Family Update Issue #38

Cultivating both intellectual and environmental growth! At Mundo Verde, we take immense pride in crafting meals rich in nutrients that energize the minds of our students and also uphold our commitment to sustainability. Hear from parent Alexis as she passionately shares how our carefully curated school meals not only nourish young bodies but also instill lifelong habits of healthy eating and environmental stewardship. 

Click here to hear other Mundo Verde Voices, check out the new clips released, and reshare with your friends and family!!

 
 
Academics

A Transformative Journey at Mundo Verde - Re-enroll NOW! Deadline for Returning Students: May 10

NEW! RTI Literacy Intervention - Time Redistribution Due to CAPE Testing

Join us for the Celebrations of Learning (Expos) in May and June!

Events & Activities

NEW! Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - May 8

This Week: Board Meeting - Agenda and RSVP Form - May 2

Talent Show at J.F. Cook Campus - May 17 and 24

Health & Safety

NEW! P Street Closed - J.F. Cook Campus: Apr 26 - May 10

Community Announcements

Calle Ocho Campus Families: News From Comunidad

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! FREE Immigration Advice and Referrals by Ayuda

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

A Transformative Journey at Mundo Verde - Re-enroll NOW!
Deadline for Returning Students: May 10
Deadline for New Students: May 1

Embark on a transformative journey at Mundo Verde, where sustainability isn't just a concept, but a way of life. Hear more from Mundo Verde parent Anna Steers-Smith here, from sourcing locally grown foods to hands-on cooking experiences, our students take an active role in shaping a more sustainable future, nurturing young minds to become global stewards, ready to make a meaningful impact on our planet. 

Take the next step for a brighter future by re-enrolling your child today! Please complete parts 1 and 2 of the re-enrollment process. For more details, visit the Admissions webpage. The deadline for returning students is May 10, and for new students (siblings of current students) is May 1.

Questions? Please contact our Admissions Manager, Miriam Bonilla, at admissions@mundoverdepcs.org, or call the front desk of either campus to schedule an appointment - J.F. Cook Campus (202) 750-7060 and Calle Ocho Campus (202) 803-8967.

NEW! RTI Literacy Intervention
Time Redistribution Due to CAPE Testing

To best accommodate CAPE testing schedules, RTI Literacy Intervention hours are being redistributed across both campuses from April 25 through May 14. While there will be no change in total hours for students during this time period, the daily schedule will have some adjustments due to testing and proctoring needs at each campus. For any questions about RTI redistribution during state-mandated CAPE testing, please contact Senior Inclusion Managers. Karen Rivera Geating (krivera@mundoverdepcs.org) at J.F. Cook campus, and Shala Kitongo (ckatongo@mundoverdepcs.org) at Calle Ocho campus.

Join us for the Celebrations of Learning (Expos) in May and June!

Students will share with families and the school community what they are learning in their expeditions. The Expo may include artwork, research results from experiments, written work, tests, and other projects. We look forward to see you there!

  • PreK: May 17

  • Kinder: June 5

  • 1st Grade: June 7

  • 2nd Grade: June 10

  • 3rd Grade: June 11

  • 4th Grade: JF Cook June 11 & Calle Ocho June 14

  • 5th Grade: June 12

  • Caterpillars: June 11

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day
Wednesday, May 8

Nurturing young advocates for a greener world! Join us on May 8 for Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day! This is an annual event that involves communities from across the country (and the globe!) walking and rolling to school on the same day. 

Calle Ocho families traveling by bike, meet at Turkey Thicket by 7:50am.

J.F. Cook families traveling by bike, meet at Alethia Tanner Park by 7:50am. Walkers meet at Florida Ave Park by 7:50am. Bikes will travel together from Alethia Tanner Park to Florida Ave Park and everyone will head to J.F. Cook as a group.

 
 

This Week: Board Meeting - Agenda and RSVP Form
May 2, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Thursday, May 2. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To read the full board meeting agenda, click here.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

Talent Show at J.F. Cook Campus
May 17 and 24

This year, we had dozens of acts auditioning, and decisions were incredibly difficult to make. Parents and caregivers of students who have been selected for the Talent Show have been contacted via email.

Talent Show Dates:

  • May 17, 6:00-8:00pm: Kinder, 1st & 3rd grades

  • May 24, 6:00-8:00pm: 2nd, 4th & 5th grades

Stay tuned for more details!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! P Street Closed - J.F. Cook Campus
Apr 26 - May 10

P Street will be closed until May 10 due to paving work scheduled by the city from 7:00am to 5:00pm every day. 

Please plan accordingly for arrival and dismissal. Carline is not available during arrival time, and there are not parking spaces available. If you are driving, we encourage you to park away from P Street and walk to school. If possible, use public transportation.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Calle Ocho Campus Families News From Comunidad

NEW! Teacher Appreciation Week: Potluck Lunch
Wednesday, May 8
As part of Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10), Calle Ocho parents and caregivers will offer a Potluck Lunch to Mundo Verde teachers and staff on Wednesday, May 8, beginning at 12:00pm. Please consider contributing a dish (main, side, veggie/vegan or dessert) drinks, or plates/utensils. Please Sing Up Here.

NEW! Calle Ocho Caregivers Would Like Your Thoughts on the Future of Comunidad!
Wednesday, May 8
Please let us know how you think our parent-teacher organization should function in the coming years. Please use this link to share your opinion.

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! Neighborhood Safety Committee Meeting
Wednesday, May 1, 8:00pm
Join the monthly Neighborhood Safety Committee Meeting on Wednesday, May 1 at 8:00pm using this link.

