August 11, 2011

DCPS Launches ‘Enrollment Blitz’ for Afterschool Programs 

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District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) will host an “enrollment blitz” next week to give parents a chance to enroll their children in afterschool programs in time for the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 22, 2011.

The enrollment blitz will occur noon-6 p.m. Monday, August. 15 and Wednesday, August. 17; 8 a.m.-noon Tuesday, August. 16 and Thursday, August. 18; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday August. 19 at all 101 DCPS schools that offer afterschool programs.

At the blitz, parents will find DCPS, community and neighborhood-based program partners who will recruit students for participation in their afterschool programs. Throughout the week, DCPS will distribute water bottles, drawstring bags, T-shirts and other giveaways for those who register.

To register in an elementary afterschool program, parents must complete an afterschool registration form; sign a FERPA letter (both available online); and provide documentation of residency and relationship to the student, as well as income eligibility documents. Acceptable forms of documentation are located on the DCPS website. To enroll in a middle school and high school afterschool program, parents must complete an afterschool registration form and a signed FERPA letter.

Without proper documentation, students will not be allowed to participate in afterschool programming beginning Monday, Aug. 22 until the documentation is submitted. All documentation must be dated within 30 days of the child attending his or her first day of the afterschool program.

In addition to changes in enrollment procedures, DCPS afterschool program fees will change this year. To remain in compliance with funding from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), the Office of Out-of-School Time must assess fees on a sliding-fee scale that is based on family size and income level that falls within the federal poverty guidelines. The maximum fee that could be assessed is $9.72 per day for the first child.

This school year, afterschool programs will feature a more rigorous Academic Power Hour (APH) that is aligned to the Common Core State Standards and a “Stomp out Bullying” theme for the enrichment and wellness component.  Students who participate in APH receive the equivalent of 26 additional instruction days, leading to substantial gains in academic performance. 

A recent Harvard University study verifies the role DCPS afterschool programs play in lowering suspensions and absences and increasing test scores and GPAs.  A free healthy supper meal will also be served every day.

For more information, contact the Office of Out-of-School Time at 202.442.5002 or afterschool.dcps@dc.gov.