(Washington, DC) DC Public Schools announced yesterday that Johnson Middle School will join ten other DCPS schools as a Connected School. As a connected school, Johnson will receive additional funding to serve as a hub where community-based organizations provide access to resources for students’ academic, economic, social-emotional, and physiological needs. Johnson is the last of the traditional middle schools East of the River to offer the expanded supports to accelerate student wellbeing. DCPS’ Connected Schools Initiative transforms schools into community hubs.
“At DC Public Schools, educating the whole child means supporting student success both in and out of the classroom. We are proud to celebrate the expansion of resources to the Johnson community,” said Chancellor Ferebee. “I want to thank our District partners, DCPS leaders and community organizations for collaborating to accelerate outcomes for all students.”
The Community Schools Incentive Initiative was created by the Community Schools Incentive Initiative Act of 2012 and provides funding administered to community organizations by Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Mayor Bowser has invested more than $3.5 million to launch and expand DCPS Connected Schools, including a FY20 $1.6 million investment to dramatically shift how schools’ partner with DC agencies to integrate academics, social services, and family engagement. Mayor Bowser’s FY21 budget included an additional $2.1 million to advance wraparound services, including wellness and behavioral health supports, housing, childcare, and financial assistance referrals. To accelerate outcomes for students furthest from opportunity, DCPS launched the Connected Schools Model in School Year 2019-2020. Through this investment, DCPS has partnered with more than 200 organizations to engage almost 2,500 individuals across 10 schools.
“I am thrilled to grow the resources available to Johnson families,” said Principal Johnson Coleman. “It truly takes a village, and I’m grateful for the network coming together to help provide resources for our students that foster their continued growth and success.”
Learn more about DCPS Connected Schools — Anacostia HS, Ballou HS, Cardozo EC, Eliot-Hine MS, Hart MS, Johnson MS, Kelly Miller MS, Kramer MS, Langley ES, Moten ES, and Sousa MS at dcpsconnectedschools.org.