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2020 SUMMER-FALL EDITION / PRE K-12

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Hillrag Education Special

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EDU

N O I CAT

2020 Summer/Fall SPECIAL EDITION

Black Lives in the Classroom Teachers Rethink Race and History by Elizabeth O’Gorek

Successes and Challenges in Distance Learning Schools Pivot to Virtual Lessons by Elizabeth O’Gorek

How are Schools Preparing to Reopen? Take a Look at Three Plans by Eva Herscowitz

Helping Teens Cope With Covid-19 by E.V. Downey

Kids & Family Notebook by Kathleen Donner

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Black Lives in the Classroom Teachers Rethink Race and History by Elizabeth O’Gorek

ornerstone School Principal and Executive Director Derrick Max remembers watching video of the murder of George Floyd. Floyd was killed by Minneapolis police May 25 when an officer kneeled on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Numb, Max said he yelled at the officer on screen to get off Floyd’s neck. His heart broke for Floyd’s family, he said, but also for his students, who he knew would be hurt, scared and infuriated by the footage. Although discussions about racial issues are not new to the school, Max said, Floyd’s death has emphasized the need to address them more directly. “For our students, I think there’s a growing sense of fear and sadness, I think bringing out in some of them anger,” he said. “I’m sure most of them were angry. It’s a real issue, it brought it home.” As schools contemplate reopening amid the pandemic, they will also resume class in a period of heightened racial tensions in America. Educators agree it is a galvanizing moment in understanding our history as a country and as communities, and some say the historical moment is causing them to reexamine what and how they teach. But many District schools say that they have been working to create learning opportunities around issues of racial equity long before Floyd’s murder and the subsequent unrest, and that schools can help students to understand and participate in this moment.

Bridging the Divide

Cornerstone Schools (www.cornerstone-schools. org) is a Christ-centered private school located in Ward 7. The school’s goal is to help students craft a Christian worldview, where they consider even issues such as race, racism and privilege from a Biblical perspective. Founded on Capitol Hill in 1998 by Max, 06 /

Students participate in a pilot program for the School for Social Justice, opening September 2020. Courtesy M. Long/SSJ

a former lobbyist, and Brandi Laperriere, a former staffer for Republican Congressman Peter Hoekstra and Senator Spencer Abraham, the school relocated to Ward 7 in 2005. Cornerstone serves 175 students in grades kindergarten to 12. Ninety-seven percent of the students are black; 75 percent of staff are white. Max said that the increased attention to race and racism is motivating an examination of what the school teaches. Cornerstone teaches critical thinking through a discussion-based classical curriculum. In seminar-style sessions, students think critically about classical texts such as Plato’s The Cave. The school is undertaking a review of their classical canon to represent more issues related to race and to include more authors of color. Cornerstone is also looking at what is emphasized when they teach some subjects, such as the founding fathers. “We’re in the process now of reviewing how

we do teach it,” he said, “and I think that’s healthy and right, and I think that’s a positive thing that’s come out of the last two months.” Cornerstone is in a unique position, he said, because of the relationship between the school and Congressional Republicans. “Why don’t we start using those same connections to make people think, to take action that we believe would be beneficial to our community?” Max cites as an example a recent trip to the U.S. Naval Observatory where Cornerstone students were invited to join Vice President Mike Pence to view an eclipse. After the visit, one of the students posted a photo and commentary on social media about the event, Max said. “He was really pissed at Mike Pence because he wouldn’t say, ‘Black Lives Matter” –he kept saying ‘All Lives Matter,’” Max related. Max encouraged the students to write a letter to the Vice President, expressing how that failure hurt and using the shared experience to express

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different viewpoints,” Byrd said. “If we don’t have Jen Harris, “is that all these a common language behind what it means to be a people are part of the school community, we’ll continue to miss the mark.” neighborhood. All these identities and generations are represented right here, and Part of A Longer History you are a part of it.” of Resistance The school that now Other educators are explicitly linking the issues bears Payne’s name was built raised in the current social climate, includfor black students in 1896. In ing concerns around race and policing and the 1951 and 1953, parents went response to COVID-19 in black communities, on strike to draw attention to the history of race and white supremacy in the to crowding and inequity at United States. the school, contributing to High school teacher Jessica Rucker teaches Cornerstone Students watch the eclipse at the Naval Observatory with Vicethe desegregation of District President Mike Pence, August 2017. U.S. Navy Photo, Mass Communication Introduction to African American History and Specialist 2nd Class George M. Bell schools in 1954. Culture at E.L. Haynes High School (401 Kanas While working on the Ave. NW). She is also one of the founding teacher student views and experiences. project, fifth-grader Marlee Young discovered advisors at DC Area Educators for Social Justice, a Max said that he wants students to use their that since the 1930s five generations of her family, network of educators that seeks to strengthen and skills in critical thinking and reasoned argument from her great-great grandmother to her mother, deepen social justice teaching, helping private and to express their concerns and lobby in favor of have attended the 124-year old school at the public school educators collaborate on curriculum, their ideas. corner of 15th and C Streets SE. professional learning, and activism. “Can we get our kids to pick an issue that “Learning about Payne’s history taught me a Rucker says that her course lives at the concerns them and worries them, and really study lot about my own history, and the ties my family intersection of English Language Arts and it and find a way to get the message to members had to the community,” she said at the opening. Social Studies, with history a huge component of Congress, the White House or the city council “Over the years, the neighborhood has changed of learning. She sees learning as fostering civic or the mayor in a way that it educates and it tremendously and some historic identities may be engagement and as a tool for emancipation and moves them all forward productively?” lost. However, the neighborhood school remains.” liberation. The project provided a shared narrative, “One of the things that this historical moOpen to Conversation giving the school a starting point for discussions ment has reminded me, and I can only speak on One Capitol Hill elementary school used a hisabout what it means to be a community. At the my own behalf, is that uprising, organizing around tory project as a starting point to discuss issues of exhibit opening, PTA President Mark Jordan said state sanctioned white supremacy and racism and race and gentrification in the school community. that the school commuAs the neighborhood around Payne Elemennity was working on a new tary School (1445 C St SE, paynedc.org) has workshop on diversity and changed, the school population quickly changed inclusion at Payne. Many as well. In 2012, 90 percent of the student populaof the activities that were tion was black, with only 3 percent identifying as planned to follow the openwhite; by 2019, 22 percent of students were white ing were disrupted by the and 70 percent black. COVID-19 pandemic, but The school community identified a need to the school community has discuss Payne’s history and use the findings as an begun discussions via Zoom, entry point to discussions about race, gentrificafacilitated by Principal tion and equity. They started by partnering with Stephanie Byrd. The Story of Our Schools (TSOS), a non-forByrd said that the profit dedicated to partnerships with DC Schools current historical climate is that teach kids how to research and communicate making more people willing the history of their school and its surrounding to have difficult but necesneighborhood. In February 2020 the exhibit sary conversations about opened, presenting the history of the school and critical issues. of Daniel Payne, the black educator and religious “Everyone is coming Principal Stephanie Byrd (second from left) and The Story of Our Schools ED leader for whom the school is named. Jen Harris are surrounded by students who worked on the project, including to their idea of community “What I really wanted the community and (L-R): Niamyah Jackson, Xari Brevard, Marlee Young, Damarjah Chase, Destiny from different places and Rodriquez and Bomani Perkins. Photo: E. O’Gorek/CCN students to see,” said TSOS Executive Director 08 /

