August 15, 2019 PBEOC: Back to School Celebration Join the Pittsburgh Black Elected Officials Coalition (PBEOC) for their Back to School Celebration! About This celebration serves as the sixth in a series of monthly meetings with PBEOC members. At the celebration, members will share highlights on their 2018 activities on behalf of the residents of Pittsburgh, as well as next inclusive steps. This meeting is intended for residents in Pittsburgh and will feature free school supplies, cash prize giveaways, entertainment, and parent and student resources. Additional resources and opportunities in alignment with the education section of the Pittsburgh Peace and Justice Initiative will be shared with the community. Registration Registration for this event is required and can be completed via the Eventbrite page. More Information For more information, contact PBEOC via their online form.
August 2, 2019 #WeArePPS Event This August, Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS) will be hosting its annual back to school event, #WeArePPS. About Every year, the district welcomes thousands of families through this event that is designed to help equip them with the resources necessary to achieve a healthy start to the 2019-20 school year. #WeArePPS is open to all current PPS students and will include a parent resource fair. This event is in alignment with the district’s mission to serve students and schools and create effective family and community partnerships in every school. More Information For more information or questions, call the PPS Parent Hotline at 412.529.HELP (412.529.4357) or email parenthotline@pghschools.org. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 24, 2019 For Student Success, We Need To Remake Learning As technology continues to be integrated in the daily lives of our region’s youth, the landscape of learning and workforce readiness is evolving. With this, youth are utilizing what some may call “non-traditional” methods to purse knowledge, seek support, and develop their identities. To ensure their long-term fulfillment personally, academically, and in the workforce, we need to “remake learning.” About Remake Learning Remake Learning is a network that ignites engaging, relevant, and equitable learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change. Established in 2007, the network is an open group of interconnected, creative, and innovative people and organizations in the greater Pittsburgh region. Their purpose is to spark and share best practices and new ideas, make it easier for neighbors and colleagues to help each other, reduce duplicative efforts in the region, and leverage resources collectively for greater impact. With this, they seek to ensure that learning is engaging, relevant, and equitable to ensure that all youth in our region have access to learning experiences that reinforce their long-term success. Why It Matters Just as it’s important to utilize developmentally appropriate strategies with our youth, it’s important to consider that fact that the traditional, repetitive learning structure is, as Remake Learning puts it, “a relic of the bygone factory era: a time when efficiency and repetition were valued above all, with a focus on basic knowledge and skills.” As the needs of society develop over time, so do the needs and requirements of our youth and the workforce. However, many schools and programs are still relying on the traditional learning structure, making only small adjustments to incorporate a taste of technology. And, as displayed through stagnant or declining test scores across the years, this structure isn’t working. Establishing Learning Values In their mission to ensure that learning is engaging, relevant, and equitable, Remake Learning encourages the following learning values: Activate skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration so learners are prepared for an increasingly technology-driven future. Doing so will empower students to identify and solve problems; to fail, try, and learn from mistakes; to express their creativity in authentic ways; and to both struggle and have fun. Challenge learners to question, examine, and dissect social systems; to develop the confidence to address and deconstruct inequalities; and to construct a more just and equitable world. Connect all the places learners live, work, and play, including schools, libraries, museums, parks, clubs, community centers, centers of faith, home, and online. Encourage learners to explore and play and support them to follow their curiosity using varied tools (including, but not limited to, technologies). Establish deep and caring relationships between learners and their families, peers, educators, and mentors. Connect learners to their communities and, in an interconnected world, help learners develop cross-cultural understandings that unlock opportunities to thrive both within and beyond their own communities. Become A Member Are you interested in supporting Remake Learning’s mission? Consider signing up to become a part of their network! Remake Learning members reside in the greater Pittsburgh region, including the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland in Pennsylvania, as well as parts of north-central West Virginia. *Information provided by Remake Learning
June 14, 2019 RIF Pittsburgh Seeks Mentors for Elementary Students Reading Is FUNdamental Pittsburgh is seeking volunteers for its Everybody Wins! program. About Everybody Wins! is a school-based literacy mentoring program that pairs kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd-grade students with a caring adult to build a meaningful relationship while sharing conversation, good books, and literacy-related activities for one hour a week. These consistent, one-on-one experiences increase a child’s opportunity for success, both academically and in life. Help an elementary student build literacy skills and develop a lifelong love of reading by volunteering as a mentor today! Volunteer Interested in volunteering? Sign up by contacting: Nora Peters, Program Director 412.321.8022, ext. 298 npeters@rifpittsburgh.org Learn More To learn more, visit the Reading is FUNdamental Pittsburgh website. Share this flyer with your network.
