“...BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS...” -JOSHUA 1:9
J U N E 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.
Celebrating our Students Last month we celebrated the excellent achievements of our high school students at our annual Awards Ceremony & College Signing Day.
Students earned dozens of awards honoring their academic progress, leadership, and Christlike character. Afterwards, our graduating seniors took the stage to announce their college plans and sign a covenant promising to bring light to wherever God calls them next.
Every award was met with thunderous applause and shouts of shared joy. A few still stood out as especially moving. Arts Director Joe Sinagra honored Rebekah Melendez for her achievement in the arts. Through happy tears, Mr. Sinagra shared his long history with Rebekah (Continued on next page)
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and her family—teaching her years ago as a little girl, watching her grow up, and once again becoming her teacher in high school. Rebekah was honored for her creativity, passion, and the wonderful diversity of artistic styles and media she uses to express herself. Assistant Principal (and Math Teacher) Mrs. Taylor wrote letters to several students, which she read aloud as she handed rewards out. She shared her gratitude for students whose hard work and determination inspire her. She expressed her thankfulness for students who assist her and serve their peers. Towards the end of the Awards Ceremony, a few students gathered around the podium
with a bouquet of flowers and a huge handmade card to thank Ms. Cindy for her faithful service. Ms. Cindy’s title is officially Office Manager, but her role is something like nurse, chaplain, disciplinarian, guidance counselor, and campus mom. “You have taught me so much,” one student shared, “including… drink some water, baby!” she said, quoting Ms. Cindy’s famous and oft-repeated advice for ailing students. During the College Signing ceremony, students announced an awesome diversity of college plans. They will go on to study Spanish Language & Lit, Criminal Justice, Business, Pastoral Ministry, Music, Visual Art, Bio Medicine and more!
On the Cover: Eric Carle Butterflies , painted paper collages by Alex & Brianna, Grades 1 & 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.
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 Crazy Hair & Sock Day - June 1 The City School Spirit Day (dress in yellow or blue) - June 2 Grades 1 & 2 Zoo Field Trip - June 2 Awards Ceremony – June 6 | 2 pm Parents are welcome to join us for the awards ceremony followed by a Farewell to Mrs. Sanchez.
Spirit Day at Lemon Hill - June 7 Volunteers are needed to help us run our Philadelphia sports team themed activities.
Last Day of School for Pre-K & K June 7 Half Day, Last Day of School for Grades 1-2, & End of Quarter 4 June 9 Report Cards Mailed - June 23 Maranatha Summer Camp - June 26 to July 7 2nd Grade did a unit on business and Economics. They applied for jobs at and ran their own Lemonade stands and made goods to barter with each other.
S pru ce Hill Grades k to 5 4115 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19104 215.382.7839
Spruce Hill K-2 Spirit Week - May 30 to June 2 Kinder Fair - June 2 Invite families interested in Kindergarten to a tour and fun activities from 9-11 am.
Grades K & 5 Lunch Trip - June 6 Grades K-2 Awards Ceremony June 6 | 2:30 pm Parents are welcome to join us in the Spruce Hill Chapel to honor our students.
Spirit Day – June 7 Grades K-2 will participate in fun activities at Clark Park. Grades 3-5 will enjoy swimming, athletics, and Zumba at the 52nd Street YMCA.
Last Day of School for Kindergarten – June 7 Grades 3-5 Awards Ceremony June 9 Parents are welcome to join us in the Spruce Hill Chapel to honor our students.
Half Day, Last Day of School Grades 1-5, & End of Quarter 4 - June 9 Report Cards Mailed - June 23 Maranatha Summer Camp - June 26 to July 7
In Steam Class we’ve been learning about the human body. Meanwhile, our 5th Graders have been enjoying a special swimming unit.
Wa ln u t Str e e t Grades 6 to 8 4501 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 215.382.7839
Walnut Street Last Day of Class for Grade 8 & All History Classes - June 1 Grade 8 Roast, Presented by the 7th Graders - June 2 Grade 8 Trip to Washington DC – June 5 Grade 8 Trip to Funplex, NJ June 6 Grades 6 & 7 Trip to Dorney Park - June 7 Graduation Practice (Grade 8) June 7 | 9:30 am Graduation - June 8 | 7 pm Half Day, Last Day of School, & End of Quarter 4 - June 9 Report Cards Mailed - June 23
Our 8th Grade Boys and 7th Grade Girls completed the Polymer PLay unit at the University City Science Center. They Presented their final Projects at a mock Investment event in early may.
R i t t e n h ou se Grades 9 to 12 315 S. 17th Street Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.731.1930
Rittenhouse Graduation Rehearsal - June 9 | 1 pm This is a mandatory graduation rehearsal for all graduating seniors.
Commencement - June 10 | 11 am Come celebrate with us the graduation of the Class of 2017! Join us in the Tenth Presbyterian Church Sanctuary (17th & Spruce Streets).
Last Day of School - June 16 Final Report Cards Mailed - June 30
Summer Reading: All students will have required summer reading. A letter will be sent home with students explaining the summer reading assignment.
Summer School: The City School will be offering summer school for students who need to make up course credits over the summer. Families of students who need to attend summer school will be contacted.
We celebrated our graduating seniors’ college decisions and our students’ academic achievements and contributions to the school community.