Search Results

2024-25 TEACHER SALARY PAY SCALE STAFF CLASSIFICATIONS All administration works year-round twelve (12) months. The teaching staff works 10 months depending on their qualifications and employment contracts. Everyone's pay is spread over 12 months. EVALUATION PROCEDURES Staff evaluation serves as a history of performance, feedback to let staff know how their performance is perceived, and criterion for administrative decisions (to keep or terminate personnel, and a salary judgment tool to determine service value). The evaluation process includes: Daily informal observations. In November and June, there are two (2) formal evaluations of all first- and second-year teachers and assistants. In June, there is one (1) formal evaluation of teachers with three (3) years or above. A written checklist - first filled out in pencil by employees, then reviewed and revised in ink by the supervisor.

The Parents Activity Caring (PAC) is a group of engaged and active Roots parents/guardians. Our aim is to promote Roots PCS culture, increase parent engagement, and support academic excellence. Our goal is to enrich the experience of Roots PCS students through parent volunteerism, engagement in positive social events/activities, fundraising, planning, utilizing our resources, as well as identity workshops and programs, and areas of interests within our community. You are your child's biggest advocate. Join PAC today : Want to join a Committee/Team? Send an email to PAC . Commit to perform one task per month (ie, attend PAC meeting) Pay $65 annual membership fee (per family) Sunday, Oct. 15th : DEADLINE FOR PAC DUE PAYMENT OF $65 per Family via cashApp $pacroots (QR Code Below)**Be sure to add watotos/scholars name in notes. PAC meets the last Thursday of each month. The next PAC Meeting is a special one held OFF CAMPUS & IN-PERSON on Thursday, October 26, 2023, from 5p - 7p at Lamond Riggs Recreation Center Playground. All Parents and Grandparents who are committed to a join a team on PAC are encouraged to attend wearing their favorite activewear, yoga mat, blanket, or lawn chair ready to stretch and walk/jog. This is where we meet to discuss upcoming events, questions, concerns and ideas. Don't miss out! WE ARE IN NEED OF A SEASONED PARENT OR TWO THAT CAN VOLUNTEER TO PROVIDE CHILDCARE FOR THE CHILDREN IN ATTENDANCE DURING THE PAC MEETINGS. According to the Roots Handbook All Parents are required to volunteer on PAC committee. So are in the process of rebuilding the Chair members of the PAC Teams. We appreciate you in advance for offering your time, skills and talents. We look forward to working with you this school year. -Your PAC Leadership Team DEADLINE FOR PAC DUES PAYMENT OF $65 per family via cashApp $pacroots Be sure to add watotos/scholars name on notes** Click Here , Scan QR code to pay PAC dues or enter $ PACROOTS in your CashApp app to submit payment. PAC currently in the process of building a New Team of Passionate, Talented, and Resourceful Parents and Grandparents to join as Officers and Chair Positions. Being a part of PAC Leadership has its benefits, such as: Personal seat at the table Front row seat to watch your ideas come to life Yearly PAC dues are reimbursed after year of service at the end of the year Be a part of a legacy First to take advantage of new initiatives Establish an extended family and lasting friendships Access to exclusive opportunities PAC Leadership Positions: The President The Future: Vice President, Treasurers, and Secretary The Next Generation: Innovative Initiatives: A team of forward-thinking Parents and Grandparents who have exposure to other Schools and Educators The Social Circle: A team of Parents and Grandparents who create and post content to all social media accounts and keep the presence active and visible while keeping the community engaged. The Money Team: A team of Parents and Grandparents who seek and secure Grants and Organize Fundraisers to financially support setting our scholars up for success. The Masterminds: A team of Parents and Grandparents who ensure educational excellence is rewarded and who expose our scholars to up-to-date software, technology, and information. The "Trending" Team: A team of Parents and Grandparents that plan Events with themes that create and display "Trendy" Decorations. The Comfort & Cozy Team: A team of Parents and Grandparents that ensure Scholars, Parents, Teachers, and Guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and are considered by their Roots Family through a high level of hospitality and congratulatory announcements, gifts, and refreshments...all things that makes one feel comfortable and cozy. The Security Team: A team of Parents and Grandparents who create and validate initiatives are in place and upheld to keep the school and families of Roots Safe, Secure, and maintained.

