march 4, 2024
School Leaders Newsletter
Dear School Leaders,
Last week, I shared an important update regarding school allocations for fiscal year 2025. In case you missed it, here is the bottom line – as we develop the District’s budget for next year, we are committing to doing absolutely everything we can to protect schools and classrooms, as well as the two most important levers for accelerating student achievement – highly qualified, well supported, and stable teachers and principals over time. Therefore, for the next school year, we will continue to allocate to schools the off-track positions and discretionary funding that previously came from the American Rescue Plan Act. This money currently supports more than 350 critical positions at schools including assistant principals, teachers, counselors, and climate personnel. You can view my full message here.
I hope you’ve noticed that this year’s budget development process looks different than it has in previous years. We have intentionally engaged invested stakeholders, including school leaders, to help us understand what is and is not working and where we should allocate our resources. One of those engagement opportunities was the Budget Priority Survey that closed earlier this month. While a full report will be available to the public soon, I want to share a few early data points with you. More than 3,600 survey respondents, who are associated with District-run schools, shared the following:
- 95% of respondents ranked teachers as a high or very high priority when asked to indicate how schools should prioritize certain areas within their budgets.
- 80% of respondents indicated that using Title I funds to invest in additional reading and climate support specialists should be a high or very high priority.
- 68% of respondents support changes to the leveling process aimed at minimizing disruptions to schools.
We will consider this feedback, and all the data, as we continue to develop our next budget. I will keep you updated as the process continues. Thank you for your candor so far during this budget development process, including your response to this survey. Because of your hard and strategic work, we are accelerating Philly and making progress in preparing all students to imagine and realize any future they desire!
In Partnership,
Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
Mark Your Calendar
Items Due
Professional Development Assessments
Summer Program
Important Dates
03.01.2024
03.05.2024
03.08.2024
Assistant Principal Summit (Choose one day to attend 2.29.2024 or 3.1.2024)
Kindergarten Open House Day
Payroll Approval Due
Monthly Observances and Celebrations
03.01.2024
03.03.2024
03.04 - 03.08
03.08.2024
03.10.2024
03.25 - 03.29
03.27.2024
03.29.2024
03.31.2024
Women’s History Month Music in Our Schools Month National Social Work Month
Read Across America Day (observed)
Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day
National School Breakfast Week
Staff Professional Development (Half Day); Three Hour Early Dismissal for Students
Ramadan begins
Spring Recess; Schools closed for students and staff
School Experience Surveys Opens
Good Friday; School closed for students and staff; Administrative offices closed
ACADEMIC SERVICES
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Attention: K-12 Principals
Final SY 2024-25 Enrollment Projections
Thank you for your participation in the SY 2024-25 enrollment projections process. As of February 16, 2024, final enrollment projections are reflected in the SIS. A stepper for the Enrollment Projections report is linked HERE. Adjustment requests approved by Assistant and Associate Superintendents and Dr. Dawson are reflected in final enrollment projections. If an adjustment request was approved for your school, it is included in the “Projection Adjustment Factors” section of the report with a row for “Approved Adjustment”. If you have additional questions regarding your specific, school-level enrollment projections, please connect with your Assistant Superintendent.
ACTION: If you have additional questions regarding your specific, school-level enrollment projections, please connect with your Assistant Superintendent.
Contact: Tomás Hanna | thanna@philasd.org and Evelyn Nuñez | anunez@philasd.org (Associate Superintendents)
Middle School Design, Programming, and Facilities Listening Tours
We will begin Middle School Listening Tours in the coming weeks to support Accelerate Philly's action 3.11- Develop a project team to recommend optimal middle school design, programming, and facilities. All true middles will be visited. However, we would like to hear from our K-8/5 or 6-12 schools regarding your middle school programming. Please complete the Google form if you can host some members of your school team, including staff, students, parent(s), and community partner(s) and 2-3 440 personnel for a Listening Tour, approximately 1.5 hours. We will need access to a space for the participants and a SmartBoard or projector.
ACTION: Please complete this form by Friday March 15, 2024.
