Dear Friends,
Classrooms are ready, backpacks are �lled, and teachers, principals, and staff are raring to go! Welcome to a new year at DCPS, one that I know will be our best year ever.
As I enter my �fth year as Chancellor, I am proud of the work we have done together. DCPS is the fastest improving urban school district in the country. More DCPS classrooms are led by highly effective teachers, and graduation rates, attendance, student satisfaction, and enrollment are all on the rise.
With great educators, rigorous academics, and engaged students and families, we have overcome challenges and broken down barriers. We already have a lot to celebrate, and we will accomplish so much more this year. As you know, we invested in three key priorities for this school year: improving our high schools, empowering males of color, and ensuring equity and rigor in every classroom. All of these investments are part of my biggest priority: we want to make school challenging and engaging for all of our students.
Through this calendar, and through your child’s school year, we want you to see some of the amazing opportunities available to our students. From international travel to computer programming, from foreign language to new high school electives, we want every student to experience the joy that comes from exploring new �elds and gaining new expertise.
Our schools and our educators are ready to provide your child with extraordinary experiences this year. I hope you are as excited as I am to see what our young people can achieve. We are DCPS and we can do this! Sincerely,
Kaya HendersonChancellor
JOIN your school’s parentorganization or LocalSchool AdvisoryTeam.
READ with studentsduring or afterschool.
CONNECT high schoolswith internshipsat your workplace.
VOLUNTEER with a localorganization that workswith schools—allskills welcome!
SUPPORT your child’slearning at homeby asking aboutschool.
Share your wisdomand life experiencesby MENTORINGa student.
DONATE books toschool libraries orclassrooms(but ask first!).
VISIT dcps.dc.gov/page/volunteer-our-schoolsfor more information.
Would you like to work more closely with your school this year? Here’s how!
At SchoolStaff are always ready to provide
information, answer questions, give a school tour, and address concerns.
OnlineStop by dcps.dc.gov for important updates and
student stories.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for snapshots of
DCPS school life: @dcpublicschools.Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/dcpublicschools.
On the PhoneQuestions? Call the DCPS Central Office at 202.442.5885.
In the CommunityKeep an ear out for community meetings
throughout the year to provide input on DCPS programs and initiatives.
www.dcps.dc.gov@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
CornerstonesCornerstones are high-quality, rigorous, and Common Core-aligned lessons for all students. These lessons are taught across grade levels and content areas, including English-language arts, math, science, art, health and physical education, social studies, and world languages. Developed by DCPS's top teachers, Cornerstones give educators the tools they need to be even more effective and ensure that all students are exposed to the same quality instruction.
• Early Childhood Transition Week will begin with home visits from August 24-26. • Children whose last name begins with the letters A-K will attend school on Thursday, August 27.• Children whose last name begins with the letters L-Z will attend school on Friday, August 28.• All PK3 and PK4 students will attend school together starting on Monday, August 31.• If your child is enrolled in a Montessori program, please contact the school about your child’s transition plan.
Teacher days: 11 | Student days: 6
AugustMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
www.dcps.dc.gov
26 27 28 29 30 31
02 03 04 05 06 07
09 10 11 12 13 14
16 17 18 19 20 21
23 24
30 31
25 26 27 28
01
08
15
22
29
Professional Development DayNo school for students
First day of school for studentsTerm 1 begins
New Teacher Orientation
New Teacher Orientation
Professional Development DayNo school for students
Professional Development DayNo school for students
Professional Development DayNo school for students
Professional Development DayNo school for students
SEP
TEM
BER
2015
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
Career EducationTo ensure that our graduates are prepared for success in high-growth, high-wage careers, DCPS offers robust Career Education programming. One example is our career academies in IT, engineering, hospitality, and more. Students learn �rsthand from industry leaders what it takes to be successful, and gain valuable experience in the workplace – all before graduating high school.
• Attendance Awareness Month• National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)• Library Card Sign-Up Month (dclibrary.org)• Back To School Nights are scheduled by each school during September and early October.
September
www.dcps.dc.gov@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
30 31 01 02 03 04
06 07 08 09 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 01 02
05
12
19
26
03
Labor Day No school for students, teachers, and staff
Term 1 MidpointProgress reports mailed
Hispanic Heritage Month begins
Yom Kippur begins
Grandparents Day
Rosh Hashanah begins
September ACT test date
OC
TOB
ER
2015Teacher days: 21 | Student days: 21
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
Photo by Andy Le
AthleticsDCPS student athletes strive to achieve on the �eld and on the court, but more importantly, in our classrooms as role models. DCPS offers a wide range of varsity and intramural sports from elementary school to high school that give students opportunities to explore their interests, pursue scholarships, and engage in fun, healthy activities.