NEW! Fiesta!
Saturday, May 4, 7:00pm
Fiesta is Saturday, May 4 at 7:00pm. It is the Padres biggest adults-only party of the year, complete with food, drinks, and music. Last chance to claim tickets! Come together to celebrate all accomplished this year and to hold a final fundraiser in the form of a silent auction to get the 5th Grade Class over the finish line. All are welcome and encouraged to come. Claim your tickets here.

 
 

NEW! FREE Immigration Advice and Referrals by Ayuda

Ayuda will offer free immigration advice and referrals over the phone on Friday, May 10. Clients interested should call 202-787-5311 on Friday, May 3, between 10:00am and 2:00pm to schedule a phone appointment. Flyers with more information can be found here in English and Spanish. This virtual clinic is part of an ongoing effort to provide free, low-barrier consultations for clients who need legal immigration screening, brief advice, and referrals. 

Questions about the clinic should be directed to Bri Callahan at brianna.callahan@ayuda.com or Larisa Traub at larisa.traub@ayuda.com.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Apr 28: Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup

  • Apr 30: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • May 2: Board Meeting 

  • May 6-10: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

  • May 17: PreK Expos

  • May 17: J.F. Cook Talent Show - Kinder, 1st & 3rd grades

  • May 22: Coffee with Principals - JF Cook

  • May 23: Coffee with Principals - Calle Ocho

  • May 24: J.F. Cook Talent Show - 2nd, 4th & 5th grades

  • May 27: Holiday/School Closed

Family Update Issue #37

Reading? Math? Writing? These are words people use to describe every school. And how about, Joy? Love? Amazing? Watch and listen to parents and staff share their personal stories about our school.

Click here for Mundo Verde Voices and listen today to J.F. Cook Dean Natalia Carbone. 

Can you guess who’s next? Check out the new clips released every day on our social media and reshare them with your friends and family!!

 
 
Academics

NEW! Join us for the Celebrations of Learning (Expos) in May and June!

It is About Academics AND Social/Emotional - Re-enroll NOW! - Deadline for Returning Students: May 10

DC CAPE Assessment: 3rd - 5th Grade Students

Events & Activities

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals: Focus on End of the School Year Events - Apr 24

Earth Day Celebrations

Board Meeting: RSVP Form Available - May 2

NEW! Talent Show at J.F. Cook Campus - May 17 & 24

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

NEW! Join us for the Celebrations of Learning (Expos) in May and June!

Students will share with families and the school community what they are learning in their expeditions. The Expo may include artwork, research results from experiments, written work, tests, and other projects. We look forward to see you there!

  • PreK: May 17

  • Kinder: June 5

  • 1st Grade: June 7

  • 2nd Grade: June 10

  • 3rd Grade: June 11

  • 4th Grade: Calle Ocho June 14, JF Cook TBD

  • 5th Grade: June 12

  • Caterpillars: June 11

It is About Academics AND Social/Emotional - Re-enroll NOW!
Deadline for Returning Students: May 10
Deadline for New Students: May 1

School is not only about academics, it is also about social/emotional learning. Hear more from Mundo Verde parent Yizel Romero here. 

Students + teachers + family = our unique community of learners

RE-ENROLL NOW and complete parts 1 and 2 of the re-enrollment process. For more details, visit the Admissions webpage. The deadline for returning students is May 10, and for new students (siblings of current students) is May 1.

Questions? Please contact our Admissions Manager, Miriam Bonilla, at admissions@mundoverdepcs.org, or call the front desk of either campus to schedule an appointment - J.F. Cook Campus (202) 750-7060 and Calle Ocho Campus (202) 803-8967.

DC CAPE Assessment
3rd - 5th Grade Students

3rd-5th grade families should have received individual notifications via ParentSquare about the upcoming secure spring testing. Below you will find the full list of testing dates by campus. Additionally, if you were not able to attend the Caregiver Spring Testing Session, you can find the recording here.

*Information Corrected

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals
April 24, 8:45am - Hybrid
Focus on End of the School Year Events

J.F. Cook parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee on Wednesday, April 24 at 8:45am. Principals will focus on the end of the school year events.

You can join them in person at the Zócalo or virtually using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91441913710 (Meeting ID: 914 4191 3710).

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

If you have questions related to these topics, please include them on this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Earth Day Celebrations

Earth Day BINGO!
Celebrate Earth Day with a game of Sustainability Bingo with your family! Get five in a row by April 30 for a chance to win a small prize! Start the challenge by digitally filling out your bingo card in either English or Spanish to reduce paper waste.

Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup - April 28
Participate in a trash cleanup on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00-4:00pm! Pick from two locations: Start at the J.F. Cook campus and clean up to New York Ave Park, or begin at the Calle Ocho campus and clean up to Turkey Thicket. Register here!

Board Meeting - RSVP Form Available
May 2, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Thursday, May 2. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30 to 8:30pm.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

NEW! Talent Show at J.F. Cook Campus
May 17 and 24

This year, we had dozens of acts auditioning, and decisions were incredibly difficult to make. Parents and caregivers of students who have been selected for the Talent Show have been contacted via email.

Talent Show Dates:

  • May 17, 6:00-8:00pm: Kinder, 1st & 3rd grades

  • May 24, 6:00-8:00pm: 2nd, 4th & 5th grades

Stay tuned for more details!

