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The image shows students working on various projects and activities, with a banner in the background titled %22The String Theory Spotlight%22 highlighting teacher, staff, and student stories.

Staff Shoutouts

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Innovation

Danielle Shylit
Director of Innovation
String Theory Schools

What is Activator Culture and how does it ignite innovation and creativity? As we explain in the String Theory Schools Design Elements, "Real learning connects students to the world, and the world to our students." So, in our constantly changing world, learning within and beyond our classrooms has to evolve to stay authentic to what students experience outside our walls and in their future careers. What does this mean for our young people? From trying out flying a plane on our flight simulator, to learning the ins and outs of hospitality and culinary arts, to publishing books for pre-school children in Rwanda to performing in professional spaces in our beautiful city, our students activate their learning by connecting it to their city and their world. After all, the best learning empowers success when the lesson is over.  

Activator of the Month

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Teaching & Learning

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Sign Up for Particle Pedagogy!

The 2022-2023 Particle Pedagogy Series focuses on innovative best practices in teaching and learning. Sessions are intended for all STS staff as well as educators outside our school network. Registration for these sessions is open and may be shared with others! Learn more and sign up for the April session below:

Particle Pedagogy Series
- Session 7 -
April 11th
Vine Street Campus
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Tech Tools: Distinguished Classroom

Facilitators
Stephanie Mann Minor & Stephanie Costello 

sIGN UP FOR THE APRIL SESSION!

String Theory Academic Residency (STAR) Program

The STAR Program is a one-year alternate route certification program that prepares career changers, substitutes, aides, and other loyal members of our community in need of teaching certification to enter the classroom with confidence. 

STS would like to acknowledge the hard work of the individuals in the STAR program. Thank you for your dedication to the education profession!

A&S Campus
Candis Ambrose (Mentor - Nancy Malone)
Angel Guyton  (Mentor - Nancy Malone)
Sydney Mullan (Mentor - Samantha Berman)

East Campus
Cristina Benigno (Mentor - Nicolette Scalia)
Jennifer Novello (Mentor - Alana Apadula)

West Campus
Kristen Call (Mentor - Stephanie Saggio)
Shannon Scully (Mentor - Laura Anne DeCarlo)

Vine Campus
Matthew Wendelken (Mentor - Heather Weiss-Dembek)

The STAR residency program actively seeks change-of-career candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the teaching profession at an STS school. Email Dr. Thomas Mosca at tmosca@stringtheoryschools.org to learn more!

Top of the Class

Featured Black History Month Project:
Black History Museum at Arts and Sciences

A favorite event at Arts and Sciences, the Black History Month Museum is part research assignment part interactive performance. Middle school students researched famous artists, and then presented their findings to younger students as if they were the artists themselves! Younger classes were invited to move throughout the theater and "visit" with the "artists".  During their presentations some of the middle school students even performed short pieces on instruments, sang, or danced! A fun and creative learning experience for all involved!

The image shows a musical performance setup, with a drum kit and a banner displaying the name %22AARON SPEARS%22 in the foreground. In the background, there are three individuals wearing red clothing, standing next to the drum kit.
A woman in a vibrant red dress is performing a dance on a stage, surrounded by an audience of people watching intently.
A group of people in formal attire, some wearing red, gathered around a person speaking into a microphone on a stage in a dimly lit room.
A group of young children in red shirts are gathered in a colorful, art-filled classroom, with various paintings and drawings displayed on the walls.
Two women in colorful, floral-patterned dresses stand in front of a display of vibrant, artistic paintings and drawings on easels.
Three young women with colorful outfits and hairstyles posing in front of a vibrant background with a sign that says %22Supremes%22.
Three individuals wearing red shirts are standing in a dimly lit room, with a poster or sign visible in the background.
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BioEYES

PPA - West Campus

Philadelphia Performing Arts, West Campus, has partnered with the University of Pennsylvania's BioEYES Program to develop engaging science projects for students. This month, fifth grade students participated in a week-long, hands-on aquatics lesson. BioEYES brought live zebrafish to the classroom to study cell biology, genetics, and the scientific method. Students found the project to be both interesting and a ton of fun!

