February 2017 City School Spotlight

“...BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS...”

-JOSHUA 1:9

F E B R UA RY 2 01 7

WElCOmE tO thE SPOtlIGht Welcome to the Spotlight! We hope the Spotlight will be a resource for your family. In it you will get a glimpse into some of the beautiful things that are happening across our four campuses. You will find important dates and reminders and, more than that, we hope you’ll gain a clearer vision of The City School as a pre-K through twelve family. Whatever grade your student is in, they are part of a larger community of learners, and we want to share life together as one school.

SCIENCE FIrSthaNd The City School is excited to partner with FirstHand, an innovative, hands-on science workshop provided through the University City Science Center.

Last month our eighth grade girls completed the DNA Selfie course.

FirstHand writes: “Let’s take a selfie—of your DNA. At DNA Selfie, a girl-focused workshop, create a new kind of self-portrait by examining what makes you unique.”

Girls examined their own DNA under a microscope and learned to use advanced technology like laser cutters. They also had the opportunity to meet with scientists and entrepreneurs as they were encouraged to find their passion and calling—even in fields where women are (Continued on next page)

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currently underrepresented.

DNA Selfie is about a lot more than biology—it’s about inspiring and empowering a generation of girls to become leaders in the sciences.

For their final project, girls formed teams to invent a new product, create a working prototype, and develop a sales presentation to solicit “investments” from a panel of scientists. Each project incorporated a helix—the unique shape of our DNA. Our students dreamed up creative inventions ranging from wind chimes and jewelry cases to

double-decker bus designs and 3-D architectural plans for a helix-shaped hospital building.

Attending scientists listened to our girls’ presentations, judged their performance in categories like originality and “best presentation,” and awarded their favorites with “investment dollars.”

Thank you to the FirstHand crew and the University City Science Center for making science fun, collaborative, and hands-on for our students. Our 8th grade boys are participating in their Spring Semester program.

On the Cover: 3-D It’s Not a Box by Maurice, Grade 2

Volunteers Needed.

Interested in giving back to The City School community? There are many different ways to serve. Contact Betty Handy, Home and School President, at homeandschool@cityschool.org. You can also sign up for campus specific opportunities at http://signup.com/go/x8QzPr.

Join our Prayer Line Join the City School prayer line on Thursdays from 5:30-5:45 am and 5:30-5:45 pm. Mr. Becker will host the call and lead prayer as we seek the face of the Lord together. Submit your requests to prayer@cityschool.org. Dial-in: 515-739-1293; access code: 227189.

Children’s Scholarship Fund Applications for grades K-8 are due by March 1, 2017. You can apply at csfphiladelphia.org. All eligible families are encouraged to apply—these scholarships boost our ability to offer aid to all families in need.

Like us on Facebook at: facebook.com/thecityschool BUSINESS OFFICE 860 N. 24th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130 | 215.769.5363 The City School is a pre-K through 12th grade Christian school serving over 340 students on four campuses across Philadelphia. Our mission is to train students’ minds, disciple their hearts, and bring light to the city—one child at a time.

Fa i r m o unt Grades Pre-K to 2 860 N. 24th Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 215.769.5366

Fairmount Winter Extracurriculars Begin February 6 Wear Red Day - February 14 Students may wear red tops.

100th Day of School - February 15 School Closed (Teacher In-service) - February 17 School Closed (Presidents’ Day) February 20 Children’s Scholarship Application Deadline – March 1 Please see information on page 3.

Spring Showcase Due to the date change of the all school Spring Arts Festival, the Fairmount Spring Showcase will be on Friday, May 12. There will be two performances, one at 3:00 pm and one at 7:00 pm. More information will be sent home.

Winter Extracurriculars Begin February 6. Run through May 12.

Soccer Shots Mondays - 3:30 to 4:15 pm Praise Dance Tuesdays - 3:45 to 4:45 pm | Cost $125 (includes costume) Drama Wednesdays - 3:45 to 4:45 pm | Cost $100

Thank you to all of the parents and students who completed their winter break packets. What a powerful demonstration of strength, courage, and excellence.

The students have all grown in their hearts, and in their academics as well. Great job Fairmount! We so enjoyed our celebration of ice cream, candy, balloons, and dancing.

Let’s continue to do our best!

S pru ce Hill Grades k to 5 4115 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104 215.382.7839

Spruce Hill School Chapel – Every Friday beginning at 8:30 am Parents are welcome to join us for our campus worship time.

Tune Up Philly Classes – Every Tuesday & Wednesday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm Field Trip to the National Liberty Museum (3rd Grade) – February 7 Tuskegee Airman Assembly February 10 | 9 am in Chapel Eugene Richardson, one of the first black aviators activated by the U.S. armed forces, will be speaking to us about his experience.

Parents are welcome.

School Closed (Teacher In-service) February 17 School Closed (Presidents’ Day) February 20 Children’s Scholarship Application Deadline – March 1 Please see information on page 3.

Academic Night – March 10 Our academic night for our Kindergarten through 2nd grade students and families is coming soon. A flyer will be sent home with the details.

Our students did a tremendous Job at the January Tune Up Philly Concert. We’re so proud of our young Clarinetists from Spruce Hill and Violinists from Fairmount. Thank you Tune up Philly!

Wa ln u t Str e e t Grades 6 to 8 4501 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 215.382.7839

Walnut Street Tuskegee Airman Assembly February 10 | 9 am at Spruce Hill Chapel Eugene Richardson, one of the first black aviators activated by the U.S. armed forces, will be speaking to us about his experience. Parents are welcome.

School Closed (Teacher In-service) - February 17 School Closed (Presidents’ Day) February 20 Quarter 3 Interim - February 24 Children’s Scholarship Application Deadline – March 1 Please see information on page 3.

Uniform Reminder:

At the end of their semester with Firsthand at the Science Center, Our eighth Grade Girls presented project ideas and models utilizing the double helix structure of DNA.

Please make sure that your child has appropriate uniform clothing to stay warm during the winter months: long-sleeve shirts, a uniform sweater or hoodie, uniform pants or warm tights for girls.

R i t t e n h ou se Grades 9 to 12 315 S. 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.731.1930

Rittenhouse MP3 Interim Reports – February 2 School Closed (Teacher In-service) - February 17 School Closed (Presidents’ Day) February 20

Our international students helped us ring in the new year by throwing a feast for the entire high school community.

We are grateful for the ways they enrich our community life.

Uniform Reminder: Please make sure that your child has appropriate uniform clothing to stay warm during the winter months: long-sleeve shirts, a uniform sweater or hoodie, uniform pants or warm tights for girls.

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SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL

Save the Date! Our annual Spring Arts Festival will be on March 31 at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church (Cheltenham Ave. location). Engage with student artwork and enjoy music and dance performances. Invite your family and friends to this important celebration of our school community.

Stay tuned for more information in the March Spotlight and through the OneCallNow emails.