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1/11/2021 4:30 PM Parent Update

1/11/2021 Monday Parent Update 4:30 PM
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Who We Enroll

Why Overbrook

    • You are currently on this page - Who We Enroll
    • Enrollment FAQS
    • Expanded Core and National Agenda
    • We Support Public School
    • Admissions

 best friends in early childhood huddle together

Students who have visual acuity of 20/70 or less, and may also have other challenges can attend Overbrook School for the Blind. In order to be considered for admission to Overbrook School for the Blind, a student must be referred in writing by their local educational agency (LEA)/School District. Overbrook School for the Blind does not discriminate in admissions on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, veteran status and all other classes protected by applicable law.

Overbrook School for the Blind's admissions team works collaboratively with LEAs, School Districts, and families who are interested in enrolling a student in one of our programs.


Latest News

    • Birthdays Week of 1/12/2021

      Barbara Washington - 1/11

      Dot Johnson - 1/11

      John Thomas Jr. - 1/12

      D'Juna Savoy - 1/13

      Immaculata Griffin - 1/14

      Harry Hitchcock - 1/16

      Jill Samberg - 1/16

      Wendy Andrews - 1/16

    • January 12 Photo of the Day

      zoom photo

      Ms. Jenn and Ms. Betty’s class worked together on zoom to color and lace up ice skates! These girls are working very hard!

    • Vaccination Distribution Request Letter

      Vaccinate Distribution Request Letter from Chartered Schools to Dr. Levine

    • Audio Described Ballet

      screencapture of the online performance

      Enjoy an audio described performance of The Nutcracker Ballet that ArtReach has produced along with The Rock School for Dance Education.

      Rock Reach 2020
      Nutcracker
      1776
      Audio described ballet 
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slPB55aPu5w&feature=youtu.be

    • 12/16 Update - Wage Tax

      Wage Tax policy guidance for non-resident employees

    • 11/11 Updated Temporary Employee Procedures

      Temporary Employee Procedures Update, 11/11/2020

    • Read the Latest Red & White High School News!

      High School Newspaper Header for the Red and White

      Read the latest High School Newspaper, The Red & White, Winter 2020 Edition! 

    • 1/11/2021 4:30 PM Parent Update

      1/11/2021 Monday Parent Update 4:30 PM

    • Virtual Instruction Extension

      Virtual Instruction through Friday, October 23rd. On-campus Instruction will resume, Monday, October 26.

    • No Cost Internet Resource for Philly Students

      graphic with the link included in the text below

      Thousands of Philly students and families need a reliable internet connection as the coronavirus pandemic has led many schools to all-virtual learning this fall. Now there's another way to learn about getting connected: calling 211. The hotline now has information about getting in-home internet access with the city's PHLConnectED program, a news release says.

    • 2020-2021 Student Wellness Policy

      Please take the time to review the OSB Wellness Policy. 

    • Experience Overbrook Virtual Gala

      back of EO invitation

      Are you ready to participate in Experience Overbrook? Our first virtual gala? Spread the word and find out more here!

    • Parent Update, September 8, 2020

      Please note next week's parent update will be posted on Tuesday, September 8th, due to the holiday weekend. Thank you.

    • Distance Learning Guidelines

      Distance Learning Guidelines for Parents & Families

      You can download these guidlines in PDF format here.

       

    • School Reopening Plan, Staff First Day Back

      Coronavirus Update

      Monday - 08/31/2020, 3PM

      Download the Health and Safety Plan

    • First Day of School for Staff

      We are grateful to welcome back our staff on Wednesday, September 1, 2020 for our first day back on campus. 

       

      Infographic 7 ways to prevent covid
    • Download the Latest Health and Safety Reopening Plan

      8/17/2020 3:30PM  Latest Coronavirus Update and Reopening Plan Download the Full OSB Health and Safety Reopening Plan

    • Health and Safety Planning

      Coronavirus Update
      Monday - 08/03/2020, 12:38PM

      Dear Parents, Guardians, Staff and Students,

      Today we have posted our current Health and Safety Plan for your review. View the current Health and Safety Plan.

      As you may have already noticed, the words “Health and Safety Plan” are preceded by the word “current”.  We anticipate our plan will be modified several times in the coming weeks as conditions change and new safeguards against the spread of Covid-19 are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state and local departments of health, as well as other entities.  Our plan for re-opening the School seeks the delicate and difficult balance between our strong interest in returning to a normal school environment while protecting students and staff to the greatest degree practicable.  As well, we seek to provide parents and guardians with a choice among face-to-face and virtual learning options, given they are in the best position to determine the best path ahead for their child.  More introductory information is below.

    • School Calendar 2020-2021 School Year

      The School Calendar for the School Year 2020-2021 has been posted in PDF format. The calendar will be added, by event, to the website calendar as well in the coming week. You can find the School Calendar here. 

    • Early Childhood is Moving Up at 10am

      Early Childhood is Moving Up at 10am. Join us here!

    • June Parent Newsletter, Rhonda Davis, Parent Liaison

      family newsletter logo
      The latest News You Can Use, Parent's Newsletter is out now. 

