Posts by Jessica Christy — Contributor
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Mundo Verde, Green Ribbon schools highlight sustainability
Schools in the District and Montgomery County make sustainability part of the curriculum with greener buildings and a focus on environmental stewardship. With help from the US Department of Education, they could become an example for other schools around the country. Last month, the Department of Education gave Green Ribbon awards to 3 schools in DC, as well as Montgomery County… Keep reading…
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Future of Sharpe Health School still uncertain
Sharpe Health School, a school for disabled students in Petworth, could close, sending students to the former River Terrace Elementary School in Ward 7. Not only is River Terrace inaccessible to disabled students, but parents fear its location could put their kids at risk. Sharpe and Mamie D. Lee, another school for the disabled in Fort Totten, will be combined in fall 2014 and… Keep reading…
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Thank a teacher
It’s teacher appreciation week. Both of my sons’ schools are treating the teachers this week with various well-deserved treats. Thank you Ms. Scott and Ms. Wells at Langdon EC and thank you Ms. Harris, Ms. Ingram, and Yi Laoshi at Yu Ying PCS! Keep reading…
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DC CAS can still benefit students, like it’s supposed to
Like many standardized tests, the DC Comprehensive Assessment System isn’t the magic bullet many had hoped it would be. But by understanding what its limits are, we can turn the DC CAS from a weapon against teachers into a tool to help students. Any mention of standardized testing produces a range of reactions, from praising the accountability it provides to those who decry… Keep reading…
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Chancellor Henderson: We’re listening, tell us more
Chancellor Kaya Henderson reassured people via an op-ed that she is still pushing hard to make DC schools better. Unfortunately, her 535 words gave few details about her plans for school reform. The chancellor said, “People must think that if we are not angering the community, clashing with unions, creating discord in our schools and making headlines, we must not be making… Keep reading…
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Shocking rhetoric from John Townsend and AAA
This week’s Washington City Paper cover story quoted AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman John Townsend calling Greater Greater Washington editor David Alpert “retarded” and a “ninny,” and comparing Greater Greater Washington to the Ku Klux Klan. Many other reporters, people on Twitter, and residents generally have clearly stated in response… Keep reading…
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Chef Herb cooks up a healthier future for DC children
Children like Chef Herb for his engaging food demonstrations and visually appealing creations. Adults like Chef Herb because his lessons encourage children to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, all with the hope of reducing obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and other associated ailments. Chef Herb, whose real name is Herb Holden, works in the SNAP-Ed program, part of the… Keep reading…
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Marketing isn’t enough to keep students when schools close
When DCPS starts school in late August, over 2,000 students will be attending a different school after 15 schools close at the end of the school year. Students at closing schools have a DCPS “receiving school” where they can go, but many students may instead choose to attend a charter or private school. Can DCPS keep the students in the system? In late January,… Keep reading…
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School lottery demand shows sharp east-west divide
Parents who have applied to preschool, pre-kindergarten, or out-of-boundary lotteries for DC public schools are anxiously looking at the results today. These lotteries are far from equally competitive; the most desired schools are all in 4 wards of the city, while the least in-demand are all in 3 other wards in the eastern part of the city. Keep reading…