School Calendar 09-10/Important Dates · Pants that sag below the waist Shorts, skorts, or skirts...

John H. Ketcham Elementary School A District of Columbia Public School

1919 15th Street SE Washington, DC 20020

(202) 698-1122

PARENT HANDBOOK

Our Students. Our Future. Our Responsibility.

2018-2019 School Year Maisha Riddlesprigger

Principal

Ketcham Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section A Message to Parents/Guardians The Ketcham Elementary School Creed DCPS and Ketcham Elementary School Mission and Vision Ketcham ES Dress Code Staff Roster 2018-2019 Admissions School Behavior Matrix/Website/Take-Home Tuesdays Suggested School Supplies (By Grade Levels) Visitor/Volunteer Policy/Reporting to School (AM) General Attendance Information Attendance Guidelines Attendance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Field Trips Homework and SST DCPS Contact Information Volunteering School Culture and Special Education Information Tips for Parents in Supporting Student Achievement Appendix : Ketcham Elementary School Behavior Chart Appendix : Chapter 25 Discipline Code/Tiers


A MESSAGE TO PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) ***

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):

Welcome to another exciting school year! We are providing you with this Handbook in an effort to inform you about our school programs, policies and procedures that will affect you this school year. The faculty and staff at Ketcham Elementary School are committed to providing a rigorous and comprehensive program of instruction for each and every student. Our teachers are prepared and ready to assist you with the essential materials, advice, and feedback about your child’s progress towards mastery of the Common Core State Standards. I strongly encourage parents to be involved in their children’s education. Research shows that all else being equal, a partnership among students, their parents/guardians, and their school is the surest way for children to develop to their fullest potential. We encourage parents to partner with us on behalf of their children. This Handbook has been created in order to clearly outline the expectations that we have for our students and families. Our primary goal is to equip your child with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to be academically and socially successful. I look forward to partnering with you in these efforts. If you have any questions that are not answered after reading this Handbook, please feel free to call me at (202) 698-1122. Best wishes for the 2018-2019 school year! Maisha Riddlesprigger Principal


The Ketcham Elementary School Creed

Welcome to Success

Welcome to success

A place where we do our best.

We respect, encourage, and support each other,

We never put down, or discourage each other.

We may be children, but we have big dreams,

Working together we can do anything.

Welcome to success

A place where we do our best!


School Uniform Colors:

Dark blue shirts White button up shirts with blue sweater vest Dark Khaki/Khaki Pants

School Motto: Our students. Our future. Our responsibility.

School Colors: Blue and Gold

School Mascot:

Eagle

Grade Configuration: Pre School – 5th Grade

Extracurricular Activities: Basketball Cheerleading Girls on the Run Special Olympics Flag Football Indoor Track Dance Team Garden Club Drumline


District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Mission and Vision

Vision Statement:

Every student feels loved, challenged, and prepared to positively

influence society and thrive in life.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to ensure that every school guarantees students reach

their full potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences

provided in a nurturing environment.

Tagline:

Every Student, Every School, Every Day!


Ketcham Elementary School Mission and Vision

MISSION

Ketcham Elementary School is a community school, focused on

advancing our students’ and families’ opportunities through rigorous

academic instruction and service.

VISION

We strive to cultivate a community of high performing, service

oriented students.

TAG LINE

Our Students. Our Future. Our Responsibility.

CORE VALUES Advancement

Integrity

Resilience

Joy

Service

Ownership

Recognition of Value


Ketcham Elementary School Dress Code

At Ketcham Elementary School we are committed to providing a learning environment that supports the

academic growth of our students and our overall focus on learning. It is our goal to provide an academic

environment that is free of distractions. Below, you will find our detailed school uniform and dress code

policy. Students are expected to adhere to the uniform policy at all times, except on free dress or college

days.

Families that are facing serious financial hardships and are unable to purchase school uniforms should

contact the Principal or school counselor.

According to the DCMR-Chapter 24, all schools in the District of Columbia Public School system are

required to establish and implement a mandatory uniform policy (please see citation from DCMR

regulations below). Ketcham Elementary School has adopted the following Dress Code for the 2010-2011

school year and beyond:

DCMR-Chapter 24

2408.6 The Chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools hereby authorizes principals of

District of Columbia Public Schools to establish and implement mandatory uniform policies for

the 2009-2010 school year and successive school years.

Ketcham Elementary School Dress Code 1. Students must have their shirts tucked in neatly to their pants at all times. NO EXCEPTIONS!

2. Students are not permitted to wear excessively baggy or excessively tight uniform tops or

bottoms.

3. Students are to be in uniform at all times, except for free dress and college days.

School Uniform

Boys: Dark blue polo shirts and dark khaki/khaki pants or shorts

White button up shirts with dark blue sweater vest and dark khaki/khaki pants or shorts

Girls: Dark blue polo shirts and dark khaki/khaki shorts, skirts, or skorts

White button up shirt with dark blue sweater vests and dark khaki/khaki pants or shorts

White button up shirt with dark green or dark green plaid jumper

Students are not permitted to wear the following:

Pants that sag below the waist

Shorts, skorts, or skirts that are more than two inches above the knee

Open toed shoes, flip flops, or shoes/boots with a high heel

Excessively tight or revealing clothes

Sweatpants or windbreaker pants

Hats, bandanas, sun visors, or beanies (all must be removed before entering the building). If

head gear is required for religious reasons, please inform the school Principal.

Any article of clothing that has imagery that is not acceptable for the school environment

(profanity, put downs, nudity, visuals depicting death, drug paraphernalia, etc.)

Colored makeup. Colored lipstick is not allowed and students will be asked to remove it upon

arrival to the school campus


Any article of clothing that can be perceived as gang or neighborhood crew affiliated

Fake tattoos

Sleeveless or cut off shirts, dresses (sun dresses), tank tops, or jumpers without shirts underneath

Shirts that expose the students’ midriff or stomach section

Excessively large, expensive, or flashy jewelry

Any additional item that the school administration deems inappropriate for the learning

environment

The Ketcham Elementary School administration reserves the right to amend this school

dress code at any time during the school year, as necessary.


Staff Roster

School Year 2018-2019

Name Title Location

Maisha Riddlesprigger Principal Main Office

Milton Bryant Assistant Principal Room 307

Kalik Booker Director of Strategy and Logistics Main Office

Keisha Chandler ELA Instructional Coach Room 117

Wykana Tabor Data Clerk Main Office

Ikey Staton Business Manager Main Office

Kevin Allen ISS Coordinator Room 206

Donovan Livingston Behavior Support Staff Room 206

Instructional Staff-General Education

Grade Teacher Room

Pre School (3 Year Olds) Josephine Chavez 114

Jason Livernois 116

Pre K (4 Year Olds) Samantha Thomas 113

Joyce Pendleton 112

Kindergarten Carla Toliver-Irby 101

Sheresse Williams 109

1st Grade Sadiya Abubakri (ELA/Social Studies) 214

Ja’Pria Tyler (Math/Science) 217


2nd Grade Mariah Slade (Math/Science) 216

Adama Khanu (ELA/Social Studies) 213

3rd Grade Victoria Pope (ELA/Social Studies) 309

Solomon Tackie (Math/Science) 317

4th Grade Melanie Berry (Math/Science) 316

T.J. Baker (ELA/Social Studies) 315

5th Grade Rosalind Lamont (ELA/Social Studies) 308

Tacora Snell (Math/Science) 312

Instructional Staff-Special Education

Grade Teacher Room

EC Special Education (EC – 1st) Katherine Bonilla 107

Primary Special Education

(2nd – 3rd)

Sharon Culbreath 207

Intermediate Special Education

(4th -5th)

Khristina Pullings 305

Special Subjects Teachers

Subject Teacher Room

Music Dion Nelson 102

Physical Education/Health Kyle McManus PE Room

Librarian Jamilla Coleman 313


Art Brian Dunn 211

Spanish Tiffany Garcia A108

Instructional Support Staff

Grade Support Staff Member Room

Pre School

(3 Year Olds)

Sherene Ford (Mrs. Chavez’s Room)

114

(Mr. Livernois Room)

Ms. Hall

116

Pre-Kindergarten

(4 Year Olds)

(Ms. Thomas Room)

Denise Smithy

113

Shaunette Griffin (Mrs. Pendleton’s Room) 112

Kindergarten Joyce Solomon (Ms. Williams Room) 109

Monique Chambliss (Mrs. Toliver-Irby’s Room) 101

Dedicated Aide -2nd Grade Richard Milam

School wide Support Staff

Title Staff Member Room

Nurse Chandra Alade 105

Psychologist Kai Blake 302

Speech Therapist C’Ri Weeden-Shannon Old Wing

Social Worker Kanisha Barnes 106

DBH Mental Health

Worker

Danielle Goldberg 104


Custodial, Security, and Cafeteria Staff

Title Name

Custodial Foreman Morris Cobb

Custodian Masi Peddie

Custodian Kevin Wise

School Security Officer Bacon

Cafeteria Manager Bria Draughton

Cook Lucille Rivers

Food Service Worker Rose Ellington

Food Service Worker Yvonne Smith

Food Service Worker Lisa Aveila


Admissions

Parents of new students may come to our office Monday-Friday (8:15 am-4:00 pm) to register a child. Parents and /or guardians may telephone the school at (202) 698-1122 or visit the DCPS Website (www.dcps.dc.gov) to find documents needed for registration. The Board of Education has assigned school boundaries to each of our DC Public Schools. Students must attend the school noted according to the address of the legal parent or guardian. Parents/guardians may elect to apply for special permission during school lottery time. The My School DC lottery opens in December of each school year. The DC Public School District provides free education to District residents between the ages of five and twenty-one who do not possess a diploma. Students who do not qualify for free schooling will not be admitted to the district, except as provided in the District of Columbia Board of Education Master Agreement or, if the student is the child of a school employee, such student may be accepted on the payment of 30 percent of the normal tuition rate (to be paid each month in advance) or any students required by law. Tuition students will not be accepted for attendance in the District of Columbia School System. “Residency,” for purpose of definition within this policy, shall be defined as something more than a superficial residence. It will be defined as a place where important family activities take place during significant parts of each day; a place where the family eats, sleeps, works, relaxes and plays. It must be a place, in short, which can be called “home,” except in the case where the parents are legally separated or divorced, in which residency will be determined by the residency of the parent with legal custody. Students transferring from another school will normally be placed in the grade level recommended by the previous school. We will request that official records be sent to us in order to meet each child’s needs as quickly as possible. New entrants at all grade levels will be required to present, at time of enrollment, an official birth certificate or other evidence of birth, proof of having received or being in the process of receiving required immunizations, proof of residency and custody information, if applicable.

http://www.dcps.dc.gov/


School Behavior Matrix In order to maintain a safe and effective learning environment, it is important that

students are clear on the behavioral expectations while on school property. The

Ketcham Elementary School Behavior Matrix clearly outlines expectations for behavior

and noise level in all areas of the school building. Teachers will spend a significant

amount of time teaching and reinforcing these expectations, however, we are asking

parents to also reinforce these expectations at home. The Ketcham Behavior

Matrix is located in the Appendix; please review it closely with your child.

With your support we can ensure that all students have the opportunity to

learn in a safe and effective learning environment.

Ketcham Elementary School Website www.ketchamelementary.org

DCPS Website Visit the District of Columbia Public Schools website at www.dcps.dc.gov

Ketcham Elementary School on Social Media See what’s happening at Ketcham ES on the following social media platforms:

Facebook: @ketchameagles

Twitter: @KetchamES and @PrincipalRiddle

The Ketcham Elementary School Creed Each morning during morning announcements we begin our day by reciting the

Ketcham Elementary School Creed. The purpose of this is to set the tone for the school

day and to focus our students on academic excellence. Many of our students from Pre

School to Fifth Grade have memorized the creed and can recite it on request. We ask

parents to work with us to help your child memorize the creed. Quiz them at home.

Learn it yourself. Ask them what it means to be a proud Ketcham scholar. With your

help, each of our scholars will internalize what it means to be a proud Ketcham scholar!

Take-Home Tuesdays This school year all communication with important dates and reminders originating from the Main Office will go home with students on the same day of the week, Tuesdays. Take-Home Tuesday flyers will always be printed on colored paper, as to make it easier for you to find in your child’s book bag. Please ask your child every Tuesday if they have received a Take-Home Tuesday flyer! It should be located in their colored homework folder.

http://www.ketchamelementary.org/



Visitor/Volunteer Policy We welcome all visitors and volunteers into our school building. All visitors, including parents and parent volunteers, must sign in and obtain a visitors pass upon entering the building. Parents are welcome into classrooms if they call to schedule an appointment to observe the classroom and their presence does not disrupt the learning environment. At morning drop off, all parents are expected to exit the building by 9:00 AM. This is to ensure that teachers can begin their uninterrupted instructional time during the school day. All halls must be cleared of visitors and students at that time. If a visitor or volunteer engages in disruptive, violent, threatening, or inappropriate behavior towards Ketcham Elementary School staff members or students while on the premises, they will promptly be removed from the building. The resulting consequence may include being barred from the building and all school functions and a bar notice filed with School Police. To be clear, disruptive, violent, threatening, or inappropriate behavior includes:

Public intoxication

Use of profanity or use of obscene gestures

Interrupting a class

Endangering the safety of another individual through the use of force (fighting) or verbal threat

Refusing to leave the premises when asked to do so by a staff member

Reprimanding a student that is not your own

Making threats (bodily harm, violence, arson, terrorism, shooting, murder)

Possession of an item that is a weapon or an item that can be used as a weapon

Rude or negative interactions with Ketcham Elementary School staff members


Parent & Visitor Guidelines

In order to maintain an orderly, respectful and secure educational environment for the

students and staff of Ketcham Elementary School, it is essential that all parents and

visitors to our buildings be aware of their responsibilities and adhere to the expected

code of conduct as set forth in this guidance.

Ketcham Elementary School Parents are expected to:

Recognize that the education of children is a joint responsibility of the parents and the school community.

Help their children understand that in our school community, appropriate rules are required to maintain a safe, orderly environment.

Ensure that children bring only items appropriate and related to the instructional program at school.

Know school and classroom rules and help their children understand them. Convey to their children a supportive attitude toward education and the school community.

Work collaboratively with classroom teachers to build strong, mutually respectful relationships.

Inform school officials of changes in the home situation that may affect student conduct or performance.

Insist their children be dressed and groomed in a manner consistent with the student dress code.

Review the PBIS Behavior Matrix with their child and sign it.

Public Conduct on School Property

Schools are a place of work and learning. Certain limits must be set for parents and

other visitors who visit our schools and classrooms. All persons on school property or

attending a school function shall conduct themselves in a respectful and orderly

manner. The building principal (or her designee) is responsible for all persons in the

building and on the grounds. The following rules apply to visitors to the schools:

Anyone who is not an official staff member, official parent volunteer or student of the school will be considered a visitor.

All visitors to the school must report to the main office upon arrival at the school. They will be required to sign the visitor’s log and will be issued a visitor’s badge, which must be worn at all times while in the school or on school grounds. The visitor must sign out before leaving the building.

Parents or family members who wish to observe a classroom while school is in session are required to arrange such visits with the classroom teacher(s) and obtain administrative approval, so that class disruption is kept to a minimum.


Teachers are not allowed to take instructional time to discuss specific individual matters with visitors.

Any unauthorized person on school property will be reported to the principal or her designee. Unauthorized persons will be asked to leave. The police may be called if the situation warrants.

All visitors are expected to abide by the rules for public conduct on school property contained in the DC Public Schools Code of Conduct.

Conduct Prohibited on School Property

No person shall:

Intentionally injure any other person or threaten (bodily harm, violence, arson, terrorism, shooting, murder) to do so.

Use profanity towards staff, students, or guests/visitors of the Ketcham ES community

Intentionally damage or destroy school property or the property of a teacher, administrator, other district employee or any other person lawfully on school property, including graffiti or arson.

Disrupt the orderly conduct of classes, school programs or other school activities.

Distribute or wear materials on school grounds or at school functions that are obscene, advocate illegal action, appear libelous, obstruct the rights of others, or are disruptive to the school program.

Intimidate, harass or discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability status.

Enter any portion of the school premises without authorization or remain in any building or facility after it is normally closed.

Obstruct the free movement of any person in any place to which this code applies.

Possess, consume, sell, distribute or exchange alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or be under the influence of either on school property or at a school function.

Possess or use weapons (or items that can be used as weapons) in or on school property or at school function, except in the case of law enforcement officers.

Gamble on school property or at school functions.

Refuse to comply with any reasonable order of identifiable school district officials performing their duties.

Willfully incite others to commit any of the acts prohibited by this code.

Violate any federal or state statute, local ordinance or board policy while on school property or while at a school function.

Persons in violation of the Code of Conduct


The authorization of a visitor, to remain on school grounds or at any school function

shall be withdrawn and they shall be directed to leave the premises. If they refuse to

leave, they shall be subject to removal by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The

resulting consequence after two infractions in one academic school year, may be

recommendation for a bar notice from the school building to ensure the safety or

students and the protection of the learning environment.


General Attendance Information Regular school attendance is vital to academic success. When students are absent, they miss valuable information and lessons necessary to meet District of Columbia Learning Standards. Families, schools and communities must work as a team to support school attendance. Our system-wide goal is to improve local school attendance at every grade level.

Reporting to School (AM) John H. Ketcham Elementary School hours are from 8:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Children who walk or are transported to school by a method other than by DC Public School transportation can arrive by 8:20 AM. Students will be served breakfast in the classroom starting at 8:40 a.m. Students are not allowed to play on the playground prior to the start of morning classes.

Tardiness Students must arrive at school by 8:45 a.m. and be in the classroom, ready to learn, at 8:45 a.m. Students that arrive to school after 9:00 AM, MUST report to the office to obtain a late pass prior to being admitted to class. Habitual tardiness, according to District of Columbia law, is truancy and will be treated as such. IMPORTANT: Please review attached document on truancy and absences!

Truancy Truancy is defined as willful absence from school by a minor (5 – 18 years of age) with or without approval, parental/guardian knowledge, or consent. Therefore, students must bring a note from their parent/guardian upon the first day of return from an absence. Students will be marked as an unexcused absence for days missed if a note is not sent by a parent/guardian. Once the student accumulates five days of unexcused absences, we will initiate the necessary paperwork to start the process for a Court Referral.

Early Dismissal of Students Students are dismissed through the school office. Students may not wait in front of the building or enter automobiles unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. These rules are necessary to ensure student safety. Parents/guardians must come to the office to sign a student out for early dismissal. Students may not be signed out by an unknown person unless that person’s name is noted on the student’s records. Students will be called down for dismissal by Ms. Tabor. Parents are not allowed to go to classrooms to retrieve students for dismissal. Parents that arrive between the hours of 3:00 PM and 3:15 PM must wait for dismissal time, as not to disrupt the classroom teacher’s dismissal process.


Attendance Guidelines Students arriving to their classroom after 9:00 a.m. will be considered

tardy. Half Day Students who arrive between thirty-one (31) minutes and three and a half (3 ½) hours late will be considered a half-day (½) absence. Full Day Students who are absent more than three and a half hours (3 ½) hours are considered a full day absence. Early Departure Check Students who leave between one (1) minute and thirty (30) minutes early are considered to have left early.

Excused Absences The following conditions may excuse a student from school attendance:

Personal illness or injury (The school principal may require a doctor’s certificate)

Family illness An emergency situation requiring the student to be absent from school

Quarantine Of the home by local health officials

Death of a relative (Limited to three (3) days unless reasonable cause can be shown for a longer absence)

Observance of a religious holiday Consistent with the student’s established creed or belief

District of Columbia law requires that students returning to school after absences bring a written note from their parent or guardian including the following:

1. The date(s) of the absence(s) 2. The reason for the absence(s) 3. The parent or guardian signature; and, 4. The parent/guardian phone number


Attendance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is school attendance required? Yes, school attendance is required for all students who reach five years of age on or before December 31 of the current school year. Students must attend school until their 18th birthday. Students who reside in DC must be enrolled in a public, independent, private, parochial or home school each year during the period that schools are in session. When is school attendance not required? When students have an excused absence. What types of absences may be excused? When a student returns to school after an absence, a note should be sent with him/her to the teacher. This note should include the date(s) of the absence and the reason. Excused absences include:

Illness of the student (a doctor’s certificate is required for an absence of more than five days)

Medical reasons such as a doctor’s appointment (a doctor’s certificate should be provided for medical appointments scheduled during the school day)

Observance of a religious holiday Death in the student’s immediate family

What types of absences may not be excused? Absences are not excused when students are absent from school with or without parental approval for reasons such as:

Babysitting Shopping Doing errands Oversleeping Cutting classes Job hunting

What is truancy?

Truancy is the willful absence from school by a minor (under 18 years of age) with or without approval, parental knowledge or consent. Please note that all DC Public Schools, except the School Without Walls, are closed campuses. This means that students must remain on campus during school lunch periods. What happens to a truant? All uniformed law enforcement officers in the District are responsible for truancy enforcement. A typical case of truancy goes like this:

If a truant is picked up by the police, he or she will be transported in a police vehicle to the Student Attendance Intervention Center.


