Upcoming events

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

Thu. July 30 – Sun. Aug. 2. 6th Annual Black Women’s Arts Festival. Music, films, spoken word, theatre, dance, visual arts, children’s events, and open mic at nine venues throughout Philadelphia. For full schedule visit, http://bwafphilly.homestead.com/2009.html.

Thu. July 30 – Sun. Aug. 2. Weekend of Peace. Health fairs, music, sports, and other events promoting collaboration and providing access to the positive activities available for young people and families at recreation centers (including Kingsessing, Simons, Tustin, Cobbs Creek, McVeigh) and other sites. For infomation, contact Malik R. Johnson, peacemalik@gmail.com, or Barbara Montgomery at 484-431-7474 or barbara@bjazz.com.

Sun. Aug 2. Drawing Together (all ages). 12 – 2:30 p.m. Philadelphia Art Museum, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. All family members are welcome to try their drawing skills in the museum galleries. An artist is on hand to provide materials and encouragement. Drop in anytime between noon and 3:00 p.m. to sketch, doodle, or create a masterpiece. For information, call 215-684-7580.

Sun. Aug 2. Tour For Tots (ages 3-5). 11: 30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Philadelphia Art Museum, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Movement, play, and hands-on activities make up this fun tour designed especially for preschoolers and their families. For information, call 215-684-7580.

Mon. Aug 3. Mellow Mondays. 10 a.m. Cecil B. Moore Library Branch, 2320 Cecil B. Moore Ave. An exciting day of board games, puzzles, and activity sheets at the library. For information, call 215-685-2766.

Wed. Aug 5. Advocacy Brunch. 11 a.m. -1 p.m. The Arc of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation, 2350 W. Westmoreland St. Monthly advocacy brunch for the community with Maurie Kerrigan from Pennsylvania OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services), speaking about sensory loss. Lunch provided. For information, call 215-229-4550.

Fri. Aug. 7. Free Back to School Backpack Event. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. Come enjoy food, fun, giveaways, prizes, entertainment and much more. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Fri. Aug. 7. Second Annual Back-to-School Block Party. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. Sponsored by the School District of Philadelphia and Radio One Philadelphia, this event will be a fun one-stop location where parents can get information to prepare their kids for going back to school. Tables with more than 80 District departments will be on hand as well as food, music, prizes, and fun activities for the family. For information, call 215-400-4000.

Fri. Aug. 7. Beach Party First Friday Dance. 6:30 – 9 p.m. The Arc of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation, 2350 W. Westmoreland St. The $5 ticket price for this monthly event includes dinner and dancing. For information, call 215-229-4550.

Sat. Aug. 8. Free Kindergarten Mixer. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Please Touch Museum, Memorial Hall in Fairmount Park, 4231 Avenue of the Republic. To RSVP contact Gigi McGraw, community program coordinator, at 215-581-5161 or email gmcgraw@pleasetouchmuseum.org.

Mon. Aug. 10-Thur. Aug. 13. Introduction to Microsoft Word. 1-4 p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Class is $20. Students must successfully complete the "Introduction to Computers" class before attending. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Tue. Aug. 11. Community Meeting with Superintendent Arlene Ackerman. 6-8 p.m. Berean Presbyterian Church, 2101 N. Broad St. Superintendent Ackerman will talk with students, parents, community residents, organizations, clergy and business owners about North Philadelphia schools and the steps that can be taken to ensure students receive a quality education. To RSVP, email Ruth Birchett at ruthbirchett@yahoo.com.

Tue. Aug. 11. Save Pennsylvania Communities. 12 noon. Media PA Courthouse, 201 Front St. At this rally speakers in the areas of education, child care, business, housing, prevention services, disability rights,and more will talk about how state budget cuts will impact the communities. For information, call Sheila Simmons at 215-563-5848 ext. 12 or email sheilas@pccy.org.