Contact: Lisa Mesi | lmesi@philasd.org
Middle Years Math High Impact Tutoring Pilot
Strategic Action 3.5: High Impact Tutoring - Thank you to all those who joined us virtually or engaged asynchronously to learn more about the District’s High Impact Tutoring Initiative! The school interest form has now closed. We are now working to select two schools that will pilot High Impact Tutoring with a selected vendor this spring. Stay tuned for future High Impact Tutoring updates and opportunities for partnership!
ACTION: Learn more about Math High Impact Tutoring here.
Contact: HighImpactTutoring@philasd.org
Attention: Middle School Principals
ACADEMIC SERVICES
reminders
Attention: K-12 Principals
Resources finalized for ELA K-12
Strategic Action 3.3 ELA K-12: We have finalized our selection of resources for K-12 ELA in preparation for the 24-25 SY where we will focus on strategic implementation of high quality standards aligned ELA instructional resources. For K-8 ELA we will be utilizing Expeditionary Learning and 9-12 ELA will be using StudySync and Novel Study. We will be hosting a series of engagement sessions with stakeholders over the next several months.
ACTION: Please review the Grades 9-12 Study Sync Core Instructional Resource.
Contact: ela@philasd.org
Graduation Pop-Up Events
As you all know well, it's never too early for children and families to start thinking about graduation. This spring, the District's Graduation Ambassadors will be hosting pop-up events around the city, giving away free prizes, sharing their experiences as Philly students, and providing critical information about the graduation pathways and requirements.
ACTION: Please make this flyer easily available in your front office for students and families to take with them. And remember to direct folks to philasd.org/graduate for more information and resources to prepare for graduation.
Contact: For Academic Questions: Office of Postsecondary Readiness | gradreq@philasd.org | 215.400.6108
For Questions about the Graduation Campaign: Kathryn Block | kjblock@philasd.org
FY 24 Funding for Caps and Gowns
As a reminder, high schools have been provided operating dollars to offset costs for caps and gowns. Contact your budget analyst with any questions.
ACTION: View the financial staff assignments here if you have any questions.
Attention: high school Principals
ACADEMIC SERVICES
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Attention: high school Principals
Exciting News: Introducing the Teacher Grade Impact Report (GIR) for Educators!
Empowering teachers with unprecedented insights, the Teacher Grade Impact Report (GIR) is now available to all educators at master schedule schools. Formerly exclusive to administrators, this tool delves into grading practices, offering a real-time analysis of student performance. The Grade Impact Report enables teachers to identify categories impacting grades, refine grading strategies, and collaboratively plan improvements, fostering a transparent and supportive educational environment. Accessible through Infinite Campus, this report is designed for biweekly use, providing valuable data for course enhancement.
Guidance:
Teacher Grade Impact Report Guidance
Steppers:
Grade Impact Report (Administrator)
Teacher Grade Impact Report
Videos:
Administrator Grade Impact Report
Office Hours: Administrative Office Hours - - Tuesdays, 11 am - 12 pm, from February 20th to April 2nd Teacher Office Hours - Tuesdays, 12 pm - 1 pm, from February 20th to April 2nd
ACTION: Dive into the Grade Impact Report to demystify the grading process, empower educators, and elevate the educational experience!
Contact: Geneva Sloan | Senior Project Manager | gsloan@philasd.org | 215.400.5704
communications
reminders
New Submission Deadline for the School Leaders Newsletter
We're excited to announce the new submission deadline for our School Leaders Newsletter. Please mark your calendars and have your contributions in by Thursday at 5 PM. This is your go-to resource for all the crucial office and departmental news, updates, and actionable items tailored just for you. Your input is invaluable in keeping our school leadership community informed and engaged. Submit your articles, announcements, and updates to be included in our next edition.
Please Note: All submissions should be exclusively for the upcoming week and submitted via the School Leaders Newsletter Submission Form only.
ACTION: Please be sure to submit via the School Leaders Newsletter Submission Form no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, for Monday's Newsletter publication.
