October 2016 DC Public Charter School News
| Expanding Quality Options |
| More Public Charter School Students Attend Top Performing Schools |
 DC PCSB's October release only included schools educating grades PK through eighth grade. DC PCSB will release results for high school on November 3 and adult and alternative public charter schools on November 10. Congratulations to all of our #TIERific schools! To find out more about how your child's school or the schools in your ward were rated here. |
| Graduation Rates for Public Charter Schools Continue to Climb |
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Public charter high schools in DC continue to graduate more students every year. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education released graduation rates for the 2015-16 school year last week, which show public charter high schools graduated 72.9 percent of students, which is up by 1.2 percent from the previous year. The citywide average is 69.2 percent, which is an increase of 3.8 percent from the previous year. Moreover, six public charter high schools (noted in the chart below) are exceeding the national graduation rate of 83 percent. Learn how a few of these schools achieved such results here.
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| People of Public Charter Schools |
| It's Always a Team Effort |
 Photo Credit: DC Public Charter School Board/Photo of DC Bilingual PCS Students "Achieving Tier 1 status is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire school community over many years. Each member -- including students, staff, parents and community partners – has played a vital role in helping our school fulfill its mission of ensuring high academic achievement for all students in Spanish and English, developing leadership and valuing all cultures. We are Tier 1 because our entire community is invested in our students and families. But Tier 1 is just the beginning – by working together, I’m confident DC Bilingual Public Charter School will have many more achievements to come. To quote our school motto, “Together, we lead! Juntos somos lideres!”" - Daniela Anello, Head of School, DC Bilingual PCS |
| School Stories |
| Briya PCS, Bridges PCS, and Mary's Center Partnership Benefits Fort Totten Community |
 Photo Credit: Briya PCS
Partnerships are the cornerstone of how public charter schools continue to innovate and provide more resources and services to families and students across the city. On October 15, Briya PCS, Bridges PCS, Mary's Center and close to 1,600 District residents celebrated the opening of the Fort Totten campus. Through the partnership with Mary's Center, students and the community will have access to medical and dental clinics, as well as various support services; additionally, the partnership between Briya PCS and Bridges PCS provides early intervention, early childhood, elementary and adult education programs to students. Learn more here.
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| Excel Academy PCS Holds First Annual Fall Fest |
| Last week, Excel Academy PCS held its first annual Fall Fest in partnership with Barry Farm Recreation and Aquatics Center. Students and families were able to watch student dance and vocal performances, walk through a gallery of student artwork, participate in pumpkin relay races, and attend fitness showcases that featured student-led group workouts, student-made healthy smoothies, and highlighted healthy eating choices. Additionally, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students and families at Fall Fest raised over 468 dollars, which was donated to Breast Care for Washington, DC. |
| Talent Abound at Center City PCS - Brightwood |
 Photo Credit: DC Public Charter School Board On October 7, Center City PCS - Brightwood hosted a talent show where students in second through eighth grade sang, danced, and performed original songs to a crowded auditorium. A staff member at the DC Public Charter School Board attended the show and noted "everyone -- performers, student audience, and parents alike -- was energetic and joyful!"
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| Upcoming Events |
| November 17 - Twenty Years of Public Charter Schools: Improving Public Education in Washington, DC Join us on November 17 at 6:30 p.m. for an evening of student performances, a reception, and a conversation about the state of public charter schools in DC and what the future holds for them. The event will be held at DC Bilingual PCS (33 Riggs Road NE). Learn more and RSVP here |
| November 21 - Board Meeting The Board will hold its next monthly meeting on November 21 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss various issues related to public charter schools and to hear from the public. The meeting will be held at DC Bilingual PCS (33 Riggs Road NE). A meeting agenda will be available here. |