Classroom News and Updates, October 26


Parade Participation: Parents and family members will not be permitted to parade alongside students. However, we welcome and encourage their cheers and applause as students march through the parade. 

Candy Donations: Families are welcome to bring or send store- bought candy to share with our students.


    Departure: The bus will leave promptly at 9:00 a.m. Please ensure your child arrives at school on time.

Return: We expect to return to school by 2:30 p.m.

Cost: $40 per student and chaperone. This fee covers transportation and admission to Cox Farm. Please send cash or a check made payable to John R. Francis Education Campus.

Forms and Payment: Please submit the completed field trip form and payment if you haven't already done so.

Lunch: School lunch will be provided. Or Feel free to pack a bag lunch for your child.


Classroom News and Updates, October 5


Homework was placed in your child's backpack on Monday, October 5th. Students received (1) math practice and (2) a reading log. Students can be read to, read with, or, if ready, read independently. Use the notes section on the reading log to write about any celebrations or challenges you experienced while reading books together.

 Homework will be sent home on Monday. Please return homework assignments by the following Monday. If Monday is a Non-School Day, homework will be sent on the next school day. Therefore, this weeks' homework doesn't have to be returned until next Wednesday as Monday and Tuesday are no school days.

Homework aims to review, reinforce, and practice skills presented in class. It helps children learn self-discipline and allows them to take responsibility for their learning. Homework allows you to see what is being learned in school. 


Picture Day is Tuesday, October 6, 2026. Students should wear their school uniforms for their pictures. Please see  Please see the flyer for more information. 


Treat yourself while supporting a great cause! Join JFEC on Tuesday, October 6 at 3:30 PM in front of the school for our Costa Rica Rita's Ice Fundraiser. Rita's Ice cups are just $5, and every purchase helps our (25) middle school students raise funds for an unforgettable international educational experience in Costa Rica.

Pre-orders are welcome and will be available for immediate pick-up following school dismissal!  Use the link below to pre-order your child’s Rita’s Ice today: https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLWPVYMPG8QNE/checkout/V7CZ6REVJMWRIX4AVHWKXWVC?src=sheet

Important: When placing your pre-order, please include your child's full name and grade level to ensure your purchase is credited correctly for easy distribution. Feel free to add on a tip to bring in more funds for the children.  Additional donations are always appreciated and help us get closer to our fundraising Rita goal - $2,500. Together, let's help provide our students with a life-changing global learning experience! 🇨🇷✈️.


      As part of our celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month, we are hosting a special event called “La        Tarde Latina” on October 15th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This event will feature music, dance,  

      and activities celebrating the rich heritage of Hispanic cultures. To make this event even more   

      memorable, we are requesting food donations from our families. We would love to offer a variety        of traditional Hispanic foods for everyone to enjoy. If you can contribute, we would greatly    

      appreciate your support!

      

      Suggested items include

        We also welcome decorations such as flags, artifacts, or items representing Hispanic culture.

        Please let us know if you can donate a dish or dessert by completing this form by October 10th. 


Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you requested a virtual meeting, please expect to receive your Microsoft Teams Meeting Link on Friday, October 9th. 


Community Handbook


Here is the link to the DCPS clearance process. If interested in supporting our class through volunteering or chaperoning this school year, please be sure to complete the requirements. 


School Year  2026-2027 

​​Meetings are held at 6pm; The log-in link can be found on the school's website: https://www.johnfrancisec.org/ 

September 29, 2026 

December 8, 2026 

March 16, 2027 

May 18, 2027 


If your student is absent from school, please email your child's teacher and Ms. Vest, our attendance counselor (dawn.vest@k12.dc.gov) and myself, as soon as possible to ensure proper documentation. Please see the attendance resource here:  Attendance Resource 


Classroom News and Updates, September 21

Click Here to View the Back to School Night PowerPoint


Beginning-of-year testing

Beginning-of-year testing has ended, and your child’s individual testing data were sent home in their backpack on September 21. We will discuss these results in detail during parent-teacher conferences, but if you have any questions or concerns before then, please don’t hesitate to contact me. More information about kindergarten testing can be found on the Home page of our digital newsletter. 

District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Clever Portal   www.clever.com as a single sign-on gateway to launch digital learning applications, online library tools and grade-specific educational resources such as i-Ready. 

Along with your child’s testing data, I’ve included their personalized Clever QR code. This QR code provides secure and easy access to our digital learning resources at home.


