2023 Back To School Supplement

NEWSPAPER READING IS A HABIT

DON’T BREAK THE HABIT!

Preparing Students and Families for the Year Ahead

READ THE WASHINGTON INFORMER YOUR WAY:

n In Print – feel the ink between your fingers of our Award Winning Print Edition

n On the Web – www.washingtoninformer.com updated throughout the day, every day

n On your tablet

n On your smartphone

n Facebook

n Twitter

n Weekly Email Blast – sign up at www.washingtoninformer.com

202-561-4100

For advertising contact Ron Burke at rburke@washingtoninformer.com ...Informing you everyday in every way

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100

Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout

Mable Neville, Bookkeeper

Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

Peace and blessings esteemed readers,

5 Sam P.K. Collins

With another back-to-school season upon us, it’s time to reacclimate ourselves to the daily trips on the Metro, hours of homework and tutoring, parent-teacher conferences, and all other markers of a school year.

Unfortunately for many of us, the new school year also brings the possibility of ongoing physical conflict and, to some degree, neglect on the part of institutions trusted to help children.

That’s why information, and what we do with that information, is our greatest power in the movement to fully and safely educate our children. In this Washington Informer backto-school supplement, students, parents and families can and will regain their power with helpful tidbits that will place them on a path to educational self-determination.

Whether you’re a special-needs parent, a parent who’s worried about public safety, or a young person searching for after-school activities and affordable postsecondary opportunities, this supplement is for you. Take it and keep it close to your chest for the battle ahead. Trust that you’ll never regret having it in the first place.

Sincerely yours, Sam

P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

Jacqueline Pogue Lyons President of the Washington Teachers’ Union

It’s not easy being a teacher or a student today, with so much going on in and outside the classroom. There are dehumanizing attacks on the teaching profession, disrespect for educators’ hard work and a refusal to adequately fund public schools. Numerous districts around the country are dealing with disgraceful book bans and prohibitions on teaching honest history—both of which limit the robust and truthful education every child needs to deal with the real world. And students are still coping with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including learning loss and loss of family members.

One of the biggest battles we need to overcome now in the District of Columbia Public Schools is the disturbing spike in school violence—by students against peers and by students against teachers. DCPS is seeing an increase in dangerous and frightening episodes that are affecting the physical and mental well-being of students and educators alike. Teachers say the high number of incidents has made them feel anxious and frightened and caused them to consider leaving the teaching profession. This would be a tragedy for both teachers and students.

Doing nothing isn’t a choice that teachers can make. We see the impact on students in the classroom every day, and we must choose a different path. The Washington Teachers’ Union will be starting contract talks with DCPS this fall. We are laser-focused on solving problems and improving learning conditions so that teachers can give students the supports they need. Teachers’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions, and the WTU views a contract as an opportunity to make meaningful, necessary investments in D.C.’s schools that benefit students, families and teachers.

Many of our core issues are related to safety, a serious problem

that cannot be ignored. These issues must be addressed immediately and with appropriate measures that will make a difference.

The safety-related issues we want addressed at the table include smaller class sizes; effective emergency protocols to give DCPS the capacity to prevent, respond to and recover from traumatic incidents; and additional athletic trainers to ensure the safety of student athletes.

You don’t have to look far to see that we are facing a widespread teacher shortage. Pay is obviously part of the equation, but we know that many teachers are leaving the profession due to working conditions that cause burnout. That’s why we have commonsense proposals like scheduled lunches for

elementary school teachers (it’s incredible that this should even need to be negotiated), better protections to ensure teachers can keep their preparation periods rather than being forced to take other assignments, and limits on non-instructional duties for related service providers like social workers and counselors, so they have the time to give students the support they need.

To address the problem of school violence, the WTU has proposed 17 commonsense recommendations. If we can’t resolve these issues before the contract expires on Sept. 30 (and hopefully, it can happen before schools starts on Aug. 28), it will be high on our contract bargaining list. Students’ needs are not aligned

with contract expiration dates. The time to act is now. But we can’t implement solutions on our own. The district must work with us—not against us or the students and families of the District of Columbia.

