Upcoming events

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

Thur. Apr. 1. Job Training and Readiness. 4-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop will prepare you for job training, job readiness, resume preparation, and educational advancement while helping to develop your full potential. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Thur. Apr. 1, 15 & 29. Daddy UniverseCity Inc. and Daddies Right Here. 6-7:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Both groups will lead an ongoing discussion about fathers’ rights and involvement. Participants will discuss and help resolve current parental issues such as parenting skills, communication with partners, child support/custody, legal rights, and financial literacy. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Mon. Apr. 5. Reading in Concert: A Soldier’s Story Student Matinee. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Church of the Advocate, 18th and Diamond Sts. College students lead groups in a study of a play focusing on racism and segregation within a Black army regiment commanded by White soldiers. Cost is $5 per student. For information, email info@artsanctuary.com.

Tue. Apr. 6. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Public Forum on School Violence. 4-6 p.m. Gustine Recreation Center, 4863 Ridge Ave. Parents, educators, community members, and students are encouraged to attend and discuss the state of and solutions to violence in the District. For information, email Naraah Crawley at naraah.crawley@phila.gov or call 215-685-4674.

Tue. Apr. 6. Absent in the Classroom, Present in the Courtroom: Attendance and Truancy. 10 a.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. A course designed to educate parents on the rules and regulations surrounding attendance and truancy in the District. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Tue. Apr. 6. Philadelphia Home and School Council General Membership Meeting. 6-8 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St., Room 1075. All parents are welcome. For information, call 215-400-4080.

Tue. Apr. 6, 13, & 20. Helping Students Achieve in School. 6 p.m. West Park Apartments, 4445 Holden St. Parents are given guides and learn supportive techniques to help African American and Latino males, two high-risk populations, stay in school. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thu. Apr. 8, 15, & 22. FamilyNet: Check Your Child’s Grades Online. 9 a.m. West Park Apartments, 4445 Holden St. Parents will learn how to access their child’s progress data, report cards, attendance records, test scores, and instructional resources. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thu. Apr. 8, 15, 22, & 29. Computer Training: Train the Trainer. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This 10-week course instructs parents on the basics of the computer so that they can put their newfound knowledge to use in assisting others. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Fri. Apr. 9-11. Teach and Reach Your True Self. The Adrienne, 2030 Samson St. Reignite and re-power yourself as a teacher and learner through invigorating, interactive theatre-based activities that will transform how you think about yourself and your work. For information, visit www.gasandelectricarts.org.

Fri. Apr. 9-11. Mt. Airy Kids’ Literary Festival. Big Blue Marble Bookstore, 551 Carpenter Lane. A weekend full of free readings, music, and more meant to engage children of all ages. For information, visit www.bigbluebookstore.com or call Maleka Fruean at 215-844-1870.

Sun. Apr. 11. Legs Against Arms 5K Run/Walk. 7 a.m. St. Joseph’s University, 5600 City Ave. Take part in this event to oppose illegal handguns in Philadelphia. For information, email info@legsagainstarms.org or call 215-765-8705.

Sun. Apr. 11. Music and Motion by Tracey Eldridge. 2 p.m. Central Library, 1901 Vine St. Celebrate literacy at this interactive event. Participants will receive a free copy of the book “What a Treasure”. For information, call 215-686-5322.

Mon. Apr. 12. English as a Second Language. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Southwark Elementary School, 1835 S. 9th St. This three-hour class meets four days a week until June 3. Students will learn English by utilizing four language acquisition skills. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Mon. Apr. 12. English as a Second Language. 5:45-8:45 p.m. Juniata Park Academy, 801 E. Hunting Park Ave. This three-hour class meets four days a week until June 3. Students will learn English by utilizing four language acquisition skills. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Mon. Apr. 12, 19 & 26. Physical Fitness Class. 10 a.m. Beloved St. John, 4541 N. Broad St. A course offered to parents in the community through Parent University of Philadelphia. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Mon. Apr. 12. Candidates’ Forum on Children’s Issues. 7-9 p.m. Free Library of Philadelphia, 19th and Vine Sts. Listen to gubernatorial candidates discuss and debate issues surrounding education, child care, economic security, children’s health, child welfare, and juvenile justice. Sponsored by Public Citizens for Children and Youth. To RSVP, call 215-563-5848, extension 11.

Mon. Apr. 12. Homework Help. 12-2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop will provide tips and tools for parents to make homework time more meaningful and less stressful. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Apr. 13. Superintendent’s Parent Roundtable Discussion. 5-8 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 14. 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.

