2nd Street Families
DE NOVIS – What’s New
Calendar 2024-25
Calendar PDF
Please review the 2024-25 Calendar at your convenience!
Summer Assignments: Math Packets and Reading Lists
Details
What will you and your child need for the summer? Find details below!
UPPER SCHOOL
English: All books are available for pick-up at the school
Math
- AP Calculus AB Summer Math Packet
- AP Calculus BC Summer Math Packet
- AP Statistics Summer Math Packet
- Honors Precalculus Summer Math Packet
MIDDLE SCHOOL
English: All required reading books are available for pick-up at the school
- 8th Grade: Read Beneath the Moon by Yoshi Yoshitani and EITHER American Born Chinese by Gene Yang OR Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen; all 8th graders should have completed the Assigned Reading Selection Form
- 7th Grade: Read March: Book One by Andrew Aydin and John Lewis and Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada
- 6th Grade: Read The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
- 5th Grade: Read Save Me A Seat by Gita Varadarajan and Sarah Weeks
- Grades 5-8: Capitol Choices Summer Recommended Reading Lists
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- Students should read at least 2 books AT OR ABOVE their reading level off the Capitol Choices Reading List
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Math
Summer School 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
SUMMER SCHOOL – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This document outlines the most frequently asked questions about summer school 2024. If you do not see the answer you are looking for, please email summerschool@latinpcs.org.
What are the dates and times for summer school?
Dates – summer school 2024 calendar
- Summer School Session One will run from 6/24 – 7/10.
- Session Two will run from 7/11 – 7/26.
Times – summer school daily schedules
- Middle School students (grades 5-8) will start school at 8:30 and be dismissed at 1:30.
- Afternoon enrichment sessions, called MAGIS, are available until 4:30 pm.
- Students in grades 9-12 will begin at 8:00 am and be dismissed at 1:45 pm.
Is there a cost to attend Summer School?
No, summer school is free!
Is there an option for students to take the bus during summer school?
We do not offer bus service during summer school.
Will breakfast and lunch be available for students?
Breakfast and lunch will be available for free every day for all summer school students.
- Breakfast will be available from 8:00 am – 8:30 am.
- Middle school lunch will be from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm.
- Upper School lunch will be from 11:30 am – 11:55 am.
Do students have to wear uniforms?
All students are expected to wear uniforms with the exception of new-to-Latin students in 5th and 9th while attending summer bridge during the first session of summer school.
Is aftercare available during Summer School?
Yes! MAGIS (our aftercare program, Latin for more) will be offered during the summer for students in Middle School. Any Middle School student staying on campus after classes (including waiting to be picked up) must be enrolled in Magis.
- Days and Times – 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm, Monday through Thursdays. MAGIS will NOT be offered on June 28, July 4, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 22, or July 26.
- Cost – Families will pay $18/day per student. Families eligible for free and reduced meals pay $9/day.
- Sign up – Families can elect for students to attend every day or select specific days.
- Questions? If you have questions about MAGIS, please email Ms. Treshia Pettiford.
How many days can I miss in summer school and still receive class credit?
Upper School – According to the Office of State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), students are only allowed to miss one day per session and still receive class credit.
Middle School – We will determine this on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to summerschool@latinpcs.org with specific questions.
How will asynchronous days be structured?
Students will receive work from their teachers by 8:30 am, which must be completed and turned in by 5:00 pm.
I registered and did not get my first choice. What can I do?
In assigning Upper School students their summer classes, we give priority to juniors and seniors who need credits to graduate. Students are then enrolled in order according to the registration form timestamp.
We have done our best to give students either their first or second choice. If you did not get either reach out to summerschool@latinpcs.org to discuss your options.
Is it too late to register my child for Summer School?
The summer school 2024 registration form has closed, but this does not mean it is too late to register. All summer school registrations are now being handled directly by Ms. Griffith. If you need to register your student, please email summerschool@latinpcs.org. Classes are offered on a first come basis and the selection of available classes is limited.
New students may be registered as soon as they have completed enrollment! Please see details below.
NEW STUDENT OPTIONS
New 5th grader classes
Our rising 5th grade students may sign up for our free summer school classes after enrolling. We have classes designed exclusively for new students, as well as the option to sign up for classes also open to our returning students in 6th and 7th grade. All incoming 5th graders will be enrolled in Math and English Enrichment. If families choose to register for both sessions then families will get to choose which other two courses in which they want to enroll.
You can see all options and sign up using this Google Form.