other systems of oppression have been themes in U.S. History,” said Rucker. “This current moment is one among many and that’s the way that I frame the 2020 uprising for students.” Rucker said that her classroom discussion was in part initiated after the killing of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency room technician who was shot by police after they used a battering ram to break into her home while she was sleeping. In her classes, Rucker tried to link the current uprising to a broader history of policing. In the last half of the school year, which ended on May 29, she focused on what students needed to know about the social unrest, but also about the long history of policing as well as of black resistance and rebellion in the United States. “For me at Haynes, but also for many teachers in the DC Area Educators for Social Justice, this was just another opportunity to connect this moment of resistance and liberation to a longer history of resistance and liberation,” she said. For one project, students are asked to research the government response to the disaster created when Hurricane Katrina hit the city of New Orleans and surrounding areas in 2005. They are then asked to produce what Rucker calls “the Minority Report,” a nod to a song by Jay-Z, which reflects on the aftermath. It is a sort of soapbox speech in which students reflect on the failures of the response. With this project, Rucker said she wanted to make connections with the current COVID-19 crisis. “I wanted to connect Hurricane Katrina, and the lack of judgement of our political administration at that time to the lack of judgment [today],” she said, “and how they continue to fail to support communities that have been marginalized.”

Redesigning Systems

A new school is trying to train the next generation of scholar-activists. Two

years ago, Myron Long and Brandon Johnson began a pilot for a school with a curriculum based in social justice. The founders of The Social Justice School (5450 3rd St. NE, thesocialjusticeschool.org) say the need has long existed. George Floyd’s death has just galvanized a wider section of people, they say --and that’s good. The public charter school, set to open in fall 2020, is designed to give middle school students the tools to become scholar-activists who will change the world. “We believe that systems of inequality were designed intentionally to create hierarchies in a racial and gender caste system that exists in America,” said Long. “But we also believe that, because we are humans and we have agency, then those same systems that were designed can be redesigned.” Social justice means that you are explicitly using a problem-solving method to think about how to interrupt systems of inequality in the world, said Long. Courses at the new school will use the expeditionary learning curriculum, a literacy curriculum rooted in real world issues employed to develop students into change agents. The curriculum emphasizes empathy, problem-solving and collaboration, Long said. “Can we teach people how to talk about race and equity in a way that is rooted in love, empathy and learning integration?” he asks. The Social Justice School believes that learning should happen both inside and outside the classroom and that social learning should be rooted in local issues. “It’s one thing for students to read about poverty in DC and see a million charts and maps. But,” said Long, “if we actually take them into the community and have them conduct empathy interviews in coordination with organizations fighting poverty in DC, the level of knowledge that you get sitting down with someone and really understanding their plight is so (Continued on pg. 20) Hillrag Education Special

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Successes and Challenges in Distance Learning

