SDP Connect: Holiday Edition
The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and to seek out ways to make life better for those around us.
- Terri Marshall
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Strategic Planning Committee Application
Every District employee is invited to apply to participate in the Strategic Plan Steering Committee or an Advisory Group. The Steering Committee and Advisory Groups will play a pivotal role in shaping the Strategic Plan – the future of the District. The application is open now and will close on December 18, 2022. If you are interested in being actively involved in the process, click here to apply.
Lindback Award Applications Now Open
The nominations for the 2022-2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals and Teachers are now open. Since 2011, the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia have been rewarding school principals and teachers who have made significant leadership and humanitarian contributions to his/her school community. This 2022-2023 school year, the Lindback Foundation will award 60 distinguished SDP teachers and seven SDP principals who demonstrate excellence in promoting learning at the highest levels.
Nominations for the principal award are due by noon on Friday, February 10, 2023, while applications for the teacher award are due by noon, Friday, March 10, 2023. You can find more information about awards, find application materials, and meet past winners here.
Academic Calendar Survey
We are currently in the early stages of developing the 2023-2024/2024-2025 Academic Calendars. Our primary goal is to create calendars that support student learning and meet the needs of students, families, and staff, as well as adhering to calendar requirements mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Collective Bargaining Units. Every District employee is invited to complete the Academic Calendar Feedback Survey, in order to provide feedback on what the District should consider as calendars are developed. The survey will close at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, December 14th.
OUR PEOPLE
The District of Sisterly Love
For many, teaching in the School District of Philadelphia is a family affair. Shalisa Smith and her sister-in-law, Njemele Anderson, are a perfect example – teachers and family members who lean on their unique relationship to succeed in our District. Shalisa is a first-year teacher at Lincoln High School in Northeast Philadelphia, who looks to her friend and sister-in-law for support. Njemele, currently a high school teacher at Strawberry Mansion in North Philadelphia, is a 17-year teaching veteran. The sisters-in-law have been close friends since Njemele married Shalisa’s brother, who is also a teacher, almost a decade ago. Read more of Shalisa and Njemele’s story here.
Paying It Forward
Jahlil Rivera, a middle school English Language Arts teacher at Overbrook Educational Center is using his experience as an SDP student to pay it forward and set an example for his students. In 2008 when Rivera was once a struggling student at Hill-Freedman Middle School, his then-teacher, Ms. Aliya Catanch-Bradley (current principal at Mary Bethune Elementary School) took an interest in Rivera as she noticed that his grades and test scores weren’t up to par. Ms. Bradley’s investment sparked a change in Jahlil that eventually altered the trajectory of his life. Her mentorship led him to seek a career in education. According to Research for Action, less than a quarter of Philadelphia public school teachers are Black. Jahlil desires to be a part of changing that statistic and making a positive impact on the students that he serves just as Bradley has done for him. “I let my students know, if you ultimately want to become a teacher, I am the biggest resource for you,” said Jahlil. Read more of his story here.
Senior & Teacher of the Month Winners!
DECEMBER FEATURES
LegoLand
The students at Andrew Hamilton School showcased their programming skills as they participated in the school’s first-ever FIRST® LEGO® League Competition, a hands-on, STEM competition. Offered through the Philadelphia Robotics Coalition, this competition is designed to inspire young children through fun challenges. Hamilton School is the only K-8 school in the District to infuse robotics throughout its curriculum in every grade level as part of the school’s digital literacy curriculum, which exposes students to robotics, coding, teamwork, and digital citizenship. The official Philadelphia FIRST Robotics Tournament takes place Saturday 12/10 at Central High School. There will be 75 Philadelphia teams competing, spanning grades 2-12. Read more about Hamilton’s First Lego Competition here. Also, be sure to watch the 22-23 FIRST LEGO League Explore Challenge Reveal.
Giant Giving
The Philadelphia 76ers and GIANT joined students at Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School. As part of the “Fueling the Future Campaign,” an initiative created to address food insecurity, the 76ers and The GIANT Company hosted a Season of Giving event at Paul F. Dunbar School. Every student in the school ranging from grades K-8 participated in the event, which featured physical activity for nearly 300 students. All students went home with a full bag of groceries courtesy of GIANT. The event included a session on basketball drills led by Jr. 76ers Coaches, as well as other fun physical activity stations. There was also a special appearance by Squad 76 members and 76ers’ mascot, Franklin. After the event concluded, each student received a full bag of healthy groceries courtesy of The GIANT Company, a co-branded T-shirt, and a lunch cooler bag.