New-to-Latin 9th grade “Summer Bridge” classes
Summer Bridge is a program geared towards assisting new 9th graders have a smooth transition into the Latin community. Students will take the following courses:
- Introduction to High School
- Research Methods
- Learning the Latin Language
Students will be on a different schedule than the rest of summer school: class begins at 8:30 am and ends at 1:00 pm. Students will have a chance to meet other incoming students and earn community service hours for completing two service projects.
To sign up, please use this Google Form. If you have any questions regarding summer bridge please email summerschool@latinpcs.org.
Calendars for Final Exams & the End of Year
Details
These final weeks are flying by! As the school year comes to a close, we want to make sure you know what to expect, as our schedule will be heavily impacted by finals, events, outings, and other activities. Please consult the detailed End-of-Year Calendars to see the plan for your child’s grade.
Please take note of these key points:
Final Exams
All students in grades 7-12 will take final exams in the next two weeks. Please consult the calendars above for more information about specific testing schedules.
- Finals will be conducted in 2-hour blocks, two per day (morning and afternoon).
- Please note that students do NOT need to be present at school during testing blocks where they do NOT have a final exam. This means that students may dismiss early or arrive late depending on the testing schedule for their classes.
- Students in grades 8-12 will begin taking finals on Wednesday 5/29.
- NOTE: 8th Grade students without a World Language exam may be dismissed after lunch on Wednesday 5/29. They may also remain at 2nd Street for an optional study session if desired.
- Monday 6/3 is the last day for finals in grades 8-12. The second testing block (1:00-3:00 pm) is ONLY for make-up exams; students in grades 8-12 who do not need to make-up any tests may dismiss after lunch.
- Students in 7th grade will take finals on Thursday 5/30 and Friday 5/31. They will arrive and depart at the regular times on both exam days.
- Students in grades 5 and 6 do not take final exams (though they may have unit tests).
Arrival & Dismissal
- Upper School students are expected to be at school in time for advisory on days when they have final exams. Please note that advisory begins later on certain dates, with students having the option to attend a guided Study Period between 8:00 and 9:15 am where they can study with their advisors or other teachers.
- 7th/8th grade students are expected to arrive at the regular time on days when they have finals.
- 5th/6th grade students will follow standard arrival and dismissal times until Thursday 6/6, when they will dismiss at 12:00 pm.
Bus Schedules
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- Thursday 5/30 is the last day for the late bus.
- Thursday 6/6 is the last day for morning and afternoon buses.
- The morning bus will run as normal on Thursday 6/6.
- The afternoon bus will depart 2nd Street at 12:15 on 6/6.
Breakfast & Lunch: Both breakfast and lunch will be available for all students who are scheduled to be on campus through Wednesday 6/6. Breakfast will be provided before the Middle School Valedictions on Thursday 6/6.
MAGIS: The last day for MAGIS is Thursday 5/30.
Upper School Lion Day
On Tuesday 5/28, Upper School students will have a shortened Monday schedule followed by Lion Day from 1:40 to 3:15. This features fun competitive activities and games with their advisories out on the field. Students will be dismissed at the regular time.
Middle School Field Days
Field Day offers fun and games in a friendly competition between advisories out on the field. Students will arrive and dismiss at the regular times.
- 7th and 8th Grade Field Day is on Tuesday 6/4.
- 5th and 6th Grade Field day is on Wednesday 6/5.
Valedictions
Valediction, Latin for farewell, is an annual ceremony that marks the end of the school year and celebrates the experiences and accomplishments of the year. Valediction is the last day of school for that grade – Thursday 6/6 for grades 5-8 and Friday 6/7 for grades 9-12! Generally Valedictions just include students and faculty, plus the parents/guardians of students receiving awards. For the 7th/8th grade Valediction, two family members of each of our 8th grade students may attend (see below for more details).
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- 5th & 6th Grade Valediction is on Thursday 6/6, 8:30 – 10:00 am. Students arrive at the regular time and will be dismissed at noon. Summer vacation starts at noon!
- 7th & 8th Grade Valediction is on Thursday 6/6, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.
- For 8th grade students only, a max of two family members may attend the ceremony.
- There will be a reception for 8th grade students and their families hosted by the Parent Faculty Association immediately following the ceremony (12:00 pm) on the Forum outside the library and gym.
- Summer begins after Valediction for 7th graders, after the reception for 8th graders.
- Upper School Valediction is on Friday 6/7, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.
