Five Friendship Campuses Named Bold Performance Schools
Important Information About New School Year
May 22, 2020
Dear Families,
We are excited to share important information and dates for summer and the new school year. As our city recovers from COVID-19, Friendship has been working hard to prepare options that support great teaching and learning in all settings – online and in-person. We are proud of how our students, families and school staff rose to the challenge this spring and we are planning even better experiences for summer and the new school year.
Friendship plans to begin School Year 2020-21 on August 31, 2020, if in line with public health guidelines at that time. This link below provides important dates as we finish this school year and get ready for the new school year.
Friendship Online In the News
Parents: Here are tips from a mother who home schools her children
“My first advice is to breathe and relax,” Elmater Pleasant said. Pleasant home schools both of her children; Gabriel in the third grade and Joshua in the eighth. Both attend Friendship Public Charter School online. She’s not new to having her kids at home.”Remember that the first reason that we’re doing any of this is because of a love for our children,” Pleasant said.
Dear Parents,
While this pandemic has closed our campus buildings, it has not stopped our students from learning. Friendship cannot be prouder of all the support, commitment and patience that each of you has demonstrated during these unprecedented times. We love receiving the pictures, artwork and student assignments that show us how that great teaching and learning continues to flourish. Again, thank you!
With our recent announcement to end school year 2019-20 for all students on Friday, May 29, we wanted to provide you with a few academic updates that will support a successful close to the school year. Read more >
Week 2: For Our Friends & Loved Ones
Connected by Friendship & Gratitude
During these uncertain times, Friendship Public Charter School’s Early Childhood Education community is a beacon of hope, joy and discovery. As part of our commitment to use words, actions and creativity to inspire young learners, we’re launching the FPCS Virtual Community of Friendship and Gratitude.
Starting on Monday, April 27, we’ll embark on a month-long journey that explores ways to share friendship and gratitude for those around us.
Once a week, we invite creatives of all ages to go to friendshipschools.org and access our Community of Friendship and Gratitude website. Students will respond to video, imagery and conversational prompts around self-love, friendship, gratitude, family, nature, community and global awareness. Led by Ms. Adia Harris, FPCS’ Reggio Emilia atelierista and other studio art teachers, this innovative platform will keep us connected by exploring how our shared values and differences enrich everyday life.
All student ideas and creations will be displayed in a virtual gallery for everyone to share and enjoy! We look forward to seeing you in our virtual circle of friendship!
Creatively yours,
FPCS Early Childhood Education Community
Dear Friendship Family,
I am writing today to share important news about the remainder of Friendship’s 2019-20 academic year. Due to the public health crisis in DC, and in keeping with Mayor Bowser’s announcement this morning, all Friendship school campuses will continue distance and virtual learning and conclude the current school year on May 29, 2020 for students. A schedule for ten-month staff will be issued next week.
While we continue to navigate these difficult times, we are planning summer learning options and will share information on those options by May 15, 2020. Additionally, we expect that the new 2020-2021 school year will begin in early August, if in line with public health guidelines.
Meals for D.C. students will still be available through the remainder of this pandemic. Friendship campuses will continue to provide meals on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more information on other meal sites, please visit coronavirus.dc.gov/food.
This has been an unprecedented time for our city, our campuses, our students and our families. But what has made our school community strong is our commitment to our children and each other. That commitment has continued while we teach and learn from home, and it will continue when we are able to come together again within our school buildings.
I want to thank you for the support and love you have shown our students each and every day. Because of your guidance, our children have continued to learn from home.
I will continue to share regular updates on what the current public health crisis means for our school community. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact WeCare@friendshipschoools.org or (202) 281-1777.
Sincerely,
Patricia Brantley, CEO
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.
