education Supplemental Resources.
You are invited to meet the vendors that submit proposals at our upcoming Vendor Meet and Greet. The event will be held at our Education Center 440 N. Broad Street on the following dates:
- Saturday, March 18, 2023 (9:00 AM – 3:00PM)
- Sunday, March 19, 2023 (9:00 AM – 1:00PM)
- Monday, March 20, 2023 (9:00 AM – 7:00PM)
To learn more about our vision for curriculum and instructional resources, attend one of the weekly information sessions held every Wednesday from 3:30 PM – 4:30PM. To register click here.
DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTERS
Check out what's going on in other departments around the District
Check out the Equity Coalition newsletter for upcoming events, podcasts, professional development opportunities and more!
RESOURCES
Feeling Perky
As a district employee, you have access to various deals and discounts. Check out our Employee Perks here.
Get a Little Extra
See the Office of Grant Development’s list of grant opportunities on its website. View the newsletter for more information.
Observe & Report
Your help is essential in ensuring the School District runs efficiently and fairly. Report suspected wrongdoing within the district to the Office of Inspector General here.
Spread the Word
We’re hiring. Everywhere! Know someone who’s searching? Send them to workinphilly.com for our school-based support roles & teachinphilly.com for our instructional roles.
Keep Track
Follow the District’s progress towards the Goals and Guardrails and stay up to date through research reports and webinars from our Office of Research and Evaluation.
Stay Sharp
Cornerstone has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
TRIVIA
What group spearheaded the effort to recognize and celebrate the various contributions women have made throughout American history?
The first central office employee and the first school-based employee with the correct answer will win a prize!
We are pausing the poll to review the data we collected in the fall and make plans for putting your feedback into action. The poll will return in the coming months.
Communication's 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.
Did you know that SDP has specific branding guidelines that all offices and employees must adhere to when creating content? From logos, brand colors, fonts, and more, the SDP website has resources specifically for District employees to aid in executing a strong, consistent SDP brand presence. To learn more about the District’s branding guidelines and to access helpful resources, visit the SDP’s Branding Guidelines and Resources Page.
Have a story to share or someone to celebrate? Submit your story idea click here.