First Day of School 

Get your child ready for next school year!

Produced by the District Knowledge Network

Monday, Aug. 22, 2011 is the first day of school for next year. 

Below are some reminders to help you prepare for a successful start of the 2011-2012 school year. And, please check our site throughout the summer for additional information and updates.

We're here to help you.

The Critical Response Team (CRT) is here to serve you! 

We are here to serve parents, students, educators, staff and community members. We're happy to answer any of your questions about DCPS, address your concerns and connect you to the resources you need. The CRT specializes in helping you navigate DCPS resources, and reports directly to Chancellor Henderson with your feedback.

Two ways to reach us: 

• Send us a message
• Call us at (202) 478-5738. Our phone line is staffed Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Remember, your first and best source of information is always the school-based staff. Please do not hesitate to contact your school's principal or other school-based staff for help. 

If you still have questions after talking to the school staff, please contact us.

Enroll now for 2011-2012 and Afterschool

Please turn in your child’s annual enrollment packet as soon as possible to your child’s school. Enrolling early helps DCPS plan for a successful school year. Enrollment forms are available at your child's school or online. If you have any questions about the process, please call your child's school or the DCPS central office at (202) 478-5738.

To enroll your child in afterschool services at select DCPS elementary schools and educational campuses, please visit your school the week of Aug. 15. Schools offering DCPS-sponsored afterschool programs can be found on the DCPS website.  For more information about afterschool programs and co-pays, please visit the Afterschool section website

Youngest learners: Get ready for Early Childhood Transition Week

The first week of school for preschool and pre-K children is known as Early Childhood Transition Week (ECTW).  This year, ECTW will begin with home visits or parent conferences Aug. 22-24. Preschool and pre-K children will not come to school these days. Your child’s teacher will reach out to you and set up a time to meet. Then, from Aug. 25-26, children will come to school in two small groups (see below for the date your child will attend).  Click here for additional information. 

• No school for preschool/pre-K children Aug. 22-24 (these dates are reserved for parent/teacher meetings).
• Children whose last name begins A - K attend school on Thursday, Aug. 25. 
• Children whose last name begins L - Z attend school on Friday, Aug. 26. 
• All preschool and pre-K children come to school starting Monday, Aug. 29. 

Children enrolled in Montessori School or program may have a different schedule. Contact your school for more information. 

Information for parents with children with special needs

If your child’s IEP determined that he/she is eligible for transportation during the 2011-2012 school year, please confirm with the Special Education Coordinator or principal at your child’s school that the proper transportation information has been submitted. 

Some information may have changed, so please make sure that your Special Education Coordinator has the most up-to-date pick-up and drop-off addresses and school location.

 If you have trouble contacting the Special Education Coordinator or principal, call (202) 442-5400.

District of Columbia Public Schools must under federal law protect disabled students from discrimination in services, programs and activities. In addition, DCPS must locate, evaluate and identify children living in the District who may require accommodations or services under the law (known as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973).

If you know or suspect that your child has a disability which significantly impacts a major life activity and may need accommodations under Section 504, contact your child’s teacher or your school’s 504 coordinator. Call the District’s Director of Targeted Student Support at (202) 442-5045 with any questions.

Update your immunizations and health certificate

As parents/guardians, you know that children can spread many illnesses at school. Immunizations protect children from the most dangerous diseases; that’s why immunizations are required by law before children start school. 

Please schedule a visit with your child’s physician soon if your child’s immunizations are not up to date. Some immunizations require more than one dose with return visits.

For a reminder of the immunizations required by age, view the flier in your enrollment packet. DC law now requires a Universal Health Certificate be submitted every year for all children entering every all grades. 

Each student must submit a Universal Health Certificate that documents that a physical has been completed within the past 365 days. Age-appropriate immunizations should be documented on the Universal Health Certificate.

DCPS shopping for new food options

The DCPS Office of Food & Nutrition Services will pursue new food options for students next school year, including healthy vending machines and salad bars in cafeterias. To view and print menus, read about what's new in your school's cafeteria, or give feedback, visit Food Services. 

Discuss the school behavior code with your child

The DCPS student behavior code, Chapter 25 DCMR , is intended to support a safe learning environment and provide students, families and staff with a clear understanding of consequences for inappropriate school behavior. Students and parents should review the following points:

• DCPS encourages classroom and school-based prevention and intervention strategies in response to inappropriate behavior.
• If a student’s behavior disrupts the school community’s safe learning environment, schools can implement a range of disciplinary responses including in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension and expulsion.
• Students are given full due process in the procedures outlined in Chapter 25.

For more information on the DCPS discipline code, call (202) 442-5437.

Download school supplies list

Download suggested school supply list.

NOTE: This list should be considered guidance only, not as required materials. Individual schools may also have recommended supply lists. Schools will be mailing information to parents and families in early August, and often include recommended supply lists at that time.

Download the first summer mailing

Download the second summer mailing

Download the letter to parents from Chancellor Henderson