School of the Week
Achieve Academy of Philadelphia was featured as School of the Week in The Philadelphia Tribune. Achieve Academy is a transitional school within the Opportunity Network for middle school and high school students in Philadelphia who have experienced difficulties adapting to traditional school settings. The school was featured for its success, both academically and with attendance – they’ve had a 100% graduation rate as well as 80% or better in attendance over the past five years. In addition to the School District of Philadelphia curriculum, all students go through two and half hours of social-emotional learning on a weekly basis. Read Achieve Academy’s full story in the Tribune here.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
New Mental Health Program – Lyra Health
The new mental health benefit for employees, Lyra Health launched on November 1st. Lyra Health offers SDP employees access to therapy, coaching, and self-care apps, to navigate issues like stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship challenges, and more.
To learn more about Lyra Health visit philasd.lyrahealth.com, call them at 877-353-0097 or visit our website.
What is Coming in 2023?
Beginning January 1, 2023, the District’s Benefits Office will integrate the Lyra providers into the SDP Independence Blue Cross Keystone HMO and Personal Choice PPO plans so you can continue with your same provider and only pay in-network copays.
Each calendar year eight (8) coaching or therapy sessions per person at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
- 12/2 – Full Day PD – (Schools closed for students)
- 12/16 – ½ Day PD (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
- 12/18-26 – Hanukkah
- 12/26 – Christmas Day Observed
- 12/26-1/1/23 – Kwanzaa
- 12/27-30 – Winter Recess (Schools and Offices Closed)
- 1/2/23 – New Year’s Day (Schools and Offices Closed)
- 1/3/23 – Full Day PD – (Schools closed for students)
Computer Science Education Week
December 5-9 is Computer Science Education Week. CSE Week is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the field. To celebrate Computer Science Education Week, the Office of Educational Technology hosted the annual “Hour of Code” Event yesterday at William Rowen Elementary School. Check out this awesome video showcasing our students’ love for robotics and programming. Learn more about Computer Science Education Week here.
Hanukkah
The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Hanukkah is celebrated over 8 nights. In many Jewish families, each night comes with gifts and a special tradition along with lighting the Menorah. To learn more about Hanukkah click here.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration held in the United States that honors African heritage in African-American culture. Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st and culminates in gift-giving and a big feast. Watch this informational video to learn more about Kwanzaa.
OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
THE OFFICE OF SCHOOL SAFETY
The Office of School Safety is committed to fostering safe, secure, and supportive learning environments for Philadelphia public schools. They use research and data to make informed decisions that are centered on impartiality, restorative practices, and student equity. The School District of Philadelphia Safety Officers participates in comprehensive training programs that include diversity and inclusion, trauma-sensitive care, adolescent development, and restorative strategies.
The Office of School Safety believes students can reach their full potential in a positive and nurturing atmosphere. Their commitment to safety supports the School District and Board of Education’s mission to deliver an excellent public school education for all students.
SDP Safety & Support Resources
The Office of School Safety, in collaboration with other District offices, offers various resources to help keep our students, staff, and families physically and mentally safe. Resources include:
RESOURCES FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF
See Something, Say Something
See Something, Say Something is a program designed to inspire and empower every individual to take responsibility for maintaining the safety of their environment. To fully protect our schools, streets, and communities, we ask that all are on the watch for any unusual or suspicious behaviors. Anyone who sees something that appears out of the ordinary — including a person paying an unusual amount of attention to a school or group of students, or a strange item like a suitcase left unattended on a sidewalk — needs to say something.
To report suspicious activity, call School Safety Dispatch (215-400-6000).
Office Hours with Deputy Commissioner Joel Dales and Chief Kevin Bethel
The Office of School Safety and the Philadelphia Police Department provides an additional resource to support SDP principals. A bi-weekly zoom meeting takes place from 8 AM to 9 AM.
During these office hours meetings, principals can ask questions and share their concerns directly with Chief Bethel and Commissioner Dales. Principals can also submit their questions and/or concerns ahead of time using the link listed below. These place bi-weekly meetings will be from September 15 to Jan. 5th. Click here to submit a question. To sign up for updates click here.
Zoom Meeting Link – Meeting ID: 837 7918 6231 – Passcode: 109308
To learn more about Office Hours, click here.
More on Student and Staff Safety
Last week, Dr. Watlington penned an op-ed outlining the District’s actions in response to the ongoing violence and safety concerns in communities across Philadelphia. The article listed five key focus areas that will help us ensure that schools are safe havens for students and staff – environments that promote physical and mental well-being.
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
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 and Guardrails & stay up to date with extensive research results from our Research Review Committee.
Stay Sharp
Cornerstone has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
TRIVIA
What is the theme for the 22-23 FIRST LEGO League Explore Challenge?
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
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.
Be sure to check your inbox for your weekly dose of District news, updates, and reminders in the all-new SDP Weekly! Expect SDP Weekly every Tuesday, except for the first Tuesday of the Month which is reserved for SDP Connect.
Have a story to share or someone to celebrate? Submit your story idea click here.