We are focused on the common good, because teachers want what kids need. But we can’t do any of this by ourselves; we need DCPS as a partner. g

Upcoming Resource Fair Connects Youth to After School Activities

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

Earlier this year, the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Out-of-School

Time (OST) Grants and Youth Outcomes hosted “Summer in the City,” a four-hour event at Eliot-Hine Middle School in Northeast where parents and families directly engaged providers of summer programs, summer jobs, and other enrichment activities.

you be the next D.C. Spelling Bee Winner?

professional quality products in each of those areas.

Below are other types of programming that will be showcased on September 9:

• Academics

• Arts

• Athletics

• Career Readiness

• Dance

• Life Skills

• Literacy/Reading

• Mentoring

• Music

42nd annual spelling bee

On Sept. 9, youth and families will have yet another opportunity to learn about a bevy of enrichment activities during “Afterschool in the City!” at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Northeast.

For Afterschool in the City!, more than 45 community organizations and government agencies have signed up to showcase opportunities that school-aged youth can pursue during after-school hours. Agencies that are expected to attend the upcoming event include D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Public Schools and Office of the State Superintendent of Education.

One organization of note, Youth Entrepreneur Institute, exposes young people to photography, digital film, sewing and material arts, drawing, painting, sculpture, and screen printing. Participants do so through weekly after-school activities where they are educated about a variety of STEM pathways and collaborate on the production of

Mark Your Calendar

Afterschool in the City!

• Socio-emotional Support

• STEM

• Tutoring

• Wellness

Dr. Shontia Lowe, executive director of Out-of-School Time (OST) Grants and Youth Outcomes, described Afterschool in the City! as part of an ongoing effort to ensure that young people and families are kept in the loop about enrichment activities during the school year.

“The event will be an opportunity for families to descend into one location to, 1) learn more about the after-school options available for their K-12 students across the District, 2) sign up for and/or indicate an interest in select afterschool programs, and 3) to know more about what the OST Office and the Learn24 network, which includes other government agencies, schools, and community-based organizations that have a commitment to providing high-quality afterschool and summer programming to children and youth across the District of Columbia,” Lowe said. “We look forward to seeing you there!”

g

September 9, 2023, 11am to 2pm EST

Turkey Thicket Recreation Center

1100 Michigan Ave NE, Washington DC 20017

Closest Metro Station: Brookland-CUA Metro Station

Meet the New Prince George’s County Superintendent of Schools

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will kick off the school year with a new leader at the helm. Millard House II was appointed Superintendent by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks effective July 1, 2023.

Superintendent House came from the Houston Independent School District (HISD), the largest school district in Texas and the eighth largest in the country. During his two-year tenure, he implemented HISD’s first comprehensive five-year strategic plan shaped and guided by community input. Under his leadership, the administration delivered on the plan by lifting 40 of 50 campuses off the state failing list, increasing teacher compensation by 11%, making a nurse, librarian, and counselor available on every campus, addressing a structural deficit and making challenging high-quality instructional material accessible to all students.

House will continue to use a

collaborative approach in PGCPS, with plans to hold listening sessions with stakeholders at the start of the school year.

“Collaboration is key to building a community of support for our schools, and I look forward to learning firsthand from students, families and staff what is important to them and what we need to improve.”

House has already identified improvements to school security as a top priority for the 2023-2024 school year. To deter bringing dangerous items into schools, middle and high school students, staff and visitors will be required to pass through screening devices at school entrances this fall. Device installation will be phased in starting with schools with the highest needs. Additionally, clear backpacks will be required for students in grades nine through twelve and students in Non-Traditional Programs (North, South and Middle).

“School security has become a top

priority as incidents of weapons and violence in schools are highlighted in the media,” said House. “I believe these two strategies will make a significant impact in reducing incidents in our secondary schools and will go a long way in making everyone feel safer in school.”

Superintendent House is well-prepared to meet the needs of students in Prince George’s County. At the end of his first year at HISD, he was named a Green-Garner Award finalist by the Council of Great City Schools for outstanding contributions to urban education. The Houston Area Urban League also recognized his contributions to the city’s children with a Black Excellence in Education award.

He succeeds Dr. Monica Goldson who served as Chief Executive Officer for the last five years of her 32-year career in PGCPS. g

Millard House II

Tools for Special-Needs Families

Ready. Set. Renew.