Contact: Amina Maybank | Internal Communications Specialist | amaybank@philasd.org
Superintendent's Principal Advisory Council Update
In December, Superintendent Watlington launched the new Superintendent's Principal Advisory Council. The Council meets monthly with Dr. Watlington to share feedback, discuss perspectives, uplift successes and present concerns. They also provide input on critical District work aligned with our Strategic Plan -- Accelerate Philly. Moving forward, after each meeting, we will share the high-level feedback themes we heard from the council, with all of you. In addition we are providing a new resource to foster transparency and close the feedback look. The Running Advisory Council FAQ captures the questions asked by your peers, and the responses from District leadership. We hope this will be useful for staying informed.
ACTION: Please see the high-level themes from the February meeting here. Also, please see the Running FAQ here. In future newsletters, you will find this in the resource box on page 2 of the newsletter.
Contact: Adam Northam | Deputy Chief - Internal Communications | anortham@philasd.org
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
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Upcoming Opportunities to Learn about Expeditionary Learning: Engagement Sessions for the New K-8 ELA Resource
The ELA team will offer multiple opportunities to experience and learn about the new ELA core resource: Expeditionary Learning! Please join us for sessions focused on ELA K-8. Our team is offering multiple events and options to engage in learning about this new resource in support of the Accelerate Philly strategic action plan. C
ACTION: Click here to register for the session that works best for you. You can view the event flyer here. Please share this information with your students, families and staff!
Contact: Jen Dianna | jdianna@philasd.org
Upcoming Opportunities to Learn about StudySync: Engagement Sessions for the New 9-12 ELA Resource
Please share this information with your students, families and staff! The ELA team will offer multiple opportunities to experience and learn about the new ELA core resource: StudySync! Please join us for sessions focused on ELA in grades 9-12. Our team is offering multiple events and options to engage in learning about this new resource in support of the Accelerate Philly strategic action plan.
ACTION: Click here to register for the session that works best for you. You can view the event flyer here.
Contact: Jen Dianna | jdianna@philasd.org
Weekly Math Implementation Updates
We are excited to share that there will be some Paid Math PD Opportunities to unpack upcoming IM units. These sessions are in person on Saturday Mornings. We are sharing this with teachers in the weekly newsletter, but would appreciate your help in spreading the word. These sessions are applicable for most grade levels.
ACTION: You can find more information by logging into Cornerstone and then clicking this link (Illustrative Math Unit Unpacking (In-Person)) or searching for that title in Cornerstone.
Contact: math@philasd.org
EARLY CHILDHOOD
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Kindergarten Open House Day is tomorrow, March 5, 2024
Thank you for all you have done to prepare for Kindergarten Open House (KOH) Day. The KOH School Information Chart with your school’s time, meeting format, and Zoom Link (when needed) is available on the District website for your prospective families.
ACTION: If you have not yet done so, please ask your secretary to contact families who are registered or who are in the process of registering to invite them. Have a great KOH Day! Please see the Kindergarten Open House Day Meeting Information here. Also, please see check out the Kindergarten Open House Digital Library.
Check in with your Kindergarten teachers and office staff to confirm that everyone is prepared for Kindergarten Open House Day.
Contact: Geoffrey Thornton | Program Manager: Operations and Grants Development/PreK-3 Alignment gthornton@philasd.org | 215.400.5533
Reminder: Social-Emotional Learning Library Delivery
All elementary schools in our district are receiving Book Bags via Pony Mail containing a specially curated library of 14 children's books from our partner, Conquering Kindergarten (CK). The delivery is strategically timed ahead of National Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Day on March 8th so teachers can use the books for SEL day and beyond. The CK Library Book Bags are specifically crafted to support teachers and families in nurturing students’ development of the 14 SEL skills on the Kindergarten report card.
ACTION: Please review the letter for more information and when you receive this collection of books, share it with your kindergarten team.
Contact: Shelley Crognale | Program Manager: Operations and Grants Development/PreK-3 Alignment | scrognale@philasd.org | 215.400.5585
Book Trust Application Deadline is extended to Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The application deadline for the 2024-2025 Book Trust program has been extended to Wednesday, March 6, 2024. In partnership with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), Book Trust provides participating students with books six times a year and teachers with monthly digital resources centered on building a culture of literacy. Apply today to provide this opportunity for your school, teachers, students, and families!
