Family Handbook 23-24

family handbook SY 2023-24

Translations The Family Handbook is available in multiple languages upon request. For translation services, please contact our Director of External Relations at [email protected]. El Manual para la Familia está disponible en varios idiomas a pedido. Para servicios de traducción, comuníquese con nuestro director de relaciones exteriores, Khizer Husain, a través del siguiente correo electrónico: [email protected]. Le Manuel de la Famille est disponible en plusieurs langues sur demande. Pour les services de traduction, veuillez bien contacter notre notre Directeur des relations extérieures, Khizer Husain, à khusain@ tworiverspcs.org Sổ tay Gia đình có bằng nhiều ngôn ngữ theo yêu cầu. Nếu cần hỏi về dịch vụ phiên dịch, vui lòng liên hệ với Giám đốc Quan hệ Đối ngoại Cấp cao của chúng tôi, Khizer Husain, theo địa chỉ [email protected] 《家庭手册》可根据要求提供多种语言版本。如需 翻译服务，如需翻译服务，请联系我们的对外关系 高级总 监Khizer Husain，电子邮箱：khusain@ tworiverspcs.org 2

Table of Contents 2 Translations 3 Table of Contents 4 Overview and Mission 5 Instructional Program 9 Student Support Services 12 School Culture 19 Measuring & Reporting Student Progress 23 Governance 25 Health, Safety, & Inclement Weather 29 Communication & Family Involvement 34 Attendance 35 Student Dress & Supplies 38 Student Records 40 Registration and Enrollment 41 School Calendar 3

Overview & Mission Overview Race & Equity Vision Statement: CORE VALUES Two Rivers community Two Rivers Public Charter School embarked on its We believe that racial equity is an area of growth members are learners who live maiden voyage in the fall of 2004. The school is a for our nation and our network and that we can and the following core values: vibrant educational environment where students must do better to empower all students, staff, and experience and grow, give and staff become a community of learners on a families. We are committed to being an exemplary access, be thoughtful, nurture journey of discovery. Founded by an energetic and anti-racist institution that nurtures diverse students relationships, and learn better committed group of DC parents, Two Rivers uses EL to have rich and varied options. As such, we strive together. Education, an educational model that emphasizes to eliminate the racial inequities found in our interactive, hands-on, project-based learning. The achievement and staffing data. We believe that life 4 school focuses on the whole child, recognizing the at Two Rivers must reflect equity and participation importance of character education and the social- by all racial, cultural, and economic groups to emotional needs of children while helping them better provide a learning environment where all achieve academic excellence. community members feel a sense of belonging and have a voice in our organization’s policies Two Rivers’ founders and staff share a strong belief and practices. Therefore we will continually work that all children can learn and be high achievers. to eliminate and remedy all forms of oppression, The curriculum at Two Rivers is rigorous, standards- systemic racism, and white privilege wherever they based, and provides opportunities for students to exist in our school network. excel in all areas. The school’s demanding academic program is augmented by an integrated arts Guiding Principles program and a content-based Spanish program. These elements come together through learning Our educational philosophy is based on these expeditions that allow students to incorporate and guiding principles, which support the school’s apply their classroom learning through real-world mission: experiences. 1 A small, diverse student body with a low Two Rivers is a network of public charter schools student-teacher ratio, supported by extensive operating outside of DC Public Schools (DCPS). family involvement. As a network of charter schools, it functions as its own school district, enabling it to select its own 2 Curriculum that is integrated across disciplines curriculum and instructional methods and hire its and provides high academic expectations. own teachers and staff. Two Rivers students still participate in standardized testing and are required 3 Instruction that is interactive, hands-on, and to meet state standards. project-based. Over 1,000 students in preschool through eighth 4 Teachers who facilitate student self-discovery grade across four buildings on two campuses and critical thinking. receive instruction in language arts, math, science, social studies, music, performing and visual arts, 5 A committed, talented, caring, creative, and and physical education. Special emphasis is placed well-supported staff who are partners in on Spanish language instruction. Two Rivers also guiding the school. has a strong commitment to special education. 6 An emphasis on literacy, with the goal that Mission every student will become a talented author, an adept reader, and a skilled communicator. To nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education, 7 Active, engaging social studies, science, and develop a sense of self and community, and math curricula that allow students to develop become responsible and compassionate members and apply skills in these areas to the world of society. around them. Goal 8 A strong commitment to the arts and a second language program. Our mission is supported by the following goal: When students graduate from Two Rivers, they will 9 An approach to student development that have the cognitive and social skills to succeed in nurtures the whole child, focuses on problem high school and college so that they are positioned solving, and helps children develop social skills to have rich and varied options for their future. and self-confidence. 10 An emphasis on learning beyond the classroom supported by community involvement, service- learning, field education, and partnerships with community organizations. 11 A physical environment conducive to learning and exploring.

Instructional Program Educational Program Outcomes for Deeper Learning LEARNING MEANS C O N V E R S AT I O N Two Rivers has structured its educational and Two Rivers recognizes that students need more We believe student character development programs to encompass its than the core content and basic skills that schools conversation is a powerful guiding principles and achieve its stated mission. have traditionally taught. Students need to develop form of exploration. We believe Fundamental to Two Rivers is a strong belief that skills associated with critical thinking & problem- that important learning takes all children can learn and be high achievers in a solving, collaboration & communication, and place when children challenge supportive environment focused on educating the character. one another, ask questions, whole child and grounded in high expectations. share ideas, and build on one Two Rivers has purposefully selected a method Critical thinking & problem solving involve another’s knowledge. of instruction, EL Education, which emphasizes developing a deep fund of knowledge and a set of the achievement of all students and is based on flexible skills that students can apply in a variety PRIMARY SOURCES a belief that individual success is directly related of settings beyond a single discipline. Critical We believe children learn to group success. The EL Education model also thinking & problem-solving skills may be applied authentically by using provides students with meaningful and authentic in a particular way in a biology class, but the same authentic resources. Although experiences by linking classroom learning to skills can transfer to a literature class or to jobs in they have access to some real world experiences and related skill building our modern economy. At the heart of these skills textbooks, students more opportunities, making learning relevant to all is the ability to analyze information and formulate often gather information from students. creative solutions to complex problems. non-fiction books, publications, and the Internet. By reading EL Education Collaboration & communication are interpersonal literature and exploring skills that help people work well with one another. primary sources, children gain Two Rivers’ educational philosophy is exemplified Both collaboration & communication involve information-gathering skills by the EL Education model that forms the basis being able to read the vast number of verbal and that they use to independently of its method of instruction. EL Education was nonverbal cues that we all use to communicate our problem solve and conduct developed by a group of Harvard educators during ideas and emotions. People need to learn to build research. the early 1990s, incorporating the principles and shared understanding, negotiate outcomes, and philosophy of Outward Bound, founded by Kurt cultivate trust to work together to solve problems Hahn in 1941. The model was one of 12 models that no one can solve alone. chosen by New American Schools to develop and evaluate a comprehensive school reform model. Character at Two Rivers is comprised of the intrapersonal and interpersonal skills necessary for EL Education is based on 10 design principles and success. Character involves being able to monitor five core practices embodied in each aspect of and direct your own learning, as well as cultivating the school is learning, at its heart, an expedition positive attitudes and beliefs about your academic into the unknown in which personal experience abilities and your identity as a learner. Character and intellectual growth promote self-discovery involves the skills of setting goals, maintaining and construction of knowledge. Children must be attention to detail and precision in your work, guided through this journey with care, compassion, and cultivating a growth mindset. In addition, and respect for their diverse learning styles, character involves personal integrity in both work backgrounds, and needs. By addressing individual and relationships. Thinking about character in these differences, educators can substantially increase the ways values how individuals think about themselves potential for learning and creativity of each student. both as learners and more broadly as people. The instructional practices in EL Education schools Throughout the instructional program, Two Rivers engage children’s natural passion for learning balances an emphasis on the core content and to develop their curiosity, knowledge, skills, and basic skills defined by academic standards with courage to imagine and work toward a better world. development of skills associated with critical At the completion of learning expeditions, students thinking & problem solving, collaboration & participate in a showcase to present the results communication, and character. of their expeditions and detail the progression of their work. Families attend these events to witness their children’s discussion of their work and view evidence of their learning. For more information about EL Education, please visit their website at eleducation.org. 5

Instructional Program Course of Study a parent or guardian may be required to accompany REVISING WORK IS A HABIT them on the field study. If a student is prohibited Students at Two Rivers Two Rivers is proud to offer a rigorous, standards- from participating in a field study, he or she will normally aren’t finished with based curriculum that encompasses many areas be given work to be done in another location in pieces of work until they do of study. the school. If a student is having a difficult time multiple drafts of it. This following the behavior guidelines on fieldwork, expectation reaches across All students at Two Rivers participate in language parents/ guardians may be asked to pick up the grades and disciplines. arts, math, social studies, and science as part of their student from the field location. Teachers guide students regular classroom instruction. In addition, students from draft to draft. Students have a variety of classes that enrich their classroom On occasion, fieldwork expeditions may be collaborate to assess the work learning and challenge them to think and grow in scheduled to locations too far from the Washington, of their peers. Rubrics set high new directions. Grades PS–5 have both Spanish DC area to facilitate a return by the end of the standards for finished pieces and Physical Education (PE) twice each week a school day. In these cases, parents may be asked and guide students as they nd music once each week. PS & PK students have to pick up their student from school at a later time. strive to get their work to meet visual arts and drama once per week. K-5 students these high standards. also have visual arts class twice each week for One of the many meaningful ways parents support half of the year; they then switch and have drama learning at Two Rivers is to chaperone fieldwork. 6 twice a week for the other half of the year. Middle Teachers welcome parents on field studies. Though School students take specials (arts, music, drama, there may be occasions when parent participation Spanish) on a quarterly basis, physical education is limited by space or tickets, in general, the more class twice weekly, and daily recess. Students who chaperones, the merrier. need significant academic interventions in reading, writing, or math may receive interventions during Science and Social Studies Spanish. Expeditions are the primary way that Two Rivers Grades K–8 use the Common Core Standards in delivers social studies and science instruction. Literacy and Math, and Next Generation Standards Expeditions are 10-to 12-week in-depth studies in Science and DC Social Studies standards. The of a specific topic. Studying something in depth Common Core Standards were created through a will help students develop life-long learning skills state-led effort by teachers, school administrators, more successfully than studying a broad range and experts to provide a clear and consistent of topics in less detail. The topics for expeditions framework to prepare our children for college are selected from the curriculum framework that and the workforce. For more information about outlines the essential areas of study in science the Common Core State Standards, please visit and social studies that will be covered in each commoncore.org. grade level. Through the curriculum framework, Two Rivers ensures that by the time a student Field Education graduates from eighth grade, he or she will have studied the critical aspects of each discipline: Fieldwork or field studies are an integral part physical science, life science, and earth science of the EL Education program. Two Rivers uses in the sciences, and in social studies: geography, the natural and social environments of our local civics, history, and economics. communities as sites for purposeful fieldwork and service connected to academic work. Students The curriculum is structured in this way to working in the field are active investigators, provide an interdisciplinary framework on which using research tools, techniques of inquiry, and all children can build their understandings year standards of presentation used by professionals in after year. All units of study involve intensive the field. Fieldwork is used to cultivate curiosity and research, reading, writing, scientific exploration, background knowledge. Unlike a traditional field and real-world application. In addition, trip, fieldwork has a clear purpose that furthers the school places particular emphasis on the work of the expedition (i.e., students collect development of the arts and social development. data, conduct interviews, do observations). In many Two Rivers’ curriculum offers challenging, cases, fieldwork takes place over an extended interesting content for students of all ages and period of time with several visits to the same site. ability levels. All families are asked to sign a general permission Math at Two Rivers slip during the registration process. Students are expected to follow the Two Rivers behavior Two Rivers has three goals in its mathematics guidelines on all fieldwork. Students who program: develop conceptual understanding of demonstrate difficulty abiding by the guidelines mathematics, build students’ critical thinking may be prohibited from participating in fieldwork or & problem-solving skills, and promote number sense and computational fluency.

Instructional Program We realize these goals through the Reading at Two Rivers implementation of the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum in the elementary schools and Two Rivers uses a balanced literacy approach Carnegie Learning Middle School Math Solution to teach reading. Reading is taught through in the middle school. Both curricular tools have a the use of authentic, compelling pieces of balance of emphasis on student problem solving, literature and informational text as well as activities to develop a deep understanding of through direct instruction in fluency and mathematics, and opportunities to build fluency decoding skills. The theory behind this approach in number sense and computation. has been outlined by Gay Su Pinnell and Irene Our program is designed to develop proficiency Fountas in their books, Guided Reading and Word in mathematics so that all of our students are Matters. In addition, Two Rivers’ approach to well prepared to succeed in high school. With reading has been further developed around the that in mind, we offer a credit-bearing algebra practices described in the EL Education book course for middle school students who have Transformational Literacy by Ron Berger, Libby demonstrated that they are prepared for work in Woodfin, Suzanne Plaut and Cheryl Dobbertin. more advanced mathematics based on school- Literature is used in several distinct ways during wide and state assessment measures. the school day. Each of the following strategies teaches explicit comprehension and decoding THE MATHEMAGICAL WIZARDRY PRIZE skills. First, read alouds allow students to hear fluent reading and models of comprehension To promote the pleasures of mathematics and strategies as teachers think aloud. Second, develop critical reasoning skills, on a weekly shared reading is an opportunity for students to basis, Two Rivers introduces a Mathemagical read chorally to further enhance fluency. Third, Wizardry Prize problem for everyone in the guided reading in the lower grades and literature community to solve. The problems are designed circles in the upper grades are structures for to have multiple solution methods and providing targeted direct instruction in reading to occasionally feature multiple solutions. These each student. During guided reading, students types of problems promote flexibility in read literature at their instructional level with a thinking and provide access to problem solving small group of other students and a teacher. The to students with varying levels of mathematical teacher helps the students develop strategies proficiency. For example, drawing a picture, for figuring out difficult words and facilitates acting out the situation, creating a table, discussions about the books to help students drawing a graph, or creating an equation can develop comprehension skills. Guided reading often be used to solve the same problem. No groups allow our teachers to connect students particular method is valued over any other and with interesting, meaningful literature while also in fact exploring the similarities and differences explicitly teaching reading skills. between two different paths to a correct solution As students’ reading abilities mature, the focus is a fruitful way to develop mathematical of direct instruction around reading shifts reasoning. from the mechanics of reading to independent The problems are introduced in community comprehension skills. Two Rivers formalizes that meetings and are available to be picked up at shift through literature circles as outlined by the front desk in each building and from the Harvey Daniels in his book, Literature Circles: Voice math teachers in the middle school. Solutions and Choice in Book Clubs & Reading Groups. Both are due at noon, the day before the community whole class literature study and small group meeting. Everyone can participate, and we often literature circles are used to read novels, short have solutions turned in by parents and teachers stories, informational text, and shorter pieces. as well as students. Collaboration is heartily Upper grades read longer and more complicated encouraged. Winners of the weekly prize have texts to build background knowledge and their names called out at community meetings. understand the nuances of expedition topics Celebrating the mathematical thinking of an and themes. entire family is a pleasure! So next time you are Finally, there are many opportunities for students in the lobby, ask for the Mathemagical Wizardry to read independently during the day to practice Prize Problem at the front desk, and have fun! and hone the skills that they have learned in the other strategies listed above. Nightly reading at home will help middle school students keep up 7 with the reading demands as students read both

Instructional Program for pleasure and to build background knowledge. homework that is well lit and free of distraction. SERVICE AND CHARACTER Two Rivers expects Middle School students to Homework assignments are designed to be DEVELOPMENT ARE PART read at home nightly for at least 30 minutes. developmentally appropriate for the grade. OF OUR CURRICULUM In our younger grades, students develop Homework will not always be given every night, their letter and phonological knowledge and and new skills are not introduced through We focus on character and word attack skills through the Words Their Way homework. Children may be expected to make service as well as academics. program. Words Their Way lessons emphasize up or complete unfinished work. Communication Quality academic work is word study as a method for students to regarding homework between home and mirrored by the quality of the independently develop their decoding skills with school is important and encouraged. If you ways in which we treat one guidance from the teacher. They encourage have any questions or your child is regularly another, our community, and students to make their own discoveries about having difficulty completing or understanding our environment. Students how letters and words work. homework, please contact your child’s teacher. are encouraged to be In addition to the strategies listed above, Two Two Rivers follows the guidelines from the compassionate, disciplined, Rivers places a heavy emphasis on vocabulary National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) courageous, and responsible. development at all grade levels. We place regarding the appropriate volume of homework. For example, your child’s class instruction in vocabulary on a continuum of tiers The National PTA suggests as a general may take time to discuss why to differentiate our vocabulary instruction as guideline assigning approximately ten minutes a class member has been suggested by Isabel Beck, Margaret McKeown, of homework per night, per grade. That means mistreated. They may take and Linda Kucan in their work, Bringing Words to that a third-grade student should have, on twenty minutes to pick up litter Life: Robust Vocabulary Instruction. We begin with average, approximately 30 minutes of homework at a neighborhood park. They the most common words in the English language per night. Teachers use homework in two may be a reading or math that form the first tier of vocabulary. These words primary ways at Two Rivers. Some teachers use buddy in an elementary school are taught in kindergarten and first grade as sight homework as an opportunity to practice skills classroom. words or power words with the expectation that that have already been introduced and taught. every student will be able to recognize them on This means that homework will involve no new sight. In addition, emphasis is placed on subject information, only skills that they are practicing knowledge specific words in math, science, and in order to secure. Second, teachers also use social studies. These technical terms fall into homework as an opportunity to extend learning. the third tier of vocabulary. However, there is a This means that a student may have to take a second tier of vocabulary words between the concept that has been introduced in class and most common words and expert language of think about new and novel ways to apply that tier three that is made up of terms that are used skill/ knowledge. frequently in educated speech and writing but An important part of every child’s life is are general enough to apply to multiple settings. recreation and exploration beyond schoolwork. These tier two words are often synonyms that We encourage families to take their children provide a greater level of sophistication and outside to play and get exercise, go to nuance to language than traditional speech and museums, and read together, as these are other are taught at all grades. opportunities for learning outside the school day. Homework Guidelines 8 Two Rivers believes that homework should be meaningful and connected to the school day experience by linking home to school and reinforcing skills already learned. Establishing good homework habits at an early age is an important way to develop personal responsibility as students prepare for future assignments and projects as they grow academically. Homework is an opportunity for parents and teachers to be partners in their student’s education. Families are expected to monitor homework completion and offer assistance if needed. They are also encouraged to teach routines for where and when to do homework and how to pack their backpack each day. Families should help students set up a designated place and time for

Student Support Services As a school that is committed to the success of solving, in which students with disabilities are every student, Two Rivers embraces all students – educated alongside their non-disabled peers. including students with disabilities, English Learners (ELs), and students experiencing homelessness -- Two Rivers is an inclusion based program. The and provides the necessary support to ensure their program strives to have students receive their success as learners and community members. specialized instruction in the general education classroom. If a student requires more intensive Students who have disabilities that substantially support, specialized instruction may be provided limit a major life activity or that adversely impact out of the general education classroom. This their educational performance may be eligible for decision is made by the special education team, also accommodations and/or services under Section known as the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) based 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) on data. Parents and guardians are an important or the Individuals with Disabilities in Education part of the team and the decision making process. Act (IDEA). Students who speak a language other than English at home may also be eligible for our In most classrooms, Special Education teachers EL program. For both students with identified provide specialized instruction and additional disabilities and ELs, Two Rivers uses an inclusion classroom support to our learners with special model of teaching in which students with special needs, with caseloads kept small so that students needs are educated alongside their peers. have multiple opportunities to receive both individual and small-group support as needed. Multi Tiered System of Supports Common planning times in both the elementary In order to help students achieve their maximum and middle school grades ensure that, even when potential, Two Rivers uses a Multi Tiered System of a special education teacher is not present in the Supports (MTSS). Students who are not meeting classroom, lessons have been designed with the academic targets, or who are experiencing social- needs of all learners in mind. All members of the emotional challenges, are provided with short-term teaching team work together to provide instruction intervention services to address their needs. Parents that is individualized to meet the needs of the child. are notified when a student is receiving intervention services. Most students who receive specialized instruction will have their needs met primarily within the Campus based leadership teams work to help a general education classroom. For students needing student reach his/her maximum potential. This more intensive remediation of basic skills, or for process addresses academic, social-emotional, those with other needs that cannot be met in the health, or behavioral concerns. The intention of the general education classroom, our special educators team is to explore the needs of the child and create and related service providers may work with the a plan to provide the support necessary to ensure child in a small group or one-on-one outside the success throughout the academic day. classroom, as determined by the Multidisciplinary Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team. The campus based leadership teams consist of the Principal, Assistant Principal, Director of Continuous monitoring of student progress Special Education, and in the elementary schools through both standardized and classroom-based the Student Support Counselor. Campus based assessments allow us to refine our interventions to leadership teams will work with families to ensure ensure that students with special needs improve that Two Rivers is using our resources to fully their basic skills and knowledge while developing support the student. the expert thinking and complex communication skills needed to become successful adults. For additional information about the MTSS process, please contact via ParentSquare or at: Family involvement at all steps of the process is particularly important, as they bring a unique Jenna Umansky perspective on their child’s strengths and needs, as Senior Director of Special Populations well as any external factors that may be impacting 202-543-8477 their child’s school performance. [email protected] Special Education at Two Rivers Students are typically identified for special 9 education or other services after going through Two Rivers’ Responsive Classroom and Expeditionary the Multi Tiered System of Supports. Families Learning models, emphasize respect of individual who believe their child may have a disability are differences, active hands-on learning, and problem-

Student Support Services encouraged first to use the MTSS process; however, in order to guide teachers in ensuring that students 10 families have the right to make a request for an are building the English language skills they need to evaluation at any time. Requests should be made to succeed. Our EL teachers work alongside classroom the Campus Director of Special Education. teachers in developing these goals and supporting Upon making such a request, families will be students in acquiring needed skills. The EL teachers contacted by the Campus Directors of Special may guide the classroom teacher in differentiating Education to discuss next steps. Parent or guardian materials to make sure they are accessible to all consent is required prior to evaluation, and students, or may work directly with EL students to determination about whether a child qualifies help them build specific skills. for special education services is made by a Multidisciplinary Team based on criteria determined Questions about our EL program should be by OSSE. The team includes families, the special addressed to Jenna Umansky, Senior Director of education and general education teachers, the Special Populations on ParentSquare, at Campus Director of Special Education and/or Senior [email protected] or 202-543-8477 Director of Special Populations, and other qualified professionals as appropriate (psychologist, speech Language Access for Families and language pathologist, occupational therapist, counselor, etc.) Detailed information about our All families have the right to information about your Child Find policies and procedures can be found on child’s education in a language you understand, and our website. to have the opportunity to participate fully in all school events. When your child enrolls in Two Rivers, Students give input into the creation of their IEP we will ask you about the language you would like through developmentally appropriate discussion to use when communicating with the school. This of their strengths and learning needs, goals, helps us identify your language needs so we can and classroom supports and accommodations provide an interpreter, or written translation of vital that support their ability to successfully access educational documents when needed. and progress in the curriculum. Many students, depending on their developmental readiness, also Intrepreters are provided for all Parent Teacher participate in some or all of their IEP meetings, and Conferences and Showcases. If you plan on their ideas, questions, and concerns help inform attending another school event, please contact the and direct the discussion. Two Rivers has found that Business Manager so that we can arrange for the when students participate in creating their IEP, they intrepretation. We ask that you make this request feel a sense of ownership and pride. This allows at least 48 to 72 hours in advance. If immediate them to self-advocate for their needs and work with language assistance is needed, please inform the a greater sense of purpose to achieve their goals. front desk and an interpreter will be called. Questions about Two Rivers’ services for students Homeless Students or your rights as a parent or guardian under Section 504 or IDEA should be addressed to Jenna The rights of homeless children are protected Umansky, Senior Director of Special Populations on under a federal law known as the McKinney-Vento ParentSquare, at Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act. [email protected] or 202-543-8477. This law ensures that homeless children have access to the same free and appropriate public education English Learners as other children. Under this law, if a child who is enrolled at Two Rivers is or becomes homeless, the In accordance with federal law, all students who child may continue to be enrolled at Two Rivers for speak a language other than English at home and/ the duration of homelessness. In addition, homeless or were born in a foreign country are screened to children have the right to transportation to ensure determine if they qualify for our English Learners they are able to continue attending their school (EL) program. Students are assessed in the areas of origin. Two Rivers will also work with homeless of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing to children and their families to ensure that they determine their level of need, if any, in each area. receive all supports and services for which they may Parents are notified before their child is screened, be eligible. and informed of the results afterwards. Parents may choose to opt out of participation in the EL The term “homeless child or youth” means: program. • Children and youth who lack a fixed, regular For students identified as EL, specific classroom and adequate nighttime residence; and goals in each identified area of need are developed includes children and youth who are sharing

Student Support Services the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks or camping grounds due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelter (including DC transitional housing); are abandoned in hospitals; or are awaiting foster care placement; • Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a private or public place not designed for, or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings; • Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; • Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are living in circumstances described above; • Unaccompanied youth, including youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, who qualify as homeless because they live in circumstances described above. Families who are experiencing any of the circumstances described above or who have questions about the rights of homeless children and/or services that may be available should contact our Homeless School Liasions: McKenzie Baecker 4th Street Interim Assistant Principal 202-543-8477 [email protected] Alison Cross Young ES Assistant Principal 202-388-1360 [email protected] Derrick Miles Young Middle School Assistant Principal 202-3883177 [email protected] 11

School Culture Two Rivers is a community of learners and we work • I cooperate with others and negotiate conflict INTERNAL REWARDS together to ensure that all community members constructively. INSTEAD OF EXTERNAL feel welcome and included. In service of that it is REWARDS expected that all community members students, • I seek and offer help when needed. We do not reward students staff, and families adhere to our Scholarly Habits. with prizes when they succeed. I act with integrity. We offer specific praise, Scholarly Habits • I identify problems. encouragement, and we • I analyze personal and social situations. celebrate the varying forms Our Scholarly Habits support our mission and goal • I constructively solve personal and social problems. of student achievement. We by helping students develop social and cognitive • I evaluate the impact of my actions. believe that if children only skills that support their learning. The Scholarly • I honestly reflect on the impact of my actions. experience extrinsic rewards, Habits are grounded in the recommendations for • I take responsibility for the impact of my actions. they learn to work only for social emotional learning competencies outlined • I act ethically and responsibly. those rewards and do not by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and connect their learning to the Emotional Learning (CASEL). By articulating the Crew outside world. We strive to social emotional skills that we want all students help children make these to develop, the Scholarly Habits make our Two Rivers middle school students participate in connections, believing that expectations explicit. They are the tenets teachers Crew, a structure designed to support students the purpose of learning is to reference to help students develop and take socially, emotionally, and academically, and to interact thoughtfully with the ownership over their own social-emotional and provide an effective transition into middle school world. academic development. Students learn that by and eventually, high school and beyond. Crew persevering through challenging tasks, engaging ensures that each student is well known by at 12 in teamwork, advocating for themselves, and using least one adult and builds positive connections self-control, they can improve their academic with their peers and school community. Crew is a outcomes. The Scholarly Habits also contribute structure that has been developed and supported to making Two Rivers a safe and supportive by EL Education and the spirit of Crew is something environment in which everyone feels safe to learn that we as an organization find extremely valuable. and to be themselves. Crews are single grade groups of 16-17 students and one teacher. Crew occurs four times a week; The Scholarly Habits are: this is considered the students’ first class of the day. Crew members build relationships with each other I know myself. and with other crews through initiatives that foster • I can identify my emotions. understanding, teamwork, and trust. Academic • I have an accurate self-perception progress monitoring and goal setting happens • I recognize my strengths. regularly in Crew, including portfolio and student- • I demonstrate self-confidence. led conference preparation and the creation of • I advocate for myself. 8th grade Passage Portfolios and Presentations. Character development occurs in Crew through I am independent and resilient. goal setting, discussion, acknowledgement, and • I control my impulses. reflection upon the Two Rivers Scholarly Habits. • I manage my stress and emotions. Crew leaders serve as the main point of contact • I act with self-discipline. for their crew families throughout the school • I am self-motivated. year. Elementary school students start their day • I set realistic goals and work to meet them. with morning meeting with their whole class • I can organize my materials. crews, which similarly provides students with an • I can plan and manage my time. opportunity for structured relationship building and is the pre-cursor for the deeper crew work that will I show compassion and embrace diversity. happen in middle school. • I see others’ perspectives. • I demonstrate empathy for others. Community Meeting • I appreciate diversity. • I respect others. Every Wednesday morning, at 8:30 am in the 4th Street Elementary School, every Wednesday I can connect and communicate. afternoon at 1:00pm in the Middle School, • I can communicate clearly and flexibly. and every Thursday morning at 8:30 am in the • I can actively listen. Young Elementary School we have community • I actively engage with others. meetings. This school-wide ritual is an important • I build relationships with diverse individuals and component in developing the culture of our groups. learning community. It functions as an opportunity for our students and staff to come together to greet one another, to sing, to move, to celebrate

