Upcoming events

Thu. Feb 4. Philly Plays Scrabble Event. 2-4:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Atrium, 440 N. Broad St. Watch as 200 student members of After School Activities Partnership’s Philly Plays Scrabble club use their knowledge to dominate the Scrabble board. For information, contact Maria Walker at 215-545-2727 or visit www.phillyasap.org.

Thu. Feb 4 & 18. Daddy Universe City Inc. 6-7:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Discussion group on fathers’ rights and involvement. Event will address issues such as parenting skills, communication with partners, child support/custody, legal rights, and financial literacy. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Thu. Feb. 4, 11, & 18. Fathers on Board. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. Fathers learn how to counteract their perceived role within education and will create their own plan of action in regards to their children’s education. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Thu. Feb. 4. Racing While Black: How an African-American Stock Car Team Made Its Mark on NASCAR. 7:30 p.m. Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St. In the primarily White, Southern world of NASCAR, Black drivers are extremely rare and Black-owned teams nearly nonexistent. Leonard T. Miller, son of Black motor racing pioneer Leonard W. Miller, will talk frankly about the realities of NASCAR culture and his dream of changing the way racing fans view skin color. Free admission. For information, call 215-567-4341.

Fri. Feb. 5. African American Art. 7 p.m. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Explore works such as the oldest wedding portraits of an African-American couple in an American museum, a tall clock by the first African-American clock maker, and the first painting by an African-American artist purchased by an American museum. Exhibit is free after admission to museum. For information, call 215-763-8100.

Fri. Feb. 5. A Soldier’s Story. 4:30 p.m. Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th St. Teachers are invited for a reception followed by a special screening of Pulitzer Prize-winning play “A Soldier’s Story” at 5:30 p.m. Free admission. To RSVP, email info@artsanctuary.org or call 215-232-4485.

Fri. Feb. 5. Organizing Teams. 3-4:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Teamwork is necessary to improve student achievement, and this workshop provides methods and strategies to make building and maintaining a successful team possible. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Fri. Feb. 5. Teen Dating Violence Workshop for Professionals. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Achieving Reunification Center, 714 Market St., 5th floor. This workshop planned by Women Against Abuse will help professionals and teachers who work with teenagers learn how to recognize and respond appropriately to teen dating violence. Space is limited. For information and to register, call 215-386-1280 ext. 133 or email mmyrtetus@womenagainstabuse.org.

Fri. Feb. 5, 12, 19, & 26. Parenting Enhancement Program. 1 p.m. Cambodian Association, 1610 Carlisle St. Taught in Khmer, this program reinforces supportive parenting techniques while also helping parents to change any harmful parenting behaviors. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Sat. Feb. 6. Teen Dating Violence Workshop for Teachers. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Achieving Reunification Center, 714 Market St., 5th floor. This workshop planned by Women Against Abuse will help professionals and teachers who work with teenagers learn how to recognize and respond appropriately to teen dating violence. Space is limited. For information and to register, call 215-386-1280 ext. 133 or email mmyrtetus@womenagainstabuse.org.

Sat. Feb. 6. Financial Aid Workshop. 9:30 a.m. Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Library. 1901 Vine St. Led by an experienced college counselor, this workshop will provide information for students on how to pay for college. It will also be held on Saturdays at Parkway Central Library and Northeast Regional Library. For information and to register, email collegeprep@freelibrary.org.

Sat. Feb. 6. African-American Children’s Book Fair. 1-3 p.m. Community College of Philadelphia (the gymnasium), 17th & Spring Garden Sts. Authors and illustrators will autograph and read from their books. A wide selection of African-American books for children, and preschoolers to young adults will be available for purchase. Also, enjoy prizes, games, and lots of freebies. For information, call 215-878-2665.

Mon. Feb. 8. All-Star Arab Music Ensemble Auditions. 6 p.m. Girard Academic Music Program School, 2136 West Ritner St. Calling all high school musicians. These auditions are open to students in middle and high school as well as those doing undergraduate studies. For information, call Kevin Schott at 267-809-3668 or email kschott@albustanseeds.org.

Wed. Feb. 10 & 17. The Power of Parenting Workshop Series. 9 a.m. Blumberg Apartments, 2311 W. Jefferson St. A lecture series geared towards educating and empowering parents with an emphasis on the parent-child-family-school relationship and the importance of self-improvement. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Tue. Feb. 9, 10, 16, & 17. Mothers: Raising Your Sons to Become Strong Men. 6-7 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop will help mothers with the issues that surround raising independent young men, such as respect, puberty, discipline, and education. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Tue. Feb. 9. African Family Health Organization. 4:30-6:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Learn what help and care is available for you or family members that may suffer from chronic diseases. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Feb. 10. 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. Feb. 10. Annual Intergenerational African American History Month Concert. 1 p.m. Center in the Park, 5818 Germantown Ave. Presented by Martin Luther King High School students and the Center in the Park Songsters, this concert will be directed by Dr. Jerome Lang. Light refreshments will be served. For information, call 215-848-7722.

