Family Resource Center at Penn

Happy Wednesday! Swipe through to see some upcoming FRC events! ☀️🍉

July 30 @ 2PM: Tower Book Reading Challenge! 📚

Thursdays @ 12:30PM: Grad Center 1st Floor Produce Giveaway! 🍓

July 29 @ 10AM: VIRTUAL Writer’s Group! ✍️

August 2 @ 12PM: Ice Cream Social with .gradcenter at the Biopond! 🍦🐢

For more info visit @ familycenter.upenn.edu 😎

Friendly reminder of our summer hours!! ☀️🏖️

Happy July!☀️ Swipe to see some upcoming events!

July 10 @ 10:30AM: Water Play & Freeze Pops! 💦

July 17 @ 10:30AM: Storytime & Parachute Fun! 📚

Tuesdays @ 2-3PM: Tower Book Reading Challenge!📖

July 29 @ 10AM: VIRTUAL Writers Group! ✍️

Thursdays @ 12:30: Grad Center 1st Floor Produce Giveaway! 🥕

For more info visit @ familycenter.upenn.edu/events 🤩

Friendly reminder that the FRC will have holiday hours this week! Enjoy the long weekend! 💙❤️🎆

Friendly reminder that the Family Center is CLOSED on Wednesday, June 19 to honor Juneteenth!
Normal summer hours will resume on Thursday, June 20! ☀️❤️

What summertime events and activities do you want to have with the Family Center? 🌞🌻
All ideas are welcome! 💡
Comment below or send us a message 👍🏽

🎓✨ As we close another semester, we‘re not only celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating student parents but also embracing the joyous play and community spirit at the Family Resource Center. This gathering serves as an end-of-semester PLAYDATE for all FRC members and a communal celebration of the hard work and support from every family member. Join us at the Family Center on Saturday, April 27, from 1 to 4 PM, for an afternoon dedicated to friendship, community, and love❤️ A variety of refreshments, snacks, and activities will be provided! Registration is required. .gradcenter

It’s Election Day! 🗳️Come vote for your favorite M&M color! Ⓜ️🍫

｜Family is all of us｜🧊❄️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 From the hesitant first steps onto the gleaming ice to the inevitable slips and slides that followed, our family ice skating adventure was nothing short of epic.
For some of us, it was the very first time our skates kissed the ice, a mixture of excitement and butterflies. Yes, there were falls (plenty of them and I fell twice haha🤣), and yes, there was a bit of stumbling but each time one of us went down, we got right back up, hand in hand or with a helping push from behind. It wasn’t about gliding perfectly; it was about trying, laughing, and making it together, no matter how many times we had to pick ourselves up. Because that’s what family is all about—facing new challenges, supporting each other, and finding joy in every moment🥰
Together, we made it, and those icy moments of unity have melted into our hearts, reminding us that family truly is all of us, bonded by love and unforgettable memories❤️.

🍁🎉 As the leaves turned golden and the air grew crisp, we gathered at the Family Resource Center for a Halloween Playdate filled with joy, creativity, and a touch of magic. This special day was a wonderful opportunity for kids and families to connect, celebrate, and make unforgettable memories. From artistic endeavors to a delightful costume walk, each activity was designed to spark imagination and bring smiles. Here's a glimpse into the fun-filled activities that made our Halloween celebration so special:

🎃🍪 1. Cookie and Pumpkin Decoration: Our little artists expressed creativity at the cookie and pumpkin decoration station! With icing, sprinkles, and a rainbow of colors, their masterpieces were as sweet as they were spooky. From smiling pumpkins to ghostly cookies, each creation was a treat to behold!

🧙‍♂️👸 2. Costume Walk and Trick-or-Treat: The costume walk was fun and imagination-filled. In a parade-style, our kiddos strolled together in a mini trick-or-treat adventure, filling their bags with goodies and smiles!

🌱🔢 3. Seed-Counting Contest: In this intergenerational contest, our brave participants plunged their hands into a spooky- or maybe just silly! - jarrahdale (grey pumpkin) to grab as many seeds as possible in just 10-seconds. The chill of the slime and slippery feel of the seeds brought intensity to their faces as the cheer of the crowd pushed them onward. It was a messy, giggly, and utterly delightful challenge that tested both courage and dexterity!

🌟👻 Each festivity added its own unique sparkle to our annual Halloween Playdate. A huge thank you to all the families for bringing such enthusiasm and joy to our gathering. Your spirited participation made this a day to remember! In this season of gratitude, we look forward to creating more wonderful memories together in the years to come

🍂🥞 Welcome Back Brunch 2023: Memories Made & Stories Shared! 🍳🌳

A day of joyful reunions, heartfelt performances, and magical storytelling! A big THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for our 2023 Welcome Back Brunch & Playdate. Your presence made the day truly unforgettable.

