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Our Heroes and Sheroes

Governance Roots Public Charter School (RPCS) is governed by a Board of Directors. The Board works with the Executive Director and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to ensure the long-term financial and programmatic success of the school. Some of their specific responsibilities include evaluating the executive director, overseeing school finance, approving the budget, tracking school performance, and representing RPCS in front of the Public Charter School Board. In Loving Memory, Dr. Jesse Sharpe Board of Directo rs PURPOSE & RESPONSIBILITY The primary role and responsibility of he Roots Public Charter School Board of Directors is to provide oversight over and accountability for the operation of the school, PCS and assess the school’s successes/areas for improvement. We participate in the school's strategic planning to ensure impact, growth, sustainability, implement and review policy, assist with fundraising, and provide financial oversight. Finally, we, the Board of Directors, speak with one voice in providing and promoting the strategic vision for the Roots Public Charter School. Members of the Board of Directors Mr. Cameron C. Poles - (Interim Chairperson/Treasurer), cameron.poles@gmail.com Ms. Khadija Bryant-Hughes - (Teacher Rep.), kbryant@rootspcs.org Ms. Selena Lipscomb - (Community Rep), Selenaspencerlipcomb@gmail.com Dr. Otto Wilson - (Community Rep), wilsono@cua.edu Ms. Deidra McEachern, Esq. - (Attorney), mceachernlaw@aol.com Ms. Yamrot Mamo - (Parent Rep), gebi47@yahoo.com Ms. Lynette Monroe-Wilson - (Parent Rep), lmonroe.wilson@gmail.com Scheduled Meetings The Board of directors meet on a quarterly scheduled. Regular Meetings are open to the public. Notices for time and place of the meetings are sent via email. 1st Quarter Meeting: Thursday, August 14, 2025 2nd Quarter Meeting: Thursday, December 11, 2025 (postponed ) 3rd Quarter Meeting: Thursday, January 22, 2026 (via Zoom ) 4th Quarter Meeting: Thursday, May 28, 2026 (via Zoom )

Important Parent Forms for SY 2026-2027 The Re-enrollment Form should be completed by returning families only. When completed, email or drop off the form to: Mama Keviana, kholmes@rootspcs.org . All other enrollment materials for new families can be found here ! Health and Safety Plan COVID Plan Home & Hospital Instruction Policy School Health Profile (SY 2025-26) JUNE NEWS & INFORM ATION Heroes & Sheroes of the Month School Meals Download Monthly Newsletter RPCS Charter School Profile Download School Calendar School Uniforms Calendar Roots Covid-19 Safety Policy (SY 2025-2026) (In-person Instruction) Students and staff will be screened each day before entering school. Failed screening or getting sick during the day will constitute non-admission until well or negative test is shown. Students will be in separate cohorts, keeping intermingling to a minimum. Students and staff will wear masks throughout the day except when eating. Students and staff must bring a negative test result every Monday to be admitted. Students and staff will wash hands frequently. Disinfecting will be done throughout the day. The school will has upgraded HVAC filters. There are portable air filters for each class area and restroom. We have water coolers and throw away cups. When a student, staff, or cohort test positive they must be quarantined for five days and return on or after the sixth day with a negative test result. Close contacts within the class may Test-To-Stay (TTS) if they test negative at that time and when retested two days later also test negative. All staff must be fully vaccinated.