January Heroes & Sheroes This month, we will commemorate the birth and lifetime work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At Roots, this is always celebrated in grand fashion. On Friday, January 12, we will spend the day hearing his speeches, watching videos about his life, singing freedom songs, and participating in a mock "sit-in" and freedom march. King was born on January 15, 1929, and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Dr. Martin L. King Jr. 's birthday is a nationwide holiday, celebrated Monday, January 15, 2024. We celebrate the birthday of our beloved ancestor, Mr. Johnie D. Wilson , born on January 3, 1919, and transitioned on January 4, 2006. He was a community leader, activist, and Roots’ neighbor. Mr. Wilson served on the Roots ALC Council of Elders and was a founding member of the Roots PCS Board of Trustees. Since 1990 until his transition, he continued to be a faithful Roots benefactor. We also celebrate the birthday of our present-day shero, former First Lady Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama . She was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, IL. She serves as a lawyer, writer, and the wife of the 44th President, Barack Obama. She is the first African American First Lady of the United States. Through her four main initiatives, she has become a prominent role model for women. She is an advocate for healthy families, service members and their families, higher education, and international adolescent girls’ education.

March Heroes & Sheroes This month, we will commemorate the birthday of our beloved ancestor, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing . She was born on March 18, 1935, and died on January 2, 2016. She was a psychiatrist in Washington, DC who devoted more than thirty years to the study of the origin and institution of racism and white supremacy. Dr. Welsing's writings, lectures and ideas have helped many people, including scientists and scholars, understand the worldwide system of white supremacy. Dr. Welsing's scholarly works, compiled in her book; The Isis Papers are changing the course of history. We will celebrate our beloved ancestor, Quincy Delight Jones, Jr. He was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. Quincy Jones has succeeded in almost every segment of the media and entertainment industry. In music, he has been nominated for a record of 79 Grammys; he has won 27 academy awards, more than any living musician. He has produced the best-selling album of all–time (Michael Jackson’s Thriller) and the best-selling single of all-time (We Are the World). He has produced, composed, conducted, arranged, and performed on more than 400 albums. In film, he produced The Color Purple which was nominated for seven (7) Oscars. He is the only African American producer to be nominated for Best Picture. Quincy Jones, Jr. recently died on November 3, 2024, at 91 years old. We will celebrate our present-day shero, Lupita Nyong’o . She was born on March 1, 1983, in Mexico City, Mexico to Kenyan parents. Lupita Nyong'o grew up in an artistic family in Kenya. She self identifies as Kenyan Mexican with dual citizenship. She came to the U.S. for higher studies and received a BA from Hampshire College. She graduated with an MFA degree from Yale School of Drama in 2012. Lupita Nyong'o started acting as a teen in Kenya and went on to work behind the scenes of the film The Constant Gardener. She directed and produced the albinism documentary In My Genes and starred in the TV series Shuga. Nyong'o went on to earn acclaim for her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave (2013), for which she won the 2014 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. The following year, she starred in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and the Off-Broadway play Eclipsed. The actress also featured prominently in the box office-shattering superhero movie, Black Panther (2018).

