Woodson Collegiate Academy🎓Launches
Congrats are in order! The inaugural cohort of our newly formed Collegiate Academy🎓 through a partnership with @xqamerica celebrated the publishing of their first piece of literature!
Students are currently enrolled in “Social Problems” through Morehouse College🙌🏾 facilitated by Ms. Eldredge. Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive college credit as sophomores! Amazing!👏🏿
To round out the celebration, our incredible Post-Secondary Passion Coordinator announced a college tour to thee historic Atlanta University Center (the AUC!)
Many thanks to the TRIO program at the University of the District of Columbia for making this possible!
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DCPS Test-To-Return
Safe Return
DCPS Families: Thank you for playing your part in ensuring DCPS has a safe return from winter break. Schools are now scheduled to reopen on Thursday, January 6 due to the Snow Emergency on Monday, January 3.
The gray button below will be activated on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 for you to report your student’s COVID test results.
DCPS Staff: Click here to submit your test results by Wednesday, January 5 at 10 am.
All students must submit proof of their COVID-19 test, no matter if the result is negative or positive, by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5.
Please note that families may choose to utilize their own antigen or PCR test results, but tests administered before Wednesday, January 5 will not be accepted.
Where to pick up COVID-19 rapid antigen test?
Schools are distributing test kits to students and families on Tuesday, January 4 between 2 pm and 5 pm or on Wednesday, January 5 between 8:30 am and 4 pm.
You can visit any DCPS school to pick up a testing kit.
Families may also visit select public libraries to receive a Test Yourself Express Rapid Antigen Test. See locations and hours at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/rapidantigen.
How to use the iHealth Rapid Antigen Test?
Rapid antigen self-tests can be taken at home and provide results within 15-30 minutes. Antigen tests detect certain proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19.
Easy-to-follow instructions can be found in your testing kit or by downloading the iHealth app.
- iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test instructions for use (English)
- iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test instructions for use (Spanish)
- Instructional video (English)
- Instructional video (Spanish)
How to report your COVID-19 test results?
DCPS families should complete the COVID-19 #SafeReturn test result form by Wednesday, January 5 at 4:00 p.m.
This form should be used regardless of the type of COVID-19 test results (rapid antigen or PCR) you are reporting. Separate entries are required for each enrolled DCPS student in your household.
Download a quick-start guide for how to provide proof of your COVID-19 test result:
- #SafeReturn quick-start guide (English)
- #SafeReturn quick-start guide (Spanish)
- #SafeReturn quick-start guide (Amharic)
- #SafeReturn quick-start guide (Chinese)
Need help reporting your test results?
Should you encounter technical challenges, please review the user guides provided.
If you still need help uploading test results, dial (202) 442-5885 and press 1 to be connected to the DCPS Family & Student Tech Call Center.
Looking for more information?
Visit DCPSReopenStrong.com to read the #SafeReturn family FAQ and find additional resources about how to stay healthy and safe at school.
Read MoreCelebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
At DC Public Schools, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is about recognizing and honoring Latinos in school communities and throughout the city. It is also a time to learn from cultures and traditions outside of your own, immerse yourself in a rich history, and work collectively to shift mindsets and remove barriers affecting Latino students. Whether you identify as Hispanic, Latino, Afro-Latino, Latinx, or consider yourself an ally, join DCPS in celebrating and learning this Hispanic Heritage Month.
DCPS is nearly 21 percent Afro-Latino/Latino. This means one in five DCPS students identifies as Latino, and they attend schools across all eight wards. As we work toward becoming an anti-racist district, we must ensure that our workforce mirrors our community demographics and our policies reflect our mission that all students feel safe, love, challenged, and prepared.
DCPS proudly hosted an inaugural educator summit, ¡Adelante!, ahead of the new school year for a couple days of learning and celebration led by our Latino educators, school leaders, and Central Office staff. The summit was part of our commitment to support our diverse students across racial lines, ethnic backgrounds, documentation status, socio-economic background, and language ability. Here are some takeaways from participants in their own words:
“It was so great to hear from different Latino leaders across the district, in a variety of roles. I enjoyed all the school leader spotlights, as well as the keynote speaker. Feeling inspired to connect more within the Latino community!” — Mayra Chong-QuiTorres, Director, Special Projects
“Thank you very much for organizing this event. I found the number of sessions and topics that they offered incredible. It all connected to the importance of our work in our communities and learning from district leaders and our schools.” — Ana Flores, Educator, Bancroft Elementary School
“The most meaningful part for me was sharing our stories at DCPS and witnessing all the good that we are doing for our Latino Community. We need to continue to lift these stories in all groups represented in our district. — Cesarina Pierre, Educator, Bruce-Monroe Elementary School
Learning and collaboration will continue this fall as we launch the Latino Professional Learning Community. More information is forthcoming, but in the meantime, please reach out to Leslie Ayorkor Edwards at leslie.edwards@k12.dc.gov if you are interested in joining.
