School Health and Safety Reopening Guidance Technical Assistance
OSSE's Health and Wellness Division is offering the following technical assistance:
Biweekly technical assistance calls led by OSSE and in partnership with DC Health, PCSB, DCPS, and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education. The online calls provide support regarding the implementation of health and safety guidance during the reopening period. These Monday calls take place from 1-2 p.m. every other week. The next call is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 16 and will include a deep dive on the Mayor's new travel order. Register
Question submission form for schools and LEAs to submit questions to OSSE regarding health and safety reopening guidance. Submit a question via this Google Form.
LEA English Learner Coordinator November Meeting(reminder)
OSSE invites LEA English learner (EL) coordinators to a fall LEA EL Coordinator meeting to be held virtually on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, from 3-5 p.m. This meeting provides a forum for LEA EL coordinators to learn about policy updates, share best practices, and discuss key strategies and tools for supporting English learners across the District. In this meeting, LEA EL coordinators will:
Learn from a peer LEA EL coordinator about leveraging multiple data points to collaborate with educators and school leaders to remove barrier impacting ELs’ educational experience; and
Discuss successes, challenges, and potential solutions with peers.
[Register] For questions, please contact Dr. Jennifer Norton, manager for English learner supports, at Jennifer.Norton@dc.gov.
State Literacy Needs Assessment Survey for K-12 Educators (reminder)
OSSE is requesting information from all K-12 educators across the District as it pertains to literacy instruction, professional learning, and literacy interventions. The information gathered through this landscape survey is critical as OSSE is in the process of developing a statewide comprehensive literacy plan (CLP)to support LEAs, schools and community-based organizations as they work to improve teacher practice and student achievement outcomes. Please share this survey link with the educators in your schools and organizations. The survey will close on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, 5 p.m. For questions, please contact Ashleigh Tillman at Ashleigh.Tillman@dc.gov.
Special Education Transportation Reminders in Preparation for Return to Service(reminder)
OSSE's Division of Student Transportation (OSSE DOT) is providing transportation services for the 2020-21 school year, for schools offering “hybrid” (combination of distance and in-person) or “in-person” learning. While we recognize and appreciate the updates we have received for school calendars to reflect a model that includes in-person services, we wanted to remind you of our timeline for submitting your school calendars, to include the day you will begin in-person learning and the associated Transportation Request Forms (TRFs) for your eligible students who will use transportation services.
According to our Special Education Transportation Policy, OSSE DOT has 10 business days to process transportation requests. However, given the higher volume of requests at the start of the school year along with the need for data verification, staff notifications, and various other preparation activities, DOT requests that all calendar updates and TRFs be submitted no less than 20 business days (four weeks) prior to your first day of in-person learning for the applicable student group to ensure transportation services are provided. Once services begin, requests will be processed on a rolling basis according to our policy.
OSSE DOT has made several changes based on federal and local health guidance to ensure the protection, safety and well-being of our students, staff, and the school communities we serve. As a part of our reopening plan, we will provide families with information regarding the internal measures OSSE DOT will be taking to create a safe transportation environment with student-specific routing information prior to the first day of service. LEAs and schools can access this information on OSSE's website and are welcome to share it with families as well. Additionally, all school buses are now named, “District of Columbia Student Transportation,” to be more inclusive of all educational programs supported by transportation services.
It is our goal to make the transition to school-based learning as safe and seamless as possible for the families and schools we serve. For additional questions or concerns, please contact our TOTE Support Line at (202) 576-5520 or DOT.Data@dc.gov.
Important Immunization Reminder and Requirements for In-Person Learning (reminder)
As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, District physicians have recorded an extremely low rate of pediatric immunization administrations this year. According to DC Health, the rate of pediatric immunization administrations has dropped by 70 percent in the District as families have avoided or not had access to well-child care during the emergency period. Due to this, many children in the District are not fully immunized, creating a high risk for an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable infectious disease such as measles among our students. DC Health has advised that such an outbreak of another infectious disease could be as much, or even more, of a public health risk for school communities than COVID-19 itself, and would add another complex obstacle for school operations this year.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of protecting children against contagious diseases. Now, more than ever, families should make appointments and receive their necessary immunizations and flu shots. DC Health is prepared to support schools and families by providing more information on the importance of immunizations and details on where to access immunizations in the District. A list of health providers and locations offering pediatric immunizations is available on the DC Health website. Health providers are prepared to continue accepting appointments for administering immunizations throughout the duration of the health emergency and are taking protective measures to ensure safety of patients.
Due to the dangerously low pediatric immunization compliance and in an effort to protect the health and safety of all students, DC Health and OSSE have advised that all schools are to adopt the Immunization Policy for In-Person Attendance beginning in the 2020-21 school year. This includes notifying and potentially removing non-compliant students from in-person instruction after a 20-school day period due to the public health risks of in-person congregation without up-to-date immunizations. We request your assistance with communicating immunization requirements to all families now to give them as much time as possible to make appointments with their health care providers before the start of school.
