Calendar 2008=9 - The School District of Philadelphia

NovemberSTUDENT ACTIVITIESMelvin Epps, Third Eye Productions/School District of Philadelphia Office of CommunicationsOne of SuperintendentArlene Ackerman’s corebeliefs is that childrencome first. It is the guidingprinciple which shapes theactions of School Districtof Philadelphia staff atevery level.The School District encouragesyoung people toengage in meaningfulactivities which build self-esteem and expand their horizons.Each school features unique opportunities and programs duringand after school, including clubs, sporting teams and events.Student government organizations are active on a District-widelevel through the Citywide Student Government. Former leadersof Citywide Student Government were active in the successfulmovement to create the Philadelphia Youth Commission. This is apanel of young Philadelphians who review legislation and policiesthat affect youth and advise the Mayor and City Council on thoseissues.For more information on student government, please visit:www.philasd.org/offices/ccawareness and click on “StudentGovernment.”For more information on all after-school opportunities, please visitthe web site of After School Activities Partnership,www.phillyasap.org.BOOK OF THE MONTH for NovemberElementary (K-2): I Have An Olive Tree by Eve Bunting.Living in California, Sophia is given an olive tree by her grandfatheron her seventh birthday. The tree rests on the Greek island whereher grandparents were born. Illustrations have the flavor of Greekfolk art. This book is appropriate when studying family history.Elementary (3-5): Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes byEleanor B. Coerr.This tale is based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki, who ishospitalized with the “atom bomb disease,” leukemia. She racesagainst time to fold 1,000 paper cranes, an act which according tolegend will make her well again.Middle School (6-8): The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich.This story is set on an island in Lake Superior in the year 1846.Omakayas, an eight-year-old Ojibwa Indian child, adores her babybrother, thinks her older brother is obnoxious, and is jealous of herbeautiful older sister. When tragedy strikes, Omakayas pullstogether all her inner resources to survive. The story is rich in theday-to-day details of life in another time, culture and place.High School (9-12): Krik? Krak! by Edwidge Danticat.This collection of nine short stories focuses on the experiences ofHaitians who have come to America and on the suffering of thosewho have remained behind.