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Back-toSchool: New Year, New Vision
By Micha Green WI Managing Editor
Ahhh, back-to-school season. It’s that time of year where parents and children are going from store to store to stock up on new school clothes, supplies, and required items to prepare for the new school year. However, fresh pencils, binders, jeans and sneakers are not the only things parents, teachers and students should be equipped with this year—- they should also be armed with a new vision.
No, not a new eye prescription (although if you read last week’s health edition, you’ll know opthalmologists do recommend vision tests to prepare for school). The new school year requires a shift in perspectives and modus operandi— a more advanced, prepared and goal-oriented approach to the school year—- for parents, teachers, and students alike.
Active parental/ guardian involvement is critical to a student’s success, even during the back-toschool season. Knowing required immunizations, texts, tools and more can prepare students with all they need to not only be in school, but thrive. Parents must be prepared and patient during the back-to-school season. There’s a lot of running around, tons of requirements before a child is ready to walk in the building, and then the adjustment time needed when students start school. Being armed with all the knowledge for the school year and packing a lot of patience as youth adjust is critical this back-to-school season.
Educators and school administrators are busy setting the tone and standards for the school and in the classroom, while also bracing themselves to work with, teach and help students grow. The last school year is not the same as this year. Thus, those who work in schools must not approach the next school year with a freshness and fervor that will make students feel at home even in the classroom, and allow for an environment conducive to thriving.
Finally, students must have a new vision when starting the school year. While the last school year can certainly inform choices and assist in being prepared for the next level of school work, the new vision will help students look at the 2024-2025 school year as another opportunity to get closer toward their goals. Whether the goal is graduation, going to college, getting a job, or simply finishing the school year, it’s important for students to have all they need to survive and thrive.
Truly, parents, educators and students should all have goals they want to achieve this school year. Knowing what’s needed for success and then working to execute goals is integral to thriving this school year and onward.
From summer bridge programs to help 6th and 9th graders adjust, to learning about immunization requirements, to the process of a dad getting his students ready for school, while also preparing himself for college courses, this special edition dives into the ways the whole family can be prepared for the school year. In addition, this edition showcases new initiatives and innovations in schools and institutions around the area.
Back-to-school is more than a season, it’s a mentality. Getting new supplies, shoes and books is only a part of preparing for the school year. Starting the 2024-2025 school year off with a new vision is an important step in working toward success throughout the year and beyond.
5 Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green considers the importance of having a new perspective and setting goals when starting the 2024-2025 school year. (Courtesy Photo)
Developing Strong Readers at School and at Home
Jacqueline Pogue Lyons President of the Washington Teachers’ Union
Just think about the possibilities when children develop a joy of reading from the time they are read to, to when they can pick out words in a book or on a street sign, to when they can read a whole book on their own, to when they can write a thoughtful essay. Confident readers are confident learners and the sky’s the limit.
It is the mission of the Washington Teachers’ Union—its teachers and other staff—to encourage our students and their families to make reading a priority. Developing strong readers happens at home and at school. We are committed to promoting literacy as a real solution to improving academic achievement so that children can thrive and be productive citizens. It is truly the building block to everything else.
Improving literacy has been a major focus of the WTU’s work over the past three years. Our teachers have persevered on this and other classroom issues to make sure our kids excel, despite serious challenges such as lingering learning loss and emotional effects of the pandemic and the fact that our contract expired nearly a year ago with no progress on alleviating the problems that are causing great teachers to leave and inhibiting great ones to be recruited.
While school districts around the country shamefully ban and censor books, the Washington Teachers’ Union gives books away. We have
promoted literacy by giving away free books to children at events throughout the city. As just one example, we distributed over 1,000 books at the District’s Pride Festival. We invited two popular authors— Sharon Flake and Elizabeth Acevedo—to meet with middle-school and high-school students, which was exciting and inspirational and actually helped kids believe that they, too, had the power within them to write whatever they are feeling or thinking about and maybe even become an author one day. We’re also giving our teachers strategies and other resources to boost their expertise when it comes to teaching reading, including offering an online resource called Reading Universe, which provides ready-touse strategies, printable instructional materials, tutorials, real classroom videos and more. And we’ll be working with the state Board of Education and our kindergarten teachers
on the science of reading.
