Family Bulletin
Dear DPA Families,
As we welcome the beginning of March, we are feeling the shift that comes with longer days, warmer sunshine, and the first signs of spring. Just as flowers begin to bloom after the stillness of winter, we are watching our students bloom as well — growing in confidence, deepening their learning, and stretching themselves in new and exciting ways. This season reminds us that growth takes patience, care, and encouragement, and we are so proud of the progress our young people are making each day. We are excited for all that this new month will bring!
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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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***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!*** March 11th & 12th – Parent/Teacher Conferences (after school conferences – scholars still have school on these days) March 17th & 18th – TESTING
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 20 – College Decision Day May 25 – No School Memorial Day |
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(MIDDLE SCHOOL) Family/Teacher Conferences This Week – Sign Up Now! |
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We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Family-Teacher Conferences taking place this week. Conferences will be held during the following times:
We strongly encourage all families to schedule a 15-minute conference with your scholar’s teacher. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to learn more about your scholar’s academic progress, celebrate their successes, and discuss any areas where additional growth and support may be helpful. To reserve your preferred time slot, please complete the conference sign-up form here: https://forms.gle/ To make the evening even more welcoming, we will also be providing a light dinner for families who attend. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing more about the great work your scholars are doing at DPA. |
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Student Uniform Reminders |
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Middle School: All DPA middle school scholars are required to wear their uniform to school each day. This means that scholars must wear a DPA green polo shirt or a DPA green crewneck sweatshirt. For bottoms, they must wear grey jogger pants or other grey pants (no grey sweatpants, no grey jeans). If a student wears their DPA green jacket, they must also wear their DPA polo or DPA sweatshirt under it. No DPA t-shirts, hoodies, jeans, leggings, tights, crocs or foam runners. Scholars who are not in full uniform will receive deductions and will be required to change into full uniform. High School: Digital Pioneers Academy requires ALL scholars to be in uniform everyday. The school uniform builds community, removes distractions from the learning environment, and ultimately prepares scholars for 21st century careers. ALL scholars are required to come to school in full uniform all year, unless instructed otherwise. |
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Athletics Update – Week of 3/9/26 |
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High School Athletics
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DC Bike Racing Team Launching! |
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The Digital Pioneers Academy Bike Club is announcing the launch of a bike racing team sponsored by the DC Bike Academy! The team will practice on Saturdays at Anacostia Park in Washington DC starting in March. Scholars will have the opportunity to race against other youth their ages both inside and outside of the DMV. All equipment and transportation will be provided to DPA Scholars (yes, this includes bikes & helmets). Several DPA Scholars have participated with the DC Bike Academy’s Race Team, including current 8th graders Malaya Bottoms and Layla Peace. You can see their story here: https://www.youtube.com/watch? For those who are interested, please submit an application here: https://www.cognitoforms.com/ We will also be hosting a Zoom call for interested parents & scholars in the near future. The DC Bike Academy is a STEAM-based 6th-12th-grade supplemental educational program serving the under-resourced East of the River communities of Washington DC. |
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City Kids Wilderness Project |
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Hello from City Kids Wilderness Project! My name is Taylore Willis, and I am the DC Program Director at City Kids Wilderness Project, a DC-based youth development nonprofit that offers 6+ consecutive years of entirely FREE out-of-school time programs focused on utilizing outdoor spaces and experiences to build social, emotional, leadership, and college and career readiness skills to small cohorts of DC-based middle and high school youth. We provide year-round programming. During the school year we do activities in the DC area such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, biking, camping and more, and then each summer we fly our youth to Jackson Hole, WY for a few weeks of residential summer camps where they get to engage in activities such as long term backpacking and canoe trips, visiting Yellowstone National Park, climbing the Grand Teton mountains, and so much more. Deadline In case helpful, here are a few resources to learn more about the City Kids program, including what we look for in 6th-grade applicants:
The application deadline for your 6th-grade students to be considered to join City Kids is Wednesday, March 10th. If you have any questions, please let me know. Taylore Willis (she/her/hers) Director of Programs – DC Building Resiliency, Broadening Horizons, Ensuring Skills for Success Cell: (202) 557-8598 |
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🌿 Camp Canopy Meet & Greet — You’re Invited! |
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Interested in Camp Canopy for your scholar this summer? Come meet the director, get all your questions answered, and learn more about what this amazing experience has to offer!
This is a great opportunity to connect directly with the Camp Canopy team before registration decisions are made. We hope to see you there! |
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Middle School Youth Poetry Contest |
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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. |
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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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