In this newsletter:
September 30, 2024
School Leaders Newsletter
Dear School Leaders,
At its last action meeting, the Board unanimously approved a resolution directing me and the District’s leadership to launch the next phase of our Facilities Plan. During this phase we will establish a project team, composed of internal and external stakeholders, that will participate in developing a comprehensive plan that addresses the dual facilities challenges of aging infrastructure and inconsistent enrollment. In addressing those two challenges, we expect the following outcomes:
- Support communities and student achievement
- Maximize use of our school buildings
- Provide more access to Pre-K
- Provide more rigorous academic offerings
- Provide more access to high-quality arts, music, and physical education
- Enhance Career and Technical Education opportunities
I believe that in partnership together, we can navigate the difficult decisions and ultimately formulate a plan that will position us to better prepare our students to imagine and realize any future they desire. The Project Team, in coordination with the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Engagement, will begin hosting Listening and Learning sessions focused on the Facilities Plan later this fall. Please be on the lookout for more information about those sessions – I hope many of you will choose to participate.
Last week I announced our inaugural Pioneer Networks for the 2024-2025 school year – Learning Network 2 led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Timothy Jones, and Learning Network 5 led by Assistant Superintendent Dr. Alphonso Evans. While all networks will continue to receive high-quality instructional materials, professional learning, and direct school support, the Pioneer Networks will receive more intense support and resources to help them focus intensely on the four components of continuous improvement aligned to our strategic plan: 1) implementation of high-quality instructional resources supported by high-quality professional learning, 2) shared leadership, 3) student wellness, and 4) family and community engagement. With these resources and this focus, the Pioneer Networks will model exemplary practices to accelerate student achievement. More information about Pioneer Networks will be available in the new Accelerate Philly: The Playbook for Schools, which will be formally introduced at our first meeting on Wednesday, October 9.
Finally, I want to remind you to continue encouraging your communities to participate in the Academic Calendar Feedback Survey. The responses we receive will help to inform the work of a diverse calendar committee that will vet the Academic Calendar recommendations (for both the 2025-2026 and the 2026-2027 school years) prior to us sharing them with the Board of Education.
In partnership,
Tony B. Watlington Sr., Ed.D.
Superintendent
The School District of Philadelphia
Mark Your Calendar
Items Due
Professional Development Assessments
Summer Program
important dates
9.30.2024
10.3.2024
10.4.2024
10.5.2024
Teacher vacancies will be posted in Taleo and loaded in Frontline if the
vacancy is not filled. Once the teacher position is created, Principals
should open new classrooms, as appropriate, as we work towards staffing
the vacancies.
Rosh Hashanah; Schools closed for students and staff
Payroll Approval
SAT (Grades 11-12)
9.14-10.15.2024
9.20.2024
9.21.2024
9.30.2024
Monthly Observances and Celebrations
National Hispanic Heritage Month
MIA/POW Recognition Day
International Day of Peace
International Translation Day
ACADEMIC SERVICES
NEW
Attention: Pre-K through high school Principals
24-25 Grading Window Dates
Please see the link for Grading Windows for the 24-25 SY here.
Contact: Christa Lohbauer | Executive Director | clohbauer@philasd.org, Jeremy Wright | Director | jwright@philasd.org, Erica Durant | Director | edurant@philasd.org
Your School’s Input Needed: Academic Calendar Feedback Survey
The School District of Philadelphia is in the initial stages of developing the Academic Calendars for school years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. Our goal is to create calendars that support student learning and meet the needs of students, families and staff, while adhering to various requirements from PDE and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
ACTION: By October 9th, please complete the Academic Calendar Feedback Survey and share with your school communities to provide input on the upcoming two academic calendars! Access the survey by clicking this link and share the attached flier with your school staff, students, and families. The survey is available in the ten standard District translations as well as Bengali, Uzbek, and Haitian Creole (select “French - Haiti” in the survey platform).