Parents are notified of the student’s truancy status. Students and parents receive intake consultation and resource support. Parents and the school are provided with consultation and follow-up support. Parents and students must attend a truancy conference at a local school.

Who can report a suspected truancy? Anyone can report a suspected truancy:

Relatives Neighbors Friends Parents Students Concerned citizens Community and business representatives

Why is it important to report truancy? Truancy reporting is important because keeping students in school helps to keep them safe and improves the quality of their education. These things, in turn, benefit the entire community. What are the consequences of poor school attendance? Poor school attendance may result in:

Poor work habits Lower grades/loss of credit Frustration in learning Dropping out of school Lower self-esteem Lack of self-discipline Unsupervised activities Delinquency Reduced earning potential Future unemployment Potential criminal activity

What can parents do? Parents can help improve student attendance in the following ways:

Let your child know that you think school is important. Set a regular bedtime schedule. Age should not be a factor. Provide your child with plenty of time to get ready for school. Plan an alternate way for your child to get to school on time, just in case the usual

method isn't available one day. Schedule medical, dental and other appointments before and after school hours

whenever possible.


Field Trips Field trips are an enrichment of the classroom learning as well as a privilege. If a field trip is scheduled, in order for your child to participate in these activities, appropriate behavior is necessary. Students earn the right to attend field trips through homework, attendance, grades, behavior, and other criteria. Your child may be excluded from field trips if the classroom teacher and Principal determine that their behavior poses a safety and supervision risk. All field trips must be approved by the Principal and forwarded to the Instructional Superintendent for final approval. Permission slips must be signed and returned to school in advance of a student being allowed to participate on a field trip. Telephone approval will not be accepted nor hand written approval on personal stationary. In addition to parental/guardian approval, students must be in school uniform. Students will travel by buses that have been approved by DCPS or by Metro. Students will not be released during the course of the trip to anyone but a parent or guardian. Should an emergency arise and a student must be released, we must have approval from the parent or guardian. Each case will be handled in accordance with the situation at the time.

STUDENTS MUST BE IN SCHOOL UNIFORM IN ORDER TO

PARTICIPATE ON A SCHOOL SPONSORED FIELD TRIP. (Unless noted otherwise)


Homework Homework provides an opportunity to reinforce academic skills and for parents to become partners in their children’s learning process. Teachers will give homework to strengthen children’s skills in specific areas addressed during the daily lesson. The amount of homework should increase as a child moves through the elementary grades. If you have concerns about homework, please call for a time to conference with your child’s teacher. Since the needs of each child are different, homework assignments may vary from child to child within each class. SST (Student Support Team) The SST is a school based committee designed to assist and provide students with opportunities to learn and progress in the general education curriculum. The primary purpose is to help general education teachers and/or other school staff to meet diverse student needs in the general education setting. Teachers, school based personnel and parents use a collaborative problem solving process to assess the needs of students who are struggling academically and/or behaviorally.

Referrals to the SST may be requested by parents or school personnel. Concerns about academic performance or emotional, social or behavior problems will be discussed by a group of teachers, social workers, administrators and other appropriate school personnel as a means of intervention in an attempt to identify problem areas students may need addressing. After identifying positive goals for the student, the SST members will recommend academic and/or behavioral strategies that are to be implemented for a minimum of six weeks.


DCPS Contact Information

Places that Parents and Students Can Go to Get More

Information

We know that many occasions arise when students, parents and families have questions

or feedback to offer DCPS. We want you to feel welcome talking with our school and

central office staff, and we certainly want you to be able to get in touch with us easily.

The following is a list of contacts and resources for students, parents and families.

Call your local school

Oftentimes your child’s school is the best tool for getting your questions answered. Feel

free to either visit or call your child’s school any time. Phone numbers and addresses for

all schools can be found in our School Directory online at our new website dcps.dc.gov.

Get in touch with a Parent and Family Resource Center

There are three city-wide Parent and Family Resource Centers in Wards 1, 7 and 8 that

exist solely to work with and assist parents of all students in DCPS. These are excellent

places to get information and to get involved. Call the center closest to you.

Ward 1 (202) 671-5023

Ward 7 (202) 645-4374

Ward 8 (202) 645-6619

Call the Instructional Superintendent for your cluster

Cluster 3 (202) 227-1785 Instructional Superintendent: Elizabeth Namba


Volunteering A wide range of volunteer opportunities are available in DCPS, from tutoring students to helping with administrative tasks to beautifying our campuses. We are always excited when talented and motivated individuals want to use their skills, resources, and knowledge to serve DC schools.

