2019 Fall Education Special Edition – A Resource for District Parents

EDUCATION A Resource for the Education and Enrichment of Students in Washington, DC 2019 SUMMER-FALL EDITION | PRE K-12

A CAPITAL COMMUNITY NEWS PUBLICATION

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CAPITALCOMMUNITYNEWS.COM

K-12 PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE THIS FALL For the 2020/21 School Year

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The D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) provides low-income children K-12 with private school scholarships.

Serving Our Children (SOC) administers the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) and is dedicated to the concept that all students, regardless of income or socioeconomic status, should have access to a quality education.

The Opportunity Scholarship Program is targeted to low-income District of Columbia residents who have children entering kindergarten through 12th grade in 2020-2021 school year.

Learn More at www.servingourchildrendc.org Need Assistance? Call 1-888-DC-YOUTH (329-6884)

DC’S CHARTER SCHOOLS: LEADING EDUCATION REFORM IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL!

endthelist.org WARD 1

AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Columbia Heights • Briya PCS • E.L. Haynes PCS - Middle School • Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science PCS LAYC Career Academy PCS • Meridian PCS • The Next Step/El Proximo Paso PCS • YouthBuild PCS

WARD 2

BASIS DC PCS • Goodwill Excel Center PCS

WARD 4

Breakthrough Montessori PCS • Briya PCS • Capital City PCS • Center City PCS - Brightwood • Center City PCS - Petworth District of Columbia International School • E.L. Haynes PCS • Friendship PCS - Online • Hope Community PCS - Lamond • Friendship PCS - Ideal Elementary & Middle Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS • Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS - Brookland Campus • Paul PCS • Roots PCS • Sela PCS • Washington Latin PCS

WARD 5

Academy of Hope Adult PCS • Bridges PCS • Carlos Rosario International PCS • Center City PCS - Trinidad • Creative Minds International PCS • DC Bilingual PCS DC Prep PCS - Edgewood Camous • Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS • Friendship PCS - Armstrong Elementary & Middle • Friendship PCS - Woodridge Camous Harmony DC PCS - School of Excellence • Hope Community PCS - Tolson • Inspired Teaching Demonstration PCS • KIPP DC - College Preparatory Academy PCS KIPP DC - Connect Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Northeast Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Spring Academy PCS • Latin American Montessori Bilingual PCS Lee Montessori PCS • Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS - 16th Street Early Learning Campus • Mundo Verde Bilingual PCS • Perry Street Preparatory PCS Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS • The Children's Guild DC PCS • Two Rivers PCS - Young • Washington Leadership Academy PCS • Washington Yu Ying PCS

WARD 6

AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Lincoln Park • Center City PCS - Capitol Hill • Center City PCS - Shaw • Digital Pioneers Academy PCS • Eagle Academy PCS - Capitol Riverfront Friendship PCS - Chamberlain Campus • Kingsman Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Grow Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Lead Academy PCS • KIPP DC - WILL Academy PCS Monument Academy PCS • Richard Wright PCS for Journalism and Media Arts • Two Rivers PCS - 4th Street • Washington Global PCS

WARD 7

AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Oklahoma Avenue • IDEA PCS • Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy - Parkside Campus • DC Prep PCS - Benning Campus DC Scholars PCS • Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom PCS East End Campus • Friendship PCS - Blow Pierce Campus • Friendship PCS - Collegiate Academy KIPP DC - Arts and Technology Academy PCS • KIPP DC - KEY Academy PCS • KIPP DC - LEAP Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Promise Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Quest Academy PCS KIPP DC - Valor Academy PCS • Maya Angelou PCS • SEED PCS of Washington DC • St. Coletta Special Education PCS

WARD 8

Academy of Hope Adult PCS • Achievement Preparatory Academy PCS - Wahler Place • AppleTree Early Learning Center PCS - Southeast • Cedar Tree Academy PCS Center City PCS - Congress Heights • Community College Preparatory Academy PCS • DC Prep PCS - Anacostia Elementary School • Eagle Academy PCS - Congress Heights Early Childhood Academy PCS • Friendship PCS - Southeast Academy • Friendship PCS - Technology Preparatory • Ingenuity Prep PCS • KIPP DC - AIM Academy PCS KIPP DC - Discover Academy PCS • KIPP DC - Heights Academy PCS • National Collegiate Preparatory PCHS • Rocketship Legacy Prep PCS • Rocketship Rise PCS KIPP DC - Somerset Middle and High • Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS • Statesmen College Prepatory Academy for Boys

Visit Our Website: www.dcacps.org or email us: redelin@dcpcsa.org H i l l Ra g Ed u ca t i o n S p e cia l \ 03

2019 Summer/Fall

EDUCATION Special Edition

06

What We Learned in Our First Year Four Principals Share Their Perspectives

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

10

DC Charters 101 A Guide To Understanding DC Charter Schools

by Jessica Sutter

14

Choosing A Private School for Your Student The DC Area is Rich with Choice – So How do You Make One?

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

2019

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DC’S ANNUAL PUBLIC SCHOOL FAIR

When Your Child Finds School a Challenge

Kids & Family Notebook

by Kathleen Donner

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What

We Learned in Our First Year Four Principals Share Their Perspectives

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

al Baccalaureate (IB) Middle allou High School Years Program, which is dePrincipal Willie Jacksigned to promote indepenson said that his first dent learning, critical thinkyear as leader of the ing and inquisitiveness in Ward 8 High School students. “Our IB program is was a transformative experience. one of the many things that “So many emotions, right? makes Eliot-Hine unique, Being a former student and a and our school community former graduate of Ballou, and is excited about the growth to come full circle as the princiWillie Jackson in store for our school,” pal –I just felt overwhelmed and said Magrino. blessed,” he said. Jackson graduAnacostia High School ated from Ballou High School (3401 Fourth Principal William Haith said St. SE) in 1987. that one thing he had to learn Jackson said his first year was about obserwas to balance his administravation and relationship building. tive duties with the time and at“I came in with the eye of observation,” tention he gave to teachers and he said. “When you’re a first-year principal, I their work. “I learned to minilearned through schooling that you don’t come mize the amount of meetings in and change the curtains the first year.”

I have during the day so that I Many first-year principals face an even can be in front of classrooms,” steeper learning curve than Jackson, who he said. “My one main job is to grew up in Barry Farms and is intimately faWilliam Haith be able to coach teachers and to miliar with both the neighborhood and the be able to give them feedback school he leads. With Jackson, four princias they’re teaching in their classrooms.” pals, including William Haith of Anacostia Dunbar High School principal Nadine High School (1601 16th St. SE), Marlene Smith agreed. She said that one of the key lesMagrino of Eliot-Hine Middle School (1830 sons she learned is that a principal is only as Constitution Ave. NE) and Principal Nadine good as the staff and teachers they are working Smith of Dunbar High School (101 N St. with. “Invest in people, build a bench of talent, NW) spoke about what they learned in their and never lead alone,” she said. first year, and what they will take from those lessons moving forward.