The purpose of the survey is to provide stakeholders an opportunity to understand the restrictions and requirements for academic calendars, review possible versions of academic calendars for the next two years, and to share feedback on those options. The final calendar proposals will be presented to and voted on by the Board of Education in January 2025. See the flyer here.
Contact: Emily Fulks | Director of Strategic Operations | efulks@philasd.org | 215.400.5422
[ACTION REQUIRED] Xello Champion Kickoff- October 29 and 30
In-person Xello Champion training will be held at Central Office on October 29 and 30 at the Constance E. Clayton Education Center, 440 N. Broad Street. Champions will be able to register for a training session in PowerSchool after October 1.
ACTION: All School Leaders should identify two Xello Champions BY OCTOBER 1 using the form in Xello Guidance Document found here.
Contact: Cathey White | Director, Special Projects | mcwhite@philasd.org
communications
NEW
Attention: pre-k through high school Principals
School Marketing & Communication Toolkit: A New Resource for Promoting Your School
Do you want to be better equipped to show off your school, shout out your amazing staff and students, and attract more people to join your school family? The new School Marketing & Communication Toolkit is for you.
You can use this resources to:
- brush up on your design skills and learn how to make beautiful flyers, posters and graphics
- access customized brand kits and marketing materials for your school - learn how to set up and manage social media more effectively
- understand how to get the most out of your website - and more!
This toolkit is especially timely right now as we are still early in the fall -- enrollment is ongoing, and school selection is open. It is intended for all schools that desire to improve their brand image, and use modern tactics to communication more effectively with their communities.
ACTION: Download the new School Marketing & Communication Toolkit and share with your school leaders and staff.
Contact: Find contact information inside the toolkit.
Nominate a Senior and Teacher of the Month
We are pleased to announce that nominations for the October Teacher and Senior of the Month are now open! Our goal is to collectively seek out and celebrate students and teachers who -- in alignment with the District’s Goals and Guardrails -- are consistent exemplars of dedication, commitment, and passion for the sake of excellent education. We encourage all members of our school community to participate in this important process of acknowledging those who make a positive impact. Nominations will be accepted until Friday, October 4th at 5:00PM.
ACTION: To nominate a senior or teacher, submit your nomination here.
Contact: Amina Maybank | Internal Communications Officer | amaybank@philasd.org
Curriculum & Instruction
NEW
Attention: pre-k through high school Principals
We have updated our Leader Support Calendar for the 24/25 school year! Linked HERE (also on the principal page of the math website). Our October/November sessions focus on using the Pacing Guides to support teachers and the Phase 1 Implementation Indicators (Students Do Math Together and Learning Is Inclusive). The sessions are open to anyone who supports teachers. We also have a link to sign up for Office Hours almost every Friday. Please sign up if you’d like a thought partner around a challenge or just want an answer to something. High School Leaders: For A1 classes that have 90 minutes, we added Keystone Released Items to the pacing guides (starting in October). These problems review previous content all while exposing them to the language of the Keystones.
Contact: The Math Team (math@philasd.org)
Curriculum & Instruction
NEW
Attention: pre-k through high school Principals
K-12 Science Champion - Join Us
Pennsylvania has adopted new, more rigorous science standards called the PA STEELS standards. To help schools implement the shifts required by these new standards, the Office of Curriculum and Instruction’s Science team is developing a district-wide community of Science Champions. As we gear up for new K-12 Science Core Instructional Resources in the 2025-26 school year, building capacity surrounding quality science instruction is important. A Science Champion is a science teacher or SBTL who will receive professional development and support from the OCI Science team to be a science expert at their school. A Science Champion should have a passion for science & be willing to support others to improve science outcomes for students. A Science Champion can be any teacher of science, STEAM specialist or SBTL who supports science and is nominated by the school's principal to serve in this role. The goal is for each school to have a Science Champion by 2025-26 school year to support the implementation of new K-12 Science Core Instructional Resources and the shift to the new PA STEELS standards. Please complete the Google form to nominate an individual from your school to serve as Science Champion. If you have any questions, please reach out to science@philasd.org.