School Culture our successes, and to share our learning. The Responsibility, Empathy and Self-Control. LEARNING IS PUBLIC AND community meeting structure reflects the morning 5 Knowing the children we teach – individually, C O L L A B O R AT I V E meeting or crew structure that students use in their Our students’ work is often classrooms every other day of the week. culturally, and developmentally – is as assessed by their peers. important as knowing the content we teach. Students read their writing We very much enjoy visitors to community meeting 6 Knowing the families of the children we and show their projects to and hope that families will join us. We ask that teach and encouraging their participation is the group, solicit comments, adults participate and follow the same community essential to children’s education. and present drafts for formal meeting rules as students. Because community 7 How the adults at school work together peer critiques. We do public meetings and morning meetings are so important to accomplish their shared mission is as work just like in the real to the building of our Two Rivers culture and important as individual competencies; lasting world. Having an authentic community, we ask that you make a special effort change begins with the adult community. audience keeps us on our toes, to make sure students are not tardy for morning The Responsive Classroom approach offers supporting quality work with meetings, community meetings, or crew. These interconnected strategies to use in classrooms, high standards. meetings start promptly at 8:30 am. such as: starting each school day with Morning Meeting, where students work together on group 13 Ago Ame activities and greet each other; creating clear and consistent approaches to discipline that foster Two Rivers uses a West African Twi call and response social responsibility; and classroom organization tool to get the attention of a group of people. Ago and family communication strategies to involve (ah - go) roughly translates into, “are you ready” families as partners in their children’s education. or “are you with me” and Ame (ah - may), roughly It also focuses on student reflection, encouraging translates into, “yes I am ready” or “yes I am with daily introspection about their goals, what they you”. You will hear Two Rivers staff use this during learned, things that could have been better, and transitions, during school-wide events, or in the things they would like to do in the future. This classroom. We use this with all of our students and reflective component provides a strong connection even staff when we need to call their attention or with EL Education. For more information about ensure that they are prepared to move on. Students Responsive Classroom, please visit their website at learn that when a Two Rivers staff person says ‘Ago’, www.responsiveclassroom.org. they are to stop what they are doing, look at the speaker, and respond with ‘Ame’. We ask that adults Two Rivers’ Approach to Behavior respond in the same way. Two Rivers’ approach to discipline is derived Responsive Classroom from the Responsive Classroom model, which incorporates social learning into the daily program. Two Rivers uses the Responsive Classroom In particular, children are expected to follow approach to create a safe environment where teacher directions and school rules, resolve conflicts children are able to take academic and social risks, without physical contact, be respectful of adults to help children understand the importance of and each other, use appropriate language, and kindness toward and acceptance of all people, to respect the rights and property of others. The celebrate differences in people and cultures, and goal of Two Rivers’ approach to behavior is to set to learn important social skills such as empathy a high standard for kind, appropriate conduct and and problem solving. provide students with clear guidelines of acceptable behavior. Staff members will treat students The Responsive Classroom model is based on respectfully in all situations. Children are expected research in social cognition, developmental to make appropriate choices that ensure safety and psychology, multicultural education, and child respect for themselves and others. Two Rivers is a development. Drawing on the work of many great learning community where students are expected educational theorists and practitioners, it operates to support each other academically and socially. on the following seven guiding principles: Each class works on developing an understanding of community around the idea of mutual respect 1 The social curriculum is as important as the and encouragement. academic curriculum. Throughout the program, staff will demonstrate to students that they can make choices in 2 How children learn is as important as what social situations and that their behavior has they learn. consequences. Two Rivers expects students to become positive members of the school 3 The greatest cognitive growth occurs through community and to uphold the school’s expectations social interaction. for appropriate behavior. Rules and logical consequences will be clearly communicated to 4 There is a set of social skills that children students and consequences for breaking rules need in order to be successful academically and socially. These are represented by the letters CARES: Cooperation, Assertion,

School Culture will be administered calmly and fairly. While of their behavior and its effect on themselves 14 expectations and consequences vary according to and on the community, provide a deterrent from the developmental level of the students involved, engaging in the behavior again, and give students there is a shared understanding of the overall an opportunity to rectify the situation. Additional expectations for student behavior at Two Rivers. consequences may include meeting with school staff, contact with a parent or guardian, a family When a student is escalated, teachers and conference, parent workshop, behavior contract, administrators will use deescalation techniques in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or to help the student regain control. In the Middle expulsion. In conjunction with consequence(s), the School, select staff are trained in the Therapeutic student may be offered the opportunity to perform Crisis Intervention method. Physical restraint is a “good deed” for the school community. Good only used in extreme situations of violence which deeds are those which improve social relations compromise the safety and well-being of staff and between students, assist with the general upkeep students. Parents will be immediately notified if a of the campus, and improve the overall atmosphere restraint occurs. The Two Rivers physical restraint of the school. Even if a student has made a negative policy can be found on the website. contribution to the community, they have the opportunity to contribute positively by doing a Appropriate behavior makes the learning good deed. environment a positive and safe place for everyone. This includes being respectful of all people and Two Rivers’ Bullying Prevention Policy property, participating in classes, being responsible, showing consideration for self and others, using Bullying is prohibited on school grounds, property appropriate language, and offering help when immediately adjacent to school grounds, at school- appropriate. sponsored or school-related activities, functions or programs whether on or off school grounds, on Behavior that is inappropriate includes: hurtful or off school bus or other vehicles owned, leased teasing or name calling, repeated ignoring of or used by the school, at any transit stop at which staff requests, behavior that prevents others from youth wait to be transported to the school or an learning, acts of physical aggression, destruction event sponsored by the school, or through the use of property, inappropriate touching of others, of technology or an electronic device owned, leased possession or intended use of illegal drugs, weapons, or used by the school. or other prohibited items, physical or verbal threats, and acts of cruelty. These behaviors take away from Bullying is also prohibited at a location, activity, the positive and safe learning community that Two function or program that is not school-related Rivers strives to maintain. through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased or used by the Logical Consequences school, if the act or acts in question create a hostile environment at school for the victim, Two Rivers utilizes the Responsive Classroom infringe on the rights of the victim at school or approach to consequences. There are three types of materially and substantially disrupt the education logical consequences that students may be given process or the orderly operation of a school. depending upon the behavior and how the child will learn best from the situation: Administrators will make expectations clear to students and staff that bullying will not be tolerated “Y OU BREAK IT, YOU FIX IT.” – Children take and will be the grounds for disciplinary action up responsibility for fixing, as best they can, any to and including suspension and dismissal for problem or mess they created. students. Retaliation against anyone who reports bullying, provides information about an act of LOSS OF PRIVILEGE – When a student or group of bullying, or witnesses an act of bullying is also students breaches the trust of the rules, a logical prohibited. consequence is for the teacher to take away the privilege until the child shows readiness to handle Definitions the privilege. Bullying means any severe, pervasive, or persistent act or conduct whether physical, electronic, or TIME OUT – During the child’s time away from the verbal that: group, his or her job is to regain self-control so he/ she can come back and participate effectively. 1.May be based on a youth’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, national Consequences help students who have engaged origin, sex, age, marital status, personal in inappropriate behaviors understand the impact appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity

School Culture or expression, intellectual ability, familial status, Bystander Policy 15 family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source Students are expected to report rumors of bullying, of income, status as a victim of an intrafamily planned bullying, as well as bullying actually offense, place or residence or business, or any observed. Students who watch and laugh, but other distinguishing characteristic, or on a youth’s do not report what they have witnessed, are association with a person, or group with any considered bystanders and will be treated as person, with one or more of the actual or perceived participants. foregoing characteristics; and Investigations 2.Can reasonably be predicted to: a. Place the youth in reasonable fear of Two Rivers will investigate and address all incidents of bullying that school personnel know physical harm to their person or property; or reasonably should have known are occurring. b. Cause a substantial detrimental effect on Incidents of bullying will be promptly investigated by the school principal or a designee. If the the youth’s physical or mental health; investigation reveals that bullying occurred, Two c. Substantially interfere with the youth’s Rivers will take prompt and effective steps to end the bullying, eliminate its effects and prevent it academic performance or attendance; or from recurring. d. Substantially interfere with the youth’s Prior to the investigation of an incident, the ability to participate in or benefit from the services, principal (or their designee) will take steps activities, or privileges provided by an agency, to ensure the safety of the alleged victim educational institution, or grantee. referenced in a reported bullying incident. Once an investigation is concluded, further steps will be Cyberbullying taken as needed to assure the continued safety of the victim from additional incidents of bullying or Cyberbullying is defined as any bullying done retaliation. through electronic means which meets the definition of bullying above, including, but not Sexual Harassment limited to, social media, electronic mail (email), texting or tweeting. Sexual harassment, sexual assault and dating violence are strictly prohibited on school grounds, Retaliation property immediately adjacent to school grounds, at school sponsored or school related activities, Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, functions or programs whether on or off school or harassment directed against a student who grounds, on or off school bus or other vehicles reports bullying, provides information during owned, leased or used by the school, or through an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has the use of technology or an electronic device reliable information about bullying. owned, leased or used by the school. Reporting Bullying Sexual harassment, sexual assault and dating violence are also prohibited at a location, activity, Any student who believes that they have been the function or program that is not school related or target of bullying or who is aware of bullying is through the use of technology or an electronic strongly encouraged to promptly report the matter device that is not owned, leased or used by the orally or in writing to the school principal, another school, if the act or acts in question create a administrator, or to any other faculty or staff hostile environment at school for the victim, member or member of Two Rivers with whom the infringe on the rights of the victim at school or student is comfortable speaking. Also, any student materially and substantially disrupt the education who is subject to retaliation in violation of this process or the orderly operation of a school. policy or who knows of another student who has been subject to retaliation is urged to report it as Retaliation against a youth, volunteer or staff soon as possible. member who reports sexual harassment, sexual assault and dating violence, provides information A parent or guardian who witnesses or becomes about any such acts, witnesses any such acts, or aware of bullying /retaliation is strongly urged who testifies, assists, participates or refuses to to promptly notify the principal or another participate in an investigation, proceeding or administrator. hearing is also prohibited. Anonymous Reporting Reports may be made anonymously, although no formal response will be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report. However, such a report may trigger an investigation.

School Culture Administrators will make expectations clear to Resources for Students and Families 16 students and staff that sexual harassment, sexual Affected by Sexual Harassment, Sexual assault and dating violence will not be tolerated Assault or Dating Violence and will be the grounds for disciplinary action up to and including suspension and dismissal for Students and families affected by sexual students. harassment, sexual assault or dating violence may be eligible for school-based supports. For more Reports of bullying or harassment can be made to: information about the availability of such supports, please contact your school counselor. Jenna Umansky Senior Director of Special Populations Title IX Coordinator [email protected] 202-543-8477 The individual designated to coordinate the school’s response to reports or complaints of sexual Guye Turner harassment, sexual assault and dating violence and 4th Street ES Interim Principal for overseeing the school’s compliance with Title IX [email protected] as it relates to students is: 202-546-4477 Jenna Umansky McKenzie Baecker Senior Director of Special Populations 4th Street ES Interim Assistant Principal [email protected] [email protected] 202-543-8477 202-543-8477 Mary Gornick Ashley Stone Senior Director of Human Resources Two Rivers Middle School Principal [email protected] [email protected] 202-388-3177 Jenna and Mary can also be reached on ParentSquare. Derrick Miles Two Rivers Middle School Assistant Principal Student Suspension and Expulsion [email protected] Policies and Procedures 202-388-3177 Two Rivers emphasizes character development and Megan DeRitter respect for others as evidenced by its adoption of Young ES Principal both EL Education and Responsive Classroom. It is [email protected] hoped that this will minimize the need to suspend 202-388-1360 or expel students. Suspension is defined as the temporary removal of a student from all classes and Allison Cross school activities for disciplinary reasons. Expulsion Young ES Assistant Principal is the permanent removal of a student from [email protected] enrollment at Two Rivers for disciplinary reasons. 202-388-1360 An administrator may suspend or expel a student under circumstances in which students willfully Staff can also be reached on ParentSquare. cause, attempt to cause, or threaten to cause bodily injury or emotional distress to another person, Counseling and Interventions for including behavior that occurs off school grounds. Accused Students “Bodily injury” means a cut, abrasion, bruise, burn, or disfigurement; physical pain; illness; impairment Two Rivers will work with its wellness and mental of the function of a bodily member, organ, or health providers to identify appropriate counseling mental faculty; or any other injury to the body, no and intervention strategies for students alleged matter how temporary. “Emotional distress” means to have committed acts of sexual harassment, mental suffering or distress that requires more sexual assault or dating violence, and to determine than trivial treatment or counseling. The decision whether it is a referral to the Child and Family to suspend or expel a student shall be made by an Services Agency is required where the accused’s administrator, with or without the recommendation behavior indicates that he or she may be the victim of the student’s teacher or other school employees. of child sexual abuse or child abuse. An administrator will determine the number of

