May 22, 2023 CitiParks Announces Summer Activity Schedules for Concerts, Movies, and More The City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks) Office of Special Events has announced its 2023 Summer Concert Series, 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park, and 2023 Farmers Market schedules. 2023 Summer Concert Series Three concert series will feature 22 events free to the public, including a July 9 performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “Stars at Riverview” Series “Stars at Riverview” will once again bring local artists to Riverview Park on Saturday evenings throughout the entire summer. Concert-goers are invited to bring a lawn chair or spread a blanket on Observatory Hill for incredible musical entertainment sponsored by the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). Each week concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park”. This series will take place each Saturday between June 10 an August 26, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at Riverview Park on Observatory Hill. Performances are as follows: June 10: Trio Nova June 17: Charelle Unique & Soul Drip June 24: Ken Karsh Trio July 1: Louie Castle & the Rooks July 8: Lee Robinson & ISKA July 15: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band July 22: R.E.D. Experience July 29: Rick Finkelstein August 5: Ronni Weiss & Friends August 12: Thomas Wendt Quartet August 19: Steel City Calypso August 26: NASH.V.ILL “Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” Series “Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” is a fan-favorite that entertains among the gardens of Mellon Park. Presented with support from WQED-FM 89.3, attendees can satisfy their appetite for classical music on Sunday mornings, accompanied by a “Best Brunch” competition during intermission. Join to celebrate 50 years of WQED along with a return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to the program. This series will take place each Sunday between June 25 and July 30, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Mellon Park on Fifth and Shady Avenues. Performances are as follows: June 25: Munhall Community Band July 2: KleZlectic July 9: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra July 16: Allegheny Brass Band July 23: North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band July 30: NEW – Local Artist Showcase “Reservoir of Jazz” Series Jazz enthusiasts can relax on the lawn at Highland Park to the sounds of performances by Pittsburgh’s finest musicians during the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” series. This series is supported by the Highland Park Community Council and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). This series will take place each Sunday between August 6 – 27, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Highland Park on Highland Avenue and Reservoir Drive. Performances are as follows: August 6: Roger Humphries & the R.H. Factor Band August 13: Deanna Witkowski Trio August 20: MCG Jazz presents Aurora August 27: Reggie Watkins Quartet Learn More For more information and complete event schedules, visit pittsburghpa.gov/events. In case of inclement weather or event cancellation, follow @PghEventsOffice on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the summer. 2023 Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park In July and August, return to your favorite weekly movie location for Cinema in the Park. The 2023 schedule includes contemporary box office hits such as “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and “Lightyear”, while also offering classic titles including “Matilda” and “Jaws”. All movies are presented to the public free of charge and begin at dusk. Schenley Park – Schenley Plaza Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy every Sunday between July 2 and August 27. Showings are as follows: July 2: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 9: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 16: Matilda (PG) July 23: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) July 30: Shrek (PG) August 6: Turning Red (PG) August 13: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) August 20: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) August 27: Sunset Boulevard (1950) (not rated) West End Overlook – Rue Grande Vue Street Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 3 and Monday, July 31. Showings are as follows: July 3: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 31: Shrek (PG) Banksville Park – Crane Avenue Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 10, and Monday, August 7. Showings are as follows: July 10: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) August 7: Turning Red (PG) McBride Park – McBride Street Movies at this venue will take place Monday, July 17 and Monday, August 14. Showings are as follows: July 17: Matilda (PG) August 14: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) Highland Park – Reservoir Drive Movies at this venue are presented in partnership with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy on Monday, July 24, and Monday, August 21. Showings are as follows: July 24: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 21: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Ormsby Park – S. 22nd Street Movies at this venue will take place Tuesdays between July 11 and 25, and August 8 and 22. Showings are as follows: July 11: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 25: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 8: Turning Red (PG) August 22: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Schenley Park – Flagstaff Hill Movies at this venue will take place each Wednesday between July 12 and August 30. Showings are as follows: July 12: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13) July 19: School of Rock (PG-13) July 26: Batman (1989) (PG-13) August 2: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) August 9: The Batman (PG-13) August 16: Back to the Future (PG) August 23: Cave Rescue (PG-13) August 30: Cool Hand Luke (PG) Brookline Memorial