    • Come Celebrate the Class of 2020

      graduation banner

      The Class of 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremonies, June 11, 2020, 10 am. We are so excited to celebrate!

    • Memories Were Made at the Prom 2020

      Screen Capture of Prom

      We had a most wonderful time at the Prom last Friday evening. We have posted a small photo slide show from the event. We know they are not your typical prom photos -- but Overbrook has always been unique! Thank you again for showing up to create this beautiful evening. 

    • Horticulture Sale Has Ended

      horticulture spring flower sale logo

      Thank you so much for all of your support, the Horticulture Center Sale has ended. We are so grateful!

    • Overbrook Can't Thank Our Teachers Enough

      To say our teachers are kind and generous is an understatement. We have never been more amazed by our staff -- their grit and their fierce dedication to our students is unwavering. We can't thank you enough.

      (OSB does not own any rights to the Natalie Merchant song, "Kind and Generous" used in this video)

    • Meet Flat Ms. Kelsey

      Ms. Kelsey's class on zoom

      Today in High School,  Ms. Kelsey's class  discussed their  Flat Ms. Kelsey Project. They are taking her with them on their daily adventures.  Students/families are uploading their pictures into Ms. Kelsey's Google classroom to create a PowerPoint of the students and flat Ms Kelsey's adventures.

      This is part of a unit Ms. Kelsey is working with her students that involves the flat Stanley book.  Look for updates to their adventures.

      In this picture you will see the students in the class holding up their Flat Ms. Kelsey.

       

    • You Can Thank A Teacher!

      Student Baking Cake

      It is Teacher Appreciation Week and we could not be more grateful for our dedicated, hard-working, flexible, realistic, pivoting, expert, kind, caring, beautiful staff. It takes a village and our instructional staff is working right through the messy with our village. Teamwork is essential, but it's our teaching staff who make it work. It's their love of what they do, their desire to see your kids achieve, the concern they have for the students' well-being, mentally, physically, cognitively. Overbrook Staff stomps ON.

      Therapies continue to be delivered, IEPS are in place remotely, our parents are on board and kicking behind (can we say that?) in a really difficult time, we could not think of anything more wonderful to celebrate than our instructional staff. We encourage you to drop a note of thanks this week -- it means the world to hear from students and parents. 

      Our teacher's dedication is written all over our students who are succeeding at being involved in a MEANINGFUL continuum of services. Just look on social media at our students, mowing lawns, making meals, traveling and showing up for work safely. What we do at our school is evident in every photo we receive -- and we LOVE seeing your kids succeeding. Send those pics into denise@obs.org! 

      It really doesn't surprise us that our School to Work students are busy at home, helping their family with chores, learning new skills, stretching themselves? It doesn't surprise us because the foundation for success and achievement and the grit it takes to get there are engrained in our students, from the second they walk through the door and we can thank our wonderful teachers for that.

       

    • Acrostic Poems By HIgh School Students

      the school garden

      Ms. Eva's class has been working on poetry. Here are some of their latest additions. Do we see a book coming Ms. Eva?

      E-A-R-T-H
      By Ethan R.

      Every day we must take care of Mother Earth
      Anyone can take care of our planet
      Reduce, reuse, recycle
      Too much pollution can cause problems
      Honoring our planet

      E-A-R-T-H
      By Nicholas L.

      Environment
      Atmosphere
      Recycle
      Trees
      Hydroelectric

      E-A-R-T-H
      By Gabby

      Everyone can do their part.
      Act right now.
      Reduce, reuse, recycle. 
      Together we can make a difference. 
      Help keep the earth beautiful.

      E-A-R-T-H
      By Louis

      Earth is our planet.
      A part of the galaxy
      Rich with resources
      The earth is getting hotter
      Has 7.8 billion people living on it

    • New Family Resources Added

      Parent Resource Logo

      New Parent Resources from Rhonda Davis, Parent Liaison:  Please view the full list of Parent Resources on the COVID-19 page of the School’s website, which includes all resources listed in past Updates: https://www.obs.org/parents/enrolled-families.cfm. 

      Two new resources are worth highlighting:

      Face Masks Available to Anyone: Anyone in need of cloth masks for essential outings can email rhonda.davis@obs.org to receive them (by mail) free of charge.

      Plastic Face Shields for Healthcare or Public Transportation Staff: For parents/staff/family members who work in any sort of healthcare or public transportation setting, you can request plastic face shields at no cost. The shields will be delivered free of charge after filling out the request form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd-U1Pcy-WjXCQQg82YSJZt9zGfhB9lu6ZR2tFpPAvpfSpZtA/viewform

      Additional Resources on the Enrolled Families page sidebar.

    • Exercising With Mr. Zack

      screencapture of ZACK'S VIDEO

      Exercising at home!
      Follow along with Mr. Zack in Early Childhood and Elementary.

    • Mrs. Eva's Class Does Haiku, Do You?