This fall, DCPS will also launch the Latino Families Committee to create a space where Latino English Learner (EL) families can share their experiences, perspectives and opinions on a variety of topics related to DCPS and the education of their children. The meetings will be conducted in Spanish and seek to include the representation of the diverse Latino culture that makes up DCPS student and family population. Spanish-speaking families can learn more at dcps.dc.gov/page/comitedefamiliaslatinas.
We want to know how your schools are celebrating and learning this Hispanic Heritage Month — tag @dcpublicschools across on social media so we can share in the joy. Included below are some resources to get started.
Read MoreChildhood Immunization Appointments
Pediatric Vaccination Pre-Registration
To pre-register for a vaccinations, please click the button above to complete the required questionnaire so that DC Health can gather information for your child’s vaccine appointment. You can also call the Vaccination Call Center at 1-855-363-0333 to make an appointment.Registro anticipado de vacunación pediátrica
Para preinscribirse para las vacunas, haga clic en el botón a continuación para completar el cuestionario requerido para que DC Health pueda recopilar información para la cita de vacunación de su hijo. También puede llamar al Centro de llamadas de vacunación al 1-855-363-0333 para programar una cita.
As families prepare for the start of School Year 2021-2022, DC Public Schools encourages you to visit your family’s pediatrician for your student’s annual wellness exam. Scheduling an appointment with your child’s doctor will help make sure your child is up-to-date on important immunizations to prevent illness.
District of Columbia policies and regulations require students to submit updated immunization documentation within 20 days of the start of the school year, or they will not be able to attend until those records are received.
We are also encouraging our students ages 12 or older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is currently not required to attend school next year.
To help families meet these requirements, as well as give them the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, immunization pop-up clinics will be open at schools throughout August and September. DCPS school locations and hours of operation are listed below. Visit https://vaccinate.dc.gov/ to learn more and make an appointment, as well as see public charter school clinics.
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SCHOOL IMMUNIZATION CLINICS, CLICK HERE
Read MoreSchool Immunization Clinics Open
| Dear DCPS Community, This month, we are asking families to put vaccines on your back-to-school list! All DC Public Schools students must have their childhood immunizations up to date to attend school. The COVID-19 vaccine is also highly encouraged for ages 12 and up. We recognize the weeks leading up to the start of school is a busy time, so DCPS is partnering with DC Health to open pop-up immunizations clinics near you. Childhood Immunizations are Required for In-Person Learning At 20 DCPS sites across the District, public charter schools, and community health centers, any student ages 3-18 can get the required immunizations to attend school in-person. Pop-up clinics are open Monday to Saturday through the end of September. You can see a list of all DCPS clinics and their operating hours at dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines. If you already have an appointment scheduled with your pediatrician before the start of school, we encourage you to continue with that annual wellness visit. School clinics offer additional options for families who have had difficulties making an appointment with their child’s doctor for required immunizations. |
| You can follow these steps or call the Vaccination Call Center at 1-855-363-0333 to make an appointment: Visit vaccinate.dc.gov and click the “Pediatric Vaccination Pre-Registration” button. Complete the form provided with information about your child, including if they have health insurance. View the map of immunization clinics and select the school where you would like to make an appointment. Don’t forget to submit the Universal Health Certificate and any other immunization documents to your child’s school to guarantee they are ready for the start of school! These forms are part of the 2021-2022 school year enrollment packet. District of Columbia policies and regulations require students to submit updated immunization documentation within 20 days of the start of the school year, or they will not be able to attend until those records are received. COVID-19 Vaccine for Students Ages 12 and Older |
| If you need a COVID-19 vaccine, our school clinics will offer those, too. And if you or your child is getting their first dose, there are some special prizes available. At the Brookland, Johnson, and Sousa middle school clinics, young people will have the opportunity to receive a $51 VISA Gift card or, while supplies last, a pair of AirPods. Adults may also receive a gift card. Additionally, all vaccinated youth will be eligible to win an iPad or a $25,000 college scholarship, no matter the school site where they receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine until September 30. These school sites offering gift cards or AirPods open this Saturday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The science is clear: vaccines are the single most effective tool we have for stopping the spread of the coronavirus, and we are strongly encouraging all our teachers, staff, students, families, and community members to get vaccinated. Hundreds of thousands of people have already been vaccinated in DC, and the data shows vaccinations are working. We can all help keep our students safe, keep our schools open, and protect our loved ones by getting vaccinated. Thank you for playing your part in helping our schools recover and reopen strong this fall! — DC Public Schools |