Wed. Aug. 12. Reading Strategies. 1 – 3 p.m. School District of Philadelphia, 440 N. Broad St. With Joanne Eggleston, Office of Specialized Services, participants will learn reading strategies to help children with reading and comprehension skills. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Aug. 12. W.H.Y. (What Hinders You/Youth?) Beyond Intelligence, More than the Eye Can See – Pearline Sturdivant Series, Part II. 5:30 – 7 p.m. School District of Philadelphia, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop will give parents an understanding of how their student learns using a wide range of intellects and how Gardner’s“multiple intelligences”helps understand learning. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Aug 12. School Reform Commission Planning Meeting. 2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. To register to speak, call 215-400-4040 by 4:30 p.m. the day before the meeting.

Fri. Aug. 14. Philadelphia HUNE – Advocacy: A Way of Life. 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This session provides insight into special education advocacy and offers tips on what to expect from advocates and how to effectively work with them. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Mon. Aug. 17-Thur. Aug. 20. Introduction to Microsoft Excel. 1-4 p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Class is $20. Students must successfully complete the "Introduction to Computers" class before attending. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Wed. Aug 19. School Reform Commission Action Meeting. 2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. To register to speak, call 215-400-4040 by 4:30 p.m. the day before the meeting.

Wed. Aug. 19. Math Interventions. 1 – 3 p.m. School District of Philadelphia, 440 N. Broad St. With Joanne Eggleston, Office of Specialized Services, learn strategies to help and encourage interest in math. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Sat. Aug. 22. Philadelphia Right to Education’s Early Intervention/Welcome Program. 9 a.m.- noon. School District of Philadelphia, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Families of children with special needs who are transitioning from the Early Intervention system to the Philadelphia School District will be provided with information about the services and supports offered by the Office of Specialized Instructional Services. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Mon. Aug. 24 – Fri. Aug. 28. Week-long Summer Institute on Autism. Dr. Matt Tincani is offering an institute intended for professionals, parents, self-advocates, family members, friends, students. Cost: $75.00. All are invited! For information, visit http://www.temple.edu/education/cite/autisminstitute/index.html or call 215-204-8073.

Mon. Aug. 24-Thur. Aug. 27. Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint. 1-4 p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Class is $20. Students must successfully complete the "Introduction to Computers Class" before attending. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Tue. Aug. 25 & Thur. Aug. 27. Starting Your Online Job Search. 1-3 p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Class is free. Students must attend both days and must have successfully completed the "Introduction to Computers" class. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Wed. Aug. 26. North Philly Computer Club. 6 p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Whether you are a computer novice or advanced user, learn the tips and tricks to using Microsoft Word. Refreshments will be served. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Thu. Aug. 27. Teacher Action Group (TAG) Back to School BBQ. 6 p.m. 5730 Reach St. Learn more about TAG and get involved. Dinner and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to TAGPhilly@gmail.com.

Mon. Aug. 31-Thur. Sept. 3. Introduction to Microsoft Publisher. 1-4 p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Class is $20. Students must successfully complete the "Introduction to Computers Class" before attending. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Wed. Sep. 2. Advocacy Brunch. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Arc of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Developmental Disabilities Corporation, 2350 W. Westmoreland St. Monthly advocacy brunch for the community with Maurie Kerrigan from Pennsylvania OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services), speaking about age-related macular degeneration and home modifications. Lunch provided. For information, call 215-229-4550.

Ongoing

Every Mon. and Wed. Introduction to Computers. 6-8p.m. Honickman Learning Center & Comcast Technology Labs, 1936 North Judson St. Class is free. Students must attend all eight sessions to receive certificate of completion. For information, call 215-235-2900.

Every Tue. and Thu. Free GED Class. 5:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia, Meehan Conference Room, 440 N. Broad St. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Every weekday. New Immigrant Registration. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Interpreters will be available to assist in getting students registered for school. For information, call 215-400-7272.