This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.
Thu. Dec. 3 & 17. Daddy Universe City Inc. 5:30-7:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Discussion group on fathers’ rights and involvement. Event will address issues such as parenting skills, communication with partners, child support/custody, legal rights, and financial literacy. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Fri. Dec. 4. Art Sanctuary’s North Stars. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Church of the Advocate, 18th & Diamond Sts. (use Gratz St. entrance). This free event will feature students in a musical tribute honoring “King of Pop” Michael Jackson and include African dance and drumming, poetry, and spoken word. For information, call 215-232-4485.
Fri. Dec. 4. Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind. 4-5:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center (first floor), 400 N. Broad St. Presentation will offer information about the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind requirements of schools, standardized testing, and elements of family involvement with children’s learning. Also, learn about education standards, the assessment process, how to interpret Adequate Yearly Progress reports, and how parents can support student success. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Fri. Dec. 4. John Brown, Abolitionist: The Man Who Killed Slavery, Sparked the Civil War, and Seeded Civil Rights. 6 p.m. Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St. Talk by David S. Reynolds, professor of English and American Studies at Baruch College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Event is free. For information, email Larry Robin at larry@moonstoneartscenter.org.
Sat. Dec. 5. Art and Special Education Symposium: What Every Art Teacher and Special Educator Needs to Know. 9:05 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Moore College of Art & Design, 20th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A day of discussion, exploration and discovery of best teaching and learning practices for children with special needs, with keynote speaker Dr. Beverly Gerber. For information or to RSVP, call 215-965-4065 or visit www.moore.edu/site/graduate_programs/ma_art_education/symposium.
Sat. Dec. 5. 7th Annual Women & Influence Conference. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Moore College of Art & Design, 20th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Conference will focus on promoting a healthy sense of self for young women. Programs will be geared toward young women and adults who care about, work with, or influence young women. For information or to register, call Cate Galbally at 215-985-3322.
Sat. Dec. 5. Free SAT Prep Classes. 1-4 p.m. Lucien Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 S. 52nd St. The Free Library of Philadelphia College Prep Initiative is offering SAT Prep Classes for teenagers. To register, email collegeprep@freelibrary.org with your name, phone number, and the session you want to attend, or call 215-686-5372 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Sat. Dec. 5. John Brown for Educators and Students. 9:30 a.m. African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. Author David S. Reynolds explores ways to bring the John Brown story into the classroom. Program will include teaching strategies, primary resources from some of Philadelphia’s premier cultural institutions, and a presentation from the Constitution High School students’ John Brown Debate. Event is free, but seating is limited. To register, email Melvin Garrison at mgarriso@phila.K12.pa.us.
Sat. Dec. 5. John Brown’s Holy War – PBS Film. 3:30 p.m. African American Museum of Philadelphia, 701 Arch St. A 90-minute cinematic portrait of this revolutionary who helped to trigger the Civil War. Event is free with admission to the museum. For information, call 215-574-0380 or visit www.aampmuseum.org.
Sun. Dec. 6. It’s not my swag … I’m not a punching bag! 2-6 p.m. Millcreek Tavern, 4200 Chester Ave. Event will discuss domestic violence among young people. Several state representatives and a school psychologist will facilitate the discussion. For information, email nsf@artistsagainstviolence.org.
Mon. Dec. 7. Diplomas Now: The Early Warning Indicators Project. 10-11:30 a.m. United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Session will present how the Philadelphia Education Fund and Johns Hopkins University put ground-breaking dropout prevention research co-authored in 2005 into practice in two Philadelphia middle grades schools. To register, visit Community Impact Training Institute’s website http://citi.uwsepa.org/. For information, call 215-665-2660 or email citi@uwsepa.org.
Mon. Dec. 7. Reading Writers. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St. Firstrust and the Philadelphia Theatre Company join the Center for Literacy for the Center’s annual fundraiser. Award-winning actors Frank X and Mary Martello will read short stories by David Sedaris and Dorothy Parker. The program includes an award ceremony for four literacy champions. Proceeds benefit CFL educational programs. For information, visit www.centerforliteracy.org/press-q37-y2009-c2 Firstrust_Anchors_Reading_Writers_Event.aspx.
Mon. Dec. 7. Monday Poets: Taije Silverman and Dan Featherston. 6:30 p.m. The Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Library, 1901 Vine St. Come enjoy Taije Silverman’s poems, which have been published in Ploughshares, Poetry, Shenandoah, The Antioch Review, Five Points, Prairie Schooner, Massachusetts Review, and Pleiades. Dan Featherston is the author of several books of poetry, including The Radiant World, The Clock Maker’s Memoir and United States. For information, call 215-686-5322.
Mon. Dec. 7. What’s Available to You? 12:30-1 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center (first floor), 400 N. Broad St. The Nationalities Services Center will present this workshop designed to inform immigrant parents about the services available to them at a low cost or no cost. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Tue. Dec. 8. Parents, Teachers and Paraeducators Working Together to Support Literacy Development. 4-5:30 p.m. This Webinar will provide practical information regarding methods and strategies that may be used by special education paraeducators working with students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings. To register call Mary Lee LaSorsa at 1-800-441-3215 ext. 7242 or email mlasorsa@pattan.net. For information, call Jennnifer Goldbloom at 1-800-441-3215 ext. 7238.