Wed. Apr. 14. Absent in the Classroom, Present in the Courtroom: Attendance and Truancy. 6 p.m. Audenried High School, 3301 Tasker Ave. A course designed to educate parents on the rules and regulations surrounding attendance and truancy in the District. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 14, 21 & 28. Academic Success. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This course teaches parents how to help their children with all the skills they will need to have a successful educational experience. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 14. The Power of Working Together. 10 a.m. Beloved St. John, 4541 N. Broad St. A course offered to parents in the community through Parents “R” Equal Partners centered on how parents and the community can work together. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thu. Apr. 15. The Philadelphia Right to Education Local Task Force. 5:30-8 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St., Room 1075. Participants at this general body meeting will discuss how the District’s Weighted Student Funding initiative will affect students with disabilities and how children can qualify for Extended School Year Services. For information, call 215-229-4550 ext. 126.

Thu. Apr. 15 & 29. Social Etiquette. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. A course offered to parents in the community through the Parent University of Philadelphia centered on proper manners in social situations. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thu. Apr. 15. Raising Readers Workshop. 6 p.m. J. Hampton Moore, 6900 Summerdale Ave. Empowers parents’ role as children’s first teacher and reinforces the importance of literacy. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Sat. Apr. 17. Germantown Poetry Festival. 2-5 p.m. Germantown Friends School , 31 W. Coulter St. Youth Poetry groups from schools and the community are encouraged to participate in this event meant to empower youth and unite neighborhoods. For information, email Elan Gepner at elangep@gmail.com.

Sat. Apr. 17. Technology and Information Expo. 9 a.m. Edison High School, 151 W. Luzerne St.The School District of Philadelphia’s Parent University will offer free computer classes and workshops centered on your child’s education. Plus, bring your student’s ID for the chance to win a free iPod. For information and to register, call 215-400-4180 or register online at www.philasd.org/parentuniversity.

Sat. Apr. 17 & Sun. Apr. 18. Free Library Festival. Central Library, 19th and Vine Sts. Free programming for book lovers of all ages at this two-day event. Talks by best-selling authors, poetry readings, musical performances, and more make this a fun, free time. For information, call 215-686-5322.

Tue. Apr. 20. Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Public Forum on School Violence. 4-6 p.m. Finley Recreation Center, 7701 Mansfield Ave. Parents, educators, community members, and students are encouraged to attend and discuss the state of and solutions to violence in the District. For information, email Naraah Crawley at naraah.crawley@phila.gov or call 215-685-4674.

Tue. Apr. 20. Character Development: Beyond the Three Rs. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Parents are educated on how children learn from their actions. Participants will learn how to portray good character as an example to their children. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 21. Health/Wellness and Cultural Enrichment. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Parents learn about the most common health problems facing them and their children, such as obesity. They learn ways to promote healthy eating as well as how their children’s health is managed in school. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 21. 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.

Thu. Apr. 22. Superintendent’s Parent Roundtable Discussion. Pollock Elementary School, 2875 Welsh Rd. To reserve your space, call 215-400-6161.

Thu Apr. 22 & 29. Parent Publishers Program. 6 p.m. J. Hampton Moore, 6900 Summerdale Ave. Parents learn the importance of literacy as they write, edit, illustrate and publish their own children’s book. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thu. Apr. 22. Parenting with Purpose. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop is designed to break all the barriers that would prevent love, support, encouragement, and effective parenting from flowing within the home. Parents will gain the tools necessary to build up their mental, spiritual and physical wellness, and begin parenting with purpose. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Fri. Apr. 23. Office of Specialized Instructional Services’ 3rd Annual Autism Expo. 10 a.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Resources and support are available to caregivers of children on the autism spectrum. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Fri. Apr. 23. Peace Youth Gathering. 4-8 p.m. Vare Recreation Center, 2600 Morris St. The youth of Philadelphia will speak out about violence, education, and more. Event will include musical performances, poetry readings, resource tables, and much more. For information, call Miriam at 267-978-2958.

Sat. Apr. 24. Please Touch Museum Storybook Ball. 6- 9 p.m. Please Touch Museum, 4321 Avenue of the Republic. Children and grown-ups are invited to dress up as their favorite storybook characters for this night filled with music, dancing, and performances. For information, email Laura Stanley at lstanley@pleasetouchmuseum.org or call 215-581-3160.

Sat. Apr. 24. Special Education Advocacy Training (SEAT). 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Arc of Philadelphia, 2350 Westmoreland St. This workshop will include discussion about autism case management skills. A panel of autism experts will be on hand to answer questions. For information, call Stacey Charles at 215-229-4550 ext. 189 or email scharles@arcpddc.org.