It’s time to renew your benefits.

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

Navigating the education system as the parent of a special-need student can be daunting. Luckily, there are resources available for families in search of answers and accountability. Below are just a few institutions, collected in consultation with Ward 8 resident and

special-needs parent LaJoy Johnson-Law, that have been proven to help special-needs students of all ages.

Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE)

Since 1996, this institution has helped address the denial of basic special-education services by educating parents about special education laws and consequences that arise from an educational institution’s failure to properly classify and accommodate special needs students. Resources include a parent support network, free legal representation, and youth transition plans.

government resource that connects them with the tools, education and support needed to make informed decisions about their child’s learning. This one-stop shop for information focuses on early childhood, special education eligibility and implementation, academics and emotional, and social and behavioral support. For more information, visit specialeducation.dc.gov.

Office of the Student Advocate

The deadline to renew your Amerigroup District of Columbia, Inc. healthcare benefits is coming up. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

We created a short video to walk you through the process. Just scan the QR code below to watch. It’s as easy as …

For more information, visit aje-dc.org.

The Children’s Law Center

This institution has helped tens of thousands of children solve pressing special-education related problems while advocating for citywide solutions. The tenets of the program are based on the belief in stable families, solving health problems, ensuring quality education, and system reform. Attorneys affiliated with the Children’s Law Center have even been appointed by District court judges to represent children in foster care.

For more information, visit childrenslawcenter.org.

DC Special Education Co-op

Do you need help with your healthcare, talking with us, or reading what we send you? We provide our materials in other languages and formats at no cost to you. Call us toll free at 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

¿Necesita ayuda con el cuidado de la salud, para hablar con nosotros o para leer lo que le enviamos? Le ofrecemos nuestros materiales en otros idiomas y formatos sin costo alguno. Llame a nuestra línea gratuita al 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

This D.C. government entity aspires to help families better understand the public education system so they can advocate for their child and forge bonds with their child’s school. Resources include a Parent & Daily Go-To Guide that’s chock full of information about the D.C. education system. Other online resources focus on advocacy and lobbying, attendance and truancy, and bullying.

For more information, visit studentadvocate.dc.gov.

Quality Trust for Individuals with Disabilities

관리에 도움이 필요하십니까? 아니면 저희와 연락하시거나, 보내드리는 자료를 읽는 데 도움이 필요하십니까? 자료를 다른 언어 및 형식으로 무료로 제공해드립니다. 저희에게 800-600-4441 (TTY 711) 번으로 연락해 주십시오. 您在醫療保健方面、與我們交流或閱讀我們寄送的材料時是否需要幫助？我們可為您免費提供其 他語言和格式的材料。請撥打我們的免費電話 800-600-4441 (聽障專線 711)。

Avez-vous besoin d’aide pour vos soins de santé, pour parler avec nous ou pour lire ce que nous vous avons envoyé ? Nous pouvons vous fournir gratuitement nos documents dans d’autres langues et formats. Appelez notre numéro gratuit 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

Quý vị có cần trợ giúp liên quan tới chăm sóc sức khỏe, nói chuyện với chúng tôi, hoặc đọc nội dung chúng tôi gửi cho quý vị không? Chúng tôi có cung cấp tài liệu bằng các ngôn ngữ và định dạng khác mà không tính phí cho quý vị. Hãy gọi chúng tôi theo số điện thoại miễn cước 800-600-4441 (TTY 711).

This entity works with teachers and school leaders across the char ter school system to improve edu cational services for special-needs students. It does so by designing programs based on student need, preparing students for life be yond high school graduation, and pushing schools to expand their capacity to increase the quality of special education in D.C. schools. The co-op, as it’s often called, also shapes education legislation to im prove how special-needs students are taught.

For more information, visit specialedcoop.org.