OSSE's website has resources, training and information available for schools and families to support meeting immunization requirements. For questions about the Immunization Policy for In-Person Attendance, please contact OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov. For questions about immunization information, data, and locations where families can receive immunizations, schools can contact DC Health at SHS.Program@dc.gov or visit the DC Health Immunization Program webpage.
Upcoming Virtual PD Sessions for DC Educators
OSSE's Division of Teaching and Learning (TAL) has a robust offering of professional learning opportunities that are now open for registration. All OSSE TAL PD trainings are listed within the OSSE Training Registration application. In addition to the Fall 2020 PD Catalog, which includes in-depth descriptions of all trainings, educators can stay informed of PD opportunities by viewing the November 2020 TAL PD Bulletin. For questions, please contact the relevant member of the TAL PD Team.
Homeless Awareness Month 2020 – Homeless Awareness Weekly Webinars
In honor of National Homeless Awareness Month this November, OSSE’s Homeless Education Program will host a series of trainings, featuring subject matter experts on the impacts of homelessness and related resources to support families and students experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia.
To register for a training, please use the associated link for each session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar:
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Understanding Domestic Violence among Families in Unstable Housing - the presenters from DC SAFE and My Sister’s Place will discuss how they work in partnership to support families in need of shelter, protection and advocacy. Attendees will learn about the various types of abuse that victim’s will experience and the challenges of overcoming them with assistance from programs. Register
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, 1-2 p.m., Supporting Communities Through Food and Emergency Preparedness - attendees will be educated on the community impact DC Central Kitchen has among families in homeless shelters and charter and public schools in the District. DC Central Kitchen provides volunteer opportunities, job training, and educational engagement around healthy eating. Attendees will be informed of the various preparedness programs offered by the Red Cross, how families receive supports due to loss of housing, and how to be connected to local community partners in an emergency situation. Register
Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Catholic Charities - Trafficking Victims Assistance Program - the Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (TVAP) provides comprehensive and strength-based services for children and adult survivors of human trafficking so they can heal, get the justice they deserve and have safe and empowered lives. The TVAP team will educate attendees on the trends of trafficking among foreign residents, gender manipulation and labor services that exist in the community. Register
Tuesday, Nov. 24. 2020, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., English Learner and Special Education Rights and Resources - Advocates for Justice and Education seeks to empower families, youth, and the community to be effective advocates to ensure that children and youth, particularly those who have special needs, receive access to appropriate education and health services. Register
For questions, please contact Tasheen Stallings, homeless education program analyst, at Tasheen.Stallings@dc.gov.
2020-21 Community Schools Community of Practice (reminder)
For the 2020-21 school year, OSSE will host a series of community of practices (CoPs) related to community schools. The CoPs will be offered on a bi-monthly basis through April 2021. The sessions are open to all District of Columbia schools that are interested in receiving training and technical assistance on creating and sustaining a community school model.
The first session (rescheduled from Oct. 19) will be held virtually on today, Nov. 13, 2020, from 1-3 p.m. The session will focus on: Introduction to Community Schools: A Results Framework. This session will introduce community schools with a focus on results that are essential for student success. Register
For more information or questions, please contact Melissa Harper-Butler at Melissa.Harper-Butler@dc.gov or (202) 478-2409.
LEA Special Education Points of Contact Webinar(reminder)
On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, from 10-11 a.m., OSSE will host its next monthly webinar training for all LEA Special Education Points of Contact (LEA SE POCs). During this training, OSSE will provide important information relevant to your role as the LEA SE POC, according to the following agenda:
Monitoring Updates
Transportation Updates
SEDS Updates
Please note: All LEA SE POCs are expected to participate in each month’s webinar, and share any relevant content, updates, or announcements with LEA staff following the broadcast. Register here if you are not already signed up for the webinar series.
For questions about this webinar, please contact Tiffany Ingram at Tiffany.Ingram1@dc.gov.
STEM Inquiry & Project-Based Learning in the Digital World(reminder)
Given the distance learning posture our schools are in currently and the uniqueness of this new learning climate, OSSE will not hold the DC STEM Fair this school year.While we value the rich experiences and opportunities that engaging in this annual competition brings, we also want to make sure that we respect your safety and are sensitive to this year’s challenges. We are committed to safely and equitably bring together our community to create, problem-solve, and innovate. With the help of Battelle Education, we are offering support for educators, families, and students to facilitate and aid in STEM inquiry through a series of virtual sessions.
For questions about these sessions, please contact AC Lane at AC@strongerstem.com.