The Roots PCS Team Our team of dedicated Administrators and Teachers brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom. They are passionate about teaching and are committed to providing our students with the support they need to succeed. Get to know our team members below: Tyshawn Chisholm, M.Ed Principal Kim "Khadija" Bryant-Hughes Lead Teacher (K-5) Principal - As Principal of Roots PCS, Tyshawn Chisholm brings over 15 years of classroom experience and leadership skills. Mr. Chisholm is an outstanding educator who is simultaneously nurturing the roots of African pride and academic excellence among his students. Roseanna Nwaogu Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer - As Roots PCS CFO, Mama Rose, as she is affectionatley called has produced clean edits every single year she has been Roots. Knowledgeable and meticulas, she keeps our school finacial afloat and growing. Keviana Holmes, MSA Office & Program Data Manager Office & Program Data Manager - A demonstrated background of working in the nonprofit sector. Professional background includes administrative/office support and event planning. Recently obtained Master of Science Administration (MSA) with a concentration in Organizational Development. Strong interest in Human Resources field; evaluating organizational climate/culture to improve employee retention, engagement, and organizational effectiveness. Dr. Jesse Sharpe Board of Directors, Former Board Chair Chaird, Board of Directors - Dr. Sharpe is a former parent and teacher at Roots Activity Learning center, the sister school of RPCS. He has also authored several books, and is the CEO of Sharpe Publications. Michelle Abney-Love Kindergarten Teacher Betty Laichena, Elementary Teacher Joanne Smith Pre-Primary Teacher Jasmine Holloway Dedicated Aide Camara Nicholes Elementary Teacher Alethea Bell Pre-Primary Teacher

Testimonials INVITATION If you are an alum, former staff, sponsor or supporter of RPCS, we want to hear from you! Your Testimonial Lawanda I absolutely love Roots. It is so different than any other school I've attended. It definitely prepared me for Harvard and being a physician. Donate to Roots and... Hit me up at @terry Toni I absolutely love Roots. It is so different than any other school I've attended. It definitely prepared me for Harvard and being a physician. Donate to Roots and... Hit me up at @terry Mahagony I absolutely love Roots. It is so different than any other school I've attended. It definitely prepared me for Harvard and being a physician. Donate to Roots and... Hit me up at @terry Jesse I absolutely love Roots. It is so different than any other school I've attended. It definitely prepared me for Harvard and being a physician. Donate to Roots and... Hit me up at @terry

February Heroes & Sheroes This month, we will commemorate the birth and lifetime work of Frederick Douglass . He was born on February 14, 1817. Although born into slavery in Maryland, he later obtained his freedom. Frederick Douglass was a noted orator, author, abolitionist, and the founder of a newspaper called "The North Star." He died in 1895. The Frederick Douglass Home, located in Anacostia (Southeast DC) became a national landmark & tourist attraction. "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men .” We celebrate the birthday of our beloved ancestor, Chloe Anthony Wofford Morrison , known as Toni Morrison , born on February 18, 1931, in Lorain, Ohio. She has become one of the most celebrated novelists of the 20th century. In 1978, Toni Morrison won the National Book Critics’ Award for “Song of Solomon” and in 1988 the Fiction Pulitzer Prize for “Beloved”. In 1996, she was awarded a medal by The National Book Foundation for her to contribution to American Letters. “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it. ” We celebrate the birthday of our present-day hero, Michael Jeffrey Jordan , born February 17, 1963, also known by his initials MJ is an American businessman, activist, author, actor, and former professional basketball player. His biography on the official NBA website states: "By acclamation, Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time." He played fifteen seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), winning six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan is the principal owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets of the NBA and of 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. He was integral in popularizing the NBA around the world in the 1980s and 1990s, becoming a global cultural icon in the process. "Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion ."

< Back June Dr. Marian Wright Edelman Previous Next

ROOTS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL DISCOVER MORE At Roots Public Charter School, we nourish our children to have a strong sense of African-centered culture and to maintain high expectations of academic excellence. As educators, our responsibility is to educate them well, so they develop into the strong, sturdy oak trees that become our leaders of tomorrow. From Acorns To Oaks nourish the children and brilliant acorns become magnificent oaks