ACTION: View the Science Champion Information Sheet and complete the Science Champion Name Submission Form
Contact: Anastasia Vigen Director of Science aspeers@philasd.org
Pacing in EL
Maintaining the suggested pacing of the EL curriculum is likely to be challenging. It will take practice. Here are some suggestions from Your Curriculum Companion (YCC).
Contact: Antoine O'Karma | Director Curriculum & Instruction, ELA, | aokarma@philasd.org | 215.400.6759
Virtual Voter Summit October 2024
We are thrilled to invite you to the Voter Education Virtual Summit on October 7, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This event is open to teachers, students, and community members eager to learn more about the power of their vote and its influence on local, state, and national elections. One of the highlights of the summit will be a student-led panel discussion where students will engage directly with policymakers about the issues that matter most to them. This is a unique opportunity to hear firsthand what our young voters are concerned about and to discuss how their voices can impact policy decisions.
Our guest speakers will also offer valuable insights on how to make your vote count. Whether you are a first-time voter or an experienced voter, this Summit will provide the tools and knowledge you need to become an informed voter.
ACTION: Please register here to join us for this engaging and important event. Please see the flyer for this event for more details.
Contact: Dr. Kwame Williams | Executive Director | kwilliams5@philasd.org
Attention: k -8 Principals
Attention: 9-12 Principals
diversity, equity, & Inclusion
NEW
Attention: pre-k through 12 Principals
Equity Professional Learning Series
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is excited to offer learning opportunities for SDP employees to enhance their personal and professional growth in areas of anti-racism and advancing equity. Offering a combination of in-person and virtual sessions, the equity professional learning series provides insight into core learning and growth, terminology and concepts, different types of oppression that marginalized communities experience, and how we can all work to make our schools and offices more inclusive and equitable.
ACTION: Sign up on Powerschool by looking for the Equity Professional Learning Series. Please see the attached flyer for session titles, dates, and times.
Contact: Dr. Hope Barnes | Director of DEI Professional Learning | hbarnes2@philasd.org
Equity in Practice Panel Discussion: LGBTQ History Month
Join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for a panel discussion, where we will highlight the importance of LGBTQ history and how this history continues to shape our District and society.
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 [12:00-1:00pm] Panelists will include School District of Philadelphia staff and Community Advocates.
ACTION: Please use the registration link to register. See the flyer for more information.
Contact: Mr. Kyle Tribble | Director of Culture and Community Engagement | ktribble@philasd.org
DEI Office Hours for School Leaders
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will host DEI Office Hours for school leaders. The intention is to provide leaders with thought-partnership as we approach October 7th, a date that may evoke an array of emotions. This space is an opportunity for leaders to ask questions, raise concerns, and receive guidance on ways to engage in conversations that can support your learning communities.
ACTION: Please see the dates/times: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 [4:00-5:00pm] Wednesday, October 2, 2024 [10:00am-12:00noon] or [3:00-4:00pm]
You can access the Office Hours via the zoom link below here.
Contact: Dr. Sabriya K. Jubilee | Chief of Equity | sjubilee@philasd.org
diversity, equity, & Inclusion
NEW
Attention: high school Principals
High School Student Forums
The District is pleased to invite all high school students to the next two high school student forums that will be held this fall. The goal of these forums is to uplift student voices and gather feedback on their experiences within the District. We want to provide School District of Philadelphia high school students with the opportunity to share those experiences, and offer their thoughts, ideas, and concerns to District leadership.
Forum #2: October 23, 2024 Time: 4:30pm - 6:00pm Location: CAPA (901 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19147) Please sign up here for one or both forums.
Signing up in advance will help us to adequately prepare for both forums. Fare cards are available to those who need them.
