SDP Connect: Teacher Appreciation Issue
Teacher (n.) tee-cher
A multitasking educational rockstar who lives to inspire and loves to encourage. They're kind of a big deal.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
2023 Roots Picnic Tickets
Live Nation has partnered with The School District of Philadelphia in honor of National Teacher Appreciation Week to offer discounted tickets to the 2023 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia! The discounted tickets are available to all SDP employees. The discount is from Monday, May 8th to Friday, May 12th. Visit the Roots Picnic website and click any “Buy Tickets” button. Once you are redirected to the Ticketmaster website, click “Unlock Offer” and enter code THANK YOU to receive $39 off your ticket to celebrate 39 years of Teacher Appreciation Week. Thank you to all of our SDP staff, especially our teachers. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Nominate a School Safety Officer
The Office of School Safety invites you to nominate your School Safety Officers in recognition of their service. Anyone a part of the SDP community can nominate an officer; this includes all staff, students, and parents. All nominations will be reviewed by an internal committee that consists of their peers. Nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, June 2, 2023, by 3 PM. Award recipients will be announced on Friday, Jun 19, 2023. Click here to submit your nomination. View last year’s awards here. The nominated School Safety Officer can receive one of the following awards:
- Kevin Custis Award (Humanitarian Award)
- Ricardo Gladden Award (Community Service Award)
- School Safety Officer of the Year (Merit Award)
- Supervisor Darryl Giles Award
The Philly School Experience Survey for School Staff
The Philly School Experience Survey, formerly known as the annual District-Wide Survey, is open now for teachers, school staff, and school leaders! The Philly School Experience Survey is one of the best tools we have to gather your feedback and assess your perspective on numerous topics that impact school communities. School-based staff can take the survey by clicking the tile in their employee portal. The last day to take the Philly School Experience Survey is June 9, 2023.
PSSA & Keystone Testing
Reminder: The testing window for PSSA and Keystone Assessments are as follows: PSSA Testing (April 24 – May 12) and Keystone Exams (May 15 – 26). Please see the 2022-23 Assessment Announcements Document for complete information and additional links.
21-22 SPREE Now Available
The School Progress Report on Education and Equity (SPREE) for the school year 2021-22 is now available. The SPREE is a yearly report that highlights our overall progress as a District and shows each school’s growth, both in traditional performance measures like proficiency on state assessments and graduation rates, and in additional measures like school climate, culture and opportunity. View your school’s progress report on the SPREE website at www.philasd.org/spree.
TRIVIA
Neither of our Senior of the Month Winners are Philadelphia natives. Where are Basir and Iya originally from? (2-part question)
The FIRST 10 SDP SCHOOL-BASED TEACHERS to answer the trivia question correctly will win 2 FREE tickets to the 2023 Roots Picnic. (Teachers Only)
OUR PEOPLE
Tenured Teachers
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re honoring the longest-tenured SDP teachers in this issue! Thank you to each and every one of you for your tireless dedication and hard work. Your leadership and commitment to excellence have made a lasting and significant impact in the lives of Philadelphia students, and we are fortunate to have such talented and caring individuals leading our schools.
All-Star Teachers
Congratulations to Matthew Rogerson (Constitution High School), Ivey Welshans (Middle Years Alternative School), and Amy McGinley (Penn Treaty School) as all three were named as Phillies All-Star Teachers! Thank you to the Phillies for acknowledging and honoring 3 of our outstanding teachers.
Led by Lisa
Congratulations to Lisa Orlando, Special Education Teacher at Joseph J. Greenberg Elementary School. During Autism Acceptance Month, Orlando was awarded “The Mona Cohen Excellence in Autism Education Award” for her evidence-based and individualized approach to teaching students with special needs. Orlando teaches students ranging from kindergarten to fourth grade all while keeping each child’s needs in mind. “It’s not always about what they can’t do, but what they can do,” Orlando said. Thank you, Lisa for going the extra mile and believing in our students. Read more of Lisa’s incredible story here.