October
www.dcps.dc.gov
• College Awareness Month• National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)• National Book Month• National Bullying Prevention Month• Principal Appreciation Month
Teacher days: 21 | Student days: 18.5
27 28 29 30 01 02
04 05 06 07 08 09
11 12 13 14 15 16
18 19 20 21 22 23
25 26 27 28 29 30
03
10
17
24
31
October SAT test date
October ACT test date
HalloweenTerm 1 midterms/finals begin
Term 1 midterms/finals end
Records DayTerm 1 endsStudents dismissed at 12:15 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Month ends
Professional Development DayNo school for students
Columbus DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Parent-Teacher Conference DayNo school for students
NO
VEM
BER
2015
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
Early ChildhoodDCPS’s Early Childhood Education program ensures that pre-K3 and pre-K4 children are supported in developing into healthy, happy, and engaged learners who successfully transition to kindergarten and experience long-term success in school. DCPS offers diverse programming for pre-K students that includes dual and English-language learning, special needs instruction, STEM education, and arts integration.
01 02 03 04 05 06
08 09 10 11 12 13
15 16 17 18 19 20
22 23 24 25 26 27
29 30 01 02 03 04
07
14
21
28
05
Daylight SavingTime begins
Term 2 begins Term 1 grades due from teachers
Term 1 report cards mailed
Veterans DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Turkey Bowl Football Championship
Thanksgiving DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Thanksgiving BreakNo school for students and teachers
November SAT test date
NovemberMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
www.dcps.dc.gov
• National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month
Teacher days: 18 | Student days: 18
DEC
EMB
ER
2015
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Visual ArtsDCPS’s Arts programs provide students from pre-K through high school with opportunities to engage in the creative process. Students investigate, explore, and produce works in a wide range of art forms like digital media arts, drawing and painting, and ceramics, while examining their own experiences through the lens of visual arts.
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
Teacher days: 14 | Student days: 13
December
www.dcps.dc.gov
29 30 01 02 03 04
06 07 08 09 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 31 01
05
12
19
26
02
Professional Development DayNo school for students
December SAT test date
December ACT test date
DC Education Festival
Hanukkah begins Term 2 midpointProgress reports mailed
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students and teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students, teachers, and staff
New Year’s Day
Kwanzaa begins
Winter BreakNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Christmas Day
JA
NU
AR
Y
2016
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Empowering Males of ColorThrough our Empowering Males of Color initiative, DCPS examines the current challenges and successes of our Black and Latino males. With an approach focused on innovation and equity, DCPS collaborates with schools and communities to enhance the student experience, increase achievement, and prepare our males of color for college, careers, and life beyond DCPS.
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
27 28 29 30 31 01
03 04 05 06 07 08
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
02
09
16
23
30
Martin Luther King, Jr. DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Records DayTerm 2 endsStudents dismissed at 12:15 p.m.
Term 3 begins Term 2 grades due from teachers
Winter BreakNo school for students, teachers, and staff
New Year’s Day
Term 2 midterms/finals begin
January SAT test date
Term 2 midterms/finals end
31
• National Mentoring Month
JanuaryMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
www.dcps.dc.govFE
BR
UA
RY
2016Teacher days: 19 | Student days: 18.5
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
TechnologyStudents in DC Public Schools use technology to engage critically with academic content, collaborate with other students around the world, and spark creativity to inspire innovation. By using technology in the classroom, students prepare themselves for college and careers as they eliminate traditional classroom walls and take their learning to the next level.
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
• Black History Month
• American History Month
Teacher days: 20 | Student days: 18
FebruarySunday
www.dcps.dc.gov
12
31 01 02 03 04 05
07 08 09 10 11
14 15 16 17 18 19
21 22 23 24 25 26
28 29 01 02 03 04
06
13
20
27
05
Term 2 report cards mailed
Professional Development DayNo school for students
Presidents DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Parent-Teacher Conference DayNo school for students
February ACT test date
MA
RC
H
2016
MondaySunday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Photo by Andy Le
Music EducationIn addition to our world-renowned marching and concert bands, DCPS offers instrumental and vocal music instruction to students in all grades that build skills and habits students will take with them to college, career, and beyond. Our partnerships with some of Washington, D.C.’s most prominent and respected music organizations support students’ growth and give our young people opportunities to showcase their talents on a national stage.