Lead by Example

‘A Bench of Talent’

All of the principals say that they learned the value of a talented group of staff and teachers.

“Eliot-Hine has a dedicated and diverse staff with many strengths in their areas of expertise,” said Eliot Hine Principal Marlene Magrino. “Together, we can provide our students with a world-class education.”

She points to the Internation06 / AUGUST 20 1 9

Marlene Magrino

The principals also emphasized the importance of leading by example. Ballou Principal Jackson draws on the example of his life-journey, which makes him a role model on multiple levels.

“I heard that I have street cred –I found that out this year,” he said. “When kids were getting a little inappropriate, kids would

stand up and say, ‘Hey you can’t talk to my man like that, that’s Principal Jackson, he’s from Barry Farms’,” Jackson said.

“I try to make sure that I’m a model, because kids are watching, so we have to make sure we’re in principal mode 24-hours.”

Smith agrees, adding that holding oneself and the school to high standards is a critical but often difficult task. She said it was the first lesson she learned. “Hold yourself and staff to high standards,” she said. “This takes courage and love. Ground your work in kids and you will always show up courageous and filled with love.”

Smith said she learned that it was more important to live what was right than to be liked.

“Lead by example and stick to your values and politics around students—you won’t be able to please everyone and that’s fine.”

Haith said that he learned that being visible is key to being a good role model. “In regards to students, it’s always a good sign when students make comments such as ‘why are you always in here,’ or ‘we see you all the time.’ You don’t want to be one of those principals who, when you do pop up in the classroom, they comment ‘we never see you.’”

The Community Is Behind Our Efforts

Principal Magrino said that she was pleased to find tremendous support for Eliot-Hine in the neighborhood. “Eliot-Hine has access to many supports within the District and the community is behind these efforts. I am proud that our community is invested in the success of our students,” she said.

Haith and Jackson came into the school year wanting to strengthen those relationships.

Haith said that while there have been tremendous successes, such as partnerships with the Anacostia Arts Collaborative, Union Temple

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Church and the Georgetown Medical Clinic, he learned where the school needed to switch focus in order to improve its image in the community.

“I’m extremely excited about where we are with the #WhyAna brand, and we’re looking to see how we can build on that as we go into the next school year,” he said. However, Haith notes that some families don’t use social media, or follow Nadine Smith the school when they do. “Even though we’re making a small impact, we need to find ways to increase that impact that we’re having with our families and our communities.

Three of the schools –Ballou, Eliot-Hine and Anacostia-- will become Connected Schools in 2020, an initiative that puts schools at the center of a neighborhood hub that links DC agencies and other organizations with students and families, matching them to resources such as job training, housing and family wellness. The principals said these resources will help them collaborate with the community and with the District.

“We will tap into even more resources and find new ways to collaborate with our community as a Connected School, which will shift how we partner with government agencies and community organizations to educate the whole child – academically, socially, and emotionally,” said Magrino.

Moving Forward

The principals are excited about applying what they have learned to the 2020 school year. “We will use our staff ’s expertise, supports from the District, and excitement from the community to strengthen our IB programming, organizational culture, and foundation for future growth,” said Magrino.

In addition to becoming Connected Schools, Anacostia and Ballou High Schools are embarking upon a process of instructional redesign. The process will help the schools reconstruct their instructional models to help serve the needs of all students, particularly those furthest from opportunity.

Jackson said that he sees the process as another way to get the community involved with change at Ballou. He said that the Ballou Design Team will include members of the community as well as alumni, teachers and students.

“I can’t do it alone and I’m so appreciative of all the support from central [DCPS] office, the staff and the community.”

Meeting the needs of every student is a priority next year at Dunbar as well, said Principal Smith, adding that lessons learned in her first year will help her work towards that goal. “I will use these lessons to inform next year by leading through an equity lens,” she said. “At Dunbar, equity is working to meet the unique needs of every single student. We will focus on datadriven instruction – that is equity.”

She said the Dunbar school community will invest in its people by providing an excellent work environment, training, and support in meeting the needs of students. However, she said, she has learned that equity starts with the principal.

“I will hold myself and staff to high standards in order to show up as our best for our students – that is equity,” she said. “I will continue to be courageous and center my work on the folks I work for—kids!” u 08 / AUGUST 20 1 9

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DC

Charters 101

A Guide To Understanding DC Charter Schools

by Jessica Sutter

uring the 2018-19 school year, 66 public charter schools operated on 123 campuses and served more than 43,000 students in grades PK3-12.

More than 47 percent of all public school students in Washington, DC attend public charter schools.

So, why are these publicly funded schools, serving nearly half of DC students, so misunderstood? Well - as with so many things in education - it’s complicated.

Charter schools are public schools. DC charter schools are funded by the same tax dollars and held accountable by the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) on the same STAR Framework as DC Public Schools (DCPS). Charter schools do not have enrollment boundaries and are open to all District residents. Every family whose child attends a charter school actively chooses to do so.

Charter schools are accountable to the public for results outlined in their charter, the contract between the school and the DC Public Charter School Board, the authorizer whose members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the DC Council.

Some Charter School History

The bill establishing charter school law in DC was passed by Congress in 1995. At the time, DC spent $9,000 per child on public education, more than $3,000 over the national average. Yet, on a range of academic outcome measures, DC ranked 49th among 51 jurisdictions. Bolstered by the poor performance of local public schools, Congress passed the DC School Reform Act (SRA), including rules for the creation of charter schools in DC. PCSB became the sole charter school authorizer in 2007 when mayoral control was established.

How Do Charter Schools Open?

PCSB can approve up to 20 new schools annually. This past year, PCSB approved five new 10 / AUGUST 20 1 9

Two Rivers fourth-grade students carrying in seedlings to plant at Kingman Islands as part of field work to help restore the ecology in and around the Anacostia River. Photo: Kristen Franklin, Storybox Photography.

schools to open: a social justice middle school, a single-sex high school for girls, a Montessori school, an Expeditionary Learning (EL) micro-school, and a progressive, student-centered elementary school.

Anyone can apply to open a charter school -- a teacher, a school leader, a nonprofit organization with a special focus.

PCSB welcomes applications each January for charter schools to serve children in PK3 through adults seeking both high school diplomas or GEDs. All applications are reviewed on a rubric which considers the quality of the application and the public demand for the school program. Applicants present their plans in public hearings in February

and PCSB then votes in March to decide which schools should be allowed to open in the school year next following. The charter, the formal contract between PCSB and the school, is issued to the school’s board of directors. All DC charter schools are actually 501c-3 nonprofit organizations with an independent governing board of community members. The governing board is legally responsible for the charter. Once approved, a charter school must then hire staff, identify a location and facility, and recruit students to enroll.

Charter School Evaluations

Each charter school that opens in DC is

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Students at Eagle Academy perform during a school talent show.

