Upcoming events

This article was originally published in The Notebook. In August 2020, The Notebook became Chalkbeat Philadelphia.

Wed. Nov. 4-Sun. Nov. 8. Helping Hands Week Fundraiser. 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Trolley Car Diner & Deli, 7619 Germantown Ave. Proceeds benefit the Germantown Women’s Y After School Program at the Houston School. The diner will donate 15% toward transportation costs and cultural field trips. To request a coupon for this event, call Germantown Women’s Y at 215-927-3170. For information about Trolley Car Diner & Deli, call 215-753-1500 or visit www.trolleycardiner.com.

Thu. Nov. 5. Renaissance Schools: Community Feedback Session. 6-8 p.m. High School of the Future, 4021 Parkside Ave. The School District of Philadelphia is seeking input on the Renaissance Schools initiative to transform some of the District’s lowest-performing schools. Hear a summary of recommendations from members of the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board and provide your input on the process. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Thu. Nov. 5. The Center for Autism Open House. 5-7:30 p.m. Center for Autism, 2801 Grant Ave. Speak with the board of directors, management, therapists, and project team to learn about the facility and services offered. Light refreshments. For information, call 215-220-2109 or visit www.thecenterforautism.org.

Fri. Nov. 6. Toastmasters, International. 1–2:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Translation and Interpretation Center, Suite 1195, 440 N. Broad St. Improve your communication skills and get comfortable speaking in front of groups. Toastmasters will give you expertise and confidence to effectively express yourself in any situation. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Sat. Nov. 7. Coats for Kids Charity Event. 3-7 p.m. Lotus Lounge, 101 N. 20th St. Kijafa Frink, Raquel McNabb, and Pink Diamonds Inc. in conjunction with the Philadelphia Cares Annual Winter Coat Drive will host the event. For information, contact Morria Winn, 215-300-1214 or email morria@pinkdiamondsinc.com.

Sat. Nov. 7. Schooling Ourselves: Hip-Hop Curriculum Teachers Workshop (Act 48). 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. National Liberty Museum, 321 Chestnut St. Learn the roots of Hip-Hop and how to use it to help students read, write, speak, listen, and think critically and with empathy. Cost is $50 per teacher. To register, contact Kevin Orangers at 215-925-2800 ext.133 or email teachertraining@libertymuseum.org.

Sat. Nov. 7. Moving Forward: Transition Conference for Youth. 3-9 p.m. Holiday Inn, 432 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington. This free conference will offer the tools for a successful transition to employment, college, or other form of training. Open to all youth, and young adults with disabilities, including social security beneficiaries. To register, go to www.drnpa.org.

Sat. Nov. 7. Letter to My Father Writing Workshop. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Church of the Good Shepherd, 3820 The Oak Rd. Leeway Foundation grant recipient and Art Sanctuary board member Tina Smith-Brown leads a free workshop on the therapeutic, creative, and spiritual uses of letter-writing. For information, call 267-872-3069.

Sun. Nov. 8 and 22. Early Bird Read and Look: The Paper Bag Princess (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. Nov. 8. Tour For Tots: Travel through Asia (ages 3-5). 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Movement, play, and hands-on activities make up this fun tour designed for preschoolers and their families. Event is free after admission to museum. For information, call 215-684-7580.

Mon. Nov. 9. Renaissance Schools: Community Feedback Sessions. 6-8 p.m. Audenried High School, 3301 Tasker St. The School District of Philadelphia is seeking input on the Renaissance Schools initiative to transform some of the District’s lowest-performing schools. Hear a summary of recommendations from members of the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board and provide your input on the process. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Mon. Nov. 9. Stakeholder Meeting. 5-7 p.m. Holy Trinity Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 11th & Rockland St. Logan Olney Equal Partners in Change (EPIC) and Carson Valley Children’s Aid will hold a stakeholder meeting. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Nov. 10. Crossroads Ed Solutions, Inc. 6:30-7:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop is designed for all parents and educators who deal with high-need learners. We will discuss the special education process and the parents’ and educators’ role in that process; how to determine if your child needs an advocate and where to find one; and what to do if your child is not identified as a special needs child, but is having behavioral and/or academic challenges. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Nov. 10. Families First Training Session. United Cerebral Palsy, 102 E. Mermaid Lane. Find direction, information, and support from families regarding the basics of early intervention. Sessions are free. To register or for information, call Cathy Roccia-Meier at 215-204-1772 or email cathyRM@temple.edu.

