2019 Winter Education Issue – A Resource for District Parents by Capital Community News

A Resource for the Education and Enrichment of Students in Washington DC 2019 WINTER-SPRING EDITION | PRE K-12

A CAPITAL COMMUNITY NEWS PUBLICATION CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

4 Making the Grade: DC’s Application Public High Schools by Elizabeth O’Gorek

8 What Do Those STARs Mean? Understanding DC School Report Cards and School Transparency and Reporting (STAR)

S P E CI A L ED I T I O N

2019 WINTER-SPRING

by Jessica Sutter

12 The Educational Benefits of Sports: More Than One Goal Scored When Students Play by Elizabeth O’Gorek

16 Your Kid Needs Help, But Who Do You Call? by Paul Rivas

18 How To Get An A+ At Parent-Teacher Conferences by E.V. Downey

22 Should Your Child Go to Specialty Camp? by Elizabeth O’Gorek

A CA P I T A L C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PU B L ICAT ION

Notebook by Kathleen Donner

32 RESOURCES

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EDUCATION SPECIAL

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MAKING THE GRADE DC’s Application Public High Schools by Elizabeth O’Gorek

s the open enrollment for DCPS high school application period is underway, many District students and parents are considering whether or not some of the city’s application high schools are a good fit. District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) offers students access to seven application high schools. These high schools, among the highest performing schools in the system, are open to residents city-wide, but do not disperse seats randomly through the My School DC lottery system. Rather, they select students to attend through a rigorous application process. There are currently six selective high schools in the District: Benjamin Banneker High School, Columbia Heights Education Campus (CEHC), Duke Ellington School of the Arts, McKinley Technology High School, Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School and School Without Walls (SWS, or Walls). A seventh offering,

Bard High School Early College, will open in either ward 7 or 8 in the 20192020 school year. DCPS says that application schools are a way to satisfy the needs of a diverse student body. “We are committed to meeting the needs of every student through a variety of options across the District,” said a spokesperson. “Every student is different, and having both application and comprehensive high schools allows DCPS to provide targeted instruction, supports, and opportunities so that every student is on the best path to graduation.”

A Kind of Equivalent to a Private Education

Students at McKinley Technology High School, one of the District’s seven selective public high schools can pursue majors in topics such as engineering, biotechnology and digital media. Courtesy DCPS

Together with Jessica Hockett, Chester E. Finn is the author of Exam Schools, a study of American High Schools that discusses one of DC’s application schools, School Without Walls. At a panel discussion shortly after the book’s publication in 2012, he said he thought selective schools were an excellent option. “One of the reasons I like these schools,” he said, “is because they provide a kind of equivalent, in many cases, to a private education for families that could not afford a private education.” The District’s application high schools are consistently the highest performers in the system, with the best test scores, attendance and graduating rates as well as low teacher and staff turnover. In part, this is because Athletes at Benjamin Banneker High School, one of the District’s eight selective public high schools. Courtesy DCPS

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each school is allowed to pick what students will attend. This often means that the highestperforming students are selected, but also ensures that students are focused, because each has chosen to be there. Most of DC’s application schools, such as SWS, Benjamin Banneker and the new Bard High School Early College provide access to college credit. Students can graduate with up to 60 hours college credit, or with an Associate Degree. Some have a particular disciplinary focus, which helps students immerse themselves in fields of interest or prepare for future careers. Students focus on the arts at Duke Ellington, language and global awareness at CHEC, and on STEM fields at McKinley Tech. Phelps ACE aims to prepare students for careers in fields such as engineering, architecture, carpentry and computer science, among others. Phelps’ small student body –according to My School DC, enrollment for the 2017-18 school year is 260 – allows for more one-onone instruction and an individualized learning style. Through their relationships with partners such as the NAF Academy, students gain

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and went on to study the subject in college after graduating last year. “There are so many opportunities he got by being there and by being a part of DCPS,” she said. ‘They Expect the Best’ Hans met then-President Obama Understandably, application schools at McKinley. He also made a trip to are looking for hard-working stuCosta Rica, all paid for by DCPS. dents invested in success. She said the school had rePhelps Principal Joshua Emmarkable teachers who challenged mett said, “Students who succeed him. In his first year, a teacher enin the programs at Phelps are stucouraged students to enter a condents who persist in the face of test to build an app for an iPhone. challenges and are goal-oriented. Verizon would build the winning The selection process highlights entry. “She walked them through the academic demands of Phelps the process,” said Capozzi, “[and] Students at Phelps Architecture, Engineering and Construction High to help students prepare for college School are prepared for careers in fields such as engineering, electrical, our son and his group ended up and career exploration.” welding and computer science. Courtesy DCPS winning for the DC area.” Benjamin Banneker Academic However, she said that her High School is a rigorous academic submit essays and can complete application daughter briefly attended Walls beschool, offering one-on-one support through tests online. fore deciding that it wasn’t a good fit. Capozzi their community laboratory program as well Most applications require a transcript, said her daughter was very excited about beas by providing a teacher mentor. The school and some have a minimum GPA requireing in a classroom with students who were offers Advanced Placement and International ment. Most schools also require recommenfocused on learning and studying, but things Baccalaureate programs and has a 100% graddations from current teachers and counselors began to change around the time of midterms, uation and college acceptance rate. as well as an essay. when the pressure students put on themselves “It is an excellent school because they After the application is submitted and to succeed began to manifest itself. push their students to the limit and expect the considered, students may be interviewed. Five ”It’s for a special kind of kid,” she said best from us,” wrote a freshman in an online of the schools will interview the parent or the of SWW, ”who is really competitive and has assessment. “It’s worth it because they get you entire family as well as the student. Admission tunnel focus.” However, she said her daughready for college.” to Duke Ellington, the noted school of the ter’s experience hasn’t stopped Capozzi from Banneker’s Principal Anita Berger said performing arts, includes an audition as well recommending Walls to friends with kids that that it is this drive and commitment to doing as an admissions test and family interview. match that profile. the work that characterizes successful students The schools emphasize the role of the Abby Svetlik is a student at Walls. She at Banneker. family in supporting students throughout said that the school does attract a certain kind “These students might not be at the top of their education. “We are not a school where of student, kids who hold themselves to a certheir class in middle school, but they show perwe see parents once at the beginning of the tain standard and want to be more challenged sistence and are committed to developing the year and once at the end of the year,” said Banacademically, which could add up to a highknowledge, talents and skills needed for success neker’s Berger, emphasizing the importance pressure situation. in post-secondary experiences,” she said. of year-round engagement with student suc“There are definitely people I’m intimidatcess. “The work at Banneker is rigorous and ed by,” she said. “But I know I don’t have reaApplication Processes requires a village of school, family and comson to be, because we’ve all chosen to be here, These schools are in high demand, with some munity support.” and we’re all kind of on par with one another.” receiving six to ten times the applications reAbby said that the school is an excellent quired to fill available places. Reflections fit for her. “I am grateful for the fact that I go Application to the schools resembles the The process is rigorous and requires parental to Walls,” she said. “I don’t think there’s ancollege process in many ways. Although all of attention, said parent Sue Capozzi. Two of her other public school in DC where I would be the schools have differing standards for admischildren attended selective high schools and this comfortable or challenged.” sion, there are some similarities. Most parts of had very different experiences. Her son Hans, selective school applications are made through who attended McKinley Tech, thrived in the More information on applying to these schools can the My School DC system during the open environment. Interested in creating video be found at www.myschooldc.org/how-apply/applyapplication period, which began Dec. 10 and games, he selected a computer science major ing-high-school. l concludes for high schools on Feb. 1. Students exposure and hands-on experience to future careers through paid internships and extracurricular clubs.

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EDUCATION SPECIAL

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WHAT DO THOSE STARS MEAN? Understanding DC School Report Cards and School Transparency and Reporting (STAR) by Jessica Sutter

ast week, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released the DC School Report Cards and School Transparency and Reporting (STAR) Reports, new sources of education data on all DC Public Schools and public charter schools. As the incoming Ward 6 member to the DC State Board of Education (SBOE), I know that there has been a lot of anxiety from my neighbors about this new source of education data. I also believe that these new reports are essential for data transparency in our city and for our continued commitment to improving educational outcomes for all DC students.

Why Publish STAR ratings for Schools?

Under the federal Every Student Succeeds

Act (ESSA), each state, including DC, is required to report annually on the academic performance of all public schools – both DCPS and charter schools – using a common set of metrics. The School Report Cards are meant to inform the public about DC schools, including how students are performing in relation to statewide goals. The STAR Reports are one part of the School Report Cards and serve as the accountability system for all DC schools. They identify which schools are meeting the ambitious goals set by OSSE and which schools require resources, supports and interventions in order to improve. The metrics for the STAR Reports were developed by OSSE and approved by the DC SBOE, then approved by the US Department of Education as part of DC’s ESSA Plan. The

design of the STAR Reports, including how information was displayed and explained, was developed with input from thousands of District residents, including parents, educators and community members. The STAR Reports rate schools from one to five stars based on their performance on a variety of metrics. Academic metrics for all schools are based on PARCC scores in math and English Language Arts (ELA). Elementary and middle schools earn points for both student achievement and student growth; high schools do not yet have a growth measure. Schools also earn points for their work to graduate students and to help students who are non-native English speakers achieve English language proficiency. Each school also earns points for its School Environment, which includes metrics like student attendance and re-enrollment, as well as early childhood learning and high school advanced course success, as applicable. In addition to requiring that states publish annual reports on all public schools, ESSA requires that states identify their lowest performing schools and provide support for those schools to improve over time. DC schools that receive scores in the bottom 5 percent of schools will receive significant resources from OSSE - $11 million over three years - to support school improvement. Schools will have to write plans for how they use these resources to improve, and must involve families and the community in creating their plans.

What Do These New Reports Tell Us

courtesy DCOSSE

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Our schools are more than just data. Public schools are important sources of pride for our communities. They are places where our children make friends, where

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they learn academic and life skills, and where families connect with one another. But data on our schools does matter. As people read these new data reports, I hope they will keep three things in mind. First, data is simply information. The STAR Reports provide information on all DC public schools, both DCPS and charter, publicly displayed and easily accessible in one place. More transparent information on schools is something DC residents deserve. Second, we all know DC has schools doing exceptional work to help students succeed. We also know that some our schools are struggling. The STAR reports show all of that, clearly and honestly, in a public format. Helping all schools improve so that they serve all children well is our goal. Transparent, honest information is essential to our ability to achieve the goal. Third, the STAR Reports are part of state-wide school accountability system. They do not – and cannot - tell parents how their individual child is doing in school. Parents should see the reports as one new piece of information they can discuss with teachers and school leaders. If a parent has questions about a school they are considering for their children, they should visit the school, speak with school staff and with other parents, and ask about the programs and opportunities available. I have heard concerns from some DC residents that the STAR ratings will hurt schools serving high number of lowincome and at-risk students. Some have suggested that OSSE should “control for poverty” in assigning ratings. These concerns are well-intentioned. When re10 /

searchers examine the effects of an education intervention, like a reading program, they use statistical controls to make sure that differences in students (like their gender, race, or socioeconomic status) do not get mixed up with the effects of the reading program. That’s the right way to research education interventions. But, on a document like the STAR Reports, controlling for variables like poverty or special education status will mask the very things we need to make transparent. All public schools are responsible to serve every child who walks through their doors. And we, the public and policy makers, must make sure that schools have all the resources they need to serve those children well. If we do not report on how our schools are actually doing with the actual children they serve, we cannot honestly assess where we need to allocate more resources, more support, and more funding to better serve the students of the District. With the new, honest assessment of the STAR ratings, the public and policy makers must now turn our attention to our schools not yet meeting the goals and ask, “How can we help?” Jessica Sutter is a Capitol Hill resident and Ward 6’s elected representative to the DC State Board of Education representing Ward 6. l

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THE EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS OF SPORTS

More Than One Goal Scored When Students Play by Elizabeth O’Gorek

id’s sports are associated with getting fit and having fun. The health benefits of sports and fitness are obvious. But coaches, administrators and experts say there are many educational benefits to playing organized sports. Team sports, they say, can provide students with lessons both social and academic. “Recreational sports can serve as a vital tool to boost a student’s development by encouraging goal setting, teamwork, effective communication, memorization, adaptability and discipline,” said Director of DC Parks and Recreation (DPR) Delano Hunter. “As a former student athlete,” Hunter added, “I have used nearly all of these lessons throughout my life as a student in the classroom, in the workplace and as a father and a husband.” The Rosedale Tigers take the field. The team is part of the DPR Youth Tackle Football League. Photo: DPR

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Many organizations in the District explicitly link social and academic benefits as they try to find ways to get youth involved in athletic endeavor, arguing that sports can lead to healthier, better educated and more successful citizens. Program directors and coaches say this is because playing team sports helps kids learn soft skills, such as integrity, a committed work ethic and values associated with teamwork.

Social Benefits DPR offers kids programs in competitive sports from basketball and football to fencing, many free to DC residents. More than just playing, sports provides children with a mentor, someone to work with and for, and someone to guide them through the process. “Our coaches aretrusted mentors who motivate kids to think about more than just themselves, teaching humility, resilience and work ethic,” Hunter said. Brittany Greene is a coach and alumni of the Kids on Ice program at Fort Dupont Ice Arena (FDIA). Located in the heart of ward 7, the rink is operated by a non-profit that provides subsidized figure skating, hockey and speed skating lessons to District youth. Greene said learning to ice skate can link lessons like resilience and work ethic to actual situations. “At the same time as they’re having fun, they’re learning,” she said. “Especially on the ice: they’re falling and they learn to get up.” Greene said that student commitment to learn-

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Kids play basketball as part of DPR programming. Photo: Courtesy DPR

munity. “Participation in team sports builds a sense of pride in the self, but also the team and the school.” Comeforo said this means that success of school teams, such as the Panther girls volleyball squad, citywide runners-up for the past two years, get all of the students excited to be part of something and take pride in belonging to Stuart Hobson. That sense of belonging can actually help academic success. “We know that if kids have a strong connection to something, that increases academic learning,” he said.

Having a Ball/ The Science of Baseball

ing a skill comes with attendant lessons. Kids put themselves into unfamiliar positions and challenging situations and are encouraged to ask questions. “Those are some of the biggest takeaways that help kids in school,” she said, “because they learn, ’this may not be something I’m familiar with –but I can try it’.” Sports can also help to build bridges, she said. Working on a team can help teach kids to respect diversity. “When you’re on a team, on one hand, everyone’s the same,” Greene explains. “But you’re also learning to see the benefits of difference.” She said kids learn that differing skillsets or characteristics suit players to different positions and plays, setting them apart in various ways as individuals but strengthening the team. “These differences are what makes you work better together,” she said.

and archery. Comeforo said that these newer options bring a lot of kids into athletics who wouldn’t go out for traditional teams. He says the benefits of team sports span both the social and academic aspects and can play a big role in child development. “In middle school education, we talk a lot about how important a time it is in personal development,” Comeforo said, noting that students of this age are deciding who they are as a person, and how they fit in a larger com-

The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy (YBA) takes the link between sport and education to the next level, using participation in baseball and softball to teach kids (referred to as ‘Scholar-athletes’) academic concepts and useful life skills. Located in Ward 7, YBA’s nineacre education and recreation campus has three baseball diamonds but also seven classrooms, a learning garden and a kitchen. After-school and summer programming provide academic enrichment, baseball and softball instruction. The mentoring program uses baseball to teach about problem-solving, teamwork, communication, critical thinking and character development.

Child Development Stuart Hobson Middle School Principal Kristofer Comeforo said that the school offers students traditional sports such as football, basketball and volleyball but has recently added swimming, bowling, lacrosse 14 /

School Without Walls Ultimate Frisbee team at the 2018 DCSAA Ultimate Frisbee Invitational Tournament held at the Field School on April, 21 2018. Photo: Daren Arnold

Summer camps such as ‘the Science of Baseball’ use the game to teach participants about key mathematical and science concepts. “Scholar-Athletes conduct hands-on experiments that allow them to learn about geometry, algebra, physics and engineering while having fun on the baseball field,” according to a description from YBA. Sports teach many tools for success that are crucial to a child’s development, including problemsolving, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking,” said Tal Alter, Vice President, Nationals Dream Foundation and YBA. “We believe that these skills will serve our scholar-athletes well in the future, both on the playing field and in life, allowing them to make a meaningful impact on the world.”

Brain Training Participation in athletics and the related increase in fitness can also increase academic learning due to the physiological effect on the brain, said Bill Sells, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). Sells referenced a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience showing that the brain becomes more active during exercise, making it more receptive to information. Exercise also refuels the brain with essential neurotransmitters, which transmit messages in the nervous system. “The fitter you are, the better your brain works,” he said. Sells adds that research shows fitness also leads to greater academic success. He points to a 2005 study comparing school achievement testing with results of a standardized fitness test called the Fitnessgram that measures aerobic capacity, body composition, strength and flexibility. Focusing

on California middle-school students (grades 5, 7 and 9), the study found there was a consistent positive relationship between overall fitness and academic achievement in reading and math, and that the correlation was stronger for girls than boys. Kids who play sports are also likely to become more successful adults, said Wells. According to a 2013 Ernst and Young Study, 90% of women executives played sports at some point in their education. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies found that men who participated in varsity-level high school sports enjoyed higher status careers. “Active kids have 42% higher test scores, and are 15% more likely to go to college,” he said, adding that those kids go on to make more money as adults, in part because they usually have a college degree. Those impacts last into the next generation. “It’s a cycle,” Sells added. “If you have a person who is active as a child, when they become an adult and a parent, their kids are more likely to be active.” Participation in sports can lead to healthier children and adults, but perhaps the benefits of youth sports are greater than we know. Athletics can have an effect on the body and mind with impacts lasting not just a lifetime, but for generations. But it all starts with active kids. Learn more about the programs profiled here on their websites: DPR, dpr.dc.gov; Nationals YBA washington.nationals.mlb. com/was/youth-baseball-academy; Fort Dupont Ice Arena, fdia. org; and about the work of the SFIA at sfia.org. You can check out competitive District school team schedules at thedciaa.com l EDUCATION SPECIAL

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YOUR KID NEEDS HELP, BUT WHO DO YOU CALL? by Paul Rivas

here is a lot of help available for kids today who are facing social or academic issues. Some of it is good, even life-changing; but some of it is ineffective, or worse. Parents want the best for their children, but don’t want to overreact. When should a parent seek help for their child, where can they get it, and how should they choose? Capitol Hill learning specialist Colleen Buchanan, who has helped hundreds of children overcome academic obstacles, urges parents to not be afraid to take action. “If the child’s level of confidence in her capacity to meet her learning challenges wavers, that’s a red flag,” warns Buchanan. “I often find that one parent has had a nagging

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suspicion [there was a problem] from early on and was shot down and minimized, with the outcome being the loss of critical time to build foundational skills.” “Any time a teacher, another parent or even your spouse says, ‘Oh, it’s just…’, remind yourself that whatever follows the word “just” is a wholly unsubstantiated diagnosis by an unqualified practitioner. It’s better to know for sure by getting a thorough assessment by an experienced, impartial professional, so that you can chart a timely – and thus maximally effective – course of action.” Consider the case of Eric (not his real name), a Stuart-Hobson middle school graduate, as shared anonymously by his parents: “When our son was in first grade, he’d

gotten into about his 12th or 15th disciplinary situation. Almost all of these situations centered on impulse control. We were walking out of the school, and I was deliberately trying not to pile on, trying to keep things calm, and he turned to me out of the blue and said: ‘Why can’t I be like other kids?’ Now you could read that as absorbing the judgment of the outside world. I felt like I was hearing his own unvarnished self, and I felt like he was asking for help. And I thought: Okay. Let’s find this kid some help. And we did. And seven years later, we’re still finding help because he needs it.”

Financial Cost of Help

Local educational consultant E.V. Downey, who is also a mom of a child with special needs, notes that testing doesn’t have to be expensive. “You can call Child Find, you can talk to your school, you can request evaluations and testing, insurance covers a lot of that. There’s a lot of resources for families; there doesn’t necessarily have to be money involved,” Downey says. The DC Early Intervention Program (DC EIP) – Strong Start Child Find Program is a system to locate, identify and refer children birth through two years of age, who may have a disability or developmental delay in one or more of the following areas: speech, language, fine and/or gross motor skills, social/emotional skills, vision and hearing. Quoting advice that she

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Fall of 2019 once received and now frequently passes on to her clients, Downey added, “You will never regret finding out that nothing’s wrong.”

Is YoUr Child Ready For Help

The struggles that Angie (not her real name), an 8th grader at a private school in Virginia, was having in school were ruining her life and that of her parents. She had ADHD and mild dyslexia, and was morbidly depressed. She was in therapy and on medication, but none of the school’s many academic interventions had worked. In March, the family’s school placement consultant recommended a local academic coach. By the end of the school year, this is what Angie’s mother had to say: “The academic coach was a tremendous influence in our daughter’s academic and emotional world during the last 11 weeks of her 8th grade year. Our only wish is that he had been a part of our team earlier in the year. He has the gift of getting a student motivated with his ability to connect with them, to gently guide them into realizing that they can and will succeed in their own unique way. We are grateful that our paths crossed and that he had such a strong impact!” My guess is that Angie probably wasn’t ready to hear it until March. Everybody I know who’s in the helping business agrees: you can only help people who want to be helped. Not everyone needs help, either, but that’s no reason to not seek an expert opinion.

Where To Find Help Word of mouth can be a great source for local recommendations.

To marvel at the range of services offered in the DC area, start with WISER (wiserdc.org), the local organization for independent educational professionals serving students with learning differences. You can find licensed psychologists, including ones who do comprehensive psychoeducational testing, and therapists, by searching the Psychology Today website (psychologytoday.com). Some of these folks are also in WISER. When it comes to testing, the range of tests and quality of the final report are crucial. Reports should be comprehensive, but also give the school the information it needs in an easy-tofollow format. The best reports I have seen have 20 honest hours of high-brainpower work behind them, not including testing time for a dozen or so tests. For heavy-duty help with school placement or college planning, including for students with learning differences and emotional disorders, search the membership database of the Independent Education Consultants Association (iecaonline.com). Finally, remember that the goal of most of this type of work is that it should end, whether due to the child learning new skills that will help her manage her situation, or simply outgrowing the challenging circumstances.

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Paul Rivas is the author of This Book Will Not Be on the Test and the director of SMITH RIVAS Study Skills & Academic Coaching. He can be reached at paul@smithrivas.com or (202) 615-7791. l HILLRAG.COM

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HOW TO GET AN AT PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES by E.V. Downey

onferences are a wonderful way to learn about the teachers, the classroom, and how your child is doing in school. Though you may worry about what the teacher is going to say, being prepared with a positive attitude will go a long way toward making the meeting successful. If you’re feeling nervous, just remember that the teachers are too. This is a chance to exchange information with one of the most important people in your child’s life. Go in with a kind smile and a few positives that you and/ or your child have noticed about the class and the teacher and you’ll start off on the right foot!

Making the Most of the Time

...make a list of points you want to cover so that you can keep your thoughts organized and cover all topics...

Most importantly, be on time to the conference and stick to your time limit. A good strategy that teachers use is to have a clock right there on the table. You can help with this by keeping an eye on the time yourself. If possible both parents should attend the meeting so that everyone can be informed and ready to be on your child’s education team. Talk to your kiddo before the meeting to see if there are any concerns he or she has, but always keep in mind that your child may not be giving you the complete picture of what is going in the classroom. Some schools do parent-teacherstudent conferences which can be even more helpful in getting input from the student. Regardless, make a list of points you want to cover so that you can keep your thoughts organized and cover all topics. Mark off your topics and take notes as you go. There is never enough time at these conferences, so keep that in mind, but you 18 /

might want to take a minute to share a little something about your child that the teacher might not yet know. Talk about his strengths and weaknesses, what he especially likes to do, what motivates him, any special skills he has. In a classroom with 20+ kids, the teacher may not always be able to learn enough about each child, especially earlier in the year, and this information can be really helpful. Is there anything going on at home that the teacher should be aware of? If you have not already, talk to the teacher about this as well.

Covering All the Bases

The teacher will likely have a structure set out for the meeting so start with adhering to that plan. If she does not touch on these subjects, consider asking specifically about your child’s social and emotional growth in addition to ac-

ademics. There will likely be examples of student work and plenty of discussion of whether your child is on grade level, but does she play with anyone at recess? Is she unusually shy or tearful or slow to warm up? Ask how you can support any concerns at home. Perhaps the teacher will have a suggestion for kids with whom you can set up a playdate. Maybe the teacher can make some lunch-time pairings that would help your child socially. Naturally the biggest focus of the conference will be your child’s academic progress. The teacher will likely present an overview and then you can ask questions. A good marker is whether your child is performing on grade level. Are there areas where he needs to improve? If they are not already available, you can ask to see examples of his work. Ask the teacher to point out ways in which it matches up with

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Top 10 Conference Tips 1.

Prepare questions and speak with your child in advance 2. Take notes during the meeting 3. Listen more than you speak 4. Share your child’s strengths and weaknesses and particular areas of interest 5. Stay positive and know that you are part of a team to help your child 6. Expect to see student work and standardized test scores 7. Don’t be defensive if the teacher talks about challenges your student might have 8. Ask how you can help at home 9. Ask how you can help in the classroom or chaperone field trips? 10. Thank the teacher for helping your child

If your child has special needs, you have likely already discussed these with the teacher. If you have not, be sure to ask if the teacher has read and is familiar with any educational plans such as the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or the 504 Plan. If not, it is imperative that this be reviewed immediately. Ask specifically about accommodations (preferential seating, frequent check-ins) and special services (individualized instruction, speech therapy) to see if everything is working as planned. If not, make an appointment to follow up immediately with the teacher as well as the special education team at the school. This conference is not the ideal time to have prolonged discussions about special needs, but it can be an important check-in. Ask the teacher how he prefers to be contacted. Some teachers live by e-mail whereas others prefer to be called or texted. Feel free to stay in occasional contact but be aware of the limited time teachers have to field individual questions about

their students. On that note, if you think you can help in any way, ask how you can assist the teacher with activities at school. Field trip chaperones are always welcome. Can you volunteer in the cafeteria to give the teacher extra planning time? Would the students be interested in touring your workplace? Is there something you can do from home that could be of assistance? Showing the teacher that you want to be a helpful member of her team outside just supporting your own student can go a long way. At the end of the conference be sure to thank the teacher for all her hard work. Make a plan for any necessary follow-up meetings or action items. In the next couple of days after the meeting, follow up with your child. E.V. Downey is an educational consultant based on Capitol Hill. She helps families navigate the public, charter, private, and special education school systems. E.V. also works as a behavior therapist with kids on the autistic spectrum. l

OPENING FALL 2019 ACCEPTING STUDENTS AGES 6-9

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EDUCATION SPECIAL

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SHOULD YOUR CHILD GO TO SPECIALTY CAMP? by Elizabeth O’Gorek

f you attended camp as a kid, you might have memories of canoeing, roasting marshmallows over open fires, archery lessons, crafting and overnights in rustic cabins. Those general camp offerings of mixed activities still exist, but they are becoming eclipsed in popularity by week-long sessions of robot building, modeling or cooking classes as more and more children are spending their summers in specialty camps.

What is a specialty camp?

Lauren Kasnett is co-founder of Summer 365, a complimentary consultant service that helps parents navigate camp choices for their child. She says a specialty camp focuses on one topic, often with a unique approach, location or subject. In the DC area, campers can spend their summers pursuing their interest in almost anything from sewing to STEM, from computers to cooking and from sailing to modeling. Specialty sessions offer campers the chance to take a deeper dive into their favorite topics. For instance, a general camp experience might include horseback riding. At Camp Horizons equestrian camp for kids aged 8-16, all activities, including crafts and games, are centered on horses. Campers spend up to three hours a day riding, and other activities are tailored to help them learn about horses, including stable management, care and grooming and preparation for horse shows.

a camper from regisor a shared goal, you tering. “I don’t think need to ensure your being a novice is a child is committed to barrier to entry at the camp topic. “You all,” she said. “That’s really have to have a a benefit of going to sustained interest to a specialty camp: to focus in a specialty take a deeper dive and camp,” she said. focus on it in a more “If your kid is meaningful way.” wanting to bounce around, they might be better suited to a more Learn Skills general camp,” she said. DC Sail Director of She said that Business Operations specialty camps often Traci Mead agrees. skew older than genShe oversees the eral camps. “Specialty nonprofit’s Kids Set camps usually gear Sail camp, offered to A camper grins before boarding the vessel at a bit older, middle children ages 7-15. Kids Set Sail, the specialty sailing camp for kids school and beyond. She said that children aged 7-15. Courtesy DC Sail But there are elemendon’t need to have any tary school kids with a previous sailing expeparticular passion where it can be appropriate. rience and, although it is advisable, they are Everyone knows their own kid best.” not required to know how to swim. More important than the age considerAt Kids Set Sail, which operates out of the ation, she said, is the Piers at Diamond Teague Park (99 Potomac ability of the program Ave. SE), campers learn basic sailing skills into accommodate cluding knots, sailing and person-overboard your child’s needs. drills, and intermediate students learn race “A lot of camps do techniques and navigational skills. Instructors serve a range of levuse a combination of games and drills to teach els, whether you are sailing concepts. a novice or interIn the context of the District, she said, mediate,” she said. comfort on the water is a life skill. “For chil“Understand how dren that live near water, such as those in campers will be grouped, whether according to Washington, DC, with two rivers running skill level or age group, and if that will work through their backyards, so to speak, building for your camper.” For instance, if a computer an awareness of water and boating safety is programming camp groups according to age very beneficial,” said Mead. rather than skill, an eight-year-old who is alDirector of Auxiliary Programs at Capitol ready independently programming could be Hill Day School (CHDS, 210 South Carolina bored and unchallenged for the week. Ave. SE) Njonjo Smith said specialty camps At the same time, Kasnett said that a are becoming more and more popular in part lack of experience shouldn’t necessarily stop because of the educational benefits. “A lot

A specialty camp lets your child focus on an interest in a more meaningful way.

Is My Child Ready for a Specialty?

Kasnett says that because specialty camps are so centered on one topic, often working progressively through the week to a final product 22 /

Polite Piggy’s 11th Annual

JUNE 17 – AUGUST 2, 2019

Ages 3-10 Flexible Schedule

CAMP WILL BE LOCATED AT SCHOOL WITHIN SCHOOL ES (SWS) PENDING DCPS APPROVAL CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES: WWW.POLITEPIGGYS.COM

REGISTRATION BEGINS FEBRUARY 14TH, 2019 Download applications at www.politepiggys.com

Starting 2/14/19 Drop forms between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. daily at the Polite Piggy’s Desks at Maury ES, Tyler ES or School Within School ES. or Mail to: PO Box 31215, Washington., DC 20030

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

VanNessa Duckett

240.396.8957 • Vannessa.duckett@politepiggys.com

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED

CHILDREN AGES 3-5 – will have a summer full of adventure play, field trips, the arts, outdoor time, fitness fun, Spanish through play, performers, special classes, twice weekly water play, and quality time with friends in a warm and loving environment. Do not have to be potty trained to attend. CHILDREN AGES 6-10 – will embark upon theme weeks that combine activities such as Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, field Day fun, the arts, theater, Zumba, science, technology, engineering, math, GeoPlunge, critical thinking games, Labyrinth Games, field trips, water play, plenty of outdoor time, and enjoying old and new friendships made in warm and loving environment.

RATES

Weekly

Full Day

Half Day (5 hours)

Ages 6-10

$370

$74

$47

Ages 3-5

$340

$68

$41

* Small ratios for all campers. Breakfast, snack, classes, and trips included. * $100 registration fee per child if attending 3 weeks or more. $50 if attending less than 3 weeks. – Kids have to be 3 by 9/30/19. * 25% sibling discount * Offering scholarships for families that make less than $55,000, which will reduce the rate to $175 per week. Last 3 paystubs required for household parents.

A MUSIC & ARTS PLAYGROUP NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMP!

June 17–August 23 Ages: 24 months to 9 years Half and full days. Partial and full weeks. Sign up for what you need! More info and registration at:

www.BusyBeesDC.com

202.421.1383 / dcbusybees@gmail.com 1453 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20003

EDUCATION SPECIAL

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Together with your child, you will determine if they are ready for overnight camps, which generally take campers beginning at around seven years of age, or if a day camp is better suited to your needs. As you narrow in on potential camp choices, it is advisable to check if they are ACA accredited. ACA’s accreditation process is an independent safety audit evaluating up to 300 standards of camp management and programming. It is also a good idea to reach out to the camp staff, especially the Camp Director. “Understand what your goals are for the camp, location, your budget, the areas of interest in camp programing,” said Kasnett. “But also —and maybe more importantly— consider your child’s personality and interests as well as the way the camp compliments your family values.” Kasnett says campers do overnight as early as eight years old; grades three and four are a common entry point. Past sleepovers can be a clue that they’re ready for overnight camp, but are not the only signposts. “Showing independence in afterschool programs, or a budding interest in independence are both clues,” she said. “Overnight camp is one of the most important parts of the sumFactors to Consider mer experience; it’s a total break and time When choosing a camp, there are many facaway from technology.” tors to consider together with your child’s inWhatever you choose dividual interests. Safety, for your child’s summer camp philosophy, staff camp experience, the and training, camp locadifferent experience and tion and cost are all imnew friendships will be portant factors. an education that will last Camps in the District a lifetime. “Camp is an and area range from day opportunity to do things camps at $150 per week kids are not doing in to thousands of dollars school year,” said Kasnett. per session for overnight “Overnight and summer specialty camps. Only you camps in general are one can determine what is of the greatest classrooms appropriate to meet your without walls.” needs, but, in addition Learn more about to the cost of tuition, be Summer365 by visiting aware of the potential for their website at sumadditional costs for things mer365.com l like transportation and Cooking camp at Capitol Hill Day

Model For A Week?

A camper participates in a photo session during modeling camp. Creator Heather Cole said she created the program to help give girls confidence and boost self-esteem. Courtesy Modeling Camp

more camps are starting to do this because it gives kids more options to learn skills,” he said. “It’s really interesting for kids to get learning experience. It’s gets them more engaged in the learning process.” CHDS offers more than 30 different specialty camps geared towards the younger set, with programs for kids aged 4 to 14. The summer program offers camps with themes such as cooking, science, fashion design, baseball, computer programming and game design and development as well as animation and film camp design. Smith said that campers are not bound to the classroom. Each specialty camp takes field trips to places related to that topic. Campers in cooking camp traveled to a restaurant where the chef took the kids back to the kitchen to see what happens behind the scenes. He agrees that parents need to be certain they are choosing what their children are interested in, not just what they think they might enjoy. “Really talk to your child. Know their interests,” said Smith. “Help them understand what is really involved in the activities, because a parent might think their child will like it but when their child starts doing it, they’re not so sure.” Smith said one way to capitalize on the deep dive of specialty camp and provide variety is to switch camps. “Kids can mix weekly camps,” he said. “You don’t have to commit to all seven weeks.” 24 /

There are other camps that take the deep dive and offer a unique experience. Former model and Model Source founder and scout Heather Cole established Modelling Camp (modellingcamp.com) to help girls build confidence and self-esteem. Although some campers have gone on to be signed and have careers as models, Cole acknowledges that modeling is a tough industry. “Not everybody can be a model for a living,” she said. “But why can’t they be a model for a week?” Campers are girls between 11 and 17, both girls who want to become models and those sent by parents who think they need a boost to self-esteem. Founded in Virginia, the camp has expanded nationally but are still intimate in size; the DC camp sessions in Fairfax max out at 20 girls. Sessions cover broad topics linked to modeling, including hair, make-up and photo sessions but also posture, personal presentation and interview skills. “These are things they need in life in general, as well as in modelling,” said Cole.

aftercare costs, t-shirts, photographs, supplies, and additional medical insurance where required.

School (CHDS). Young students learn about ingredients, measurement and visit restaurants as part of the specialty camp, one of 35 different programs offered by the school in summer

SUMMER MUSIC CAMP

S I N G ! L E A R N ! P L AY !

$325 PER WEEK AT ST. MARKS CHURCH (301 A ST SE)

For more information or to register, email aycmanager@congressionalchorus.org americanyouthchorus.org EDUCATION SPECIAL

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NOTEBOOK by Kathleen Donner

Discovery Theater on the Mall

On Jan. 17 and 18 at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., enjoy Here We Go, Team! This Discovery Theater original scores big in a musical play about sharing and taking turns, the importance of personal space, and the awesome power of teamwork. Five-year-olds Bobby and Casey are aspiring soccer stars and best friends--but they’ve ended up on separate teams! Sharing, personal space and respect are team values in this play about friendship and fun. For ages three to six. On Feb. 1, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., enjoy Black Diamond. This spirit-rousing musical play chronicles the struggles and triumphs of pioneering African American baseball players. The all-star lineup of heroes includes Moses “Fleet” Walker, who became the game’s first black pro in the 1880s; power hitter Josh “Spitfire” Gibson; athlete-philosopher Satchel Paige; and young Jackie Robinson, who first integrated the major leagues.

Discover Engineering Family Day

On Saturday, Feb. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Discover Engineering Family Day will be held at the National Building Museum, 401 F St. NW. Discover Engineering Family Day is designed to introduce children from ages four to twelve to the wonders of engineering. Engineers of all types will be on hand to share their love of the design-and-build process. Attendees are primarily children, parents, teachers, scouts, youth groups, engineers, scientists, technologists and others interested in engineering. Attendance usually ranges between 7,000 and 9,000. All are welcome. This is a free, walk-in program. engineeringfamilyday.org.

Chinese New Year Family Celebration at SAAM

On Saturday, Feb. 2, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., join SAAM and the Chinese Embassy for their annual celebration of the Lunar New Year. This year features artists from the province of Guangdong performing acrobatics, traditional dance and music, and their local opera. Meet Guangdong craftsmen and see their handiwork, create your own new year’s crafts, and go on a scavenger hunt. Enjoy delicious treats available for purchase at the Courtyard Café. Help us “awaken the lion” and ring in the Year of the Pig! This is a free, walk-in program. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F Streets, NW. americanart.si.edu. Chinese New Year. Photo: Bruce Guthrie

You’ll stand up and cheer for the players who made sports history— and American history, too! For ages six to 12. Discovery Theater is at the Smithsonian Ripley Center, 1100 Jefferson Dr. SW, on the National Mall. Tickets are $6 per child, $3 for under two and $8 for adults. discoverytheater.org.

Capital City Symphony: Meet the Orchestra! Discover Engineering Family Day. Photo: Kevin Allen

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On Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 and 11:30 a.m., meet a section of the symphony orchestra through this engaging, educational and

intimate program for young people. Join them for an instrument petting zoo to meet the musicians and see their instruments up close. Then learn about the music they play and hear the beautiful sounds come to life. $12. Best for ages three to eight. Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

Talking to Your Elementary School-Aged Child About Adoption

On Wednesday, Feb. 6, 7 to 9 p.m., at Hill Center, this workshop will

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provide parents of adopted school-aged children with perspectives and tools on how to talk to their children about adoption in an age-appropriate manner. Topics to be covered include common parental concerns in discussing adoption with children; typical developmental stages of school-aged children, and how they may impact an adopted child’s thinking on his/her adoption; empowering your child to view his/her adoption from a healthy perspective and providing tools o n how to respond to questions from others; when (and if ) to explain circumstances of the adoption in ways your child can best understand. $35 per person; $60 a couple. (If cost is prohibitive, contact Martha Dantzic at martha.dantzic@gmail.com to hear about scholarship opportunities.) Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. hillcenterdc.org.

Lunar New Year at the Sackler

On Sunday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy the Sackler’s fifth annual Lunar New Year celebration to ring in the Year of the Pig. Discover the richness of arts and culture from across Asia, and learn how the New Year is celebrated in China, Korea, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Experience interactive art demonstrations; music, acrobatic, and puppetry performances; and a variety of dishes by local chefs available for purchase. Workshops and drop-in programs provide opportunities for kids and families to participate in hands-on art making and interactive experiences. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. freersackler.si.edu.

Exploring Modern Japan at the Sackler

On Saturday, Jan. 19 and Sunday, Jan. 20, noon to 4 p.m., witness firsthand the beauty and complexity of Japanese photographs and prints. Take a family-friendly tour, 12:30 and 2:30 p.m., of the exhibitions, and then make your own creations inspired by the works on display with artists from Pyramid Atlantic. Come prepared to get your hands inky. For all ages and adult companions. Arthur M. 28 /

hundreds of butterflies and beautiful blooming plants in the Natural History Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion. Butterflies fly freely around the Pavilion, landing on plants and people. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. All tickets are for a specific entry time. Admission is $7.50 for adults; $7 for seniors; and $6.50 for kids. Tuesdays are free. naturalhistory.si.edu.

Finding Neverland at the National

Cartography at the KC

Inflatable rafts on the Mediterranean. Dark holds of cargo trucks. Family Directed by Tony-winner Diane Paulus and based photos wrapped carefully in a backpack on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award winthat crosses border checkpoints. Author ning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible and illustrator Christopher Myers and story behind one of the world’s most beloved chardirector Kaneza Schaal, along with New acters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles York–based company Arktype, explore to find inspiration until he meets four young how the world is alive with movement brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. With and migration. Inspired by the artists’ a little pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes a creative work with young refugees from monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for around the world, Cartography asks what Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the part we play in the lives of youth who set wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of out into the unsure waters of their future. Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in From the effects of climate change to war this heartwarming theatrical event. Recommended and poverty, this powerful story examines for ages seven, up. On stage at the National Theatre, the forces that shape where we have come 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, from Feb. 26 to from, how we have moved, and where March 3. thenationaldc.org. we are going. On stage at the Kennedy Finding Neverland tells tells the story of J.M. Barrie the Center, Jan. 11 to 16. Most enjoyed by creator of Peter Pan. Photo: Jeremy Daniel age 12, up. $20. Following the 1:30 p.m. performance on Jan. 12, young audience Sackler Gallery, 1050 Independence Ave. SW. members can ask questions and hear freersackler.si.edu. stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with some of the artists. kennedy-center.org.

Family Happy Hour with King Bullfrog

On Friday, Jan. 25, 5 to 7 p.m., enjoy casual happy hour for parents and tots at Hill Center. Your favorite band, King Bullfrog, will hit the stage with high-energy original, folk and blues songs carefully tailored to get children dancing and delight grownups. Your first beer or glass of wine is on Hill Center. $10 per child, free for parents and caregivers. hillcenterdc.org.

Natural History’s Butterfly Pavilion

Daily, 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., stroll among

Banda Magda at the KC

This award-winning band combines South American rhythms with jazz improvisation, sung in six languages for a globetrotting adventure. Banda Magda returns with a lively performance showcasing its new album Tigre, featuring Uruguayan candombe to Greek folklore to Brazilian samba beats. With plenty of audience participation and irresistible rhythms led by accordionist and composer Magda Giannikou, Banda Magda will get the whole family moving. On stage at the Kennedy Center, Jan. 26 and 27. Most enjoyed by age seven, up. $20. Starting one hour before

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all performances, hands-on activities let children get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage. Following all performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-closeand personal talk with some of the artists. kennedy-center.org.

Multilingual Education Fair Shakespeare’s Birthday Sonnet Contest

Students in grades three through twelve in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia are invited to submit original sonnets for the annual Shakespeare’s Birthday Sonnet Contest. Winners are invited to read their entries on the Folger stage during Shakespeare’s Birthday Open House on Sunday, April 14, 2019. A judge from the Folger staff will select the top sonnet in each of three categories: grades third to sixth; seventh to ninth; and tenth to twelfth. The submission deadline is Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Sonnet submissions must include name, age, school or home school, grade, and contact information and may be e-mailed to tdavis@folger.edu or postmarked by March 27, 2019. Read more at folger.edu/sonnet-contest. Write a Shakespeare Sonnet. Photo: Courtesy of the Folger Shakespeare Library

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The 2019 Multilingual Education Fair of DC will take place on Saturday January 26th. 70 exhibitors covering 12 languages will offer resources and employment to anyone looking to improve their linguistic and cultural skills. There will be food trucks, yoga in Arabic, and fun raffles. And with a bit of luck a DC United player joining us for a fireside chat. We expect over 500 visitors. Here’s the eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite. com/e/2019-multilingualeducation-fair-of-dc-registration-50744117020

Anatole: Mouse Magnifique at Imagination Stage

Meet Anatole--mouse magnifique--the best cheese-taster in all of France. In this whimsical musical adventure, Anatole and his best friend Gaston set out to save the Duval cheese factory, only to discover something much scarier than moldy Brie lurking in the tasting room. Can Anatole outsmart the hungry predator and save the factory? Join Anatole, Gaston, and a chorus of dancing cheeses to find out! Best for ages four, up. Plays Feb. 9 to March 24, at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org. Here’s

First Tee of Greater Washington

The First Tee of Greater Washington offers after-school and weekend golf lessons at 17 golf facilities throughout DC, Northern Virginia, and Montgomery County, MD. Classes occur during after-school hours and on weekends, times and days vary throughout locations. Young people attend class once a week during a session. They offer four sessions throughout the year, Spring I (March-April), Spring II (May-June), Summer ( July-August), and Fall (September-October). First Tee uses golf to teach young people life lessons and leadership skills. Classes include a fun, group setting for kids ages seven to eighteen regardless of background or previous experience. The First Tee classes are free and are at all three DC golf courses--East Potomac Park, Langston and Rock Creek. Read more and sign up for classes at thefirstteedc.org. Learn to play golf with First Tee. Photo: Courtesy of The First Tee of Greater Washington

the remainder of the season: Dickens’s Davy Copperfield (in repertory with Anatole: Mouse Magnifique), Feb. 16 to March 31; Escape from Peligro Island (You create your own adventure!), April 27 to June 2; The Ballad of Mu Lan, June 26 to Aug. 18.

Huckleberry Finn’s Big River At adventure Theater Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave,

escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Touching and timeless, this tale of friendship against all odds is recreated for young audiences as two best friends demonstrate the power of changing the world. It is on stage at Glen Echo from Feb. 9 to March 10. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270. All performances take place at Adventure Theatre MTC, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD, in historic Glen Echo Park. adventuretheatre-mtc.org. l

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RESOURCES Education Resources 5th Annual DC Camp Fair dccampfair.com Hosted by the J.O. Wilson Elementary School PTA, on Thursday, January 31, 2019, the DC Camp Fair will bring together more than 30 of the finest camps in the area. Free and open to all parents. At J.O. Wilson Elementary School (660 K St NE).

DC Language Immersion Project dcimmersion.org DC Immersion engages families, supports educators, researches best practices and advocates for systemically and equitably increasing opportunity and strengthening communities through multilingual education. Check out our directory of resources to grow multilingual kids in the DC region, learn how to engage your community, and attend our Multilingual Education Fair.

My School DC www.myschooldc.org My School DC is the common application and lottery for DC’s public and public charter schools. The lottery application is now open for school year 2019-20 and closes February 1, 2019 for grades 9-12, and March 1, 2019 for grades PK3-8. Learn more and apply at MySchoolDC.org. Questions? Need help with your application? Call the My School DC Hotline at 202-888-6336 or visit our community offices in Wards 4 and 8.

DC School Report Card – Office of the State Superintendent of Education DCSchoolReportCard.org DC School Report Card gives families a look into all public schools in the District of Columbia. Visit online to: • Explore DC Schools • Get answers to some of your crucial questions about your child’s current school • Access critical information to advocate for your school • Ask questions about how schools are doing • Find helpful information about schools such as academic programs offered, closest public transportation routes, extracurricular options, and more!

SERVICES AND SUPPORT Capitol Kids Therapy LLC capitolkidstherapy.com Capitol Kids Therapy LLC’s therapists offer therapies to address articulation, developmental delays, language delays, auditory processing, and pre-reading/phonemic awareness skills. They are PROMPT-trained and have experience implementing oral-motor and feeding therapy. Capitol Kids therapists work with children in a variety of settings including clinics, schools, daycares, in-home, and through the DC Strong Start program. Ask about their social skills groups for a variety of ages and abilities.

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Little Leaves Behavioral Services littleleaves.org

Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy chavezschools.org

Little Leaves is dedicated to helping people with social, communication, and behavioral challenges grow and succeed so that they can participate as fully as possible in their families and communities. Using evidenced-based practices based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we partner with each family to develop and implement an individualized therapeutic plan. Serving the DC-NoVa- Baltimore area.

Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy provide a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, a unique public policy program, and a safe and supportive learning environment with comprehensive support services.

Skills on the Hill LLC skillsonthehill.com Skills on the Hill offer pediatric occupational therapy to children from birth to teenage years. The practice has experience working with motor-skill delays (visual, fine, and gross motor), hypotonia, dyspraxia, sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and trouble with social and play skills. It works closely with families using a team approach. There are two convenient locations in Arlington and Capitol Hill.

SCHOOLS

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS Achievement Prep Public Charter School achievementprep.org

Our mission is to prepare students to excel as high-achieving scholars and leaders in high school, college, and beyond. We offer extended day learning for better results, technology infused learning environments and individualized scholar support. Serving Elementary (PreK3- 3) and Middle School (4-8) in a brand new state-of-the art campus.

BASIS, Washington, D.C. ™ BASISdc.org BASIS DC is the District’s top-performing charter school. Scoring an impressive 97.3% in the high school framework, it has earned the highest score ever on a DCPCSB School Quality Report. Through its rigorous liberal arts program, students master the basics and build strong foundations for becoming independent, resourceful problem solvers who are well-equipped to succeed in college and beyond. In fact, BASIS DC boasts a 100% four-year university acceptance rate with graduates receiving an average of about $223,000 in scholarships, making it possible for students to attend prestigious schools like Georgetown University, Princeton University, and Boston College. The BASIS Curriculum also teaches students to love learning and to pursue deeper understanding, preparing them to flourish in 21st century society.

Bridges PCS bridgespcs.org Bridges Public Charter School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th. The school’s developmentally appropriate, student- and family-centered educational approach includes small classroom sizes, a well-trained staff, individual planning for each student, and handson and project-based learning. The school has both general education classrooms and high level special education classrooms.

Digital Pioneers Academy PCS digitalpioneersacademy.org Digital Pioneers Academy is a brand new Middle School with a mission to develop the next generation of innovators. We’re excited to create the first-ever computer science-focused middle school in the District. We will provide our students with the skills to graduate from college and work in the 1.4 million computing jobs available. Digital Pioneers Academy will be accepting students for both our 6th and 7th grades next year.

District of Columbia International PCS dcinternationalschool.org DC International Public Charter School inspires inquiring, engaged, knowledgeable, and caring secondary students who are multilingual, culturally competent, and committed to proactively creating a socially just and sustainable world. Applications are open for grades 6-9. DCI is an authorized IB MYP World School offering Spanish, Chinese, and French.

Eagle Academy PCS eagleacademypcs.org Eagle Academy Public Charter School employs a variety of educational, technological, physical, and sociological tools to transform its students into active learners. Offering pre-k to third grade instruction, the school has a myriad of programs including STEM, arts, music, foreign language, and adventure activities that encourage student curiosity, which is the key to successful learning.

Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS ewstokes.org The Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School prepares 500 culturally diverse pre-school and elementary school students in the District of Columbia to be leaders, scholars and responsible citizens who are committed to social justice. Stokes teaches children to think, speak, read, write and learn in two languages: English and French or English and Spanish.

The Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS inspiredteachingschool.org The Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS boasts a professional learning community of master teachers and teacher residents that ensures our diverse group of students achieve their potential as accomplished learners, thoughtful citizens, and imaginative problem solvers through an inquiry-based curriculum that supports and builds students’ Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity.

Idea Public Charter School ideapcs.org IDEA Public Charter School prepares scholars for college and career success with committed, experienced teachers and small class sizes, a positive culture emphasizing leader-

ship and achievement. Unique course offerings include: Construction and Design, Early Childhood Development, US Army JROTC, Driver’s Education and American Sign Language.

in the fields of Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Film, Graphic Design, Visual Art, and Music Production. The schools innovative curriculum elevates literacy levels for all its students.

KIPP DC Public Schools kippdc.org

Two Rivers Public Charter School tworiverspcs.org

KIPP DC is a network of 16 high-performing, public schools educating students in PreK3-12th grade. We aspire to improve life outcomes for the next generation of Washingtonians through highly effective teaching, an extended school day and year, a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and a joyful and inclusive culture.

Founded 14 years ago by a group of Capitol Hill parents, Two Rivers serves preschool - 8th grade students across two campuses in Northeast DC. A high performing network, its mission is to nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education, develop a sense of self and community, and become responsible and compassionate members of society.

Meridian Public Charter School mpcs-dc.org Meridian is a nurturing and rigorous school serving PK3-8th grade students at all academic & developmental levels. Our collaborative, child-centric school community celebrates student diversity & teaches foundational skills needed to succeed in an increasingly global world. Our Common Core-aligned curriculum encourages students to explore and develop their own talents while taking students outside classrooms to learn about their community, city, nation, and world.

National Collegiate Preparatory PCHS nationalprepdc.org National Collegiate Prep provides students with an excellent high school educational experience that includes broadening their life experiences and understanding the global community in which they belong. It features small class sizes, rigorous STEM curriculum, competitive and title earning sports and an international curriculum which includes a service learning trip abroad to Panama. Space is available for 9th and 10th graders. Distinguished as the only IBO World High School East of the River and 100% college acceptance for all seniors.

Paul Public Charter School paulcharter.org Paul Public Charter School (Paul PCS), located in Northwest Washington, DC, provides a college preparatory program for grades 6-12 with a focus on global awareness and engagement. Paul’s mission is to educate our students and help them grow into responsible citizens, independent thinkers, and leaders.

Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School pspdc.org Located in NE DC, Perry Street Preparatory serves students in PreK-8th grade. Our mission is to be a community of diverse learners that builds relationships with families to empower students to become college-ready and to thrive in a global society. PSP boasts the highest PARCC growth scores for multiple years in a row.

Richard Wright PCS richardwrightpcs.org Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts provides a strong, academically enriching and rigorous program while providing hands-on learning of fundamental concepts and skills essential

Washington Yu Ying PCS washingtonyuying.org Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School combines Chinese language immersion with the inquiry-based curricula of the International Baccalaureate Organization. It serves pre-k and third to fifth graders. Washington Yu Ying accepts applications through second grade. The school has a structured aftercare program. Apply online and attend an information session to learn more.

PRESCHOOL

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools (NES) nestars.net Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools are fully licensed preschools in Old Town Alexandria and Capitol Hill. They provide individualized, personal educational opportunities for the whole child. Their teachers deliver “Montessori and More!” through mixed-age (two to five years) classrooms, carefully planned lessons, and incorporation of music and arts. NES schools offers before care and extended day learning from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., space share and part-time spaces.

ToTH Montessori ToddlersOnTheHill.org ToTH Montessori, founded as Toddlers on the Hill in 2012, is an innovative, award-winning, independent school community for children between the ages of 18 months and 6 years of age. Each of our programs embraces the methodology and curriculum developed by Dr. Maria Montessori.

PRIVATE

The Auburn School theauburnschool.org The Auburn School, an integrated program built for student success, weaves together our social skills program and challenging academic curriculum. Our schools serve intellectually curious students with challenges in socialization, communication, and organization. Auburn integrates art, music, social learning, occupational therapy, study skills, and organizational techniques into core academic subjects. We have campuses in Virginia, DC and Maryland.

Blyth-Templeton Academy – Hill Center blythtempleton.org Blyth-Templeton Academy is a college-preparatory, private, non-sectarian, co-educational high school serving grades 9-12 that exists to make 21st century learning and outcomes accessible to all. BTA’s model provides a boutique high school experience that positions extraordinary, empathetic, full-time and adjunct teaching talent to use block teaching and the city as a classroom to maximize learning and minimize tuition. Located at the Hill Center on Capitol Hill, we invite you to join us at one of our weekly information sessions or schedule an individual meeting and tour to learn more.

Capitol Hill Day School chds.org Capitol Hill Day School is a progressive school for children from PreK through Grade 8 that sparks joy in learning, connects the classroom to the larger world with 300+ field experiences annually, and builds a strong foundation for a life of purpose and value. We celebrate the childhood years, and let kids be kids. Our program puts children at the center of their learning, and values social, emotional, and academic growth equally. In January 2019, the Capitol Hill Day School middle school program will expand into nearby Farren’s Stable at 218 D St. SE. The space has been designed with middle school learners in mind, and will include flexible spaces for students to collaborate and socialize in large and small groups. Rich and varied after school and summer camp programs are available, as well as need-based financial aid.

Capitol Learning Academy capitollearningacademy.org We use multi-age, student-directed and small group learning experiences to prepare and teach students to effectively utilize resources, tools and relationships in order to succeed as world citizens in an unpredictable future. We are accepting students ages 6-9 on a rolling basis until all available slots are filled. An affordable tuition is calculated uniquely for each family. For questions please email info@ capitollearningacademy.org

Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Washington www.adwcatholicschools.org The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Washington, rooted in Gospel values and the teaching mission of the Catholic Church, are learning communities of faith and service dedicated to educational equity and excellence for all students. Find the right Catholic school for you by visiting www.adwcatholicschools.org

DeMatha Catholic High School dematha.org DeMatha Catholic High School maintains a broadbased curriculum serving students of differing abilities, interests, and backgrounds from the surrounding area. The academic offering includes extensive Advanced Placement, Honors, and College Preparatory courses, and an acclaimed music program. Students are committed to Christian service, while participating in numerous co-curricular activities, including a nationally recognized athletic program. EDUCATION SPECIAL

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RESOURCES (CONT.) Friends Community School friendscommunityschool.org Experience the joy of an extraordinary education! Friends Community School is a kindergarten-to eighth grade Quaker School that nurtures lifelong learners, courageous risk-takers, and joyous peacemakers. It welcomes students of all backgrounds and is just 15 minutes from the Hill. Its students love to learn, know how to learn, and succeed in leading high schools area-wide.

Our Lady of Victory School olvschooldc.org Our Lady of Victory School is a dynamic, diverse Catholic school in Washington, D.C. with 220 students in PK3 through Grade 8. Twice recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education, the teachers and staff of the school are committed to providing a learning environment that promotes scholarly excellence while fostering students’ moral and spiritual growth.

St. Anselm’s Abbey School saintanselms.org St. Anselm’s is a Roman Catholic, independent school for talented, motivated, and inquisitive young men in grades 6-12, where each student is a valued and integral part of a joyful and inspiring campus, an enclave where he can find pitch-perfect harmony in serving others while confidentially walking to discover, explore, and, ultimately, pursue his true self. An ever-inclusive community in the spirit of Saint Benedict, we welcome and respect students of all faiths, races, nationalities, and circumstances.

St. Jerome Institute stjeromeinstitute.org St. Jerome Institute, enrolling for fall 2019, a new liberal arts high school in the Catholic tradition in Brookland, Washington DC, focuses on an integrative curriculum and seminar-style classes. Admissions for freshmen and sophomores are being accepted through February 15th. SY2019-2020 tuition is $12,800; scholarships and financial aid available.

St. Peter’s School stpeterschooldc.org St. Peter School, a National Blue Ribbon School celebrating 150 years, is a family of learners serving the Capitol Hill parishes and community. The children are provided with an education that is founded on love of God and service to others, characterized by Catholic values and academic excellence, and dedicated to addressing each child’s unique talents and abilities.

SUMMER CAMPS American Youth Chorus Summer Music Camp aycmanager@congressionalchorus.org The American Youth Chorus will hold its first ever Summer Music Camp starting June 24, 2019. Get ready for 6 weeks of all-day fun, exploring music from Handel to Hamilton and from Bach to Broadway! Give your child a

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unique experience this summer with weekly excursions, music history and musicianship classes, and public performances. Visit Americanyouthchorus.org or email aycmanager@congressionalchorus.org for more information.

Busy Bees Music & Art Playgroups www.BusyBeesDC.com Busy Bees Music & Art Playgroups provide a drop-off preschool environment for kids ages 20-40 months old. For the younger kids, choose from 1-5 mornings/week with optional aftercare until 3 p.m. Older kids attend from 3-5 mornings/week with optional aftercare until 3 p.m. or 6 p.m. Program includes structured free play, music, art, Spanish, and plenty of fun! Ask about our 2019 Spring Break and Summer Camp.

Burgundy Farm Country Day School burgundyfarm.org The Burgundy camp experience, both in Alexandria and in West Virginia, spurs children’s social and intellectual development and encourages personal growth and confidence. Led by a warm and professional staff, campers learn to communicate, problem solve, empathize, care for the natural world, and most important, play and enjoy themselves.

Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) www.chaw.org Creativity, confidence, and community are the guiding principles of the afterschool Youth Arts Program at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). Dance, theater, music, visual art, ceramics, and photography help students develop a unique artistic voice as they explore and create while working in community with their peers. Tuition assistance, payment plans, and transportation options are available for all. A variety of CHAW Summer Camps offer the perfect balance of arts and recreation to keep the creativity flowing all year long. Private music instruction is also available for all ages.

Camp Arena Stage arenastage.org/education/camp-arena-stage Community and art make the magic of Camp Arena Stage. At camp we see, recognize and appreciate each individual for who they are and the art only they can make. We value being present, joyful, creative and kind. Every day campers attend their set schedule of activities/classes. These activities are chosen before camp begins from more than 75 options in theater, dance, music, visual art, filmmaking and writing. Campers take the same five activities each day for the full camp session.

Camp Shakespeare ShakespeareTheatre.org/Camp-Shakespeare At Camp Shakespeare, actors dive into the world of the greatest playwright in history. Working with theatre professionals, participants unravel plays with text analysis; transform into characters through voice and movement; wage battles with stage combat; and develop acting skills. Sessions culminate in a performance at the Shakespeare Theatre Company.

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools (NES) nestars.net Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools are fully licensed preschools in Old Town Alexandria and Capitol Hill. Their teachers deliver “Montessori and More!” through mixedage (two to five years) classrooms, carefully planned lessons, and incorporation of music and arts. Enroll now in their Summer Camp 2019. Explore different countries of the world with their fun activities and interactive learning. Weekly enrollment.

Polite Piggy’s Day Camp politepiggys.com Polite Piggy’s team believes that all children deserve an environment where they are celebrated and have a myriad of amazing experiences. We prepare an engagement calendar full of trips, performances, cultural experiences, and high-quality play. Summer Camp will run from June 17 to August 2. Ages 3 by 9/30/19 to 10. Small ratios for all campers. Breakfast, snack, (maybe lunch), classes, and trips included. Flexible schedule. Registration Begins February 14th. Camp will be located at School Within School ES. Pending DCPS approval.

Summer@Potomac School potomacschool.org/summer The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia is home to Summer@Potomac Camp. The beautiful 90-acre campus provides the perfect environment for your child to thrive, explore new activities, develop new talents and make lifelong friends. Our staff is experienced. Free bus transportation is included with over 40 different stops! Register soon.

Tippi Toes Dance® TippiToesDC.com Tippi Toes® provides kid-friendly, high energy, positive dance classes, camps and birthday party entertainment for children ages 18 months to 11 years in childcare centers, schools, playgroups and community centers. The goal of this recreational dance program is to foster a love of dance while building self-esteem and instilling healthy living habits at an early age.

MUSIC Music on the Hill www.musiconthehilldc.com Starting at age 3.5-adult, we believe that it is never too late, or too early to become a musician. Music on the Hill strives to take the guesswork out of music education by putting everything you need in one place. We provide high quality student instruments for sale or rent, with our staff making sure you walk away with the correct size. Our rentals start at $25 a month. All of Music on the Hill’s teaching faculty boasts secondary degrees in music paired with years of experience. We offer private lessons in piano, guitar, bass, violin, vocals, ukulele, woodwinds and more.

We offer an immersion program in French and Spanish, with a dual focus on academic excellence and community service.

OPEN HOUSES

East End Campus

Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergarten & First Grade January 19th – 10:00 AM February 20th – 9:30 AM 5600 East Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019 202-975-2100

Brookland Campus Pre-K3 -Fifth Grade January 26th – 10:00 AM February 21st – 9:30 AM 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE Washington, DC 20017 202-265-7237

Accepting Applications for the 2019-2020 School Year Grades PS/PK-5th Reserve your space at: ewstokes.org/open-house Apply at: www.myschooldc.org For more information visit: ewstokes.org

The only IBO World High School East of the River Graduation and 100% College Acceptance

National Collegiate Prep PCHS HONOR, SCHOLARSHIP AND LEADERSHIP

ACCEPTING 9TH & 10TH GRADE STUDENTS Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org

UPCOMING OPEN HOUSES January 15th | February 26th | March 26th – 5:00 pm- 6:30pm Tour the campus, meet faculty and administration and learn about our exciting and competitive programs.

Your Opportunity Begins Here National Prep Offers: • College Preparatory and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB) • Study Abroad with Service Learning Projects • 9th, 10th and 11th Grade Honors Classes • World Language Studies

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Small Classroom Sizes Marching Band Football Basketball STEM programs

Calling all students interested in International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement classes!

www.nationalprepdc.org • 202.832.7737 • 4600 Livingston Road SE • Washington, DC 20032