When kids get much-needed social, emotional and academic services at school, it can be a game-changer. The WTU was instrumental in the development of two well-resourced community schools that have officially become District of Columbia Public School community schools. We hope to move many other DCPS schools towards the community school model in the coming years.
Another big win for our kids’ future was the exciting announcement that the District received a $9.5 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for CTE (career-technology education) programs focusing on careers in medicine. These kinds of programs give young people a head-start on a career path and a confidence boost when they begin
to think about college and other future choices. We look forward to working with the District and our teachers on implementing the programming for this amazing grant.
Lurking in the background of all the great work that our teachers are doing is the difficulty of getting a fair contract. This has been a recurring problem year after year and frankly, it’s getting tiring. Our current contract expired in September 2023, at the start of the last school year. We want to work with Chancellor Lewis Ferebee and Mayor Muriel Bowser on a contract that will help retain great teachers and recruit terrific and motivated new ones. We need a contract that will provide better school safety protocols, improve conditions so that teachers and other staff feel respected and heard, and we need to find ways to keep our diversity staff.
These things can only happen if DCPS’s officials are willing to listen to the people who teach our kids every day and keep coming to the bargaining table until we get this contract finalized. We are the classroom experts and know what’s really going on and what is needed to bring the next level of quality to our schools. We won’t let up on the accelerator, whether it’s in the classroom for the sake of our kids or at the bargaining table, where we can make real progress that’s good and fair for educators and kids alike. g
At McKinley Tech, Hundreds of Freshmen Gear Up for the High School Experience
By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
After watching her older sister endure a difficult pregnancy, Ajaya Fields applied -- and got accepted into -McKinley Technology High School’s NAF Academy of Biotechnology. That’s where she plans to spend the next four years gaining foundational classroom and internship experience in pursuit of her dream of becoming an obstetrician and gynecologist.
For now, Ajaya joins more than
200 incoming freshmen at McKinley Technology High School who became acclimated during the 9th Grade Summer Bridge program. For an entire week, Ajaya learned about her new campus, engaged students, teachers and staff, and better understood what’s expected of her as a high school student.
Ajaya said McKinley Tech’s Summer Bridge program set the stage for what she predicts will be a slightly harrowing, but exciting high school experience.
“I want to know how I will maneuver around the school, but hopefully I can ask teachers to figure out where to go,” said Ajaya, 14-year-old alumna of KIPP DC Valor Academy in Northeast. “I want to learn and keep learning as much as I can about biotechnology. To be in a lab environment and [take on] fun opportunities that are informative. These things will help me make it to college.”
On Aug. 5-9, public middle and high schools across the District hosted Summer Bridge programs for incom-
ing 6th and 9th graders. During that time, hundreds upon hundreds of students participated in team-building exercises, creative projects, and other types of programming.
This effort, part of D.C. Public Schools (DCPS)’ five-year strategic plan, focuses on fostering students’ connection to their schools. In a statement, DCPS officials said that eligible students utilized dedicated bus transportation, while all District middle and high school students have their Kids Ride Free card at their disposal.
A Deeper Look into Freshman Onboarding
At McKinley Tech, 204 incoming freshmen transitioning from 20 middle schools spent their days practicing the school’s entrance policy before filing into the auditorium, a large space with the names of several colleges and universities written in bold letters. That’s where administrators explain the daily routines and school policy, including that involving no mobile devices in the classroom.
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From that point, students attend sessions about time management, developing coping skills, academic success and other topics. They also glean wisdom from a panel of older McKinley Tech students while socializing with peers hailing from different District neighborhoods.
Darien Gregory, McKinley Tech’s summer bridge coordinator, emphasized that the special cocktail of activities aligns with principles that administrators want to impart upon students entering an application-based school.
“We want to make sure our ninth graders are ready and understand the expectations,” said Gregory, who also serves as McKinley Tech’s admissions and partnerships director. “This is an academically rigorous space, so we want them to focus on their goals, cre-
ate their own brand and be aware of what they want to accomplish.”
A Student Ambassador Speaks
As students matriculate through McKinley Tech, some of them serve in a capacity where they can pay it forward. Such was the case for Marcus Hackett, a senior at McKinley Tech who’s in his second year as a student ambassador.
In his role, Marcus hosts open houses, interviews prospective students, and assists Gregory with the Summer Bridge program. Doing so, he said, allows him to speak to incoming freshmen about his experience as a digital media student in McKinley Tech’s NAF Academy of Information Technology.
