ECS’ Out of School Time (OST) recently celebrated the culmination of its summer program with two major events in the Philadelphia area. During these events, ECS students and staff honored key benefactors, leaders, and supporters through performance, poetry and reward ceremonies. More than 200 students took part in the festivities.
Students from West Philadelphia Achievement Charter Elementary School (WPACES), Walnut Street Elementary School and Add B. Anderson Elementary School came together over the course of two days to perform pieces related to the summer theme: Achieving Your Dreams: Poetry and Prose in Motion. With the help of key partners from other providers in the city, students expressed their dreams through poetry, dance, and music. Each class had the opportunity to present their work from the summer to their peers. When not onstage, students were treated to game trucks, carnival snacks, and bouncy houses.
These culminating events were also an opportunity to recognize key supporters who make the work of ECS’ OST programs possible. Stakeholders from across the city’s educational landscape gathered to celebrate the impact of their work. ECS leadership presented awards to these stakeholders and reflected on the ways in which their cooperation has led to richer opportunities for the students who participate in OST programming.
Awardees
Rep. Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Dr. Eric J. Becoats, William Penn School District Superintendent
Dr. Tara Brown, William Penn Superintendent of Academic Services
Principal Joseph Williams, Walnut Elementary School
The Darby Free Library
Dorothy Morelli, CEO of SEL Worldwide
Dr. Laurena Zeller, Principal in the Office of Student Life
Amanda-Leigh Player Hall, President of the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation.