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Honoring and recognizing Ms. Anna Jenkins on the occasion of her retirement after decades of distinguished service as an educator and school leader in the School District of Philadelphia
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WHEREAS, Ms. Anna Jenkins has devoted her life’s work to the education, growth, and well-being of Philadelphia’s children, serving the School District of Philadelphia with distinction since beginning her career as an educator in 1988; and
WHEREAS, A proud Philadelphian and graduate of St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls, Ms. Jenkins earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Master of Arts in Education from Holy Family University, and received her Administrative Certification from Saint Joseph’s University; and
WHEREAS, Before becoming principal of Alexander Adaire School, Ms. Jenkins served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, including leadership roles at Cook-Wissahickon School and Southwark School, where she was recognized for strengthening attendance, improving community engagement, and advancing student achievement; and
WHEREAS, Since 2013, Ms. Jenkins has served as principal of Alexander Adaire School, a Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade public school in the heart of Fishtown, established in 1891 and named for Alexander Adaire, an early advocate for public education in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS, During her tenure, Adaire received recognition for achievement and growth, including a certificate of achievement for most improved English Language Arts performance on the PSSA during the 2016-2017 school year, and Ms. Jenkins received a Principal Achievement Award during the 2015-2016 school year for Adaire’s achievement in mathematics education; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Jenkins’ leadership has extended beyond academics, as she helped guide improvements to school climate, early literacy supports, community engagement, and the transformation of Adaire’s schoolyard into a more vibrant space for outdoor play, learning, and connection; and
WHEREAS, As a 2018 Neubauer Fellow, Ms. Jenkins has exemplified the highest ideals of school leadership: steady service, deep care for students and families, respect for educators, and an unwavering belief in the promise of Philadelphia’s public schools; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That this body joins the Alexander Adaire School community, the Fishtown neighborhood, and generations of students, families, teachers, and staff in expressing gratitude for Ms. Jenkins’ extraordinary career and enduring contributions to public education, and hereby honors and recognizes Ms. Anna Jenkins on the occasion of her retirement, celebrates her decades of distinguished service to the children and families of Philadelphia, and extends sincere wishes for joy, rest, and fulfillment in her next chapter.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ms. Anna Jenkins as evidence of the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
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