School Health & Safety Update
| Follow this link for more about the health and safety measures that you will see every day. In the coming weeks, we will share an additional update before the start of school to align with new guidance forthcoming from DC Health. This will include more information around student cohorts and quarantine rules for in-person learning. As we announced back in June, here’s what you can expect this fall: HVAC enhancements for well-ventilated spaces. Required face masks for all students, staff, and visitors. Enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces. Social distancing to the extent possible, with most classroom seating expected to be at least three feet apart. Verbal health screens upon entry for all students and staff. Community notifications should there be a positive COVID-19 case at school. Even though this is an unpredictable time, families should have confidence that we have taken the necessary steps and then some to ensure your child is welcomed back to a safe and supportive learning environment. New Incentives for Youth Who Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine Yesterday, Mayor Bowser announced new incentives available to DC youth who receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning Saturday, August 7, youth who receive their first dose at Brookland Middle School, Johnson Middle School, or Sousa Middle School clinics can receive a $51 VISA gift card. Additionally, the first 400 youth to get vaccinated at each site will have the option to forgo their gift card and instead receive a pair of AirPods. The AirPods will be available to District youth ages 12 to 17, as well as students ages 18 to 21 who are currently enrolled in a DC school and seeking a high school diploma. In addition, all students in DC who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will also be eligible to win an iPad or a $25,000 college scholarship. Each week, for four weeks, 10 names will be drawn from a database of students between the ages of 12 and 17. Eight names will be drawn to win an iPad and two names will be drawn for a $25,000 college scholarship that can be used at any college. Once student names are drawn, a District representative will reach out to the family to confirm the student’s vaccination status. If the student is already vaccinated, they will be able to claim their prize. School Immunization Clinics |
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| Beginning Monday, August 2, families will be able to schedule appointments so their students can receive required immunizations through vaccinate.dc.gov. Appointments will be at participating DCPS and public charter school locations, and families can make an appointment regardless of a student’s school of enrollment. Additionally, families will have the option to add on a COVID-19 vaccine at the time of scheduling. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for all students 12 and older but is not considered a required immunization. There will be 2,000 appointments available each week at the DCPS pop-up immunization clinics for students to get ready for the start of school. Appointments will begin on Saturday, August 7 and will run through the end of September. See the schedule and learn more at dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines. RSVP for Parent University As I testified before the DC Council last week, we know what it takes to build great schools at DCPS. We have seen firsthand the progress that comes when we invest in our students and support our educators. The pandemic disrupted our way of life, our classrooms, and our ability to nurture our students with in-person learning and care. But it will not disrupt our positive trajectory as a school district. As the fastest improving urban school district in the nation, what we are doing is working. But we know we have more to do to make sure every student benefits from the transformative power of public education. Our challenge now is to rebuild even stronger than before. We appreciate you being part of the journey from recovery to rebuilding and invite you to join our upcoming Parent University session on getting your child ready for next school year. The event will take place on August 10 at 5:30 p.m., and you can RSVP at this link. Sincerely, Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D. Chancellor |
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| Follow this link for more about the health and safety measures that you will see every day. In the coming weeks, we will share an additional update before the start of school to align with new guidance forthcoming from DC Health. This will include more information around student cohorts and quarantine rules for in-person learning. As we announced back in June, here’s what you can expect this fall: HVAC enhancements for well-ventilated spaces. Required face masks for all students, staff, and visitors. Enhanced cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces. Social distancing to the extent possible, with most classroom seating expected to be at least three feet apart. Verbal health screens upon entry for all students and staff. Community notifications should there be a positive COVID-19 case at school. Even though this is an unpredictable time, families should have confidence that we have taken the necessary steps and then some to ensure your child is welcomed back to a safe and supportive learning environment. New Incentives for Youth Who Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine Yesterday, Mayor Bowser announced new incentives available to DC youth who receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Beginning Saturday, August 7, youth who receive their first dose at Brookland Middle School, Johnson Middle School, or Sousa Middle School