DCPS recently celebrated “Read Across America Day.”
And because educators know the impact reading can have on a child’s imagination, achievement in school and more, they’re working to ensure 100 percent of K-2 students will be reading at or above grade level by 2022.
Student Holiday
March 8 is Parent-Teacher Conference Day, and there will be no school for students.
Kihn Welcomed
The D.C. State Board of Education on March 6 welcomed Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn to its working session.
State Board members look forward to the opportunity to learn more about Kihn’s vision for the District of Columbia Public Schools and public charter schools as he settles in to his new role.
Working sessions are open to the public, but individuals and representatives of organizations are not permitted to speak or participate.
Written testimony for consideration by the board may be submitted by emailing sboe@dc.gov at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.
Student Reps Share Insights
Student representative Tatiana Robinson of Ballou Senior High School and SBOE Student Advisory Committee member Emma Quigg, BASIS DC Public Charter School, shared their perspective on long-term substitute teachers as members of a recent SBOE panel.
A second panel included Maia Sheppard, assistant professor of curriculum and pedagogy and coordinator of the Secondary Education Program at George Washington University, and Nicole Strange-Martin, dean of Trinity Washington University School of Education.
The school leaders shared insights on what information and data they need to ensure future teachers will remain in a single school for the long term.
‘We’re Not All So Different’
Jose Villalta, a student at LAYC Career Academy Public Charter School in Northwest, says one of the reasons he loves his school is because it has provided him the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of people.
“It also makes me see that we are not all so different. On the inside we are the same,” he said. “[My] school has helped me realize how to work with others and be a member of society with people of different races, ethnicities, or members of the LGBTQ community. I have seen that most everyone is struggling with something.”
Chancellor’s Neighborhood Meetings
DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee is hosting meet-ups at local businesses and community spots to engage with families and community members.
The next “Ferebee Friday” is from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on March 15 at Steam Café, 1700 17th St. NW.