Family Bulletin
Week Of May 4th, 2026
Dear DPA Families,
The moment we have all been working toward has finally arrived—DC CAPE testing begins today. This is an exciting opportunity for our scholars to demonstrate the knowledge, growth, and perseverance they have shown throughout the year.
Now more than ever, it is essential that every student arrives on time each day, well-rested, well-fed, and in full uniform, ready to do their very best. Your support at home plays a critical role in setting them up for success, and we are so grateful for your partnership.
We are incredibly proud of our students and can’t wait to see them shine. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and commitment to our school community.
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Calendar Notifications |
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25-26 School Year CALENDAR (linked here) – Updated on 2/22/26 |
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May 5-21 – DCCAPE Testing May 20 – College Decision Day May 25 – No School Memorial Day June 2 & 3 – NWEA MAP Testing June 9th – High School Graduation June 12th – Last Day of School with Scholars & 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony |
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State Testing Continues This Week: DC CAPE |
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DC CAPE testing is in progress this week at Digital Pioneers Academy! We want to take a few moments to explain what these assessments are and why your student is taking them. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), in partnership with content experts and outstanding local educators, strives to build assessments that are accessible and culturally responsive. They test students’ understanding of key academic skills that they are learning every day, so your student does not need to study or do any special preparation. Of course, these assessments are just one measure of student learning at one point in time. They do not tell your child’s whole story; they help us support them. The detailed results will help us understand your child’s strengths and needs so that we can better support them through instruction and enrichment. In the District of Columbia, the required statewide assessments are: DC CAPE:
As a District, we need to have a high participation rate to ensure we receive much-needed federal funding for our schools. At our school, most students will take these assessments on computers (laptops). Please rest assured that students with identified learning needs will be provided necessary test accommodations per their individual plans (IEP, 504 plan, and/or EL plan). At Digital Pioneers Academy, the assessments will be administered in the following windows:
We are excited that DC scholars are participating in these high-quality assessments that will help all of us better understand what our students know and are able to do. You can find a suite of helpful resources, including sample score reports, at osse.dc.gov/dccape to help you better understand the assessments. We ask for your assistance in encouraging your child to do their best, and in making sure your child is present and on time during the testing windows for both assessment and instruction. Additionally, if your child was part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) sample this year, we want to thank you and your child for participating! |
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🎓 8th Grade Senior Week is Almost Here! |
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We’re excited to celebrate our 8th graders with a full week of unforgettable events: https://drive.google.com/file/
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Re-Enrollment has BEGUN! Reserve Your Spot at DPA! |
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Dear DPA Families, Enrollment season is officially open, and it’s time to re-enroll your scholar for the 2026–2027 school year! We’ve made a few minor updates to the process this year to make things smoother for families. To begin the Re-Enrollment process, please complete the Enrollment Survey linked here Once the survey is completed for each of your scholars, you will receive the DCRV and enrollment forms via DocuSign. After submitting your completed DocuSign forms, a member of our team will contact you to collect proof of residency if needed. To ensure your scholar is ready for the first day of school, all re-enrollment paperwork must be submitted by June, 1st 2026. Please note: Scholars who are not fully enrolled by this date will be placed on the waitlist for next school year. If you have any questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Enroll@digitalpioneersacademy. Thank you for being a part of the DPA community! |
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🌿 Camp Canopy 2026 – Let’s Get Ready! ☀️ |
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DPA Families — Summer is loading, and Camp Canopy is calling!
Session I: June 22 – July 3 at Franklin & Marshall College We are currently on a waitlist — but applications are STILL OPEN, and spots often become available as we get closer to camp. Families, now is the time to act. Even if you have not applied yet, you should still submit your application to be considered as openings arise. For enrolled families, the #1 priority right now is completing the Health History form, along with submitting immunization records. Please note, physicals are not required for the 2026 season, making this process more accessible for all families. Campers will experience a true college campus environment at Franklin & Marshall, including top-tier facilities, leadership development, enrichment opportunities, and a safe, structured summer experience designed to build community and confidence.
Championship mindset doesn’t stop in June—it continues at Camp Canopy. |
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Attention: High School 11th Grade Families – Zoom Recording |
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Attention 11th Grade Families: Thanks for all that joined the Intro to College and Career Counseling meeting on Zoom last Thu 4/30. As promised, here are the slides and recording for those that missed it.
Please reach out to the team at college@ |
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Athletics Update – Week of 5/4/26 |
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High School Athletics
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After School Clubs and Activities |
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High School After School Clubs
Middle School After School Clubs Tutoring- Mon, Tue 4-5 Bike Club- Tue- 4-5:30 Best Kids- Wed 1-2 Art Club- Thur 4-5 Robotic Thurs 4-5 P.O.W.E.R- Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 3:45- 6 |
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Family and Scholar Wellness Resources |
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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. |
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