Sun. Apr. 25. 2010 Annual Local Oratorical Contest. 4 p.m. Philadelphia Elks Center, 4930 N. Broad St. The Philadelphia Joint Education Department and the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of the World is inviting students to participate in this competition as a way to provide encouragement, direction, self-esteem, and academic motivation. The winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship. For information, call Katrina Swedenburg at 267-978-0835.

Mon. Apr. 26 & Tue. Apr. 27. Parents as Authors and Children as Authors (Parts 1 & 2). 4-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop is designed to help parents write and publish books with their children. Participants will create a unique book with a professional appearance that parents can read over and over again. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Apr. 27. Character Development: Beyond the Three Rs. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Parents are educated on how children learn from their actions. Participants will learn how to portray good character as an example to their children. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Tue. Apr. 27. Understanding School Action Plans. 10 a.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. A course offered to parents in the community through Parents “R” Equal Partners. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 28. A Parent’s Guide to the Curriculum. 10 a.m. Beloved St. John, 4541 N. Broad St. Parents will learn about what their children are learning in school and how to complement their curriculum at home. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 28. Health/Wellness and Cultural Enrichment. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Parents learn about the most common health problems facing them and their children, such as obesity. They learn ways to promote healthy eating as well as how their children’s health is managed in school. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Wed. Apr. 28. Promise Academy Forum. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. Come learn about Superintendent Ackerman’s Promise Academies and ask questions about what these schools will be like. For information, call 215-400-6538 or email promiseacademies@philasd.org.

Thur. Apr. 29. Understanding School Budgets. 10 a.m. & 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. A course offered to parents in the community through Parents “R” Equal Partners centered on understanding how schools spend money. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thur. Apr. 29. Breaking Cultural Barriers Through the Arts. 4-6:30 p.m. United Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. A forum hosted by Public Citizens for Children and Youth for practitioners and policy makers to share stories and recommendations on how public school students can break down barriers through the arts. For information, email gretchenelise@pccy.org.

Thur. Apr. 29. Know Your School: Know Your Child. 4-5 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop will solicit feedback from parents regarding their comfort level coming into their children’s school. Also, how they can make their experience productive working with school staff.

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 Tue. Teen Tuesdays. Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St. Teens meet at the Central Library after school for activities, fun, and snacks. Previous programs have included hip-hop dance workshops, conflict resolution, teen talent shows, SAT prep, teen open mike, poetry slams, teen art exhibitions, and more. For information, call 215-686-5415.

Every Tue. & Thu. 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.

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.

Thru Apr. 11. Philagrafika 2010. The Galleries at Moore College of Art and Design, 20th and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Philadelphia’s international festival celebrating the print in contemporary art. Works by various artists from all over the world are on display. For information, call 215-965-4027.

Thru Apr. 13. After School Arts at Penn. Platt Student Performing Arts House, 3702 Spruce St. Students ages 10-15 will have the opportunity to learn drama, dance, voice, and musical instruments from Penn students. Workshop will be held every Monday after school. For information, call Laurie McCallat at 215-898-7030 or email lmccall@upenn.edu.

Thru Apr. 18. Body Worlds 2 and the Brain. The Franklin Institute, 222 North 20th St. Follow up to 2005’s Body Worlds exhibit. Human bodies, preserved using Plastination, posed in ways that display their beauty and complexity. Special focus is given to the brain, as well as recent breakthroughs in neuroscience. For information, call 215-448-1200.

Thru Apr. 28. Parenting Workshops. 6-8 p.m. Lamberton Safe Haven @ Rose Playground Community Center, 1300 N. 75th St (75th & Lansdowne). To Our Children’s Future With Health, Inc. presents every Wednesday workshops that cover topics such as communicating with respect, building self worth in children and understanding feelings. For information, call Pilar Fernandez-Blakey at 215-879-4600.

Thru May 1. Family Theatre Series. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Walking Fish Theatre, 2509 Frankford Ave. An interactive theatre experience for young children and their parents. Pay what you can, $1-$10. For information, call 215-427-9255.

Thru May 28. Kindergarten Registration. If your child will be five years old on or before Sept. 1, 2010, you can now enroll him/her in kindergarten for the 2010-11 school year. Bring your child’s birth certificate and up-to-date immunizations records as well as a proof of address to your neighborhood elementary school to register for next year. For information, call 215-400-4000.

Thru Aug. 9. Girls Rock Philly Summer Camp. Girard College, Girard and Corinthian Aves. The area’s only rock camp for girls is now accepting applications for its annual weeklong summer camp. Beginning August 9, 80 girls aged 9-17 will get the chance to build on their musical skills. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, visit www.girlsrockphilly.org or call 215-789-4879.

School calendar

Fri. Apr. 2. Spring recess. Schools and administrative offices closed.