Summer & Fall Updates: Letter from Chuck Jackson
April 9, 2021
Dear Creative Minds Community:
On a call with education leaders late yesterday afternoon, Mayor Bowser shared her vision for reopening schools this fall. If health metrics allow, the District expects all public schools in Washington, DC, to be fully open for in-person learning in fall 2021. In addition, the District expects the following:
- In-person learning will occur five days a week for all students.
- All teachers will be back in schools teaching in their classrooms.
- All school buildings will be safe and have strong health protocols in place. Schools will share robust plans with the city and their communities.
- Schools will ensure they have the staff, space, and other resources they need to accommodate all students.
- Schools will continue to leverage remote learning on a limited, as-needed basis.
The mayor’s thinking is in line with what we’re already planning for at Creative Minds. Our 2021–22 plans are based on a return to full-time in-person learning when school starts (on August 30) unless the public-health situation precludes it.
We’ve told all staff members that they’re expected to work in person next school year, even if we offer some form of remote learning for families that prefer this option.
This summer, we’re offering Extended School Year from July 5 through July 30. ESY is for students with IEPs and 504 plans who need more time to reach their goals; the program will be in person, at school, with an online component for students whose families prefer that they learn at home. In the first week of May, we’ll contact families with offers for ESY.
We’re in discussion with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation about hosting Boost Academy—a program of summer-camp activities and academic and social-emotional learning—at Creative Minds this summer. Much has yet to be confirmed, but when we have details, we’ll share them with families.
After spring break, we’ll continue offering at-school spots to students on our waiting list, as staffing allows. As we wrote in our April 1 email, we don’t have a timeline for bringing back more students to school, but we’ll share information when it’s available.
Spring break starts this Monday, April 12, and runs through Friday, April 16. Today I’m reflecting on everything that you—both staff members and families—have accomplished in the last year for our students. Thank you for your work and your support.
Though we’re not yet back to the spring break of “normal” times, I hope that next week is an opportunity for both relaxation and joyful activities. We’ll be happy to see you, online or at school, on April 19.
Best,
Chuck Jackson
Executive Director