Click here to see the DC Public Charter School Board school profile that includes school transparency documents for Roots PCS. Download our Local Wellness Policy (LWP) Document June Menus National School Lunch Program SY 2025-26 Roots Public Charter School offers a comprehensive meal program for all students. The school participates in the District of Columbia National School Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Program. The school participates in the District of Columbia National School Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Program which follows USDA meal pattern requirements, rules and regulations. In addition to participating in the NSLP, Roots PCS is also operating under Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and all meals are free to all students enrolled. The program enhances children’s learning abilities. Studies have shown that children whose nutritional needs are met have fewer attendance and discipline problems and are more attentive in class. Click on this link to find more information about Roots Public Charter School’s Wellness Policy and Healthy School Act Compliance. Roots PCS participates in SSO, in the event of school closure, meals will be available to families enrolled for the current school year. Click here for information on the Healthy School Act . Meal Charge Policy Roots Public Charter School is a Community Eligibility Provision School. The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a non-pricing meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas. CEP allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. For information regarding the National School Lunch Program at Roots Public Charter School, please contact Tyshawn Chisholm at tchisholm@rootspcs.org or 202-882-8073. Breakfast Lunch Snack Vegetarian Monthly Nutrition Analysis Breakfast Lunch USDA Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or (2) fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov *This institution is an equal opportunity provider* Also, the District of Columbia Human Rights Act, approved December 13, 1977 (DC law 2-38; DC official code §2-1402.11(2006), as amended) states the following: It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice to do any of the following acts, wholly or partially for a discriminatory reason based upon the actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, or political affiliation of any individual. To file a complaint alleging discrimination on one of these bases, please contact the District of Columbia's Office of Human Rights at (202) 727-4559 or ohr@dc.gov . For more information, please contact: Tyshawn Chisholm, Principal RPCS Anti-BULLYING PREVENTION PLAN Our anti-bullying policy prohibits any Roots PCS defines bullying as any severe, pervasive, or persistent "mean" act or conduct whether physical, electronic, or verbal that is harmful that is harmful and discourages positive learning and social interaction in any way. Click here to download the RPCS Anti-BULLYING PREVENTION PLAN. Mayor’s Bullying Prevention Task Force Model Bullying Prevention Policy On June 22, 2012, the District of Columbia City Council passed the Youth Bullying Prevention Act of 2012 (hereafter referred to as ‘the Act’) to address bullying on a comprehensive, citywide level. The policy requires that all District agencies, grantees, and educational institutions that provide services to youth adopt a bullying prevention policy. Click here to download the Mayor’s Bullying Prevention Task Force Model Bullying Prevention Policy.

Academic Instruction Weekly Lesson Plans Michelle Abney - Kindergarten Khadija Bryant - 1st/2nd Grade Betty Laichena - 3rd Grade Camara Nicholes - 4th/5th Grade More Time on Task Roots P CS teachers spend approximately 20% more time in school than most other DC public school teachers. The elementary school day is from 8:00 am-4:00 pm and the Prek3 and PreK4 schedule is from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm., allowing for increased time on task and after school daycare. Standards-Based Instruction Roots PCS uses the Common Core to ensure high quality instruction. Grade-level teams and support team members collaborate regularly to map Roots PCS curriculum, benchmark it against standards, and drive instructional decision-making in a rigorous, meaningful way. Research-Based Curricula Roots RPSC adopts resources that have proven success with similar populations of scholars. Nightly Homework: Regular homework is essential to mastering content and developing strong study habits. Students receive developmentally appropriate homework on a nightly basis to reinforce skills and develop study skills Homework is checked on a daily basis and families are kept apprised of scholar success through phone calls and written logs. Enrichment Our enrichment program ensures that scholars enjoy a variety of specials activities which contribute to scholar success both inside and outside of the classroom. Dr.Boyd’s Monthly Hands- on Science Weekly African Drumming and Dancing classes Weekly DC Hand-Dancing classes Weeky Jump Rope classes Kiswahili/Spanish/French (Introductory classes) Continuous Assessment Regular analysis of and reflection on scholar progress is central to Roots PCS's culture and to achieving our mission. The Principal leads assessment implementation and data collection efforts to ensure data-drive instruction; All students will take four interim assessments in Reading, Writing and Math each year to gauge progress towards grade-level standards; Student - specific plans are created following analysis of Interim data; All scholars take the ELA and Math Benchmarks for K-2, Common Core for Grades3-5). These tests comply with our student achievement goals, and gives the school an end-of-year snapshot of scholar mastery of grade-level standards; Students in grades 3-5 participate in the PARCC English Language Arts and Mathematics exams, and in the DC Science Assessment and the Health and Physical Education Assessment (HPEA); Students' reading fluency and comprehension levels are consistently monitored with DIBELS.

Monthly Birthdays Celebrations On the last Friday of each month, we will have a birthday party honoring students and famous Black persons born during that month. Some of the people commemorated: This provides staff and students the opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the achievements of past and present African Americans who have accomplished much for this country and the Black community, despite the country's history of racism and oppression. Current Heroes & Sheroes for the Month Other Heroes and Sheroes of the Months January February March April May July July August September October November December