School Culture days for suspensions based on the severity of the After three suspensions from school within the same infraction, the age of the student, and previous school year, expulsion will be seriously considered. infractions. Students in grades K through 5 will Students for whom suspension or not be suspended for more than 5 consecutive expulsion is being considered will be told that this is a school days at a time unless the student is facing possibility and given an opportunity to present expulsion. Students in grades 6 through 8 will his/her perspective before a final decision regarding not be suspended for more than 10 consecutive suspension or expulsion is made. school days at a time unless the student is facing expulsion. No student will be suspended for more Prior to issuing the suspension, the school than 20 cumulative days in the school year unless administrator will meet with the student, notify the the student is facing expulsion or the Principal student of what he/she is accused of doing and the provides written justification to the student and information that the school has to believe that the parent/guardian describing why exceeding 20 student engaged in such behavior, and give the days is a more appropriate disciplinary action than student an opportunity to present his/her side of the alternative responses. An exception to the 20-day story or explanation for his/her behavior. After limit may also be made where the student’s conduct this meeting, the school administrator will issue necessitated an emergency removal and the written notice to the student and parent/guardian Executive Director provides a written justification detailing the length of and reason for the suspension. for the emergency removal to the student and For students facing suspension of more than 5 days, parent/guardian . including expulsion, the student may be suspended pending the results of this investigation and Two Rivers will provide a plan for continuing the recommendation for further disciplinary action from education for any student who is suspended. That the school administrator. School staff will make an plan will ensure that the student continues his/ attempt to complete the investigation within 3 school her studies, receives all assignments during the days, but in some cases, the investigation will require suspension, can communicate with school staff additional time. about the assignments, and has the opportunity to make up any work missed during the suspension After the meeting with the student and any if the student cannot complete it during the investigation, the school administrator will issue a suspension. written notice to the student and parent/guardian with a recommendation for long-term suspension or Depending on the situation, a student may receive expulsion and the reason for this recommendation. an in-school suspension or an out-of-school This notice will explain the information that is being suspension. In-school suspension is defined relied on as a basis for the recommendation. Within as temporarily removing a student from the 5 school days of the recommendation for long-term student’s regular class schedule as a disciplinary suspension or expulsion, a hearing will be held to make consequence, during which time the student a final determination about the disciplinary action remains on school grounds under the supervision proposed. The student will be suspended pending of school personnel who are physically in the same the results of the hearing. At the hearing, the school location. Out-of-school suspension is defined administrator, or designee will present the information as temporary removal of a student from school relied on to support the recommended disciplinary attendance to another setting for disciplinary action; the student will be given an opportunity to reasons, during which time the student is not fully respond to that information; the student may under the supervision of school personnel and is be represented by an attorney; and the student may not allowed on school grounds. Staff will consider present any information that he/she wants considered. whether behavior can be safely and appropriately handled through school-based disciplinary action In most cases, the Executive Director will act as the before involving law enforcement, except where impartial decision maker at this hearing. In cases where referrals are required based on mandatory reporting the Executive Director cannot serve as the impartial requirements. decision maker, an impartial decision maker will be appointed by the Executive Director to hear all of the The suspension or expulsion shall become effective information presented and make a final decision about immediately unless otherwise stated by the school the proposed disciplinary action. Within two school administrator. When a student is suspended, a days after the hearing, the decision maker will notify parent/guardian is required to pick the child up the student and parent/guardian in writing of the final from the school. At times, parents/guardians will determination and reason for that determination. need to pick a suspended child up before the school day is complete. 17

School Culture Appealing an Out of School Suspension a change in placement under IDEA, theparent/ 18 guardian will be notified in writing (typically as Students and parents/guardians may make a part of the suspension letter) that a manifestation written request to the Principal/designee to appeal determination meeting is required and will a short-term suspension within one (1) school day be provided with a copy of their Procedural of being notified of the suspension. The Principal/ Safeguards Notice. Two Rivers will work with the designee will attempt to schedule the Appeal parent/guardian to schedule the manifestation Hearing within seven (7) school days of receiving determination meeting within 10 days of the the written request to appeal. suspension. Team members in attendance at the meeting will include the parent/guardian, special The Principal/designee will conduct the Appeal education teacher, general education teacher, Hearing, which is closed to the public, and may Campus Director of Special Education, and any include the presentation of evidence, testimony, other school team members or individuals invited and questioning of those present. Accordingly, by the parent/guardian who can assist in making parents/guardians and one (1) additional adult may the manifestation determination. Following the represent the student at the hearing. If the parent/ meeting, parents/guardians will be notified in guardian fails to appear for the scheduled Appeal writing about the outcome of the manifestation Hearing, the right to appeal is waived, and the determination, and provided with a copy of any original disciplinary decision will stand. The hearing changes to their child’s IEP and/or behavioral will not be recorded by any means. intervention plan. For more information, contact the Senior Director of Special Populations, If the principal issued the suspension, he/she will Jenna Umansky on ParentSquare, at jumansky@ not be the party to hear or decide the appeal. tworiverspcs.org or 202-543-8477 A designee will be appointed by the Executive Director or his/her designee. Play Dates The Principal/designee will typically notify the We encourage our students to spend time with parent/guardian of the appeal decision within two classmates after school or on weekends. If you are (2) school days after the Appeal Hearing. If the not sure who might be a good match for your child suspension is overturned, the student’s cumulative or have questions about play dates, your child’s record and any other school-maintained records will teacher would be happy to make suggestions. If reflect that conclusion. your child has an after-school play date and you will not be picking him/her up as usual, please Students with special needs may have individual send us a note. We must have written consent to behavior guidelines and policies. To maintain release a child from school to another individual. the safety of all students and staff, however, Socializing is an important component of children’s acts of physical aggression of any kind are not development. Please make sure that middle school permitted at Two Rivers and will be addressed with students are supervised during after-school social consequences specific to the student that commits activities. them. For students who have an IEP, out-of-school suspensions will be handled in accordance with Birthdays and Birthday Parties the provisions set forth by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004. Birthdays are very special events in the lives of our students. Celebrations can occur during lunch or Students with a disability are subject to disciplinary snack time to minimize disruption from classroom action just as other students are, as long as repeated time. Families should coordinate any special disciplinary actions do not establish a pattern of activity with their child’s teacher or crew advisor removing the student from a classroom setting that well in advance of the child’s birthday as each denies the student a Free and Appropriate Public classroom has their own traditions for celebrating Education (FAPE). Exclusion from class for more birthdays. Please remember that the school has a than ten school days in an academic year would limited amount of extra supplies so any birthday constitute a change in placement under IDEA. As treats should come complete with all products such, the IEP team must convene a manifestation and utensils. If you are planning on giving out determination meeting to determine whether the any special treats, please make sure that there are behavior was a manifestation of, or caused by, the enough for all students. student’s disability, and if so, ensure that the student’s IEP contains appropriate supports to assist We encourage the Two Rivers community to share the child in being successful. special occasions like birthdays together, while At the time of a suspension that would constitute being careful to acknowledge the feelings of all

School Culture students. Unless the entire class is invited to a party, extreme care and caution; the laptops are expensive 19 please do not distribute invitations at school. To technology that the school is entrusting to student avoid hurt feelings, we encourage you to invite care. Students should immediately report any less than half the class, or to invite the entire class. malfunction, loss, or damage of laptops to school Parents/guardians are also encouraged to avoid personnel. Upon further investigation of the any hurt feelings by not shepherding a party group situation, students may lose the privilege of using a directly from school. laptop for a period of time, and/or may be held financially accountable for any damage or loss Birthdays at Middle School will be celebrated on resulting from negligence or misuse. Fridays during that student’s lunch group. Any food items must be “nut-free” and dropped off at the DIGITAL INTEGRIT Y VIOLATIONS AND main office with the student’s name. Families are responsible for notifying the child’s crew leader in CONSEQUENCES advance of the celebration. Technology provided by Two Rivers is intended for educational purposes only. If a student uses Technology and Digital Citizenry laptops and Gmail accounts, Google drive, Google chat, or any other school-provided tools Two Rivers uses technology in our educational for non-educational purposes, he or she will lose program to ultimately promote and develop laptop privileges for a set period of time, and/or the digital responsibility of our students, as the student will require close adult supervision they use technology to engage more effectively whenever using the laptop for a core class with learning. By integrating technology in assignment. learning experiences across the grades, we aim to accomplish the following goals: If a student uses school technology to view and/ or disseminate inappropriate content or access • Equip all students to interact with and impact another student’s account, this will immediately the world around them through being digitally result in loss of device privileges for a set period responsible. of time. The school will also work with the student and student’s family to explicitly research the • Provide greater access to educational importance of digital responsibility and create an opportunities and differentiated instruction. action plan for earning back technology privileges. • Archive the revision and final products of high STUDENT AND FAMILY TECHNOLOGY AGREEMENT quality work for a variety of audiences. Before being issued a laptop, students and families will need to sign an agreement articulating • Improve communication of student progress the above laptop and digital responsibility and achievement, by widening our sense expectations. If an agreement is not signed, of community through expanding the ways a student will not be able to receive a laptop. teachers, students, and families interact. The agreement ensures that all students and families understand the expectations for digital COMPUTING IN THE ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE responsibility at Two Rivers, which will help us SCHOOLS effectively use technology with students and We have one-on-one computing in grades K-8. This preserve our technology for future years. means a laptop will be assigned to every student for the academic year. During homeroom, laptops will Student Email Accounts be issued to students for the day, and at the end of the day after lab, teachers will ensure that students All students have personal email accounts and return their laptops to the correct cart and charging access to Google drive, which are to be solely used bay. Before dismissing for the day, all students will for educational purposes. Teachers and students be responsible for returning laptops to assigned in grades 3-8 will regularly communicate with one carts for recharging and safe-keeping. Students will another through exchanging core assignments and only use laptops on school grounds; this means discussing relevant instructional topics via email. laptops should never be taken home. In the event of To practice the scholarly habit of being responsible remote learning, each child will have a device that and independent, students should take the they will keep at home to facilitate learning. initiative to email their teachers questions about instructional tasks, in addition to seeking in-person, RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY out-of-school help. These accounts allow students To be digital citizens, students are expected to the following: follow the same rules for scholarly habits and respectful conduct online as well as offline. • Google Drive: a place to house student work and engage in peer review and critique Students are expected to treat laptops with

School Culture To ensure digital security, students should never share their Gmail passwords with others, and should immediately notify staff personnel if they suspect that someone else may have access to their email account. Internet Use Policy and Internet Safety Student use of the Internet is an important component of classroom research and learning. Teachers will supervise student Internet use and monitor the online activity of minors. Students are required to abide by Internet safety protocols. They are only permitted to access appropriate matter on the Internet, are not permitted to use electronic mail, chat rooms, or other electronic communications without permission of the teacher, may not perform unlawful activities online, and may not disclose, use, or disseminate personal information via the Internet. Failure to abide by these rules will result in the suspension of Internet privileges for the student and could lead to other disciplinary action. Two Rivers enforces a policy of Internet safety, which includes measures to block or filter Internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions. These include visual depictions that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors. Only an authorized person is able to disable the blocking or filtering measure for research or other lawful purposes of an adult. DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS For years, Two Rivers has collected, exhibited, and archived student work through paper portfolios. These portfolios are purposeful collections of student work that showcase students’ best efforts, progress, and achievements across core academic subjects, as well as analysis of student assessment data. 20

Measuring & Reporting Student Progress Reporting Student Progress Student-Led Conferences 21 Two Rivers is aware that you will want to know In grades 4-8, students present a portfolio of high- how your child is learning and growing both quality work to their family at winter and spring academically and socially. Our teachers assess conferences. Students present three to five pieces progress in a variety of ways and provide you with of work, and explain the skills, knowledge, and ongoing, comprehensive information about your processes necessary to complete the work. Families child. Parents will receive regular updates on and teachers are encouraged to ask students student performance. probing questions and inspire students to discuss their strengths, areas that need development, and Family conferences are scheduled three times each growth over time through revision. year to discuss student performance and provide parents with an opportunity to review student Eighth graders also participate in a Passage work, assessment folders, and other evaluations. Portfolio where they present their work to Two These conferences provide families and teachers Rivers’ teachers in the middle of their eighth grade with a forum for discussing any concerns and year. Students who do not receive a passing grade developing strategies to address them. Teachers on their passage portfolio revise their portfolio and will provide families with suggestions for working present again in the spring. with their children at home on particular skills. Additional family conferences will be scheduled Showcase of Student Learning upon family request or as needed. Known as Two Rivers’ Community Showcase, Progress Reports classroom showcases are performances and presentations of the vibrant, in-depth learning that At Two Rivers, students receive progress reports students participate in throughout the semester. four times each year. Progress reports include Through products and performances, students both numeric “grades” and narrative comments. A create work collaboratively for an audience beyond five-point scale is used to provide information on the classroom, giving them an authentic reason to how a student is progressing in a specific category care about quality. Products and performances are of learning. The scale ranges from a “1”, for areas modeled on real-world formats rather than artificial in which the student is performing below grade scholastic formats to make presentations both more level, to a “5”, for areas in which the student is realistic and engaging. Teachers involve students achieving above grade level. Evaluating students as much as possible in directing the aspects of the this way allows us to communicate more detailed showcase presentation and product, both making and accurate information (as opposed to traditional them accountable and involved in the creation of grades) as students progress in their learning. We high-quality work. At Community Showcase, families are able to communicate specifically which areas are invited to attend to experience and learn about of a subject are strengths for a student and which their student’s exciting work. categories are ones in which the student struggles. Please do not mistake numbers as equivalent to Assessment & Standardized Testing letter grades. If your child receives a progress report that consists mostly of 3s, he or she is progressing Two Rivers uses a range of different assessment appropriately. The narrative component of the tools in order to understand better the knowledge progress report allows us to provide additional and skills of our students. Teacher-made information on a student’s performance in a given tests, screenings, computer-based tests, and category of learning. These observations are made standardized tests are some of the different tools based on classroom data and evaluations. In the that students will see at Two Rivers. In all cases, middle school, progress reports are prepared in the primary purpose of assessments is to provide order to communicate student achievement in a useful information about student progress that can transparent way with receiving high schools. Middle be used to improve instruction and programming at school families also receive two interim progress Two Rivers. reports per semester, showing current, or formative, student progress, habits of work, and homework Below are brief descriptions of the major completion percentage. Neither homework nor work assessment tools used by Two Rivers. habits are factored into the final semester grade. MCLASS: CIRCLE In addition to the progress reports detailed above, This assessment is taken by all students in students with IEPs receive IEP progress reports preschool and prekindergarten and is used to four times a year. Students receiving EL services assess a child’s progress on specific skills related are also provided with an update on their progress to literacy and mathematics. This assessment towards language goals.