Tue. Nov. 10. Home and School General Membership Meeting. 10 a.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Room 1075, 440 N. Broad St. A speaker from the District’s Office of the Inspector General will attend. Also, learn how to set up a Home and School Association at your school. For information, call Jay Cohen at 215-768-9957.

Wed. Nov. 11. Schooling Ourselves: Exploring Hip-Hop Curriculum as Poetry in the Classroom. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Penn State Great Valley, 30 E. Swedesford Rd., Malvern. Art Sanctuary’s hip-hop curator H. Bernard Hall will help teachers incorporate hip-hop in their classroom, and help students develop and enhance their literacy skills. Event is free. For information, call 610-648-3275.

Thu. Nov. 12. Community College of Philadelphia. 5-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. This is a presentation about the benefits of attending Community College of Philadelphia and ways to finance your college education. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Thu. Nov. 12. 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.

Thu. Nov. 12. Book Signing: Dr. Elijah Anderson’s Against The Wall: Poor, Young, Black, and Male. 7:30 p.m. Head House Books, 619 S. 2nd St. Educating Communities for Parenting invites fatherhood groups to attend the book signing of Dr. Anderson’s new book. For information, call 215-496-9780.

Thu. Nov. 12. Transition & Career Assessment: Looking at the Whole Student 2009-2010 PA Transition Community of Practice Videoconference Series. 9 a.m-1:15 p.m. PaTTAN Office, King of Prussia, 200 Anderson Rd. This three-part interactive series will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize a meaningful, coordinated assessment process for youth and young adults with disabilities. For information, call 1-800-441-3215 or 610-265-7321. To register, visit www.pattan.net.

Thu. Nov. 12. 15th Annual Champions for Young Children Event, Reach Beyond Tomorrow. 6-8 p.m. Comcast Center, 1701 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Senator Bob Casey will be awarded the Champion for Young Children Award for his significant work in the field of early childhood education. Event will include food and a celebration of early childhood education. For information or to purchase a ticket, call 215-893-0130.

Fri. Nov. 13. Car Safety-Jessica Jones of Street Smarts. 9:30-11 a.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. Street Smarts’ Parent Program will cover different types of restraints, how to properly fit your child in a car seat, and how to correctly install the car seat. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Sat. Nov. 14. 186th Student Achievement College Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. G.W. Childs School, 1541 S. 17th St. Will feature representatives from 30 colleges and universities, including State System of Higher Education schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Will also include workshops for students and parents about choosing the right college, applying to college, and applying for financial aid and scholarships. For information, call Representative Kenyatta Johnson at 215-952-3378 or visit www.pahouse.com/Johnson.

Sat. Nov. 14. Art Sanctuary @ the Art Expo. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Liacouras Center, Temple University, 1776 N. Broad St. Event will include a panel discussion from 12-1 p.m. titled “Writing for Our Lives: How to write your story”; writing workshops from 1:15-2:45 p.m. about how participants can tell their own personal story through writing; and a book signing from 3-4 p.m. featuring authors Solomon Jones, Lori L. Tharps, Larry Woody, and Milton McGriff. For information, call 215-232-4485.

