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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.

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.

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.

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.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM MISSION & PHILOSOPHY The Mission of Roots Public Charter School is to: Encourage success, leading to self-reliance and economic, social/political contributions to society; Promote and secure the connection of Mother Africa within our children; Prepare students to break the chains of psychological conditioning that attempt to keep them powerless in all phases of society; Provide students with a strong African-centered learning environment; Guide students toward academic excellence, exemplary character and social responsibility. Roots Public Charter School believes in the principles of Nguzo Saba – The Seen Principals of African Heritage: The teachers and staff of Roots believe that children of African heritage have unlimited potential that, if appropriately nourished, can flourish and bring about a brighter world. We believe in teaching from an African-centered perspective, which includes hands-on and holistic activities. Our school is designed to facilitate organized activity using open spaces that are strategically divided. Students are grouped in a multi-grade fashion 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, maturity, and 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), 1st - 5th grades. 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. We invite you to schedule an appointment to see our team of educators in action. Our non-discrimination policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, etc. We also invited teachers to contact us for career opportunities .

ROOTS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL Volunteer Application First name Last name Date you can start: Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Volunteer Status * Required Parent or Relative of RPCS Student Middle or HS Student College Student Community/Business Cell Phone Other Phone Email address Have you ever volunteered with RPCS before? * Required Yes No Have you ever been convicted of a felony? * Required Yes No Have you had any criminal convictions for child abuse or sex-related crimes? * Required Yes No Are you volunteering because of court order or other requirement.? * Required Yes No If yes, Name of school/agency/ government body requiring community service: Number of required hours: If freely volunteering, what is the reason: Available Time What days can you volunteer? (Check all that apply) * Required Monday Tuesday Wedenesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday References List three references that have known you for at least three years whom you authorize us to contact. References may include supervisors, co-workers, faith leaders, teachers or school counselors. First Refermce (First Name) Business Address Years known: Home Phone Email address Relation to RPCS Second Refermce (First Name) Business Address Years known: Home Phone Email address Relation to RPCS Signature of Applicant Clear Signature of Parent/Guardian if Applicant is under 18 Clear Select a date * required Select a date Submit Thanks for applying to Roots Public charter School

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.

September Heroes & Sheroes

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)