ACTION: Please review the letter for more detailed information and the application form.
Contact: Paula Sahm, M.Ed. | Educational Facilities Planner | psahm@philasd.org | 215.400.5087
EVALUATION, RESEARCH, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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Preview of 2022-23 Senior Exit Survey School-Specific Reports
Thank you for your support of last year's Senior Exit Survey! School-Level Reports are now available for preview and will be published later this week. These new 4-page PDF reports summarize your school's Senior Exit Survey results from 2022-23 and 2021-22. You can find a preview copy of your school's report in your School Improvement Planning folder. Remember that you can see all of your results in the QlikBAM Senior Exit Survey app, which has been available since December. Training videos are available for guidance on navigating the app.
ACTION: Please see the Senior Exit Survey app here.
Contact: seniorexitsurveys@philasd.org
The Central Office Feedback Survey will remain open for school principals through March 8
Last week we launched the Central Office Feedback Survey to gather your feedback about: (1) Central Office overall, (2) specific offices, and (3) selected District-wide initiatives. Many of you took the survey during last week's Leadership Convening, but the survey will remain open through March 8 for those who need additional time. We estimate the survey will take 15-30 minutes to complete, depending on the number of optional questions you decide to answer. How to take the survey: The Central Office Feedback Survey is available now for District and Alternative school principals in your employee portals.
ACTION: This slide provides more details if needed.
Contact: schoolsurveys@philasd.org
QlikBAM Climate Matters app refreshed with data through February
This week the QlikBAM Climate Matters app will display attendance, suspension, and serious incident data through February.
REMINDERS: Attendance and Suspension data in QlikBAM differs from SchoolNet and Infinite Campus in the following ways:
- QlikBAM only includes data for students enrolled at your school for 10+ days. IC and SchoolNet include all students enrolled today and yesterday (respectively).
- QlikBAM will include data through the end of the prior month. SchoolNet displays data through yesterday, and IC is live and reflects all entries as of today.
NOTE: Any corrections made after the end of last month to attendance, suspensions, and/or serious incidents data will be reflected when the data is loaded in early next month.
Contact: performancedashboard@philasd.org
Biology Benchmark III Testing Window
The Biology Benchmark III testing window will take place March 18 - 22, 2024, and April 1 - 5, 2024 (it will not be open during Spring Break week). The test is required for students enrolled in a Biology course (excluding AP Biology). The test will be in SchoolNet, and the administration procedures are the same as in the Benchmark II testing window. A Spanish version will be available. Designated Biology Test Coordinators will receive this memo with more detailed information and instructions this week.
Contact: assessment@philasd.org
family AND community engagement (F.A.C.E.)
EVALUATION, RESEARCH, AND ACCOUNTABILITY
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NAEP Update
61% of selected schools have completed National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) testing.
If your school has completed NAEP testing: Great Job! We thank you for your participation in this important assessment. Your students should be proud of their contribution to the only national student assessment and The Nation’s Report Card results. The NAEP testing window has been extended to March 22, 2024 to make sure all schools have met the required 90% sample size.
ACTION: If your school has not yet completed NAEP testing: Please be sure to prepare your students for the NAEP by using the resources linked in this document on slides 10-12.
Contact: assessment@philasd.org
Naglieri Information (Gifted Screener)
The Naglieri testing window is April 15 - May 24, 2024 (per the Assessment Calendar), and will resume administration to only 2nd graders again this year.This memo contains an introduction to the test and its purpose, expectations of the Naglieri Coordinator, how to access Naglieri data in SchoolNet, and resources for test administration: The Office of Assessment will also share the memo regarding the SY23-24 administration with your designated Naglieri Coordinator.
ACTION: If you have any changes to your school's Naglieri Coordinator, please complete this form:
Contact: assessment@philasd.org
family AND community engagement (F.A.C.E.)
family and community engagement (F.A.C.E.)