Fall Clubs

Fall clubs will begin on Tuesday, September 29. Please email me with your child’s club choice and the days they will attend, so we can ensure a smooth start for everyone.


Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. I will share a conference sign-up sheet with families on October 1. Please look out for this information and choose a time that works best for your family.


School Portrait Day

Mark your calendars! Student Portrait Day is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026. This is an opportunity for students to have their school portraits taken by Freed Photography. Portraits are a wonderful way to capture memories from the school year and are often used for yearbooks and family keepsakes. Additional information about ordering photos and portrait-day procedures will be shared as the date approaches. We look forward to seeing our students ready to smile for the camera! Check out the flyer.


FRESHFARM FoodPrints

Our FRESHFARM FoodPrints program brings gardening, cooking, and nutrition education to life through hands-on, standards-based lessons led by expert educators. Students learn by growing, preparing, and enjoying fresh, local foods, while making real-world connections to science, math, and social studies. Families are warmly invited to participate in our next FoodPrints session on Friday, October 23, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm. Please note: this date is subject to change—I will provide as much advance notice as possible if there are any adjustments.


DCPS Technology Advisory Committee (TAC)

Families interested in shaping the future of technology in DCPS are encouraged to apply for the DCPS Technology Advisory Committee (TAC). Committee members will provide feedback on district technology standards, engage with DCPS leadership, and help inform decisions that support technology access and digital equity across our schools. School leaders, instructional staff, technology points of contact, caregivers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by September 21, 2026. To learn more and apply, visit Apply Here


Back-to-School Giving Campaign

John Francis Education Campus is partnering with community organizations to support students and families through our Back-to-School Giving Campaign. This initiative helps provide essential school supplies and resources that students need for a successful school year. We encourage our school community to support this effort by participating, spreading the word, and helping ensure that every student has the tools needed to learn and thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for JFEC students and families Read here for more information.


Student Absences

If your student is absent from school, please email your child's teacher and Ms. Vest, our attendance counselor (dawn.vest@k12.dc.gov) and myself, as soon as possible to ensure proper documentation. Please see the attendance resource here:  Attendance Resource 


Classroom News and Updates, August 31


Family Reminder: Elementary Student Dismissal Forms Required

To help keep all students safe, DCPS requires families of elementary students to complete an Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form each year. This form identifies the adults who are authorized to pick up your child and/or indicates whether your child has permission to self-dismiss.

Self-dismissal means a student leaves school grounds at the end of the day without an adult, either by traveling home alone or being dismissed to an older authorized student, such as a sibling.

Important: Beginning in School Year 2026-2027, EVERY elementary student (PK-5) must have a completed dismissal form on file by the first day of school. Families must submit a separate form for each child.

Forms can be completed electronically and submitted to the school, or families may pick up a paper copy in the main office.  Electronic submission should be sent to paula.kirby@k12.dc.gov. 

The subject should say - Dismissal Form - Grade XX  (XX should indicate your child's grade). This will aid us with form organization.  


DCPS Student Dismissal Website


School hours are 8:45 AM to 3:23 PM, Monday through Friday. Instruction will begin promptly at 8:45 AM, so please ensure students arrive on time and ready to learn.  Family pick up will begin at 3: 20 pm.  


 

To ensure a safe and orderly start to each day, please follow the designated arrival locations and times for your child’s grade level:  Elementary (Grades K–5):  Students will enter through the East Entrance near the School’s Café/24th Street front entrance.  Doors open at 8:30 AM.  


Your child’s regular prompt attendance at school is crucial to their success. Please send your child to school daily and ensure they are on time. A written note must be provided if your child is out for an excusable reason. A written note may be submitted via email. All written notices must be dated, include the reason for absence, and specify the dates your child was or will be out of school. Please submit documentation to the SWWFS Attendance Point of Contact, Dawn Vest (dawn.vest@k12.dc.gov), and Ms. Watson (rahshita.lowe-watson@k12.dc.gov 



Please consider supporting the Home and School Association (HSA) and participating in school-wide functions sponsored by our parent/family board and faculty. Please see our HSA website for more information.  


As we prepare for the new school year, we are looking for parents/guardians who are interested in serving as Room Parents and helping us strengthen communication and support within our school community. We are seeking two Room Parents per classroom. 

Room Parents will serve as liaisons between teachers/school staff and other parents and guardians. They may assist with communicating classroom or grade-level needs and coordinating parent support for supplies, donations, field trips, special activities, celebrations, and other needs throughout the school year. 