Photo: Courtesy Eagle Academy Public Charter School

given a 15-year charter contract. The school is evaluated annually on two public frameworks: the Performance Management Framework (PMF), which is managed by PCSB, and the STAR Framework, which is managed by OSSE and reported on the DC School Report Card. Since 2013, the PCSB has used the PMF to annually assess the performance of all charter schools. The STAR Framework is the state-level tool developed by OSSE and approved by the DC State Board of Education (SBOE) as a requirement of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Both evaluations provide the public with access to test score data, student growth data, attendance data, and other measures of quality appropriate to the grades served, such as graduation rate for high schools or teacher/ student interaction data for early childhood programs. Both the PMF and the STAR Framework also provide ratings for schools.

The PMF identifies each charter school as Tier 1 (high-performing), Tier 2 (mid-performing) and Tier 3 (low-performing). The STAR Framework assigns each school between 1-5 stars based on how well the school meets the expectations DC has set for all students on all of the data points.

12 / AUGUST 20 1 9

In addition to these annual ratings, PCSB deeply reviews school performance every five and grants “continuance,” or the right to continue operating under the terms of its charter. If PCSB notes any concerns at these five year reviews, it can set conditions on the school in the form of performance requirements. Every charter school must apply for renewal after 15 years. The SRA outlines the specific conditions that a school must meet to earn an additional 15 year charter from the PCSB.

Why Might A Charter School Close?

Who Decides?

When a charter school opens it makes what is often referred to as “the charter bargain,” greater accountability for performance and results in exchange for more au-

tonomy to design and run a school. Charter schools which fail to achieve the results promised in their charter contract may be closed by PCSB. Charter schools may also be closed for financial reasons or for a breach of law. Since 1996 115 charter schools have opened in DC; 25 of those schools have been closed by their authorizer for failing to meet the terms of their contract.

Charter schools may also close voluntarily. In the 23 years charter schools have existed in DC, 21 schools have relinquished their charters. This typically happens because the board of the charter school has determined that it can no longer operate the school in good faith and must accept that students would be better served by attending other schools.

Closing failed schools is an essential part of the charter bargain, but one that is difficult for children and families and the burden of which is often borne by vulnerable communities. Whenever a charter closes in DC, whether voluntarily or for cause, PCSB works with the school to ensure that all students and families receive assistance in enrolling in new schools, transferring credits, and understanding their educational rights, especially with respect to special education services.

As a former charter school teacher, board member, and researcher, I believe that charter schools are a valuable part of the education landscape in DC and provide innovative public education choices for families.

If you want to learn more about charter schools in DC, talk to your SBOE representative, attend a PCSB monthly meeting or attend the My School DC EdFest in December.

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Jessica Sutter is the Ward 6 representative on the DC State Board of Education.

She can be reached at Jessica.Sutter@dc.gov, 202674-0115. u

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Private

Choosing A School for Your Student

The DC Area is Rich with Choice – So How do You Make One?

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Tedeschi Educational Consulting, said that while a number of factors should be considered, the choice of a school must be centered on the student.

“The first thing to look at are your child’s needs, strengths and talents,” said Tedeschi. “Then determine what is important to them in terms of education and values.”

Ann Dolin, president of tutoring and consultancy company Educational Connections, recommends that parents A List of Ideas begin the process of identifying poEducational Consultant Pamela Tedeschi, of tential schools by sitting Dupont Park Adventist School students in costume for down with their child and their Christmas play ‘Straight Outta Bethleham’ which jotting down on paper was performed Thursday, Dec 13, 2018. Photo: Courtesy what is important to each Dupont Park Adventist School of them in a school.

This list can include refine your list of wants or needs and to begin anything that comes to mind, looking at options. such as strength of academic “Whenever I meet with a family, I always program, sports, social life, lomeet with the child separately,” said Dolin in cation, cost and study abroad an interview, “because often kids will tell me options. things they just will not tell their parents, and “Your list should be long those things are helpful in determining the –be creative and let the ideas best fit for a school.” flow,” she writes in her book, A Guide to Private Schools: Learning Needs The Washington Edition. The Understanding how your child learns and list is then prioritized into two what she or he finds challenging about learncategories: three factors that are ing is important in determining what kind of most important and a secondschool environment you should choose. Speary category of three to five that cifically, it can help you decide if a you should are also important.” After narbe looking at a traditional or more progresrowing and ranking your priorisive school. ties, a comparison of school feaIn traditional schools, subject-based tures is more straightforward. knowledge is delivered from teacher to stuOnce you and your child dent through lectures, textbooks and workhave identified the most imporsheets and progress is evaluated through testtant features in a new school, ing. In a progressive school, students lead their it can be helpful to meet with own learning through group work, projects Fifth Grade and Early Childhood buddies at Capitol Hill Day School a school consultant to further and experiential learning.

(CHDS) engage in a spring planting activity. Photo: Courtesy CHDS

ou’ve decided to investigate the possibility of sending your child to a private school. You’ve heard that many private schools have smaller class sizes, high faculty-to-student ratios and freedom from standardized testing.

With the wide variety of choices available in the District and area, it’s difficult to know where to begin. How do you narrow your options? Who can help?

14 / AUGUST 20 1 9

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approach to teaching students.

“By nature, it’s multi-sensory,” Head of School Katherine Schantz said, “because we’re involving all the language modalities, oral, visual, kinesthetic as well as hands-on projects.”

Confidence building is emphasized in students with the goal of post-secondary education.

Schantz said testing often helps with this, as students Educational Consultant Ann with language challenges Learning Dolin has been offering test above average in inteladvice to parents considerDifference ing independent schools for ligence, and knowing what One reason many parents 21 years. She is the author of sets them apart helps them consider a private educaA Guide to Private Schools: to understand.

The Washington, DC, Northtion is because more fo“They learn differently,” ern Virginia, and Maryland cused attention can be paid Edition (2013). Photo: CourSchantz said. “That’s not a to students with learning tesy Ann Dolin bad thing.

That’s who they challenges. The Weinfeld are. It’s up to teachers to Education Group (WEG) know how to teach these students.” specializes in students with learning differdeeply into content,” said Head of School Jason Gray.

“Clearly there are key concepts we as educators know kids need to be exposed to.

But there can be more balance between giving a child the opportunity to direct some ways that learning goes within the standards directed and developed by the teacher.”

St. Peter School students participate in National Walk to School Day.

Dolin emphasizes how different schools respond to learning needs in a variety of ways.

For instance, Flint Hill School (on two campuses in Oaktown, VA) and Bollis School (100601 Fall Rd, Potomac MD) have supportive programming, including a learning center where students can get extra help. She also describes how Nysmith School for the Gifted (13625 EDS Dr, in Herndon, VA), a strong math and sciences school, will place kids in ability groups very early on so that they can take more advanced classes, if appropriate.

She cites a student she recently worked with who apparently lacked motivation in his current school. She said that she realized that he performed better with teachers who involved the kids in collaborative, hands-on learning over lecture-style instruction.

“Teachers that had a more progressive style of teaching, he did really well in those classes,” she said. “So, I wanted to find a school for him where the teachers bought into a more progressive way of teaching.”