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Apr 23: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: Coffee with the Principals - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: CANCELED - Coffee with the Principals - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 28: Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup

  • Apr 30: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • May 2: Board Meeting 

  • May 6-10: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

  • May 17: PreK Expos

  • May 17: J.F. Cook Talent Show - Kinder, 1st & 3rd grades

  • May 24: J.F. Cook Talent Show - 2nd, 4th & 5th grades

Family Update Issue #36

Message

NEW! Happy Spring By Kristin Scotchmer

Academics

SY24-25 School Calendar

NEW! You Are Our School Community! We are Happy to Support you With the Re-enrollment Process

NEW! DC CAPE Assessment: 3rd - 5th Grade Students

Events & Activities

Earth Day Celebrations

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Principals - Apr 24

NEW! Canceled - Coffee with the Calle Ocho Principals

NEW! Board Meeting - Save the Date! May 2

Communications, Information & Questions

Your Opinion Always Matters! Monthly Survey

Student & Family Support

DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series - IEP v. 504 Plan - Apr 22

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Apr 15: Holiday - School Closed
Apr 16-19: Spring Break - No School for Students and Teachers

MESSAGE

NEW! Happy Spring, By Kristin Scotchmer

If you missed the note from Kristin Scotchmer, Founder Executive Director, “Happy Spring” please click here.

ACADEMICS

SY24-25 School Calendar

Check the SY24-25 School Calendar on the school website and ParentSquare (under the LINKS section).

NEW! You Are Our School Community!
We are Happy to Support you With the Re-enrollment Process
Deadline for Returning Students: May 10
Deadline for New Students: May 1

Without your family, we would not be the successful school that we are. You are an essential part of our school community!

Please take some time during Spring Break to complete the re-enrollment process.

Our Admissions team is here to support you! Please contact our Admissions Manager, Miriam Bonilla, at admissions@mundoverdepcs.org, or call the front desk of either campus to schedule an appointment - J.F. Cook Campus (202) 750-7060 and Calle Ocho Campus (202) 803-8967.

You play an integral role in our school community, and we deeply appreciate you and your contributions!

NEW! DC CAPE Assessment
3rd - 5th Grade Students

3rd-5th grade families should have received individual notifications via ParentSquare about the upcoming secure spring testing. Below you will find the full list of testing dates by campus. Additionally, if you were not able to attend the Caregiver Spring Testing Session, you can find the recording here.

*Information Corrected

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Earth Day Celebrations

Earth Day BINGO!
Celebrate Earth Day with a game of Sustainability Bingo with your family! Get five in a row by April 30 for a chance to win a small prize! Start the challenge by digitally filling out your bingo card in either English or Spanish to reduce paper waste.

Update: Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup - April 20
Join the Anacostia Watershed Society for Earth Day cleanup! The Brookland location that was being advertised as Mundo Verde's meetup spot, has reached capacity. Represent Mundo Verde at any location. Wear Mundo Verde shirts, take photos, and share them with Ms. Carissa. Register here!

Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup - April 28
Participate in a trash cleanup on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00-4:00pm! Pick from two locations: Start at the J.F. Cook campus and clean up to New York Ave Park, or begin at the Calle Ocho campus and clean up to Turkey Thicket. Register here!

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Principals
April 24, 8:45am

J.F. Cook campus parents and caregivers are invited to join Principal Natalie to the Coffee with the Principal on Wednesday, April 24 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

NEW! Canceled - Coffee with the Calle Ocho Principals

We appreciate your understanding as we cancel the Coffee with the Calle Ocho Principals scheduled for April 24. DC CAPE assessment dates are coming up, and Principal Liz and Dean Alli will use this time to do a Pep Rally with third and fourth graders to cheer them up.

Thank you for your flexibility. We look forward to seeing you in the May Coffee.

NEW! Board Meeting - Save the Date!
May 2, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Thursday, May 2. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

Your Opinion Matters!
Monthly Survey

Has Mundo Verde’s focus on sustainability and taking care of the environment had a lot or a little impact on your child and your family?

You should have received an invitation on Thursday, April 11, to participate in the April survey. (If you did not, please check your spam folder.) These ‘pulse’ surveys can be answered via the web or a text message, and are sent from Possip.

The deadline is Monday, April 15
Please complete it now!
It only takes a minute
If you haven’t already completed the April survey,
click your preferred language now to have your voice heard: English | Spanish

STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series

IEP v. 504 Plan: Which is Right for my Child?
April 22, 7:00pm on Zoom
Join the DC Special Education Hub for this free, informative training to learn more about the differences between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, so you can make informed decisions about what's best for your child.

Register HERE! Once you are registered, you will receive the Zoom link via email the day of the training.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Apr 15: Holiday/School Closed

  • Apr 16-19: Spring Break / No School for Students and Teachers

  • Apr 20: Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup

  • Apr 23: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: Coffee with the Principals - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: CANCELED - Coffee with the Principals - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 25-29: DC CAPE ELA 4th Grade - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 28: Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup

  • Apr 29- May 1: DC CAPE Math 4th Grade - JF Cook

  • Apr 30: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 30-May 2: DC CAPE Math 4th Grade - Calle Ocho

  • May 2: Board Meeting 

  • May 2-6: DC CAPE ELA 4th Grade - JF Cook

  • May 3-7: DC CAPE ELA 3rd Grade - Calle Ocho

  • May 6-10: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week

  • May 7-9: DC CAPE Math 3rd Grade - JF Cook

  • May 8-10: DC CAPE Math 3rd Grade - Calle Ocho

  • May 10-14: DC CAPE ELA 3rd Grade - JF Cook

  • May 15-17: DC CAPE Math 5th Grade - JF Cook

  • May 20-22: DC CAPE ELA 5th Grade - JF Cook

Family Update Issue #35

3rd Grade Calle Ocho: Equal Rights

Message

NEW! Update on Search Committee by the Mundo Verde Board

Academics

SY24-25 School Calendar

It Is Time to Re-enroll for School Year 2024-25!