DC Special Education Hub

This entity has a legal department that services people with developmental disabilities and their families in the realms of capacity, consent, community integration, and freedom from abuse and neglect. Attorneys work to ensure that services for people with developmental disabilities are provided in the least restrictive setting possible. The trust also advocates for legislative reform and weighs in on policies affecting

Families can better understand special education in the District when visiting this D.C. BS-6

Navigating the Post-Affirmative Action Landscape

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

In the aftermath of a Su preme Court Decision that gutted affirmative action, colleges and universities across the country are scram bling to adjust their admissions pro grams. There’s also some anxiety among prospective students and families about the road ahead.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Department of Education gathered higher education leaders together for a summit where they discussed next steps as far as expanding opportunities for students of color and nontraditional students. Although the Supreme Court dissolved what many believed to be a valuable protection, all is not lost for students who want to attend college.

Below are some factors that college applicants, this year and in the years to come, can take into consideration as they pursue an affordable postsecondary education.

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

Pour Your Heart

Out in Your College Essay:

Even though colleges can no longer consider race as a factor in admissions, the U.S. Supreme Court said that applicants can use essays to explain how race and other identifiers have shaped their lives. For several years, the college essay has separated top applicants from the rest of the pack -- all because they paint the picture of a person who can enhance campus life. Now’s the time for young people to be introspective about their experiences and life goals so they can craft an essay that really shows what they can contribute to their university community.

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

Whether they’re in the public school system or homeschooling, young people can experience the academic rigor of college courses and acquire college credit while doing so. Dual enrollment has become increasingly popular in recent years as a cost-saving measure for families. Last school year, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant announced the launch of the Advanced Technical Center, through which high school students can also accumulate up to 20 college credits while taking nursing, healthcare IT, and cybersecurity courses.

Test the Waters with Dual Enrollment and Other Programs:

Families seeking more information about dual enrollment programs can reach out to their child’s high school counselor, the Office of the State Su-

CONTINUED ON PAGE BS-9

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

— Lauren, Class of 2023

“The career I never thought possible... is possible.”

DC FUTURES is a new program that gives District residents up to $8,000 for college tuition. Students can choose from more than 50 in-demand fields.

Other benefits include:

• One-on-one coaching to help keep you on track.

• $1,500 stipend for books, travel, and other extras.

• Emergency funds to cover some of life’s unexpected expenses, such as car repairs, rent, food, and child care.

So, whether you want to finish the degree you started, or start the degree you’ve always dreamed of, the first step is just a click away.

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

Public and Public Charter Schools Strengthen Community Approach to Public Safety

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

After what has been, for a lack of a better word, an eventful school year, many students, parents and administrators alike remain even more committed to developing systems that better ensure the students’ overall safety.

While students were out this summer, school leaders have been mulling over how to fulfill their public safety goals for the 2023-2024 school year. Below are strategies that some District principals are implementing, as explained at a public safety community forum hosted by the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation at Ballou Senior HIgh School in Southeast on August 5.

Strengthening Safe Passage Programs:

Goals include working with law enforcement along with churches and business owners in areas surrounding schools, focusing on better and strategic placement of staff members along Safe Passage routes before and after-school hours and passing out literature to stakeholders that explains logistics during the school day.

Engaging Parents:

Administrators are aiming to elicit parental support through engagement events, home visits and phone calls. In cases when parents aren’t present in students’ lives, schools will connect students with community-based organizations while continuing to engage guardians and influencers.

Prioritizing Accountability:

Principals are acknowledging that accountability starts with them in how they set standards, and consistently communicate policy. Other elements include acting proactively against misbehavior and exhausting all resources to address issues before moving on to suspension or other drastic measures. Some principals are even touting the need for a balanced approach in doling out consequences and equipping students with the skills to be solution oriented.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging :

Administrators are encouraging teachers to develop an inviting classroom environment. There has also been conversation about expediting learning upon a student’s entrance into school while creating more opportunities during after-school hours for students to stay on campus safely.

Involving Students in the Conversation:

Some principals have conducted meetings with student leaders throughout the summer to plan events for the school year. Some of this work builds upon engagement that took place toward the end of the last school year. It also supports the work that principals are doing with parent organizations and their Local School Advisory Teams to advocate for resources.

“The career I never thought possible ... is possible.”

— Quinton, Class of 2024

perintendent of Education, or even the admissions office at local colleges and universities, including the University of the District of Columbia and Prince Georrge’s Community College.