Capitol Hill Day School or CHDS (South Carolina Ave. SE) is one such independent school, serving students from three to 13 years old.

“When kids feel passionate, interested and that learning is authentic, those are the times where they learn the most and get more 16 / AUGUST 20 1 9

ences. WEG Executive Director Rich WeinReligion, Culture, Gender feld said that consultants begin by analyzing The area around Washington DC offers a the student’s unique strengths and challenges. variety of private school options that base “Not every kid at every time needs an asinstruction around religious principles, and sessment,” said Weinfeld, “but if we have quesparents often want the benefits of instruction tions that need to be answered by a unique based in religious tradition. Although it varies student profile and there has not been a recent between schools, students may test, we’re going to refer them not have to be of the same reto a competent tester.” ligion as the school but may Administered by a trained be required to take a course psychologist, education assessrelated to the faith and culture. ments can show you strengths Dupont Park Adventist and help identify learning difSchool (3942 Alabama Ave ferences, helping parents to SE) Principal Grace Ameyaw determine if their child needs said that the school provides specialized programs or a speChristian values to inspire cialized school. students, offering a Christian For instance, the Lab education as a basis for characSchool of Washington (4759 ter building, but doesn’t force Reservoir Rd. NW) is dereligion on students. signed to work with kids with The school offers a characRich Weinfeld is the Exlearning differences, particuecutive Director of Weinfeld ter class that teaches students larly language-based learning Education Group, which how to treat one another, as differences, through a nonoffers tutoring, advocacy and well as how to resolve conflict, school consultant services, traditional arts-based program specializing in students with and what to do when students tailored to their particular learning differences. He is find they are not getting along needs. Using the Orton-Gillalso the author of multiple with others. “That’s one way ingham approach, the school works on the subject. Photo: Courtesy WEG] that we teach Christian valoffers a structured, sequential

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ues,” Ameyaw said.

Other schools focus on sharing historical and cultural traditions. Kuumba Preparatory School (3328-3332 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE) is an African-centered private school that offers a nontraditional academic, cultural and artistic program. Kuuma uses the arts, including theatre, music, dance, poetry and song, to stimulate learning. The school also incorporates African-centered concepts into the curriculum, including various languages.

Some parents choose singlegender schools, citing the lack of pressure to perform classically masculine and feminine roles relative to subject matter, allowing girls to shine in STEM subjects and boys to apply themselves to the arts. Experts say there are differing learning styles between genders, but many cite the lack of social drama within the student body as a benefit to the schooling.

Practical Concerns

Where curious minds explore, engage, and connect.

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In addition to learning and educational objectives, practical concerns are also a vital part of choosing a private school. Factors such as tuition cost, financial assistance and travel to and from the school should be considered. If your student is interested in the arts or a particular sport, you’ll want to investigate if particular schools offer strong programs.

Dolin suggests that while visiting school websites is the obvious first step, parents and children also need to set foot on the campus of prospective schools, attending open houses or scheduling school visits and observing students as they learn in order to get a sense of the school’s culture, academics and student life.

You can begin attending open houses and admissions events up to two years before the expected

intake year.

Often, Dolin said, campus visits can transform a view of a particular kind of school and open up possibilities not previously considered. “I’ve had parents who wouldn’t consider an all-girls school, then go to Madeira, an all-girls’ school in McLean, VA (8328 Georgetown Pike) and say, ‘Oh my goodness, this is for me!’, or ‘I can see myself here, this is the perfect fit, I love this setting, this feels like home, I love the teaching method’.”

There are private schools in the District that can meet every student’s needs. Dolin encourages families to cast a wide net and consider many options.

“Often [parents] come to me with a very narrow view of what schools are going to be best for their child,” she said. “I’ll often encourage them to think outside the box a bit, broaden their vision of what could be a good match, narrow it down from there.”

Learn more about the educational consultants interviewed for this piece by visiting: Ann Dolin, Educational Consultants anndolin.ectutoring.com (703) 934-8282 Pamela Tedeschi, Tedeschi Educational Consulting pmtedcon.com 301-951-0131 Rich Weinfeld, Weinfeld Education Group weinfeldeducationgroup.com 301-681-6233 u

Fall 2019 Admissions Events Prospective Parent Night October 3rd, 6:30pm to 8pm

Open House

November 3rd, 11am to 2pm

Learning Engineering and Design (LEAD) Day for Prospective Students

November 9th, 9:30 am to Noon

For more information, please visit setonhs.org/visit

Elizabeth Seton High School

5715 Emerson St, Bladensburg, MD 20710 301.864.4532 H i l l Ra g Ed u ca t i o n S p ecia l \ 19

Your Child Finds Challenge

When School a

by E.V. Downey

chool or daycare can be equally stressful for kids and their parents. Your child’s school sends you more emails than your best friend does. Your son seems to fall apart over routine tasks that every other kid his age can handle. Your daughter brings you to tears when she claims she has no friends and, by the number of birthday parties that go by without an invite, you are inclined to agree with her. Homework time is a nightly battle that no one is winning.

You know there is something wrong, but you don’t know how to fix it. What do you do?

Consult the Teacher

Teachers see hundreds of same-age kids over the course of their careers.

Your child’s teacher(s) most likely can really help you get to the bottom of what is going on. Make an appointment with the teacher outside of the regular parent-teacher conferences and ask for help. “Teachers don’t want your child to fail,” notes Alex Mirkowski, a middle school teacher at an international school in Israel. “Having a failing student takes up teacher time. A teacher would rather target that time by working with the parent as a team. They will welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss what they can do as a teacher and what you can do as a parent.”

Public schools are required to respond to re-

20 / AUGUST 20 1 9

quests for testing to determine if an underlying developmental or educational disability is causing a student’s challenges at school. Following your meeting with the teacher, you should document your discussion in an email to the teacher, the school principal, and the special education coordinator, if there is one at the school. If it appears that further examination of the issue is warranted, you should add a request for an evaluation to see if educational testing is needed to help diagnose the problem.

This will start the clock ticking on a process that will include evaluating to see if formal educational testing is needed, performing educational testing, and meeting to discuss the results of that testing.

Consult The Experts

Every jurisdiction is required to have a resource that evaluates children from birth to age three. In the District the service is called Strong Start.

Parents can refer their own children for an evaluation which will include parent and caregiver checklists and in-person observation and testing.

Evaluations will most likely start with a discussion with the parents. Occupational Therapist Kristen Masci explains that parents “will be asked to provide as much information as possible about the child’s ability to function in daily life.” In addition to asking questions, “we educate

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the parent about what we do,” adds Masci. “Based on this conversation, we are able to decide how much the areas of difficulty are impacting function in everyday life.”

If the impact is significant, the evaluation will move on through written checklists completed by parents, other caregivers, and teachers to in-person testing of the child. At the end a written report will include diagnoses (if applicable) and the recommended course of treatment. This report should also include suggestions for further resources and activities for the parents as well as appropriate school placements, accommodations, and supports.

