June 25, 2020

Paul PCS families,

Happy summer solstice – this season ushers in fun, excitement and a period of reset and reflection that we all welcome annually. As the Paul school community breaks, we want to update you on critical dates and changes in our instructional routine that will take effect next year.

Please be advised that the first day of school for 6th and 9th Grade Paul scholars will be August 17th. All other grades will report on August 19-21, 2020. The first week of school will be early release for the entire week with classes scheduled from 7:45-1:30pm. Because of social distancing requirements, scholars will begin the school year on a staggered schedule. Further information will be sent within the next few weeks regarding your family’s specific date based on their school and grade.

Next year, Paul will introduce a Hybrid Schooling Model of education which includes options for both in-person and virtual classroom instruction. For families who select the in-person option for schooling, their scholar(s) will have an A/B schedule in which they attend classes on campus twice a week and continue their studies through engaging in three days of live-streamed, teacher-led instruction from home. For families who select the full virtual option, their scholar(s) will engage in five days of live-streamed, teacher-led instruction from home. On Fridays, all scholars will receive instruction virtually. 

Paul has made the decision to use a Hybrid Schooling Model to effectively prioritize the safety and wellness of all scholars and staff, which is our most important objective. Our plans are guided by the most current recommendations of the Center of Disease Control and the DC Department of Health. These guidelines mandate no more than 12 people, including students and teachers, in a classroom at a time; this is our primary reason for next year’s Hybrid Schooling Model. School year 2020-2021 changes also include:

  • Five-day, daily instruction; scholars will receive lessons all week, these lessons will be taught two days a week in-person and three days a week virtually. 
  • Early release days (1:30pm dismissal) will be moved to Fridays for the upcoming year. All scholars will participate in remote learning on Fridays.
  • We will accommodate families who wish to continue with remote learning for all five days of the school week. We will be sending a Google Form to all fully enrolled parents in July to provide an opportunity for parents to select if they would like their scholar to continue with remote learning for all five days or participate in the on-site hybrid schooling model.

The entire Paul staff, faculty and administration extends our sincerest thanks for your support, feedback and collaboration during distance learning and through our surveys and focus groups. Your honesty helps us gain an understanding of how to best serve your child.

During this unexpected season, we started our distance learning model in March and were able to totally transition into our “new norm,” as federal, state and local governance learned critical information about COVID-19 and its precautions in the education sphere.

For the past month, we have made important modifications to our distance learning model based on your vision and voice. Distance learning changes will be fully implemented at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. As we shift into the summer, below are critical summer dates that families must ensure scholar participation:

JULY 20-24, 2020 MAP Testing for rising 6th – 10th Grade scholars is scheduled during the week of Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24. More additional information regarding the assigned date for your scholar will be sent in early July.

July 24, 2020 Full enrollment with all requested paperwork must be completed by Friday, July 24 by 6:00pm. The enrollment deadline has passed and seats are limited.

Summer 2020 Parent Orientation Dates:

  • 6th Grade Parent Orientation – July 29th
  • 7th and 8th Grade Parent Orientations – August 5th; August 12th
  • 9th Grade Parent Orientation – July 30th 
  • 10-11th Grade Parent Orientations – July 31st
  • 12th Grade Parent Orientation – August 5th

Note: All Parent Orientations will be virtual and start at 5:30pm. Links will be sent to fully enrolled parents.

The Paul Public Charter School community wishes you and your loved ones a safe, healthful and restorative summer break. Please click to find the Summer Reading and Enrichment Opportunities lists as well.

With deep gratitude and appreciation,

Dr. Tracy L. Wright
Chief Executive Officer