Overbrook Teacher Trio
Three Overbrook High School alumni are giving back to our students at a time when violence has affected our youth more than ever. All three teachers; Deworski Odom, Shakeerah Barrett, and Rendell Ivory are determined to show our Philly students that there is more to life than what they see and have experienced. Odom, Barrettm and Ivory all graduated from Overbrook where they played sports and are now coaches. “Our students are just so much bigger than the things that surround them and we help them see that every day,” Barrett said. Read more about the impact these three amazing teachers are having on our students here.
Senior & Teacher of the Month Winners!
SCHOOL OF THE WEEK
The Philadelphia Tribune features “Good News” from The School District of Philadelphia each week in its Learning Key section. In addition to SDP’s “Good News,” every Tuesday the Tribune names a district school as School of the Week. Every week one of our schools is highlighted for the amazing work they are doing with our students. We’re excited to announce Martha Washington School as School of the Week in The Philadelphia Tribune’s Learning Key. Read Washington’s feature article in the Tribune here.
Be on the lookout for more School of the Week features in SDP Weekly and SDP Connect!
MAY FEATURES
RoboLancers
Central High School’s Robotics Team, RoboLancers, won the 2023 FIRST® Impact Award at the FIRST® Championship in Houston, earning the team a permanent place in the FIRST® Hall of Fame. The RoboLancers are now one of 34 teams from around the world who have achieved this honor in a competition dating back to 1992. “I started our team’s outreach program 12 years ago as a student team member. Since then, our impact has expanded considerably and we are grateful for the recognition that has come as a result of our years of hard work and all of the support we’ve received to achieve such an honor,” said Meghan Ho, a member of Central High School’s 271st class and now a Product Manager at Quartile. Read more about Central’s championship here.
Kensington Got Skills
Kensington High School students won first place at the SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference, making history as the first time a District school took home the highest placement in this state competition. More than 3,000 Career and Technical Education (CTE) students throughout Pennsylvania, who advanced from their district competition, competed in the state competition. “This recognition validates the work and dedication from our students and educators and shows how our schools are preparing students for success beyond our walls,” said the School District of Philadelphia’s CTE Executive Director Michelle Armstrong. To help support Kensington High School students as they head to nationals, please visit their fundraising page. Be sure to read more about Kenisgton’s big advance here.
Afro Dynamics
Last month Northeast High School students, Kadedra Mattis and Amia Harris along with Black Students Association members held NEHS’s 1st Afro Day. This day was created after a class discussion. Kadedra shared that she wanted to wear her hair out in an Afro but didn’t feel comfortable. As the discussion progressed, the students were guided into a discussion in which they decided that they wanted to create an Afro Day at Northeast High School. As NEHS’s 1st Afro Day commenced, Kadedra and Amia addressed the crowd, discussing the significance of the day and encouraging young people with coily/curly hair to love their hair and themselves. We love to see our students embrace themselves and acknowledge what they truly are – beautiful.
TELLING OUR STORIES
After-School Enrichment Program
Learning continues after the school day ends with the District’s after-school enrichment program. The program helps maintain and advance students’ academic, emotional and social growth. Watch our storytelling video to see how our after-school program is enriching the lives of our students.
Health & Wellness
Announcement of Open Enrollment 2023
Our annual Benefits Open Enrollment is an opportunity for you to make thoughtful decisions about your benefits. The Open Enrollment period this year will run from May 1, 2023 through May 31, 2023.
For convenience, all forms and requests can be sent electronically. You can access enrollment materials and directions on the Benefits Website. Many questions are addressed in the Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document. If you wish to make a change, you must complete enrollment materials and submit the required documentation no later than May 31, 2023. Medical changes are effective as of July 1, 2023. If you do not request a change, your current coverage or benefits waiver will continue. No Action is required unless you would like to change your benefits.
Notice of Change in Benefits:
- Effective July 1, 2023, and reflected in the paycheck dated 7/21/2023, for those with a premium-based contribution there will be a 1.8% increase in the medical contributions. Rates are available on the Benefits Website.