Sat. Nov. 14. Point Breeze Youth Development Educational Center Grand Opening: The Point. 2-7 p.m. Point Breeze Youth Development Education Center, 1530 Point Breeze Ave. Point Breeze youth center will host a grand opening event for The Point, an afterschool educational and social service facility for inner city youth ages 10-19. The facility aims to empower and strengthen youth, their parents, and the community and prevent violence, crime, truancy, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy. Event will include free food, health screenings, giveaways, and more. For information, call Kenyatta Bey at 215-263-9434 or email pointbreezeyouth@gmail.com.

Sun. Nov. 15. Sundays on Stage: African Dance & Drum. 2 p.m. Free Library of Philadelphia, Parkway Central Library, Montgomery Auditorium, 1901 Vine St. African American and African dance performance rooted in the cultures and aesthetic values of the African Diaspora, blending West African ancestral traditions and African American creativity. For information, call 215-686-5322.

Sun. Nov. 15. National College Fair. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Pennsylvania Convention Center, Hall B, 1101 Arch St. Over 400 colleges and universities will attend. Fair will also include workshops on various topics such as financial aid. For information, call 703-836-2222 ext 156 or email collegefairs@nacacnet.org or info@nacacnet.org.

Tue. Nov. 17. Renaissance Schools: Community Feedback Session. 6-8 p.m. McClure Elementary School, 4198 N. 6th St. The School District of Philadelphia is seeking input on the Renaissance Schools initiative to transform some of the District’s lowest-performing schools. Hear a summary of recommendations from members of the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board and provide your input on the process. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Nov. 17. PAL Information. 1-2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. We will discuss the different types of programs available at the Philadelphia Police Athletic League, the locations, and how parents can enroll their children. A Q&A period will follow the presentation. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Nov. 17. Mothers: Raising your sons to become strong men-Joel Austin. 5-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. Session will focus on the best ways to raise young boys and include topics related to discipline, education, respect, and puberty. Learn how to avoid most of the stress and difficulties of raising boys as they become independent men. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Nov. 18. Renaissance Schools: Community Feedback Session. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Benjamin Franklin HS, 550 N. Broad St. The School District of Philadelphia is seeking input on the Renaissance Schools initiative to transform some of the District’s lowest-performing schools. Hear a summary of recommendations from members of the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board and provide your input on the process. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Nov. 18. The Power of Youth Voice: What Kids Learn When They Create With Digital Media. 6-8 p.m. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Auditorium, 1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Discussion about how young people can and do learn from digital media. From 6-7 p.m., enjoy a reception, during which examples of digital work created by young people will be displayed. From 7-8pm, a panel with some of the national leaders in the field will discuss the topic. A Q&A period will follow the panel. For information or to register, visit www.woodrow.org/youthvoice.

Wed. Nov. 18. Speaking Up-Karen Shanoski-PA PIRC (Parent Information Resource Center).5:30-7 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. In workshop parents will discuss ways to speak up for their children, the children of the school, or the children in their neighborhood. Session will also include identifying the characteristics of effective advocacy and considering the skills that parents can make strong in order to be compelling advocates. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Nov. 18. 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.

Wed. Nov. 18. Free Networking Fair 2009. 9:45 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pennsylvania Department of Education, 333 Market St., Harrisburg. The fair will be an opportunity for state disability advocacy groups to share ideas, get resources and learn to work together to advocate for better lives for people with disabilities and their families.

Thu. Nov. 19. Renaissance Schools: Community Feedback Session (students only). 3-5 p.m. School District of Philadelphia, 440 N. Broad St., Auditorium. The School District of Philadelphia is seeking input on the Renaissance Schools initiative to transform some of the District’s lowest-performing schools. Students will be in the auditorium without a parent or guardian present. Hear a summary of recommendations from members of the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board and provide your input on the process. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Thu. Nov. 19. The Philadelphia Right to Education Task Force: Annual Special Event Meeting. 6–8 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Rm. 1075, 440 N. Broad St. Meet and greet new coordinators for children, ask questions, and get information about policies as it relates to special education services, interventions, and initiatives for children. For more information, call 215-229-4550 ext. 126.

