Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

dcps

DC Public Schools
 
 
 
-A +A
Bookmark and Share

Thirteen DC Public Schools Kick Off School Year 2018-2019 With Extended Learning Time

Monday, August 13, 2018

(Washington, DC) Today marks the first day of school for more than 4,000 DC Public Schools (DCPS) students on the extended-year calendar. Students at extended-year schools benefit from additional classroom learning time across all subjects – from math and English language arts, to world languages and music. Aimed at eliminating summer learning loss, the extended-year calendar offers extra support for the students who need it most.

“At DCPS, we are committed to putting our students’ needs first in everything we do, and I am proud that for the third consecutive year, students at 13 of our schools will have more time for academic and social emotional learning through our extended-year calendar,” said Interim DCPS Chancellor Amanda Alexander. “Mayor Bowser invested in extended year to combat summer learning loss and give students more time to learn and explore. I have experienced firsthand how our incredible educators keep students engaged in innovative lessons, enrichment activities, and real-world learning experiences during their additional time in the classroom.” 

The 13 schools on the extended-year calendar in School Year 2018-2019 are:

  • Garfield Elementary School (Ward 8)
  • H.D. Cooke Elementary School (Ward 1)
  • Hart Middle School (Ward 8)
  • Hendley Elementary School (Ward 8)
  • Johnson Middle School (Ward 8)
  • Kelly Miller Middle School (Ward 7)
  • King Elementary School (Ward 8)
  • Luke C. Moore High School (Ward 5)
  • Randle Highlands Elementary School (Ward 7)
  • Raymond Education Campus (Ward 4)
  • Roosevelt STAY High School (Ward 4)
  • Thomas Elementary School (Ward 7)
  • Turner Elementary School (Ward 8)

One year after DCPS launched A Capital Commitment 2017-2022, its new five-year strategic plan, extended-year schools are committed to ensuring that every school guarantees students reach their full potential through rigorous and joyful learning experiences provided in a nurturing environment.

As a Global Studies School, H.D. Cooke Elementary School (Ward 1) uses the additional instructional time to help students develop a critical understanding of global issues – from learning about the impact of Hurricane Maria in science class, to visiting Poland after participating in the Embassy Adoption Program. H.D. Cooke will also implement a social emotional learning curriculum developed by a teacher this year that includes daily mindfulness routines and practices.

“Having had two children at H.D. Cooke, I have found the extended school year helpful to combat 'summer slide' while also providing time for enrichment activities that may not be possible during a traditional school year,” said Mariann Gallo, parent of a first grade student at H.D. Cooke and an H.D. Cooke alumni who is now in seventh grade at Hardy Middle School.

As part of the DCPS Design Lab, an initiative that empowers school leaders to launch bold new school models, Turner Elementary School (Ward 8) will launch an innovative learning model for mathematics that includes arts integration, small group instruction, and individualized goals for each student.

To engage students and families, Kelly Miller Middle School (Ward 7) is joining the DCPS Community School Pilot, which will allow the school to focus on social, emotional, and academic development, as well as the health and well-being of students both in and outside of the classroom. As DCPS continues to increase investments in middle grades, Kelly Miller will also offer two new STEM courses, a band class, and a new pre-AP English language arts class to improve college readiness and prepare middle school students to excel in Advanced Placement courses and exams in high school.

“Having an extended school year at Kelly Miller gives us even more time to prepare our students to thrive in high school and beyond through rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, and social emotional learning,” said Kortni Stafford, principal of Kelly Miller Middle School. “I am excited to greet our scholars and hope they are recharged after their summer break. Our staff has been working hard to prepare for the start of a new extended year and can’t wait to show and prove this year’s motto: One Dream, One Team, One Kelly Miller!”

Leading up to the start of school, educators at Raymond Education Campus (Ward 4), DCPS’ first extended-year school, participated in trainings focused on educating the whole child. These trainings included leading restorative circles, discussing the effects of trauma, and supporting students with special needs.

“As Raymond Education Campus enters year four of implementing the extended year school model, our goal is to challenge our scholars with rigorous lessons and learning beyond the classroom,” said Raymond Education Campus Principal Natalie Hubbard. “The extended school year provides the additional time needed to enhance learning through hands-on adventures and experiences.”

School will start on Monday, August 20 for the remaining 103 DCPS schools. Join Mayor Bowser and Interim Chancellor Alexander at the launch of DCPS’ first all-girls school, Excel Academy.

For more information, follow @DCPublicSchools on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and use #DCPSRising to see the learning happening at our extended-year schools.