ACTION: Please feel free to share the flyer with any of your School District community who might also be interested in attending. Just remember that the forums are for high school students only! For questions, please email equity@philasd.org.
Contact: Michelle Golobish | mgolobish@philasd.org or Sabriya Jubilee | sjubilee@philasd.org
Exploring Antisemitism and Islamophobia: Working Toward Understanding
Join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in partnership with University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education scholars to learn about the foundational aspects of the history of antisemitism and Islamophobia. The session will also include ways to explore how to build understanding within a diverse community of people.
This session is open to All School Principals and Assistant Principals. Please see session logistics and registration link below. Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 Time: 10am-1pm Location: Auditorium (The Constance E. Clayton Education Center-440 N. Broad St.). Lunch will be provided.
ACTION: Please use the registration link to register.
Contact: Dr. Sabriya K. Jubilee | Chief of Equity | sjubilee@philasd.org
Title VI: Discrimination, Shared Ancestry, and Ethnic Characteristics
Join the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in partnership with Office of Civil Rights (OCR) New York Division to learn about Title VI: Discrimination, Shared Ancestry, and Ethnic Characteristics. This is a virtual training.
As we witness a nationwide rise in reports of hate crimes and harassment, and concerns rising within our own district, particularly related to Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian students, the session will focus on ways school districts, students, and parents can remain vigilant in protecting students’ rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). The virtual session will cover the main areas: OCR’s mission and the federal laws it enforces; OCR’s activities and jurisdiction; and OCR’s complaint evaluation, investigation, and resolution processes The definition of National Origin and Shared Ancestry and what that means for school districts.
Contact: Dr. Sabriya K. Jubilee | Chief of Equity | sjubilee@philasd.org
Attention: pre-k through 12 Principals
early childhood
NEW
Attention: Kindergarten Only
Kindergarten Information Form: Please complete by Friday, October 20, 2024
Please take a few minutes to complete the 2024-2025 Kindergarten Information Form. This information is essential as the Office of Early Childhood Education plans for this year's Building Bridges Kindergarten Transition Meeting (February 7, 2025) and District-Wide Kindergarten Open Houses (Day: March 4 and Week: May 12-16, 2025).
ACTION: Please see the Kindergarten Information Survey here.
Contact: Geoffrey Thornton | Program Manager: Operations and Grants Development/PreK-3 Alignment gthornton@philasd.org | 215.400.5533
Reminder: Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI) for SY24-25
The District is requesting that principals provide two hours for Kindergarten teachers to enter all required KEI data by October 24, 2024. Principals are encouraged to use time during Professional Learning Communities (PLC) for this purpose.
ACTION: Please review the KEI Digital Library for more information.
Contact: Doria Mitchell Director | K-3 Early Literacy and Special Projects | dnmitchell@philasd.org | 215.400.5511
Reminder: Additional Compensation for Kindergarten Family Interviews for SY24-25
In addition to the afternoons during the first five days of the school year, Kindergarten teachers additionally have up to 8 hours of compensated time, from August 26 and September 30, 2024, to complete their Family Interviews. Teachers must submit documentation of this time, using the provided Attendance Log, to their principals by October 2, 2024.
ACTION: Please review the Family Interview Memo and FAQs for more detailed information.
Links:
Family Interviews Frequently Asked Questions
Contact: Shelley Crognale | Program Manager: Operations and Grants Development/PreK-3 Alignment scrognale@philasd.org | 215.400.5585
evaluation, research, & Accountability
NEW
Attention: pre-k through HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
Apply for a PSES Family Engagement grant!
Don't forget that PSES Family Engagement grants are available again this year! You can use your PSES results to identify a family engagement challenge and apply for $1,000 - $5,000 here. The deadline to apply is October 15. Awardees will be notified in early November.