Thu. Nov. 19. The Philadelphia Out-of-School Time Resource Fair. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St. Join over 200 staff to learn more about opportunities and resources for the OST community. Attend workshops, visit over 40 vendor tables, and enjoy food and raffle prizes. Free admission. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For information or to register, call Deepa Vasudevan at 215-898-0793 or email deepava@sp2.upenn.edu.

Thu. Nov. 19. Superintendent’s Parent Roundtable. Time and location TBA. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Thu. Nov. 19. Malcolm Bernard Historically Black Colleges and University Fair. 3:30-7 p.m. Benjamin Franklin High School, 550 N. Broad St. A panel will discuss the benefits of attending an HBCU. There will be 45 HBCUs on hand to accept applications without fees and some will offer scholarships on site. Those students that come prepared with transcripts may receive on-site acceptance. Sallie Mae will also be on hand to offer a financial aid workshop and is raffling off two $500 scholarships. Event is open to students, parents, and counselors. Professional dress is required. For information, call Jennifer Garrett at 215-400-4130 or email jgarret@philasd.org.

Fri. Nov. 20. Integrating Academic and Behavior Supports Within an RTI Framework. 8-9 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. During this webinar, obtain background on why integrating academic and behavior RTI (Response to Intervention) systems improves student outcomes and helps prevent school failure. Also, receive specific examples of how academic and behavior systems can be combined into an integrated schoolwide system of supports for students. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Sat. Nov. 21. Special Education-Rules of the Game. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The Arc of Philadelphia, 2350 W. Westmoreland St. Learn the rules so you can understand the power behind the law. Keynote speaker will be Sharon Gaskins, Deputy Education Officer to Mayor Nutter. For information or to register, call Donna Bouclier at 215-229-4550 ext. 112 or email donnas@arcpddc.org.

Sat. Nov. 21. Raising a Child with Autism: Maintaining Balance While Surfing Your Stress. 1–3 p.m. Center for Autism, Suite 6, 3905 Ford Rd. Presented by Dr. Robert Naseef, this workshop will focus on understanding this common reaction as well as concrete ways of reducing stress. The presentation will cover the impact on the body, identifying stressors, getting in touch with your feelings, and basic stress reduction techniques. For information or to RSVP, call 215-413-7106 or email nasya06@msn.com

Sat. Nov. 21. Give Kids Sight Day. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wills Eye Institute, 9th and Walnut Sts. and The Eye Institute, 12th and Godfrey (in Oak Lane). Come get a free eye check, a free pair of glasses, and a chance to win Eagles tickets. No appointments necessary. Walk in only. Children who need glasses after their eye check can pick out frames on that day and get their free glasses at a later date. For information, call PCCY at 215-563-5848 or visit www.pccy.org/sightday.

Sun. Nov. 22 and 29. 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.

Tue. Nov. 24. Renaissance Schools: Community Feedback Session. 6-8 p.m. Boys Latin Charter School, 5501 Cedar Ave. The School District of Philadelphia is seeking input on the Renaissance Schools initiative to transform some of the District’s lowest-performing schools. Hear a summary of recommendations from members of the Renaissance Schools Advisory Board and provide your input on the process. For information or to RSVP, call 215-400-7272.

Sun. Nov. 29. John Brown, a Man of Faith: In Music and Words. 11 a.m. Mother Bethel Church, 419 S. 6th St. Church service followed by a talk by Philadelphia African American historian Charles L. Blockson. For more information, contact Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler at markkellytyler@gmail.com

Sun. Nov. 29. Family Gallery Tour: Arms and Armour(ages 6-10). 11:30 a.m. and 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. Nov. 30. The North’s Slavery Legacy. 6:30 p.m. Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave. Open house. Learn how slavery produced northern wealth and was engrained in northern life-styles. Learn about the enslaved people who worked for the Chews and how their story is changing the interpretive program at Cliveden. For more information, email info@cliveden.org.