Events & Activities

Earth Day Celebrations

NEW! Coffee with the Principals Both Campuses - Save the Date! Apr 24

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Your Opinion Always Matters! Monthly Survey - Apr 11

Health & Safety

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

New Traffic Signage at Calle Ocho

Student & Family Support

NEW! DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series - IEP v. 504 Plan - Apr 22

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Apr 15: Holiday - School Closed
Apr 16-19: Spring Break - No School for Students and Teachers

MESSAGE

NEW! Update on Search Committee by the Mundo Verde Board

If you missed the note from the Board providing an update on the Executive Director job description and announcing the members of the Search Committee, please click here to see it.

ACADEMICS

SY24-25 School Calendar

 

Check the SY24-25 School Calendar on the school website and ParentSquare (under the LINKS section).

It Is Time to Re-enroll for School Year 2024-25!

On March 29, an email with re-enrollment instructions was sent to all families. You can also visit the Returning Students section on the school website to review the list of all documents needed.

Reenrollment deadlines:

  • RETURNING students - May 10, 2024

  • NEW students - May 1, 2024

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Earth Day Celebrations

NEW! Looking for Volunteers for Earth Day Celebrations!
Each grade level will go outside the school for about 75 minutes and rotate through various sustainability related activity stations. If you are available and have the time, please help us make these celebrations a success by volunteering to assist with the various stations. You can select a shift that works for your schedule:

“We Love Earth” Spirit Week - Both Campuses: Apr 8-12

During this week, we will celebrate ‘We Love Earth’ Spirit Week, ride bikes to school, plant a rain garden at Calle Ocho campus, and more!

  • Monday: Powered by the Sun - Dress up like sunshine today!

  • Tuesday: Garden theme - Our school gardens are home to many plants that make our school a beautiful place to be. Let plants inspire your outfit today!

  • Wednesday: Water Conservation - Create an outfit inspired by oceans, rivers, rain, rain barrels, ect. or simply wear blue!

  • Thursday: Animals in the garden - There are so many amazing creatures that live in our school and home gardens, like worms, birds, bats, butterflies, ants, bees, flies, and more. Let them inspire your outfit today!

  • Friday: Reusable Water Bottle Day - Bring your reusable water bottle to school! If you have extra water bottles at home that you no longer use, ask your grownups if you may bring them to school to donate to Mundo Verde's water bottle library!

NEW! Earth Day BINGO!
Play Earth Day Bingo and practice your sustainability skills as a family! Get five in a row by April 30, and you'll get a small prize! Start off strong by filling out your bingo card digitally in English or Spanish to save paper.

RiverSmart Garden Build (Calle Ocho) - April 10 Join us on April 10 between 1:30pm and 6:00pm to build a vegetated barrier along Varnum Street using raised garden beds, archways, and blueberry bushes!

Earth Day Celebrations Throughout the School Day
Calle Ocho Campus - April 11 
J.F. Cook Campus - Apr 12
Each grade level will go outside the school and rotate through various sustainability related activity stations. Volunteers are needed! Please select a shift that works for your schedule:

NEW! Update for Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup - April 20
Not long ago, we shared information about joining Anacostia Watershed Society for the DMV-wide Earth Day trash cleanup on April 20. Many of the clean-up sites, including the Brookland location that was being advertised as Mundo Verde's meetup spot, have reached capacity. The initial plan was to form one big Mundo Verde team for this event, but instead we're encouraging folks to represent Mundo Verde at the location of your choice. Proudly wear your Mundo Verde shirts while cleaning up the city, and make sure to take photos! Send your photos to Mundo Verde's Sustainability Manager, Ms. Carissa. Register here!.

NEW! Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup - April 28
Join us for a trash clean up on Sunday, April 28 from 2:00-4:00pm! Choose from two locations: Meet up at J.F. Cook campus and clean up trash on the way to and at New York Ave Park OR meet at Calle Ocho campus and clean up trash on the way to and at Turkey Thicket. Sign up here!.

NEW! Coffee with the Principals - Save the Date!
April 24, 8:45am - Both Campuses

Parents and caregivers from both campuses are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie, and Principals Michelle and Liz for their respective Coffees on Wednesday, April 24, 8:45am.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Your Opinion Always Matters!
Monthly Survey, April 11

To inform important decisions being made by school leaders, Mundo Verde sends a two-question survey to parents and caregivers every month. You will receive an invitation on Thursday, April 11, to participate in this month’s survey. 

These ‘pulse’ surveys can be answered via the web or a text message, completed in either English or Spanish, and are sent from Possip.

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

Lice cases have been reported at J.F. Cook campus lately. We recommend EVERY family take the time this week to use the special comb to both check for and if found remove eggs as this is how lice spreads (see photo). Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

New Traffic Signage at Calle Ocho

As you probably have noticed, DDOT has installed new signage to remind our Calle Ocho school community not to use the neighborhood alleyways during morning drop off (7:00-9:00am) and afternoon pick up (3:00-6:00pm). This means no one — not residents, not parents/caregivers, no vehicles of any kind — should be traveling southbound on these alleyways.

Please know this is not a new or arbitrary request. Alleyways are not designed to be rush hour thoroughfares. Cars using the alleyways compete with cyclists in a very narrow space, putting everyone at risk. Please help us respect our neighbors and — most of all — keep our students safe by avoiding the alleyways during your morning and afternoon commutes.

STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

NEW! DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series

IEP v. 504 Plan: Which is Right for my Child?
April 22, 7:00pm on Zoom
Join the DC Special Education Hub for this free, informative training to learn more about the differences between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans, so you can make informed decisions about what's best for your child.

Register HERE! Once you are registered, you will receive the Zoom link via email the day of the training.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Apr 8-12: Sustainability Week

  • Apr 9: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 10: RiverSmart Garden Build - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 11: Earth Day Celebration - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 12: Earth Day Celebration - JF Cook

  • Apr 15: Holiday/School Closed

  • Apr 16-19: Spring Break / No School for Students and Teachers

  • Apr 20: Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup

  • Apr 23: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses

  • Apr 28: Mundo Verde Trash Cleanup

  • Apr 30: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • May 2: Board Meeting

Family Update Issue #34

Music Class - 1st Grade J.F. Cook

Message

NEW! Important Schoolwide Updates

NEW! Executive Director Search: Engagement Opportunities

Academics

NEW! SY24-25 School Calendar

The Re-enrollment Process for 2023-24 Starts This Week on April 1

Events & Activities

Earth Day Celebrations

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Spring Assessment Information Session Recording Available

NEW! Hop on the BiciBus - Wednesdays J.F. Cook & Fridays Calle Ocho

J.F. Cook Garden Market

Health & Safety

NEW! New Traffic Signage at Calle Ocho

School Services

SY23-24 Summer Program: Slots Still Available - April 1 Last Day to Submit Interest Form

NEW! School Meals Menu - April

Community Announcements

Calle Ocho Campus Families: News From Comunidad

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Apr 15: Holiday - School Closed
Apr 16-19: Spring Break - No School for Students and Teachers

MESSAGE

NEW! Important Schoolwide Updates

If you missed the last few messages sent by Kristin Scotchmer, Founding Executive Director, and  Joseph Rodríguez, Interim Chief School Officer, please see below.

  • Tuesday, Mar 26: Important Updates – Learn more about internal shifts underway at Mundo Verde and how the job description for a new Executive Director places principals at the center of decision making and planning.

  • Tuesday, Mar 12: A Window to Our Work – Learn more about how we are currently centering students and staff, and see a detailed summary of the strategic revisions and structural changes that will set our school on a course of ongoing success.

NEW! Executive Director Search: Engagement Opportunities

Last Call – Members of the Mundo Verde community are invited to respond to this - NEW! -  School Leader Search Stakeholder Survey by March 31, 2024 to provide feedback especially on the experiences/ skills/ competencies and the areas of responsibility that are important for a new school leader.  We anticipate that it will take about five to ten minutes to complete. Thanks in advance for your time.

Background: As the board communicated to families on March 18 (linked here), Edgility Consulting was selected through a competitive procurement process to partner in the search for the next Executive Director. A high-level overview of engagement opportunities for staff and caregivers for the coming months is shown below. 

ACADEMICS

NEW! SY24-25 School Calendar

We're excited to publish our school calendar for SY24-2025 - Linked here in English and Spanish. Scheduling a balanced calendar every school year is no simple task! In addition to considering our school priorities and school values, we considered aspects related to official regulations while at the same time we sought to align as much as possible to the school calendar of other organizations that are of relevance to our families and staff, including DC International School and DCI member schools. Using DCPS calendars as a base, collaborating with staff and DCI/DCI members schools, we have developed the school calendar for the 2024-2025 school year.

The Re-enrollment Process for 2023-24 Starts This Week on April 1

On March 29, an email with re-enrollment instructions was sent to all families. Make sure you complete all of the necessary paperwork. 

Please visit the Returning Students section on the school website to review the list of all documents needed.

Please note that current students seeking re-enrollment DO NOT have to go through MySchoolDC. Siblings of current students accepted for a new space will be able to be included in the same re-enrollment form as long as they have been matched to Mundo Verde through MySchoolDC.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Earth Day Celebrations

“We Love Earth” Spirit Week - Both Campuses: Apr 8-12
During this week, we will celebrate ‘We Love Earth’ Spirit Week, ride bikes to school, plant a rain garden at Calle Ocho campus, and more!

  • Monday: Powered by the Sun - Dress up like sunshine today!

  • Tuesday: Garden theme - Our school gardens are home to many plants that make our school a beautiful place to be. Let plants inspire your outfit today!

  • Wednesday: Water Conservation - Create an outfit inspired by oceans, rivers, rain, rain barrels, ect. or simply wear blue!

  • Thursday: Animals in the garden - There are so many amazing creatures that live in our school and home gardens, like worms, birds, bats, butterflies, ants, bees, flies, and more. Let them inspire your outfit today!

  • Friday: Reusable Water Bottle Day - Bring your reusable water bottle to school! If you have extra water bottles at home that you no longer use, ask your grownups if you may bring them to school to donate to Mundo Verde's water bottle library!


RiverSmart Garden Build (Calle Ocho) - April 10
Join us on April 10 between 1:30pm and 6:00pm to build a vegetated barrier along Varnum Street using raised garden beds, archways, and blueberry bushes!

Earth Day Celebrations Throughout the School Day - Looking for Volunteers!
Each grade level will come outside the school for about 75 minutes and rotate through various sustainability related activity stations. Volunteers are needed to assist with the various stations. Please select a shift that works for your schedule:


Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup - April 20
Calling all Mundo Verde Earth Besties! Join us on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00am-12:00pm for the annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup!  We will meet outside of Margot Hall 3426 12th St NE Washington, DC 20017. You can register here and then email Sustainability Manager, Ms. Carissa, at ctiradomarks@mundoverdepcs.org to let her know you want to join the Mundo Verde team. Registration will be open until April 16. We hope to see you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Spring Assessment Information Session Recording Available

If you didn´t have the chance to participate in the Virtual Information Session About Spring Assessment hosted on March 28 for 3rd-5th grade families, or you want to review the session again, please check the recording here.