clinics can receive a $51 VISA gift card. Additionally, the first 400 youth to get vaccinated at each site will have the option to forgo their gift card and instead receive a pair of AirPods. The AirPods will be available to District youth ages 12 to 17, as well as students ages 18 to 21 who are currently enrolled in a DC school and seeking a high school diploma. In addition, all students in DC who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will also be eligible to win an iPad or a $25,000 college scholarship. Each week, for four weeks, 10 names will be drawn from a database of students between the ages of 12 and 17. Eight names will be drawn to win an iPad and two names will be drawn for a $25,000 college scholarship that can be used at any college. Once student names are drawn, a District representative will reach out to the family to confirm the student’s vaccination status. If the student is already vaccinated, they will be able to claim their prize. School Immunization Clinics |
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| Beginning Monday, August 2, families will be able to schedule appointments so their students can receive required immunizations through vaccinate.dc.gov. Appointments will be at participating DCPS and public charter school locations, and families can make an appointment regardless of a student’s school of enrollment. Additionally, families will have the option to add on a COVID-19 vaccine at the time of scheduling. Currently, the COVID-19 vaccine is strongly recommended for all students 12 and older but is not considered a required immunization. There will be 2,000 appointments available each week at the DCPS pop-up immunization clinics for students to get ready for the start of school. Appointments will begin on Saturday, August 7 and will run through the end of September. See the schedule and learn more at dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines. RSVP for Parent University As I testified before the DC Council last week, we know what it takes to build great schools at DCPS. We have seen firsthand the progress that comes when we invest in our students and support our educators. The pandemic disrupted our way of life, our classrooms, and our ability to nurture our students with in-person learning and care. But it will not disrupt our positive trajectory as a school district. As the fastest improving urban school district in the nation, what we are doing is working. But we know we have more to do to make sure every student benefits from the transformative power of public education. Our challenge now is to rebuild even stronger than before. We appreciate you being part of the journey from recovery to rebuilding and invite you to join our upcoming Parent University session on getting your child ready for next school year. The event will take place on August 10 at 5:30 p.m., and you can RSVP at this link. Sincerely, Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D. Chancellor |
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#RecoverStrong and Social Emotional Learning
| Dear DCPS Community, For the past year, we have navigated learning in the age of COVID-19 together, and as we turn the page on what’s next, DC Public Schools is centering our recovery work around what’s the most critical: that every student feels loved, challenged, and prepared to positively influence society and thrive in life. You are invited to join us for a community roundtable conversation as we embark on this road to recovery. We’ll hear from school staff and families as they share lessons learned from the past year and discuss how we as a community will set a path forward to #RecoverStrong. You can RSVP here and watch the event online on Wednesday, March 17 at 5:30 p.m. Outdoor Learning at DCPS  One of the lessons we are already applying is the interest to provide outdoor learning opportunities. This week, schools received detailed guidance on how to take advantage of the change in seasons and enhance the student experience by possibly offering outdoor instructional programming as early as Term 4 this spring. Schools can consider a number of options around outdoor learning. This type of innovation will help maximize learning opportunities to bring students safely back to school with their classmates and teachers. Learn more at dcpsreopenstrong.com/recovery. Social Emotional Learning and COVID Recovery  Recovery at DCPS means that our students are provided opportunities to participate in focused programming that integrates academic and social emotional learning. This is not a new approach for DCPS. It has always been our goal to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where all students are able to thrive academically and socially. What is new — and critical to our long-term recovery from COVID-19 — is how deeply social emotional learning must be embedded everything our schools do. Specifically, what this will look like at summer acceleration academies is students exploring their passions and sparking their curiosity as learners, as well as reengaging with their school community to get a jump start on the school year and greater success. This school year, through the Trauma Responsive Schools model (TRS), we are infusing social emotional learning with academic instruction. In establishing five non-negotiable healing-centered practices, our schools set the foundation for safe and inclusive spaces for students to process their feelings. One non-negotiable practice is that every teacher spends dedicated time with their classroom or homeroom students to build relational trust. Morning meetings or advisory periods is this work in action. Other examples of how schools are implementing trauma responsive practices include: Savoy Elementary School hosts weekly community townhall meetings to strengthen school-to-family relationships and a sense of belonging. The meetings are led by