      Ms. Eva's class

      Ms. Eva's High School Class has been busy writing poetry. They are always a creative bunch and work hard to improve their reading and writing skills. Here are some wonderful Haikus the students worked on last week remotely. No stopping these kids, or  Ms. Eva

      By Louis T.
      Beautiful sunrise  
      The sun is coming out now 
      It is very bright 

      By Gabby Z.
      The North star is bright             
      I can see it from my room
      The North star sparkles

      By Ethan R.
      It's raining outside
      I hear the boom of thunder
      Spring is in the air 

      By Angel M.
      It is warm outside
      It is very bright today
      Everything goes boom 

    • Social Story for On-Line Learning

      Ms. Sarah's Class Zooming

      For some students the concept of on-line learning or learning at home can be difficult to understand. She put a quick social story together for her students to help explain it. You can download it here. 

    • Employee Rights UPdate

      Please review the following documentation regarding employee rights. 

    • COVID-19 Letter to Parents

      graphic of stethoscope

      Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - Letter to ParentS Updated March 9, 2020

       

    • Community Service Project Donations

      infographic style view of items to pack

      During the month of March, the high school department will be participating in a community service project with the Philadelphia Chapter of The Shoebox Project.

      Who is The Shoebox Project?
      The Shoebox Project for Shelters is a 501(c)(3) public charity that collects and distributes gift-filled Shoeboxes to women who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness in communities across the US and Canada. Each thoughtfully created and decorated Shoebox is filled with items valued at $50 that can help enhance self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation for women in crisis.  

      What are we collecting?

      • Something cozy:  like socks, hat, mittens, or a glove
      • Something special: a gift card or accessories
      • Something practical: transit tickets, sunscreen
      • Something personal: Shampoo, conditioner, or body wash
      • Something pretty: Makeup, nail polish, cosmetic bag
      • Something fun: playing cards, a blank journal 
      • Something sweet: candy, nut-free chocolate
      • Something soothing: sleep mask

      Please note:  All products should be new and unopened.

      We will have donation collection bins located throughout the school. Please send any donations in with your student. We are also looking for empty ADULT SIZE shoe boxes.  Please feel free to send them into school too. 

      All OSB high school students will be involved with this service project. The students met Lauren Tjernlund, the local representative from The Shoebox Project last week to learn about the organization and what goes into making the box special for the recipients. They will be collecting the donations in March and will be assembling the boxes to be delivered to The Shoebox Project in April.   

      If you have any questions about our project, please feel free to contact Ms. Kelsey McGuire. To learn more about the organization, please visit The Philidelphia Shoebox Project website.

      We thank you in advance for helping to make our service project a success.

    • 2018-2019 Annual Report

      cover of annual report with young children on a bench

      Read the 2018- 2019, A Year in Review 

    • Inclement Weather Policy

      students and instructors in winter coats and hats

      We have been quite fortunate with the winter weather, but we wanted to remind you to review the Inclement Weather Policy, as we have made some procedural changes. 

    • Overbrook Outpost at Springfield Mall

      3 students at table

      Did you know that the School to Work Program has a pop-up shop in the Springfield Mall where students sell the items they create? If you didn't please feel free to stop by to say hello. We're right around the corner! See what the students are working on and the incredible things they create. The Overbrook Student-run pop up is open until the end of the school year. Their hours are 10-11:30 Tuesdays through Fridays. It is located on the upper level across from Ruby Tuesday’s. There's always a lot happening in School to Work! Read more.

      https://www.obs.org/what-we-do/school-to-work.cfm

    • Understanding Vision Exams

      Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Christine Wozniak, shares some great tips on how to better understand vision exams and visual acuity that you can read here. 

    • EI Family Outings!

      Playing at Lulu Casita

      Last week the Early Intervention Program visited the newly opened Lulu’s Casita in West Chester. Lulu’s Casita is a play area where kids can explore on their own and interact with others.  Fun was had by all!  

      The Early Intervention Outreach Program sets up community trips for our family’s in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties in hopes that our families will make connections with each other. The Overbrook Teachers of Students with Visual Impairment host to introduce families and assist with visual efficiency and ways that parents can support their child's visual needs when out and about in the community. We know that it really does take a village and that sharing with someone who understands is vital to the health of the entire family.

    • February Parent's Newsletter

      photo of the school

      The latest version of News You Can Use Parent Newsletter is available from Parent Liaison, Rhonda Davis, and it is chock full of resources and events for parents and caregivers to attend. Check it out. 

    • Make Your Own Adapted CVI Shape Sorter!

      A photograph of the Adapted CVI Shape sorter from the front. You can see it opened and mirrors inside.

      MR. FRANK AND MS. MELISSA COLLABORATE TO CREATE A CVI ADAPTED SHAPE SORTER!

      Our staff never ceases to amaze us with their creativity and expertise. Everyone at our school shows up to give our students the best opportunity in life -- everyone.

      With the help of Mr. Frank L., one of our incredible maintenance staff here at Overbrook School for the Blind,  Melissa Brown, OTR/L was able to bring an adaptation she was dreaming up to life. Find out how to make your own here!



Shadira showing us her artwork

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Philadelphia, PA 19151
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