NEW! Hop on the BiciBus
Wednesdays at J.F. Cook
Fridays at Calle Ocho

Hop on the weekly Mundo Verde bicibus!

J.F. Cook riders meet on Wednesdays, starting April 3, at Alethia Tanner departing at 8:10am. From there, everybody rides to Florida Ave Park to pick up more riders, and then all together ride to school as a group. For weekly updates, join the WhatsApp channel.

Calle Ocho riders meet on Fridays at Turkey Thicket, departing at 8:10am and riding to school as a group. 

If you have any questions, please contact Carissa Tirado, Sustainability Manager, at ctiradomarks@mundoverdepcs.org

Garden Market
J.F. Cook Campus

Garden Market resumes on Tuesday, April 2 at J.F. Cook campus! April market dates are April 2, 9, 23, and 30. Join us from 3:30-4:30pm to support local growers and 5th grade market interns! 

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! New Traffic Signage at Calle Ocho

As you probably have noticed, DDOT has installed new signage to remind our Calle Ocho school community not to use the neighborhood alleyways during morning drop off (7:00-9:00am) and afternoon pick up (3:00-6:00pm). This means no one — not residents, not parents/caregivers, no vehicles of any kind — should be traveling southbound on these alleyways.

Please know this is not a new or arbitrary request. Alleyways are not designed to be rush hour thoroughfares. Cars using the alleyways compete with cyclists in a very narrow space, putting everyone at risk. Please help us respect our neighbors and — most of all — keep our students safe by avoiding the alleyways during your morning and afternoon commutes.

SCHOOL SERVICES

SY23-24 Summer Program: Slots Still Available
Last Day to Submit Your Interest Form is April 1

There is still time for your children to participate in the Summer Program, please submit your SY24 Summer Program Interest Form now! The deadline is tomorrow, Monday, April 1.

Families that have completed the Interest Form and have been accepted into the Summer Program,  will receive an invitation letter by April 12 with information regarding payment deadlines. Families who do not receive invitations will be added to a waitlist and will be notified. Note: Students with a past due balance for school services (meals, snacks, and extended day), as of April 15 will be ineligible for the Summer Program and moved to the waiting list.

If you have questions about the summer program, please visit our website or send an email to summer@mundoverdepcs.org

NEW! School Meals Menu - April

J.F. Cook Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

Calle Ocho Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! First All-Hands PTO Meeting
Tuesday, April 2nd at 4:30pm - Zócalo
Join Padres on Tuesday, April 2, 4:30pm in the Zócalo at J.F. Cook Campus. Now that Padres is a formal PTO, they will use meetings as a chance to interact and work with teachers. Come for the first meeting! Refreshments will be provided. On the agenda include a listening session with teachers, planning Spring elections, and preparing for the Spring Fiesta!

NEW! Neighborhood Safety Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 3, 8:00pm
Join the monthly Neighborhood Safety Committee Meeting on Wednesday, April 3 at 8:00pm using this link.

NEW! Viva Viernes!
Friday, April 5, 4:00pm at Big Bear Cafe
Padres will host Viva Viernes on Friday, April 5 from 4:00-7:00pm at Big Bear Cafe (1700 1st Street NW). Come see old friends, meet new ones, and unwind after a long week with the best pizza in DC. It is walking distance from J.F. Cook campus. Supports a Mundo Verde family, and they put on movies upstairs for the kids, so parents and caregivers can have adult conversations in peace!

Calle Ocho Campus Families News From Comunidad

NEW! Café con Comunidad
Monday April 1, 8:00am
Start your morning out with coffee and connection!

NEW! Join Us and Help Shape the Future of Comunidad!
When? Comunidad is hosting two in-person options, and is aiming to provide a hybrid option, too (details forthcoming)! An RSVP for headcount purposes would be appreciated!

  • Option 1: Monday, April 8 from 8:40-9:40am in the Zócalo RSVP. There will be coffee!
  • Option 2: Tuesday, April 9 , starting at 7:30pm at Right Proper Brewery (920 Girard St. NE; Washington, DC 20017) (RSVP). *Many thanks to Mundo Verde parents Thor and Leah Cheston for making the space available and tending the bar! A casual meet-and-greet will start at 7:30pm, and a formal presentation from 8:00-9:00pm. While they would love to include kids, this event is just for parents and caregivers who can attend in person or virtually.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Apr 1: Reenrollment Process Starts

  • Apr 2: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 8-12: Sustainability Week

  • Apr 9: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 10: RiverSmart Garden Build - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 11: Earth Day Celebration - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 12: Earth Day Celebration - JF Cook

  • Apr 15: Holiday/School Closed

  • Apr 16-19: Spring Break / No School for Students and Teachers

  • Apr 20: Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup

  • Apr 23: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses

  • Apr 30: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • May 2: Board Meeting

Family Update Issue #33

Prek Calle Ocho -  Outdoor Teamwork Activity

Academics

NEW! Academic Calendar for School Year 2024-25 - Key Dates

NEW! DC CAPE Test

Re-enrollment Season for School Year 2024-25 is Around the Corner! Starting Apr 1

Events & Activities

NEW! Virtual Information Session About Spring Assessment - 3rd-5th Grade Families - Mar 28

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals: Focus on Assessments and Open Questions - Hybrid Session - Mar 27

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals - Mar 27

Earth Day Celebrations

Communications, Information & Questions

This Week Class Picture Day - JF Cook: Mar 25 & Calle Ocho: Mar 26

NEW! Talent Show Auditions at J.F Cook Campus

NEW! Garden Market at J.F. Cook Campus is Back!

