SDP Connect: Welcome Back Issue
A new school year means new beginnings, new adventures, new friendships, and new challenges. The slate is clean and anything can happen.
- Denise Witmer
WHAT'S HAPPENING
School Selection Opens September 13
The school selection process for the 2024-2025 school year opens on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. and will close on Friday, October 23, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the school selection website to learn more about the school selection process including the additional changes that were made to the process this year. For more information, please email schoolselect@philasd.org.
Policy for E-Bikes and E-Scooters
To ensure the safety of our school community, we want to remind everyone that the storage and use of motorized devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, including e-bikes and e-scooters, are strictly prohibited on school premises. This policy, outlined in Section XI of our Fire Prevention & Emergency Preparedness Manual, is in place to prevent potential fire hazards. Please review the policy for further details and ensure compliance as we prepare for the start of classes.
Roary’s Cafe at CCP
We are excited to share an opportunity that could enhance your food and beverage experience and provide you with a convenient option for your daily meals. The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) has a full-service cafeteria that is open to the public. This cafeteria offers a variety of food options, including healthy choices, and is a great place to enjoy a meal, a quick snack, or a cup of coffee. See this week’s menu here.
Equity in Practice
Join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, from 12pm – 1pm for our Hispanic Heritage Month Panel Discussion, where we will explore how we can collectively uplift and support the Hispanic community. Panelists will include School District of Philadelphia staff and Community Advocates. Register Here.
High School Directory
The Directory provides a comprehensive list of high school experiences across our District, including locations, academic programs, specialty courses, athletics, extracurriculars, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) options.
A Welcome Back Message From Our Superintendent
OUR PEOPLE
Oz Hill
We’re pleased to announce Oz Hill, our former Chief Operating Officer, has assumed the role of Interim Deputy Superintendent of Operations. He will lead the Operations Division and Offices of Equity, IT, Safety, and Talent. Hill’s focus will be ensuring a safe, secure environment; managing our technology infrastructure; and helping transform our district culture to better support schools. With his proven leadership as COO overseeing Transportation, Food Services, Facilities, Maintenance, Environmental Management, and Capital Programs, and his success with major construction projects and emergency management, we’re confident in his ability to excel in this new role. Congratulations, Oz!
Theresa Fleming
Congratulations to Teresa Fleming on her appointment as Interim Chief Operating Officer. Fleming will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Division’s six areas. As Deputy Chief of Operations, she monitored the Division’s operational procedures, led strategic planning, and managed a $1.2 billion annual budget. Fleming also oversaw the Office of Transportation Services, serving over 92,000 students daily, earning her the Transportation Director of the Year Award. We look forward to her continued leadership and success in her new position.
SEPTEMBER FEATURES
First Day
The School District of Philadelphia kicked off the new academic year with tremendous success. Students returned to classrooms across the city, greeted by enthusiastic teachers and staff ready to inspire learning. The district’s summer preparations ensured a seamless transition, with enhanced safety protocols, engaging lesson plans, and a renewed focus on supporting every student’s growth. It’s clear: this school year in Philadelphia is off to a fantastic start!
Felton Fest 2024
The Feltonville Learning Community, uniting Barton, Feltonville Intermediate, and Feltonville School of Arts and Sciences, came together for an unforgettable Felton Fest! They celebrated the start of a new school year with FREE food, amazing giveaways, invaluable resources, music, exciting games, and so much more! See the pictures and watch the video below.
Locked In!
The School District of Philadelphia, in collaboration with the Trust for Public Land and local partners, proudly unveiled the new Community Schoolyard at Alain Locke School. This project has transformed an asphalt lot into a dynamic and green space, designed to benefit not only students but also the surrounding community. This new space provides a safe, vibrant area for students and residents alike to learn, play, and connect.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health & Wellness
Lyra Health
The Office of Leaves, Accommodations and Wellness would like to remind our employees of our partnership with Lyra Health. Lyra provides coaching and therapy to our employees and their families when they need it. Lyra gives our employees and their dependents access to the best care quickly and easily. No more endless searches for therapists, long wait times, or wondering how to pay for mental health care. Please see the flyer for more details.
Wellbeing Challenge
Our office is also excited to announce our next Wellbeing Challenge with On the Goga! Join in on the Nutrition Bingo Challenge from September 3 – September 30 where you’ll be encouraged to complete daily wellness activities focused on nutrition. You’ll also have the chance to earn prizes for participating! Check out the instructions below and find more details directly on your School District of Philadelphia Wellbeing Hub.
● How to play | Login to your Wellbeing Hub and select the first image on the home page carousel or select the navigation menu icon > Nutrition Bingo Challenge in the top right corner. Optional: Download a copy of your bingo board. Complete 5 squares in a row to earn a bingo. Complete the entire board to earn SUPER BINGO! Submit your bingo squares by scrolling down to the bottom of the challenge page on your Hub, or by scanning the QR code on the bingo board.
● How to win | Earn 1 raffle entry for each bingo you submit for a chance to win one a prize.
Complete SUPER BINGO for a chance to win a grand prize!
Please see the flyer for instructions about creating an On the Goga account.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
27th: Staff Professional Development (Half Day); Three Hour Early Dismissal for Students
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month! We couldn’t be more honored to acknowledge the many contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic Americans who have paved the way for others to succeed. Click Here to see a full list of cultural events or holidays celebrated by our diverse School District community.
Suicide Prevention Month
It’s Suicide Prevention Month and we want to do our part by helping to prevent suicide by bringing more awareness. We can all prevent suicide by educating ourselves more about mental health and suicide, aiding others in crisis; thereby changing the conversation around suicide. For mental health resources and support click here.
International Day of Peace
September 21 is International Day of Peace also known as World Peace Day. This day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. What are you doing to promote peace?
Human Resources Professionals Day
September 26 is Human Resources Professionals Day! Thank you to our dedicated team in the Office of Talent. The District could not run without the work you do!
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
PowerSchool has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
TRIVIA
Over the summer, the district celebrated a ribbon cutting for which school? (Watch the welcome back message from Dr. Watlington).
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.