Measuring & Reporting Student Progress helps identify areas of strength and concern in The Common Lit series is used primarily to improve order to inform instructional decisions made by teaching and learning and is not used as an the teachers and to inform parents about their accountability tool. child’s progress. The assessment is administered three times a year and can also include progress Testing Philosophy monitoring, if needed. Teachers assess students using mClass: Circle in a one-on-one setting. Successfully mastering the skills assessed by the PARCC is only one of many goals that Two Rivers has MCLASS: MATH for its students. We expect all of our students to do This assessment is administered three times per well on the state test; however, there is considerable year to Kindergarten to assess student progress on evidence to suggest that the development of social specific math skills. skills and sophisticated problem-solving skills is as important (if not more) in determining adult MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP) success (i.e. employment, civic participation, etc.). MAP is a computer-based adaptive test that Consequently, Two Rivers works hard to keep test assesses student skill levels in reading and preparation in perspective and balance it with the mathematics. The adaptive feature of MAP other goals we have for our students. Two Rivers means that the difficulty of the test adjusts to the does not construct our school program around performance level of the student as they answer achieving success on the PARCC. Two Rivers sees questions correctly or incorrectly throughout the state standardized test results as an important the test. Ultimately, this results in a more precise indicator of our program’s ability to achieve estimation of a student’s knowledge and skills in the successful outcomes for students; however, Two tested areas. Students in grades 1–8 take MAP two Rivers does not believe that this is the sole measure or three times a year (September, January, and May). of success for our students or our school. THE PARTNERSHIP FOR ASSESSMENT OF As part of helping students take ownership over READINESS FOR COLLEGE AND CAREERS their learning, middle school students review their ( PA R C C ) data, reflect on strengths and areas in need of The PARCC is the state standardized test that improvement, and track their data during the year. all public school students in grades three through eight must take each spring. The test primarily focuses on reading/language arts and mathematics and is aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Following administration of the PARCC, families will receive an individual student report detailing their child’s performance. Results on the PARCC will be used to determine Two Rivers’ achievement and progress as a school. These results will be made publicly available through the District of Columbia Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB), the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), and various media sources. COMMON LIT: BENCHMARK LITERACY TESTS 22 Common Lit is a nonprofit organization that helps schools use real-time data to make instructional adjustments that advance student learning. Two Rivers partners with Common Lit to administer benchmark assessments three times per year in reading for students in grades 3-8. The tests are primarily multiple choice. Teachers analyze student response data and develop instructional plans that target specific skill and knowledge gaps revealed by the assessments. Data from these tests is shared with students after each administration and used to set goals for their own progress and mastery of specific standards.

Governance Charter A Trustee will respond to your submission to discuss the best way to address your questions or concerns. The DC Public Charter School Board approved the charter to operate Two Rivers and continues NNoonn--HDaisrcarsismmiennattiPoonl/icy to oversee our activities. The school’s charter agreement sets forth all of the legal obligations of Two Rivers affirms the right of all students, the school. Two Rivers is not managed or governed families, and staff regardless of race, color, sex, by the District of Columbia Public Schools and national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual need not comply with most of its regulations. orientation, disability, veteran status, genetic Two Rivers is operated by the Executive Director, information, or other status protected by federal, administrative team and other staff, and governed state, or local law or any other basis prohibited by by a volunteer Board of Trustees. applicable law, to be treated with respect and to be protected from intimidation, discrimination, Board of Trustees physical harm, and/or harassment in its educational programs and activities. WHAT DOES THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES DO? Two Rivers’ Board of Trustees is responsible for: TRANSGENDERED STUDENTS Transgender students are protected in DC schools • determining the mission and purpose of the under city law; the DC Human Rights Act prohibits school and keeping the mission clearly in discrimination in educational institutions based focus on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual • selecting the Executive Director and orientation, gender identity or expression, family supporting and reviewing the performance of responsibilities, political affiliation, and disability. the Executive Director Students at Two Rivers have been and will continue to be able to use the bathroom that matches their • ensuring effective organizational planning gender identity and be called by the name and • ensuring adequate resources and managing pronoun that matches their gender identity. resources effectively UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS • monitoring and strengthening the school’s Two Rivers serves all students who are residents of the District of Columbia, including students who programs and services are undocumented. DC protects and serves all • monitoring compliance with the school’s residents, regardless of their immigration status. Please note that all children in the United States accountability measures have the right to a free public education, regardless • enhancing the school’s public standing of their race, ethnic background, religion, sex, • ensuring legal and ethical integrity and language, family’s income level, or immigration status. maintaining accountability • recruiting and orienting new Trustees and Questions or concerns related to our non- discrimination/non-harassment policies should be assessing Board performance addressed on ParentSquare or to: The Board is not involved with the day-to-day Guye Turner operations of the school. For example, the Board 4th Street ES Interim Principal does not determine what is taught in math on [email protected] Tuesdays or what is served for lunch on Fridays. 202-546-4477 WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE BOARD MEET? Ashley Stone Two Rivers MS Principal The Board meets regularly throughout the [email protected] school year at Two Rivers, usually from 6 to 8 pm. 202-388-3177 Information about Board meetings is available in the school’s main office and online at www. Megan DeRitter tworiverspcs.org > who we are > our team. Minutes Young ES Principal from Board meetings are available online. [email protected] 202-388-1360 HOW CAN I GET IN TOUCH WITH THE BOARD? • Call (202) 546-4477 and leave a message for Gregg Treml, the Board Chair • Email the Board at [email protected] • Submit a written note addressed to the Gregg Treml, Chair, Board of Trustees by: fax (202) 546-0869 mail 1227 4th Street, NE 23 Washington, DC 20002

Governance For questions or concerns related to elementary summarizing the outcome of the appeal, within 30 or middle school students with disabilities, please calendar days of receiving your written grievance. contact via ParentSquare or at:: Posting a complaint on a Two Rivers listserv will Jenna Umansky not be considered a formal submission. These Senior Director of Special Populations grievance procedures apply to any concerns that may [email protected] arise, including but not limited to concerns about 202-543-8477 discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, Parent Complaints and Grievances veteran status, sexual orientation, or otherwise. All information presented and discovered during the To address a concern or seek resolution of a course of an investigation will remain confidential. problem at Two Rivers, we encourage you to first address the person most immediately involved in Two Rivers will not retaliate against any person who the issue with which you are concerned. If after raises a concern using the procedures outlined above this step your concern is not addressed to your or otherwise participates in the investigation of such satisfaction, you may inform the Principal, Assistant concerns. If, during the course of the investigation, Principal, or, if the concern involves a student with it is determined that corrective or remedial action is disabilities, you may inform the Director of Special necessary, such action will be taken in a prompt and Education at your campus. reasonable manner. Your concern will be responded to within a Contact information for the individuals to whom formal reasonable period of time, usually 5 business days. grievances are to be made are as follows: If you have gone through the parental complaint and grievance procedure listed above without Gregg Treml Belicia Reaves satisfactory resolution of your complaint, you may make a formal complaint in writing following Chair, Board of Trustees Executive Director the procedures below. The process above is not required before a formal complaint can be [email protected] [email protected] submitted. 202-546-4477 202-546-4477 Formal Complaints Jenna Umansky Megan DeRitter If you wish to make a formal complaint, you must do so in writing to the Principal or the Director Senior Director of Young ES Principal of Special Education. All complaints will be adequately, reliably, and objectively investigated, Special Populations [email protected] and any evidence or witnesses presented by the person(s) making the complaint will be considered. [email protected] 202-388-1360 Your concern will be responded to in writing within a reasonable period of time, usually 10-15 business 202-543-8447 days, although every effort will be made to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. There are some Guye Turner Ashley Stone investigations that may take more than 10-15 4th Street Interim Principal Two Rivers MS Principal business days. [email protected] [email protected] @tworiverspcs.org 202-388-3177 The response will summarize the concern(s) 202-546-4477 raised and the course and outcome of the investigation,and will identify an appropriate Kenneth McCants-Pearsall resolution. If after this point the matter is still not Chief Academic Officer resolved, you may contact the Executive Director [email protected] within 5 business days, who will consider all 202-388-1360 information presented and respond in writing, summarizing the outcome of the appeal, within 24 10 business days. If your concern is still not resolved, you must contact the President of the Board of Trustees in writing within 5 business days. The President of the Board of Trustees, or his/her designee, will consider all information presented and respond in writing to your grievance,

Health, Safety, & Inclement Weather Health website at www.tworiverspcs.org/enrollment under Medical Forms. Two Rivers strives to maintain a healthy and safe school environment. We ask families to keep Medications any child home, who, because of illness, cannot participate comfortably in classroom or school Whenever possible, administer medications at activities or who may present a health risk to other home. If your child needs to take medication or children. If a child arrives at school ill, or becomes ill requires medical treatment during school hours, during the school day, he or she will be taken to the please have your medical provider complete the office, where designated staff will care for the child appropriate forms – the Medication and Treatment while the parent is notified to pick up the child in a Authorization Forms, the Asthma Action Plan, and/ reasonable amount of time. or the Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. Two Rivers Public Charter School only administers medication If your child is ill with a communicable disease, to students who have a signed Administration of such as strep throat, lice, conjunctivitis (pink Medication Release. The forms are located online eye),Covid-19, or chicken pox, please inform us or can be emailed or mailed to families and must promptly so that we may alert other families. be signed by a physician and legal guardian. Staff Children may attend school when we have evidence are not permitted to administer medication to the that treatment is underway and your child is no student without a signed form on file. longer contagious (or if they are fever-free for 24 hours). The school nurse or a Two Rivers Staff member who has received a Medication Administration We have outdoor recess in almost all weather Certification will administer all medication during conditions. We ask that children be sent to school the school day. Any medications turned into the only if they are well enough to play outdoors. school nurse or front desk staff stays with the school. Families are responsible for providing Accidents during the school day are treated with separate medications/Epi-Pens for field studies. simple first aid procedures when appropriate. In the Furthermore, if a student on a field study does not case of severe illness or injury, families will be notified have a self-administer plan from their doctor, a immediately and 911 will be called. Two Rivers staff trained staff member will be required to administer members are not permitted to transport any child for medication including, inhalers, Benadryl and medical care. The 911 response team and emergency Epi-Pens. For students who are on prescription room physicians make all decisions about emergency medication, only medication administration treatment of any child. A Two Rivers staff member certified staff or parents/guardians can administer will remain with your child until a parent or guardian this when students are off-site. arrives. To ensure access to field studies and overnight All students at Two Rivers must be toilet trained trips, we need to remain compliant with the unless inability to complete toileting tasks or delays guidelines regarding students who are required to in toileting due to a known or suspected disability. receive medication while under our supervision. We do not have the facilities or staff Medications are kept in a locked cabinet in the to change diapers. main office of each school building, unless we have written medical permission and school approval Physical and Immunizations for a student to carry their own medication. Medications that are given daily must be brought DC law requires that all children have annual in by the parent/guardian and dispensed from the medical and dental evaluations and that original pharmacy bottle. You will be notified in immunizations are up to date. Two Rivers requests advance when supplies are running low. Families that students’ District of Columbia Universal Health are expected to provide the school with all Certificate, Immunizations, and District of Columbia medication in a timely manner and ensure that the (Dental Provider) Oral Assessment Forms are school does not run out of needed medication. submitted within 30 days of the expiration date For more information on medication, see the and current at the time of re-enrollment. Student Permission for the Administration of Medication health records will be maintained separately and Form, which is available in the main office. On confidentially from other school records, as required the last day of school, parents or guardians must by law. If a student is exempt from immunizations sign out all medications from the front desk. Any due to religious or medical reasons, exemptions medications that have not been picked up will be forms must be submitted along with students discarded. District of Columbia Universal Health Certificate. Forms are located at the front desk or on our 25

Health, Safety, & Inclement Weather Allergies and Specific Medical Conditions Two Rivers Building Information 26 Please alert us to any allergies your child may have The Two Rivers 4th Street Lower Elementary School and provide medication if necessary to prevent Building is located at 1227 4th Street NE. The phone a serious allergic reaction (this includes allergies number is 202-546-4477. The fax number is 202- to plants, animals, foods, medicines, and other 546-0869. substances). Families also need to notify the school about specific conditions that may require The Two Rivers 4th Street Upper Elementary School emergency treatment such as bee stings, diabetes, Building is located at 1234 4th Street NE. The severe asthma, or a seizure disorder. These should phone number is 202-543-8477. all be noted on the child’s “Authorization for Child’s Emergency Medical Treatment” form with permission The Two Rivers Middle School Building is located at to summon emergency medical attention for your 830 26th Street NE. The phone number is 202-388- child if necessary. 3177. Any changes in your child’s health status should be The Two Rivers Elementary School Building at immediately reported to the front desk staff together Young is located at 820 26th Street, NE. The phone with any relevant medical documentation. All staff number is 202-388-1360. will be informed of any children with health concerns that may arise during the school day such as asthma Onsite Activities Outside of School and food allergies. Hours We will do what is medically required for students All of the policies and procedures for maintaining with food allergies, up to and including banning a safe environment are in force when school specific foods from classrooms. Food allergies activities happen at Two Rivers during times will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Students when school is not in session. If a student is not with serious medical conditions may qualify for an being safe during these events, their privilege to Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. participate in activities during out of school time Please see the handbook section on Student may be revoked. Support Services page 8 for more information. If a student is picked up late from onsite activities Two Rivers Emergency Response Plan outside of school hours, school administrators may revoke permission for the student to participate in Two Rivers has emergency plans for earthquake, further onsite activities after school hours. Parents fire, tornado, or hurricane, as well as emergency will be contacted by school staff to communicate plans for in-school lock-down and school any such changes. evacuation. Playground Safety In case of fire, all students, faculty, and staff will exit the building using the primary route on Recess and other outdoor activities are a wonderful the emergency evacuation map specific to their way for our students to get exercise, have fun, and location in the building. Secondary routes should learn to interact with their friends outside of the be used only when primary routes are blocked. classroom. Two Rivers strives to maintain a safe After leaving the building, students and staff will environment where children feel comfortable trying assemble at the relevant evacuation location. The out new activities, sports, and games. Students primary evacuation location for 4th Street Lower are only permitted on the playground during the Elementary is the 4th Street Upper Elementary school day or after school with adult supervision. (1234 4th Street NE). The primary evacuation Students are expected to follow the Two Rivers location for 4th Street Upper Elementary is 4th St playground rules and be safe at all times, or they Lower Elementary (1227 4th St. NE). The secondary may have their playground privileges revoked. After evacuation location for the 4th St lower and upper school, adults must remain on the playground with elementary campuses is Gallaudet University their child and ensure that they are following our (800 Florida Ave NE). The evacuation location for playground rules. students at Two Rivers Elementary and Middle School at Young during school hours and during PLAYGROUND RULES extended day will be at the Recreation Center at 1 Safe bodies! 1701 Gales Street NE. If Two Rivers is required to 2 Appropriate use of equipment! evacuate & relocate, information will be posted on 3 Have fun! our website and left on the main Two Rivers phone message regarding student pickup. MIDDLE SCHOOL GYM RULES • There must be a teacher or staff member