A group of students wearing red sweaters are gathered around a table, engaged in using various electronic devices in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting.
The image shows two young students working together on a science experiment or project, with various scientific equipment and materials visible in the background.
Two young boys, one with dark hair and the other with light hair, are sitting at a desk and smiling at the camera. The background appears to be a classroom or office setting with shelves and other items visible.
A group of people, some wearing red shirts, are gathered in what appears to be an office or workspace setting, with shelves and storage units visible in the background.
A group of people in red shirts are gathered around a table, examining various objects and documents. The background appears to be a kitchen or similar workspace setting.
The image depicts a classroom or office setting with several individuals seated at desks, working on computers. A large display screen is visible in the background, showing what appears to be a weather forecast or similar information.
A young boy in a white t-shirt is standing at a table, holding a clear plastic container, while an adult woman in a green sweater is also present in the background.
A group of people, some wearing masks, are gathered around a table examining various electronic devices and using tablets.
A classroom setting with students seated at desks, engaged in various activities, and a teacher standing at the front of the room.
A group of people, likely students, gathered around a kitchen counter, engaged in various activities such as using electronic devices and examining objects.
A group of children are gathered around a table, engaged in what appears to be a learning or educational activity, with an adult woman guiding and assisting them.

PCE Performance

Arts and sciences

Ms. Bodek's Strings Majors at Arts and Sciences had an exciting "gig" at the end of January! Students performed for charter school administrators and leaders at the annual luncheon for Philadelphia Charters for Excellence (PCE).  Artwork by Visual Arts majors was also included in a student art exhibit. We are so proud of they way students represented Arts and Sciences, and thank them for sharing their talents with the Philadelphia charter school community!

A group of musicians in red uniforms performing on various instruments, including keyboards, cellos, and violins, in a room with a poster on the wall.
The image displays a collection of various artistic works, including a watercolor painting of a bird, a collage-like piece with a necklace, a whimsical drawing of a pink flamingo floating on water, and a colorful illustration of a bookshelf.
A large blue banner with the Philadelphia Charters for Excellence logo and text promoting a celebration luncheon stands in the foreground, while a person in a red shirt is visible in the background.

Sunflowers

PPA - East Campus
 

It might still be cold outside, but these beautiful sunflower projects created by some of our first grade students certainly give us the feeling of a sunny spring day! The first graders have been studying Vincent Van Gogh, and the project is inspired by Van Gogh's Starry Night and Sunflowers.

Young children in red shirts holding up colorful artwork featuring sunflowers and other nature-inspired designs, with art supplies and a classroom setting visible in the background.
A young child is sitting at a table, engaged in an arts and crafts activity, surrounded by various art supplies and storage containers in a classroom setting.
A young boy is sitting at a table, engaged in an arts and crafts activity, surrounded by various art supplies and a colorful backdrop.
A young child in a red shirt is holding up a colorful painting of a flower, surrounded by various art supplies and classroom materials in the background.
The image shows a group of children engaged in an art activity, with colorful paintings and crafts displayed on the shelves in the background.

Snowflake Dance

PPA - Vine Street Campus, Middle School
 

Middle Schoolers had a fantastic time at the annual Snowflake Dance! Students came ready to dance and have a wonderful night with friends. 

Three young individuals, two males and one female, are posing together in front of a colorful, patterned background.
Three young women with long dark hair are posing together, making peace signs with their hands. They are standing in front of a white wall decorated with colorful snowflake-like shapes.
Three young women with curly hair, dressed in black and gray clothing, are standing in front of a curtain with colorful flower decorations.
A man wearing an orange suit and glasses stands in front of a curtain with colorful floral patterns.
A colorfully dressed figure with a pink headscarf and tulle skirt stands against a plain white background.
A group of young people, some with braided hair, are gathered in what appears to be a school or community center setting, with a yellow floor and other individuals visible in the background.
A group of young people, some wearing casual clothing and others in athletic attire, are engaged in an energetic activity or dance in a gymnasium setting.
A group of young people, some wearing red hats and hoodies, are gathered together and interacting with each other in what appears to be a crowded indoor setting.
The image shows three young women posing together, smiling and making playful gestures. They appear to be in a festive or celebratory setting, with balloons and other decorations visible in the background.
The image shows a group of young women dressed in colorful, elaborate outfits, smiling and posing together in what appears to be a celebratory or performance setting.
A crowded indoor basketball court with a group of people, some standing and some sitting, engaged in what appears to be a social gathering or event.
A man and a woman are standing together in a hallway, with balloons and other decorations visible in the background.

Black History Month Art Show

PPA - Vine Street Campus, HIGH SCHOOL

Advanced and Intermediate fine arts student projects for Black History Month. Click HERE to view the complete slide deck of student work.