Highlights of the day:

1️⃣ It was an honor to have Penn President Liz Magill with us during the event! Many of our student parent and postdoc parent families were able to connect with her, exchanging valuable experiences at Penn and around Philadelphia.

2️⃣ The talented group from Penn Enchord serenaded us with an acapella version of a Disney Medley that resonated with both the young and young-at-heart!

3️⃣ Thembi Palmer from Imagine More took us on an enchanting Story Adventure. From dynamic movements to puppetry and costumes, she crafted a mesmerizing storytelling experience perfect for our Pre-K to 3rd graders, and families alike.

4️⃣ Our taste buds were treated to a scrumptious brunch with potatoes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, and the most delectable cupcakes. Shout out to Herb Scott Catering!

5️⃣ And most importantly, watching families connect, share stories, and forge new friendships was the heart of the event.

The Family Resource Center is more than a place; it's a community. And we're excited for what's ahead. Stay tuned for more events and heartfelt connections. 🌟

Hey Penn fam! 🌟 Remember to prioritize wellness. 📝 Don't forget, the Flu Clinic is THIS WEEK at Gimbel Gym in Pottruck today from 10am to 6pm and on Friday from 10am to 4pm. Students, ensure you're clear from holds by checking your Wellness Portal for any missing requirements. 🌡️ Got questions? Our Wellness team has got your back!

Keep a date with us for our Annual Welcome-Back Brunch & Playdate Event!

This is an opportunity to meet other student-parents from all across Penn, as well as meet the entire Family Center crew!

Newly registered and current members are welcome!

PS: Advanced registration is required!

Here is the Family Center's schedule in anticipation of the Labor Day celebration!

Regular hours continue on Tuesday, September 5th, 2023!

Happy Labor Day Weekend! 🎉

Hey Lovely Families!

Join us on 16th August at 10:30am for a group walk to view one of Penn's hidden gems, the biopond at Kaskey Park! At the park we'll gather for a Story Time, too. Meet us in front of 3615 Locust Walk (home of your favorite and amazing Family Center!) so we can walk together to Kaskey Memorial Park - where the beautiful biopond and its ecosystem live. Librarian Kit from the Walnut West Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia will meet us for Story Time at 11am 📚 Families are also welcome to meet us there and continue enjoying the serene surroundings afterward! The park is free and open to the public from dawn until dusk, year round.

Please register via https://upenn-frc.libcal.com/event/10981696

10:30 AM - Meet in front of the Graduate Student Center at 3615 Locust Walk, home of the Family Center

10:35 - 11 AM - Walk to Kaskey Park

Address - James G. Kaskey Memorial Park
University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department
433 S. University Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104

11 AM - 12 PM - Story Time with Librarian Kit from the Free Library of Philadelphia

12 - 1 PM - check out the biopond and its ecosystem! Enjoy the park!

Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring water, and plan to smile :)




.GradCenter .Penn

August brings the heat in Philly! Family Center members, cool down together with a movie and popcorn 🍿 Mondays from 1-3pm in the Family Center on 8/7, 8/15, and 8/21. Learn more on our event page, www.familycenter.upenn.edu/events

Are you a new Penn student or postdoc who is a parent? Are you wondering what the Family Center does or how our resources can support your journey? Join us on Thursday, August 10th or Tuesday, September 12th for, "Ins & Outs: How to Utilize the Family Resource Center" 🎓 🚼
This virtual space will be an opportunity to connect with other new families who are also learning about the Family Center and the benefits/resources that are available for students and postdocs who are parents. Learn more and register through our event page, www.familycenter.upenn.edu/events

Bring Your Picnic & Blanket to this Ice Cream Social for NEW Graduate & Professional students with children and/or partners/spouses🍨 Family-friendly resources will be available at information tables and fun will be had with games and activities - like the 20ft rainbow parachute!! Remember your sunscreen for this fun under the sun opportunity to connect with other new families 😎 Learn more and register in advance at: www.familycenter.upenn.edu/events

Garden Jams on Wednesdays!

outdoor summer concert series returns as Garden Jams, a low-key, high-chill, al fresco scene in Stoner Courtyard at the rose-gold hour. Unwind to world music by local Philly bands. Grab small bites and sips from food trucks and a garden bar fully stocked with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic refreshments. Feel free to BYO blanket and picnic essentials (just no alcohol please) and find your spot amid a hidden and historic urban oasis under the sky. Concerts move indoors during inclement weather.

