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Led by staffers from the office of Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.), sixth-graders at Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School in northeast D.C. recently got a guided tour of the Capitol Building.
During the tour, students saw the Rotunda and the Crypt, and learned about the history and construction of the historical landmark.
Students also visited the Senate Gallery and observed senators debating a bill about reforming and strengthening science education.
The students will later conduct a simulation of the House and Senate process, which will help them develop a deeper understanding of how a bill becomes a law.
Early Childhood Education Fair
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education will host an Early Childhood Educator Fair on Saturday, Nov. 18 for child development center teachers, assistant teachers, and home caregivers in Wards 7 and 8.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at National Children’s Center in Northwest.
Sponsored by OSSE’s Division of Early Learning, the event will help current child development educators and home caregivers learn how to start and complete their Child Development Associate credential and associate degree in early childhood education.
Chancellor’s Forums
Parents, guardians and residents are invited to join Chancellor Antwan Wilson and other DCPS leaders each month for an opportunity to provide feedback and help make critical decisions on the school district’s strategic priorities and initiatives.
Two upcoming forums will be held Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 8:45 a.m.-10 a.m., at Eastern High School in Northeast and from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Savoy Elementary School in Southeast.
Light refreshments, child care and interpretation services will be provided.
‘Why I Love My School’
“I love Friendship Blow Pierce Public Charter School because it affords me the opportunity to grow the lives of my students and their families. Chairman Donald Hense and CEO Patricia Brantley have given me the charge of working with the community to ensure all of our students go to and complete college, creating leaders who will positively impact their neighborhoods. Through the ‘Thematic Planning’ approach, Blow-Pierce Academy uses many of the great resources available in our nation’s capital to expose and educate our students on a level that guarantees success.” — Dr. Jeffrey Grant, Principal, Friendship PCS – Blow Pierce Junior Academy
Increased Graduation Rates
The percentage of DCPS students graduating in four years stands at 73 percent — an increase of 4 percentage points since 2016 and 20 percentage points since 2011.
“D.C. Public Schools is thrilled to see six continuous years of progress with rising graduation rates,” said schools Chancellor Antwan Wilson. “DCPS has made great strides in the last few years to prepare students for postsecondary success, including expanding AP courses, increasing access to dual enrollment opportunities and placing students in paid internships.”
Nearly all of the high schools increased their four-year graduation rate over the previous year, including Anacostia High School (17 percentage points), Ballou High School (7 percentage points) and Woodson High School (7 percentage points).