Health & Safety

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

School Services

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program Interest Form - Deadline Apr 1

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

NEW! Academic Calendar for School Year 2024-25 - Key Dates

The academic calendar for the upcoming school year is nearing its finalization stage. The SY24-25 academic calendar will be shared beginning of this week. In the meantime, lease find below key dates.

  • First Week of School

    • Monday August 26, 2024 (PreK-3 only, Kinder through 5th Grade)

    • Tuesday August 27, 2024 (PreK-4 only, Kinder through 5th Grade)

    • Wednesday August 28, 2024 ALL Grades

  • Fall Break: November 27-29, 2024

  • Winter Break: December 23, 2024 - January 3, 2025

  • Spring Break: April 14-18, 2025

  • Last Day of School: June 17, 2025

NEW! DC CAPE Test

The District has decided to develop its own statewide assessments in math, English language arts (ELA), and science named DC CAPE rather than continue being part of a multi-state consortium (PARCC). Beginning this 2023-24 school year, the District will implement the new District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessments of Progress in Education - DC CAPE which includes the DC ELA assessment, the DC Math assessment, and the DC Science assessment. 

Third, Fourth, and Fifth grade families are invited to join us for a virtual Information Session about Spring Assessment on March 28, 7:30-8:30pm. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93085677459

Re-enrollment Season for School Year 2024-25 is Around the Corner!
Starting on April 1

The re-enrollment season for all students starts on April 1, 2024. ‍In preparation for your child's re-enrollment, please gather all required documents. Having these documents ready ahead of time will make your enrollment process easier. As a reminder, every year, each child needs to present the documents below:

All students are required to comply with immunization requirements as part of enrollment. Take action now! All students must have an up-to-date immunization certification on file before the school year starts. More information can be found here.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! Virtual Information Session About Spring Assessment
3rd-5th Grade Families
March 28, 7:30pm

We invite 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families to join us on Thursday, March 28, for a virtual information session about spring secure testing. This session will be recorded and shared with families afterward in the event they can’t attend.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93085677459

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals
March 27, 8:45am - Hybrid Session
Focus on Assessments and Open Questions

J.F. Cook parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee on Wednesday, March 27 at 8:45am. In this opportunity, Principals will offer a hybrid coffee. You can join them in person at the Zócalo or virtually using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91441913710 (Meeting ID: 914 4191 3710).

For this session, Principals Johanna and Natalie will focus on assessments and open questions.

If you have questions related to these topics, please include them on this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals
March 27, 8:45am - Zócalo

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Michelle and Liz for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on Wednesday, March 27 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: Calle Ocho Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Earth Day Celebrations

At Mundo Verde, Earth Day is every day and there are so many ways to celebrate. Save the Dates!

Sustainability Week - Both Campuses - Apr 8-12
During this week we will celebrate ‘We Love Earth’ Spirit Week, ride bikes to school, make Earth Day pledges, plant a rain garden at Calle Ocho campus, learn from sustainability expert speakers, and more. We will top it all off with all-day Earth Month Celebrations at each campus! 

Hop on the Weekly Bicibús! Wednesdays at JF Cook, Fridays at Calle Ocho

  • The JF Cook bicibús (starting April 3) meets on Wednesdays at Alethia Tanner Park, departing at 8:10am. From there, we ride to Florida Ave Park to pick up more riders, then we ride to school as a group.

  • The Calle Ocho bicibús meets on Fridays at Turkey Thicket, departing at 8:10am and riding to school as a group. 

RiverSmart Garden Build (Calle Ocho) - April 10
Join us on April 10 between 1:30pm and 6:00pm to build a vegetated barrier along Varnum Street using raised garden beds, archways, and blueberry bushes!

Earth Day Celebrations Throughout the School Day

  • Calle Ocho Campus - April 11 

  • JF Cook Campus - Apr 12

NEW! Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup - April 20
Calling all Mundo Verde Earth Besties! Join us on Saturday, April 20 from 10:00am-12:00pm for the annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup! We will meet outside of Margot Hall 3426 12th St NE Washington, DC 20017. You can register here and then email Sustainability Manager, Ms. Carissa, at ctiradomarks@mundoverdepcs.org to let her know you want to join the Mundo Verde team. Registration will be open until April 16. We hope to see you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

This Week Class Picture Day
JF Cook: Monday, March 25
Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Class Picture Day:

  • JF Cook: Monday, March 25

  • Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Reminders:

  • Uniform - All students must wear their Mundo Verde tshirt.

  • Media Release Authorization - If your child/ren doesn’t have a Media Release Authorization and you didn’t change your preference by March 15, your children will not be included in the class picture.

  • Verbal conversations and emails with your children’s teacher are not valid to change the Media Release Authorization.

NEW! Talent Show Auditions at J.F Cook Campus

We are thrilled to announce the upcoming Mundo Verde Talent Show auditions, scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, from 8:30am through 9:50am and Wednesday, March 27, from 8:30am through 12:30pm in the Art Room. 

Parents of students already signed up for the audition have received all the necessary information for those days thorough ParentSquare.

NEW! Garden Market at J.F. Cook Campus is Back!