- Attendance is mandatory for seniors, optional for grades 9-11. Summer begins after the ceremony for grades 9-11!
- There will be a luncheon for seniors immediately after followed by mandatory graduation rehearsal. Graduation is on Monday, 6/10 at UDC!
- Please watch for details from the graduation team with details for seniors.
2024 CAPE Testing
Testing Information
Each spring, Washington Latin and all other public schools in DC must administer a standardized test. In previous years, it was called PARCC. This year, the test has a new name: DC CAPE (DC’s Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education). The test is important, providing information about student growth and achievement, playing a role in Washington Latin’s rating as a school, and factoring into decisions about federal funding for the city’s schools. It is therefore important that all of our students participate and do their best. OSSE’s website provides more information about CAPE including past results and sample score reports.
Key points about this year’s testing at Washington Latin:
- Testing will take place on April 24-26, April 30-May 3, and May 10.
- Students will take all tests online using student Chromebooks. On testing days, they will have 1-2 test sessions, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, then a modified class schedule or activity until dismissal.
- All testing will take place during the regular school day. We have increased capacity to test all students at once this year, which allows us to complete testing without the calendar alternations that were required last year.
- All middle school grades will arrive at the regular time on all testing days. MS Testing Schedule
- Upper school grades have varied schedules (by grade and by day) during testing. US Testing Schedule
- Please note that all students taking Geometry, regardless of grade, will follow a specific schedule that is slightly different than their peers. Geometry Students Testing Schedule
- Dismissal will be the regular time during testing EXCEPT on Wednesday 4/24 and Wednesday 5/1: all students (MS and US) will dismiss at 2:40 instead of 2:10.
Academic Night for Grades 5-7
Review Recording and Slides
Thank you for joining us to discuss the sequence of classes and the different options available to your child as they progress through Middle School. This journey is an exciting one, though we understand that it can seem complicated. If you were not able to attend, please either watch the recording or review our slides!
Latin Cafe 4/9 Recording
It was wonderful to see so many of you at Tuesday’s Latin Cafe! If you weren’t able to make it, feel free to either watch the recording of the session or review a PDF of the slides.
Schoology Information
Schoology – Latin’s Learning Management System
Schoology is an online system where teachers post information about their courses, including expectations, calendar, assignments, and dates of quizzes and tests. All Latin students in grades 5-12 have a Schoology account linked to the courses in which they are enrolled, where they can access class assignments, turn in homework, and check their grades and attendance.
Parents/guardians can create an account in Schoology to see information regarding their child(ren). You should have received information by email from our Tech Department about how to set up your parent account, including your access code. We are also sharing that information below (find the code in your inbox).
What do you do with your parent Schoology account?
Once you have created your parent account, you will be able to do the following:
- See your child(ren)’s full schedule.
- Open any of your children’s classes to see:
- Current grade (overall and for each submitted assignment)
- Course syllabus, grading rubric, and other general information
- Upcoming assignments and projects, including handouts and links
- Course calendar, including test dates and assignment due dates
If you have a Schoology account from last year that you still know how to access, there is no need to do any further. If you don’t have a Schoology account yet, or if you’d like to add a new account with a different email address, please visit the Tech page for more information.
New Chromebook Policies
We are modifying our 1:1 Chromebook Program in the Middle School to limit academic screen time and develop healthy tech habits, especially for our youngest students.
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5th graders will have access to Chromebooks in every classroom rather than a device being issued to each student for use at school and home. Instead, they will use classroom devices as needed for the lesson in each class, returning it to the cart when that class period ends.
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6th graders will also have access to Chromebooks in every classroom rather than being issued a device. We will use the devices issued last year to our now-6th graders to create the 6th grade classroom Chromebook supply. To do this, we need 6th graders to bring their school-issued devices (Chromebook + charger) to school! They may do so at 6th grade orientation on 8/22 or on the first day of school.
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7th and 8th graders will keep their assigned personal devices and continue to have them both at school and at home.
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Upper School students will also continue to use their assigned personal devices, which travel between school and home for classwork and homework.
Teachers in all grades will be mindful of these changes when assigning homework or longer-term projects. Over the course of the year, however, some computer-based homework may be assigned in 5th and 6th grades. Many of our families have a home computer that their children can access for this limited number of assignments. If not, families can apply for a loaner Chromebook for the school year for homework purposes. The device would need to be returned to us at the end of the academic year. Please note that our supply is limited, however. If a student receives a loaner device, it is subject to our tech use and repair/replacement policies.
