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Posts tagged ‘reading’

April 2021 Reading Promise: 5 Free Fun-in-the-sun Activities to Boost Reading This Spring

April 2021 Reading Promise: 5 Free Fun-in-the-sun Activities to Boost Reading This Spring

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...
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Facade of Free Library of Philadelphia on Vine Street, with runner in foreground. Library has large columns with colorful banners between them.

Check out the Free Library’s December Programs for Children, Teens, and Families!

(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...
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Free Library of Philadelphia Back to School Resources for Students

Free Library of Philadelphia Back to School Resources for Students

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...
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100 Years of Summer at the Free Library of Philadelphia!

100 Years of Summer at the Free Library of Philadelphia!

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,...
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March SAC Tip of the Month: How SACs Can Discuss, Promote, and Improve Literacy

March SAC Tip of the Month: How SACs Can Discuss, Promote, and Improve Literacy

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...
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2nd Annual Northeast Reading Family Extravaganza Fosters a Love of Reading in Children

2nd Annual Northeast Reading Family Extravaganza Fosters a Love of Reading in Children

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...
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Children pick out books at the new community library

The Power of SAC & Community Partnerships: Webster School’s New Community Library

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...
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Clifford with portrait of himself at Decatur

FACE Celebrates Volunteer Appreciation Week with Clifford Reading Parties!

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...
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Coming Soon to the School District of Philadelphia: Academic Parent Teacher Teams!

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...
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Barry Elementary: Crafting a Meaningful Volunteer Experience

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...
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