Schools Pivot to Virtual Lessons by Elizabeth O’Gorek

expectations for engagement. As a result, engagement was mixed. DCPS said that over the nine weeks of virtual learning, 99 percent of students were engaged at least once either by logging into a real-time online class or connecting with an educator. “It is important to note that for most students we saw ongoing engagement where students were actively engaged with an educator at least once a week,” said a DCPS spokesperson. Some teachers went above and beyond expectations to engage with students. Coolidge High School Coolidge High School science teacher Jonte Lee turned the kitchen in his apartment science teacher Jonte Lee turned into a science laboratory, streaming classes on Instagram. Courtesy: DCPS the kitchen in his apartment into a science laboratory, cooking on a DCPS has moved to fill in some of those hot plate for the nine weeks of distance learning. gaps. For fall, the school system has made a comTrying to think of innovative approaches to mitment to provide devices or internet access to increase engagement, Principal Semanthe Bright Addressing the Digital Divide all students who do not have them. DCPS said asked Lee if he would offer physics and chemisWith schools going virtual, internet access is they will have 36,000 devices available, enough try lessons via Instagram Live. “We noticed that’s no longer a luxury but a necessity for District to meet the needs of 40 percent of students where the majority of our students are,” Lee said. students. But according to the Office of the Chief in kindergarten and above, as well as 9,000 Knowing that being in a familiar environTechnology Officer (OCTO), 25 percent of hotspots. Households qualifying for SNAP benment makes students better learners, Lee taught District households do not have broadband inefits will receive information about opting into a himself how to use the social media platform, ternet service. In spring 2020, DC Public Schools residential internet program. getting friends to help him work out the kinks Chancellor Lewis Ferebee told reporters that in his video stream. “I dedicated my whole self about 30 percent of students do not have access Student Engagement to that,” he said. To increase comfort levels, he to a computer or tablet at home. Engagement is a key challenge in online learntransformed his kitchen into a setting as much Starting with high school students, DCPS ing. According to a Common Sense Media like the school chemistry lab as he could, down distributed 10,000 devices and 4,000 hot spots, survey, 66 percent of private school teenagers say to the posters on the wall. but still received criticism amid reports that some they are connecting with their teachers once a “It’s interesting with Instagram, I am able students did not receive needed technology. day or more, compared to 31 percent of public to ask a question, students can respond via chat Potomac Gardens Resident Association school students. The same survey found that in real time and they can also see other student President Aquarius Vann Gharsi said that the students struggled with engagement. A CRPE comments and ask other students questions,” lack of internet was the major problem facing study found that fewer than one in three districts said Lee. “I like it because it is giving you the imfamilies as they negotiated distance learning. She expected teachers to track engagement or acapression you are still part of the community even said private and public charter schools were often demic progress. though you are sitting in your living room.” more successful at this than public schools, as Some schools required students to check in many had given devices and training on their use with teachers or log in to systems, either at certo students as part of in-school learning. “We Keeping it Simple tain times of day or with minimum frequencies feel that the DC government was not ready for throughout the week. In the absence of equitable Classes at The Lab School (4759 Reservoir Rd. this,” she added, “and they should have been.” NW) are already small, from eight students in online access, many schools were reluctant to set xperts say that developing quality remote learning plans is something that would ordinarily take school districts months, if not years, of planning. The COVID-19 crisis forced schools to attempt to accomplish this in a matter of weeks. Now educators face an unprecedented challenge as schools prepare to reopen this fall. Most will once again offer some, or even all, of their instruction through distance learning. What are the successes and challenges that District schools found during spring lessons, and what have educators learned that they can apply to the fall semester?

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Principal Nicole McCrae. lower grades up to 12 in the high school, allowing a Blessen said that the support from the school was teacher to see every face on a zoom call. The structure critical to her success as she worked towards graduof lessons in small group settings lends itself more ation. “It was hard,” she said, “but I got through it by easily to lessons via technology, said Head of School keeping in touch with my teachers and asking them Kim Wargo. for help.” Negotiating the workload of her senior year Teachers emphasized simplicity when making was the biggest challenge by far, she said, outweighing the transition to virtual learning last spring, focusing issues with technology and even how much she missed on learning. The school focused on using only a few her friends. technology platforms. ”We really tried to edit and to keep ourselves from using a lot of the available technology, especially in the beginning, because it’s Social-Emotional Needs hard to continue to deliver when you’re learning a new Blessen, her mother said, is an example of a student way of doing things,” said Lab’s Head of Elementary who has seized on opportunities for communication Amy Oswalt. with both parents and teachers. But not all children Keeping things simple depends on staff, said have such strong relationships with the adults in their Wargo. Teachers had to work even harder to help onhomes, so student support is also key. line instruction run smoothly, for instance in finding Blessen Denney graduated from IDEA A Center for Promise survey on the State of Public Charter high school in 2020, after ways to collect, grade and return assignments. Young People during COVID-19 found that 40 completing her senior year through on“Simple things that would take ten minutes percent of students have not been offered emotional line instruction. Courtesy: IDEA PCS if you were live in a classroom could take hours to or social support by an adult from their school. While accomplish,” said Wargo. “Things like picking up an assignment from private schools like the Lab have a psychology department with profeschildren and being able to offer feedback.” Over the summer, the school sionals able to offer advice to parents, students and staff, other schools don’t put some technological resources in place to address these concerns and have those same resources. Often those are the schools serving children will spend time over the first six weeks of school acclimatizing students who need them the most. to that technology. Christine Vineyard is a teacher at McKinley Middle School (151 T. Wargo said that the entire school community had to be more underSt. NE), a school that serves a large portion of economically disadvantaged standing through the crisis, as many teachers had to divide their attention students, including students who live in shelter. She said she is concerned between their students and their own children. One way the Lab School about the emotional needs of her students, some of whom are living in supported teachers over the spring was by pairing them with staff with unsafe or traumatic conditions. During a regular school year, teachers could more flexible roles who could join teachers on Zoom calls. When needed, contact District’s Child Protective Services (CPS) to arrange a home visit administrative assistants and Lab’s Head of Elementary Amy Oswalt could if there was chronic absenteeism, signs of injury or a perceived lack of care. step in to lead online classes. “If there was something that happened, either “We call CPS on the daily,” she said, “but we were seeing the kids, we’re in an instant or if they indicated ahead of time, then we could jump in and seeing needs, and so it’s a lot easier to do that.“ be the teacher for that lesson, or that day, or whatever they needed us to In the context of the pandemic, home visits have not taken place since do,” Oswalt said. March, and Vineyard increasingly worries about the social emotional health of her students. She says the students rely on the support at school to help address their emotional needs, requesting their social workers when Parent Engagement Communication is key for parents trying to support online learning. IDEA they become agitated. “They [students] are very aware of that relationship, parent Tiffany Denney said that her daughter Blessen had a productive but so I can’t even imagine what they’ve been feeling since March, not having that access,” she said. challenging virtual senior year at IDEA. The school uses the Powerschool While video conference platforms such as Zoom are viewed as too App to facilitate online learning, meaning that Denney could easily track insecure for the discussion of sensitive health information, Vineyard points Blessen’s work, including what tasks were and were not completed, as well to online counseling services such as Talkspace as a model of accessible as use the platform to access teacher support. online therapy. Communication opportunities available through the app were key to While acknowledging that COVID-19 has brought turmoil to indikeeping Blessen on-task. Denney said that the school would check in daily viduals and families, teachers say there is a silver lining. Schools have been if Blessen was not online by the required time. At IDEA, teachers, students and parents were able to connect around forced to find ways to deliver education equitably to all students. “This is now opening up the doors for many schools and the education system as a learning, giving teachers more insight on how to adjust lessons, how to whole to rethink how learning is done and rethink how to provide an assupport students and what parents need to help their child learn from sistive, equitable education for all different scholars,” said IDEA’s McCrae. home. Parents could speak with staff and with one another at Virtual “It is forcing a conversation about equity to happen in schools across the Parent Councils, held once a week. “That is a key lever–we have had the nation and it can’t be ignored. I think that’s a valuable by-product.” u most parent-specific engagement that we have had in years,” said IDEA 12 /