“I know how to make things look marketable,” said Marcus, an aspiring advertising and promotions manager. “And I learned how to design web pages which are good for business.”
In 2021, as the District and other jurisdictions were still reeling from the pandemic, Marcus started his freshman year at McKinley Tech. As he recounted, it took a while to get acclimated to being around other people after completing his studies at Center City Public Charter School - Petworth in isolation.
However, as Marcus met more of his peers and expanded his knowledge of Adobe photoshop and other tools, he became confident enough to take on the additional responsibility of representing McKinley Tech.
“It brought me out of my shell,” Marcus told The Informer. “My freshman year coming from COVID into Summer Bridge was nerve wracking so I can talk to students about being comfortable. I have no problem with that now.” g
@SamPKCollins
5 Students attending the Summer Bridge program at McKinley Technology High School have a conversation with Darien Gregory, the school’s admissions, partnerships director and Summer Bridge coordinator. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
Get Up-to-Date on Immunization Requirements this School Year
By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter
As back-to-school season is in full swing and families get their students ready with everything they need for the school year, keeping current with required immunizations is an important part of being prepared.
In an effort to fill the gaps of access to health care, DC Health is providing a host of support to local families to ensure that they can receive their yearly vaccinations.
“While accessing childhood immunizations through a medical provider is the ideal option, we understand that it may not always be convenient for every family,” Ayanna Bennet, Director of DC Health stated in a press release. “That’s why we’ve stayed focused on increasing the number and availability of vaccination clinics across the District, to make it easier for families to stay on track. Our goal is to provide additional resources and support to ensure that every child is protected and ready for a healthy school year.”
Local health officials urge parents to seek the various opportunities to access vaccination hubs, including:
DC Public Schools (DCPS) Student Health Hub:
Available through Saturday, Aug. 17, the DCPS Student Health Hub will offer DCPS families free health exams, access to District health vendors, and immunization and health resources. Families can register at - bit.ly/dcpsstudenthealthhub
School-Based Health Centers:
Families that house students who are 3 years of age and older are eligible to visit a school-based health center for vaccination-only appointments, regardless of where that student is enrolled for school. The listing of school-based health centers is available at - dc.gov.
School Located and Community Vaccination Events:
Vaccination events at schools, community locations, and recreation centers are available to provide easy access to immunizations.
Families are encouraged to bring their insurance cards to each vaccination event to confirm eligibility for no-cost vaccinations. g
3 Dyson S. Barnes gets the COVID-19 vaccine in November 2021. Staying up-to-date on immunization requirements is an important part of preparing for students’ return back to school. (WI File Photo)
4 As Cinque Culver prepares his children this back-to-school season, he is also getting ready for his return to the classroom. Statistics reveal in 2021, adults over 25 made up about 40% of higher education enrollments in the U.S.
(Courtesy Photo)
Back to School Just Isn’t for Children Adults Also Head Back to Class
By James Wright WI Staff Writer
Like many parents in the District, Cinque Culver, a resident of Ward 7’s River Terrace neighborhood, is busy during August, known as National Back to School Month, as he prepares his children to head back to classrooms after summer vacation.
However, in the Culver family, it’s not just his children gearing up for the school year. While he shops for school supplies and clothes for his children, Culver does the same for himself.
“I have been working on a bachelor’s degree in economics at the University of the District of Columbia for a few years,” Culver, 42, said. “I have taken courses at DeVry University also. My goal is to ultimately get a bachelor’s degree and work my way to getting a Ph. D in economics.”
Culver is part of many students who are older than the traditional college age of 18-24 seeking either their associate’s, bachelor’s or a technical degree. Statistics reveal in 2021, adults over 25 made up about 40% of higher education enrollments in the U.S.
A June 25 Indeed post by Jennifer Herrity,“How to Go Back to School as an Adult (And Why You Should), said “various life changes may prompt you to change careers, learn new skills or continue your education.”
“With universities and colleges offering more online and flexible learning opportunities, many people have a range of options for pursuing additional schooling,” Herrity said. “Understanding how to return to school as an adult learner may help you increase your annual income and experience more job satisfaction.”
Herrity said adult students should have a clear reason for going back to school, have a plan for effectively managing time and making sure that the course of study aligns with career goals. She
said preparation to go to school in activities such as knowing admission criteria and financial planning also are crucial.