Thu. Feb. 11. Nationalities Services Center. 4:30-6:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Workshop detailing the services provided for the immigrant community of Philadelphia. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Thu. Feb. 11. One Book, One Philadelphia. 5-7 p.m. Wachovia Education Resource Center, Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Ave. Two-part workshop offering tips to teachers on bringing the Free Library of Philadelphia’s annual One Book, One Philadelphia project to the classroom. Limited to 15 teachers. To make reservations or for information, call 215-684-7580.

Thu. Feb. 11. Computer Training: Train the Trainer. 6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education 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.

Thu. Feb. 11. An Evening Honoring Bill Madeira. 5-7 p.m. United Way Building, 1709 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Public Citizens for Children and Youth will honor Bill Madeira for helping to improve the lives and life chances of children and youth in Philadelphia. For information, contact Steven Fynes at 215-563-5848 or email info@pccy.org.

Fri. Feb. 12. Getting on One Accord/Unifying Our Curriculum. 4-5:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Topics will cover tutors and instructors building school-aged children curriculums for the coming year. Ages 8-17 will learn and be tested on various levels of math and reading. Tutors will also help students with other basic skills. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Fri. Feb. 12. The African American Museum’s 5th Annual Heritage Gala. 6-10 p.m. Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St. Come celebrate African American heritage at this year’s event. PECO President and CEO Dennis P. O’Brien and Philadelphia Phillies’ shortstop Jimmy Rollins will be honored at the event. Black tie is optional. For information and to register, call 215-574-0380.

Sat. Feb. 13. VOICES: Audacious Freedom Community Conversation Series with Richard Newman and Dennis Dickerson. Time TBA. First District Plaza, Main Ballroom, 3801 Market St. The topic will be “Freedom's Prophet: Richard Allen, the A.M.E. Church, and the Founding Fathers.” Free admission. For information, call 215-574-0380 or visit www.aampmuseum.org.

Sat. Feb. 13. Financial Aid and FAFSA Completion Workshop. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Community College of Philadelphia, Center for Business and Industry, 18th and Callowhill Sts. Students receive assistance in completing tax forms and the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid), writing a winning scholarship essay, and how to work with a college financial aid office. Students and parents must bring social security number, driver's license number, 2008 or 2009 W-2 forms, 1040 income tax return and any record of untaxed income. For information, call 215-751-8010.

Tue. Feb. 16. Financial Literacy. 12-1 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Learn the most important places to invest your money, as well as how to use your money wisely. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Feb. 17. 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.

Wed. Feb. 17. Mothers-in-Charge/ Faith-Based Initiatives. 8 a.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, 440 N. Broad St. Join these two groups in discussing the violence in Philadelphia and ways to put an end to it. Superintendent Arlene Ackerman will call on attendees to help her devise new ways to stop the violence in the city’s schools. For information, contact Glory Bryant at 267-210-3202 or email glorybryant@hotmail.com.

Thu. Feb. 18. The Superintendent’s Community Meeting. 6:30 p.m. William Dick Elementary School, 2498 W. Diamond St. An opportunity to receive information, such as updates on the five-year Imagine 2014 strategic plan, from the District’s offices and community service providers. Free child care provided. Dinner and community fair will begin at 5 p.m. For information and to RSVP, call Diana Noble or Ed Grice at 215-400-7272.

Thu. Feb. 18. Energy Conservation. 1-2 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. Learn how to make changes at home that save you money on your energy bill. Participants will receive a kit to get them started on their energy conservation path. For information, call 215-400-7272

Thu. Feb. 18. Kitchen’s Day of Beauty. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dobbins High School, 2150 Lehigh Ave. State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen and Dobbins High School present a free day of beauty for seniors and older adults. For information, call Kentia Waters at 215-227-6161 or email kwaters@pasenate.com.

Thu. Feb. 18. A Conversation with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. 11 a.m. Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St. Come enjoy a historic dialogue between the Reverend Jesse Jackson and Superintendent Arlene Ackerman. Tickets are required and are limited to four per family. For tickets and information, call 215-400-7272. 

