SDP Connect: Fall Edition
SDP CONNECT
Fall Edition
Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
- Anonymous
Our People
SDP has partnered with Project Search to help students with complex needs by preparing them with the tools and experience they need to become successful in the real world by gaining real world work experience. 
Tylik Caldwell worked as a Project SEARCH intern in the Office of School Safety from August 2021 to June 2022. He was a tremendous asset, playing a huge part in assisting with file maintenance, data entry, project-specific assistance involving large orders and quantities of Office of School Safety supplies and resources.
Excitingly, last month Tylik was hired as a full-time SDP employee in the Office of School Safety! His supervisor, Robert Whitfield, has this to say: “He is very dedicated. For the short period of time he has been with school safety, he has received praise for his professionalism and customer service. We are looking forward to a long working relationship with and watching him grow as a young professional.” Welcome to the team Tylik!
Learn more about the successful partnership between SDP and Project SEARCH here.
WHAT'S NEW
Steel Signing at T.M. Peirce Elementary
Construction of the new T.M. Peirce Elementary is underway! Last month, school officials gathered at the new Peirce construction site for the traditional steel signing. The new building in North Philadelphia will serve 650 students K-8. It will have a total of 21 standard classrooms (three per grade) and include a modern music classroom, art room, small group classrooms, special education rooms, as well as integrated 21st century learning environments such as collaborative hub areas, a flex lab and an instructional media center for library stacks, and technology spaces. The school also includes a full kitchen and cafeteria, a combined gymnasium/auditorium, as well as outdoor play and learning areas. Construction is scheduled for completion in August 2023. Follow the progress here.
DEI Cultural Celebration Submissions
For the 2022-23 school year, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion seeks to spotlight individuals from across our district who are willing to speak about why they are proud to be members of various celebrated communities. To be featured in our Cultural Spotlight or to nominate a student or staff member please fill out the form prior to the month/day of celebration here.
Senior & Teacher of the Month is Back!
The 2022-23 Senior and Teacher of the Month initiative launches this month! October’s nomination window is OPEN NOW and closes on Friday, October 7. Click here to submit your nominations today!
OCTOBER FEATURES
A+ for Benjamin Rush
Go Blue! Last month the U.S. Department of Education announced that the Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School has been awarded the National Blue Ribbon School designation, for exemplary high performance, based on all student scores, student subgroup scores and graduation rates. On Monday, September 19, the school hosted a spectacular celebration where students displayed their vocal and instrumental talents in commemoration of the honor.
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush is one of 10 schools in the Commonwealth, and the only school in Philadelphia, to achieve Blue Ribbon status this year. We’re extremely proud of our colleagues and the students for their exceptional work. Read more here.
A Few Good Men
Unlike any other high school in the District, all four core curriculum subjects at Martin Luther King High School are taught by African American men – exciting because 75% of students at MLK are black males. These four devoted teachers have committed themselves to making a difference in the lives of the students they teach while being examples for young African American males in the classroom. Eric Butler teaches Science, Denzil Flemming teaches Algebra, Michael Flemming teaches African American history, and Marsalis Chism teaches English. Currently, only 2% of MLK HS educators are black males, so it’s crucial for the students to see educators they can identify with on a daily basis – it may change the very trajectory of their lives. Hats off to these four trailblazers! Their collective effort has begun to change the culture at MLK, and possibly, schools throughout Philadelphia. For more of the story, click here.
Home Grown
School District of Philadelphia students will have the opportunity to learn about all things agriculture this school year at Fox Chase Farm. The farm is a campus of the Philadelphia School District, serving Philadelphia school students and surrounding counties. Fox Chase Farm is primarily used for programs such as the Agriculture Empowerment Program and school field trips specifically for SDP students. Our students gain hands-on experience in agriculture and the workforce. Learn about how Fox Chase Farm is helping our students here.
Health & Wellness
Maximize Your Financial Health!
Part of well-being is Financial Health – Evaluate your financial health in October!
Most employees participate in the Public School Employees’ Retirement and you can view your pension information from PSERS Member portal. You will need your member ID to access the portal. You should be able to locate it on documents from PSERS or by contacting them at 1.888.773.7748.