In the District, the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) has an Institute of Gerontology for senior citizens who are interested in higher education. Tuition and fees students normally pay will be waived for seniors aged 65 and older.
UDC’s Chief Academic Officer Dr. April Massey said in a statement “that the [university] has long been focused on supporting the needs of students across a broad demographic.”
“Our students represent every generation–from Z to Silent–and UDC has been particularly attuned to the needs of the older, first time in college, returning and transfer students,” Massey said.
Massey said adult students are the beneficiaries of increased virtual platforms such as online offerings, new hyflex classrooms and a transition to e-services. She also said a learning commons space has been added to accommodate the needs of commuter students and those with families and an around the clock demand supports program dealing with issues such as admissions and registrar functions.
Plus, she said student activities have been changed to accommodate adult participation.
Public institutions such as Ballou STAY, Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School and Community College Prep Academy offer academic and career-oriented courses to adults.
Culver said for an adult student to be successful “they must learn to manage their public life, manage their business life and manage their personal life.”
“You must set up your mental landscape,” he said. “Make sure you are focused and motivated. There is a finish line.”
g @JamesWrightJr10
Maryland Back-to-School Updates
Bowie State Plans New Mixed-Use Development, Morgan State Hires Education Executive
By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer
Bowie State Plans New MixedUse Development: 184,000 Sq. Feet of Retail, Housing for 600 Students
Bowie State University is soon to announce the Gateway, a new development that will provide additional student housing and better connect BSU with the surrounding community. There will be an estimated 184,000 square feet of retail space and housing for 600 students at the site.
Mosaic Development Partners JV, a Philadelphia-based developer with an office in New Carrollton, has been awarded the rights to turn the 1.6 acres of woods adjacent to the MARC commuter lot into a mixed-use project. They have been working on this project for over two years following a 2022 request for proposals and also worked on a development project near the world’s oldest continuously operating airport in College Park.
“When we talk about the Gateway, we want to bring the community into the university. The reason it’s called the Gateway is because it actually is the gateway building to Bowie State University,” said Mike Atkins of Bowie State’s Budget Office in a 2023 interview. “Being the largest HBCU in the state, we want to really honor it with something that is iconic, from a design standpoint and from an activation standpoint.”
A recent press conference to discuss the development was postponed to a further date. Busboys and Poets CEO Andy Shallal is negotiating a lease and project renderings include a Busboys and Poets location on the bottom floor of one of the buildings.
Morgan State Hires Education Executive to Lead National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities
Morgan State University’s School of Education and Urban Studies (SEUS) appointed Dr. Meria
Carstarphen as the inaugural director of the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED) on July 1, citing her 20 years of experience in education leadership.
Carstarphen has served as a teacher, administrator, and superintendent in major metropolitan public school districts in Atlanta, Austin, and Saint Paul. Her focus areas have included human trafficking, community health, accountability assessments, and economic impact.
“I am honored to accept the role of director at NCEED and to become a part of the Morgan family. Leveraging my extensive executive and research experience, I am eager to lead and partner with a talented team of experts in crafting innovative solutions to address obstacles that hinder students’ learning and achievement,” said Carstarphen. “Our primary objective is to research and solve longstanding inequities in education for our most vulnerable and disenfranchised student groups so that they can have choice-filled lives.”
The NCEED was first launched in fall 2022 and is dedicated to using research to address the needs of preschool and school-aged children and fostering achievement and equity. Some of the metrics they plan to alter include attendance rates, dropout rates, and college preparedness. NCEED will also help to prepare educators for the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a plan to improve equity and educational quality in Maryland’s public education system.
der her leadership, the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities will develop evidence-based solutions that can improve school outcomes for all children.”
“I am looking forward to working with Dr. Carstarphen and the dedicated team of researchers and community partners who are committed to re-dressing the persistent inequities in educational outcomes that children from minoritized populations experience,” said School of Education and Urban Studies Dean Dr. Glenda Prime. “I am confident that un-
5 A mock-up of the six story site is on Mosaic Development’s website. It is possible there will be a Busboys and Poets on the bottom floor. (Courtesy Photo/ Mosaic Development)
Helping Gen Z High School Seniors Prepare for College
By Gwen Thomas
If you’re a parent of a Gen Z high school senior, chances are you’ve had some talks about their college plans. If those conversations haven’t led to a path now is the time to lean in and assist your child in making informed decisions about their future.