Park – Oakridge Street Movies at this venue will take place Thursdays between July 6 and 20, and August 3 and 17. Showings are as follows: July 6: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 20: Matilda (PG) August 3: Shrek (PG) August 17: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) Arsenal Park – 40th St. at Davison St Movies at this venue will take place Fridays between July 14 and 28, and August 11 and 25. Showings are as follows: July 14: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 28: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 11: Turning Red (PG) August 25: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Grandview Park – Bailey Avenue Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows: July 1: The Incredibles (PG) July 8: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (PG) July 15: Top Gun: Maverick (PG-13) July 22: Matilda (PG) July 29: DC League of Super-Pets (PG) August 5: Shrek (PG) August 12: Turning Red (PG) August 19: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (PG) August 26: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (PG) Riverview Park – Observatory Hill Movies at this venue will take place each Saturday between July 1 and August 26. Showings are as follows: July 1: Jaws (PG) July 8: Fall (PG-13) July 15: Top Gun (1986) (PG-13) July 22: School of Rock (PG-13) July 29: Batman (1989) (PG-13) August 5: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (PG-13) August 12: The Batman (PG-13) August 19: Back to the Future (PG) August 26: Cave Rescue (PG-13) Learn More Cinema in the Park is presented by Dollar Bank with 100.7 Star serving as media partner. 2023 Farmers Market All markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, and baked goods, while several locations also sell flowers, small gifts, and hot prepared foods to go. The Squirrel Hill Market opens one week early, with a special market on Sunday, May 14 to celebrate Mother’s Day. This special day at our Squirrel Hill Market will include a photo booth and a Mother’s Day Card crafting table for kids. Normal market operations begin Sunday, May 21, and will run through November 20. 2023 Market Locations & Schedule The 2023 market locations and schedule are as follows: Sundays: Squirrel Hill, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Beacon/Bartlett parking lot May 14 – November 19 Mondays: East End, 3 – 7 p.m. Liberty Green Park, Larimer Ave. May 22 – November 20 Wednesdays: Carrick, 3 – 7 p.m. Carrick Dairy District, 1529 Brownsville Rd. May 24 – November 15 Fridays: North Side, 3 – 7 p.m. Allegheny Commons Park, East Ohio St. & Cedar Ave. May 26 – November 17 Learn More All four CitiParks Farmers Markets accept food stamps (SNAP), and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program. SNAP shoppers can get fresh, nutritious, and locally-grown food, including produce, meat, dairy, bread and baked goods, produce plants, seeds, and honey. (Hot prepared food items, alcohol, and non-food items are not eligible for SNAP purchases.) Food Bucks give Fresh Access food stamp shoppers extra money to spend on fruits and veggies. For every $5 spent on food stamps, receive an extra $2 to spend on produce. For more information, visit justharvest.org/fresh-access This year, the East End Market will feature a booth operated by Catapult who will rotate through new food entrepreneurs as part of their food business incubator program. 25 Carrick will provide entertainment for the Carrick Market with DJs from their youth apprenticeship program. CitiParks is also excited to help foster the next generation of up-and-coming young farmers and budding Pittsburgh urban growers with a shared communal stand at the Squirrel Hill Market. One additional surprise for this year’s Markets is an original oil painting by local artist Marlon Gist, commissioned by the City. Marlon’s painting captures the colorful spirit of Farmers Markets, and; his artwork will be on display during opening week at all 4 Markets.
May 18, 2023 State Department of Education Announces 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher Of The Year Finalists The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) recently announced the names of 12 educators nominated for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. Area educators are among them. About the Teacher of the Year Program The Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Program recognizes excellence in teaching by honoring K-12 teachers in public education who have made outstanding academic contributions to Pennsylvania’s school-aged children. The PDE encourages local education agencies (LEAs) to recognize the efforts of teachers in their community who have worked to achieve excellence in the classroom by nominating outstanding educators. Each LEA may nominate one deserving educator from both elementary and secondary levels. Members of the PDE choose twelve (12) finalists from applicants and recognized in Harrisburg each fall. Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year is announced at a state awards ceremony in December, and represents the Commonwealth at various national, regional, and local functions, which culminate in the National Teacher of the Year ceremony at the White House. 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Finalists The finalists for the 2024 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year are: Local Finalists Brittney Bell, Carmichaels Area School District (Greene County, PA) Rachel Kalberer, Norwin School District (Westmoreland County, PA) Other Finalists Anthony Angelini, Conewago Valley School District Jonathan Bickel, Eastern Lebanon School District Ashlie Crosson, Mifflin County School District Benjamin Hoffman, Kutztown Area School District Heather Kilgore, Chester County Intermediate Unit Stephanie Machmer, Jersey Shore Area School District Aspen Mock, Forest Hills School District Justin Ward, Laurel Highlands School District Sharon Williams, Rose Tree Media School District Sally Ann Wojcik, School District of Philadelphia Learn More To learn more, visit the official Pennsylvania website.