Wed. Dec. 9. School Reform Commission Planning Meeting. 2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. To register to speak, call 215-400-4180 by 4:30 p.m. the day before the meeting. Persons wishing to testify on the District budget should call the office of the Chief Business Officer at 215-400-4500, no later than 4 pm. the day before the meeting. For more budget information, see the District’s budget website.
Wed. Dec. 9. Strategies for Change. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The University Community Collaborative of Philadelphia. 7 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Learn the essential steps in planning and executing a winnable youth-led campaign for positive social change. For information, call Catalina Gonzalez at 215-204-6185/215-665-2500 or email Catalina.Gonzalez@temple.edu.
Wed. Dec. 9 & 16. Asthma Class. 5-7:30 p.m. Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave. Receive a free asthma spacer, allergen-proof mattress/pillow covers and asthma guide. For information, call 215-685-9156.
Wed. Dec. 9. Art-Reach: The Adventures of Harold and the Purple Crayon. 6-8:15 p.m. The Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut St. Event will start with a sensory workshop, then a performance, and finally a Q&A session. Event is free and the performance will allow audiences with visual or hearing impairments or other types of disabilities to enjoy a first-hand experience of this family-friendly holiday production. For information or to reserve tickets, call Art-Reach at 215-568-2115, ext. 5.
Wed. Dec. 9. Get the Money You Need for College. 6-8 p.m. College Access Center of Delaware County, Widener University Campus, 400 E. 21st St., Chester. Free workshop will provide planning tips and information on financial aid. It will also include a Q&A session with financial aid representatives. To register, call 610-499-1391 or email collegeaccesscenterdelco@gmail.com.
Thu. Dec. 10. Energy, Education & Health Fair Community Outreach Summit. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The Deliverance Evangelistic Church, 2001 W. Lehigh Ave. Event will include resources to help improve one’s quality of life. Many organizations will be represented, including the American Diabetes Association, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Mercy Wellness, HIV/AIDS Testing, and Women Against Abuse. The first 200 people will receive a free turkey. For information, call 215-686-3905.
Thu. Dec 10. Peace Not Guns Youth Town Hall Meeting. 4 p.m. South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad St. State Representative Kenyatta Johnson invites you to a community event designed to engage youth in dialogue with a group of premier panelists that will discuss the year in review as it relates to youth violence in Philadelphia. For information, call 215-952-3378 or email at www.pahouse.com/Johnson.
Thu. Dec. 10. 8th Annual Dessert Hour Forum. 6:30-9 p.m. St. Matthew AME Church, 215 N. 57th St. The theme of the event is “Saving Our Young Black Males” and will focus on how parents, teachers, and community members can better interact with young Black men to help ensure their educational and economic stability. Event is free. For information, call 215-843-3375 or email Florence Oliver at Adeltagirl1969@aol.com.
Fri. Dec. 11. Philadelphia Children’s Alliance Educational Conference. Radisson/Warwick Hotel, 4000 Chestnut St. This one-day conference is a fabulous opportunity to build skills and network while hearing speakers from around the country. Organization’s focus is sexually abused children. For information, call 215-387-9500 or visit www.kidalliance.org.
Sat. Dec. 12. 2nd Annual Teen Bash. 8 p.m.-midnight. Concilio Ballroom, 7th St. and Fairmount Ave. Young artists will display their musical and dance skills at this event which seeks to raise awareness about the dropout rate. Event also encourages young people to participate in the 2010 Census count. Cost is $20. To schedule an audition, interested performers can call 267-718-3266 or email Wilfredo Rojas at wil21252@aol.com.
Sat. Dec. 12. Community Christmas Bazaar. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. West Mill Creek Recreational Center, 5100 Parrish St. West Philadelphia will come alive during this Christmas bazaar. Take advantage of the opportunity to make some extra cash by selling your new or used products. Inside spaces are available for $30; outside spaces are $20. For information, call Cheriece Lee at 267-278-1142.
Sun. Dec. 13. Early Bird Read and Look: Rainbow Fish (ages 3-5). 10:15-11 a.m. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Preschoolers and their families can enjoy picture books and art projects presented in the museum galleries. Event is free after admission to museum.For information, call 215-684-7580.
Sun. Dec. 13. Drawing Together (all ages). 12-3 p.m. The Philadelphia Art Museum, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Try your drawing skills in the museum galleries. An artist will be on hand to provide materials and encouragement. Event is free after admission to museum. For information, call 215-684-7580.
Sun. Dec. 13. Family Gallery Tour: Discover Design(ages 6-10). 11:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. The Philadelphia Art Museum, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Children and their families are led on a gallery tour to explore themes and discover works of art. Event is free after admission to museum. For information, call 215-684-7580.
