On Monday, April 6, Mayor Bowser announced that school buildings will not reopen on April 27. No reopening date was given as the reopening of school buildings is dependent on health conditions improving.
The city’s health emergency will likely be extended through Monday, June 8. We will continue to deliver education virtually and provide updates as we learn more.
Virtual Learning Information >
Distance Learning Resources >
Have questions or feedback? Email wecare@friendshipschools.org or call 202.281.1777
Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
Click here to learn more about eligibility under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).
On Friday, March 20, Mayor Bowser announced that the District of Columbia will extend the closure of all school buildings in response to the coronavirus pandemic. In keeping with the Mayor’s guidance, all Friendship school buildings will be closed until Friday, April 24, 2020. To access distance- and virtual-learning resources by grade level, see the links below.
Updated Schedule:
Monday, March 23 – Last day of Spring Break. There will no longer be a Spring Break period in April.
Tuesday, March 24 to April 24 – Distance- and virtual-learning for all students.
Monday, April 27 – All students and staff return to campuses. Schools will resume normal operations.
Virtual Learning Information >
Distance Learning Resources >
Have questions or feedback? Email wecare@friendshipschools.org or call 202.281.1777.
FPCS D.C. schools are CLOSED from March 16-31. For more information on the District Government’s response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit https://coronavirus.dc.gov
Parents and families, Monday, March 16 is an all-staff professional day to prepare virtual learning and other academic resources needed in the case of a school closure. There is no school for students. *All staff are expected to report at their regularly scheduled time.* Thank you! #friendshippcs
Message from our CEO regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dear Friendship Parents and Guardians:
With the recent announcement of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in our local area, I want to reassure you that Friendship is taking all of the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of our students and staff, and follow the guidance provided by the D.C. Department of Health, the Mayor’s Office as well as Homeland Security and Emergency Management Services. It’s important for you to know that the City, through the DC Department of Health, determines if a single school or multiple schools should close and for how long they should stay closed. At this time, based on guidance from the DC Department of Health, all Friendship campuses remain open.
Proactive Approach to Health and Safety:
All of our school buildings have undergone additional deep cleanings with hospital-grade disinfecting products recommended by health agencies. We started our deep cleanings two weeks ago and will continue with additional weekly deep cleanings. While frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to stop the spread of the virus, we are obtaining additional hand sanitizers and cleansing wipes for our classrooms. Please consider sending your child to school with hand sanitizer and wipes so that they have it available as they travel to and from school. We have also developed a plan if a staff member or student develops symptoms. If there is any suspected or tested positive Coronavirus exposure, we will notify the school community and consult with the Department of Health as we take steps to mitigate exposure.
Moving Forward:
Friendship will continue to proactively prepare. Currently, we are evaluating all school-sponsored travel and conferences. If there is any change to our opening status, notifications will occur through emergency alerts on the major news outlets, social media, FPCS website, email, calls and texts. In the event of a major disruption to school, we are working with staff and online vendors to ensure that daily learning continues and is accessible for students along with grab and go school meals. Students will have access to school work and academic support, and we are working to expand internet and technology access.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared several recommendations to ensure that everyone is taking appropriate actions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of person-to-person viruses. These precautions include:
– Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
– Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
– Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
– Staying home when you are sick
– Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash
– Cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched objects and surfaces
I encourage our entire Friendship community to remain strong and positive through this situation. If you have concerns or suggestions, please contact your BSM, Principal or the Community Office.
Yours in service,
Patricia A. Brantley
CEO
D.C.’s two biggest charter networks are growing. But how big is too big?
By Perry Stein, Washington Post
Last year, three charter schools in the District stood on the brink of closing. They needed help. Fast. Two turned to the Friendship Public Charter network. The third received a lifeline from the KIPP DC charter network.
And now, Friendship may rescue yet another struggling charter campus. D.C. education officials are considering a proposal for Friendship to take over Achievement Prep-Wahler Place Middle School in Southeast Washington.
KIPP DC and Friendship, the city’s two largest charter networks, have grown bigger in recent years as they take over floundering charter campuses, revamping the schools and adding the campuses to their already extensive and well-regarded portfolios.
The networks are poised to educate more than 11,500 public school students in the coming years — more than 11 percent of the city’s public school population.
Open House at Friendship
Let’s get to know each other! 🤝 Interested in one of our campuses? Join us at our open house(s) to learn more about #FriendshipPCS.
You’re invited to Open House at Friendship! 🏠📚✨
View upcoming dates >
#Tier1Schools
#AwardWinningScholars
#OutstandingEducators
#LeadingEdgePrograms
#RigorousCurriculum
#FriendshipPCS