Functional Behavior Assessments: An Overview and a Bridge to Function-Based Positive Behavior Support Plans(reminder)
This six-part series online module focuses on conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and using data to create and implement function-based Positive Behavior Support plans. It is intended as an overview of a comprehensive, evidence-based method of interpreting and accurately responding to students’ challenging behavior in a way that supports their strengths and growth as well as reduces distractions to their learning. This course is FREE for DC educators, takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete and is geared toward leaders, behavior analysts, social workers, and other support staff who are often responsible for the FBA process. This course was developed by the DC Special Education Cooperative (Co-op) with support from OSSE. Register and learn more. For questions, please contact Jessica Dulay at Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
Experience a Free Virtual Field Trip with the National Children's Museum (reminder)
Adapted from an on-site education program, the National Children's Museum developed "Head in the Clouds," a 20-minute, standards-aligned virtual field trip video targeted for grades 1 through 4, with options for pre-K through kindergarten learners also available. Students will have access to a 20-minute independent video and then extend their learning together in a live, one-hour virtual session with a Museum Educator. Through the experience, students will:
Sneak a peek of the Museum's environmental science and climate exhibit "Weather Worlds"
Become budding scientists and meteorologists, observing and identifying clouds
Engage in hands-on activities, like creating a weather journal
Explore Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
The museum is now scheduling free live, one-hour sessions to extend learning through activities and tailored Q&As around "Head in the Clouds." Sessions are designed to accommodate classrooms that are entirely virtual (with multiple screens) or those where students are in-person (at least one screen). While all educators in the District are encouraged to respond, priority will be given to classrooms in wards 5-8. Sign up for the "Head in the Clouds" virtual field trip experience. For more information, questions, or ready to book your live field trip extension, please contact Fieldtrips@nationalchildrensmuseum.org.
OSSE Grants Reminder: Reimbursement Requests Due Dec. 1
Reimbursement requests for OSSE grants from the 2020 fiscal year are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. Reimbursement requests must be submitted online in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). Unfortunately, any reimbursements submitted for the first time after Dec. 1 are not eligible to be processed. For question, please contact the OSSE grant manager for your grant.
SOAR FFY20 Academic Quality / Facilities/ Early Childhood / CARES Equivalent Application (reminder)
The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Academic Quality/Facilities, Early Childhood, and CARES Equivalent formula grants applications is available for eligible charter LEAs to complete in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). Applications are due by 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. OSSE has extended this deadline a week from what was previously communicated given the Thanksgiving holiday. Funds allocated to LEAs that do not submit an application in EGMS by the due date will be reallocated to eligible LEAs that meet the deadline. OSSE will begin its review of applications as they are received and anticipates completing all reviews by the end of the calendar year.
Final federal fiscal year 2020 (FFY20) SOAR allocations are available in EGMS and on OSSE’s website. There have been no changes since they were shared initially on Aug. 10. This SOAR application reflects amendments to the SOAR grant to address the current needs of LEAs. This includes funding to provide CARES Equivalent allocations for LEAs not eligible for Title I funding, including adult and early childhood charter LEAs, and additional flexible formula funding for facilities, including virtual school infrastructure.
Slides and a recording of the recently presented a SOAR Formula Grants Pre-Application Conference, hosted on Nov. 3, have been posted to OSSE’s website, along with a document outlining allowable uses for grant funds. Please use these resources to support the completion of your application. For questions or need support on SOAR grants, please contact Jessie Harteis at Jessie.Harteis@dc.gov.
2021 Summer Strong DC Grant Competitions(reminder)
The Bowser Administration, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME), and the Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST Office) is currently accepting applications for the 2021 Summer Strong DC Grant Competitions. Nonprofit organizations that provide District children and youth with high quality and supportive out-of-school time programs during the summer months are strongly encouraged to apply. The deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, 5 p.m. You can view the Request for Applications (RFA) for each grant competition below:
The OST Office is seeking grant application reviewers for the 2021 Summer Strong DC Grant Competitions. Individuals with an expertise or background in youth development are strongly encouraged to volunteer. Interested individuals should complete this brief interest form by Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020. For more information or, please contact Alex Brown at Alex.Brown@dc.gov.
Children’s National Adolescent Health Town Hall Series (reminder)
Children's National Hospital is hosting a three-part COVID-19 and Beyond youth town hall series for high school students to address adolescent health and accessing mental health, primary care, and reproductive health resources while distance learning. The series will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, Wednesday, Dec. 2, and Wednesday, Dec. 9 from 12-1 p.m. High school students are highly encouraged to attend! Students, parents, teachers, and other educators may register here. For more information, please contact Iana Clarence at IClarence@childrensnational.org.
OSSE will continue to update and redistribute these resources quarterly. If you have a question not addressed in these resources, please contact OSSE Communications at OSSE.Communications@dc.gov.
Subscribe to LEA Look Forward
To subscribe to OSSE's LEA Look Forward, please contact OSSE Communications at OSSE.Communications@dc.gov and provide your first name, last name, and email address.