Contact: schoolsurveys@philasd.org
Star Testing Window Extended Through October 4, 2024
In order to help schools reach the 95% participation target for Star testing, the fall window will be extended through October 4, 2024. Schools that have completed testing do not have to wait to begin progress monitoring. Please use this extra week to make sure all required tests are completed.
Contact: starassessment@philasd.org
QlikBAM Climate Matters app includes data through September 2024
This week, the QlikBAM Climate Matters app will display attendance, suspension, and serious incident data for SY2024-25 through September 2024. Preliminary data will be available by the end of this week, and the final data load for August and September data is scheduled for Monday, October 7.
Note: Any corrections made after the end of last month to attendance, suspensions, and/or serious incidents data will be reflected when the app is refreshed early next month.
For information about how Attendance and Suspension data in QlikBAM differs from SchoolNet and Infinite Campus, please refer to our 2024-25 QlikBAM Dashboard Announcements here.
Contact: performancedashboard@philasd.org
QlikBAM: Apps reflect new SY2024-25 Networks
The Qlik apps in the following streams have rolled over to the new SY2024-25 networks: - Academics & Climate - Talent This means you can use the "Network" filter in the app to view the school-network breakouts for 2024-25 and the individual network bookmarks are no longer needed. Applications in the remaining streams will update over the next few weeks as we intake data for SY2024-25. When all apps in a stream are rolled over, you will see the school year change in the stream name; for example "Academics & Climate (2024-25 Networks)." On occasion, a specific app is not ready to be rolled over yet, those applications note the school year in the app name to indicate which Network configuration it is using.
Contact: performancedashboard@philasd.org
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
NEW
Attention: pre-K through 12 Principals
Annual Internet Safety Education
We are once again requiring an annual Internet Safety Education confirmation from each school. The Children's Internet Protection Act requires schools to document a plan to teach Internet Safety to all students. Schools are required to educate students regarding: appropriate online behavior, interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and cyberbullying awareness and response. To support you in this effort, we are offering a number of strategies and resources that meet this annual requirement. These strategies are listed in the attached google form as well.
ACTION: Please fill out the form with the requested information by October 30, 2024. Please make sure you are logging in from your SDP google account. You will not have access to the form from your personal gmail account.
Contact: Jess Ross-White | Director, Special Projects | @philasd.org
American Heart Association’s 7th Annual STEM Go Red Event
The American Heart Association’s 7th Annual STEM Go Red will bring together High School Students who identify as female to hear from leaders in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
Event Timing: Tuesday, November 12th, 2024/9:00 AM - 1:30 PM (plan to arrive between 8AM - 8:45AM)
Event Location: Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine Contact information: bill.bulat@heart.org or klevine2@philasd.org Space Limits: 120 Students (15 student limit per school)
Deadline: October 13th (Or until event is full)
ACTION: Click here for information on the event!
Contact: Kara Levine | Program Manager | klevine2@philasd.org
American Heart Association $5,000 Scholarship Opportunity
We are also excited to announce that this year, the American Heart Association is offering a $5,000 Scholarship! The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Somasundarum Family developed the Somasundarum Family STEM Scholarship with the goal of bridging the gap between student interests in pursuing a career in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and achieving their goals.
Qualification Requirements: 11-12th grade student who will attend this year's STEM Goes Red Event. Minimum 3.0 GPA Identifies as Female U.S. citizen/permanent resident of the U.S. Applying for funding for the following: Attendance at a college or university with the intent to major in a STEM-related field Attendance at a vocational or technical trade institution with a focus on earning a degree/certificate in a STEM-related field.
ACTION: For additional requirements and how to apply, please click here. The deadline to submit an application is October 18th.
Contact: Kara Levine; klevine2@philasd.org; Program Manager
Attention: middle school Principals
Attention: high school Principals
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
NEW
2024 PSTV Superhero HQ Contest
It is that time of year when we set up a Contest Series, this year we are building off our Superhero contest that students love to participate in. This is their chance to show off the Superhero's headquarters. Please find the flyer attached with details you can also learn more here at this link below.