• National Women’s History Month
• National Reading Awareness Month
• Music in Our Schools Month
Teacher days: 19 | Student days: 19
March
www.dcps.dc.govA
PR
IL
2016
28 29 01 02 03 04
06 07 08 09 10 11
13 14 15 16 17 18
20 21 22 23 24 25
27 28 29 30 31 01
05
12
19
26
02
Read Across America Day
Term 3 midpointProgress reports mailed
Daylight SavingTime ends
St. Patrick’s Day
Easter Spring BreakNo school for students and teachers
Spring BreakNo school for students and teachers
Spring BreakNo school for students and teachers
Spring BreakNo school for students and teachers
Spring BreakNo school for students and teachers
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Photo by Andy Le
Community EngagementThe Family Engagement Collaborative, a yearlong fellowship for teachers, gives educators an opportunity to create trusting relationships with their students’ families and bring strong family engagement skills to their classrooms. Through this exciting program, teachers visit students and families at home and come together six times per year to learn about a variety of family engagement topics, including how to host a great parent-teacher conference, how to maintain positive relationships with families, and how to empower families to support learning at home.
• National Autism Awareness Month• National Financial Literacy Month• National Mathematics Education Month• Poetry Month• School Library Month
Teacher days: 19 | Student days: 18.5
April
www.dcps.dc.govM
AY
2016
27 28 29 30 31 01
03 04 05 06 07 08
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
02
09
16
23
30
Term 3 midterms/finals begin
Term 4 begins
Term 3 grades due from teachers
Earth Day
Term 3 report cards mailed
Records DayTerm 3 endsStudents dismissed at 12:15 p.m.
Spring BreakNo school for students and teachers
Emancipation Day (Observed)No school for students, teachers, and staff
Term 3 midterms/finals end
April ACT test date
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Global EducationDCPS's Global Education programs help students access the resources and opportunities to become engaged, informed global citizens. Through the Embassy Adoption Program, world language classes, Mini United Nations, and Cultural Immersions programs, DCPS offers students a truly global education, one that prepares them for success both in our international city and our increasingly interconnected world.
Photo by DCPS
01 02 03 04 05 06
08 09 10 11 12 13
15 16 17 18 19 20
22 23 24 25 26 27
29 30 31 01 02 03
07
14
21
28
04
Term 4 midpointProgress reports mailed
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week
May SAT test date
Mother’s Day
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher Appreciation Week
Professional Dev. DayNo school for students
Parent-Teacher Conference DayNo school for students
Finals for graduating seniors begin
Memorial DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Finals for graduating seniors end
• Asian-Pacific Heritage Month• Physical Fitness and Sports Month• National Science Month• Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Teacher days: 21 | Student days: 19
MayMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
www.dcps.dc.govJU
NE
2016
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
College ReadinessDCPS's dual-enrollment and college preparatory courses give academically advanced students an opportunity to experience the rigor of college coursework and earn college credit while in high school. Through partnerships with prominent local colleges and universities, DCPS has designed programming to help students and families be better prepared to make college and career choices.
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
• Gay and Lesbian Pride Month
• Student Safety Month
*Subject to change depending on snow days
Teacher days: 13 | Student days: 11.5
June
www.dcps.dc.gov
29 30 31 01 02 03
05 06 07 08 09 10
12 13 14 15 16 17
19 20 21 22 23 24
26 27 28 29 30 01
04
11
18
25
02
June SAT test date
Ramadan begins
Father’s Day Term 4 report cards mailed
Summer school begins
Term 4 finals begin*
Professional Development DayNo school for students
Term 4 finals end*
Term 4 grades due from teachers for graduating students
Term 4 endsRecords Day Students dismissed at 12:15 p.m.Term 4 grades duefrom teachers
June ACT test date
JU
LY
2016
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Summer LearningWhen the school year ends, the learning continues with a variety of high-quality summer programs that help students and advance their learning. DCPS offers summer school for students in kindergarten through high school, as well as college-preparatory and career courses, and gifted-and-talented programming, such as DC Meets Washington and Summer Enrichment.