Health, Safety, & Inclement Weather present before students can enter the gym; At 4th Street, pull up into the Drop Off Lane in front 27 students will line up outside the gym in the of the lower elementary school by the sidewalk hallway to await a staff member. between the orange cones. Pull up to the car in • Teachers and staff will monitor and direct front of you. If there is no space in the Drop Off student play in order to support safety. Lane, please do not park in the crosswalk. Drive past • Students will play by the stated rules of the the Drop Off Lane and find a parking space further game. down the block and walk your child to school. Do • Students will be safe on the bleachers and not double park. Unload your children right onto gym equipment and use gym equipment the sidewalk and not into the street. Please follow appropriately the instructions of staff members directing cars and • Balls will be used as a part of organized people during drop off and pick up. games, and students will not throw or kick balls randomly. The entrance to Two Rivers at Young Elementary is • All materials and equipment must be cleaned accessible through the H Street side of the building. up, and mats returned to original position, The stairs leading to Young’s entrance are located after each activity. in the middle of the block of H Street NE and there • Participation in P.E. classes is an expectation. is street parking available on 26th Street NE. When • Students will be directed to take a break if walking your child to the entrance of Young, please displaying high levels of frustration, anger or walk on the sidewalk across from Young and cross unsafe behavior. with your child at the stair entrance. The loading • All injuries must be reported to teacher/staff dock parking lot is reserved for handicap accessible on duty immediately. parking only. Vehicles must display a handicap placard or handicap license plate to park in this lot Crosswalk Safety during arrival and dismissal. Do not drive up H Street NE, double park, or park in staff parking lots. With over 1,030 students and 200 staff members moving to and from Two Rivers everyday, safety is a The entrance to Two Rivers at Young Middle School must. Please take the time to read these guidelines is accessible through the H Street side of the for commuter safety: building. The middle school is located in the middle of the block of H Street NE and there is street parking WALKERS available on 26th Street NE. When walking your child Please follow all pedestrian laws around the school. to the entrance of the Middle School, please walk on Cross in the crosswalk lines and obey the walk the sidewalk across from Young and cross with your signal. Look both ways before crossing even if child at the Middle School entrance. The loading the light is green, because cars might be coming. dock parking lot is reserved for handicap accessible When a car is coming, do not cross the street. When parking only. Vehicles must display a handicap the red hand is flashing, do not step off the curb. placard or handicap license plate to park in this lot Always cross the street at the crosswalk (Families, during arrival and dismissal. Do not drive up H Street remember our students are watching!). NE, double park, or park in staff parking lots. DRIVERS No Smoking Obey the speed limit at all times. Please look carefully- if there is a person in the crosswalk, do Two Rivers is a non-smoking building. Families, not enter the crosswalk. Stop at all stop signs, obey students, and staff are prohibited from using any the traffic lights, and please do not park or drive tobacco products in the building or on school in the bike lane. Look carefully for bikers before grounds at any time. opening your car doors. Weapons Policy BIKERS Please walk your bicycle in front of the school. Two Rivers takes the safety of all students, staff, Please park your bicycle at the bike stand in front and community members seriously. Weapons are of the school. prohibited at all times at Two Rivers; no student or non-student, including adults and visitors, DROP OFF/PICK UP shall possess, use, or distribute a weapon on Punctuality is a virtue, but it is more important to school grounds. A “weapon” means any object, drive safely than to be on time. Please allow enough device, or instrument designed as a weapon or time to get your child to school without rushing. which, through its use, is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm, or which may be used Please walk, bike, or use public transportation when to inflict self-injury. In accordance with Federal possible. Be sure to observe basic safety rules requirements, any student who brings a firearm during arrival and dismissal times and always model safe behavior for our students.

Health, Safety, & Inclement Weather to Two Rivers (including school building and we order these meals in individual serving packages grounds) will be expelled for not less than one year, from a catering company, which prepares the subject to a case-by-case exception. Furthermore, meals fresh daily. The school pays for each meal simultaneous with expulsion, any student who ordered in coordination with a catering company is expelled for bringing a firearm to school may which prepares the meals fresh daily. We strive to be referred to the Criminal Justice or Juvenile be family-friendly in the meal service, by offering Delinquency system. options such as milk-only, vegetarian, and juice- only options on top of regular breakfast and lunch Snow/Emergency & Outdoor Activity meal service. Families interested in ordering lunch Policy or breakfast must order meals in advance for the entire month. Monthly meal menus are available Two Rivers Public Charter School will follow online or at the front desk. the decision of the District of Columbia Public Schools in opening late and closing entirely due to Families who are eligible for free or reduced-price inclement weather. If DCPS is open, Two Rivers is lunch under the National School Lunch Program open. If DCPS is closed, Two Rivers is closed. If DCPS will receive lunch each day. However, even if you is delayed, Two Rivers is delayed. qualify for free or reduced lunch you must still sign up for the meal online or at the front desk. Two Rivers will inform families about cancellations You can also email [email protected] with or delays via alerts on ParentSquare, which are questions. We encourage all families to apply and transmitted as voice, email, and text message, from take advantage of this program if you qualify. The inclement weather or other unplanned events. If school must have a completed application form you have questions about this service, please stop for the National School Lunch Program on file for by the front desk. When in doubt, call the school a child to receive free meals. Lunch and breakfast and listen for school closing information. There will are available for purchase for all children. be no before-care on days when there is a delayed opening. If DCPS dismisses school early, aftercare Lunchtime Philosophy will be canceled We want lunch to be an enjoyable, community- In the event the temperature with windchill is building time that provides an opportunity for below 32 degrees, Two Rivers outdoor activities sharing in small groups. All students will eat lunch shall be conducted inside. in their classrooms and will participate in the set up, serving, and cleanup of the meal. As part of our School/Community Partners commitment to developing healthy choices and modeling good eating habits, we encourage all EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM families to send in healthy food for their children’s Apollo After School provides before- and aftercare meals. We ask that sweets are brought to school services at all of Two Rivers’ elementary campuses. only for special occasions and that candy is Additional information about Apollo will be removed from Lunchables and other prepackaged available at the front desks. food items. Students are not allowed to bring candy or soda to school,nor may they order or receive All of the local providers listed below pick up food from restaurants or have food from restaurants students at Two Rivers at 4th Street, and the delivered to them. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, listed below, picks up students from Two Rivers at Young. Capitol Hill Arts Workshop After School Arts www.chaw.org/yap-after-school-arts Pilgrim Baptist Church After School Care (202) 547-1815 Kingman Boys and Girls Club After School Care www.kingmanbgc.org/ Breakfast and Lunch Program 28 Two Rivers is proud to provide nutritious and tasty meals through the school breakfast and school lunch program. Because we don’t have a cafeteria,

Communication & Family Involvement Family Involvement The FSA will hold regular meetings during the school year that can be attended by any member Two Rivers families are an involved, diverse, and of the Two Rivers community. Each school’s FSA passionate group of parents and guardians. We has officers who are responsible for managing consider the input, assistance, involvement, and the organization, which includes but is not limited support of our families to be one of our greatest to: FSA board meetings, FSA general community strengths of our community! meetings, and any FSA-sponsored events. Two Rivers’ parents, guardians, and staff collaborate The FSA is organized under the legal umbrella of using a formal parent involvement structure- the Two Rivers PCS. The FSA is run consistent with the Two Rivers Family School Association (FSA), with a FSA bylaws and any standing rules that are put in variety of additional ways to serve and connect in place. the community. The FSA Executive Board and Officer structure and The establishment of the FSA took place over the selections will be announced via ParentSquare and course of the 2011-2012 school year. Two Rivers posted on the Two Rivers webpage. parents, guardians, staff, and administrators engaged in a dialogue that was designed to create VOLUNTEERISM a new and inclusive family organization with two Two Rivers and the FSA welcome and value family goals (1) school-wide community building and (2) involvement in pursuit of the school’s mission. engaging families to support the school. This family Families are encouraged to contribute at least 20 driven process received support from school staff, hours of volunteer time to the school each year. and included several school-wide meetings, an Families may volunteer their time for activities and assessment of best practices, lessons, and a non- committees sponsored by the FSA, as detailed binding survey. below, or they may seek out other opportunities that best suit their interests and schedules. The Senior Director of External Relations will assist in supporting and strengthening the continued CONNECTING WITH THE RIGHT FSA COMMITTEE development of the PSA to effectively support the There are lots of ways to help Two Rivers. You can school community. work directly with our students by volunteering in your child’s classroom, chaperoning a field study, You can reach the Senior Director of External help in our office, becoming active in the FSA, or Relations, Mr. Khizer @[email protected] making voluntary financial contributions. You can and via ParentSquare. also donate time and expertise on a committee. Announcements for school-based or network-based FamilySchool Association committees will be made via ParentSquare. The vision of our FSA is to have an open, supportive To get connected with FSA, you can reach the school community where families , teachers, Senior Director of External Relations, Mr. Khizer @ school administrators, and community members [email protected] and via ParentSquare. collaborate to encourage lifelong learning. The mission of the FSA is to provide a structured forum Room Parents so families, in full partnership with school staff, can cooperatively contribute their time and talent Room parents play an important role in support and towards the ongoing success of Two Rivers PCS. partnership of the Two Rivers classroom! The role of the room parent is to facilitate communication The associations primary objectives are: amongst classroom parents, aid in organizing and • To foster school-wide community building; recruiting for school/crew based connection events, • To help guide school governance by giving organize collection of needed classroom supplies, and provide additional assistance as requested by voice to the parent body the teacher. All parents and guardians of Two Rivers students, Parents/Guardians will have the opportunity to as well as Two Rivers staff and administrators, are express interest in serving as a Room Parent during automatically members of the FSA, have voting the opening weeks of the school year, along with rights, and can hold FSA offices. Dues are not a selections finalization during this period. Room requirement of membership though members parents are chosen by each classroom teacher in will be responsible for raising funds to finance FSA partnership with the Parent School Association initiatives. (PSA) Executive Committee. In selecting room 29

Communication & Family Involvement parents, priority will be given to families who have PARENT SQUARE 30 not had an opportunity to serve in this capacity Two Rivers uses the app and web-based platform, previously. ParentSquare, to streamline communication between the school and families. The tool avoids More information about room parents can be found the need for printed newsletters, email, text, or in section III B.2 of the Family School Association other modes of communication. ParentSquare is our bylaws. “all-in-one” family communication app and serves as our primary communication source for families Educational Opportunities to stay connected, updated, and in touch with teachers and staff. Alerts are sent by phone, text, Two Rivers periodically presents educational and email regarding inclement weather, unexcused opportunities for families throughout the academic absences, or other unplanned events that may school year. There are social events that are geared impact the school day. School staff will send towards the entire family, such as our annual school newsletters (including the Trib) via ParentSquare. dance and potlucks. There are also educational Families can have two-way communication with events that serve as an opportunity for parents and teachers and admin staff via the app. If you have guardians to learn. Please check our school calendar any questions regarding ParentSquare, please as well as the Trib for our educational events. contact our Senior Director of External Relations, Khizer Husain, at [email protected] or Family Norms for Community via ParentSquare. If you would like to learn more Participation about ParentSquare, visit their website at www. ParentSquare.com. Parents and guardians must reflect the norms of maintaining safety and showing respect for PARENTSQUARE POLICIES one another when participating in our school Two Rivers staff and the Two Rivers FSA may use community. These norms are critical to ensuring technology to facilitate communication between that all students and families have access to our families and staff and to disseminate information school and community events, and can safely and in a more efficient way. The following rules and fully participate. Behavior by parents or guardians guidelines govern all communication done via any that undermine others’ sense of safety, such as ParentSquare or electronic media that is formally or comments intended to harm or threaten others, informally associated with Two Rivers Public Charter are prohibited and will be addressed by Two Rivers School. with the goal of protecting and restoring our community. 1 By joining and using Two Rivers ParentSquare, you agree that you have read and will follow Communication the rules and guidelines set for these peer discussion groups. You also agree to reserve As partners in our students’ education, Two Rivers list discussions for topics best suited to the believes that we best serve students when there medium. is consistent communication between home and school. The administration and the FSA are 2 As with any community, there are guidelines working together to update and improve the use of governing behavior on group lists. For instance, traditional and electronic communication tools to violating antitrust regulations, libeling others, further improve communication and information selling, and marketing are obviously not sharing among all members of the Two Rivers permissible. Please take a moment to acquaint community. yourself with these important guidelines. If you have questions, contact the list manager We encourage parents and guardians to noted in your welcome instructions. Two Rivers communicate questions and concerns to school reserves the right to suspend or terminate staff as they arise. You do not need to wait for membership without notice on all lists for designated conference times. Questions and members who violate these rules. concerns specific to your child or to the classroom instruction should be addressed directly with your 3 Please do not challenge or attack others. The child’s teacher or a Two Rivers school administrator. discussions on the lists are meant to stimulate Questions and suggestions about school policies conversation not to create contention or and procedures may be raised with a school discomfort. Let others have their say, just as administrator. Questions and suggestions about the you may. PSA and parent involvement may be raised with a PSA officer. 4 Do not post commercial messages. Contact people individually with products and services If you have an idea, a concern, or a question, tell us! that you believe would help them. 5 Use caution when discussing products.

Communication & Family Involvement Information posted on the lists is available for and it is the way we as a school communicate with all all to see, and comments are subject to libel, families. This is also a clearinghouse for information slander, and antitrust laws. of importance to families. If you have a Trib item 6 Any and all defamatory, abusive, profane, appropriate to share with the school community, threatening, offensive, or illegal materials are please email your announcement to your school strictly prohibited. Remember anything in a list principal. There is a set of criteria principals use to message that you would not want the world to decide what announcements will be in the school see or that you would not want anyone to know Trib. If you have questions about this, please contact came from you, will be seen, so choose your your school’s principal. words wisely. 7 Please include your name, your child’s first WEBSITE name, and grade in all posts to Two Rivers lists. Our website remains a network-wide source of 8 Varied and colored fonts and backgrounds information and resources and includes school can make it hard for many people to read your specific pages, the staff directory, and the history and post. Please choose clear formatting to increase mission of Two Rivers. readability. 9 Please keep posts brief and to the point, and SOCIAL MEDIA use a descriptive subject line. Follow Two Rivers on Facebook at www.facebook. 10 Do not “flame.”“Flaming” includes the making com/tworiverspcs, on X @TwoRiversPCS, and on of derogatory comments, ridicule, excessive Instagram @tworiverspcs. sarcasm, and innuendo. It is important to recognize that respectful disagreement is not Each campus has their own Instagram account; flaming. It is not a flame to post: “Have you please consider following your students’ respective written a letter to the school requesting testing? campus and the alumni account: The request doesn’t exist if it’s not in writing.” 4th ES: @4trjoy It would be a flame to write –”How can you Young ES: @tryleaders be so stupid and think the school will test just Young MS:@trmsjoy because you had a conversation in the hallway? Alumni:@go.trconnect If you’d bothered to read the archives you wouldn’t be doing such ridiculous things.” Every Visit the Two Rivers website (www.tworiverspcs.org) subscriber must be respected; no subscriber for news, events, inclement weather updates, and should be ridiculed or belittled. more. 11 Please keep posts on topic so that we don’t lose anyone. Social Events 12 Posts with non-informative information directed at a single person, such as “thank you,” This year Two Rivers will host frequent social events “I agree,” or “me, too”, should be sent privately. for families such as picnics, dances, etc. These events allow adults and their children to get to know each STOP BY other better and to enjoy social time with their family Staff members from your child’s class are in their and others. We already have some events scheduled, classrooms every afternoon. Administrators can so check your school calendar. See you there! often be found outside or in the hallways in the morning or afternoon. They are frequently available School Celebrations and Exhibitions for short conversations and are happy to schedule meetings as needed. Throughout the school year, families will be invited to participate in celebrations of learning and AT TEND accomplishment. Students will perform, recite, FSA meetings and events listed in the Trib and demonstrate, and exhibit their wonderful ideas for posted on the bulletin boards. Be sure to introduce an audience of family and peers at the conclusion of yourself and talk to PSA officers who will attend all each learning expedition. We also invite families to school events. other celebrations, family nights, and ceremonies to be a part of our school community. Announcements BULLETIN BOARDS will be sent home during the course of the school Bulletin boards are in the main lobby of each year to inform you about special events. Two Rivers building and are a clearinghouse for information of does not celebrate Valentine’s Day, Halloween, or any importance to families. religious holidays. THE WEEKLY TRIB 31 This is our school newsletter, sent via ParentSquare,

Communication & Family Involvement Family Support Team families to become immersed in the classroom 32 community, to help the classroom staff when The Family Support Team is a group comprised of necessary, and to spend time with their child and both parents and faculty to support all Two Rivers their class during valuable learning time. Visits families. Some of the ways that the team provides should benefit the classroom community and be support include providing meals to a family that has utilized in a positive manner for both students and experienced a birth or a death, providing assistance families. If a family visit is disruptive or negative in with clothes (including Two Rivers shirts), school any way that takes away from student learning and supplies or food; making referrals to tutors, physical teaching, a family member may be asked to leave therapists, or mental health counselors; providing and future visits may be restricted or denied. Family referrals for help with housing or benefits (for members are not permitted to take pictures, video or example TANF, SSI, food stamps or WIC); or helping audio recordings during their observations with the to coordinate transportation for students whose exception of classroom performances or showcases. families are experiencing illness or a crisis. There are Two Rivers reserves the right to set other conditions times when every family needs some help- the FST and/or limitations on observations at its discretion. works to ensure that every Two Rivers family will receive the assistance that they need. Parents of students with disabilities are also permitted to designate individuals with professional To ask the team for help, contact any member of expertise in the area of special education (not the Family Support Team in person or by phone. including lawyers representing parents or anyone You may also speak with Assistant Principal to with a financial interest in litigation) to observe request support from the team or to find out how their child’s current or proposed special education you may assist with the team. Feel free to e-mail Ms. program. Such observations must be scheduled McKenzie (4th Street) at mbaecker@tworiverspcs. in advance with the Senior Director of Special org, Ms. Alison (Young) at across@tworiverspcs. Populations and will be limited to two hours. org, or Mr. Derrick (Middle School) at dmiles@ tworiverspcs.org. All family information and any Such designated individuals may not take any assistance provided will be kept confidential within photographs, video or audio recordings while on the team. campus and may not interact with students or staff absent express permission while on campus. Any Classroom Visits observer who causes disruption to the school or classroom will not be permitted to continue their As a parent-founded school, we embrace family observation. participation and classroom visits. Parents and guardians need not call in advance to visit; however Two Rivers reserves the right to set other conditions you are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher and/or limitations on such at its discretion. in advance whenever possible. Additionally, in an effort to minimize distractions, we generally ask Student Hours that parents limit their visits to 45 minutes. Typical visits may include observing or shadowing your Students in preschool through fifth grade are in class own child, volunteering to help with a project or from 8:15 am to 3:15 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, work with a small group, presenting or sharing Thursdays, and Fridays. Middle school students begin information, or reading to and with the class. Please their day at 8:30 am and end at 3:30 pm, Mondays, note that the classroom teacher may direct your use Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Wednesdays of time and student interaction during a classroom are early release days for all students ending at visit. 1:15pm for elementary students and 1:30pm for middle school students to allow for staff meetings, Families are asked to wait until school has been professional development, and reflection. Students in session for two weeks before coming to make are not allowed to be inside of any building prior to a school visit. Although our students will become 8:15 am unless they are being supervised by an adult. accustomed to visitors in the classroom over Elementary School students are considered tardy if the course of the school year, it is helpful for the they arrive at school after 8:30 am. Middle School teachers and students to have the opportunity to students are considered tardy if they arrive at school establish routines and structures in the first few after 8:45 am. weeks of school. Exceptions can always be made for specific students if adjustment is difficult. Please ARRIVAL talk with the principal if you would like to visit Elementary students may arrive to school at 8:15 during the first two weeks of school. am, and it is expected that students will be present The goals of parent and guardian visits are for

Communication & Family Involvement in their classrooms no later than 8:30 am. Middle to know where the child should be at the end of the school students may arrive to school at 8:30 am, and school day. We ask parents not to expect children to it is expected that students will be present in their call at the end of the day to make arrangements for classrooms no later than 8:45 am. Students may getting home. walk to their classrooms by themselves; however if a student is being unsafe on their travels to class, Elementary school students are not permitted to then this privilege will be revoked and we will ask remain on school grounds after 3:15 pm without adult a parent or guardian to escort that student to class. supervision. All elementary school students should be Parents are responsible for ensuring that their child picked up by 3:15 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and enters the school. There is a beforecare program Friday, and at 1:15 pm on Wednesdays unless signed at the school, starting at 7:15 am for a fee. Only up for aftercare. Only students with written permission registered children will be able to attend the before from their parent or guardian and the permission of a care program. Breakfast is served at 8:15 am. All school administrator will be allowed to walk home or students are expected to be at school on time. use public transportation home from school. Students who are found to be in violation of these rules, or who In the middle school, students are not allowed to are observed being unsafe, or whose behavior that day enter the building until 8:30 am and once they in school necessitates a family meeting, may have this arrive on school grounds they may not leave school privilege revoked. Children that have not been picked grounds without permission from a Two Rivers staff up by a reasonable time may be referred to the school member. Students may not be left in front of school resource officer. In these cases, the school has the right if tardy; the school will assume that the late arrival is to contact CFSA to make a report of child neglect. unexcused, and thus truant, unless a valid excuse is Families who repeatedly do not pick their student up presented at the front desk. on time may be excluded from after school activities. There are no school staff on site to supervise students DISMISSAL that have not been picked up and are not part of an During dismissal in the elementary schools, unless afterschool activity. a parent or other authorized adult is disabled and in need of assistance, they must enter the building All middle school students are dismissed at 3:30 pm and travel to their child’s classroom to pick them up. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and at 1:30 Teachers and front desk staff cannot accommodate pm on Wednesday and must exit the building or be phone calls from adults outside the school building picked up by then, unless participating in afterschool requesting that a student be dismissed from their activities, either voluntary or mandatory. Middle school classroom. students are not allowed to sign themselves out for early dismissal and must be accompanied by an adult Two Rivers requires authorization on file for anyone for pick up. picking up a student from school. The school will not release a student, even to someone the child 33 knows, unless the person is on the list of approved people who can pick up the student. This list can be amended by a parent or guardian at any time in the school office. School staff reserves the right to request personal identification for anyone picking up a student. If it is necessary for a student to leave school during the day, his/her parent or another authorized adult must come to the office and sign the student out. Once a student is signed out by an adult for early dismissal, students in grades 2 through 8 may be dismissed from the classroom by their teacher, and the adult does not need to travel to the classroom to pick them up. For students in grades preschool through 1, a parent or authorized adult must sign the student out and travel to their classroom to pick them up for early dismissal. Two Rivers encourages parents to make pick-up arrangements clear to their children before school each morning. Children and teachers should always know how the student will be getting home. This reduces anxiety for students and allows all adults

Attendance Student Attendance and Excuse Notes for reasons other than illness or emergency require Two Rivers demonstrates a relentless commitment to prior consultation and approval from the principal. on-time attendance for all students. By law, student attendance in grades K-12 is mandatory, and a parent Absences for vacations will not be excused. If a responsibility. Per DC municipal regulations, students student is absent for six or more consecutive days due STUDENTS AND TEACHERS are legally expected to be in school for the entire to illness, a parent or guardian must present a medical OFTEN DRESS CASUALLY school day unless the absence is excused. Listed below are Two Rivers’ categories for valid excuses for excuse from their child’s doctor to the front desk via Because we are a hands-on an absence include: letter or email. school, teachers and students • Illness or other medical cause experienced by City laws require Two Rivers to abide by strict need to dress appropriately for the student; science experiments, messy art regulations around attendance. Excuse notes must be projects, and venturing into the • Exclusion, with no remote learning option turned in within five days. Please see the front desk if natural environment. We are provided, by direction of the authorities of you wish to drop off a medical excuse from the doctor. often up to our elbows in goopy the District of Columbia, due to quarantine, If you wish to email a medical excuse, please use one materials and the natural contagious disease, infection, infestation, or of the following email addresses, depending on which world. other condition requiring separation from school/campus your child attends: others; YOUNG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • Death in the student’s immediate family; [email protected] • Necessity for a student to attend judicial or 4TH STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL administrative proceedings; [email protected] • Observance of a religious holiday; • Lawful suspension or exclusion from school by TWO RIVERS MIDDLE SCHOOL [email protected] school authorities; • Temporary closing of facilities or suspension of Two Rivers is held accountable by the DC PCSB for attendance for all our students, including preschool classes due to severe weather, official activities, and prekindergarten. When our attendance suffers, holidays, malfunctioning equipment, unsafe our tier status may be impacted. or unsanitary conditions, or other condition(s) or emergency requiring a school closing or In order for students to be released early from school, suspension of classes; parents or guardians must submit a note to the front • Failure of the District of Columbia to provide desk and an authorized pick-up adult must be present transportation in cases where the District of to sign out the student. With or without a note, Two Columbia has a legal responsibility for the Rivers will not release students independently at any transportation of the student; time for any reason. Independent walkers can only • Medical or dental appointments for the student; pick up siblings in grades PK3-2 at dismissal with • Absences to allow students to visit their written consent from a parent. parent or a legal guardian, who is in the military; immediately before, during, or after By law, Two Rivers must contact CFSA immediately in deployment; and the case of 10 unexcused absences at any point in the • An emergency or other circumstances school year for students age 5-13. approved by an educational institution through Two Rivers must also contact Court Social Services conversation with the principal. (CSS) and the Office of the Attorney General for students age 14 - 17 who accumulate 15 unexcused Regular attendance is imperative to ensure that absences at any point in the school year. students are learning and part of the community. Please keep in mind that when your child is late for In order to participate in extracurricular school school it directly affects his or her day and that of the sponsored events, a student must be present for the whole class. Two Rivers accounts for the attendance entire school day or arrive late with a valid excuse note of each student on a daily basis, so we ask that you from a parent. In the middle school, participation in email the school before 8:15 am if your child will not after-school activities is at the discretion of middle be in school that day and send a note to the front school staff based on grade eligibility and discipline. desk via letter or email upon his or her return. If your child will be arriving late or departing early, parents 34 must send a note to alert the school. In general, Two Rivers requests families consult the school calendar when scheduling appointments or vacations, and whenever possible, please do not schedule anything that conflicts with the school day. Extended absences