Room Parent Interest Form: Room Parent Sign up Here


Here is the link to the DCPS clearance process. If interested in supporting our class through volunteering or chaperoning this school year, please be sure to complete the requirements!


Our 2026-2027 community handbook can be found Here and on our school's website at https://www.johnfrancisec.org/. Important school information and expectations are conveniently available in this digital book for your access.


     Back to School Night for grades K-5 will take place on Wednesday, September 9th at 5:30pm.  

    Please see this flyer for more information.


    Data will be shared upon grade-level completion.

    More information about kindergarten testing can be found on the Home page of our digital newsletter. 

iReady ELA Assessment—On September 2nd, Students will complete the beginning-of-year iReady ELA assessment. This adaptive (online) assessment identifies students' phonological awareness, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. 

iReady Math Assessment—Students will complete the beginning-of-year iReady math assessment on September 10th. This adaptive (online) assessment determines students' current understanding of Kindergarten math topics and will be used to plan and adjust instruction based on individual student's needs. 

DIBELS Assessment, ongoing throughout September—DIBELS is a quick assessment that determines students' foundational reading skills, such as phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, accuracy, and fluency. It will take place over the next four weeks.


Pre-K—5th graders should wear a black polo shirt, khaki bottoms (e.g., pants, skirts, shorts), khaki jumper dresses, and closed-toe shoes. Children should always wear closed-toe dress shoes or sneakers for safety, and sneakers should be worn on Physical Education days. Our Physical Education days this semester are Monday and Tuesday each week.


Please visit our school's website, www.swwfs.org, under the "For Parents" tab, for Wonder's before and after-care services. Care programming includes supervised activities, instructional homework help, arts and crafts, and tons of other fun and play opportunities. Program Director: Stephanie Dyson Phone: (240) 274-0508 Email: johnfrancis@wonderslearning.org  


    Our digital classroom newsletter will be sent bi-weekly. The newsletter will include learning goals, 

    curriculum information, online learning details, our class schedule, classroom activities, updates, reminders, 

    upcoming dates, field trip information, pictures of your child engaged in school lessons, and more. Our    

    newsletter will be shared on Monday unless it falls on a holiday or a no-school day, in which case it will be     

    shared on the next business day.


Homework will begin the end of September, after beginning of year testing . Students will receive (1) math practice and (2) a reading log. Homework will be sent home on Monday. Please return homework assignments by the following Monday. If Monday is a Non-School Day, homework will be sent on the next school day. Homework aims to review, reinforce, and practice skills presented in class. It helps children learn self-discipline and allows them to take responsibility for their learning. Homework allows you to see what is being learned in school. 


Each child received a Blue Take-Home Folder.  This folder will include items such as homework, assessments, school notices, and important reminders. Please be sure to go through your child’s Take-Home Folder every day after school and return it with any required forms or notices as soon as possible.


    At JFEC, we love celebrating special milestones with our students! To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and   

    well-organized experience for everyone, please review the following guidelines for classroom    

    celebrations:

Store-bought, pre-packaged snacks or bakery items from commercial establishments are permitted.

Homemade food items are not permitted due to food safety considerations.

All snacks must be nut-free, including peanuts, tree nuts, and products with potential cross-contamination.

Please keep portions modest. A small treat to share is more than enough!

Thank you for helping us create memorable celebrations while maintaining a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students! JFEC Administration


    Here at JFEC, we strive to promote academic excellence as well as stellar behavior.  School   

    rules include the 5 R’s, which will be reiterated to students daily.  Please talk with your child   

    about our school’s expectations.

5 R’s:

1.     Respect for Self.

2. Respect for Others.

3. Respect for Property.

4. Respect the Rights of Others to Learn.

5. Respect for Racial Differences.

We also live by the 7 Habits of Happy Kids

*Habit 1, Be Proactive – (You’re in Charge of Your Actions, Attitudes, and Moods)

*Habit 2, Begin with the End in Mind – (Have a Plan and Set Goals)

*Habit 3, Put First Things First – (Work First, Then Play)

*Habit 4, Think Win-Win – (It’s Not Just About You, Everyone Can Win)

*Habit 5, Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood – (Listen Before You Talk)

*Habit 6, Synergize – (Working Together is Better)

*Habit 7, Sharpen the Saw – (Balance Feels Best)