If your child is over three and thus not eligible for a Strong Start evaluation, and you want more assistance than the school is providing, there are professionals out there who can help. Janelle McDonald, Board Certified Applied Behavior Analyst, stresses that time is of the essence if you have concerns about skill deficits or challenging behaviors: “Immediately consult an expert for evaluation, as literature shows that early intervention services are correlated with higher efficacy of treatment.”

There are a multitude of professionals who evaluate and treat different childhood delays and disorders. Working with the right ones can help better facilitate efficient treatment. Colleen Buchanan, a learning specialist based on Capitol Hill, recommends that parents have all of their child’s foundational skills thoroughly assessed before seeking treatment. “Often a Speech and Language Therapist or Occupational Therapist is needed,” she says, “to build underlying skills along with a tutor carefully matched to student needs.”

Here are some specialists who can help you target treatment: • Developmental Pediatricians are trained to detect bigger-picture situations such as cognitive delays, attention and hyperactivity issues, and autism.

• Neurologists can diagnose neurological issues such as ADHD as well as seizure disorders and a host of other complications including tic disorders/Tourette’s Syndrome and mental health problems such as anxiety.

• Educational Psychologists can test for and diagnose common childhood issues such as dyslexia, autism, and ADHD. They can be a helpful resource for what to do to intervene in the case of a diagnosis.

• Psychiatrists generally are more expensive and therefore most parents go to them for medication management rather than regular therapy sessions. They can also evaluate and diagnose.

• Psychologists and social workers provide talk therapy which can help support young people with a variety of different challenges such as anxiety and depression and also executive functioning. Most therapists for young children focus on play therapy, but they may use cognitive behavioral therapy and other approaches.

• Occupational Therapists (OT) work on the ability to perform tasks common to a child’s everyday life. These can include such skills as eating with utensils, riding a bike, handwriting, and kicking a ball. OTs also work with kids with sensory processing disorders, a common disorder found in kids with autism.

• Physical Therapists (PT) address a child’s physical skills such as sitting, standing, walking, running, and climbing steps.

• Speech and Language Therapists (SLP) work on a variety of languagerelated problems such as articulation and verbal processing and also on mouth-related issues such as feeding. There are also feeding specialists (continued on pg. 25)

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What Makes a

Great Playground?

Discovery, Exercise, Play and Safety are Elements of the Best Playgrounds

by Cheryl Corson, RLA, ASLA, CPSI

sychologist Jean Piaget said that play is the work of childhood. Fred Rogers of Mr. Rogers fame agreed, saying that “play is serious learning.”

For adults who grew up in the mid20th century, it was not uncommon to be sent outside “to play” and not be expected home until dinner. Exploration with other kids in an unstructured environment was the norm. Inventing games, whether on city streets, parks, suburban lots or rural land, was more the responsibility of children than their adult caretakers.

Playgrounds present a more structured play environment. In the past, they offered basic opportunities for swinging, sliding, and climbing – what’s considered gross motor play. These activities support physical development. Some playgrounds offered sand boxes for younger children.

These were places parents could bring children, knowing they were relatively safe and enclosed. Yet this type of playground was only a part of how children played and experienced the outdoors.

Fast forward to 2019. Most children’s time is highly structured with organized activities. The digital realm outcompetes the analog world. According to the National Recreation and Parks Association, “children today spend less time outdoors than any other generation, devoting only four to seven minutes of unstructured play per day, while spending an average of seven and a half hours in front of electronic media.”

Sedentary life negatively impacts health and wellbeing. Children become socially isolated and cut off from the natural world. It has become rare to see unsupervised children out in public.

Today playgrounds take on a greater role than ever. They must entice kids away 24 / AUGUST 20 1 9

Tree cookies at Maury Elementary school.

Photo and design by Anya Sattler

from their screens and toward one another.

They must offer physical challenges that are compliant with current safety standards and guidelines. Increasingly, they offer kids the chance to interact with trees and plants, and birds and bugs. They have to be attractive and safe as well. Today’s playgrounds may be the main spaces that urban children experience the outdoors. And they must be interesting, comfortable, and attractive enough for caregivers to enjoy spending time in them as well. So what is a great playground today?

A Place To Experiment And Invent

Instead of large metal “post and platform” play structures that never change and become bor-

ing after the first few visits, kids want to be able to manipulate their physical environments. Providing a supply of simple movable elements that kids can rearrange and build with has proven to be a big hit. They don’t have to be expensive. Capitol Hill landscape architect Anya Sattler says that thin slices of tree trunks, sometimes called “tree cookies” are a big hit with children because they can move them around and build things with them. Outdoor blackboards or easels made of plexiglass are great for drawing and painting, and are easily cleaned. They can be used by small groups of kids at the same time. Outdoor musical instruments are another way that kids can change their environments, with sound – drums and xylophones designed for outdoor play are another great group activity that sparks creative collaborative play. A simple outdoor stage with an accessible storage shed or container with dress-up clothes and props is another outdoor play element through which kids can invent games and pretend characters, fostering social interaction and creative, collaborative play.

A Place To Discover And Observe

Nature play in urban environments is a gateway experience through which kids can become curious about plants, animals, and other living things. Introducing flowering plants that attract pollinators, berry-producing fruits, trees that flower and change in the seasons, rain gardens that attract frogs and birds, are so important for children to become comfortable and curious about the natural world. It’s not that difficult to mix natural areas with more traditional play equipment. In fact, designing a garden-like area with a cluster of boulders to sit on can

be a great intimate space for children to have some quiet time. Sand play remains a great creative activity that naturally lends itself to experimentation with water, and all kinds of building games. Sand is a timeless play element, one of the first playground features to appear in city parks.

An Accessible Place Where Children of All Abilities Can Play Together

The 2010 American with Disabilities Act (ADA) incorporated guidelines for playgrounds into federal law. This means that public playgrounds (which includes private schools) must offer spaces allowing all kids to equally approach, enter, and use the space. That means accessible walkways, and platforms and other accommodations for less able-bodied kids. But inclusive play goes beyond the ADA. It means creating play opportunities for kids of all abilities to play together. Some contemporary play equipment does this beautifully, in ways that don’t seem clunky.

LSI’s Omni spinner offers a “merry-goround” experience with back support that is fun for groups of all kids. It’s still a fast spinning experience, but safer than a traditional flat platform merry-go-round. There are swings that have safe platforms for wheelchairs that are side-by-side with traditional belt swings. And there are wheelchair accessible garden and sand play features that allow a child to pull up and play with the soil and/or and at their height. These elements don’t visually appear different from the playground ensemble, so they can eliminate the social stigma faced by kids that would have been excluded in the past. Having wheelchair navigable playground surfacing is another way to allow kids of all abilities to navigate the playground space without impairment. With good design, these spaces look beautiful and well-integrated.

A Place To Safely Take Risks

Certified playground safety inspectors are taught that the difference between a risk and a hazard is that a risk is a challenge which children choose to undertake, while a hazard is an unexpected environmental situation that occurs without warning. Since the advent of playground safety standards about 30 years

ago, playground fatalities have declined. The task equipment manufacturers now face is to design interesting, challenging, and safe play structures that aren’t so bland that kids lose interest in them after a few visits. In response to the sentiment that playgrounds have become “too safe,” some people have created “adventure playgrounds” which are spaces filled with building materials and various tools in which lightly supervised kids can build things on their own terms. A recent New York Times article (05/10/19), “Make Playgrounds a Little More Dangerous,” made the case that a little danger fosters more self-awareness in kids, which can actually reduce the incidence of injuries. The North American Adventure Play Association has many examples of these types of spaces.

A couple of playgrounds that offer the type of mixed experiences described here are just across the river in Alexandria. The Burgundy Farm Country Day School has an open campus open on weekends (during school only open to students). There, the Washington, DC landscape architecture firm Oculus designed a very long embankment slide and a play structure with climbing nets, swings, a spinner, and more. In the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria, the new Mount Vernon Community School playground will open in mid-August.

This three-quarter acre space that I designed, has musical instruments, a nest swing, stage, spinners, a mini-soccer field, a grassy hill, and kinder-play area with natural wooden climbing structures, all surrounded by flowering plants and shrubs chosen to attract songbirds and other pollinators.

A great playground is a place of discovery that offers new experiences each time you visit, and the chance to share the joy of movement and play with other kids. Seven minutes of outdoor play a day doesn’t cut it. This summer, explore some new playgrounds with your child and see how much outdoor time free of screens you can spend together.

Cheryl Corson is a local landscape architect and CPSI (Certified Playground Safety Inspector) who designs playgrounds and believes children should be safe while free to experience the natural world together. She grew up playing on the streets of Brooklyn. https://corsonlearning.com u

(continued from pg. 22)

for children whose main struggle is in that area.

• Behavior Therapists help with a variety of different developmental concerns. They work to modify undesirable behaviors and teach replacement behaviors that are more developmentally and socially suitable. These domains range from engaging in peer-topeer communication, improving emotional regulation, to going to school or holding a job.

• Learning Specialists can detect specific learning disabilities (LD) such as dyslexia and also attention issues, processing issues, and others that get in the way of a student’s learning.

• Tutors can run diagnostics on a student’s current level of academic function and develop academic interventions to assist.

• Executive Functioning Coaches focus on helping students overcome organizational issues that can impede their progress in school, especially when it comes to homework completion and organization of their school materials.

• Educational consultants work with families to determine what additional support they might need and to find a school setting that can work best for the child.

No parent has ever regretted finding out that there is nothing wrong with their child, or the ways to help them cope with issues that are holding them back in school or daily life. If you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional, or cognitive development, consult the experts as soon as possible.

With over 20 years experience in education in Washington, DC, E.V. Downey has been a school administrator, educational consultant, teacher, and behavior therapist. She is currently the Director of Admissions at Blyth-Templeton Academy, a micro high school located at the Hill Center on Capitol Hill. u H i l l Ra g Ed u ca t i o n S p ecia l \ 25

Kids & Family

Notebook

by Kathleen Donner

GALita’s Que Las Hay…Las HayBelieve It or Not! Photo: Courtesy of GALA Theatre

GALita Bilingual Theater for Children

On Oct. 19 to Nov. 2, testy neighbors learn that friendship, diversity, and tolerance are key to building a home. A delightful bilingual play for children by one of Argentina’s leading authors of children’s literature. Que Las Hay…Las Hay-Believe It or Not! Is at GALA Theatre, 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.

GALita is a special program dedicated to producing children’s theater in both Spanish and English that inspires a sense of joy, discovery, pride and self-identity in the community’s youngest children. GALita’s presentations are bilingual and accessible across language barriers, thus nurturing children’s curiosity and tolerance for cultures other than their own.

GALA Theatre is at 3333 14th St. NW. galatheatre.org.

National Book Festival Stages for Young People

The 2019 Library of Congress National Book Festival offers an outstanding lineup for readers of all ages with more than 140 nationally-recognized authors, poets and illustrators, as well as the addition of stages devoted to science and international subjects. On Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Washington Convention Center, doors will open at 8:30 a.m., with programs beginning at 9 a.m. and running until 8 p.m. loc.gov/ bookfest/.

26 / AUGUST 20 1 9

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Ladybug Release at the American Indian Museum

On Fridays, Aug. 9 and 23, at 10 a.m., there will be a ladybug release at the National Museum of the American Indian into the museum’s field of corn, squash and beans. Ladybugs are beneficial insects—they help control aphids and act as a natural pesticide for plants in place of chemicals. About 9,000 ladybugs will be released

by Smithsonian horticulturists and entomologists throughout the summer. AmericanIndian.si.edu

National Building Museum Family Days

Drop by the National Building Museum’s free Family Days to celebrate the built environment, learn from professionals, and try out fun, hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy. The Big Build is on Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn from construction and building arts professionals while hammering nails, sawing logs, applying join compound, hopping aboard real trucks, and more. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org. nbm.org.

Kids Run the Bases

Kids ages four to twelve can run the bases after every Sunday day game. Remaining dates are Aug. 18; Sept. 1, 15 and 29. An adult must accompany runners to the field. Starting at first base, kids will be directed to run around the bases as the adults continue along the warning track and meet the runners near home plate. Once the baseball game has ended, kids and parents/guardians can line-up at the end of the seventh inning, however fans who would like to stay and watch the entire game will be able to line-up once the game has ended. Participants must exit the ballpark through the Right Field Gate. The line forms outside of the park on the sidewalk along First St. washington.nationals.mlb.com.

Kids in Canal

Kids in Canal is a free children’s series that brings in popular kid’s entertainers from magicians to musicians that keep the little ones engaged. Here’s the remaining lineup: Aug. 7, The Great Zucchini; Aug. 14, Midsummer Magic; Aug. 21, Mad Science; Aug. 28, The Great Zucchini. All shows are from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. After spending a fun hour in the middle block of Canal Park, 200 M St. SE, head over to the dancing water fountains for a refreshing splash. capitolriverfront.org.

Newseum’s Summer Fun Deal

Through Sept. 2, Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, will waive admission for all visitors ages 18 and younger. With the purchase of at least one general adult ($24.95 plus tax) or senior ($19.95 plus tax) admission, up to four kids visit free (regular youth admission is $14.95 plus tax). newseum.org.

Discovery Theater on the Mall

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. Discovery Theater does not have performances every day. There also no shows in August and most of September. Use the calendar at discoverytheater.org/shows to select a month; show days are in orange. Shows are generally on a weekday at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. However, they do offer a few weekend programs and afternoon performances throughout the season. discoverytheater.org.

28 / AUGUST 20 1 9

Family Days are fun days at the National Building Museum. Photo: Courtesy of National Building Museum staff

Dumbarton House Dolley Days

As the British marched closer on Aug. 24, 1814, Dolley Madison fled her beloved White House, taking refuge with the Carroll’s at Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW. On Dolley Days, Aug. 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy self-guided tours on Saturday and Sunday featuring special collection and archive documents related to the Madisons.

On Saturday, bring the family and play historic lawn games, make ice cream, and enjoy kids’ activities. Free. dumbartonhouse.org.

Disney’s Aladdin at the KC

Discover a whole new world at Disney’s Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Disney’s Aladdin is at the Kennedy Center through Sept. 7. Tickets are $39 to $179. It is recommended for ages six, up. kennedy-center.org.

Arena Stage Family Fun Pack

Bring the whole family to Arena Stage. They offer a Family Fun Pack: four seats for $129. Orders must include a minimum of two patrons between ages five and seventeen per Family Fun Pack; cannot be combined with any other offer or applied to previously purchased tickets; limit two Family Fun Packs per household.

All standard fees apply. Must be purchased by phone or in person.

Contact the Sales Office to check on appropriate family shows. arenastage.org.

Race For Every Child and Kids Dash Registration Open

The Race For Every Child, Oct. 19 at Freedom Plaza, is a fun event with a serious purpose--to promote children’s health and wellness, and raise much-needed funds that help Children’s National ensure every child can benefit from world-class medical care.

Pre-race activities start at 7 a.m.; 5k at 8:45 a.m.; and Kids Dash at 10:15 a.m. Children between the ages of three and ten are eligible to participate in the Kids’ Dash.

Registration is $15. childrensnational.donordrive.com.

Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair

The Black Student Fund & Latino Student Fund Annual School Fair is on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2 to 5 p.m., at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl. NW. For over forty years, the BSF/LSF School Fair has provided a networking opportunity for thousands of families in the metropolitan area to meet with

representatives from more than sixty independent schools. Parents and prospective students get first-hand knowledge about each school’s programs, community, admissions requirements and financial aid process. In addition, the fair features interactive seminars focused on the admissions process, the financial aid process and personal/family financial management. Read more and register at blackstudentfund.org.

Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run

The Marine Corps Marathon Kids Run on Oct. 26, the day prior to the MCM, is a onemile just-for-fun running challenge for kids ages five to twelve.

Participants may select from six specific starting waves. Shuttles from Metro, post-event hospitality, activities, entertainment, games and mascots make this an unforgettable event. Registration is $10. All participants receive a shirt, access to the Camp Miles Family Fitness Festival and a medal at the finish line. marinemarathon.com.

The Reading and Language Learning Center

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The First Tee Golf Program for Kids

The First Tee started as a way to bring an affordable junior golf program to youth and communities that did not have them. It blends the rules of the game with life and leadership skills. Kids and teens didn’t just learn how to putt, they learn important values.

They offer after-school and weekend programs at 17 golf facilities throughout the metro area. To find a location near you, visit thefirstteedc.org/locations. Classes are during after-school hours and on weekends; times and days vary throughout locations. Young peoH i l l Ra g Ed u ca t i o n S p ecia l \ 29

ple attend class once a week during a session.

Read more at thefirstteedc.org.

George Washington Patriot Run Kids Run Registration Open

Registration is open for the George Washington Patriot Run 5k/10k Race at Mount Vernon on Sept. 8, 8 a.m. The USATF-certified 10k and 5k course takes runners up and down the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway and traces Washington’s footsteps through the historic area at Mount Vernon. A free Kids Fun Run will be held near the finish line at 9:45 a.m. at Mount Vernon. Registration is required. Visit mountvernon.org/patriotrun for details.

Help Build a LEGO Replica of the National Cathedral

If you missed the 83 years of construction it took to build Washington National Cathedral, now’s your chance to watch the Cathedral rise again--only this time out of LEGO bricks. When completed, an estimated 500,000 LEGO bricks will form a 1:40 scale replica of the Cathedral that’s more than 13 feet long, 8 feet tall and bigger than a minivan. It will be the world’s largest cathedral to be built from LEGO bricks.

Visit the Cathedral and watch how a grand Cathedral is constructed. You can also buy a $2 brick in the Cathedral gift shop, and trained volunteers will help you snap your brick into place on the LEGO model. Read more at cathedral.org/lego.

Imagination Stage’s 40th Anniversary Season Imagination Stage presents their 2019-2020 40th Anniversary Season: The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Sept. 28 to Oct. 27; The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Nov. 23 to Jan. 5; Zomo the Rabbit: A Hip-Hop Creation Myth, Feb. 8 to March 22; Thumbelina, Feb. 15 to April 5; Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience, June 24 to Aug. 9. You can celebrate four decades of theatre for young audiences at Imagination Stage with a sub30 / AUGUST 20 1 9

scription to their 2019-2020 40th Anniversary Season for $70 per person. Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org.

Adventure Theater at Glen Echo’s 2019 -2020 Season

Here’s the lineup: Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are In A Play!”, Sept. 20 to Oct. 20; The Velveteen Rabbit, Nov. 15 to Jan 1, 2020; The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats, Feb. 14 to March 29, 2020; Lyle the Crocodile, April 24 to May 31, 2020.

Adventure Theater’s 2019 -2020 Season is on stage at Glen Echo. Ticket are $19.50 and can be purchased online at adventuretheatre-mtc.org or by calling 301-634-2270.

Learn to Skate at Fort Dupont Ice Arena

Fort Dupont Ice Arena’s Learn to Skate USA program focuses on getting students, ages five to eighteen, on the ice and feeling comfortable. A good fit for those looking for an introductory program for first time or beginning skaters. Learn to Skate includes a 25-minute lesson on Saturday morning; free Saturday public skating admission; free helmet use and skate rental; and participation in Holiday Shoe and Spring Competition. Public skating at Fort Dupont Ice Arena is Monday to Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m.; and Sunday, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Fort Dupont Ice Arena is at 779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org.

The 3 Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo

“The 3 Billy Goats Gruff ” is a marionette romp in which three brothers get the goat of a hen-pecked troll, in their attempts to trip-trap-tromp to where the grass is greener. Three variety numbers precede the performance, demonstrating the making of a simple hand puppet, and manipulation of rod puppets and marionettes, as an introduction to the Art of Puppetry. $12. On stage at Glen Echo, Aug. 8 to Sept. 1. Recommended for ages four to nine. thepuppetco.org. u

Photo: Courtesy of George Washington’s Mount Vernon

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Resources EDUCATION RESOURCES

SERVICES AND SUPPORT

DC Association of Chartered Public Schools dcacps.org

Capitol Kids Therapy LLC capitolkidstherapy.com

The mission of the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools is to increase opportunities and outcomes for students by supporting the development, growth, and sustainability of quality charter schools in Washington, DC. The association was created by and for DC public charter school leaders to serve as their collective voice.

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.

My School DC myschooldc.org My School DC is the common application and lottery for public and public charter schools. Come to EdFEST, the annual public school fair, on Saturday, December 14, 2019 and explore your public school options! The lottery application for school year 2020-21 opens December 16, 2019 and the deadlines to apply are February 3, 2020 (grades 9-12) and March 3, 2020 (PK3 – grade 8). Questions? Call the My School DC Hotline at 202-888-6336.

Office of the Student Advocate DC State Board of Education sboe.dc.gov/page/office-student-advocate We guide and support students, parents, families, and community members in navigating the public school system in DC. Our mission is to empower DC residents to achieve equal access to public education through advocacy, outreach, and information services. Our hope is to continue to challenge the notion that public education is not only a public asset and right, but is something that should be communityfocused and community-informed. Our commitment to promoting equity in family engagement through voice, access, and power is reflected in the day-to-day operations of our office. We provide one-onone coaching for families; facilitate issue specific or community specific workshops and trainings; and connect families directly to additional resources through referrals to other organizations and agencies for further support. We answer our intake line live Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. Contact 202-741-4692 or emailstudentadvocate.dc.gov

Serving our Children servingourchildrendc.org Serving Our Children (SOC) administers the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP) and is dedicated to the concept that all students, regardless of income or socioeconomic status, should have access to a quality education. K-12 private school scholarships are available to DC residents who have children entering kindergarten through 12th grade in the 2020-2021 school year. SOC will open its online application this fall. Families can learn more by visiting our website or calling 1-888-DCYOUTH (329-6884).

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Little Leaves Behavioral Services littleleaves.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 evidencedbased 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.

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 motorskill 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 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, the highest 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. 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 Charter School Curriculum teaches students to love learning and to pursue deeper understanding, preparing them to succeed globally in the 21st century.

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

Cesar Chavez PCS for Public Policy chavezschools.org 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.

Digital Pioneers Academy PCS digitalpioneersacademy.org Digital Pioneers Academy is a 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 find 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.

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 leadership and scholar achievement. Unique course offerings include: Construction and Design, Early Childhood Development, Peer leadership, Entrepreneurial courses inclusive of urban agriculture and print design, Game design coding and American Sign Language.

KIPP DC Public Schools kippdc.org At KIPP DC schools, students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become Washington, DC’s next generation of leaders. Across 18 schools, we educate 6,800 PreK3-12th grade students and empower our alumni to be successful in college, careers, and life.

Meridian Public Charter School mpcs-dc.org Meridian is a nurturing and rigorous school serving PK3-8th grade students at all academic and developmental levels. Our collaborative, child-centric school community celebrates student diversity and teaches foundational skills needed to succeed in an increasingly global world.

Our Common Core-aligned curriculum encourages students to explore & 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. Distinguished as the only IBO World High School East of the River and 100% college acceptance for all seniors.

Richard Wright PCS richardwrightpcs.org Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts provides a strong, academically enriching and rigorous program while H i l l Ra g Ed u ca t i o n S p e cia l \ 33

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providing hands-on learning of fundamental concepts and skills essential in the fields of Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Film, Graphic Design, Visual Art, and Music Production. The school innovative curriculum elevates literacy levels for all its students.

Two Rivers Public Charter School tworiverspcs.org Founded 16 years ago by a group of Capitol Hill parents, Two Rivers serves preschool - 8th grade students across two campuses in Northeast D.C. 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.

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 tCapitol 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 offer 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 34 / AUGUST 20 1 9

integrates art, music, social learning, occupational therapy, study skills, and organizational techniques into core academic subjects. We have campuses in Virginia, DC and Maryland.

British International School of Washington biswashington.org Washington’s most diverse private international school boasts students from 60+ nationalities and is an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. We challenge students to be ambitious from age 2-18, culminating in the prestigious IB Diploma. Visit our warm and friendly community and see why your child will love coming to school.

Burgundy Farm County Day burgundyfarm.org Burgundy Farm County Day School provides an inclusive, creative, and nurturing learning environment on a 26-acre “hidden gem” main campus, including a new arts center and outdoor spaces. Our innovative, hands-on approach to education cultivates excellence, instills respect for diversity, and teaches responsibility for self, others, and the natural world.

Capitol Hill Day School chds.org/explore 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 2019, the Capitol Hill Day School middle school program expanded into nearby Farren’s Stable at 218 D St. SE. The space was designed with middle school learners in mind, and includes 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

DeMatha Catholic High School Dematha.org DeMatha Catholic High School maintains a broad-based curriculum serving young men 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.

Elizabeth Seton High School setonhs.org Rooted in Catholic values and the charism of the Daughters of Charity, the mission of Elizabeth Seton High School is to cultivate confidence in young women to excel in college, careers, and life through an innovative and rigorous academic experience.

Friends Community School friendscommunityschool.org Experience the joy of an extraordinary education! Friends Community School offers Quaker progressive education for students K-8, featuring small classes, hands-on learning, dynamic faculty, before/after care and enrichment, and summer camps open to all. Just 15 minutes from the Hill. FCS 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. Peter School stpeterschooldc.org St. Peter School, a National Blue Ribbon School, 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.

AFTERCARE AND SPECIALS Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) www.chaw.org Confidence, creativity 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. Sliding scale,

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.

DANCE St. Mark’s Dance Studio stmarksdancestudio.org Since 1963 the St. Mark’s Dance Studio has been training dancers of all ages in ballet and jazz, primarily. Classes are for toddlers (Parent/Me), preschoolers, children, teens, and adults; from beginner to advanced level.

Exercise classes with weights on the floor and in a chair; along with Pilates are offered to adults. The studio is accessible by elevator and stairs.

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.

The Washington School of Ballet washingtonballet.org The Washington School of Ballet’s Southeast campus at the THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Campus) provides dance classes for youth and adults. Professional ballet is offered for ages 4 – 19. Adult classes include ballet, barre, yoga and Zumba, with discounts for Ward 7 and 8 residents.

MUSIC Music on the Hill musiconthehilldc.com Starting at age 3.5-adult, it is never too late, or too early to become a musician. Music on the Hill takes 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 have secondary degrees in music paired with years of experience. We offer private lessons in piano, mandolin, banjo, guitar, bass, violin, vocals, ukulele, woodwinds and more. u

ts ea S e tedilabl day! i Lim Ava ll To ro En

Your Path to

Success Starts at

IDEA

Public Charter School

IDEA ensures that all our students find their unique path to success.

IDEA offers innovative, diverse opportunities: • Ninth grade academy eases transition to high school • Small class sizes, committed teachers, and a positive culture emphasizing leadership and academic achievement prepare students for college and career readiness.

• Unique course offerings include: Construction and design (architecture and building trades), Early Childhood Development, Peer leadership, Entrepreneurial courses inclusive of urban agriculture and print design, Game design coding, and American Sign Language

1027 45th St., NE Washington, DC 20019 2 blocks from Deanwood Metro (at the end of the W-4 bus line)

• Championship athletic teams exercise the body and mind

Contact IDEA at 202-399-4750 or info@ideapcs.org to schedule your visit.

• College and career counseling supports 100% college acceptance

Envision your child’s future at ideapcs.org

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