- Per the CASA contract, for those in positions represented by CASA there is a 2 percentage point increase for the Personal Choice plan premiums. Based on your salary bracket, those paying 6 or 8 % for the Modified Personal Choice plan will pay 8 and 10%. Those paying 11 and 13% for the Personal Choice 20/30/70 plan will pay 13 and 15% respectively.
For additional questions, please refer to the Open Enrollment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document. If you don’t see your question answered, please email: benefits@philasd.org.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
- 5/8 – 5/10 – Interim Reports
- 5/16 – Election Day (Schools Closed for Staff and Students)
- 5/19 – Professional Development Half Day (3-Hour Early Dismissal)
- 5/29 – Memorial Day (Schools Closed and Administrative Offices Closed)
National School Nurse Appreciation Day
May 10 is National School Nurse Appreciation Day. School Nurses protect and promote student health, facilitate optimal development, and advance academic success. They are the leaders who bridge health care and education. On this day, we honor all school nurses who care for our children in our schools every day. Thank you, school nurses!
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Each year, May presents an exciting opportunity to learn about and pay tribute to the enormous and diverse contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made throughout American history. Visit the District’s Cultural Celebrations Website to learn more about how our district is celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Jewish American Heritage Month
May is Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). JAHM is an annual recognition and celebration of American Jews’ achievements and contributions to the United States of America during the month of May. In 2006, President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month. This was a result of a concerted effort by American Jewish leaders to introduce resolutions in both the U.S. Senate and the House urging the President to proclaim a month specifically recognizing Jews in America and their contributions to the United States.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the U.S. since 1949. Every year during the month of May, many join the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Together, we fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support the millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness.
OFFICE SPOTLIGHT
THE OFFICE OF PREVENTION & INTERVENTION
The Office of Prevention and Intervention assists schools with supporting the mental health needs of students. This includes connecting students to appropriate mental and behavioral health supports. In addition the Office of Prevention and Intervention partners with the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbilities Services (DBHIDS), Community Behavioral Health (CBH), behavioral health providers and other community partners for access to behavioral health services.
Vision
Every student is able to access education in a learning environment that meets their mental, behavioral and social-emotional health needs.
Mission
Focusing on mental, behavioral and social-emotional health needs, the Office of Prevention & Intervention increases access to education by:
- Decreasing barriers through responsive, trauma-informed practices
- Promoting a holistic and inclusive approach to supports
- Validating students through person-centered practices and partnerships
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme “Look Around, Look Within” encourages us to examine our world and how it can affect our overall health and well-being. In an effort to provide support to students, family and staff, the Office of Prevention and Intervention is providing resources that can be utilized to access services, event information and important tools. It’s time to raise awareness about mental health and reduce the stigma. Let’s help make mental health a priority EVERY DAY!! To learn more about the helpful programs and services the District offers, visit OPI’s website.
Mental Health Poster Contest
Be sure to encourage your students to enter the Mental Health Poster Contest. The 2023 Theme is “Look Around, Look Within.” The theme encourages students to reflect on the resources, people, services, and supports that are available to them to support their mental well-being. We are looking for colorful and creative posters which best represent this theme. For Mental Health Poster Contest Guidelines click here. Any questions regarding the poster contest can be directed to: preventionandintervention@philasd.org.
Kooth: An Online Mental Health Resource for Students
Kooth is a leading digital mental health platform that provides accessible counseling and mental health support for high school students. The service has been made available to the District at no cost to students, parents or schools thanks to the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
District high school students have 24/7 access to us.kooth.com/philasd for help and support with whatever is on their minds – no matter how big or small. This includes peer support, self-help tools, and even counseling sessions with licensed mental health providers. Kooths’ pre-moderation process provides a completely safe online environment. Click here for resources for teachers & counselors and here for resources for school leaders.
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 for our school-based support roles & teachinphilly.com for our instructional roles.
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.
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.
Working on a project or campaign in your office? The communications team provides helpful resources like branding and color guides, presentation templates, and photo catalogs, to help you keep your project stylish and on-brand. Just click here.
Have a story to share or someone to celebrate? Submit your story idea click here.