April Heroes & Sheroes This month, we commemorate the birthday of our beloved ancestor, Booker Taliaferro Washington , a brilliant educator, author, and orator. Born into slavery on April 5, 1856, he was educated at Wayland Seminary & Hampton Normal & Agricultural Institute (now known as Hampton University). Washington is most noted for the ‘Self-Improvement’ philosophy as well as building one of the greatest Black institutions in the world, Tuskegee Normal & Industrial Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. In 1881, Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University) became famous as a model of Vocational Education. At the age of 59, Washington died on November 14, 1915, in his home at Tuskegee Institute. We commemorate the birthday of our ancestor and role model, Dr. Maya Angelou . She was a well-renowned author, poet, historian, actress, educator, Civil Rights activist, screenplay writer, producer, and director. She died on May 8, 2014, at the age of 87. At the time of her death, Dr. Angelou was a Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. We commemorate the birthday of our present day shero, Cathy Hughes . She was born on April 22, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska. She is a Media Mogul, Radio & TV personality, and Business Executive. The first African American woman to head a publicly traded company. Her Washington, DC-based radio station, Radio One has 53 radio stations in 16 urban markets. In January 2004, Radio One launched TV One, a national cable and satellite television network for African American adults.

June Heroes & Sheroes This month, we honor and celebrate the birthday of our ancestor, Paul Laurence Dunbar . He was born on June 27, 1872, in Dayton, Ohio. Paul was one of the most famous poets of the 19th century. In the rhythmic flow of “Dialect”, his poetry depicted the beauty of love, the joys of childhood, and the Black family. He was laid to rest on February 9, 1906, at the age of 33 in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. “All play and No work, makes Jack a mere Toy .” We also celebrate our present-day role model, Dr. Marian Wright Edelman , who was born June 6, 1939. A graduate of Spelman College and Yale Law School, she was the first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar Association. Dr. Edelman is the Founder and President of the Children's Defense Fund, the most powerful national force advocating children's human rights. She currently resides in Washington, DC. “If you don’t like the way the world is, you have an obligation to change it. Just do it one step at a time .”