P.R.I.D.E. and Trying Together to Host Author Britt Hawthorne for Anti-Racist Seminar The University of Pittsburgh’s Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E) Program, in conjunction with Trying Together, will host Britt Hawthorne, author of “Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Guide,” for a community discussion on Wednesday, May 24. Held via Zoom from 5:30 – 6:45 p.m., all community members are welcome and invited to participate. Part of the P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series, this event is free to the public, but requires registration. Interested individuals can register online or through the University of Pittsburgh’s video conferencing page. About Britt Hawthorne Hawthorne is the author of the New York Times best-selling book, “Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide.” Also an antiracist educator, teacher, speaker, and advocate, Hawthorne remains committed to raising a generation of antiracist children. They center families of the global majority and create equitable environments for students and children of all ages and backgrounds. Hawthorne’s work moves the idea of equity in education from a goal to a reality. They partner with action-oriented educators to create classroom environments that are inclusive and equitable for all learners. Their work has been recognized by PBS, the National Education Association (NEA), Drew Barrymore, Google Edu, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Rice University, the Association Montessori Internationale, and countless others. Hawthorne travels extensively to speak at conferences, authors publications, and appears on podcasts covering social justice, liberation, and equity in education. Learn More To learn more, view the event flyer or visit the P.R.I.D.E. website.
May 17, 2023 PA Child Care Centers Invited to Participate in Equity-Focused Research Study Pennsylvania preschool programs are invited to join a research opportunity to improve the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ECERS-3). About The Pennsylvania Key Program Quality Assessment (PQA) Team is supporting researchers at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to examine the widely used program observation instrument, ECERS-3. The ECERS-3 is a global quality assessment used in classrooms serving children ages three to five years. It is currently used in the quality improvement systems of thirty states. This study examines how the measure considers the experiences of racially, culturally, linguistically, and economically diverse preschool groups. Data collectors from the PQA Team will visit participating classrooms this spring and summer to complete an ECERS-3 observation and an observation using the Equity in Early Learning Assessment (EELA). Teachers will also complete a report on the demographic information for the group. For any participating classroom, it is a one-time observation that takes approximately three hours in total. All Pennsylvania center-based programs serving three- five-year-olds can participate, and space is limited. Questions? Providers who would like to participate or who have questions should contact Rachel Kaplan, Pennsylvania’s primary contact for this research project, at Rachel.kaplan@unc.edu or 919-259-6235.
May 16, 2023 Carnegie Science Center Offering Free Program to Northside Families The Carnegie Science Center is offering a free space-themed program to Northside families on Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Entitled, “Among the Stars,” the program is designed for children ages three to five and will teach attendees about constellations, galaxies, the sun, and more. Learn More Families can visit any time during the event. Snacks will be provided, and all attendees will receive a RiverView Café voucher. Additionally, the Carnegie Science Center will give free, premium memberships to Northside residents with early learners, while supplies last. Please note: This program has a limited capacity. Interested families should register in advance by calling the Carnegie Science Center at 412.237.3400 Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. This event is supported by the PNC Foundation, Howmet Aerospace Foundation, and the Heinz Endowments. To learn more, read the event flyer.
May 15, 2023 City of Pittsburgh Invites Community Members to Attend In-Person Budget Meetings The City of Pittsburgh’s Office of Management and Budget is inviting Pittsburgh residents to share their input on the City’s 2024 Capital and Operating Budgets at a series of in-person community meetings. At these meetings, residents will have the opportunity to provide input about their budget priorities, prior to Department Directors creating their budget proposals. The information residents share will inform Director proposals. About In-Person Budget Meetings The City will host four in-person community engagement meetings to gather input from residents on their priorities for the 2024 budget. Meetings will take place: SOUTH Wednesday, May 17 | 6 p.m. Phillips Recreation Center 201 Parkfield Street Pittsburgh, PA 15210 NORTH Thursday, May 18 | 6 p.m. Manchester Citizens Corporation Center 1319 Allegheny Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WEST Thursday, June 1 | 6 p.m. Sheraden Senior Center 720 Sherwood Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15204 EAST Wednesday, June 7 | 6 p.m. Homewood Senior Center 7321 Frankstown Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Residents are encouraged to register for their preferred meeting and take the online survey available at: 2024 City of Pittsburgh Budgets | Engage Pittsburgh (pittsburghpa.gov). Dinner will be provided for all in-person budget engagement meetings. Learn More To learn more, view the flyer. Distribute this flyer to your networks.
May 11, 2023 OCDEL Ends COVID-19 Reporting Requirement for Child Care Providers The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will end its requirement for child care providers to report cases of COVID-19 on May 11, 2023. About the COVID-19 Reporting Requirement Shortly after the start of the federal Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 (PHE), OCDEL issued a mandate requiring all licensed child care operators to submit information on children and staff who tested positive for COVID-19 on the Licensed Facility COVID Data Collection Tool. OCDEL will end this reporting requirement and close the portal on May 11, 2023 to align with the end of the PHE. However, OCDEL will continue to require child care operators and facility persons to share any reportable, communicable diseases present in their facilities with the Department of Health (DOH). Sharing Reportable Communicable Diseases A list of reportable diseases is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) website. Child care providers must share all cases of reportable, communicable diseases with the DOH at 1-877-PA-HEALTH or 1-877-724-3258. They may also contact their local health department: Allegheny County Health: 412-687-2243 Bucks County Department of Health: 800-383-0371 Chester County Health Department: 610-344-6225 Erie County Department of Health: 814-451-6700 Montgomery County Health Department: 610-631-3000 Philadelphia Department of Public Health: 800-722-7112 Allentown Bureau of Health: 610-437-7760 Bethlehem Health Bureau: 610-865-7000 Wilkes-Barre City Health Department: 570-821-1111 York City Health Bureau: 717-849-2221 Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Additionally, interested individuals can attend the ELRC Region 5 Virtual Director Roundtables held each Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get more information.