Programs like College Bound exemplify the mantra of “Each one, teach one.” For decades, middle school and high school students from D.C.-area public schools have navigated College Bound’s Academic Mentoring Program. In that program, they connect with college-educated professionals with whom they develop relationships and learn hard and soft skills that solidify their admission to the college of their choice. For years, 100% of students in College Bound have graduated high school and gained acceptance into the college of their choice. College Bound alumni have also gone on to enroll in College Bound’s Virtual Mentoring Program to ensure degree completion. For more information or to become a mentor, visit collegebound.org.

Since 2019, hundreds of District high school graduates have attended and graduated from more than a dozen U.S. colleges and universities for little to nothing. This is thanks to D.C. College Access Program (DC-CAP)’s University Partnership Scholarship.

Students who apply for the DC-CAP Scholarship and University Partnership Scholarship have the chance to enroll in any four-year institution of their choice and receive between $20,000 and $25,000 in financial support. The University Partnership Scholarship leverages DC-CAP funds, Pell Grants and the DC Tuition Assistance Grant to ensure that students receive as much aid as possible, and in some cases a full ride to attend one of the partner universities. Students can even access DC-CAP resources as early as ninth grade when they enter the STEM Ready Scholarship Program where they sharpen skills needed to enter STEM-related fields and earn scholarships. For more information about these and other programs, visit dccap.org/scholarships. g

Financial Tips for College-Bound Children

As the summer season draws to a close and a new academic year looms ahead, it becomes crucial for parents with college-bound children to prioritize financial literacy.

As you may know, financial literacy is a crucial yet often overlooked skill in young individuals. According to the Council for Economic Education, personal finance coursework requirements exist in 21 states at the high school level. Consequently, much of the financial education for today’s college students largely falls upon the shoulders of parents.

While teaching your child basic money management skills may initially seem daunting, it does not have to remain that way. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your college-bound children or grandchildren:

1) Open a Checking Account

A checking account is the first step toward financial independence. It provides college-bound children with access to an automated teller machine and facilitates the payment of bills each month. By connecting your account with that of your child, you can oversee their spending and potentially help them avoid overdraft fees.

2) Consider a Monthly Allowance

In addition to tuition, room, board, and books, your child will incur other miscellaneous expenses, including transportation, clothing, personal items, and entertainment. Establishing a monthly allowance can help manage these costs and instill the value of money in your child.

3) Encourage a Part-Time Job

If your child excels in time management, securing a part-time job while in school can enhance their resume and teach them valuable lessons. Allowing them to use their earnings to attend concerts or purchase the latest merchandise from the school bookstore can also promote financial responsibility.

4) Consider Student Credit Cards

Teaching your child to use a credit card for small purchases and ensuring that they pay off the balance in full each month from their allowance or potential earnings can prove beneficial and assist them in building a credit score. However, it is important to note that credit cards are not suitable for everyone. If your child is not quite ready to have a credit card in their name, you can add them as an authorized user on your own credit card. Implementing these measures can greatly benefit your children in the years to come. If you have any questions or would like us to meet with your college-bound child, please do not hesitate to reach out. We also encourage you to read our blog for more detailed information and additional suggestions.

Eric D. Bailey –Bailey Wealth Advisors

A Message for Those Blazing an Independent Trail

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Education Reporter

The pandemic piqued interest among parents and families in a tradition that has been in existence since the arrival of African people to the Americas. Although some families just started exploring alternatives to public school, generations of mamas and babas in the D.C. metropolitan area have spent decades organizing homeschool communities and maintaining independent African-centered K-12 institutions.

Many of our young people have since returned to public and public charter schools. However, the fervor for educational self-determination hasn’t waned amid concerns about book bans. For those who are seeking family-oriented, culturally enriching spaces for their child, here’s a list of institutions that fit the bill.

Start the School Year Off Right and Schedule Your Child’s Well-Child Visit Today

The summer days are quickly coming to an end and back-toschool season is fast approaching. Scheduling and making the trip to your child’s provider appointment can feel tiring. We are all busy, especially during the start of the school year. However, it’s important to visit your child’s primary care provider (PCP) to determine if your child is healthy.

Make sure to schedule your child’s well-child visit soon. Depending on their age, your child’s PCP will conduct different tests and exams. Try to make the visit around your child’s birthday. That way it is easy to remember.

