Calendar Notifications

25-26 School Year CALENDAR (linked here)

January 19th – NO SCHOOL – MLK Day

January 26th – NO SCHOOL – Professional Development

January 27th – Wellness Island: Family Event (5-7pm) at the HIGH SCHOOL – 709 12th St. SE (for both MIDDLE and HIGH school families)

***UPDATE: Originally, Friday, February 13th was NOT a School Day: Please note that Friday, February 13th is now a school day! Scholars must attend school on Friday, February 13th!***

February 11th & 12th – ANET Testing

February 16th – NO SCHOOL – President’s Day

ANNOUNCING – Senior Family Night

Attention Senior Families:

Senior families are invited to join us for Senior Family Night on Thursday, January 29 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.

DPA Featured on Queer Eye on Netflix

We’re excited to share that Digital Pioneers Academy will be featured in an upcoming episode of Queer Eye on Netflix, with the new season set to air on January 21. The filming took place back in August at our high school. The episode highlights our school community and the educators who support our students every day. No spoilers—we hope you’ll tune in.

Middle School AND High School Writing and Art Contests

The Metropolitan (DC) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated cordially invites students in grades 6th-12th to participate in the 2026 Dr. Jean Mosee Young Writers Contest. This program was developed by the chapter in 1982 as the Young Black Writers Contest, after learning about poor test scores in writing among African American high school students. The contest is now open to all students throughout the DMV in sixth through twelfth grades. The purpose of the contest is to encourage writing among middle and high school students, especially students of color, and to publicly recognize their literary talents. Over 2,000 students have participated in the program throughout the years.

Young Writers Contest

Poster Arts Competition

Middle School ONLY – Clear Backpacks REQUIRED Starting Feb. 2nd

Middle School ONLY: Starting on February 2nd, 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 – Attendance Incentive This Week!

Attention: DPA Middle School Scholars and Families.  Scholars that arrive by 8:15 Tuesday-Thursday of this week will receive a dress down pass for Friday Jan 23, 2026.

High School Families – PowerSchool Portal Access

High school families can now access student grades and attendance through the PowerSchool Parent and Student Portal. Portal access information was shared with families on Friday, January 9th. If you did not receive your login details or need to update your email address, please contact data@digitalpioneersacademy.org for assistance.

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 1/19/26

High School Athletics

Family and Scholar Wellness Resources

***NEW*** – Virtual Suicide Awareness Training (tomorrow – Wed., Jan. 21st at 6pm)

See the FLYER for additional details.

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.

The Balance Bulletin

A space created by your school social worker to share tips, tools, and resources that support the well being of our entire DPA community. Each month, you will find insights for parents, teachers and students, along with highlights, updates and inspiration to help you feel balanced, supported and seen. Find the December edition HERE!

Monthly Mental Health Newsletter

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