Child Care Providers Invited to Complete Environmental Health Survey The Healthy Childcare Partnership (HCP), a statewide group of child care organizations, is asking child care providers in Pennsylvania to complete their Childcare Programs Environmental Health Survey. The survey aims to gauge interest in, and need for, training and policies that keep children and staff healthy. Participating providers must submit their surveys by Friday, May 19. About The Healthy Childcare Partnership The Healthy Childcare Partnership was founded by Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) in 2022 as part of a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funds for the grant were provided by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). These funds aimed to support children’s environmental health by building capacity through activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in underserved communities. WHE was one of four organizations to receive a grant. In receiving one, the organization committed to developing HCP. Additionally, it agreed to complete over 200 eco-healthy assessments aimed at mitigating environmental risks in child care centers. Complete the Survey Interested individuals must complete the survey on the University of Pennsylvania website, or via the link on the PD Registry Facebook page. The survey closes Friday, May 19. Learn More To learn more about the Healthy Childcare Partnership or EPA grant, visit the EPA website. For more information about the survey, contact the Pennsylvania Key.
PA’s Promise For Children Recognizes Teachers, Requests Nominations for Teacher Appreciation Week In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children is sharing the stories of inspiring educators and encouraging families to nominate teachers for recognition. About Teacher Appreciation Week Teacher Appreciation Week is the first full week in May. The week got its start as National Teacher Appreciation Day in 1953, when Eleanor Roosevelt asked Congress to set aside a day to recognize educators. The day gained official recognition as a March holiday in 1980, after the National Education Association (NEA) successfully lobbied Congress. In 1984, the National Parent Teacher Association expanded the designation to its current week, and moved the celebration to May. Teacher Appreciation Week recognizes the role teachers play in children’s lives and provides time for students, parents, and caregivers to celebrate the work of educators. Read Teacher Stories To read about teachers who have made a significant impact on the lives of children, visit the PA’s Promise for Children website. Nominate a Teacher for Recognition It’s not too late to nominate teachers for recognition! To nominate a teacher, email the following to Mary at marhal@pakeys.org: the teacher’s name and early learning program or school a brief story about the teacher that explains their impact and what makes them special a picture of your student with the teacher Learn More The above information on the history of Teacher Appreciation Week was compiled from USA Today, NEA, and Hallmark. To learn more, visit the PA’s Promise for Children website.
May 10, 2023 PaTTAN Announces Summit on Safe and Supportive Learning Environments The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) recently announced plans to host a two-day summit for early childhood educators in August 2023. Called, “Safe and Supportive Learning Environments: Prevention Before the Crisis Summit,” this event will help educators create welcome environments that promote learner and educator regulation, and prevent harmful behavior. About the Summit When is the summit? The summit will be held on Wednesday, August 16 from 9:45 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. and Thursday, August 17 from 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. Presenters will host a pre-summit mindfulness session from 8:45 – 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, before the start of the summit. Where will the summit be held? The summit will take place at PaTTAN Central (6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, Pa. 17112). Who can attend? The summit is open to all, but designed for: school administrators educators (including early childhood educators) behavioral specialists (school counselors, school psychologists, special educators) behavioral and mental health providers emotional support teachers emotional support paraprofessionals parents, caregivers, and families What will presenters share? During the summit, national and local presenters will offer sessions a variety of topics including de-escalation, data analysis, and alternatives to suspension and expulsion. Additionally, they will share evidence-based strategies to support learners and limit exclusionary classroom practices. How much does it cost to attend? The cost of the two-day summit is $50, regardless of whether attendees participate one or two days. Payment is due in full on or before August 3. Registration and payment will not be available onsite during the summit. However, Family Scholarships are available for this event. To apply for a scholarship, please complete the Family Scholarship Application. How do I register? Interested individuals should register on the PaTTAN website. Learn More Act 48, BACB, and PSYCH credits are available for this summit. For content-related information and questions, please contact Chanda Telleen at ctelleen@pattan.net or 717-901-2246. For general registration information and questions, please contact Tina Rife at trife@pattan.net or 717-901-2278 To learn more, visit the event page on the PaTTAN website.
