From Left to Right: Robert Smith of Comcast, Moore Principal Timothy Glynn, Award Winner Jeanette Rivera, and Superintendent William Hite.

The School District of Philadelphia established the Family Leadership Award to recognize outstanding family leaders in our schools who, by their actions, inspire others to volunteer and assume leadership positions that have made an important difference in the lives of our students and school communities.

To be considered for the Award, the nominee had to 1) be a parent, guardian, or family member of a student in the School District of Philadelphia, 2) Be nominated by a School District of Philadelphia staff member of the school in which their child attends, and 3) not be an employee of the School District.

The Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) accepted nominations for the Family Leadership Awards during the month of October. A panel made up of District staff served as judges.
Winners were determined solely by nominations.

When reading nomination essays, our judges considered the following necessary qualities:

• That the nominee exemplifies leadership and dedication to impacting family engagement in education,
• That the nominee actively participates in their child’s education at home and in school, sending the message that education is important, and
• That the nominee has had a significant impact on education at the school, district, or state level while serving as a volunteer.

Judges reviewed all completed nominations and selected family leadership winners in each of the following categories:

• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School

Elementary School Level: Jeanette Rivera, J. Hampton Moore School

Nominator: Candice Lord, Assistant Principal

Nomination Essay: Mrs. Rivera has truly been a rejuvenation to the Moore community. Her vibrant nature and desire to support the families, students, and staff of the Moore school makes her the perfect nominee for the Family Leadership Award. She is the mother of two students at Moore, a son who is currently in 5th grade and a daughter who is a 4th grader in our autistic support program. Not only does she advocate for her own children, she is an amazing support for ALL students and families. Jeanette has opened her heart to new families who transition their children with autism into a school aged program by helping them understand the program, resources, and supports available, she continues to organize and present lessons about autism to regular education classrooms to create awareness and foster a welcoming community, and has volunteered in classrooms as well to support the teacher in any way possible. Last year Jeanette was voted to be our Home and School President. The ideas she had to improve the overall environment of our school were above and beyond. She spends hours at home printing, cutting, and creating bulletin boards, writing thank you cards to new Moore families, organizing staff and student spirit days that have just uplifted the entire staff. She allowed us to remember that students love to see their teachers dress up too! Crazy hair day was an absolute favorite! Her generosity continues to go deeper. She has organized Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets for families in need, and ensures that programs such as Girls on the Run and Reading Olympics continue to be sponsored in order for our students to remain empowered and better readers. During the PSSA window she creates raffles to uplift students during this testing time and raises money to allow teachers to request resources for their classrooms. Jeanette also inspires other parents to become involved in their children’s education. She supports each family through completing the volunteer packet and encourages each and every one to be seen and present in the school. She understands the value parent involvement can have on a child’s academic progress. Jeanette spreads the word when our school offers parent workshops on reading and math in order to get all parents involved. Overall Jeanette has really taken ownership of being not only our Home and School President but a true family leader in our school. Her everyday presence at Moore and her commitment to our entire school does not go unnoticed. She is a true family leader who wants to better every child through her work both academically and emotionally. Thank you for considering Mrs. Rivera for this award.