Thu. Feb. 18. Information Resource Fair. 5 p.m. William Dick Elementary School, 25th and Diamond Sts. Free dinner and child care provided. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Sat. Feb. 20. Art as the Glue in a 21st Century Skills Classroom. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wachovia Education Resource Center, Perelman Building, 2525 Pennsylvania Ave. A program that will show teachers how art can enhance lessons geared towards the skills of the new century. Limited to 20 participants. To make a reservation, call 215-684-7580.

Sat. Feb. 20. Art Sanctuary Book Fair. 12-6 p.m. Barnes and Noble Rittenhouse Square, 1805 Walnut St. Art Sanctuary hosts writing workshops for teens and adults, as well book signings and spoken-word performances by guests such as Solomon Jones, Muriel Feelings, and Lori L. Tharps. Attendees can also use a promotional code at the checkout to help support Art Sanctuary. For information, call 215-232-4485.

Sat. Feb. 20. Books Aloud. 1:30 p.m. Free Library of Philadelphia, Central Library, 1901 Vine St. This free program is for adults interested in early literacy and sharing books with children. For information, call 215-686-5322.

Tue. Feb. 23. FamilyNet: Check Your Child’s Grades Online. 9 a.m. Harrison Plaza, 12:40 N. 10th St. Parents will learn how to access their child’s progress data, report card grades, attendance records, test scores and instructional resources. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Tue. Feb. 23. What Parents Need to Know about Cyber bullying and Sexting. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. This workshop will present the negative ways young people are using new technology and what parents can do to protect and empower their children in this new information age. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Feb. 24. Creating College Ready Students. 4:30-6 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Parent and Community Resource Center, 440 N. Broad St. No matter your child’s age, it is important to have a clear plan for your child’s educational success. This workshop will help you navigate through all factors that determine your child’s future, such as standardized test scores and course selection, so that you can gain an understanding of what it takes to be college-ready. For information, call 215-400-7272.

Wed. Feb. 24. Pennsylvania Education Policy Forum. 8-10 a.m. The Education Policy and Leadership Center, 800 N. Third St., Harrisburg, Pa. This forum offers a valuable opportunity for state policymakers, educators and other community leaders to hear from important speakers about significant education policy issues. Space is limited and RSVP is required. For information, contact the Education Policy and Leadership Center at 717-260-9900.

Thu. Feb. 25. Philadelphia Right to Education Local Task Force. 5:30-8 p.m. School District of Philadelphia Education Center, Room 1075, 440 N. Broad St. During this general body meeting parents will learn about Extended School Year and how to use this information to advocate for their children. For information, call 215-229-4550 ext. 126 or email ceceliathompson@aol.com

Sat. Feb. 27. Parent University Saturday High School FamilyNet Expo and Parents as Trainers Workshop. 8:30a.m.-12 p.m. Edison High School, 151 W. Luzerne St. Offers different workshops taught by parents. Topics range from teaching families how to access a child’s progress data to teaching computer-safety techniques. For information, call 215-400-4180.

Ongoing

Sat. Feb. 6 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.

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 Tue. thru Mar. 2. Parenting Skills for Teens. 4-5:30 p.m. Women’s Center, 216 W. Somerset St., third floor. Congreso de Latinos Unidos is offering these free weekly parenting classes. Topics will include child safety, attachment, floortime, child development, discipline, and other subjects. Classes are open to pregnant, and parenting mothers and fathers. Participants will receive childcare, refreshments and tokens, weekly raffles, movie tickets for perfect attendance and other incentives. For information, call Henriette Graham at 215-763-8870 ext. 1340.

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 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.

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 Wed. Building Self Awareness. Time TBA. Conestoga Recreation Center, 5300 Media St. This workshop will give young women a place to talk, express their viewpoints, and hear from other women in the community. For information, call Ms. Judi at 215-519-2332.

Thru Mar. WHYY/APS Museum High School Video Contest. The American Philosophical Society Museum and WHYY Learning Lab have launched a student video contest to answer the question "Why is Darwin still important?" The contest is open to all Philadelphia-area high school students. Student video submissions are accepted through March 1 and will be posted online. In May 2010, a screening of the finalists’ videos, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers, will take place. Prizes will be awarded to finalists. For information, visit www.apsmuseum.org/education.html.

Thru April 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, contact Laurie McCallat at 215-898-7030 or email lmccall@upenn.edu.

Thru April 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 May 28. Kindergarten Registration. If your child will be five-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2010, you can now enroll him 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.

School Calendar

Mon. Feb. 15. President’s Day. Schools and administrative offices closed.

Full calendar for the 2009-10 school year is available here, and en español aquí.