students and teachers and use many SEL embedded questions to foster positive engagement and collaboration.Cardozo Education Campus established One Cardozo to bring students from the Comprehensive and International high schools together to bridge culture and community. Through positive and affirming language, Cardozo staff and partners reinforce an inclusive community to continue advancing equity in the building.Langley Elementary School hosts weekly virtual community meetings, which garner up to 160 participants including students, families, and staff to share content based on their school values that promote cultural competency. Another non-negotiable practice includes the need for every school to provide opportunities for staff wellness. Last week, Anacostia High School held its first staff wellness conference, complete with yoga, workshops to promote healing, and more. Through Wellness Wednesdays, the staff at Takoma Education Campus receive tools for stress management and self-regulation. Our school-based staff are the backbone of the school environment, so prioritizing staff wellness can improve morale and overall school culture. Social emotional learning doesn’t stop at school. Through our Family Cornerstones, we have activities for families and students to do together to support emotional wellbeing. RSVP for our yoga workshop on March 25 (grades K-5). This summer and in the upcoming School Year 2021-2022, DCPS will continue to implement the TRS model into daily instructional programming. All DCPS schools will work intentionally to embed practices that center relationships and build a strong sense of safety. These strategies are essential for creating the conditions necessary for deep learning and engagement. Sincerely, Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D. Chancellor |
 Estimada comunidad de las DCPS: Durante el año pasado, conducimos el aprendizaje en la era del COVID-19 juntos y mientras pasamos la página hacia lo que sigue, las Escuelas Públicas del Distrito de Columbia están centrando su trabajo de recuperación en torno a lo más fundamental: que cada estudiante se sienta amado, desafiado y preparado para influir positivamente en la sociedad y prosperar en la vida. Lo invitamos a que nos acompañe en una mesa redonda comunitaria para conversar, mientras nos embarcamos en esta senda hacia la recuperación. Oiremos la opinión del personal escolar y de las familias mientras comparten lecciones aprendidas durante el año pasado y discuten sobre la forma en la que nosotros, como comunidad, estableceremos el camino hacia la #RecuperaciónConFuerza. Confirme su asistencia en este enlace y mire el evento en línea el miércoles, 17 de marzo a las 5:30 p.m. Clases al aire libre en las DCPS Una de las lecciones que ya estamos aplicando es el interés por brindar oportunidades de clases al aire libre. Esta semana, las escuelas recibieron orientación detallada sobre la manera de sacarle ventaja al cambio de estaciones y mejorar la experiencia de los estudiantes mediante la posibilidad de ofrecer programación pedagógica al aire libre, a partir del cuarto trimestre, esta primavera. Las escuelas pueden considerar varias opciones en torno a las clases al aire libre. Este tipo de innovación ayudará a maximizar las oportunidades de aprendizaje para traer a los estudiantes de vuelta a la escuela junto a sus compañeros y maestros, de forma segura. Conozca más en dcpsreopenstrong.com/recovery. Aprendizaje socioemocional y recuperación del COVID La recuperación en las DCPS significa que a nuestros estudiantes se les brindan oportunidades de participar en programaciones centradas que engranan tanto el aprendizaje académico como el socioemocional. Este no es un enfoque nuevo en las DCPS. Nuestro objetivo siempre ha sido brindar un entorno académico seguro y solidario donde todos los estudiantes sean capaces de prosperar académica y socialmente. Lo nuevo, y fundamental en nuestra recuperación a largo plazo del COVID-19, es cuán profundo tiene que ser el aprendizaje socioemocional en todo lo que nuestras escuelas hagan. En concreto, lo que se verá en las academias de aceleración de verano son los estudiantes que explorarán sus pasiones y despertarán su curiosidad como aprendices, además de volver a interactuar con su comunidad escolar para empezar el curso escolar y tener un mayor éxito. Este año escolar, a través del modelo de escuelas sensibles al trauma (TRS, por sus siglas en inglés), estamos infundiendo el aprendizaje socioemocional con instrucción académica. Al establecer cinco prácticas no negociables centradas en la sanación, nuestras escuelas establecen las bases para un espacio seguro e inclusivo para que los estudiantes procesen sus sentimientos. Una práctica no negociable es que cada maestro le dedique tiempo a los estudiantes de su salón principal u otro salón de clases para construir confianza en sus relaciones. Las reuniones matutinas o los períodos de asesoramiento es este trabajo en acción. Entre otros ejemplos de cómo las escuelas están implementando prácticas sensibles a traumas, tenemos: La Savoy Elementary School organiza reuniones semanales de foros comunitarios abiertos para fortalecer las relaciones entre la escuela y las familias y el sentido de pertenencia. Las reuniones son dirigidas por estudiantes y profesores y se hacen muchas preguntas que integran el aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL, por sus siglas en inglés) para fomentar la participación positiva y la colaboración. La Cardozo Education Campus estableció una sola Cardozo para reunir a los estudiantes de las escuelas secundarias integrales e internacionales, con miras a tender puentes entre la cultura y la comunidad. A través de un lenguaje positivo y afirmativo, el personal y los aliados de Cardozo refuerzan una comunidad inclusiva para seguir avanzando en la equidad del plantel. La Langley Elementary School organiza reuniones