ACTION: Please click here for more information and be sure to share the flyer with your students.
Contact: Shelley Wolfe | Executive Director | swolfe@philasd.org
PSTV Afterschool Workshops
PSTV is excited to launch its Afterschool workshops, these will be hosted online and in person at PSTV studios.
ACTION: Please sign up here.
Contact: Shelley Wolfe | Executive Director | swolfe@philasd.org
professional learning
NEW
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
<First Principal PD Day> October 9th Principal Professional Development
Principals, we are excited to see you at our first monthly Principal PD day of the year! On October 9th, please report to the Strawberry Mansion HS auditorium (address: Address: 3133 Ridge Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19132) for registration from 8:00-8:30am. We will begin the day with an Opening Plenary, and then transition into sessions for the day at LP Hill, our new PD location for the year. LP Hill is connected to Strawberry Mansion HS.
ACTION: The catalog for the October 9th Principal PD day is HERE. Please review it for parking directions, location information, and network schedules.
Contact: principalpd@philasd.org
<REMINDER> Leader Learning Lab Catalog for Semester 1 (September through January)
The Office of Professional Learning is excited to announce a robust catalog of Leader Learning Lab sessions from September 23, 2024 through January 13, 2025! Leader Learning Labs are optional professional development (PD) opportunities for school leaders on Monday afternoons outside of the formal PD days. Modeled after Tune Up Tuesdays for teachers, these leader learning labs take place after school hours and are offered virtually or in-person. Each session will be branded either as a “learning” session or a “lab” session. Learning sessions focus on developing leaders' understanding of new content, while lab sessions focus on developing leaders' skills and practices through hands-on, facilitated work time. There is a session TODAY, September 30th, on the December 1 Child Count process.
ACTION: Please use this registration link to sign up for the session in PowerSchool!
Contact: principalpd@philasd.org
professional learning
NEW
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
Fall New Hire Orientation <Follow Up Requested>
Registration for Fall New Hire Orientation has opened, and we are reaching out with a request to follow up with your new hires who are expected to attend NHO and have not yet registered as of today.
ACTION: Please click HERE to see new hires from your building who have not yet registered for NHO. Please share a reminder to register for NHO by October 23. New hires with questions about NHO should reach out to orientation@philasd.org.
Contact: Office of Professional Learning | orientation@philasd.org
school safety
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
NEW
UPDATED School Safety Chief Office Hours
Join us to discuss your school safety concerns, share pertinent community updates, and request any needed support. School Safety Chief Johnson's office hours are bi-weekly on Thursdays from 7AM to 8AM.
ACTION: Please use the reoccurring Zoom link to attend. Please see the flyer for more information.
Contact: Hector Davila Communications Coordinator hdavila@philasd.org 215.400.6246
special education and diverse learners
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
NEW
Multilingual Reclassification Results
Your EL points received the result of your school's General Reclassification.
ACTION: Please review results here. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Multilingual Manager.
Contact: Dr. Miulcaeli Batista | ED of Multilingual | mbatista@philasd.org
student support services
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
NEW
Access to Schools: Child Advocates
Process when a child advocate social worker or attorney entrs a school and requests to see their client: Please ask the child advocate to see their Order of appointment. Note that the appointment Order from the Judge will not have the attorney or social worker's name on the Order. Please also ask to see their Defender Association ID. Once you have seen both, regardless whether the advocate is a lawyer or a social worker they are permitted to meet with their client alone.
ACTION: Please find a redacted copy of the Order of appointment for your information.
