SDP Connect: New Year Edition
The New Year stands before us, like a chapter in a book waiting to be written.
- Melody Beattie
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Lindback Award Nominations Open
A reminder that the nominations for the 2022-2023 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals and Teachers are open. 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.
Pathway to Leadership Principal Preparation Program
The Office of Leadership Development at the School District of Philadelphia in partnership with Temple University and The University of Pennsylvania is proud and excited to announce the launch of the 2023 cohort of the Pathway to Leadership Principal Preparation Program. This unique opportunity, beginning in the summer of 2023, will combine traditional principal certification preparation classwork, coaching, and mentorship, to prepare strong leaders within the School District of Philadelphia. The program seeks to support equity-centered leadership and diversify the pipeline of leaders seeking assistant principal and principal roles within the School District of Philadelphia. We invite future equity-centered leaders of all backgrounds, and strongly encourage future leaders of color to apply. Please visit the Office of Leadership Development Website for more information and to access the application. The deadline to submit an application is February 1, 2023.
Core Instructional Resources Process
As you know, SDP is committed to becoming the fastest-improving large, urban school district in the country. To do so, academic achievement must remain a critical area of focus for every SDP department, office, and employee. Therefore, we are providing an opportunity for you to be part of the process of adopting new instructional resources to include in our academic curriculum. If you are interested in participating by providing input and feedback, and supporting the planning and selection of new instructional resources, please click the link or scan the QR code on the flyer.
SDP Academic Vendor Fair
The Offices of Procurement and Academic Services will be hosting an Academic Vendor Fair on Thursday, January 19th, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Central Office location (440 N. Broad St., 2nd Fl. Auditorium). This is a great opportunity to learn about the District’s exciting priority work and how to partner with us in preparing all students to thrive, succeed, and lead in a global society. Also, anyone interested in connecting with current and new potential suppliers should attend this event.
For more information about the Academic Vendor Fair, please see the flyer and the agenda for the event.
OUR PEOPLE
Job Well Done
We want to offer a sincere ‘thank you’ to Joyce S. Wilkerson and Leticia Egea-Hinton, who stepped down from their Board of Education leadership roles as President and Vice President respectively. “President Wilkerson and Vice President Egea Hinton deserve our recognition and appreciation for the pivotal role they’ve played in Philadelphia’s successful return to local governance of schools,” said Mayor Jim Kenney. “It was an honor to appoint them to the first local school board in nearly two decades; and for over four years, they have consistently demonstrated their devotion to students’ success and intrepid leadership during periods of significant change and challenges. I value their wisdom, diligence, and expertise as partners in supporting our city’s children and families, and I am grateful for their continued service on the Board.”
We also want to congratulate Reginald L. Streater and Mallory Fix-Lopez who were elected to replace them! The School District of Philadelphia is lucky to be steered by such brilliant and dedicated leaders! Read more about the Board of Education here.
Congratulations Joyce!
Last month, Board of Education President Joyce S. Wilkerson received the Benjamin Elijah Mays Lifetime Achievement Award for her longstanding commitment to the educational needs of urban school children. The Council of Urban Boards of Education (CUBE) presents this award each year to recognize current or former school board members who have made a difference for the students they serve. During her six-year tenure with the School District, Ms. Wilkerson guided the School District’s transition from the state-controlled School Reform Commission to the locally controlled Board of Education in 2018. Congratulations Joyce! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication!
Thank You Donna!
Donna Frisby-Greenwood, who recently stepped down, has been the CEO for The Fund for the last seven years. Donna became the Vice President of the Philadelphia Program for The Pew Charitable Trusts in October 2022. “Donna, being the incredible leader that she was and her investment in The Fund over the years, really put us in a position where her commitment to long-term success helped us in the transition,” said Ed Zimmermann, board chairman for The Fund.
The FUND for the School District of Philadelphia has begun its search for its new CEO to replace. The FUND is an independent, not-for-profit organization. Read more about the FUND’s new CEO search here. To view the full job description, click here.
The FUND coordinates, identifies, and leverages philanthropic resources for public schools in Philadelphia. Since 2015, the FUND has raised $41 million to support the school district of Philadelphia.
Miller for President
Congratulations to Bob Miller, Athletic Director at Overbrook High School. Miller has been named President-Elect of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association (PSADA), the first individual from Philadelphia to be elected to this position. A Swathmore native, Miller has coached various sports and started athletic programs at numerous District and charter schools in Philadelphia, including football, girls and boys basketball, baseball, girls volleyball and wrestling. For the past 10 years, he’s served as Overbrook High School’s wrestling coach and Health and Physical Education teacher. “I am very humbled to receive this honor,” said Miller. “For the state to recognize my passion for PSADA, my commitment to athletics and for helping to raise the visibility of Philadelphia within PSADA, that means a lot.” Read more of Bob Miller’s story and future plans here.