Gen Z students often approach college with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Many dream of making a difference in the world, pursuing careers in social media or venturing into entrepreneurship. While these goals are commendable it’s essential to stress the value of a STEM education whether through traditional college routes, training programs or skill-based professions. Guiding your child to understand their chosen field, industry trends and potential career trajectory is crucial for long term success.
For instance, consider a student who wants to be a cosmetologist.
They may need to recognize that beauty school tuition can be as costly as attending college. Moreover, they might overlook the aspects of their career like owning a salon that demands business acumen. By learning how to handle business finances and secure funding opportunities, their aspirations could become financially viable.
It’s important to guide students towards attending college programs to discover scholarships and grasp the FAFSA process even if they’re focusing on non-traditional career paths like skill trades or vocational training. Students should still be motivated to explore apprenticeship programs to help with tuition expenses. Starting a business while studying is another option. Using college assignments to develop business strategies can be beneficial. Students can look for business grants or pitching opportunities to fund their projects.
Parents have a role in ensuring their children are well prepared and organized during their year of high school. Setting the foundation for a college journey involves minimizing debt and establishing a career path that aligns with future job market trends. Encourage your child to explore these trends and consider careers with growth prospects.
Early preparation is key. The sooner your student starts researching college choices, delving into their chosen field of study and setting career objectives the more
prepared they will be for scholarship consideration.
America is making efforts to improve its infrastructure. There are numerous opportunities for both skilled tradespeople and college graduates. Some vocational programs provide stipends to cover training and living expenses. It’s crucial for students to apply and learn about programs as early as possible. High achieving students should investigate scholarships and other merit-based awards with many having application deadlines in the fall of their senior year.
A common misconception is that scholarships are only accessible to low-income individuals. Scholarships are available to students from all backgrounds. Families often miss out on opportunities because they think schools are solely responsible for granting scholarships. Students need to search for and apply to scholarships offered by private organizations as well.
To learn more on how parents can effectively guide their high school seniors in exploring and choosing careers, minimizing debt and options for scholarships for all students, including high-achieving students, order my book, “The Parents Smart Guide to Sending Your Kids to College without Going Broke, Vital Scholarship Information for Students” available at www.freshperspectivesseminars. org g
g What is not covered by DCTAG?
What is DCTAG and what does it cover?
The D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) program helps eligible students attend an approved public college or university by providing up to $10,000 annually to make up the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Eligible students attending an approved Washington, D.C.-area private college or an approved Historically Black College or University anywhere in the U.S. can receive up to $2,500 per year
Program funds do not cover room and board, books or other college costs beyond tuition.
g Where can families get the application and what is the deadline?
The DC OneApp can be found at dconeapp.dc.gov. The 2024-25 DCTAG application is now open and will close on Friday, Sept. 6. at 3 p.m.
g Are there any family income guidelines?
Yes, the student’s family taxable annual income must be below the income thresholds as outlined at osse.dc.gov/dctag. If you have questions, please contact your DCTAG Counselor.
g Who is eligible for this program?
This award is for U.S. students who reside in the District of Columbia and are in good academic standing in their first bachelor’s degree program. A checklist of required supporting documents can be found at osse.dc.gov/dctag.
g Are the children of undocumented parents eligible if they are U.S. citizens or legal residents?
Yes, if the student meets the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) eligibility standards and their parents are domiciled in Washington, D.C. Students will need to meet all additional program requirements. Eligibility standards can be found at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility.
g Do students have to reapply every year?
Yes, students need to apply each year to be considered for funding.
g Sometimes applying for financial aid can be complicated. Can you share a few tips to help make the process easier?
Please read and review all application materials thoroughly. Compile the documents on the 2024-2025 Supporting Documents Checklist. If you need help, staff email addresses and phone numbers can be found at dconeapp.dc.gov/contact-information. DCTAG counselors can also provide language assistance and help students complete the forms.
It’s not too late to go to college this fall! The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG) will provide up to $10,000 a year to help cover tuition at participating colleges and universities.
To be eligible, you must be a DC resident with a high school diploma or GED, and meet a few other requirements.
Click on dconeapp.dc.gov few documents, then submit! Apply by September 6, 2024
