Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools has teamed up with WePAC and the Program Coordinator of the John B. Kelly school library to make a concerted effort to advocate for the restoration of school libraries staffed by certified school librarians (CTLs) to Philadelphia's District schools.

The event will be a virtual meeting on Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m.

We hope that this meeting will lead to a solid plan that we can support to lobby the School District to allocate the necessary funds to bring back Certified Trained Librarians and re-open libraries in our public schools. The Kelly Green Project strongly supports this initiative.

The invitation is reproduced below; here’s a link to the online RSVP form. Once you RSVP, you will receive the Zoom link.

Good things are happening at J.B. Kelly School this fall.

Kelly kids returned to a newly renovated building!

Photo: newly renovated Kelly School lobby

The old, unsafe “safety surface” is gone.

But what's missing from this picture?
(Hint):

We Need Your Help!

Join the Campaign for Healthy Play at Kelly School!

Give at https://foundationgive.com/campaigns/5973/john-b-kellys-first-playground

For many years, The Kelly Green Project has actively promoted renovation of the large schoolyard for healthy play and education, something ALL kids need and deserve.

Our garden, meadow and other additions are fun places...

Kelly now needs a healthy playspace to exercise growing and active bodies!

This giving Tuesday join with teachers, students, parents and school leadership in supporting this "Phase 1" campaign to (finally!) build play equipment!

Donations specifically for this purpose are being held by the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, a non-profit tax-deductible foundation. Check out the quick link! It's time to get it built!

https://foundationgive.com/campaigns/5973/john-b-kellys-first-playground

Meanwhile, we had a busy summer!

Joining forces with the Northwest Mutual Aid Collective, the Kelly Garden sponsored twice-a-month Farmstands at the school. All produce was either given away or sold for a donation to help support the garden. Many thanks to Kelly Garden leader Camille Poinvil (in the stunning hat!) for her important leadership all summer!

photo of people at table of produce under a tent

photo of yard sign: "Fresh Veggies | Pay what you want!!! 1-3 p.m.

We also learned that the Whole Kids Foundation is renewing their support for the garden through the next season. Many thanksto WKF for their contribution that helps the Kelly garden thrive for kids and neighbors. We raise our veggies to that!

photo: woman in overalls holding up carrots

Joining in the garden space this season were the Outdoor Gardeners of Chestnut Hill who installed beautiful pollinator beds. The Kelly Green Project looks forward to spring with Kelly Kids once again safely in a post-pandemic garden!

About That Meadow …

The Kelly School Meadow had a record butterfly and bird activity this year. Many thanks to those who came to workshops and work sessions. We look forward to another year of student programs led by the Philadelphia Audubon Society at Kelly.

Meadow Minders are always welcome to keep it all in good health!

photo: sign saying "Audubon Society | Bird Habitat"

A Special Tribute

The Kelly Green Project wants to honor the amazing staff and Principal Pressley who worked so hard during the pandemic year to keep their students interested, involved and cared for.

This was a year like no other and the return to in-class instruction has not always been easy. We applaud their dedication. (And hope they can soon send their kids out to play in the space they deserve!)

photo: Kelly Schoiol staffers in costume — Kelly School staff members at this fall’s “Trunk or Treat” on the schoolyard

Kelly Green volunteers distributing pumpkins to children

Joining in the fun were Kelly School Library volunteers, who gave away books, and Kelly Green Project volunteers, who gave out pumpkins!

A final suggestion:

In this season of giving, be like the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach, REALTORS in Chestnut Hill, who recently presented their employee contribution to Kelly School Principal Victoria Pressley (center). They were represented by their team leader, Loretta Witt, and team member (Kelly grad!) Amin Beyah. Fred Koniecki (left) and Kelly Green Chair Dennis Barnebey (right) accepted the gift along with Principal Pressley.