Family Involvement Conference XLV Join the Pennsylvania Coalition for Parent Involvement this October for the Family Involvement Conference. About The Family Involvement Conference is presented to you by the Pennsylvania Coalition for Parent Involvement Ltd. in collaboration with the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE). This conference is based upon the premise that active family involvement in the education process is the key to effective schools and student achievement. Its goal is to bring together, in a common forum, school administrators, teachers, community members, and parents, to interact and address issues that are vital to academic success and the well being of our children. This includes afterschool and out-of-school-time programs, special needs children and early childhood education. Join with colleagues and parents to share ideas about how to make this partnership a reality in your school. Registration Fees Registration fees vary depending on selected type: Individual Rate with Meals: $450 per person Individual Rate without Meals: $220 per person Group Rate with Meals (5+): $425 per person Group Rate without Meals (5+): $180 per person Day Attendees (with lunch): $135 per person, per day Registration Participants must register for this event, and forms may be submitted via mail, email, or fax. To learn more about how to register, visit the Family Involvement Conference website. Learn More For questions, call 610.250.9455 or visit the Family Involvement Conference website. Share this flyer with your network.
May 29, 2019 Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Sign Up Moving to PD Registry Beginning Fall 2019, applicants will apply for the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program through the PD Registry. About the Program The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program pays 95% of tuition costs for eligible college coursework taken by early learning professionals, with a maximum benefit of $6,000 per individual each fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). The program covers tuition costs only and does not include books, materials, or fees. Tuition costs net of other funding sources such as scholarships, stipends, discounts, or grants (except the Pell Grant) are used to determine the amount of assistance. It is recommended completed applications be submitted at least four weeks prior to the start of the course, or prior to the tuition due date, whichever is first. Access the Program Before Fall 2019 During the transition, The Pennsylvania Key is still currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 fiscal year and summer classes. Early learning professionals taking coursework beginning before fall semester are welcome to apply using the current process in the Portal. At this time, applications will not be reviewed for the fall semester. More Information For new eligibility requirements and to stay up-to-date on the ongoing changes, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. *Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key
May 9, 2019 Resources for Families in the Wake of Tragedy In response to the violent events happening in communities throughout the United States of America, Trying Together hopes to support young children, their families, and the caregivers who interact with them by recognizing available community-based and online resources. Trying Together extends our heartfelt sympathy to the families and friends of those lost and to those injured or traumatized by such horrific events. Thank you to all of the public health and safety professionals who respond and provide service to affected communities across America, and thank you to the organizations and individuals that extend your hands and services in support. Mental Health Services and Supports resolve Crisis Services A 24-hour, 365-day crisis service, free to all residents of Allegheny County, that provides crisis counseling and support, referrals, and intervention services for adults, teens, and their loved ones: 1-888-796-8226 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline A network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-273-8255 For Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889 En Espanol: 1-888-628-9454 Be Well Pittsburgh Identifies free or low-cost mental health services in Pittsburgh, including hotlines, warm lines, counseling, support groups, and more. Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Counseling & Other Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Low Cost/Sliding Scale Mental Health Treatment Services Locator Highmark Caring Place Peer Support Group for children, adolescents, and families who have lost a loved one The Compassionate Friends: Pittsburgh Chapter Support Group for those who have lost children, grandchildren, or siblings UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Supportive Care Department Bereaved Parent Support Group Articles and Resources Israel Trauma Coalition Practical Advice for Parents: How to Help Your Child Following a Trauma American Counseling Association Coping in the Aftermath of a Shooting Fred Rogers Productions Thoughts from Fred Rogers: Tragic Events Anti-Defamation League Gun Violence and Mass Shootings Empowering Young People in the Aftermath of Hate (In English and En Espanol) Fran Sherman in USA Today How to talk to your kids about school shootings Dr. Debi Gilboa in NEXT Pittsburgh How to talk to your kids about the mass shooting in Pittsburgh PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) Helping Children and Families Cope After a Traumatic Event Helping Children After a Traumatic Experience A Caregiver Guide Coping with Grief After Community Violence Helping Children Cope With Trauma At School Talking to Children about Hate Crimes and Anti-Semitism The Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting Tips for Parents on Media Coverage Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal Guiding Adults in Talking to Children About Death and Attending Services Child Trends Resources to help children in the wake of a school shooting The National Child Traumatic Stress Network How to talk to children about hate crimes and antisemitism Additional Lists Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s list of information and resources
May 3, 2019 Call for Nominations: 2019 PACCA Awards PACCA is accepting nominations for the 2019 Educator of the Year and the Award of Excellence. The awards recognize contributions made by PACCA members to the early care and education profession. Members and non-members may make nominations. About the Awards The Educator of the Year Award The Educator of the Year Award honors outstanding service and accomplishments in the delivery of services to children. It is given to an individual at a PACCA member agency who has contributed significantly to the direct care and education of young children. We are seeking nominations for both center-based and family child care educators. It is suggested that the person has been a teacher for at least three years. The Award of Excellence The Award of Excellence honors outstanding service and accomplishments in the field of administration. The award is presented to a member of PACCA who has demonstrated qualities of vision (ability to see possibilities for making things happen and communicating this vision to others), teamwork (ability to work with and support others) and leadership (willingness to reach out to benefit the child care community). It is suggested that the person has been a director, executive director, administrator, or owner for three years. Eligibility In order to receive an award, nominees must meet specific eligibility guidelines that vary by award. To see these guidelines, visit PACCA’s website. Benefits In addition to receiving the award, awardees will receive the following benefits: Complimentary registration and hotel accommodations for the Early Childhood Education Summit, October 21-23, 2019 in State College Honored during the official awards presentation at the 2019 Early Childhood Education Summit Recognition in PACCA’s newsletter, website, and Facebook page How to Nominate To nominate a colleague, complete the nomination form and include a written description of why this person deserves the award. PACCA encourages testimonials from children, fellow staff, colleagues, and parents to illustrate your nominee’s exceptional work. Nomination Deadline: June 30, 2019 More Information For more information on the awards, nominating, and eligibility, visit PACCA’s website. *Information provided by PACCA
March 7, 2019 9th Annual Student Affiliate Dinner About This event celebrates local early childhood education students and the community as we explore the power and necessity of equity in education. A panel of students from diverse backgrounds will share their stories of the educators who have impacted their educational journeys. Dr. Melissa Sherfinski, a scholar in the field of early childhood education, will invite guests to share in the conversation and explore how educators can empower students. Details Tickets are $20 per person. Guests may access Commissioners Hall through one entrance where a registration table will be located. The event will take place in: Rooms 2303 and 2304; and the Laurel, Vidmer, and Mon Valley Dining Rooms. The buffet dinner will include gluten-free and vegetarian options. In keeping with tradition, attendees are asked to bring a basket donation for the event. Registration for this event is closed. Questions Vicki Hricik, Education/Pre-K-Grade Program Support 724-925-4013 hricikv@westmoreland.edu
December 6, 2018 100,000 Books Campaign: Free Book Fair United Way’s 100,000 Books initiative is giving away new and gently used books to support your students’ developing reading skills. A variety of books are available for various age groups, although this year’s selection appears to have more in the pre-k to 3rd-grade range. To qualify, your program must use a mentor – reader model. This event is first come – first serve, so show up early. Bringing boxes is recommended. Register here. What is 100,000 Books? 100,000 Books builds on research that demonstrates the importance of connecting a caring adult or older student with a child. This mentor model has been shown to have a significant impact on the life of a child and will be the primary model that 100,000 Books uses to support reading skills development. Mentors (teachers, librarians, youth workers, caring adults, older students…) will reinforce reading skills through one time and on-going read-along opportunities that will help kids to build this critical love of reading. Questions If you have any questions, please contact Tanya Baronti at tanya.baronti@unitedwayswpa.org or Joe Welsh at joe.welsh@unitedwayswpa.org.