As an employee of a public school, you are eligible to make additional voluntary retirement contributions to a 403(b) and/or & 457(b) Savings Plans. If you aren’t already doing so, visit our information page and connect with one of the approved vendors listed below:
Vendor List
- AIG Retirement Services (formerly VALIC) | (877) 889-1589
- EQUITABLE Advisors (formerly AXA) | (800)-628-6673
- Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc. | (800) 242-1421
If you are making contributions, it may be time to review your accounts. Check out this article, Four 401k Investing Mistakes to Avoid for guidance. Check out our wellness calendar site and scroll to October: Financial Check-Ups.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
- 10/5 – Yom Kippur
Schools and offices closed. - 10/7 – Early Dismissal
Professional Development (All Schools) - 10/10 – Indigenous People’s Day
Schools and offices closed.
Urban Technology Project 20-Year Celebration
All SDP Employees are cordially invited to a special brunch celebration in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the Urban Technology Project. For 20 years, the Urban Technology Project has helped hundreds of Philadelphia’s women and people of color begin successful careers in the technology industry through paid on-the-job experience, industry certifications, and mentorship. Join us for brunch on Saturday, October 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the 440 Education Center, or at the after party from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Nerd St. Gamers! To attend, register here. We hope to see you there!
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. Learn more.
Family and Community Engagement Month
October is Family Engagement Month! Join us as we celebrate and engage with our SDP families throughout the entire month of October. Learn more.
National Custodial Worker & Maintenance Appreciation Day
October 2nd was National Maintenance & Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day! This national holiday encourages appreciation to the employees who keep our schools and workplaces across the nation running smoothly. Thank you to all of our SDP maintenance & custodial workers. We truly appreciate all that you do!
MORE OF OUR STORY
Quality Instruction Starts with Curriculum
A job well done to the Office of Curriculum and Instruction which is doing incredible work to create culturally and linguistically relevant curriculum to strengthen students’ engagement in their learning. Make sure to watch this video to learn more about how they are implementing identity into the classroom.
OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
POSTSECONDARY READINESS
The Office of Postsecondary Readiness works to prepare students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools needed to succeed in college, career, and life. They also provide programs and initiatives that play an important role in supporting schools, students, families, and partners in college and career opportunities. They offer programs and services such as Guide to Career Pathways, which presents a new and interactive way to explore careers and programs within the School District of Philadelphia. It features eight distinct, yet in-demand careers clusters highlighting current CTE programs, AP offerings, Military guidance, and postgraduate opportunities to help students plan for their future.
21st Century School Model
This year, the Office of Postsecondary Readiness is preparing to launch a new 21st Century Schools Model in three neighborhood high schools for the 2023-24 school year! The 21st Century Schools Model partners neighborhood high schools with businesses and non-profit organizations across Philadelphia to help prepare students for success in high-demand industries after graduation. The three schools are:
Bartram: Transportation & Logistics Industry programming including automotive mechanics, supply management, and warehousing.
Overbrook: Entertainment Industry programming including digital design, film, television & music production, and entertainment management.
West Philadelphia: Urban Development Industry programming including real estate, information technology, entrepreneurship, and arts & cultural studies.
Ultimately, the goal is to expand the model into additional neighborhood high schools in the coming years! Learn more about our work to prepare students for college and career here.
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!
RESOURCES
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Exciting news for all teachers, school leaders, and central office staff! The US government has made changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that can result in student loan forgiveness for teachers, school leaders, and central office staff. Click here for more information on how to apply. Note: You must apply before October 31, 2022.
Find information on loan forgiveness processing and work verification here.
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.
Keep Track
Follow the District’s progress towards the Goals & Guardrails.
Stay Sharp
Cornerstone has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
TRIVIA
According to our Curriculum Development Video, in the “More of Our Story” Section, complete this quote by Dr. Nyshawana Francis-Thompson: “...and that is how we are going to continue to make a difference in public education - It’s our _______for the young people in this city.”
The first central office employee and the first school-based employee with the correct answer will win a prize!
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Did you know that we have Employee Health & Wellness Benefits such as nutritional counseling, a YMCA discount, and a new SDP Employee Wellbeing Hub? What are some other health & wellness benefits that would be helpful?
Discounts on massages and yoga, Fitness or healthy lifestyle incentives, CPR/First Aid training
Last Month’s Poll Results
We heard you loud & clear! To boost employee morale, you voted for Inter-Departmental Scholastic Competitions. These are the results of your votes.
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.
Here’s a helpful hint: Internal staff messages are usually scheduled for weekdays at 10AM and 2PM. Depending on the volume of info we have to share the schedule doesn’t always work out that way, but more often than not you can expect to see important messages at or near 10AM and 2PM.
Have a story to share or someone to celebrate? Submit your story idea click here.