Summer School 2013 

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Research shows that while most students learn at the same rate during the school year, students who do not participate in enriching summer programs tend to lose ground over the summer compared to their peers who continue to engage in learning activities.  This cumulative summer learning loss actually accounts for much of the achievement gap we see in the older grades. 

Registration for K-8 Summer School begins on March 11 and is first-come-first-served for those who have been invited.  Registration ends on April 30th or when all seats are full.

We strongly encourage all of our students to participate in enriching summer experiences. 

• Important Changes for Summer School 2013
• Program Dates and Times
• Summer School Sites 2013
• Register for High School Summer School
• Questions about Summer School
• Overview of Additional Summer Programs in the District
• Other Summer Options

Important Changes for Summer School 2013

We are making several improvements to the centrally-run K–8 Summer School program:

• We are strategically inviting certain students to enroll who will benefit most from the program based on their progress in reading during the school year.  Parents/guardians of identified students in grades K-8 will receive letters of invitation to register their students. 
  
  
• We will hire great teachers and involve instructional coaches and master educators to support high-quality teaching.
  
  
• We will extend the best practices of our literacy and math programs so the summer program aligns to what we believe works best for struggling students.  Both reading and mathematics will use a number of resources including educational technology.
  
  
• We will use assessment data to track and measure our impact.
  
  
• Enrollment for K-8 Summer School is all online this year.  Parents/guardians will go to the following link to register their student if they receive an invitation to participate in this program: dcps.dc.gov/DCPS/summer13
  
  
• Registration for K-8 Summer School begins on March 11 and is first-come-first-served for those who have been invited.

We only have room for about 2700 K–8 students, but obviously DCPS has more than 2700 K–8 students who need robust experiences over the summer.  We are working with CBOs, school-based programs, the Office of Special Education, and other partners to arrange for high-quality summer programming for struggling students who either are not a good match for the program or are on the waiting list.  More details about these opportunities will be shared here throughout the spring as they become confirmed.

Summer Bridge for Rising 9^th Grade Students

DCPS will also follow up on the success of the 2012 Summer Bridge program by offering Summer Bridge at selected high schools in 2013.  The number of sites is being expanded to strengthen the connections between students and the high schools they will attend, and the program will focus on high school readiness and academic support in mathematics and literacy.  

Our partnership with the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) allows students to experience the connection between job readiness and college and career readiness as well as earn money for participation in this preparation and enrichment program.  Students that are not in the SYEP program can earn 0.5 elective credits toward graduation if they satisfy the program’s requirements.  Summer Bridge will also offer a research-based program to help students develop or strengthen a “growth mindset” to help them stay motivated, embrace challenges, and more effectively self-monitor their learning.  

More information on locations and registration will be posted to the website soon.

High School Summer School Programs

The summer school program for high school is for credit recovery only.  This year, students will have the opportunity to enroll for a maximum of two credits. Students needing three credits to graduate in August should contact their school counselor for information about other options. Students in grades 9 and 12 will have first priority for courses, but the program will serve students in grades 10 and 11 as well.

• Registration for High School Summer School is all online this year.  
• Parents/guardians please go to the following link to register your student for summer credit recovery. 
• After they are registered, students must meet with their high school counselor to enroll in summer school courses. Summer school registration for students and families is open from April 12-May 15, 2013.
• Non-DCPS students who are DC residents (i.e. charter school and private school students) are able to participate in Summer School for credit recovery. Please call for an application: Office of College and Career Readiness 202-579-9415.
  

Extended School Year (ESY)

Extended School Year (ESY) is a federally mandated program designed to prevent the regression of identified critical skills among eligible students who receive special education services.  ESY services are provided in accordance with a student’s Individualized Education Plan.  

If your child is found eligible for summer ESY services, then we will send you further information about the registration process.

This year, ESY will operate at two ESY-only sites (Mamie D. Lee and Sharpe Health) and nine other sites that are co-located with Summer School.  Summer ESY will take place for four weeks, from July 8-August 2, 2013.

Program Dates and Times

Summer School Sites 2013

High School Summer School Sites & Feeder Patterns

Questions about Summer School

If you receive a letter of invitation for your student to attend a K–8 Summer School program, please contact your school if you have any questions about the program.  The school can also assist you by providing a computer where you can complete the online registration process.

Other questions about the Summer School program for 2013 can be directed to the DCPS Critical Response Team at 202-478-5738, or to the following points of contact:

• K-8 Summer School: Office of Out-of-School Time Programs 202-442-5002
• High School Summer School: the student’s counselor or the Office of College and Career Readiness 202-576-9415
• Extended School Year: Office of Special Education 202-442-9292
• Summer Bridge: Summer Bridge Program 202-480-0890