Visit https://bit.ly/3K3tPwC to get $5 tickets for PennCard Holders

Hey Families,
presents Annual Summer Gathering.

Bring someone with you to enjoy all the food, fun, and camaraderie!!
Food, Water, and Water Ice on us!!!
BRING A CHAIR, A DESSERT TO SHARE AND A COOLER FULL OF DRINKS!!

Saturday, 07/22/2023: 2-6PM
North Georges Hill, Site #3,
Behind the Mann Music Center
LOOK FOR THE TENTS!!!

It was almost a year ago that the Family Center reopened after a 2+ years closure. In this time, we have grown in team size, community, with partnerships, and most definitely in love as we expand to continue supporting our intergenerational Penn community 💕 We are grateful and SO blessed to see friendships unfold and exist across continents. A BIG shoutout to the Family Centers members who make our space so magical and ready for more ✨
We welcome new and returning families to join us for a Family Meet-Up on the terrace from 2-3pm on Thursday, July 27th. Enjoying freeze pops, doodling with chalk art, and blowing bubbles is how we play - come on by to make it a great day 🌞 Learn more and register here, www.familycenter.upenn.edu/events

Join the PECO Go 4th & Learn event for an experience of a lifetime! Enjoy a FREE morning jam-packed with fun, interactive, educational activities from local organizations.
Friday from 10am - 12pm at Penn Park, 31st & Lower Walnut - let the fun begin!
Wawa Welcome America

❗ Update for Family Center Members: the Family Center will be closed from Monday, July 3rd through Friday, July 6th for maintenance and in observance of Independence Day. We hope you enjoy this time with your loved ones! 🎇 💕

Returning from the rain postponement! Join us on Monday at 3pm in the Family Center for a Pride themed Story Time with Music!! 📚 🎵

📚🌟 Join the Free Library of Philadelphia for an extraordinary event with Jamilah The Writer, an accomplished Penn Alumna, award-winning children's book author, and a dear friend of the Family Resource Center at Penn!

📖 Bring your family to the enchanting world of children's literature as Jamilah unveils her latest book: "Salat in Secret."

Date & Time: Fri, June 23 at 10:30 a.m.

Location: Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine Street (between 19th and 20th Streets on the Parkway),Philadelphia, PA 19103

Welcoming the rain, our Pride Walk & Story Time scheduled for this afternoon has been postponed - details coming soon!
🌧️+🌞 = 🌈

The Family Center will be closed on Monday, June 19th, 2023 in honor of Juneteenth. Although it became a federal holiday in just 2021, Juneteenth is the oldest celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Learn more about Juneteenth and the festival & celebrations in Philly here: https://juneteenthphilly.org/about/
On Wednesday, June 21st from 2-3pm on the Family Center Terrace (3615 Locust Walk) we will continue to celebrate through a Family Meet-Up!🕶️ Enjoy popsicles and express yourself with sidewalk chalk and bubble wands as we connect, learn, and recognize truth together ⚖️ Sponsored by the Penn Women's Center and the Family Resource Center. All ages are welcome! Students, postdocs, staff, and faculty who are parents and caregivers are encouraged to come on by with their children!

Happy Summer time and hello Pride Month! Join us next Friday, 16th June at 2:30pm for a Pride Walk & Story Time! Meet us in front of 3615 Locust Walk (home of your favorite and amazing Family Center!) so we can walk TOGETHER to Kaskey Memorial Park - where the beautiful biopond and its ecosystem live. Librarian Kit from FLP will meet us for Story Time at 3pm📚 more details and registration via linktree and our event page: https://bit.ly/45RQbKM

🏵️🌸🌹💐Sending joy for all the graduation achievements and a breath of pause for balance 💫
The Family Center will be open Monday, May 15, from 8am - 3pm, celebrating with our friends upstairs in the Graduate Student Center for breakfast and relaxing with play in the Family Center 🎓 Graduate Student Center at the University of Pennsylvania
The Family Center will be CLOSED Tuesday, May 16, through Friday, May 19.
The Family Center will be OPEN again the following week, beginning Monday, May 22, with a special schedule of Mondays through Thursdays from 10am - 4pm (closed on Fridays) through June 15th.

A big THANK YOU to the English Instructors at the Family Center! We cherish all the work you completed in the past two semesters and celebrate your graduation from the TESOL program at Penn GSE! 🙌📑🤩

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!


University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education