Family Bulletin
Week Of January 7th, 2026
Dear DPA Families,
Welcome back, families and scholars, and happy New Year! We hope that you and your loved ones enjoyed a safe, restful, and rejuvenating winter break. As we begin 2026 together, we are excited to reopen our doors and reconnect with our scholars, ready for a fresh start and new opportunities for growth and learning.
Our community built incredible momentum throughout 2025, and we are committed to carrying that energy forward into the new year. From strong academic gains to positive school culture, our scholars showed us what is possible when we work together with focus and determination. Now is the time to hit the ground running, stay consistent, and continue pushing toward excellence each and every day.
As we move through 2026, we ask for your continued partnership and support. The work ahead will require dedication, perseverance, and teamwork, but we know that when families, scholars, and staff are aligned, amazing things happen. We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to digging in together to ensure we finish the 25-26 school year strong.
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Calendar Notifications |
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25-26 School Year CALENDAR (linked here) December 22nd-January 2nd – NO SCHOOL – Holiday Break January 5th – FULL SCHOOL DAY – Return from the Holiday Break January 19th – NO SCHOOL – MLK Day January 26th – NO SCHOOL – Professional Development ***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!*** |
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February 16th – NO SCHOOL – President’s Day |
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Middle School – Attendance Incentives This Week! |
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Attention: DPA Middle School Scholars and Families. If your middle school scholar attends school M-Th of this week (Jan. 5-Jan. 8), they can earn a dress down pass this coming Friday, January 9th. |
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26-27 School Year Lottery Opened on Dec. 15th |
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The DC and DPA Lottery Application opened on December 15th. If you have other children you’d like to join the DPA community, now is the time to apply. Your trust and partnership mean the world to us, and we’d love for all your children to benefit from DPA. Apply at myschooldc.com Lottery Deadlines High school deadline is February 2, 2026 Middle school deadline is March 2, 2026 Why Apply Now? As a current DPA family, your children receive sibling preference, giving them a higher chance of being matched if you apply by the deadline. In recent years, demand for DPA from families has been higher than the available space, so we encourage you to apply by the deadline and remember to select DPA as your #1 choice. Thank you for being a valued part of the DPA community. We look forward to continuing this journey with your family for years to come! |
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Athletics Update – Week of 1/5/26 |
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High School Athletics
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High School – Calling All Creative Scholars! |
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We’re collecting original artwork, poems, and songs for this year’s yearbook!
“We’re all in this together!”
Challenge expectations. Inspire change.
Be true to who you are.
Go after what you love, even if it’s not what others expect. Deadline: January 15 Please make sure your work is school-appropriate (nothing vulgar or offensive) and include your name and grade with your submission. Email your submission to DPAYearbook@ Seniors, It’s Baby Photo Time! We’re collecting baby pictures from the Class of 2026 for a special “Guest Who” yearbook feature! Show us how far you’ve come! Please make sure your photo is school-appropriate and include your name when submitting. Email your submission to DPAYearbook@ Deadline: December 15 Let’s celebrate your journey, Class of 2026 |
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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. 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. |
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