GoGuardian Content Filtering Program
We are continuing the rollout of the GoGuardian tools to help ensure that our students are accessing appropriate content on school-issued Chromebooks while using school Google accounts. We announced last spring that we were piloting this tool, and we have moved past the pilot phase and will use this tool in all grades this school year. We will use both GoGuardian Admin and Teacher products, which will filter content and monitor student computer use.
Why these changes?
We know the benefits of providing students with access to rich and varied digital content. At the same time, young students can be distracted by this, with detrimental effects both in and out of the classroom. We also heard from many of our families that they wanted an intentional limit on the accessibility of the Chromebooks. Our goal with this change is to help students to limit access while we work with them to develop initial digital literacy, so that they are ready to make productive and effective use of a personal device in later grades.
New Cell Phone Policy
Student Cell Phones (and other devices)
As you may recall, last school year students in 7th and 8th grades had some access to their cell phones during the school day. We are changing this policy, based on both our observations and parent feedback, recognizing the potential distraction phones and other smart devices can create in the classroom.
In our Middle School, students will not have access to their cell phones or other smart devices through the school day.
We are asking for parents to partner with us by being mindful that students will not have access to their phones during the day in the Middle School. If you need to contact your student with an important message, please call our front desk, and we will relay that information to your student.
In the Upper School, students are expected to silence all devices and put them away and out of sight, in their bags or pockets, during class.
They are allowed to use devices during breaks and lunch, but we ask that airpods stay away throughout the day while in the school building so students can fully engage in our community and with one another. Students may only use cell phones or headphones/airpods during class or study hall if they are given permission from their teacher for academic reasons (example: listening to a TedTalk for Health class or completing a live on-screen competition in Biology review).
The change speaks to our commitment to the development of our students’ ability to seek the conversation. We aim to reduce the potential for off-task behavior during the school day and advocate for consistent, tech-free interaction and engagement among students.
Register for MAGIS
MySchoolBucks - New fee payment system
Why this change?
We believe that this system will make it easier for families to register for school activities and pay fees in a single location. It will also make it easier for us to track payments, send invoices, and support our families.
What will families pay for in MySchoolBucks?
Items you will be able to pay for through MySchoolBucks include:
- Bus transportation – sign up, agree to the behavior agreement, and pay
- Planners – Purchase at school, pay on MSB ($10 each)
- MAGIS afterschool – coming soon!
- Meals – we will use MySchoolBucks to invoice families – stay tuned!
- Other school fees will be added to the system this fall – watch for notices.
What is the first step?
Each family registers for a MySchoolBucks account. This takes just a few minutes. Once established, you can login to your account on a computer or phone via web or their own app.
For detailed instructions, please check our MySchoolBucks Quick Start Guide.
How will I pay school fees?
Latin will link MySchoolBucks to any school fee information or request, such as signing up for the Latin bus or MAGIS. You will sign up and pay fees in one location!
What about donations?
Those will still go through PayPal – no change!
Questions or need help?
We will be at the 8/20 Back to School Get Together to help families sign up and answer questions. You can also check the Make Payments page for more information. You can contact us through operations@latinpcs.org to ask about school services or fees.
Register for the Bus
Registration is now open for chartered bus service from Hillcrest/ Anacostia, Glover Park, Tenleytown, and Eastern Market for the 2023-2024 school year. For information on routes, pricing, and to register, please visit the 2nd St Make Payments page.
Nota bene!
Washington Latin will now use the MySchoolBucks platform for all school fee payments – please read below! For the bus, registration is built into MySchoolBucks along with payments.
Register now for your MySchoolBucks account, so you are ready to pay for fees, including the bus, uniform patches and planners at the Back-to-School Get Together!
LEGES – Policies
DC Public Charter Board Profile of Washington Latin
Visit the DC Public Charter School Board profiles for Washington Latin's Anna Julia Cooper Campus, and our 2nd Street Campus's Middle and Upper Schools.
All Washington Latin Policies
Please visit our Policies page for information on a range of policies at Latin, including the overall organization and at 2nd Street.
Uniform Policy & Purchasing
Uniform Policy & Purchasing
Washington Latin believes that appearance is important and requires students to meet the highest standards of dress and deportment. We see families as our partners in ensuring that students come to school each day as representatives of our school community.
School uniforms are an important part of the culture at Washington Latin. Uniforms serve many purposes; foundational among them is that they communicate the shared objective of learning and that the school is a place for serious academic pursuits. The school uniform can also help to alleviate anxiety about dress choices for school and reduce non- academic distractions in the school environment.