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A student completes work on Zoom for Friendship Public Charter Schools. Courtesy Candice Burns

A class meets on Zoom at Friendship Public Charter Schools. Courtesy Candice Burns

How are Schools Preparing to Reopen? Take a Look at Three Plans

by Eva Herscowitz

ith the school year fast approaching, District schools are pursuing a variety of strategies to safely reopen schools. A July report issued by the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) says school districts should prioritize reopening schools full-time, particularly for elementary school students and students with disabilities. The report, which says remote learning for young students may worsen educational inequities, also recommends safety precautions, including enforcing mask wearing for all students and staff, reorganizing classrooms to enable physical distancing and limiting large gatherings of students. Here’s how DCPS, the Friendship Charter School system and one private school plan to reopen amid COVID-19.

Emerson Preparatory School

After watching other small, private micro-schools face financial uncertainty and larger schools struggle to implement remote learning, Emerson Preparatory School President Dr. Peri-Anne Chobot knew officials at the 9-12 grade school had to “completely restructure” their educational model. 14 /

Instead of taking courses designed by Emerson Prep staff, students will select classes from the University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) online course catalog, which offers over a hundred core, elective, advanced placement and dual enrollment courses. While courses will occur asynchronously, Emerson Prep is embracing a “guide on the side” model, with teachers working with students in small groups and independently on projects tied to the courses students select. Students will also be required to complete a mentorship or internship. School hours will remain the same--8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.--and students will attend in-person five days a week, with one day reserved for activities centered on socialization. With some families facing financial difficulties, Chobot said the school has lowered its annual tuition by 30 percent. Supplemented with individualized guidance, the “nimble” UNHS program enables “higher level thinking, problem-based work, and critical analysis,” Chobot said. Because students can access online materials at any time, the program is also well-suited to the potential need to revert to virtual learning. “If we have to go in and out of quarantine, we already have a completely accredited, nimble platform,” Chobot said. “We don’t lose any momentum.” Emerson Prep, which caps enrollment around 55 students, typically of-

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fers core and elective courses, from Friendship Public geometry to screenwriting. In comCharter School ing years, Chobot said she anticiSystem pates incorporating these “directly With 16 campuses, the Friendship instructed” classes with the “guide Public Charter School system is on the side” model. While limited emphasizing parent choice in its student enrollment and teacher return-to-school plan. To meet the availability had sometimes restricted needs of the families of around course offerings, the UNHS model 4,500 pre-kindergarten through treats teachers as “generalists” guidgrade 12 students across five ing students in online courses of wards, the school is offering three varied levels with mini-lessons, options for the upcoming year, teacher-designed lessons, class FPCS Chief Communications discussion and group work. Officer Candice Burns said. “That takes away some of the Intended for students with burden of our teachers creating parents who are essential workers, content,” she said. “They can just the first option allows students to do the in-depth exploration of An elementary school student paints at Friendship Public Charter Schools’ Arts attend school full-time on a FPCS learning necessary in a college Fest. Courtesy Candice Burns campus. The second option, deprep environment.” signed for parents who want their students to “transition” to in-person Emerson Prep will follow guidelines issued by the Centers for school, combines in-person instruction with virtual learning. An enDisease Control and Prevention (CDC), including requiring mask tirely virtual curriculum is the third option, and FPCS has operated the wearing when students are “moving about” and encouraging frequent District’s only tuition-free online academic program for over 10 years. hand washing, Chobot said. On days dedicated to socialization, clubs Preparations for the upcoming school year, set to begin in August, will meet in-person or remotely, and, she added, help rebuild student have included “deep cleaning” of buildings, vent cleaning, and staff connections the pandemic put on hold. training on CDC and DC Health guidelines, Burns said. Staff mem“There’s healing and recovery that needs to happen,” Chobot said. bers are developing plans to reposition classrooms to maximize social “Most students are not saying they miss the academics – almost to a distancing, as well as gathering hand sanitizer, masks, cleaning products fault, students and families are saying they miss the social connection.” (Emerson Prep. 1718 Connecticut Avenue NW, www.emersonprep.org) and face shields. “Ever since March, when the coronavirus touched the District, we’ve been preparing for this moment,” Burns said. At Friendship Schools’ six Pre-K3 to grade 8 campuses, classes are limited to 10 students per room. If families opt for virtual instruction, the school will tailor it to younger students, giving them at-home supplies of paper, pencils and art supplies to use at home. Clustered in small, virtual groups, two teachers will lead these students in instruction and meet with them individually for social-emotional check-ins. The school will provide every student with iPads, Chromebooks and internet hot spots. Though charter schools have the authority to develop their own plans, many look to DCPS for guidance. At the District’s July 16 situational update, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn said charter leaders should wait to make final decisions about the school year when more health data is known. He added that he expects many charter schools to follow DCPS’ procedures. After Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced DCPS would delay its decision on offering both virtual and hybrid instruction due to increasing COVID-19 cases in the District, FPCS said in a statement the school is “prepared to guarantee all families a highquality 100-percent virtual option.” “If the city deems it safe folA student completes work at Woodridge Elementary School, a Friendship Public Charter lowing their review of health statistics, [FPCS] will extend options School. Courtesy Candice Burns