In order to volunteer in our schools on a regular basis, individuals need to follow our volunteer application process:

1. Complete the volunteer application (online).

2. Complete a tuberculosis test.

3. Bring the completed application, TB test result, and photo ID to the district office to be fingerprinted.

The office is located at 1200 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Fingerprinting is available Tuesdays 9 am-4 pm or Thursdays 9 am-12 pm, or by

appointment.

4. In about two weeks, you will receive a letter verifying that you have completed the process.

Please note that volunteers for Beautification Day or other weekend or one-day service events do not need to complete the process.

Phone: (202) 442-5447

Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Special Education Information The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has issued a statewide

policy on special education and inclusion. DCPS supports this policy and is working

continuously to transform our schools into inclusive learning environments for all our

students.

Inclusion is a way of thinking, a mindset, where teachers and staff take responsibility for all our students—including those with special needs. Schools and families work together to determine how all students can be supported in their pursuit to gain a high-quality education in the general education classroom. The Office of Special Education is working with schools to provide assistance as they strive to build inclusive classrooms where all our students can flourish. By meeting each student at their current ability, we can ensure students with special needs as well as their non-disabled peers gain access to a broad range of educational services and supports to achieve at their highest levels. However, we will not be moving students to classrooms that do not provide the necessary supports for their success. As the name suggests, special education is not a one size fits all approach – each student’s plan is individualized to his/her needs. We encourage you to speak to the staff at your neighborhood school about their efforts to provide a more inclusive setting for your child. You may also have questions about the law governing special education. The manual, Caring for Our Students with Disabilities-A Procedural Manual for Parents, is designed to assist you in understanding your rights and the rights of your child under IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. You may get a copy of this manual from your neighborhood school or by contacting the Office of Special Education. If you have additional questions or concerns, the staff at your child’s school are always available to assist you in ensuring your child receives the proper supports and services. However, if you have difficulties and need additional assistance, please contact the Office of Special Education’s Critical Response Team (CRT) by telephone at (202) 442-5400. We also invite you to visit the District of Columbia Public Schools website at www.dcps.dc.gov for more information on our office and updates on our efforts to serve our students with special needs. We look forward to your support and involvement as we seek to provide inclusive opportunities that broaden the horizons for all DCPS students.



Tips for Parents in Supporting Student Achievement Support Education from Home Let your child know that you think school is important.

Your opinion matters to your children, even if they tell you it doesn’t! On the first day of school, ask them to tell you—or to teach you--one thing they learned at school. Keep on asking every day!

Ask your child’s teacher about behavioral expectations in class and how they implement and reward positive behavior. Then, try to replicate pieces of that system at home. Consistency will help your children understand what is expected of them both at school and at home.

Encourage excellent attendance

We want to see your children in school because we can’t teach them if they’re not with us! Excellent attendance is key to success in school.

Set a bedtime and try to stick to it! This is part of building a productive routine so that your children will be up in time to get ready for school.

Have a Plan B when it comes to transportation and getting your child to school on time. Sometimes Plan A doesn’t work out!

Healthy Habits and Routines Help Children Grow and Learn

Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest every night.

Talk to your school nurse or your child’s doctor about healthy eating habits that can improve overall health and wellness.

Work some reading time into your child’s day! Reading stimulates the brain and helps kids be more prepared and alert in school.

Develop a Productive Routine

A steady, productive routine will help your student maintain a healthy lifestyle and succeed in school. Good routines develop positive expectations for students (and parents!)

Build Healthy Relationships

Tell your child something positive about who they are and what they do.

Recognize and thank your child for participating in school or church events and for helping others. This will help your child become a good, productive citizen.

Get Involved!

There are many ways to do this...

Attend parent-teacher conferences, PTO meetings and read notices from school.

Recruit other parents to get involved, support school programs and mentor others.


Stay in touch with your child’s teachers and ask that they be in touch with you.


APPENDIX

Behavior Documents

School Calendar 09-10/Important Dates · Pants that sag below the waist Shorts, skorts, or skirts...

Documents

Transcript of School Calendar 09-10/Important Dates · Pants that sag below the waist Shorts, skorts, or skirts...