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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

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).

Corporate & Community Sponsors Page Every student deserves the chance to get a high-quality education, no matter where they live or how much their family makes. Roots Public Charter School Corporate and Community Sponsor works to ensure that all students at Roots have the skills and opportunities to succeed. Contact us for information on ways to become a corporate and community sponsor.

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.

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 .”

Our Community The success of Roots can be attributed to the support of our community. The strength of the Black community is rooted in our sense of identity with each other as a people and as a nation. Our community consists of professionals and entrepreneurs at all levels. Our community consists of loving, nurturing, and dedicated parents who want the highest educational experience that can be given to their children. Roots Public Charter School provides that experience. For us to continue to thrive, we welcome the support of our community.. Volunteers Testimonials Parent Advisory Council (PAC)

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

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

RPCS Applications & Forms Parents, you will find the links to most of the school's forms on the page. Some links will take you to a page where you can fill the form out entirely online. Other links will lead to downloadable PDF forms. RPCS Online Forms Optional Online School Application ** ** PDF Forms Seat Assessment Form Re-Enrollment Form (Returning Parents Only) Parental Involvement Agreement Instructional Forms (non-form fillable) Enrollment/Application Forms (All) In-House Enrollment Documents Proof of DC Residency (English) Proof of DC Residency (Spanish)

October Heroes and Sheroes We will celebrate our beloved ancestor, Gilda Sherrod-Ali,Esq. She was born in Utica,NY on October 23,1950, to the late Felix Early Sherrod and Thelma (Washington) Sherrod. She was the third of nine children from their union. The family moved to Buffalo, NY when she was five years old.In high school, Gilda received a Martin Luther King, Jr., scholarship and attended Buffalo State College now known as State University of New York (SUNY Buffalo), majoring in education. In college, Gilda became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. After receiving her bachelor's degree in education, Gilda pursued her master's degree in education from Cheyney State University inPennsylvania, following graduation, Gilda became a teacher in the Philadelphia Public School System where she taught high school English. Gilda attended Rutger's University Law School in Camden, NJ and received her Juris Doctorate.Gilda passed the Pennsylvania Bar examination and began practicing law in the city of Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, Gilda founded her own theatre company called Theatre in the Living Room where they performed plays in Philadelphia playhouses. Gilda was also a lover of Jazz and often hosted jazz shows in Philadelphia. Gilda was a dear friend to the founder of Roots Public Charter School, Dr. Bernida Thompson. She served as the school’s attorney for many years leading up to her transition from labor to reward. She will truly be missed! We also honor the present day shero. Dr. Mae C. Jemison, born October17, 1956. Dr. Jemison became the first African American woman astronaut to travel in space. In 1993 Jemison resigned from NASA and established the Jemison Group, a company that researches, develops, and markets advanced technologies.

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 ."

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.