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to families for hybrid, partially in-person learning in our school buildings,” the statement read. Burns said FPCS is “laser-focused” on ensuring student and staff safety, and emphasized that resources will be standardized across FPCS’s 16 campuses. “We’re fulfilling the highest standards of health and safety,” she said. “We’re also focused on providing our educators and our families training and resources so they know what to expect on the first day of school.” (www. friendshipschools.org)

DC Public Schools (dcps.dc.gov) For DCPS’ nearly 50,000 students and over 4,000 teach-

ers, plans for the fall remain up in the air at the time of publication. While preliminary plans pointed to a hybrid model, Mayor Bowser said in her July 16 update that DCPS will delay the announcement until July 31 due to concerns about increasing COVID-19 cases. “On the 31st, depending on health indicators, we A pre-kindergarten student washes his hands at Friendship Public Charter Schools. Courtesy could decide that we’re only going to be able to start Candice Burns the school year virtually and may move throughout the school year to another option,” Bowser said. A decision Ferebee said DCPS is prioritizing its “earliest learners,” as well is necessary by July 31 for planning reasons. as students with disabilities, students with Individualized Education “We start with this value: that students are better served in their Programs and students with “other unique services that may need to be classrooms, with their teachers and their peers. None of us know the provided in-person.” He added that the current plan is based on guidimpact of having our kids out of school for up to a year,” she said, addance from DC Health and the CDC. ing that it is not ideal for serving learning, social or emotional needs. The current, tentative plan is to reopen DCPS with hybrid and virLooking Forward tual learning options, DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said. With the school year set to start August 31, parents will be asked to commit to an With COVID-19 cases trending upward, all three school systems option for a term ending in late October, with the option of making a expressed their commitment to student and staff safety. Shifting plans, different choice in early November. virtual learning, hybrid education and varied strategies across grade Under the current plan, families can opt for a virtual or hybrid levels will all define education amid the pandemic. model. The hybrid model organizes students into cohorts to reduce Regardless of the path schools take, the 2020-2021 school year will potential COVID-19 spread. Ferebee said Pre-Kindergarten 3 and 4 likely be one-of-a-kind in the District. students would be organized into two groups, with the first group attending in-person instruction on Monday and Tuesday and the second Learn more about Emerson Prep’s plan: www.emersonprep.org/newsgroup going to schools on Thursday and Friday. Virtual learning is not and-updates an option for these students. DCPS would offer elementary school students the same hybrid Learn more about FPCS’ plan: www.friendshipschools.org model, as well as an entirely virtual option. For students in grades six through 12, the hybrid model would involve one day of in-person Learn more about DCPS’ plan: https://dcps.dc.gov/coronavirus instruction and four days of virtual instruction. An all-virtual option is also available. Read the NASEM report: www.nationalacademies.org/news/2020/07/ Deep cleaning would take place Wednesday, a day of virtual inschools-should-prioritize-reopening-in-fall-2020-especially-forstruction for all grade levels. In response to concerns that working pargrades-k-5-while-weighing-risks-and-benefits ents with children across grade levels would struggle to accommodate Eva Herscowitz is a journalism student at Northwestern University currently varied schedules if they opt for hybrid learning, Ferebee said DCPS interning with the Hill Rag. She writes for Northwestern’s student newspaper, would “prioritize sibling preference” for registration. The Daily Northwestern. You can reach her at eva@hillrag.com u Hillrag Education Special

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Helping Teens Cope With

Covid-19 by E.V. Downey

etween the stresses of school and friends, hormones, and parental pressure, the teen years are not the easiest. With the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, being a teenager is harder than ever. How can we best support our teenagers? I consulted with the experts, other Capitol Hill mothers of teenagers, in addition to my own two teens, and a few therapists to gather some tips.

Don’t Be Afraid To Give Them the Facts

Help your teenager access accurate, fact-based, and helpful information, but not too much of it. Avoid the 24-hour news cycle as much as possible in favor of short, targeted updates on the current situation and guidelines. Social media are a fun outlet for teens, but encourage them to look to legitimate sources of information for news about the virus. Keep them in the loop about how they can stay safer as they travel to and from school and at school. Talk about what extracurriculars and social activities might look like so they know what to expect.

Help Them Stay Safe

Along with your research about the virus, teach your teens how to keep themselves safe. Buy plenty of masks and hand sanitizer and review proper handwashing techniques. Discuss the use of such preventative measures before each outing, especially when they will be without you. Make sure they have a reasonable understanding of what the risks are and how they might prevent them. Younger teens will need stricter guidelines and supervision, often more supervision than they are used to. Even older teens, used to being independent, might need more guidance than you would expect. This is new to all of us!

Recognize the Emotions

Depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues are prevalent in teens during normal times so it stands to reason that they will increase during such a time of increased stress. Missing out on school dances and milestones such as prom and graduation may have an immediate and lasting impact on our children. Capitol Hill therapist Danielle Tiley advises parents “to be patient with your teen and with yourself. These are hard times, and your teen might resist you or talk back more than usual; rise above the back talk or defiance and allow them space to express negative emotions. Welcome the release of those big feelings.” Share your own anxieties with them, but with that share how you are handling them. If the feelings become overwhelming, turn to professional help. Fortunately, therapy is readily available online with insurance often paying just as with in-person sessions. 18 /

Practice Self-Care and Help Them Do the Same Yoga, meditation, and exercise are great anxiety-reducing techniques. My own older teenager balks at my requests to get more exercise, but admits it helps. He has also found success in setting a regular sleep and work schedule. It is reasonable to slide your sleep schedule by a couple of hours, but staying up into the wee hours of the night and sleeping all morning can be depressing, not to mention unproductive. Taking walks together, walking the dog, hiking, and biking are all great ways for everyone to get exercise, and create opportunities to discuss how things are going. Joan Hay, a DCPSbased Occupational Therapist, stresses the importance of whole-body movement throughout the day, especially for students with attention difficulties. “Kids are used to carrying heavy backpacks and doing a lot of walking. Sitting at the dining room table and working is not always best. Encourage your kids to take frequent movement breaks, even if it is just a few push-ups or a quick walk around the block.”

