April 2015 Newsletter |
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What's New with DCSRN?
DCSRN is proud to report that thus far in the 2014-15
High Quality Schools Campaign (HQSC), families representing
over 300 students applied for
quality schools in Round 1 of the DC common application—more than ever before. However, families representing
over 800 students were registered in DCSRN's database to seek help from parent advocates.
Help DCSRN fund more parent advocates to meet the ever-growing demand for critical HQSC services.
Latest Virtual School Tours
DCSRN has launched two more virtual school tours showcasing DC Prep Benning Elementary Campus, a quality Ward 7 public charter school serving grades PK3-3, and Paul PCS Middle School, a quality Ward 4 public charter school serving grades 6-8. DCSRN is currently planning next fall's filming line-up which will expand upon DCSRNs current catalog of 20 virtual school tours. Highlighted in a recent Greater Greater Washington article, these tours are instrumental in creating greater access to information for families about schools and school quality. Help us expand our catalog.
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HQSC Spotlight
The common lottery results became available on March 27 and DCSRN's parent advocates have been reaching out to HQSC parents to confirm they are informed of their child's results. Charles Hudson, Sr., who was featured last month, was esctatic to learn that his son was matched to his #1 ranked choice, Achievement Prep Middle Campus, one of the top three highest performing middle schools in the District. Parent advocates are now busy counseling parents on their post-lottery next steps: supporting them in completing enrollment or managing their child's waitlist status.
Meet Parent Advocate Erika Harrell
Erika Harrell moved to DC in 2013 and has since experienced both ends of the school choice process, first as a Ward 7 parent and now as a parent advocate. In 2013, Erika applied to 12 public schools for her own two children. "I wish I had known about DCSRN when I was going through the application process." Both children are now enrolled in a quality DC public charter school. Erika joined DCSRN as a parent advocate in November 2013 and works tirelessly to support families in their pursuit of a quality education for their children. Erika also sits on the Parent Advisory Council for My School DC, the administrator for the DC common application and common lottery.
Get Involved
May 1: DC Common Enrollment Deadline
The Round 1 SY2015-16 common enrollment deadline for all grades is Friday, May 1. In DCSRN's experience, enrollment can be the most complicated stage of the entire school choice process. Let DCSRN know if you have questions about enrollment.
Happy Hour with DCSRN
Join DCSRN on Tuesday, April 21 for cocktails and conversation around DC education to learn how we help families access quality schools and how you can help.
RSVP here
.
Follow DCSRN's #EnrollmentSelfies
Join DCSRN's efforts to support HQSC families crossing the enrollment finish line by following #EnrollmentSelfies on social media. Show DCSRN your own #EnrollmentSelfies and tag DCSRN on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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In Case You Missed It: Must Reads
Policy
- March 9—'Opting out' of tests in Maryland, Virginia and DC.
- March 11—Anxiety abounds as DC schools roll out new, harder tests.
- March 16—DC charter board receives six applications for new schools.
- March 18—Making Women's History Month real for students.
- March 19—Prince Charles visits an adult education school in DC.
- March 20—Getting the balance right.
- March 23—Floretta McKenzie, who led DC schools in the 1980s, dies at 79.
- March 26—DC government office released students' personal data to a reporter.
Research
- March 3—DCPS is more likely than charters to have high concentrations of at-risk kids.
- March 3—Voters want less charter school growth and more regulation, survey finds.
- March 9—Chronic truancy rates are above 50 percent in DC high schools.
- March 9—Robert Putnam: When did poor kids stop being 'our kids'?
- March 18—Here's a school-by-school look at DC's high school graduation rates.
- March 22—Why should we fear teachers visiting their students' homes?
- March 26—We visited 18 schools in 90 days to play DC's annual preschool lottery. Here is what we learned.
- March 26—How do schools respond to competition? Not as you might expect.
- March 27—Applications up in DC School enrollment lottery.
- March 30—DC's charter schools boost learning for poor and minority students.
Funding
- March 3—DC school vouchers are once again caught up in a federal fiscal fight.
- March 3—For DC charter schools, a new potential facility in Ward 7.
- March 3—DC schools chancellor gets first pay raise since her hire, earns $284,000.
- March 9—Unequal shelves in DC school libraries benefit wealthier students.
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March 12 — DC educational system to cut staff at central office and hire 200 at schools.
- March 17—DC auditor finds improvements in financial oversight of charter schools.
- March 18—George Washington University hand-delivers good news—and full scholarships.
- March 24—DCPS plans to offer international trips to middle schoolers.
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