SDP Connect: February Edition
In school, you're taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you're given a test that teaches you a lesson.
– Tom Bodett
Black History Month was created in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. Initially called Negro History Week, the celebration expanded to a full month in 1976, in order to focus even greater attention on the contributions of African Americans in the United States and throughout the diaspora. Today, Black History Month continues to amplify and deepen the exploration and elevation of African Americans and their contributions to society through film screenings, museum exhibits, and by encouraging the study of the accomplishments of African Americans year-round. Be sure to check out the 2024 Black History Month Calendar here.
WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW
Teacher & Senior of the Month Nominations are Open
Nominations for the Senior and Teacher of the Month Initiative for February 2024 is open. We are celebrating seniors and teachers who are consistent exemplars of determination and commitment to education. The nomination window for January is now open and will close on Friday, February 9th at 5pm. Click here to submit your nominations today!
FAFSA 8th Annual Kickoff
Join us on Feb. 7th from 3:30-7PM for the 8th Annual FAFSA Kickoff featuring Dr. Watlington. Experience an evening of fun, prizes, and support for students & families completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to spread the word! Participants may register here.
The Board’s Goals and Guardrails Committee Meeting
Join us on February 8th at 4 p.m., in the Education Center Auditorium, located on the second floor at 440 North Broad Street, for a conversation about student growth and proficiency on STAR Math and Math Curriculum Based Measures. We would love to have you join us in-person or virtually through our online streaming service. Please contact schoolboard@philasd.org or phone at 215-400-4010 if you have any questions.
Equity in Practice: Philly Truce
Join us on February 21st for an Equity in Practice session with Philly Truce. In this session, Philly Truce will outline their connection to equity, their services, and share insights on how to equitably support marginalized students, specifically African/Amercian/Black Men.. Those who are interested can register here. Please see the flyer for more information.
Lindback Award Application Deadline
The nomination period for the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers in 2023–2024 is still open. Nominations inclusive of completed applications for the teacher award must be submitted by noon on Monday, February 12, 2024. The ceremony for the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teachers ceremony will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. More information on the awards, application materials and guidelines, and ceremonies can be found here. For more information, email: Lindback@philasd.org
Senior and Teacher of the Month Winners
Teacher of the Month
Anne Olvera
Edwin M. Stanton School
Senior of the Month
Mason Krajewski
Frankford High School
Senior of the Month
Yassmine Motya
Masterman School
SCHOOL OF THE WEEK
Congratulations Laura H. Carnell School
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 Laura H. Carnell School as School of the Week in The Philadelphia Tribune’s Learning Key. Read Carnell ’s feature article in the Tribune here.
Be on the lookout for more School of the Week features in SDP Weekly and SDP Connect!
FEBRUARY FEATURES
State of Public Education Address
Thank you to all who joined the inaugural State of Public Education address by Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D.! Special thanks to Philadelphia Board of Education President Reginald Streater, Esq., Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Kathryn Epps Roberson of Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, Teamsters Local 502 CASA, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, Unite Here Local 634, School Police Assoc of Phila (SPAP), and 32BJ SEIU union leaders for their valuable contributions. We appreciate your support in shaping the future of education in Philadelphia. Missed the event? Catch up here.
Abbot Elementary Tour
Huge shout out to Abbott Elementary for their incredible generosity! Last week, they surprised 120 teachers at James R. Ludlow School, Gloria Casarez School, and Frances Willard School with supplies and snacks just days before the award-winning show launches its next season. Brand ambassadors arrived in a giant truck resembling a lunchbox, delivered swag, and engaged with staff. Amazing support for our educators!
Hon. Luis Muñoz-Marín’s Library Re-Opening
Hon. Luis Muñoz-Marín Elementary School celebrated its newly reopened library, made possible by a $10,000 renovation supported by the Neubauer Foundation and the school community. The space features flexible seating and culturally diverse books, fostering academic and social growth, and offering blended learning opportunities for all students.
TELLING OUR STORIES
EMS/Fire Academy Program | The School District of Philadelphia
Randolph High School’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Fire Academy prepares students to save lives by pursuing careers as emergency medical technicians and firefighters. Under the supervision of real-life EMTs, physicians and firefighters, students learn the basics of emergency medical care, and receive hands-on instruction in firefighting and EMT procedures such as emergency surgical procedures, medical triage, rescue operations and crisis scene management. Watch this video to learn more. You can also visit philasd.org/cte to learn more about the District’s other Career & Technical Education Programs. Watch the video to learn more.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates:
1st, 2nd: 2nd Term Report Card Conferences (Half Day); Three Hour Early Dismissal for Students
9th: Staff Professional Development (Half Day); Three Hour Early Dismissal for Students
19th: Presidents’ Day; School closed for students and staff; Administrative offices closed
Additional Important Dates:
10th: Lunar New Year (weekend)
Black History Month
February is Black History Month! Join us as we celebrate Black History Month with events across the District. Be sure to visit the District’s Cultural Celebrations Website for Black History Month events and activities.
National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week 2024 is Feb. 5-9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. The 2024 theme is “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused. You may also meet our featured school counselors for 2024 here. We encourage everyone to pause this week and say THANK YOU to our school counselors on social media using #SDPThankACounselor and #NSCW24.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! This is a time to celebrate and raise awareness of the crucial role that CTE plays in preparing many of our students for careers in the local, regional, and national workforce. Visit our CTE Month website to learn more about the work of various CTE programs, participate in CTE Month events, and see our students showcasing their achievements and mastery of their technical skills. You can also participate in the celebration by shouting out CTE students and educators on social media, using #CTEMonth and #CTEphilly.
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.
Climate & Culture
Need Climate & Culture Resources for your school? See what’s available here.
Evaluation, Research, and Accountability
Read ERA News here.
TRIVIA
This is a two-part question:
What is Senior of the Month Mason's role in JROTC?
What school is Senior of the Month Yassmine attending next fall?
The first central office employee and the first school-based employee with the correct answer will win a prize!
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.
Working on a project or campaign in your office? The communications team provides helpful resources like branding and color guides, presentation templates, and photo catalogs, to help you keep your project stylish and on-brand. Just click here.
Have a story to share or someone to celebrate? Submit your story idea click here.