This crisis is a wake-up call. We should be outraged that our most vulnerable communities and children are at most risk as a result of the coronavirus crisis and school closures, and that the achievement gap will likely widen during this time. We should be more outraged because, despite the new crisis, this is not…
These are scary times for all of us who have been impacted by school closures due to the COVID-19 virus. Dealing with so many unknowns can sometimes seem overwhelming. It can cause us to fear our continued existence, create stress in our homes and add to the trauma that so many of our children and…
I know that the lives of every single person in the city changed abruptly on March 16 when schools were closed, and parents were left to figure out how to adjust. Every day I wake up thinking that so many of our parents are essential workers who are reporting to hospitals, grocery stores, shipping companies,…
Doha Ibrahim is a senior at Lincoln High School. She is also involved in Philadelphia’s Citywide Student Government, sits on the Superintendent Advisory Board and runs her own business, Doha Photography. Read Doha’s interview below to learn more about her and her interest in being a Student Board Representative for the 2019-2020 school year. Q:…
Imere, a senior at Boys’ Latin Charter School, is a champion for education and a colossal advocate for student voice and involvement. He is very active in his school community where he sits on the Honor Council, acts as a steering committee member for Boys’ Latin and is the Student Government Class Officer. We sat…
As a child abuse pediatrician, a former elementary school teacher and now a School District of Philadelphia Board Member, words cannot express my profound appreciation of school nurses and the importance of the work that they do. Their dedication to children is unparalleled. Every nurse I have ever met or spoken with always held the…
As mandated in the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter: “The Board of Education shall convene at least twice-yearly a Parent and Community Advisory Council comprised of stakeholders from across the City to consult on issues pertaining to educational policy and family and community engagement in schools.” The Advisory Council will provide input and guidance to the…
The Board of Education has selected 13 Philadelphians for its first Parent and Community Advisory Council. Members of the Council represent a diverse group of stakeholders including community members, faith-based leaders, and former educators. The Council will serve as an additional link between the Board of Education and Philadelphia communities. “We are grateful to have…
I’ve worked closely with school counselors in times of celebration and in times of tragedy in schools. Day-to-day counselors provide guidance and support to hundreds of children by removing obstacles to academic success and helping students grow to be the best versions of themselves. Counselors routinely help students make informed choices about the future by…
I always knew I would devote my career and passion into improving the lives of children. Before entering medical school, I was lucky enough to participate in a master’s program at Temple that allowed me to develop skills while teaching in Philadelphia public schools – it was an invaluable experience! Wanting to stay in Philadelphia,…