November Heroes and Sheroes We will also commemorate Queen Mother Virginia (Aziza) Jones. Mama Jones was born November 1, 1935 in Canton, MI. Mama Jones attended the Mississippi Industrial College in Holly Springs, MI and Omaha University in Omaha, NE. She was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from D.C. Teachers College. After teaching at Houston Elementary School, Mama Jones joined Roots Activity Learning Center to open the Primary Division in 1978. As a skilled and seasoned educator, Mama Jones served as a mentor teacher, Head of the Primary Division, and Principal and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Roots A.L.C. Transitioned August 31st, 2017. Queen Mother Virginia (Aziza) Jones. Mama Jones was chosen by the National Association of Secondary Principals as DC Middle Level Principal of the Year 2010. This month we will commemorate the birthday of Benjamin Banneker (Born 1731 - Died 1806). Without Benjamin Banneker, our nation's capital would not exist as we know it. After a year of work, the Frenchman hired by George Washington to design the capital, L'Enfant, stormed off the job, taking all the plans. Banneker placed it on the planning committee at Thomas Jefferson's request, saved the project by reproducing from memory, in two days, a complete layout of the streets, parks, and major buildings. Thus Washington, D.C. itself can be considered a monument to the genius of this great man. Banneker created his own clock, made entirely of wood (1753). Famous as the first clock built in the New World, it kept perfect time for forty years. From 1792 to 1802, Banneker published an annual Farmer's Almanac, for which he did all the calculations himself. The Almanac won Banneker fame as far away as England and France. He used his reputation to promote social change: namely, to eliminate racism and war. But Banneker's reputation was never in doubt. He spent his last years as an internationally known polymath: farmer, engineer, surveyor, city planner, astronomer, mathematician, inventor, author, and social critic.

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A Message From The Principal Habari Gani! Habari Gani means "What's the News" in Swahili. I would like to welcome you to Roots Public Charter School. Our children are the future. We must strive to guide them toward higher academic achievement in order to secure the success of our community. The mission of Roots Public Charter School is to offer a culturally relevant (African-centered) and academically stimulating curriculum. We believe that by giving youth an appreciation of their land, history and culture we inspire and motivate them to academic and social high ideals. We seek to provide students with a strong African-centered learning environment, and guide students toward academic excellence, exemplary character, and social responsibility. Roots Public Charter School (RPCS), or Roots as we fondly say, was founded as a non-profit corporation in March 1999 by Principal Emeritus, Dr. Bernida Thompson. Roots alumni have graduated from many of the area’s finest public and private high schools and nationally ranked colleges and universities. Roots Public Charter School is nationally accredited by The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools and The Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. Our national success includes a National Blue Ribbon School (2023) and earning D.C.'s own Bold Performing Schools status in 2022 and 2023. These are large honors for our small, but growing, and nationally leading school. At Roots, we offer a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of our diverse student body. From our rigorous academic curriculum to our extracurricular activities, we are committed to providing a well-rounded education that prepares our students for success on all levels of their academic journey, college and beyond. We look forward to you visiting and enrolling your child at our esteemed public charter school. Baba Tyshawn Chisholm, M.Ed Head of School Roots Public Charter School tchisholm@rootspcs.org Discover Roots Public Charter School ENROLLMENT ACADEMICS ACTIVITIES

Apply Online ROOTS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL Online Admission Application STUDENT INFORMATION Select a date * required Student's First name Student's Age SID Student's Grade Choose an option Last name Gender Male/Female Date of Birth * required Special Services (check any that apply) Current IEP (Individualized Education Program) Current 504 Plan English Learner (ESL) PREVIOUS SCHOOL INFORMATION Previous School Student ID Number School's email address School Phone Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION Name of parent or guardian Relationship to Child Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Contact Information Parent/Guardan #1 Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone P/G#1 email address Parent/Guardan #2 Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone P/G#1 email address Signature of Parent/Guardian Clear Select a date * required Parent/Guardian must sign application in person prior to enrollment! Submit Thanks for applying to Roots Public charter School

May Heroes & Sheroes This month, we will commemorate the birth of our historical leader, Malcolm X , who was also known as El Hajj El Malik Shabazz. He was born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska on May 19, 1925. His father was an organizer in the Marcus UNIA Movement. Malcolm became the national spokesman for the Nation of Islam. By 1965, through his fiery, charismatic speeches of truth, he built a mighty link between the Africans throughout the world. Malcolm founded the OAAU: Organization of Afro- American Unity. He was later assassinated on February 21,1965. “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today .” ~ Malcolm X We will also celebrate the birthday of our present-day role model, Minister Louis Farrakhan who was born May 11, 1933. Leader of the Nation of Islam, in the effort to uphold unity among Black people, he has fostered cooperative relations among all religions of Africans. Minister Farrakhan was the co-organizer of the Million Man March, October 16, 1995, the Million Family March on October 16, 2000, and the Million More March on October 14-16, 2005. “You must recognize that the way to get the good out of your brother and your sister is not to return evil for evil .” ~ Louis Farrakhan