December 2021 Newsletter

by | Dec 31, 2021 | Newsletter

 

A Few Important Things to Take into 2022

 

As we move into the new year and embrace our new ward boundaries, Ward 7 is welcoming new neighbors and new school communities.

 

When we have higher temperatures and lower COVID cases, I would love to meet you in-person. Until then, I’d like to invite you to a meet and greet on January 10th at 6p via zoom.

As your representative on the State Board of Education, I hope you will share with me your hopes for education and community going into the new year. Please register here.

Thank you, and I look forward to connecting with you in the new year.

RSVP

 

School ReOpening Updates

I field daily questions from families asking when or if, we will close schools. As a city, we do not have a clear, public metric for closing or opening schools. Until we do, we are all waiting until the next announcement.

I believe we must be clear when settings are safe and when they are not.

Read my full piece in the DC Line.

On Dec 29th, Mayor Bowser announced DC Public Schools will require a negative COVID test to return to school on January 5th. 

Families are required to pick up an iHealth rapid antigen test at any DCPS school on Monday, January 3 or Tuesday, January 4. Tests will be available for pickup at all DCPS schools on Monday from 1 pm to 4 pm and on Tuesday from 8:30 am to 4 pm. Then, come back here to report your test results on Tuesday, January 4 (by 4 pm).

Do not administer your child’s test before Tuesday, January 4th. Only tests administered on Tuesday, January 4 will be accepted.

Please visit https://dcps.dc.gov/safereturn for full details, testing locations & to upload results.

DCPS Test to Return

 

Holiday Highlights

 

News You Can Use

Public health officials and pediatricians are strongly recommending vaccination against COVID-19 for all eligible Children, and a lot of parents still have questions.

As cases rise, I am recirculating this helpful Q&A with licensed pediatrician, Dr. Maia McQuiston hosted by the Ward 7 Education Council.

COVID Vaccines for Children:
Q&A with Dr. McQuiston

 
Watch

To find a vaccination site, including one of the District’s pop-up vaccination clinics for children 5-11 years old. Please visit vaccineexchange.dc.gov and click on get vaccinated.

 

The Ward 7 Education Council is hosting a listening session on Thursday, January 6th at 6:30pm via zoom.

We hope everyone is safely enjoying the holidays!

Please plan to join us on Thursday, January 6th at 6:30pm for our next virtual general body meeting.  As we reflect on the last year and look forward to the upcoming year, we’d like to hear from the general body about the top education issues and concerns that Ward 7 families and schools have. Please consider the questions below and come to our meeting to share your answers:

1. Please describe your or your child’s educational experience in DCPS or the DC Charter School System.

2. What concerns do you have that DCPS/DCPCSB is not currently adequately addressing? (traffic safety, COVID, SPED)

3. From your perspective, what are the benefits of educating your child in the district? In what scenarios has the school system met or exceeded your expectations for your student?

4. How do you feel about the resources provided for/at your or your student’s school? If you could ask district leaders for one thing to improve your school or the educational experience at your school, what would you request? Why?

5. What does a quality education mean for you and your child?

Email ward7ed@yahoo.com to weigh in or attend.

I look forward to continue working with the Ward 7 Community to continue supporting our students, families, and schools. I hope the resources and updates below are helpful.

Please reach out to me at eboni-rose.thompson@dc.gov if there are resources you’d like to share in future newsletters or if there are questions and concerns.

Yours in Service,

Eboni-Rose Thompson