SDP Connect: Class of 2024 Issue
Starting strong is good. Finishing strong is epic.
- Robin Sharma
WHAT'S HAPPENING
The Philly School Experience School Staff is Still Open
The Philly School Experience Survey, formerly known as the annual District-Wide Survey, is still for teachers, school staff, and school leaders! The Philly School Experience Survey is one of the best tools to gather your feedback and assess your perspective on numerous topics that impact school communities. School-based staff can take the survey by clicking the tile in their employee portal. For more information about the survey, including results from previous years, visit www.philasd.org/PSES. The last day to take the Philly School Experience Survey is June 14, 2024.
Cultural Recognition and Response Form
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion invites District staff to share their insights and lived cultural experiences to help plan and contribute to monthly cultural heritage events and initiatives. Your valuable input will enhance our community’s understanding and celebration of diverse cultures and holidays. If you are passionate about sharing your cultural knowledge and traditions, please complete the form here.
Young Artists at Work
Congratulations to the District’s young artists whose work was showcased in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Check out the outstanding work by the student artists and their teachers!
Celebrating Our Seniors
Gates Wide Open
Every year, over 34,000 students apply for the prestigious Gates Scholarship, but less than one percent are accepted. Jaylin Carter, a senior at The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and one of only two students from the School District of Philadelphia to receive this honor, has defied the odds in more ways than one. Inspired by her mother, who will soon earn her bachelor’s degree in summer 2024, Jaylin is shattering barriers and proving that no gate is too difficult for those with determination and talent. As a Gates Scholar, Jaylin will have the opportunity to further her education and create a future beyond the limits of her low-income background, paving the way for generations to come. Learn more of Jaylin’s story here.
Syrian Scholar
At just five years old, Abduljaleel Shoufan, now a 17-year-old senior at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber (SLA), was forced to flee the only home he had ever known as war ravaged his native Syria. Abduljaleel faced a new obstacle upon his arrival in America: a language barrier that threatened to hinder his progress. Yet, Abduljaleel shattered these barriers, earning the prestigious honor of being named one of only 65 Liberty Scholars at Drexel University. This highly competitive program recognizes exceptional high school graduates from across the country, awarding them a renewable scholarship that covers 100% of tuition and fees. Abduljaleel, your journey is an inspiration to us all. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement! Your unwavering resolve has opened doors that will forever change the course of your life. We cannot wait to see the heights you will reach. Learn more of Abduljaleel’s story here.
4 Gems!
Meet Andrew Zidor (Philadelphia Military Academy), Morgan Hicks (Science Leadership Academy at Beeber), Mikayla Jones (The Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts), and Sharai Rollins (Jules E. Mastbaum), four outstanding graduates from the School District of Philadelphia who have excelled in the classroom, served their communities, and inspired future generations. Despite the challenges of a pandemic-disrupted first year, these students thrived at their respective schools. From leadership roles and prestigious programs to embracing new opportunities and finding their passions, each student has made the most of their unique high school experience. As they embark on their separate paths to Temple University, Howard University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and Hofstra University, they carry with them the lessons and support of their schools. These four graduates are a testament to the strength and diversity of the Class of 2024, and they are sure to make their mark as the leaders and changemakers of tomorrow. Read more of their stories here.
Our Class…Our Future 2024
On Friday, May 24, 2024, The School District of Philadelphia hosted its annual large-scale, high-energy celebration themed, “Our Class, Our Future.” We honored students who have worked hard to complete the newly implemented pathways to graduation. Kudos to our awesome seniors. Congratulations to the class of 2024!
Senior and Teacher of the Month Winners
Teacher of the Month
Margaret Myers
Olney High School
Senior of the Month
Aleycha Peralta
Mastbaum High School
Senior of the Month
Nia Nevard
Sayre High School
Below we are highlighting all of the Seniors of the Month for 2023-24.
Visit the Senior & Teacher of the Month website to learn more about winners from previous years!
JUNE FEATURES
2024 Senior and Teacher of the Month Celebration
Last Wednesday, we celebrated the 23-24 Teacher & Senior of the Month Winners at its Year-End Celebration. We’re extremely proud of this fascinating group of educators and students. Each of this year’s winners have shown great tenacity as they have overcome countless adversities and obstacles, yet have achieved success in their
academic and professional careers, respectively. Congratulations to this group of current and future world-changers.
Congratulations National Board Certified Teachers!
To our National Board Certified Teachers, who we also celebrated at the event – we offer heartfelt congratulations. This achievement is a testament to your unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Amidst the challenges of the profession, you have dedicated yourselves to rigorous standards, intensive growth, and transformative teaching. Your work changes lives. We honor your perseverance, dedication, and the difference you make in our students’ lives every day.
NFL Films
Kensington Creative & Performing Arts High School (KCAPA), Jules E. Mastbaum, and Science Leadership Academy (SLA) Film, Video, & Digital Media Production students and teachers participated in the 2024 NFL Film’s Student Film Festival at the NFL Studio in New Jersey! Each school went home with $2,500.00 to use towards their CTE programming. Congratulations to Hector Rios from Mastbaum for taking home the “Rising Student” award, a new MacbookPro editing software, and more!
JAHM Cooking Demo
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 Gen. George A. McCall School as School of the Week in The Philadelphia Tribune’s Learning Key. Read McCall’s feature article in the Tribune here.
Be on the lookout for more School of the Week features in SDP Weekly and SDP Connect!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
13th: Staff Professional Development (Half Day); Three Hour Early Dismissal for Students
14th: Last Day of School for students and staff; Three Hour Early Dismissal for Students, Full day for Staff
17th: Eid al-Adha; Administrative offices closed
19th: Juneteenth; Administrative offices closed
Additional Important Dates:
12th-14th: Graduation window
LGTBQ/Pride Month
June is Pride Month, and together we are celebrating the experiences and affirming the identities of our LGBTQIA+ students, staff, parents, & family members. Visit the District’s Cultural Celebrations Website to learn more about Philadelphia’s proud LGBTQIA+ history and notable figures, find and participate it celebratory events, and access additional resources. Happy Pride Month!
Caribbean American Heritage Month
June is Caribbean-American Heritage Month. During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States while honoring the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched life across our region for centuries. Visit the District’s Cultural Celebrations Website to learn more about Caribbean-American Heritage Month, participate in celebratory events, and access additional resources.
Juneteenth
Wednesday, June 19th is Juneeteeth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Deriving its name from combining “June” and “nineteenth”, it is celebrated on the anniversary of the order, issued by Major General Gordon Granger on June 19, 1865, proclaiming freedom for enslaved Africans in Texas. In 2021, Juneteenth became the first new federal holiday since Martin Luther King Jr. Day was adopted in 1983. Click here to learn more about Juneteenth’s history, celebrations, and traditions.
Gun Violence Prevention Month
June is also Gun Violence Prevention Month. At the School District of Philadelphia, we believe that we must take a stand against gun violence. Let’s continue to work together in the fight to ensure the safety of our schools, neighborhoods, and communities. Together, we can end this! Click here to learn how to get involved and take a stand against gun violence.
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!
SCHOOL LEADERS NEWSLETTER
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.
Evaluation, Research, and Accountability
Read ERA News here.
Stay Sharp
Cornerstone has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
TRIVIA
This school year we had two Seniors of the Month from Lincoln High School. What are their names?
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.