Tue. Dec. 1. My Lord What A Mornin. Vigil for John Brown – A Living History Program. 6 p.m. Shiloh Baptist Church, 2040 Christian St. The event commemorates both the 150th anniversary of Brown’s execution and the historic vigil held in his honor at Shiloh Baptist Church. For more information, contact Rev. Edward Sparkman at sparkmane1@comcast.net.

Wed. Dec. 2. In Memoriam: Horace Pippin’s John Brown Going to His Hanging. Noon-1 p.m. Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad St. Join art historian and Pippin expert Judith Stein on this historic anniversary for a discussion of Pippin’s painting and the quietly heroic figure of John Brown that it portrays. This program is part of the Art-at-Lunch Lecture Series and is free and open to the public. For more information, contact PAFA at 215-972-2105 or visit their website: www.pafa.org/aal.

Wed. Dec. 2. A Conversation on the Legacy of John Brown with Charles Blockson and Dr. Molefi Kete Asante. 2-4 p.m. Charles Blockson Collection, Temple University, Sullivan Hall. Mr. Blockson will discuss his family’s personal connection to John Brown and Dr. Asante will present “John Brown: An Authentic Hero of Liberty.” For more information, contact Dr. Diane Turner, ddturner@temple.edu.

Wed. Dec. 2. The Empty Coffin: John Brown and Philadelphia A Talk by Louis A. DeCaro, Jr. 6 p.m. Historical Scoeity of Pennsylvania/Library Company of Philadelphia, 1300 Locust St. DeCaro’s talk will allow us to learn the fascinating story of Brown’s body traveling through Philadelphia, and invite us to consider Brown’s pivotal importance in the larger struggle for civil rights. To register or for more information, visit www.hsp.org or call 215-732-6200. Or contact Lauri Cielo, (215) 732-6200 ext. 233, lcielo@hsp.org.

Ongoing

Every Wed. and Thu. starting Mon. Nov. 9 – Sat. Dec. 19. “I Dream of College” Program. 3-7 p.m. Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, 5620 Wyalusing Ave. Open enrollment starts Nov. 5. Enjoy free college editing and writing workshops; career panel discussions with local prominent minority leaders; Q&A sessions for parents focusing on the college entrance process and financial aid; organization and business resources for students interested in volunteering and internships; life skills (dressing for success, cooking and eating healthy, computer skills and more; and various trips and community service projects. Also, receive assistance with completing college and scholarship applications. Participants can also take advantage of mentor matching and each person who completes the program will receive a $500 scholarship for college books and supplies, and additional assistance during their first year in college. Cost is $75.00 (Limited scholarships are available). For information or to register call Kym Oglesby at 215-747-2600 or visit www.goodluckfoundation.org.

Every Mon. and Wed. Free GED Classes. 5:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Meehan Conference Room, 440 N. Broad St. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Every Tue. and Thu. Basic Computer Classes. 1-2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, first floor, 440 N. Broad St. Instruction by Jay Cohen or Temple students. Topics include what to look for when buying a computer, Internet access, basic web browsing, and printing and saving information. More advanced topics available upon request. For information, call 215-400-7272.

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.

Call for Nominations! National Liberty Museum Teacher as Hero Awards.
The Museum’s Education Department invites students, teachers, education and youth leaders, families and mentors to nominate an inspirational teacher for the National Liberty Museum’s 2009 Teacher as Hero Award. Applications accepted now through Nov. 30. Applications available online at www.libertymuseum.org or by calling Kevin Orangers at 215-925-2800, ext.133.

School Calendar

Wed. Nov. 11. Veterans’ Day. Schools and administrative offices closed

Mon. Nov. 23. High school early dismissal. High school report card conferences

Tue. Nov. 24. High school early dismissal

Thu. Nov. 26 and Fri. Nov. 27. Thanksgiving holiday. Schools and administrative offices closed

Full calendar for the 2009-10 school year is available here, and en español aquí.