comunitarias semanales virtuales, que atraen hasta 160 participantes, incluyendo estudiantes, familias y personal para compartir contenido basado en sus valores escolares que promueven la competencia cultural. Otra práctica no negociable incluye la necesidad de que cada escuela brinde oportunidades para el bienestar del personal. La semana pasada, la Anacostia High School celebró su primera conferencia de bienestar del personal, con yoga, talleres para promover la sanación y más. A través de los miércoles de bienestar, el personal de la Takoma Education Campus recibe herramientas para el manejo del estrés y el autocontrol. Nuestro personal escolar es la columna vertebral del entorno escolar, por lo que darle la prioridad al bienestar del personal puede mejorar la moral y la cultura escolar general. El aprendizaje socioemocional no se detiene en la escuela. A través del proyecto llamado Pilar Familiar (Family Cornerstones), tenemos actividades para que las familias y los estudiantes hagan juntos para reforzar el bienestar emocional. Confirme nuestros taller de yoga el 25 de marzo (para kínder, 1, 2, 3 , 4 y 5 grado). Este verano y en el próximo año escolar 2021-2022, las DCPS continuarán implementando el modelo de escuelas sensibles al trauma (TRS) en la programación educativa diaria. Todas las escuelas pertenecientes a las DCPS trabajarán intencionalmente para incorporar prácticas que se centren en las relaciones y construyan una fuerte sensación de seguridad. Estas estrategias son esenciales para crear las condiciones necesarias para el aprendizaje profundo y la participación. Atentamente, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, Canciller |
COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing for Students
| In early December, we announced that the DC Public Schools, in partnership DC Health and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, would provide free asymptomatic at-school testing for COVID-19 for students attending in-person programming. Under this plan, teams of roving nurses from DC Health provide onsite, at-school asymptomatic testing for DCPS students on a routine basis. Through this partnership, the goal was for all students with a signed consent form to be tested at school approximately every 10 days. As our nation’s medical experts learn more about COVID-19, testing guidance continues to evolve as well. With that, we’re writing to provide an update on DCPS asymptomatic testing plans for students going forward. DC Health, aligned with the CDC, now recommends weekly asymptomatic testing using a random sampling of 10 percent of the student population, selected from students with signed asymptomatic testing consent forms. This means that for a school with an in-person programming enrollment of 100 (and all of them have signed consent forms), 10 students would be selected at random each week and be tested. Accordingly, and in partnership with DC Health and Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC) Children’s School Services (CSS), we will also shift the role of administering student asymptomatic testing to our School Nurses starting Monday, March 15. Our school nurses play a critical role at our school buildings and they know your children. Because of these relationships and school nurses’ familiarity with their school community, we are confident this shift will create a stronger and more reliable testing program. Utilizing resources at the school level also allows schools to create a testing schedule that works best for their cohorts and school community. Beginning this week, the DCPS Health Services team will hold trainings for schools and the CSS team will begin training school nurses as we implement this new protocol. Please refer to the family FAQ below for general questions around testing frequency, consent forms, and other questions. You can also reach out to the DCPS COVID-19 Safety Hotline at (202) 442-5656 or by email at DCPS.CovidSafety@k12.dc.gov. If you would like to sign a COVID-19 asymptomatic testing consent form for your child who is attending in person programming, please contact your child’s school directly to submit the form available at this link. Spanish formAmharic form These changes apply to asymptomatic student testing only. Schools will continue to provide on-site rapid testing for symptomatic individuals. Thank you to our parents and families who are taking advantage of this pilot program to date — your experiences have informed how we’re moving forward. We believe these updates to our testing protocol will increase confidence in reopening our schools and will continue to reinforce the strong health and safety commitments of DC Public Schools. In partnership, DC Public Schools Student Health Services Asymptomatic Student Testing Frequently Asked Questions Why are changes being made to the DCPS asymptomatic testing protocol now? As our nation’s medical experts have learned more about COVID-19, testing guidance has evolved as well. DC Health, aligned with the CDC, now recommends weekly asymptomatic testing using a random sampling of 10% of the in-person student population with signed asymptomatic testing consent forms. We will also shift the role of administering student asymptomatic testing to our School Nurses starting the week of March 15. Because of nurses’ relationships with students and familiarity with their school community, we are confident this shift will create a stronger and more reliable testing program. What does this mean for my student who is enrolled in in-person programing and has a signed consent form for testing? All students enrolled in in-person programming with a signed consent form are eligible for testing and are included in the population of students considered for the weekly 10% sampling. The weekly sample is randomly selected on the day of testing to ensure that it only includes students that are present at school. The number