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This Week in FACT - Free Workshops for District Families
On March 5th families will discover insights into learning disabilities, access key resources, and foster engagement with their child's education. Later in the week on March 7th, we will address trauma in youth amidst global challenges and learn the difference between acute, chronic, and complex forms of youth trauma. Both sessions will be held at 10AM & 5PM via Zoom. Spread the word to your families!
Learn more: philasd.org/face/fact Link to register for FACT sessions: tinyurl.com/FACTregister
ACTION: Please share information about these workshops with your schools' families via Portal, Class Dojo, or other platforms you use to communicate with families. 3/5 Virtual Session Flyer and 3/7 Virtual Session Flyer Social Media/Dojo Graphic.
Contact: Lauren Rowland | Assistant Director of Operations, F.A.C.E.| lrowland@philasd.org
information technology
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UTP - Hire a CSS for the 2024/25 School Year
Hire a Computer Support Specialist (CSS) to support your school's technology needs for SY 2024-25. Computer Support Specialist are I.T. Apprentices that are eager to learn and contribute. CSS will work alongside the School Technology Coordinator (STC) to provide immediate, on-site technical support for laptops, smartboards, printers and chromebook repairs. Additionally, the CSS will maintain the school’s computer labs and SIS inventory, update its website, social media, and provide on-site tech support for teachers and administrators. The cost of a full-time CSS is $49,000. A part-time CSS is $24,500 and must be shared with another school.
ACTION: To hire a Computer Support Specialist - I.T. Apprentice, sign up here.
Contact: Shana Savage | Ex. Director of I.T. Apprenticeships - UTP | ssavage2@philasd.org
CyberDay Event: April 27, 2024
The City of Philadelphia's Office of Innovation & Technology in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia's Office of Career & Technical Education and the Urban Technology Project are teaming up to provide students with an exciting introduction to careers in Cybersecurity at CyberDay on Saturday, April 27th. The day will include panel discussions, hands on activities, workshops and networking opportunities to start a career in Cybersecurity! This event is open to high school students and the public, who is looking to launch a career in Cybersecurity. Registration is required.
ACTION: Please share the attached flyer with your students and network.
Contact: Shana Savage | Ex. Director of I.T. Apprenticeships - UTP | ssavage2@philasd.org
Technology Equipment Disposal Reminder
This is a friendly reminder from IT that the deadline for schools to request technology disposal is Wednesday, May 15. Schools are encouraged to complete technology disposals on an as-needed basis.
ACTION: For more information on what is eligible for disposal and how to request a disposal pick-up, please review the process document here.
Contact: Stephanie Sullivan Brouse | Deputy Chief, Technology Services | ssullivan@philasd.org
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
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SDP Educators Weekly Update
The link to the Office of Professional Learning's SDP Educator’s Weekly Update email for the week of 2/26-3/1 can be accessed HERE.
Contact: Meredith Mehra | Deputy Chief | mmehra@philasd.org | 215.400.6539
school safety
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Attention: All Pre-K through 12 Principals
HOLD/SECURE/LOCKDOWN Procedures
Emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time, and often occur when they are least expected. When a critical incident does occur, events usually unfold rapidly, leaving little time for planning. Schools should follow the Hold/Secure/Lockdown procedures in response to a direct threat to the school or an imminent safety threat to the school, such as an armed intruder, police activity in the community or school violence.
ACTION: Please share the Hold/Secure/Lockdown procedures with your school leaders and staff.
Contact: Tricia London | Director-Emergency Management | tllondon@philasd.org | 215.400.5429
student support services
student life
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Summer Site Allocations: Final List and Next Steps
Thank you to all principals who shared their insight on the draft list of summer program site allocations shared on February 13th. With your feedback in mind, the Office of Student Life's summer planning team has finalized the site allocations.
ACTION: Please review THIS communication to access the site list and learn about upcoming support opportunities for principals whose buildings will host.
Contact: Abbey Gunn | Executive Director | agunn@philasd.org
talent
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Reasonable Suspicion Process
Please see the updated and revised process for requesting reasonable suspicion testing. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you and have a great week.
ACTION: View the updated and revised process here.
Contact: Steffanie Makarewicz | Leave Administration & Wellness Manager | Smianulli@philasd.org | 215.400.6651