The image shows a collage of various posters, images, and a QR code featuring the name %22Amandla Stenberg%22 and the text %22Yvanna Burgos, 10th Grade Intermediate Fine Arts%22.
The image features a striking portrait of a woman with a bold, red-tinted face against a white background with polka dots. The text %22Nina Simone%22 is prominently displayed, along with the name of the student artist, Mimi Worham, and the course title %22Advanced Fine Arts%22.
The image features a collage-like composition with various elements, including a large portrait-style image of a person's face, a QR code, and various text and graphic elements in the background.
The image features a collage-like design with four stylized portraits of a person, likely the artist Alicia Keys, against a colorful abstract background. The portraits are rendered in a pop art style with vibrant colors and textured effects.
The image features a collage-like design with a central QR code and several abstract, colorful portraits of a person, likely the artist Janet Jackson, against a textured background.

With Love To Ukraine at the Kimmel

PPA - Vine Street Campus, HIGH SCHOOL

Concert choir and string quartet took their With Love To Ukarine performance to the Plaza Stage at the Kimmel Center to commemorate the one year anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This moving performance was opened by remarks from President and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra, Matías Tarnopolsky, Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia, Iryna Mazur, and the Deputy Secretary of International Business Development, David Briel. The following video is a clip from the first piece of the concert, a reading of the poem Contra Spem Spero (Against All Hope I Hope) by Lesya Ukrayinka and read by theatre major Maleeka Lawrence and  accompanied by student Olesia Skorets performing Etude 1 on bandura.

You may also click HERE to hear interviews with students Olesia Skorets and David Kozyrkov.

 

School Celebrations

Valentines Day

Kindergarten Special Persons Brunch
Arts and Sciences

A smiling man and a young girl are seated at a table, with a map and a donut on the table in front of them.
Two young women, one with curly hair and the other with straight hair, are smiling and sitting at a table in what appears to be a school or community center setting, with other people visible in the background.
The image shows a group of people, likely a family, sitting at a table in what appears to be a school or community center setting. They are enjoying a meal or snack, with various decorations and items on the table suggesting a celebratory or festive occasion.
Two young girls, one wearing a furry gray jacket and the other in a pink hoodie, are smiling and posing together in what appears to be a cafeteria or dining area with red tables and chairs visible in the background.
A smiling young girl in a red dress is sitting on the lap of a bearded man wearing a Yankees baseball cap, both appearing happy and engaged with each other in what seems to be a warm, affectionate interaction.
Two young girls, one older and one younger, are sitting at a table and smiling while enjoying a snack together. The background appears to be a plain wall, providing a simple and uncluttered setting for the scene.
A smiling young man in a black shirt is embracing a young girl in a pink and black shirt, both standing in front of a white wall with red accents.
A large group of children and adults wearing red shirts gathered in a classroom or community center, with various signs and decorations on the walls behind them.
A young woman with long, dark hair is smiling and embracing a young boy in a classroom setting, with other students and a teacher visible in the background.
The image shows a woman with curly hair embracing a young girl with curly hair, both smiling warmly. They appear to be in a room with shelves and other people in the background.

Valentines Dance
PPA - West Campus

A woman in casual clothing is smiling and posing with a young child wearing a %22Love Patrol%22 shirt in what appears to be a school or community setting, with other people visible in the background.
Two smiling young women, one with blonde hair and the other with braids, are standing together in what appears to be a crowded indoor setting with people in the background.
A group of young people, mostly girls, wearing red and pink clothing, standing together in what appears to be a school or community center setting.
A group of young people, some wearing red shirts, are gathered around a table with food and decorations, in a room with colorful artwork and posters on the walls.
Two smiling individuals, a woman and a young girl, are embracing in the foreground against a backdrop of a Valentine's Day-themed banner with hearts and decorations.
Three young boys wearing red shirts and one wearing a blue %22Love Patrol%22 shirt are standing together and smiling in what appears to be a school or community setting.
The image shows a group of people seated at a table, with a pink tablecloth and various food items on the table. In the foreground, a person in a red outfit is visible, while in the background, other individuals can be seen.

Vocal Majors Singing Valentines
PPA - Vine Street Campus

A group of diverse students standing in a classroom, with various educational materials and technology visible in the background.
A group of students standing in front of a classroom with a periodic table of elements displayed on the wall behind them.
A group of young women wearing matching pink and red shirts stand together in a classroom setting, with whiteboards and other educational materials visible in the background.
A group of young women, some wearing casual and others more formal attire, stand together in what appears to be a classroom or educational setting, with various posters and materials visible in the background.
Two red heart-shaped lollipops on a white envelope with a heart symbol.

Eagles Pep Rallies and Parties

Thanks for a great season Eagles! Our students and staff had so much fun taking part in school celebrations and pep rallies this month. Click the links below to check out videos from these fun events.