Student Dress & Supplies Student Dress schools and include long and short-sleeved 35 t-shirts and polo shirts, sweatshirts, and The Two Rivers dress code generates a feeling hoodies.) of unity while allowing students some personal choice. In an effort to keep students focused and • Uniform shirts must be displayed at all times safe, and to encourage community, students are and may not be covered up by any other required to wear a Two Rivers uniform at all times articles of clothing or accessories. This also while in school learning. During remote learning, means that students cannot wear overall uniforms are not required. bibs, jumpers, or scarves, unless for religious reasons, that might cover the Two Rivers Only on designated days may students wear logo. Two Rivers sweatshirts and hoodies are the corresponding dress attire for that day. For available for students who need an additional example, if it is Pajama Day, as designated by the layer. students’ teacher and/or principals, students can wear pajamas for their class and grade, but on • Uniform shirts may not be altered in any normal school days, they must follow the dress way, including cutting off sleeves or necks, tie code or will be required to change. dying, or writing on them. If a student is wearing inappropriate clothing and • During cold weather, students may wear a does not have a Two Rivers uniform to change into, long-sleeve shirt underneath their uniform a parent or guardian will be contacted to either shirt but cannot wear any non-Two Rivers items bring the student a uniform shirt or appropriate like hoodies or coats on top of their uniform school bottoms, or purchase a shirt over the phone. when inside the building. (If bottoms are available, they will be loaned to the student.) If students are unable to change, they will • In the Middle School, each grade is expected not be allowed to leave the building on trips, will to wear their designated color: Lime (6th), also not be able to participate in recess, and must Aqua (7th), or Orange (8th). These colors are remain out of class until they are in full uniform. We available in t-shirts or sweatshirts encourage students to bring a change of clothes (an entire Two Rivers uniform option) to be kept in BOTTOMS their lockers or cubbies. • Students may wear whatever bottoms they Children should wear, or have available, clothing choose as long as they are appropriate in suitable for both our air-conditioned and heated length and design. (Appropriate length building and the outdoors. We have outdoor recess means that bottoms must reach the students’ in almost all weather conditions (except pouring fingertips if their hands are relaxed by their rain), so please ensure that your child has clothing sides.) and outerwear appropriate for the season. • Students may not wear clothing that presents If a family is in need and can not afford uniform a safety risk (i.e. pants with studs attached to shirts, they should speak with a member of the them). counseling team or the Assistant Principal of Culture. • Students may not wear bottoms, including jeans, with rips, tears or holes in them. All clothing, lunch boxes, and backpacks must be labeled. We do maintain a Lost and Found • All students should wear pants that sit firmly in the lobby of each building. Periodically during at their waist (i.e. leggings, sweatpants, the school year, clothing in the Lost and Found is shorts, or skirts should not sag and no donated to charity following announcements in the undergarments should be visible). Trib. SHOES The following guidelines govern uniforms at Two Rivers: • Shoes must be worn inside of the building at all times. TOPS • Students should wear footwear that allows • All students must wear a Two Rivers top them to fully participate in PE and active at all times. (Two Rivers tops are available games. for sale at the front desk of the elementary • Students can wear open toe shoes as long as they have a strap on them. Students can not wear slides, flip flops, or sandals unless they have a strap. • Students cannot wear wheeled shoes • Heels that are higher than one inch are not permitted.

Student Dress & Supplies ACCESSORIES school remains phone-free. Due to safety and to decrease the distractions in Every middle school student is assigned a personal our school learning environment, students are not Yondr Pouch. While the Yondr Pouch is considered allowed to wear the following things, unless for a school property, it is each student’s responsibility noted medical or religious reasons: to bring their Pouch with them to school every day and keep it in good working condition. • Hoods or hats of any kind in the building. This includes sun visors, ball caps, and ski masks. As students Arrive to School, they will: Turn their phone off. • Sunglasses Place their phone inside their Pouch and secure it in front of school staff. • Jewelry must be appropriate for school and Store their Pouch in their backpack for the day. not pose a safety threat. Necklaces should not include any vulgar symbols and/or words At the end of the day, students will open their and should be smaller than a penny. Earrings Pouch, remove their phone and put their Pouch in should be no larger than a quarter if wearing their backpack. Students must bring their Pouch to hoops or studs. school with them each day. • Students are not to carry bags, purses, or fanny *Students arriving late or leaving early will pouch/ packs in the building or at school-sponsored unpouch their phones in the Main Office. events. Each student is given a locker or cubby where they can store their personal belongings throughout the school day. Toys VIOLATIONS 36 Pouch Damage / Lost Pouch / Using Phone During Please help your child remember that toys should School be left at home during the school day. Toys include If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on anything that may disrupt learning or distract a their phone, Administration will collect the phone/ student from engaging in the school community. Pouch and the parent will be required to retrieve Our classrooms are filled with wonderful and the device. If the pouch is damaged, families will be stimulating educational toys, games, and materials required to pay a $3 replacement fee. for learning. Examples of damage: School Supplies • Deep scratches on the globe and on the green ring around it Several weeks before school, students will be given a list of supplies necessary for class and field • Intentional pen marks on the inside of the activities. School supplies will be for all students in Pouch the classroom to use and generally will be placed in a common space. If purchasing school supplies is • Bent pins difficult due to financial constraints, please see your child’s teacher or a school administrator. They will • Pin and button not fully recessing, due to pin make sure that your child has what he or she needs damage for participation in school. Forgotten Pouch Electronic Devices If a student forgets their Pouch, their phone will be collected and Admin will call home to remind the While on school grounds, there is never an Parent of the policy. The phone will be returned to appropriate time for a student to use cell phones the student at dismissal. or any other electronic device (including smart watches). If a parent or guardian needs to speak If a student consistently forgets their Pouch, it is with a child during the school day, they should call considered Lost. Refer to the Lost Pouch policy the school. above. In the middle school, we understand that students If a staff member sees a student phone or device, may carry cell phones to communicate with the device will be confiscated and turned in to parents and guardians outside of school. We the front desk. For the first violation, students can partner with Yondr to ensure that students can pick up their phone from the front desk at the end secure their devices while ensuring our middle of the day. If a pattern persists, the phone will be confiscated and a parent or guardian will need to

Student Dress & Supplies pick up the phone from the front desk. In some cases, we will require the student to turn in their phone at the front desk every morning. Be advised that Two Rivers in no way assumes any responsibility for damaged, lost, or stolen electronic devices. 37

Student Records Student Records notified of the transfer, receive a copy of the record 38 if desired, and have an opportunity for a hearing Two Rivers maintains a comprehensive, to challenge the content of the record; A parent/ computerized database of student information. This guardian has the right to review the student’s information is entered and reviewed for accuracy educational records unless the custodian of the and disseminated in accordance with applicable educational records has received a copy of a court laws. Access to this database will be restricted to order to the contrary. school staff. Hard copies of confidential student records will be similarly maintained in a locked file By law, if both parents/guardians are recorded on cabinet. a child’s birth certificate, both parents/guardians have legal birth rights to access student academic We ask that families make the school aware of any unless a court order is on file stating otherwise. changes that may occur during the school year such Educational records may contain personally as a change of address or phone number. These identifying data, progress reports, courses taken, changes should be made with the front desk staff or standardized achievement test scores, attendance via attendance email. Requests for information will data, aptitude tests, psychological tests, health data, be processed within 2 business days. family background information, observations, and reports of serious or recurrent behavior problems. In To view student records, parents/guardians must order for the school to release any information to a submit a written request to the school official, third party, we must first receive written permission which Two Rivers defines as the school registrar. The from the parent or guardian. school will then schedule an appointment within 15 school days of the written request. Records must Questions about the application of FERPA, be viewed under the supervision of the school requests to release student records, or court order Principal/designee and may not be removed from interpretations may be directed to Two Rivers’ the school’s main office. Special education records Registrar. In most cases, Two Rivers will not release are filed separately from general education student sensitive communication logs, such as but not records. Requests to view these records should be limited to communication with the District of made directly to the Special Education Compliance Columbia’s Child and Family Services Agency. Manager. Copies may be provided upon request. WReictohrddrsaw from School/Transfer of FERPA does not restrict Two Rivers’ obligations under federal civil rights laws. For example, a If a family wishes to withdraw a student from Two student who reports harassment may view the Rivers, they must submit a student withdrawal form outcome of their investigation, which includes any to the office formally announcing the family’s intent sanctions the school imposes on their harasser that to leave the school and indicating the last day of “directly relate” to the harassed student (e.g., a no- attendance at Two Rivers. Upon request of the contact order). parent/guardian, the registrar will arrange for the student’s records to be available for transfer to the Release of Information new school. Consistent with FERPA, Two Rivers is prohibited Directory Information from providing access to confidential student records to an individual who is not the student’s Two Rivers considers the following information to parent/guardian, absent written consent from the be designated as “directory information.” student’s parent/guardian or a valid court • Student Name; Mailing Address and Telephone order dated within one year the request to release Listing student records. An exception shall be made for Two Rivers school personnel who have a legitimate • Date and Place of Birth educational interest, defined as a need to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her • Participation in Officially Recognized Activities and professional responsibility. A similar exception shall Sports be made for officials of other schools or school systems in which the student seeks or intends to • Weight and Height of Members of Athletic Teams enroll, upon condition that the student’s parents be • Honors and Awards Received • Major Field of Study

Student Records • Dates of Attendance, Grade Level, and Enrollment Status • Most recent prior school of attendance • Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc. (A student’s SSN, in whole or in part, cannot and will not be used for this purpose.) The parent/guardian must notify Two Rivers in writing that they do not wish for directory information to be disclosed without prior consent. The notification can be sent to: registrar@ tworiverspcs.org or can be sent via ParentSquare. 39

Registration and Enrollment Admissions Process • DC Residency Verification Form ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? • DC Residency Supporting Documentation Please call us at 202 546 4477, Two Rivers participates in the My School DC email [email protected], stop (MSDC) common lottery. Families must submit an or consenting to Electronic Verification (for by the office, or reach out via online application via www.myschooldc.org or by returning students in grades 1 - 8) ParentSquare. calling the MSDC hotline on 202-388-6336. • Online Re-enrollment Form • Updated DC Universal Health Certificate 40 The following preferences offered are listed below • Updated DC Health Oral Assessment Form in order: • Updated Immunization Exempt Form if applicable 1 FOUNDERS - Biological, legally adopted, or • Updated HPV Opt Out Form if applicable in court appointed children of founding members addition to the DC Universal Health Certificate of Two Rivers. • Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment Form (with updates or every two 2 STAFF - Must be residents of the District of years) Columbia and employed full-time for at least one year. You cannot hold a seat at more than one school at a time. If you apply in the lottery and are matched 3 TWO RIVERS SIBLING - Siblings must re-enroll with another school and enroll, you will lose your for the upcoming school year and be enrolled seat at Two Rivers. In the event you desire to re- at the same campus. If a sibling enrolls and enroll at Two Rivers, you may do so without going TR sibling withdraws within the school year, through the MSDC lottery, only and if we are still sibling will lose their seat and will be added in open re-enrollment and have a seat available. back to the waiting list; the waitlist position Otherwise, you will have to submit an online post- will be determined by MSDC. lottery application to MSDC to be added to our waitlist. 4 TRANSFER - Can only be used one time. 5 SIBLING APPLICANT - If one sibling enrolls, the Re-enrollment Deadline other sibling(s) move to the top of the waiting Families who miss the re-enrollment deadline: list, but not above a student with a higher • Will have their child’s seat released as of the preference. A seat must be available to make said time on the day of the deadline and an offer; therefore, sibling applicant admission offered to the next person on the waiting list. is not guaranteed. If a sibling applicant • Will receive a “Missed Re-enrollment enrolls and sibling providing sibling applicant Deadline” email from the registrar with a preference withdraws, sibling applicant will Transfer & Withdrawal Form attached. lose their seat and be added back to the • Will have to submit a post-lottery application waiting list, waitlist position will be determined to MSDC to be added to the waiting list if by MSDC. interested in re-applying. You must enter “other” as your current school on the EQUITABLE ACCESS - Seat Set-Aside- Students MSDC application in order to complete the who are homeless, who are under the care application. of the District’s foster care system, or who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are eligibleto access seats in Grade Preschool 3.. Two Rivers allocates a certain number of seats per grade for this preference. Re-Enrollment Process Families will have a window of approximately 6 weeks to re-enroll. This includes early and extended hours during the week as well as Saturday hours. Reminders are in the Weekly Trib, verbal reminders from Ops Associates, flyers posted in the lobby, email, phone calls, and targeted ParentSquare alerts during the last two weeks. Once you are enrolled in Two Rivers, you do not have to submit another application to MSDC. However, every student must complete the re-enrollment process every year which consists of submitting:

’23’24 calendar January continued The Elementary School day at August 4th Street and Young begins at 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - 8:15 AM and ends at 3:15 PM 17-18 Summer Bridge no school Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and 24 Back to School Potlucks 19 Family Movie Night Friday. School begins at 8:15 20 Middle School Science Fair (tentative) AM and ends at 1:15 PM every 23-25 Family Conferences 31 Family Conferences - early release Wednesday. 28 First Day of School for students The Middle School day begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 3:30 PM September February Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. School begins at 8:30 4 Labor Day - no school 1-2 Family Conferences - early release AM and ends at 1:30 PM every 12 NorthBay Parent Meeting (6th grade only) for students Wednesday. 21 Back to School Night 5-9 Black Lives Matter Week of Action Total number of instructional October 12-15 Share the Love Week days is 180. 2-4 NatureBridge (5th graders only) 13 Family Dance 5 Math Festival 16 Professional Development Day - no 6 Professional Development Day - no school school for students for students 19 No School for Students, Staff 9 Indigenous People’s Day - no school March 10-13 NorthBay (6th graders only) 25 Fall Festival 7 Literacy Night 11-14 Latin Dance Competition November 15 Professional Development Day - no 2 Picture Day at 4th Street school for students 3 Picture Day at Middle School & Young ES 7-9 Family Conferences - early release 18 No School for Students, Staff for students 10 Veterans’ Day - no school April Book Fair 21 Ms. Brenda’s Day of Service Spring Break - no school 22-24 Thanksgiving Break 1-5 Spanish Night 27-30 Fall Book Fair 15-19 26 December May 1 Fall Book Fair 3 Better World Day (tenative) 11-12 Community Showcase at Young 16 Welcome to Preschool Night (new families) (tentative) 20-21 Community Showcase at 4th Street (tentative) 13-14 Community Showcase at 4th St 22-23 Community Showcase at Young (tentative) (tentative) 24 Professional Development Day - no 18 Early release for students school for students 19-30 Winter Break - no school 27 Memorial Day - no school June January 6-7 MS Musical 10-11 Field Days 1 Winter Break-No school 2 Professional Development Day - no school 12 5th Grade Promotion at 4th St for students 13 5th Grade Promotion at Young 3 Students & Staff return from Winter Break 12-14 Family Conferences - early release for students 14 8th Grade Promotion 14 Last Day of School 1227 4th Street NE · W DC 20002 · 202 546 4477 · www.tworiverspcs.org · [email protected]