Welcome to the Home of the Firebirds ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Family Update: Advisory, Report Card Conferences & Key Dates

Welcome, SOF Families!
As we continue strengthening our advisory model at School of the Future, we want to share important updates regarding communication, report card conferences, and the role of your child’s advisor.

Your Advisor: Primary Contact for Report Card Conferences
During report card conferences, your learner’s advisor will be your main point of contact. Advisors are prepared to discuss overall academic progress, attendance, social-emotional development, and any supports your learner may need.

If you need to speak with a specific teacher about a particular class, please schedule that meeting directly with the teacher. Staff will be reaching out this week with individual conference details and availability.

📅 Report Card Conference Schedule
Dates: November 24 & 25

Time: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Both days are half days for learners

Advisory Communication
Our advisory model is designed to build strong connections between school and home. Advisors will communicate with families by phone or email, and all interactions will be logged in the Student Information System (SIS) to ensure clear documentation and ongoing support.

Why Advisory Matters
The advisory program is central to academic success, social-emotional well-being, and ensuring every learner has a trusted adult advocating for them.

Academic & Planning Benefits
Improved Academic Success: Advisors help learners build effective study habits and strategies.
Post-Secondary Readiness: Guidance with goal-setting, college/career planning, and next steps.

Skill Development: Strengthening time management, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Social & Emotional Benefits
Consistent Support: A caring adult who knows the learner well.
SEL Development: Activities focused on emotional wellness, values, and responsible behavior.
Sense of Belonging: Increased connection to the school community.
Positive Behavior Support: Advisors address concerns early and provide guidance.

Transition & School-Wide Benefits
Support Through Transitions: Help navigating academic and developmental changes.
Increased Oversight: Advisors monitor overall progress and identify areas of need.
Stronger Family Partnerships: Advisors often serve as the main contact for families.

Important Upcoming Dates

  • November 24 & 25: Half Day · Report Card Conferences (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM)
  • November 26: Half Day for Learners & Staff
  • November 27 & 28: Thanksgiving Recess · No School

If you need help scheduling meetings or connecting with an advisor or teacher, please reach out

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your learner’s success!


🎓 Future Ready: Your Fall College Fair Lineup!

Plan your future with these three essential college and career events brought to you by The School District of Philadelphia! Don’t miss out on connecting directly with universities and exploring various postsecondary options.

 27th Annual Malcolm Bernard Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Fair
This is a premier event to connect with and learn about the nation’s vital Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

📅 Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
⏰ Time: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Martin Luther King High School, 6100 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
**✅ Registration is REQUIRED! Register now at: bit.ly/hbcuphilly

 

School of the Future (SOF) Annual College and Career Fair

An opportunity for SOF students to explore diverse postsecondary paths.

📅 Date: Thursday, November 20th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: School of the Future
🎯 Focus: Open to All SOF Students to explore colleges, trade schools, and various career opportunities.

📞 Questions? Please reach out directly to your learner’s advisor for more information.


Celebrating SOF and Penn Academy Partnerships

The Penn Academy is a collaborative partnership between the School of the Future, Foundations, Inc., the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, and the School District of Philadelphia. Together, we combine expertise and resources to create innovative learning environments that prepare students for success in school, careers, and life.

 

CLICK  HERE TO LEARN MORE!!

SOF IN THE NEWS
Here’s the Philly Inquirer article about the Academy at Penn

 


“Exploring the Power and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Computing” 🤖

  • Interactive Robotics & Engineering Demos, Drones, Virtual Reality
  • Makerspaces to Build & Create using real-world tools, robots, and tech
  • Guest Speakers from the Cutting Edge of AI
  • Collaborative Challenges, Cybersecurity, Hackathons
  • Design Media, Graphic Design
  • Music Technology

Thank you to the following organizations that made the SOF STEAM Expo possible:

  • Philadelphia Robotics Coalition
  • Penn Engineering
  • Tiger Woods Foundation
  • Community College of Philadelphia
  • We Love Philly

Your dedication to fostering innovation and education has left a lasting impact on our learners. We are grateful for your support and look forward to future collaborations.


 

Mission Statement

Utilizing a project-based, learner-driven instructional approach, the School of the Future will prepare learners to demonstrate mastery of 21st-century competencies that will equip them for continuous success and with the ability to positively impact their immediate and global community.

Vision Statement

Learning is: Continuous, Relevant, and Adaptive

The School of the Future, in partnership with the community and families, strives to ignite in learners a passion for learning that inspires a commitment to active citizenship by using technological innovation and engaging pedagogy.