of students with signed consent forms will impact how frequently an individual student might be tested . Will I need to sign another consent form? The consent form for asymptomatic testing is valid for 90 days. A new consent form is only needed once the current consent form expires. To check on the status of your consent form, please reach out to your child’s school directly. Forms are available online at dcpsreopenstrong.com/in-person-learning-family-guide. How will I be notified if my child is being tested at school? Students selected as part of the random sample group are determined the day of testing. This is done to ensure that the testing sample accurately reflects students that are present at school on the testing date. As a result, prior notification of testing is not feasible. However, schools will share their testing schedule with families. We ask that families talk with their student about the possibility of being selected as part of the testing sample. Families will receive a notification if/when their student participates in testing. Will DCPS be testing less students with this new testing protocol? The new asymptomatic testing protocol has every school testing 10% of their in-person programming population on a weekly basis. Most schools will see a decrease in the number of students that are tested at one time, but a significant increase in the frequency of testing at their schools. What are the benefits of having school nurses conduct testing? There are several benefits of having our school nurses conduct student asymptomatic testing. First, our school nurses are responsible for symptomatic testing and are therefore very familiar with the testing process. Secondly, our school nurses are valued members of our DCPS school communities and already have established relationships with our students. Finally, our school nurses are internal resources that are in our school daily, thus making it relatively easy to implement a weekly testing process. How will students be randomly sampled each week to receive asymptomatic testing? School will randomly test from the group of students enrolled in in-person programming with signed consent forms. The number of students equal to 10% of their in-person programming enrollment with consent forms will be tested weekly. For example, if a school has an in-person programming enrollment of 100 students (and all of them have signed consent forms), they will weekly test 10 students. If I have questions, who can I contact for additional information? If you have questions or need additional information, please contact DCPS COVID-19 Safety Hotline at (202) 442-5656 or by email at DCPS.CovidSafety@k12.dc.gov. |
| Estimada comunidad de las Escuelas Públicas del Distrito de Columbia: A principios de diciembre, anunciamos que el Distrito de Columbia, en alianza con los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Departamento de Salud del DC (DC Health), había lanzado un programa para hacerles pruebas gratis en la escuela a los estudiantes asintomáticos que asistían a las clases presenciales. Bajo este plan, los equipos de enfermeros ambulatorios de DC Health se rotan en nuestra ciudad para hacerles pruebas a los estudiantes de las DCPS in situ. Mediante esta alianza, el objetivo era que se les hiciera la prueba en la escuela, cada diez días aproximadamente, a todos los estudiantes que tuviesen un formulario de autorización firmado. Habiendo dicho eso, les escribimos para transmitirles la información más reciente sobre los adelantos en cuanto a los planes de las DCPS de realizarles pruebas a los estudiantes asintomáticos. A medida que los expertos médicos de nuestra nación han conocido más sobre el COVID-19, los lineamientos sobre la realización de pruebas siguen evolucionando también. El Departamento de Salud del DC, alineado con los CDC, ahora recomiendan que se realicen pruebas semanales a los estudiantes asintomáticos, usando muestras aleatorias del 10% de la población estudiantil, seleccionadas de estudiantes asintomáticos que tengan formularios de autorización firmados para la realización de pruebas. Esto significa que en una escuela con 100 estudiantes inscritos que asistan a clases presenciales (y todos tengan formularios de autorización firmados), se seleccionarían diez estudiantes al azar cada semana para realizarles una prueba. Por consiguiente, y en alianza con los Servicios escolares para niños del Departamento de Salud del DC (DC Health) y el Centro Médico Nacional de Niños (CNMC, por sus siglas en inglés), a partir del lunes 15 de marzo, nuestros enfermeros escolares pasarán a realizarles pruebas a los estudiantes asintomáticos. Nuestros enfermeros escolares juegan un papel fundamental en nuestros planteles, ya que ellos conocen a nuestros niños. Debido a estas relaciones y a la familiaridad con su comunidad escolar, estamos seguros de que este cambio creará un programa de realización de pruebas más sólido y confiable. La utilización de los recursos a nivel escolar también les permite a las escuelas crear cronogramas de realización de pruebas que se ajusten mejor a sus cohortes de estudiantes y a su comunidad escolar. A partir de esta semana, el equipo de los servicios de salud de las DCPS llevará a cabo entrenamientos para las escuelas y el equipo de Servicios escolares para niños (CSS, por sus siglas en inglés) comenzará a capacitar a los enfermos escolares, a medida que implementamos este protocolo nuevo. Remítase a las preguntas frecuentes para las familias a continuación si tiene preguntas generales sobre la frecuencia de la realización de pruebas, los formularios de autorización y otras preguntas. También puede comunicarse con la línea directa de atención por el COVID-19 de las DCPS al (202) 442-5656 o por el correo electrónico: DCPS.CovidSafety@k12.dc.gov. Si desea firmarle a su hijo, que esté asistiendo a clases presenciales, un formulario de autorización para la