Ahhhh, Philly Spring! If you’re like us, we've been in the house too long. And this warm weather means a chance to go outside and have some fun. But don't forget, making time for creativity and play outdoors is also a great way to boost reading skills. Here are a few fun (and free) activities...
(Photo: Kimberly Paynter/WHYY) As the weather grows colder and preparations for the holiday season are underway, the Free Library of Philadelphia is excited about the virtual programs for children, teens, and families. Tell Your Story Saturdays, December 5, 12, and 19 at 11 a.m. - The Virtual Storytelling Workshop invites children and teens to participate...
The new school year is here and the Free Library is ready to help Philadelphia students and their families find the resources and programs to help make the school year a success. Additionally, we will continue to offer programming virtually; check out our virtual calendar of events for the full schedule. Here are some of...
For a hundred years, the Free Library of Philadelphia has offered some sort of summer reading and learning program for children. In the earliest days, this took the form of the Vacation Reading Club, where older elementary-aged children were required to read and review books during the summer months, in order to receive certificates. Indeed,...
School Advisory Councils (SACs) have three major goals: supporting academic achievement, improving school climate and culture, and strengthening family engagement. A big academic goal for most schools includes advancing literacy skills for all students. This month’s SAC Tip of the Month gives some ways that your SAC can discuss, promote, and improve literacy at your...
The 2nd Annual Northeast Family Reading Extravaganza was held on May 17, 2018 at Abraham Lincoln High School. The event welcomed 350 families from across Northeast Philadelphia. This event was geared toward families with students in Kindergarten through fifth grade, but all were welcome. The event was an opportunity for staff, students, volunteers, and families...
During their Winter Title I/SAC meeting, a parent at John H. Webster School mentioned that she would like to have a functioning library in the school because there wasn't a library in the neighborhood. Principal Sherri Arabia explained that unfortunately there was not room in the school for a library, but perhaps they could work...
In case you missed last month’s Focus on FACE Newsletter, The Office of Family and Community Engagement celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Month with all kinds of fun social media posts, articles featuring some of our wonderful volunteers, and snazzy Volunteer Appreciation materials. The FACE Office also invited the following five schools with outstanding volunteer programs to...
The FACE Office, in partnership with WestEd and the William Penn Foundation, is bringing Academic Parent Teacher Teams (APTT) to Philadelphia! Overview The purpose of this K-3 family engagement early literacy initiative, sponsored by the William Penn Foundation is to fund and support nine elementary schools as they plan, develop, and implement Academic Parent Teacher...
Very often when people are eager to volunteer in a School District of Philadelphia school they feel overwhelmed and confused. They ask, where do I start? Who do I talk to? What paperwork do I need? Will I make a difference? Jessica Freeman, School Improvement Support Liaison (SISL) at Commodore John Barry Elementary School in...