Keep Them Busy

Getting on a schedule and sticking to it is also good for emotional health. Outside of school responsibilities, look for employment opportunities for your teen. These could range from actual employment in a grocery store or camp to babysitting, tutoring, or yard work. Families must weigh concerns about virus exposure with such jobs, but they can certainly provide an opportunity to fill a teen’s time while bringing some possibly needed money into the family.

Get Something Done

As strange as it might sound, several parents noted that this could be a great opportunity to get something accomplished. In addition to being a rewarding undertaking, volunteering in the time of Covid can allow your student to get school-required volunteer hours completed. If local guidelines permit, this can be a perfect time to get wisdom teeth removed or start on orthodontics. Many of us have been cleaning out our own closets. This can be a good time to go through your teen’s room, together, and pack up the last vestiges of childhood.

Encourage Socialization

As much as possible support your teen’s opportunities for socialization. Teenagers are social creatures. They thrive on social interactions, and social distancing is particularly hard on them. By now most teens have figured out how to Zoom and FaceTime and do it regularly. Depending on your tolerance, social distancing outdoor get-togethers, ranging from one-on-one talks to drive-by birthday parties, have probably become your new norm. Encour-

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FOLLOWING STRICT COVID-19 STATE’S REGULATIONS We have been successfully open for the last month! Please refer to the website for the COVID-19 policies.

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age your teen to make such plans. If you are like me, you have been spoiled by your teens being able to walk and take public transit to social activities. It may seem like a step backward to drive your teens around again, but it is important to help your teens facilitate this new social life.

Support Distance Learning

Your student might not be used to needing support from you, but hybrid (both inperson and online) and distance learning (only online) can bring out challenges for any student. Your teen might need support with the increased executive functioning expectation – keeping track of which days are school days and the schedule for online meetings, for example. In addition to family members, many families are turning to outside support. Learning Specialist on the Hill Colleen Buchanan notes that parents should trust their instincts and turn to paid help if necessary. However, she also encourages them not to stress. “Focus on skill building, and base that on your own and their interests. Do not worry as much about the school curriculum, if that is causing stress, but rather on making progress in various areas of interest.”

Relax the Rules

Across the board, parents have stressed that there will be increased screen time during this crisis, and that they should make peace with that. Endless hours of Netflix streaming or video games are not going to ruin your teenager! Many teens incorporate social time into these activities, watching a movie or favorite TV show “with” a peer or playing video games online together. We all have to get through this with our sanity intact! E.V. Downey is an educational consultant based on Capitol Hill. She works with families on finding the right school for their kids ages toddler through high school. A graduate of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, E.V. has raised her own two kids, now in high school and college, on Capitol Hill. She also runs a camp at the Hill Center, works as a behavior therapist with kids with developmental disabilities, and teaches flute at Music on the Hill. ◆

much more meaningful than just simply reading it in a textbook.” Every day, students will also go to a maker space called the liberation lab. There they will be taught to use a problem-solving method called “liberatory design thinking” to grapple with social justice issues. They use research, experimentation and reiteration to practice the redesign of oppressive identities, symbols and systems. For instance, fifth graders read the declaration of human rights to grapple with the question of “Is housing a human right?” applying that question to the context of gentrification in DC. They might read texts such as “The Beat,” on the history of go-go in District black culture. The teacher might task them with designing a tribute to go-go with tools such as a 3-D printer, podcast studio or film making tools that could be presented to the Mayor as a way to preserve the legacy of go-go music in DC. Or they might have the option of creating a more equitable distribution of wealth map to think about how to eliminate the distribution of wealth that leads to gentrification. Long says the school will address a civic engagement gap in education. Most student learn about how the three branches of government function, but that does not teach them how to engage in civil society in ways that can bring about change, such as through a direct-action campaign. He said the school will fill that need. “There is a need for social justice right now in our country especially given the systematic attack on black and brown bodies,” Long said. “We believe very strongly that the social justice school is needed in our time as an opportunity for hope for our country and also to empower the young people who are directly impacted by the moments that are happening right now to change the world.” ◆

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Know Your Power: A Civic Engagement Arts Contest For Teens

Art is a powerful tool to share social messages and inspire change. Visual artists like Shepard Fairey, musicians like Beyonce and authors like Mira Jacob have used their creative voices to speak truth to power and raise awareness of the important issues facing us today. Pepco and DC Public Library invite you to find your power and use it to creatively address a topic that is important to you. What change would you like to

by Kathleen Donner

see in the world? Kids between the ages of 13 and 19 can use their creative voice to make a difference. Through Aug. 14, submit an original work of writing, photography, illustration or music that expresses your feelings on a social issue that matters to you. They’re looking for pieces that are not only well-crafted but have a strong voice and perspective on a subject pertaining to civic engagement. Prizes will be awarded. Read more at dclibrary.org/ knowyourpower.

Story Time: The Rabbit Listened

The National Postal Museum presents an online Story Time with special guest author Cori Doerrfeld. Cori’s book “The Rabbit Listened,” which she both wrote and illustrated, delivers a simple but powerful message about how we can help others experiencing grief and loss. We can all be someone’s “rabbit,” as Cori relates in her story, and one of the best ways of doing so is to send a picture or note through the mail. postalmuseum.si.edu/ activities.