We require all students to wear uniforms and always adhere to the Uniform Policy while in the school building and at school-sponsored functions. Students’ personal presentation should reflect modesty, neatness, and cleanliness. Students are not to wear hats or other headwear except for medical reasons or as personal religious beliefs dictate.
All Washington Latin administration and faculty will strictly enforce the following Uniform Policy. Failure to adhere to the Uniform Policy will result in strategic intervention or disciplinary action; chronic non- adherence may lead to additional discipline action. Washington Latin also reserves the right to change this policy as needed.
Daily School-wide Uniform
Uniforms are to be worn with careful attention to proper presentation, appearance, and sizing. The basic Latin uniform consists of khaki (tan) or navy slacks or dress pants and a collared white, gray, or navy polo shirt with the Latin logo. Please see the following list of acceptable items and other notes.
Shirts
- A navy, gray, or white long- or short-sleeved polo shirt with school
- You may purchase plain white, gray or navy polos from any store of your choice. This can be worn with a logo patch you sew on yourself (available at the Latin School Store), or a logo added by G-Land for a small fee.
- Seniors may wear a plain, white, gray, or navy, collared shirt (professional wear).
Sweaters/Sweatshirts
- Students may wear navy, gray or white sweaters and sweatshirts; sweaters and sweatshirts must either have the Latin logo or be completely solid and plain.
- You may purchase navy sweaters/vests/cardigans from any store of your choice and then add the logo. This can be with a patch you sew on yourself (available at the Latin School Store), or a logo added by G-Land for a nominal fee.
- Students must wear a collared shirt under their sweater or sweatshirt.
Pants, skirts and dresses and other bottoms
- Khaki (tan) or navy slacks or dress pants, shorts, or Blue jeans, sweatpants, and variations of brown and olive green are strictly not allowed.
- Khaki or navy pants, shorts or skirts may be purchased from a store of your G-Land and Land’s End offer them, but you do not have to purchase from them.
- Students may wear solid leggings or tights in navy, gray, white, or black with shorts and Fishnet leggings and stockings are not allowed.
- Students may wear a navy polo dress with school logo (available through Lands End only).
- Also allowed are khaki (tan) jumpers with school logo, worn with a collared shirt
Outerwear
- Coats, jackets, gloves, hats, skullcaps, and head wraps must be removed once students enter the building, except as medical reasons or personal religious beliefs dictate.
Footwear
- Students must wear closed-toe shoes. Slip-ons or open-toed sandals are not allowed.
- Shoes and socks should be school appropriate. Beyond this, there are no specific restrictions on color, etc.
Physical Education and Athletics Wear
- 5th and 6th grade – Students are required to purchase their physical education uniforms: a gray Latin shirt, cardinal Latin mesh shorts, gray Latin crewneck sweatshirt, and gray Latin sweatpants. The sweatshirt may also be worn during school and in the classroom. Families need to purchase all items only from GLand Uniforms or at the PFA Used Uniform sales (occasional sales are held at both campuses.)
- 7th and 8th grade – Students purchase athletic team uniforms directly from Washington Latin. Our team coaches or the Athletics Director will provide a form to all students seasonally with details.
- Upper School – Athletic team uniforms are provided to all players by the school and are expected to be returned at the end of the season. If a uniform is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay the replacement cost.
• Neither athletic wear nor sleep wear may be worn except as enumerated in this policy.
Purchasing Uniforms
Latin uniforms are available from the following vendors. Every item that you find in our sections with these vendors has been pre-approved by the school.
- G-Land – http://g-landuniform.com/ to order; G-Land 1516 Wisconsin Ave NW to pick up orders
- Flynn and O’Hara – flynnohara.com/School-Landing
- Lands End – landsend.com/school, select “Find Your School’s Dress Code.”
Logo Patches
- You can purchase logo patches to sew onto plain polo shirts, jackets, sweaters, These will be available at the start of school events and throughout the year at the front desk.
Used Uniforms – $5/each
- The Parent-Faculty Association sells gently used uniform items donated by other Latin families. For a nominal contribution to the PFA, you can add to your child(ren)’s wardrobe and save the planet!
- We accept donations of clean, gently used items throughout the year at the front offices of both campuses.
- Sales are ongoing throughout the year and most active at the start of school. You can purchase used uniforms at these events. Note that we do not have an ongoing used uniform store.
- Payments can be made with cash, check, or through PayPal (use the button on the School Store page of our website.)