Contact: Rachel Holzman | Deputy Chief | rholzman@philasd.org | 215.400.6865
Student Well-Being Survey Window 1
The Student Well-Being survey opens on October 7th! Window 1 runs from 10/7/24 to 10/18/24; the full calendar is available here. Students can access the survey anytime during this period (SWBS Student Stepper). For more details, see the Student Well-Being Survey Information Sheet and the Student Well-Being Survey Webpage for additional resources. Schools are able to track student participation down to homeroom during the open windows and aim for at least 70% participation to ensure valid data. Our updated implementation guide supports schools in planning for optimal participation and collecting reliable data reflecting community experiences.
ACTION: Please promote the Student Well-Being Survey throughout the school year-round, especially before and during window openings. Please remind teachers to allocate time for all students to complete the Student Well-Being Survey. School staff with access to Qlik can also track participation using the tracker throughout the survey window.
Contact: Office of School Climate and Culture | schoolclimate@philasd.org | 215.400.4870
Wellness Grant Updates
We are excited to announce the successful launch of the inaugural SDP Wellness Grant initiative, made possible by the Leaves, Accommodations & Wellness Office. Thanks to your overwhelming response, we received 81 outstanding proposals for wellness initiatives that will benefit your staff. We are thrilled to share that all 81 submissions have been approved! During our meeting on Monday, September 23rd, you received an overview of the process for accessing your respective Wellness Grant through our two selected vendors, Working Wellness and Healthy Measures. To help you get started, all 81 schools have been sent emails containing vendor brochures, detailed instructions, and your Wellness Grant amounts. The variety of wellness initiatives funded through these grants is truly inspiring. Some examples include Staff Wellness Days, Yoga Classes, Massage chairs, Healthy Smoothies, and even a "Day to Celebrate Me" - a day dedicated to recognizing and supporting your staff's well-being.
ACTION: Please remember that all Wellness Programs must be completed before the end of the Academic School Year. We are confident that these wellness initiatives will have a positive impact on your staff's health, happiness, and overall job satisfaction. Thank you again for your participation in this important program.
Contact: Steffanie Makarewicz | Manager Leaves, Accommodations & Wellness | smianulli@philasd.org | 215.400.6651
talent
NEW
Attention: Pre-K through 12 Principals
Assistant Principal and Principal Talent Pool
The information session for the Assistant Principal and Principal Talent Pools, previously scheduled for an in-person session, will now be held virtually. The time and date of the session will remain the same, September 30th, 5pm. Please see zoom link below.
ACTION: Please use the Zoom link here to attend.
Contact: Kia Farrow | Director of Substitute Services | kfarrow@philasd.org
Registration for New Staff Orientation; Survey for Climate Support Staff
The Office of Employee Effectiveness and Evaluation is excited to announce New Staff Orientation for employees in support roles. These groups include special education assistants, student support assistants, student climate staff, and climate liaisons. This orientation is designed to give our new staff members a comprehensive introduction to our school district, its culture, and their roles within the immediate team. Those in the role can register to attend a new staff orientation session on PowerSchool by clicking this link.
Sessions will be offered twice daily on select days from October 10 - November 21. If you have any questions, please contact Leta Johnson-Garner (ljohnson@philasd.org) and/or Dr. Tracy Sainvil-Joslyn (tsainviljoslyn@philasd.org).
In collaboration with the Office of School Climate and Culture and Local 634, the EEE office is also developing a new feedback tool designed specifically for our Student Climate Support staff. To ensure this tool efficacy, we want to gather input directly from the Student Climate Support team through this survey, focusing on their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improving how we support their vital role.
ACTION: Please assist us in encouraging your Student Climate Support staff to complete this survey by 10/25.
Contact: Employee Effectiveness and Evaluation | effectiveness@philasd.org
PPG and Individualized (5th) Component Deadlines
This is a reminder about the upcoming tasks due on the PowerSchool Perform Platform. Principal Performance Goals (PPG) and Individualized (5th) Component are due on Tuesday, October 1st.
ACTION: Please review the Evaluation Calendar here.
Contact: Amadi Hayes | Observation Evaluation Coordinator | ahayes@philasd.org | 215.400.6194