Apply Today! We are now accepting applications for grades PreK-5 for the 2026-2027 school year. Complete the online general charter school application. You may also apply in-person at 15 Kennedy Street NW (Wash, DC). Our main office is open Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. How My School DC Lottery Works My School DC Lottery determines the order in which students are granted admission into Roots PCS. Once all available spaces are filled, names are drawn to determine the order of the waitlist. Students will be admitted from the waitlist as spaces become available in each grade. The My School DC lottery is a school-choice service provided to families interested in enrolling children in public schools within the District of Columbia, including: Prekindergarten (PK3 and PK4) K-12 out-of-boundary schools Selective high schools My School DC lottery application is not required to attend an in-boundary or feeder-pattern school. To identify your in-boundary and feeder schools, visit the Enrollment Boundary Information System (EBIS) . To apply, visit the My School DC lottery website at MySchoolDC.org . Roots PCS SY 2026-2027 Charter School Lottery Applications for grades PK3-5 for the 2025-2026 school year are being accepted now. In order for your child to be included in the Roots PCS lottery, you must submit a 2025-2026 Lottery Application Form by March 3, 2025. Legal parents or guardians may complete the online school application. Lottery results will be available on Friday, March 28th! We are excited to announce that Roots Public Charter School is now participating in My School DC, the common application for nearly all DC-based public schools. Families interested in joining the Roots PCS community are invited to attend one of two Open Houses that will take place in January-February. Enrollment Day is Saturday, April 26th from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. New student applications for the upcoming year will be accepted through www.myschooldc.org . When selecting a school, you will select Roots Public Charter School as your FIRST choice on the preference list. Once your application has been submitted and you receive notification that your child has been matched/accepted to our school, the following documents are required and must be submitted to the school: ● School Enrollment Application Packet ● Re-Enrollment Form (Returning Families Only) ● Before Care & After Care Interest Form ● PAC Membership Interest Form (Required for all parents ) ● Home Language Survey (New Families Only) ● Proof of DC Residency (English) ● Proof of DC Residency (Spanish) ● Proof of DC Residency (Amharic) ● DC School Immunization Requirements Guide ● DC School Immunization Exemption Details ● 2025 District Pediatric Vaccine Locations Guide ● DC Universal Health Certificate ● DC Oral Health Assessment Form ● DC Asthma Action Plan Please navigate HERE for step-by-step guide on the MSDC lottery system. Students are not enrolled in the school until all supporting documents have been received. Parents are required to attend the Parent Orientation in August 1, 2026. The school year will consist of 180+ instructional days beginning in September and ending in June, with the same federal holidays and snow days as the D.C. Public School system. School day hours are as follows: School Day Hours : 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM for K-5 | 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM for Pre-primary Before Care - begins at 7:00 AM | After Care - ends at 6:00 PM (included at no cost, upon request) Roots PCS participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) (free and reduced breakfast, lunch, and PM snack) for all enrolled students. RPCS is an equal opportunity organization committed to non-discriminatory practices in hiring and services rendered based on race, color, or national origin. The Closing Date is Important The My School DC common lottery close date—not open date—is what matters. The My School DC common lottery opened on December 12, 2020, but closes March 1, 2021. There is NO advantage to completing the lottery application early. I repeat: You will NOT get a better or worse lottery number depending on what day you complete your lottery application. I filled out our lottery applications the day before they were due and successfully got two kids into PK3. Recently Moved to DC? Have you recently moved into the District or are you seeking to apply to transfer to another DC public school (DCPS or charter) during the current school year? You can submit a mid-year application by calling the My School DC Hotline at (202) 888-6336 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. No application is needed to enroll at a DCPS in-boundary school for students in grades K-12. You can locate your DCPS in-boundary school by entering your address into the School Finder. Lottery Tips for Parents In-bound Guarantee There is an in-bound school guarantee for kindergarten and up, but not for PK3 or PK4. You are guaranteed a spot in your in-bound DCPS school for Kindergarten and above. However, there is no in-bound guarantee for Pre-K3 or Pre-K4. To me, this made the My School DC common lottery make so much more sense. I previously really grappled with why there was simultaneously so much pressure to try to live in a good school district and get a good lottery number. You do not have to visit dozens of schools. One of the resources available to parents participating in the lottery—at least before COVID—is school open houses. You can get a real sense of the school—meet the principal, tour the facility, and some offer tours while school is in session. Some parents run themselves ragged going to lots and lots of open houses. I have friends who went to almost two dozen. Personally, I approached school visits differently. I went to one school fair where a number of public, charter and private schools were present, then only went to the open houses for a very small number of schools. Other than the temporary feelings of mom guilt for not going to more, this was the right decision for us. No Need to Visit, but... Location, Location, Location While considering schools for nearly three-year-olds, location was a major factor in how I ranked schools. But, I had very little awareness of the schools near me other than my in-bound area. School Finder is an easy way to know what schools are near you. You can type in your address and then filter by grade, ward, STAR rating, and a number of other options, e.g. whether the school has before or aftercare or requires uniforms. I searched far and wide for a resource showing all schools, DCPS, charter, parochial, and other private schools on a map, but alas—this still eludes me. With so many charter schools to choose from, what makes Roots PCS a good fit for you and your child? Well, first, the teachers and staff of Roots believe that children of African heritage have unlimited potential, that if nourished properly can flourish and bring about a brighter world. Second, we provide an African-centered learning environment, which includes hands-on and holistic activities. We strongly believe it takes a village! Third, our school is designed to facilitate organized activities using open spaces which are strategically divided. Students are grouped in a multi-grade activity so they can grow and develop naturally as siblings do in a family; the younger children learn skills faster and the older children acquire a sense of responsibility and maturity along with advanced academic skills. In this simulated family, homeroom teachers remain with the group as the group advances in grade: Pre-Primary (3-5 years old) and 1st through 5th grades. Finally, but no less important, our motto is “Youth are the roots of change and exposure is the key to intelligence”. Roots, therefore provides its students with a stimulating academic curriculum of language arts, math, social studies, science, music, art and physical education. The goal is to enable students to become successful, lifelong learners and valuable, contributing agents of change in our global community. Here's what R P C S alumni and supporters say.