SCHEDULE CHANGE – TOMORROW (Thurs, Feb 18) all DCPS buildings will be closed due to the expected snow and ice. All students should plan to log in online per their normal class schedule.
New DCPS Technology Equity Act legislation announced by CM Lewis George TODAY
The office of CM Lewis George has introduced legislation to require DCPS to produce a comprehensive technology plan. The legislation was announced this afternoon and has received broad support from other CMs! Read about the announcement here.
Ward 3 Education Network statement on the new legislation:
“As DCPS parents we have been advocating for a comprehensive, funded technology plan for years. Comprehensive planning is essential to closing gaps in technology service provision and ensuring all students have the tools they need to learn. We are thrilled to see legislation that requires DCPS to produce a plan to provide computers, practical digital literacy training, internet, and updated classroom technology to support student learning. Thank you for listening to parents and prioritizing student learning and support as we begin 2021!”
Dept of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Performance Oversight Hearing – Tues, Feb 23rd at 3 pm
Thanks to the many parents, teachers and staff who’ve helped us push on DPR to provide Shepherd students with safe and secured access to the new Community Center facility during and after school. We need to push on DPR to honor that committment for our students to use the gym and cafeteria for important Shepherd events – including basketball practices and games, 5th grade graduation, aftercare programming, cultural events and more. DPR promised us that the school would get priority, so we need to make it clear that these terms are not negotiable.
There will be a performance oversight hearing next Tuesday and you are encouraged to submit testimony – either written or to testify live during the hearing. We’ll send out key messages to include in your testimony as you see appropriate. Info is not provided quite yet on how to submit written testimony or get added to the list to testify, but we’ll get that info out as soon as it’s up online. Keep a tab on the hearing info here.
Shepherd’s own Derek Musgrove launches interactive site detailing the Black Power Movement in DC
Since we’re focusing on DC as part of Black History Month exploration, we’re so proud to share with you the new site launched by Derek Musgrove, parent to Walker and John Musgrove, author, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County history professor. Musgrove talks about how the Black Power movement wasn’t just a force in DC politics. It was the force for four decades. From the Civil Rights movement to DC’s first years of Home Rule to the resurgence of activism in the 1980s and 1990s, these activists were instrumental in shaping the District as we know it today. Explore more of the site today. And check out the Post story – Read more here!
Mayor’s 2022 Budget Forums – Thurs, Feb 18 and Sat, Feb 20
Each February, the Mayor invites DC residents to the annual Budget Engagement Forums to hear about budget priorities and ideas for how we should (or should not) spend DC’s government money. And while it will be virtual this year, it is more important than ever to share your thoughts on what we should prioritize in the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget.
As you know, COVID-19 has drastically impacted our health, economy, education system, and for many DC parents, that even means the ability to meet their family’s basic needs. And now as we continue to respond to the Pandemic, experts are forecasting that learning loss for students across the District will be tremendous! A recent report estimates that 15,600 fewer students will read on grade level and over 9,800 fewer students will perform on grade level in math.
Online forums will be Thurs, February 18 or on Saturday, February 20. You can learn more and register for a forum at www.budget.dc.gov. Make your voice heard to support education services for our kids!
My School DC Lottery Applications – due on March 1 for PK3-8th grade. Check out the latest info here.
SAVE THE DATE – SHEPHERD PTO MEETING (Wed, Feb 24 at 6:30 pm)
Wed, Feb 24 at 6:30pm will be our next PTO meeting and we’ll be welcoming in some guest speakers to talk with us about how to cope with anxiety, stress and parenting during the pandemic. More details and the TEAMS link to be shared soon.
Wellness Wednesdays – Support for Parents
See the attached PDF for info on upcoming sessions for parents put on by the DC Dept of Behavioral Health focused on “Love and Relationships” for the month of February. Thanks to Dr. Browne, our school psychologist, for sharing with us!