Senior & Teacher of the Month Winners!
JANUARY FEATURES
And the Winner is…SDP!
Earlier this year, the NRF Foundation announced the School District of Philadelphia as its 2023 RISE Up Partner of the Year. A non-profit organization, the NRF Foundation provides skills and resources needed for a life-changing career. RISE Up is the NRF Foundation training and credentialing program that provides foundational employability skills to help people land jobs and get promoted in retail and beyond.
The Partner of the Year award recognizes the district for its success with the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up training and credentialing program in Philadelphia and for its part in expanding the program across Pennsylvania. Initially offered during the pandemic to Lincoln High School students through the career and technical education program, the training took off and became very popular. Eventually, the industry-recognized credentials were approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Education for use throughout the Commonwealth. “The NRF Foundation is honored to recognize the excellent work by the School District of Philadelphia to prepare its students for great careers in retail and beyond,” NRF Foundation Executive Director Bill Thorne said. “This award highlights the pivotal role the school district played to bring the RISE Up curriculum to thousands of young adults in Philadelphia and across the state.”
The 2023 NRF Foundation RISE Up Partner of the Year will be celebrated at the NRF Foundation Honors in New York City on Jan. 15. The event will be co-hosted by Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO and NRF Foundation Board Chairman Tony Spring and Walmart U.S. President and CEO and NRF Board Chairman John Furn. Read more about the SDP’s awesome recognition here.
PMA Medal of Heroism
We salute Cadet 2LT Kaheem Bailey-Taylor, the Philadelphia Military Academy (PMA) student who just this month received the JROTC Medal of Heroism, the highest United States Department of the Army medal awarded exclusively to Junior Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets. Cadet 2LT Bailey-Taylor received this award for performing an act of heroism and applying the first aid training he learned in JROTC while responding to a victim of gun violence on August 17, 2022. This award is only given to cadets whose heroic acts result in an accomplishment so exceptional/outstanding as to set a cadet apart and involve acceptance of danger or extraordinary responsibilities. Congratulations to Cadet 2LT Kaheem Bailey-Taylor, a true hero! Read more about Kaheem’s amazing honor here.
It’s Electric!
Thanks to PECO‘s Workforce Development team, District students now have access to PECO’s Helper Pool Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The first phase is PECO’s ‘Explorers Program,’ which is a worksite-based program that focuses on personal growth and long-term goal setting as part of the Learning for Life’s career education program under the Cradle of Liberty Council. The second phase is PECO’s ‘Helper Pool Pre-Apprenticeship Program,’ which helps prepare individuals ages 18-21 to apply for and succeed in energy jobs.
We are proud to have students from Mastbaum and West Philly High School‘s CTE programs gain employment with PECO as electricians and gas mechanics through this program. Read more about PECO’s Apprenticeship Program and how it benefits our CTE students here.
Produced by Brooks Running, watch the short film on YouTube featuring Team Frankford High School’s journey to complete the Philadelphia Distance Run and Philadelphia Marathon.
Jaiden Runs His First Marathon
PDR Launch Party at Yards 1/18
On January 18, there will be a screening of a short film produced by Brooks Running, featuring SRPS high school students who trained for and completed this year’s Philadelphia Distance Run alongside their mentors. In partnership with Brooks Running, PDR and Students Run will host an optional 3-4 mile run starting at Yards followed by a film screening and special giveaways at on-site registration for the PDR 2023. Register here to attend.
Sullivan Welcomes WNBA
James J. Sullivan School hosted its first Winter Festival for its families, providing an opportunity to mingle, win bicycles, and receive toys, coats, and other warm-weather accessories. More than 100 parents were in attendance to celebrate with the school community. The school created this festival to strengthen its partnership with families and provide a fun holiday event for families who may need assistance. North Philadelphia native and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player Kahleah Copper, who is the sister of a Sullivan ELA teacher leader, donated winter gear and attended the event to meet students. Copper currently plays for the Chicago Sky and was honored by the Mayor last year for being the WNBA Finals MVP. Read more about the Winter Festival at Sullivan here.
Health & Wellness
Start the year off with a healthy start! Your physical health and well-being are a priority and SDP makes it easy for you to maintain your physical health. Did you know that all SDP Employees have access to nutritional counseling and discounts at the YMCA? To view these offers and other exciting SDP Benefits, visit our Employee Benefits website.
YMCA Discount
SDP employees pay no joiner fee for any membership. New and existing members receive 10% off monthly membership fees. Learn more HERE.