Mon. Dec. 14. Parents as Authors and Children as Authors (Part 1). 4-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Workshop is designed to help parents write and publish books with their children. Come create a unique book with a professional appearance that parents can read over and over again. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Wed. Dec. 16. School Reform Commission Action Meeting. 2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. To register to speak, call 215-400-4180 by 4:30 p.m. the day before the meeting. Persons wishing to testify on the District budget should call the office of the Chief Business Officer at 215-400-4500, no later than 4 pm. the day before the meeting. For more budget information, see the District’s budget website.
Wed. Dec. 16. How to Do Business with the School District of Philadelphia. 5 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St., Room 1072. This information workshop in advance of the upcoming release of the Renaissance Schools Initiative will provide information on the process and procedures on how to respond to a Request for Qualifications from the School District of Philadelphia. To register and for information, call 215-400-6925 or email cjbolger@philasd.org.
Thu. Dec. 17. Superintendent’s Parent Roundtable. 4:30-8 p.m. Edison High School, 151 W. Luzerne St. This special holiday roundtable will feature a holiday feast, musical performances, and the fashion show, “Dress for Success: The Superintendent’s Closet.” Child care will be provided. For information or to reserve a space, call Arlenthia Shrieves at 215-400-6161 or email ashrieves@philasd.org.
Fri. Dec. 18. School Reform Commission Budget Meeting. 12 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. Persons wishing to testify on the District budget should call the office of the Chief Business Officer at 215-400-4500, no later than 4 pm. the day before the meeting. For more information, see the District’s budget website.
Sat. Dec. 19. Free SAT Prep Classes. 1-4 p.m. The Free Library of Philadelphia, Widener Branch, 2808 West Lehigh Ave. The Free Library of Philadelphia College Prep Initiative is offering SAT Prep Classes for teenagers. To register, email your name, phone number, and the session you want to attend to collegeprep@freelibrary.org, or call 215-686-5372 between 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Sat. Dec. 21. Parents as Authors and Children as Authors (Part 2). 4-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 400 N. Broad St. Workshop is designed to help parents write and publish books with their children. Come create a unique book with a professional appearance that parents can read over and over again. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Sat. Dec. 21. How to Do Business with the School District of Philadelphia. 5 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St., Room 1075. This information workshop in advance of the upcoming release of the Renaissance Schools Initiative will provide information on the process and procedures on how to respond to a Request for Qualifications from the School District of Philadelphia. To register and for information, call 215-400-6925 or email cjbolger@philasd.org.
Sat. Dec. 26–Thu. Dec. 31. Winter Family Studio. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Philadelphia Art Museum, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The Museum’s art studios turn into a fun family destination where families can create magnificent works of art, play a game, solve a puzzle, and explore the world of art through children’s books. Program is free after admission to museum, but space is limited to 30 children at any given time. For information, call 215-684-7580.
Ongoing
Every Mon. & Wed. Peaches & Cream Foundation, Inc. 4:30-6:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Workshop will introduce teens and parents to the concept of becoming entrepreneurs. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Every Mon. & Wed. Free GED Class. 5:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Meehan Conference Room, 400 N. Broad St. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Every Wed. Thru Feb. 17. Teen Parenting Classes. 6–8 p.m. Columbia North YMCA, 1400 N. Broad St. Being an effective and good parent begins with understanding child development, personal development, relationship/communication skills, decision making skills, healthy and unhealthy behaviors, and more. Come learn what it takes to be a good parent. For information or to register, call Vanessa Wilder at 215-496-9780, ext 206 or email vanessa@ecparenting.org.
Every Tue. Teen Tuesdays. Afternoon. Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Library, 1901 Vine St. Teens meet at the Central Library for activities, fun, and snacks. Popular programs include hip-hop dance workshops, conflict resolution, teen talent shows, SAT prep, teen open microphone, poetry slams, teen art exhibitions, and more. For information, call 215-686-5415.
Every Tue. & Thur.Basic Computer Class. 1-2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Topics will include what to look for when buying a computer, Internet access, basic web browsing, and printing and saving information. More advanced topics are available upon request. For information, call 215-400-7272.
Thru. Jan. 18. 14th Annual Winter Coat Drive. 100 S. Broad St. Greater Philadelphia Cares is partnering with St. Vincent de Paul to collect coats for seniors, public school children, and the homeless. For a list of drop-off sites, visit www.gpcares.com. For information, call 215-564-4544.
Thru Mar. WHYY/APS Museum High School Video Contest. The APS Museum and WHYY Learning Lab have launched a student video contest to answer the question "Why is Darwin still important?" The contest is open to all Philadelphia-area high school students. Student video submissions are accepted through March 1 and will be posted online. In May 2010, a screening of the finalists’ videos, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, will take place. Prizes will be awarded to finalists. For information, visit www.apsmuseum.org/education.html.
School Calendar
Wed. Dec. 16. Half-day for students. Professional Development Day.
Thu. Dec. 24-Fri. Jan. 1. Christmas holiday and winter break. Schools and administrative offices closed.