Photo: Courtesy of Capitol Riverfront BID

Friday Night Fishing

As things get back to a new normal in Capitol Riverfront, one very normal summer activity enjoyed by all ages is also back. Thanks to local advocacy organization Anacostia Riverkeeper, residents and visitors can return to the good old days with catch-and-release Friday Night Fishing in the Anacostia River every Friday evening from 5 to 8 p.m., through August 28 at Diamond Teague Park, 1520 First St. SE (across from Nationals Park). This free outdoor activity offers all gear and bait plus fishing guides--safe social distancing and sanitation practices included. Registration at eventbrite.com/e/friday-night-fishing-tickets-112984928964 is recommended but not mandatory. Email info@anacostiariverkeeper.org with questions. 22 /

How to Mail a Letter: Just For Kids!

It’s easy to send a letter through the mail. Everyone likes receiving a thoughtful card or letter from friends and family. You can send your own letter by making sure to put the right information in the correct spots. You need to place three simple things on your envelope: (1) A stamp: Place a stamp in the top right-hand corner of your envelope. (2) Destination address: Who are you sending the letter to? The destination address, or the

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Rise, Rhyme & Read with Culture Queen

Join Busboys and Poets’ Children’s Cultural Literacy Ambassador-InResidence Culture Queen online for an engaging and interactive program that features music, movement and storytelling activities from many royal lands. This program brings joy, fun, and inspiration to children and their families. Streaming on Facebook Live on Mondays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. busboysandpoets.com.

Home School Advocacy Launched

Home School Legal Defense Association is the largest national homeschool advocacy organization in the United States. It protects the rights and freedoms of more than 80,000 member families in all 50 states. HSLDA has launched a sister organization, HSLDA Action. HSLDA Action seeks to protect and advance the freedom to homeschool. With the support of its dedicated members, HSLDA Action accomplishes this goal through grassroots political engagement, education, and the building of partnerships with other organizations and candidates who support the cause of homeschooling. hsldaaction.org.

(Virtual Only) DIT Run Amuck

Run Amuck, the Marine Corps Marathon’s messiest mud and obstacle event, becomes a DIY (do-it-yourself ) adventure as runners create the most challenging and Instagram-worthy running experience. Follow the DIY checklist to build a memorable course filled with obstacles, exploration and PT challenges while covering 3.5 miles. This new virtual-only version of Run Amuck offers wild fun for rowdy runners (ages seven and up), outrageous athletes and fun-loving families. You have until August 31 to complete the event requirements. All registered participants will receive the event shirt and finisher coin with skull design. Read more and register at marinemarathon.com/events/run-amuck.

Mount Vernon’s Patriot Run Festival address of the person you’re sending a letter to, goes in the center of your envelope. (3) Return address: This is your address. Put this in the top left-hand corner of the envelope. Watch a short video to see how you can mail your own letter at postalmuseum.si.edu/how-to-mail-a-letter.

Young People Shake Up Elections (History Proves It)

With and without the vote and throughout American history, young people have been a force to be reckoned with as they take action and stand in support of the issues that matter most. In 2020 this legacy will continue; 22 million young people will be eligible to vote in American elections for the first time and countless more will likely participate in the electoral process in other ways. The Young People Shake Up Elections (History Proves It) video series from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History shares 10 stories of young people shaping and changing elections throughout American history. youtube.com/c/nationalmuseumofamericanhistory/playlists. 24 /

The Folger’s Shakespeare Challenges: Find the Answers

Shakespeare wrote 14 comedies and only one of them is set in England. Search for which play takes place in England. How many histories are included in the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays? View the table of contents for the First Folio to discover the answer. Sir John Falstaff--one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedic characters--appears in three of Shakespeare’s plays. Visit Folger Digital Texts to search for the three plays. folger.edu.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 a.m., Mount Vernon will host an optional, socially distanced Patriot Run Festival. They invite participants and their families to come by the estate that day to pick up participant t-shirts and medals, enjoy music, and participate in a live, socially-distanced, yoga class. Participants may enter for free and family/friends may attend by purchasing discounted tickets at $12 for adults; $7 for kids; free for five and under. In order to participate you need to have entered and completed their virtual race by Sept. 12. mountvernon.org. ◆

RESOURCES From Our Advertisers

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES DC Charter School Alliance / dccharters.org

The DC Charter School Alliance is dedicated to supporting and representing the robust charter school sector in our nation’s capital to ensure that all students in DC receive the great public education they deserve.

DC Public Charter School Board bit.ly/SchoolsInSignUpDC

Class will be back in session soon! Avoid disruptions in learning and help your school prepare to welcome students back this fall by making sure you’ve enrolled online. #SchoolsInSignUpDC.

Office of the Student Advocate studentadvocate.dc.gov

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 community-focused 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-on-one 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

addressing articulation, language delays, auditory processing, oral motor and feeding concerns through individual teletherapy sessions, our team offers online learning groups to address foundational skills for math, early literacy and written expression using a language-based approach. For families with young toddlers experiencing developmental delays, we are ready to meet you virtually to provide you with expert consultation and problem solving so you can find ways to promote your child’s learning through everyday routines. While we are helping children safely thrive through online visits, we are eager to return to work in a variety of settings. Our on-site services include speech therapy in the home, daycare, private schools and our clinic centrally located on Capitol Hill. Ask about their social skills groups for a variety of ages and abilities.

Downey School Consulting

E.V. Downey, with her nine years in admissions at St. Anselm’s and her personal experience with special needs children in schools, brings her vast knowledge of DC area schools to helping busy parents make informed decisions. Save hours of research since she knows the quality of Metro-area schools and has done the site visits. She can help analyze educational testing and the appropriateness of IEPs and school settings to optimize school placement and provide advocacy services if necessary. E.V. considers learning styles (experiential or traditional), geographical location and customizes a set of best options. Advice on preschool to 12th grade.

