Calendar Notifications

25-26 School Year CALENDAR (linked here)

February 16th – NO SCHOOL – President’s Day

February 19th – Senior Family Night (see below)

***UPDATE: Originally, Thursday, March 12th & Friday, March 13th were NOT School Days: Please note that both of these days are now a school day! Scholars must attend school on Thursday, March 12th AND Friday, March 13th!***

April 6 – NO SCHOOL – Teacher Professional Development Day, End of Quarter 3

April 13-17 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

May 5-21 – DCCAPE Testing

May 22 – College Decision Day

May 25 – No School Memorial Day

Senior Family Night – Thurs., Feb. 19th

Attention Senior Families:

Senior families are invited to join us for Senior Family Night on Thursday, February 19th at 5:00 PM in the High School Café (709 12th St SE). This session will cover important information about senior events (prom, senior trip, graduation), provide updates on college applications, and offer in-person support for completing the FAFSA.

Families are encouraged to attend with their scholar if possible and bring any materials needed for FAFSA completion. Dinner will be provided. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure a strong finish to senior year.

Middle School Youth Poetry Contest

The Junior League is hosting the 27th Annual DC Youth Poetry Contest.  The contest is for 4th-8th grade students, and this year’s theme is “Imagine.” The contest is a great way for students to practice writing and express themselves creatively. Find all of the details on the contest WEBSITE.

Middle School ONLY – Clear Backpacks REQUIRED Starting Feb. 9th

Middle School ONLY:

We have pushed this back by one week given our recent snow/winter events to Monday, Feb. 9th. Starting on February 9th, students will only be permitted to bring clear book bags to school. Bags must be completely see-through, excluding colored straps or minimal reinforcements. Small, non-clear pouches (approx. 6”x9”x5”) are allowed for personal items.

Key Requirements & Regulations

• Material: Must be clear plastic, PVC, or vinyl. Mesh bags are not permitted.

• Color: Transparent, tinted, or colored bags are generally not allowed; only fully clear.

• Visibility: The backpack must allow for full visibility of all items inside.

• Exceptions: Small, non-transparent pouches for hygiene products or money are allowed. Colored straps and small logo branding are permitted.

• Dimensions: “backpack-sized”.

Middle School ONLY – Chromebook Care and Responsibility

Dear DPA Families,

Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) is committed to providing every scholar with the tools they need to succeed academically. As part of this commitment, each middle school scholar is issued a Chromebook for daily instructional use. These devices are a significant investment in our scholars’ education, and it is essential that they are treated with care and responsibility. Unfortunately, we have seen an ongoing pattern of Chromebooks being mishandled, damaged,  or lost. These incidents lead to costly repairs and disruptions to the learning environment. We are asking for your partnership to ensure that scholars maintain their devices responsibly.

Expectations for Chromebook Use

To protect school equipment and maintain a clear, functional workspace, all scholars are required to follow the guidelines below:

1. Scholars must use only the Chromebook assigned to them. Devices are labeled and tracked for accountability.

2.  Scholars must return Chromebooks to the charging station when not in use.

3.  Scholars must report lost or damaged devices immediately.

4.  Scholars must carry their chromebook with two hands.

5.  Scholars must be gentle with the device that has been assigned to them. Scholars shouldn’t remove anything from their chromebook nor should they disassemble their chromebook.

6.  Scholars should not eat or drink near their device.

Family Responsibility & Damage Fees

By receiving this memo, families acknowledge that they are responsible for the Chromebook issued to their scholar. Moving forward, any damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or irresponsible handling will incur a $75 repair fee. This fee supports the cost of parts, labor, and replacement of severely damaged devices.

DPA values our scholars and their learning experience. Maintaining school-issued devices is essential for ensuring equal access to technology and a productive learning environment for all.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support. Your partnership ensures we can continue providing the tools necessary for high-quality instruction.

Athletics Update – Week of 2/16/26

High School Athletics

Family and Scholar Wellness Resources

Food Access Resources

We know times can be challenging, and some families may be facing extra difficulty putting food on the table. You are not alone, the DPA Wellness Team is here to help connect you with local food resources and support.  Click here for resources available for families in need, along with updates as they become available. Please take a moment to review them and share with anyone who may benefit.

Family Resource Guide

Please see the linked guide HERE, curated by the DPA Wellness Team. It includes information on community-based organizations, grief and loss support, substance use support, food pantries, and more. Printed copies are also available in the main office.

Monthly Mental Health Newsletter

Please check out the monthly mental health newsletter that is published by our Paving the Way Mental Health Therapists.