Photo by Marshall Moya Design
26 27 28 29 30 01
03 04 05 06 07 08
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
02
09
16
23
30
Independence DayNo school for students, teachers, and staff
Summer school ends
31
Teacher days: N/A | Student days: N/A
JulyMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdaySunday
AU
GU
ST
2016
www.dcps.dc.gov@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885
Directory of Servicesfor Families and Students
DCPS Central Office
Chancellor’s Office
Academic Services
Afterschool Programs
Assessments
Athletics
Attendance
Bilingual Education
College and Career
Communications
Community Partnerships
Data and Accountability
DC One Card
Early Childhood Education
Early Stages
Enrollment
Family and Public Engagement
Food Services
Graduation Requirements
Homeless Youth Volunteers
Human Resources
International Baccalaureate
Language Testing
LGBTQ Student Support
Local School Advisory Team
My School DC Lottery
New Heights Teen Parent Program
Out of School Time Programs
Residency Verification
Schools
Special Education
Student Placement
Summer School (K-8)
Summer School (9-12)
Title I
Transportation (Parent Call Center, OSSE Special Education, Division of Transportation)
Home/Hospital Instruction Program (formerly Visiting Instructional Services)
202.442.5885
202.442.5885
202.673.4488
202.442.5002
202.724.7938
202.729.3288
202.442.5450
202.671.0750
202.645.6114
202.805.2885
202.719.6613
202.724.7938
202.671.2273
202.698.1033
202.698.8037
202.478.5738
202.719.6613
202.442.5112
202.299.2115
202.576.9502
202.442.4090
202.442.4993
202.671.0750
202.442.5103
202.719.6613
202.748.5738
202.645.4040
202.442.5002
202.478.5738
202.442.4800
202.939.2004
202.442.5002
202.442.5047
202.442.6025
202.724.8600
202.442.5447
DC Healthy Families (Free Health Insurance)
202.639.4030
Department of Behavioral Health
1.888.793.4357
DC State Board of Education202.741.0888
City Council
202.724.8000
Report Abuse202.671.SAFE
ADDITIONAL SERVICES:DC GOVERNMENT
Office of State and Superintendent (OSSE)
202.727.6436
Mayor's Call Center311
Emergency Response
911
Department of Health
202.442.5955
Child and Family Services Administration (CFSA)
202.442.6100
pro�les.dcps.dc.gov/
202.939.3506
HOLIDAYS
TERM DATES
Key Calendar Dates
Labor Day Sep 7, 2015
Columbus Day Oct 12, 2015
Veterans Day Nov 11, 2015
Thanksgiving Break Nov 26 - 27, 2015
Winter Break Dec 21, 2015 - Jan 1, 2016
Christmas Dec 25, 2015
New Year’s Day Jan 1, 2016
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Jan 18, 2016
Presidents Day Feb 15, 2016
Easter Mar 27, 2016
Spring Break Mar 28 - Apr 1, 2016
Emancipation Day (Observed) Apr 15, 2016
Memorial Day May 30, 2016
Independence Day Jul 4, 2016
TERM 1
Begins
Midpoint (Progress Reports Mailed)
Midterms/Finals
Ends
Grades Due From Teachers
Report Cards Mailed
August 24, 2015
September 25, 2015
October 26 - 29, 2015
October 30, 2015
November 6, 2015
November 13, 2015
TERM 2
Begins
Midpoint (Progress Reports Mailed)
Midterms/Finals
Ends
Grades Due From Teachers
Report Cards Mailed
November 2, 2015
December 9, 2015
January 15 - 21, 2016
January 22, 2016
January 29, 2016
February 5, 2016
TERM 3
Begins
Midpoint (Progress Reports Mailed)
Midterms/Finals
Ends
Grades Due From Teachers
Report Cards Mailed
January 25, 2016
March 2, 2016
April 4 - 7, 2016
April 8, 2016
April 18, 2016
April 22, 2016
TERM 4
Begins
Midpoint (Progress Reports Mailed)
Finals for Graduating Seniors
Grades Due From Teachers for Graduating Students
Midterms/Finals
Ends
Grades Due From Teachers
Report Cards Mailed
April 11, 2016
May 13, 2016
May 23 - 27, 2016
June 1, 2016
June 9 - 15, 2016
June 16, 2016
June 16, 2016
June 23, 2016
Summer school ends July 29, 2016Summer school begins June 27, 2016
www.dcps.dc.gov@dcpublicschools /dcpublicschools@dcpublicschools 202.442.5885