The PCP will probably want to see your child at or around these ages:

• 3 – 5 days old

• 1 month

• 2 months

• 4 months

• 6 months

• 9 months

• 12 months (1 year)

• 15 months

Kuumba Preparatory School of the Arts & Learning Center

From toddlers to high school students, those who attend Kuumba Preparatory School of the Arts & Learning Center receive year-round, African-centered academic, cultural and arts-focused education. The goal, as stated on Kuumba’s website, centers on the character and artistic development of children. Instructors carry out this mission through the incorporation of African--centered concepts in the core curriculum and use of the arts to stimulate learning.

For more information: 3328-3332

Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE Washington, DC 20032

Phone: (202) 563-5971 http://www.kuumbaprep.org/ contact-us.html

NationHouse

• 18 months

• 24 months (2 years)

• Every year starting at age 3 – 21

Checkups are part of your child’s benefits with AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia. They should not cost you money. If you need help making an appointment or getting to the PCP’s office, call Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511 (TTY 1-800570-1190). To learn more about well-child appointments, visit https://www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/preventive-care/member/well-child/index.aspx.

The information in this article is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your healthcare provider. If you have questions, talk with your healthcare provider. If you think you need to see your healthcare provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your healthcare provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material.

Founded in 1974, NationHouse serves the specific needs of African children from the moment they enter preschool all the way up to their graduation from high school, all with the goal of culturally developing young people who are dedicated to their families, community and African heritage. Its fully functioning programs, which include Watoto School and Sankofa Institute, have produced alumni who’ve excelled academically and professionally across the United States and around the world.

For more information: 6101 Dix

St NE Washington, DC 20019

Email: info@nationhouse.org

Phone: (202) 291-5600

Ujamaa Shule

As the oldest independent African-centered K-12 institution in the U.S., Ujamaa Shule has set out to provide an education that ensures African youth develop a positive self-image. Programming includes African culture and history, advanced mathematics and science, African drum and dance,and manhood and womanhood training workshops. Ujamma Shule also touts a small class size and family-oriented environment that instructors say better enable young people, as young as two years old, to excel academically and acquire the building blocks needed to meet

life’s challenges independently and positively.

For more information: 1554 8th St NW Washington, DC 20002

Email: ujamaaschool1@verizon.net

Phone: (202) 232-2997

Roots Public Charter School & Roots Activity Learning Center

At both of these institutions, student academic achievement is rooted in the execution of a curriculum centered on African-centered cultural, emotional and psychological development. Since 1977, Roots Activity Learning Center has exposed infants and pre-school children to foundational songs, games and stories. In the 1990s, Roots Public Charter School opened as an accessible African-centered alternative for children in the surrounding community. As has been the case with other legacy African-centered education programs, current Roots students come from a lineage of alumni and teachers affiliated with the school. Many of those alumni have gone on to lead fulfilling lives as seasoned professionals and leaders of their families.

For more information: 15 Kennedy Street NW Washington DC 20011

Phone: (202) 882-8073

Rootspcs.org

Sankofa Homeschool Collective

Since 2004, Black mothers in the D.C. metropolitan area have united around their choice to independently educate their children. Years before the pandemic, the Sankofa Homeschool Collective has coordinated enrichment activities and classes for youth at Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast and later Adinkra Cultural Arts Studio in Mt. Rainer, Maryland. During those sessions, parents spent the day building community with one another while youth learned a variety of skills from an African-centered perspective. Over the years, community members have increasingly become involved in the collective as teachers. The homeschool program has also gone virtual, allowing families from all around the world to access an expanded assortment of courses, including those dealing with African languages.

For more information: sankofahomeschool.org g

Welcome Back DCPS

STUDENTS, TEACHERS and OTHER SCHOOL STAFF,

and PARENTS: Let’s make this a great school year.

The Washington Teachers’ Union is fighting for what kids need—safer schools amid a disturbing spike in school violence, adequate supports for students and teachers, and an administration that will work with educators and other school staff, parents and the community so our city’s public schools can be safe and welcoming spaces. We can’t do it alone; we need DCPS to be a partner with us to make our schools safe, well-resourced and welcoming.

Go to wtulocal6.net for more information on our proposals to make D.C.’s public schools the best they can be.