Early Stages / earlystagesdc.org

Early Stages is an evaluation center for children ages 3-5 years. They help identify any delays that your child may have and arrange services to address them. They are a program of DC Public Schools and serves any child that goes to DC Public Schools, is home schooled, or has not yet entered the school system. They are also able to assist your family if your child attends a DC private school or childcare centereven if you live outside DC. All their services are free.

progress and carryover of skills across environments. Free developmental consultations are available to help parents determine if their child is developing on track or might need an evaluation to determine whether therapy is needed. The Capitol Hill and Arlington locations are convenient to access, both just off I-395.

SCHOOLS

Public Charter Schools Achievement Prep PCS achievementprep.org

Our mission is to prepare students to excel as highachieving 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.

Bridges PCS / bridgespcs.org

Bridges Public Charter School serves a culturally and linguistically diverse student population in grades Pre-K3 through 5th. The school’s developmentally appropriate, student- and family-centered approach includes small classroom sizes, a well-trained staff and individual planning for students. Project based learning and arts integration are incorporated into classroom instruction across grades. The school has both general education classrooms and high level special education classrooms.

Digital Pioneers Academy www.digitalpioneersacademy.org

Digital Pioneers Academy is a middle school in SE DC with a mission to develop the next generation of innovators. We are the first-ever computer science-focused middle school in the District. Our scholars gain the skills to thrive in 21st century careers. We are accepting scholars in 6th, 7th and 8th grade.

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 2021-2022 school year. SOC will open its online application this fall. Families can learn more by visiting our website or calling 1-888-DC-YOUTH (329-6884).

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 evidence-based practices based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), we partner with each family to develop and implement an individualized therapeutic plan. Serving the DC-NoVa- Baltimore & Florida area.

DC International PCS / dcinternationalschool.org

THERAPY & SUPPORT

Skills on the Hill LLC / skillsonthehill.com

Eagle Academy PCS / eagleacademypcs.org

Capitol Kids Therapy LLC / capitolkidstherapy.com

As parents of school-age children continue to navigate at-home learning schedules, now is the perfect time to add speech therapy into your child’s routine. In addition to

Skills on the Hill offers pediatric occupational and physical therapy to children from birth to teenage years. Areas addressed include torticollis, motor-skill issues, challenges with balance and walking, decreased strength and endurance, hypotonia, sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum disorder, and challenges with social and play skills. Family goals are integrated into care and collaboration with other professionals ensures maximum

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 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.

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RESOURCES

Elsie Whitlow Stokes PCS / ewstokes.org.

The Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School prepares 590 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.

Girls Global Academy / girlsglobalacademy.org

Girls Global Academy is the premier training ground for high school girls in the areas of global citizenship, business and engineering in Washington, DC. Their program ignites female empowerment and develops their confidence to lead and succeed at the local or global level.

I Dream PCS / idreampcs.org

In its first year, I Dream PCS nurtures children in grades PK3-2 to imagine and fulfill their dreams and aspirations. The school collaborates with communities to customize purposeful, self-directed learning opportunities for all children. I Dream PCS is prepared for both remote and in-person learning and is taking all safety precautions to ensure our community stays safe.

Perry Street Preparatory PCS / pspdc.org

PSP is a Tier 1 public charter school in NE DC, serving PreK-8th grade students. It is a community of diverse learners building relationships with families to promote student success. PSP focuses on academic growth for all students while offering arts, language and PE. PSP also runs free Before and Aftercare.

Richard Wright PCS / richardwrightpcs.org

Richard Wright Public Charter School for Journalism and Media Arts provides a strong, academically enriching and rigorous program while providing hands-on learning of fundamental concepts and skills essential in the fields of Journalism, Broadcast Journalism, Film, Graphic Design, Visual Art, and Music Production. The school’s innovative curriculum elevates literacy levels for all its students. Hybrid and On-Site Learning available.

Two Rivers PCS / tworiverspcs.org

Founded 17 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 students from PreK 3 through grade 5, and accepts applications through grade 2. Washington Yu Ying also offers a structured after care program. To learn more, please attend an open house and visit washingtonyuying. org/enroll. 26 /

Public Bard High School Early College DC bhsec.bard.edu/dc/

Earn a FREE Associate’s degree alongside your high school diploma! Bard High School Early College DC offers a unique early college program that features accelerated 9th and 10th grade classes and Bard College classes beginning in 11th grade. For more information on how to jumpstart your college career visit: bhsec.bard. edu/dc/admission/

Preschool Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools (NES) nestars.net

Northeast Stars Montessori Preschools are fully licensed preschools in Old Town Alexandria and Capitol Hill, DC . 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.

Private/ Parochial Burgundy Farm County Day / burgundyfarm.org

Burgundy Farm County Day School provides an inclusive, creative, and nurturing learning environment on a 26acre “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. Need-based financial aid is available.

Edmund Burke School burkeschool.org/admissions/applying

Founded in 1968, Burke provides a challenging curriculum and inclusive environment for 300 students in Grades 6-12. Located on Connecticut Avenue NW, Burke is a co-ed independent school, known for our small class sizes, strong advisory program, rich arts offerings, and civic engagement curriculum.

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. Fall 2020: FCS is prepared to pivot between hybrid and remote learning this fall, which it did successfully this past spring. In-person instruction is planned for small groups of younger students.

St. Peter School / stpeterschooldc.org

St. Peter School, a 2019 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 & SPECIALS Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) / chaw.org

Confidence, creativity and community are the guiding principles of the afterschool Youth Arts Program at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW). Our #ArtatHome virtual arts classes help students develop a unique artistic voice as they explore and create while working in community with their peers. Sliding scale, payment plans are available for all. Private music instruction is also available for all ages.

Music on the Hill / musiconthehilldc.com

Starting at age 3.5 to 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.

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. ◆

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K-12 PRIVATE SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE THIS FALL For the 2021/22 School Year

To Learn More... Text â€œSignMeUpâ€? to 52886 www.servingourchildrendc.org

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 2021-2022 school year.

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