Nutritional Counseling
SDP’s Independence Blue Cross plan provides employees up to 6 visits per year with a registered dietician at no cost. Click a vendor to get started:
- Health Fitness Connections LLC offers one-on-one nutritional service between you and a registered dietitian who will help you navigate your dietary and nutrition needs as it relates to your personal health and wellness, work with you to create a dietary plan, and help with weight loss and management, disease management, stress management, shopping and cooking strategies and more!
- The Charge Group conducts tele-health conveniently from your phone or computer. Charge is offering all staff a complimentary initial visit regardless of your insurance plan.
Click HERE to learn about how to get more out of your Independence Health Plan. Find more details and additional wellness benefits on the Employee Benefits website.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
- 1/16 – Dr. Martin Luther King Day (Schools and offices closed)
- 1/20 – Professional Development Half Day (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
- 1/25 – Term 2 Ends – Grades Due (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
- 2/1-2/3 – Report Card Conferences (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
MLK Day of Service
In honor of the upcoming Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the School District of Philadelphia’s Equity Coalition is hosting a virtual Social Justice Summit on Monday, January 16, 2023, from 9 AM to 12 PM. Please mark your calendars, and join us for exciting learning opportunities on how equity is advancing throughout the city. All are welcome to attend. Please register here.
To learn more about what is happening around the District and city on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, please visit our Cultural Celebrations website.
OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
THE OFFICE OF SCHOOL CLIMATE & CULTURE
The mission of the Office of School Climate & Culture is to support positive, equitable learning environments in which all students can experience belonging, build strong relationships, and fully engage with academic and social-emotional learning.
(OSCC) offers a variety of initiatives that support our students:
Recess Equity Project – The Office of School Climate and Culture is partnering with Playworks for the second year in a row to ensure that all K-5, K-8, and standalone middle schools receive support for high-quality recess. We offer a range of training, resources, materials and other supports for all schools, with an intensive focus on schools located in neighborhoods with high gun violence.
Learn more: Playworks & SDP partnership screencast
Experts say recess is a vital part of the school day, giving kids a chance to develop their social skills. But recess has undergone a renaissance. @VickyNguyenTV takes a closer look. pic.twitter.com/sg5SgfyHzS
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) September 10, 2021
- Relationship First Initiative – A schoolwide restorative justice-practices approach that transforms schools through a focus on authentic relationships, community-building, and disciplinary systems that emphasize mending harm and restoration over punishment. Relationships First is a team-based approach that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and student leadership and agency. Learn more: Relationships First Implementation Guide
- Student Well-Being Survey – A 5-minute survey that is completed by SDP students in grades 3-12 on a quarterly basis (a version for K-2 students is in development). The SWBS captures students’ perceptions of 1) their relationships with adults in their schools; 2) their relationships with peers at school; and 3) their comfort with and use of key social and emotional skills like conflict resolution and emotional regulation. It is available in 8 languages. Learn more: Student Well-Being Survey website
- Social & Emotional Learning – SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. SEL programming helps create learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities. (from CASEL).
Learn more: Social and Emotional Learning at SDP | Community Meeting App | Community meeting content bank for high schools
- Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) – PBIS is a framework for organizing and implementing best practices in behavior management in schools. It focuses on explicit teaching of schoolwide norms and on using positive approaches to support students in developing social-emotional skills and prosocial interactions. PBIS is prevention-oriented, with the goal of creating a school culture that fosters student belonging and engagement and reduces behavior problems. PBIS creates support and structure around the key ingredients of strong relationships: Warmth, Structure, and Support for Autonomy. PBIS has grown in SDP for more than a decade and is now implemented in nearly half of SDP schools with support from coaches from the Office of School Climate & Culture. Learn more: PBIS Resource Hub
To learn more about the Office of School Climate and Culture, the work they do, and to access additional resources, click 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
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 and stay up to date through research reports and webinars from our Office of Research and Evaluation.
Stay Sharp
Cornerstone has PD for all employees, some specific to Central Office.
TRIVIA
What dish does Teacher of the Month, Meredith Leon make for her first-grade students when they read “Enemy Pie”, by Derek Munson?
The first central office employee and the first school-based employee with the correct answer will win a prize!
We are pausing the poll to review the data we collected in the fall and make plans for putting your feedback into action. The poll will return in the coming months.
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.
Have you checked out the District’s Newsroom section on the SDP Website? The Office of Communications is committed to being your trusted, first source for all School District of Philadelphia news and information. Stay current on all things SDP and read about our amazing students, dedicated educators and the great work we do every day.
Have a story to share or someone to celebrate? Submit your story idea click here.