realización de la prueba del COVID-19 en personas asintomáticas, comuníquese directamente con la escuela de su hijo para llenar el formulario disponible a través de este enlace. Les agradecemos a nuestros padres y familiares quienes, hasta ahora, le han estado sacando ventaja a este programa piloto; sus experiencias han fundamentado la manera en la que estamos avanzando. Creemos que estas actualizaciones de nuestro protocolo de realización de pruebas aumentan la confianza en la reapertura de nuestras escuelas y de seguir fortaleciendo los compromisos sólidos de salud y seguridad de las Escuelas Públicas del Distrito de Columbia. En estrecha alianza, Servicios de salud para los estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas del DC Preguntas frecuentes sobre las pruebas a los estudiantes asintomáticos ¿Por qué se están realizando ahora estos cambios al protocolo de las DCPS de realización de pruebas de estudiantes asintomáticos? A medida que los expertos médicos de nuestra nación han conocido más sobre el COVID-19, los lineamientos sobre la realización de pruebas también han evolucionado. El Departamento de Salud del DC, alineado con los CDC, ahora recomiendan que se realicen pruebas semanales a los estudiantes asintomáticos, usando muestras aleatorias del 10% de la población estudiantil que tenga formularios de autorización firmados para la realización de pruebas. A partir de la semana del lunes, 15 de marzo, nuestros enfermeros escolares también pasarán a realizarles las pruebas a los estudiantes asintomáticos. Debido a las relaciones de los enfermeros con los estudiantes y a la familiaridad con su comunidad escolar, estamos seguros de que este cambio creará un programa de realización de pruebas más sólido y confiable. ¿Qué significa esto para mi hijo que está inscrito en las clases presenciales y tiene un formulario de autorización firmado para la realización de pruebas? Todos los estudiantes inscritos en las clases presenciales que tengan un formulario de autorización firmado califican para la realización de pruebas y se incluirán en el 10% de la población de estudiantes que serán tomados en cuenta para la toma semanal de muestras. Las muestras semanales se seleccionarán de forma aleatoria el día de la prueba, para garantizar que solo se incluyan a estudiantes que estén presentes en la escuela. El número de estudiantes que tengan formularios de autorización firmados tendrá un efecto en la frecuencia en la que se le realizaría una prueba a un estudiante individual. ¿Tendré que firmar otro formulario de autorización? El formulario de autorización para la realización de pruebas a estudiantes asintomáticos es válido por 90 días. Es necesario firmar un formulario de autorización nuevo solo cuando se venza el formulario de autorización actual. Para ver el estado de su formulario de autorización, comuníquese directamente con la escuela de su hijo. Los formularios están disponibles en línea en dcpsreopenstrong.com/in-person-learning-family-guide. ¿Cómo me notificarán que a mi hijo le realizarán una prueba en la escuela? Los estudiantes que formarán parte del grupo de muestras al azar se seleccionarán el día de la prueba. Esto se realizará así para que la muestras de la prueba reflejen de forma precisa a los estudiantes que estén presentes en la escuela en la fecha de la realización de la prueba. En consecuencia, no es factible la notificación previa de la realización de pruebas. Sin embargo, las escuelas compartirán con las familias su cronograma de realización de pruebas. Pedimos que las familias hablen con sus hijos sobre la posibilidad de que los seleccionen para formar parte del grupo de muestras. Las familias recibirán una notificación cuando sus hijos participen en la realización de pruebas. ¿Las DCPS les harán pruebas a menos estudiantes con este nuevo protocolo? El nuevo protocolo para estudiantes asintomáticos hace que cada escuela le realice pruebas al 10% de su población estudiantil que asiste a clases presenciales semanalmente. La mayoría de las escuelas verán una disminución en la cantidad de estudiantes a los que se les realizan pruebas a la vez, pero un aumento significativo en la frecuencia de realización de pruebas en sus escuelas. ¿Cuáles son los beneficios de que los enfermeros escolares realicen las pruebas? Hay varios beneficios de que nuestros enfermeros escolares realicen las pruebas de los estudiantes asintomáticos. Primero, los enfermeros de nuestra escuela son responsables de la realización de pruebas de estudiantes sintomáticos y, por lo tanto, están muy familiarizados con el proceso de realización de pruebas. En segundo lugar, nuestros enfermeros escolares son miembros valiosos de nuestras comunidades escolares de las DCPS y ya han establecido relaciones con nuestros estudiantes. Finalmente, nuestros enfermeros escolares son recursos internos que están en nuestra escuela a diario, lo que hace que sea relativamente fácil implementar un proceso de realización de pruebas semanal. ¿Cómo se tomarán las muestras al azar de los estudiantes a quienes se les realizarán las pruebas asintomáticas cada semana? La escuela hará pruebas al azar del grupo de estudiantes inscritos en las clases presenciales que tengan formularios de autorización firmados. Se les harán pruebas semanalmente a un número de estudiantes equivalente al 10% de la población inscrita en las clases presenciales que tenga formularios de autorización. Por ejemplo, si una escuela tiene una población de 100 estudiantes inscritos en las clases presenciales (y todos ellos tienen formularios de autorización firmados), se les realizará la prueba a 10 estudiantes semanalmente. Si tengo preguntas, ¿con quién puedo comunicarme para obtener información adicional? Si tiene preguntas o necesita información adicional, comuníquese con la línea directa de atención por el COVID-19 al (202) 442-5656 o al correo electrónico: DCPS.CovidSafety@k12.dc.gov. |