Garden Market resumes on Tuesday, April 2 at J.F. Cook campus! April market dates are April 2, 9, 23, and 30. Join us from 3:30-4:30pm to support local growers and 5th grade market interns!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

A few lice cases have been reported in Kinder, 2nd and 3rd grade at Calle Ocho campus lately. Given that we have siblings from these grades in other grades in the school -- we recommend EVERY family take the time this week to use the special comb to both check for and if found remove eggs as this is how lice spreads (see photo). Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SCHOOL SERVICES

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program Interest Form
Deadline April 1

Parents/caregivers can submit their SY24 Summer Program Interest Form by April 1. Please note that only full time (4 weeks) enrollment is available. Visit the school website for the program details.

The 2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program in Spanish is oriented for students from both campuses, hosted at J.F. Cook campus only. The program is scheduled to run from July 8 to August 2.

If you have additional questions about the Summer Program, please contact us at summer@mundoverdepcs.org.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Mar 25: Class Picture Day - JF Cook

  • Mar 26: Class Picture Day - Calle Ocho

  • Mar 26-27: Talent Show Auditions at J.F Cook

  • Mar 27: Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses

  • Mar 28: Virtual Information Session About Spring Assessment (3rd-5th Grade Families)

  • Apr 1: Enrollment Process Starts

  • Apr 2: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 8-12: Sustainability Week

  • Apr 9: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 10: RiverSmart Garden Build - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 11: Earth Day Celebration - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 12: Earth Day Celebration - JF Cook

  • Apr 15: Holiday/School Closed

  • Apr 16-19: Spring Break / No School for Students and Teachers

  • Apr 20: Annual Anacostia River Earth Day Cleanup

  • Apr 23: Garden Market - JF Cook

  • Apr 24: Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses

  • Apr 30: Garden Market - JF Cook

Family Update Issue #32

J.F. Cook - Read aloud with 3rd graders

Academics

NEW! Re-enrollment Season for School Year 2024-25 is Around the Corner! Starting on Apr 1

Reading MAP Reports - Tutorial Video Available

Events & Activities

NEW! Women Spirit Week JF Cook Campus - Mar 18-22

Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses - Submit your Questions in Advance - Mar 27

NEW! Earth Day Celebrations

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! March Board Meeting Recording

NEW! Thank You for Successful Spanish Book Fair!

Class Picture Day - JF Cook: Mar 25 & Calle Ocho: Mar 26

All Voices Matter

Health & Safety

NEW! Lice Case Reported in Kinder - Campus JF Cook

School Services

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program Interest Form - Deadline Apr 1

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

NEW! Re-enrollment Season for School Year 2024-25 is Around the Corner!
Starting on April 1

The re-enrollment season for all students starts on April 1, 2024. ‍In preparation for your child's re-enrollment, please gather all required documents. Having these documents ready ahead of time will make your enrollment process easier. As a reminder, every year, each child needs to present the documents below:

All students are required to comply with immunization requirements as part of enrollment. Take action now! All students must have an up-to-date immunization certification on file before the school year starts. More information can be found here.

Reading MAP Reports
Tutorial Video Available

MAP reports this year look slightly different from previous years. For more details on how to read MAP reports, please see this guide, Q&A in English / Spanish, and review this tutorial video in English and Spanish.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! Women Spirit Week - JF Cook Campus
March 18 to 22

Join us for the Women Spirit Week at J.F. Cook Campus:

  • Mon, Mar 18: Read a Book. Read a book or literary work by a female author

  • Tue, Mar 19: Wear purple. Internationally, purple is a color for symbolizing women. Wear your favorite shade of purple.

  • Wed, Mar 20: Twin Day and music. Listen to your favorite female artist or group.

  • Thu, Mar 21: Thank a Female Role Model. Thank a woman in your life who has been a positive role model. You can draw them a picture, a card, or a home made gift.

  • Fri, Mar 22: Dress Up. Dress up as a woman in history: Selena, Rosiethe Riveter, Kamala Harris, Amelia Earhart

Coffee with the Principals - Submit your Questions in Advance
March 27, 8:45am - Both Campuses

Parents and caregivers from both campuses are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie, and Principals Michelle and Liz for their respective Coffees in person at the Zócalo on Wednesday, March 27 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form:

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

NEW! Earth Day Celebrations

At Mundo Verde, Earth Day is every day and there are so many ways to celebrate!

Sustainability Week - Both Campuses
Apr 8-12
During this week we will celebrate We Love Earth Spirit Week, ride bikes to school, make Earth Day pledges, plant a rain garden at Calle Ocho, learn from sustainability expert speakers, and more. We'll top it all off with all-day Earth Month Celebrations at each campus! Read on for more details.


Hop on the Weekly Bicibús! 
Wednesdays at JF Cook, Fridays at Calle Ocho
The Mundo Verde Bicibús is about coming together to demand safe streets for all, creating a sense of belonging in our community through greener methods of transportation. All wheels are welcome! The bicibús is one of many ways that Mundo Verde takes action against climate change. Opting for alternative methods of transportation is a small but impactful step that we can take to mitigate climate change and emissions. 

  • The JF Cook bicibús meets on Wednesdays at Alethia Tanner Park, departing at 8:10am. From there, we ride to Florida Ave Park to pick up more riders, then we ride to school as a group.

  • The Calle Ocho bicibús meets on Fridays at Turkey Thicket, departing at 8:10am and riding to school as a group. 


RiverSmart Garden Build (Calle Ocho)
April 10
Join us on April 10 between 1:30pm and 6:00pm to build a vegetated barrier along Varnum Street using raised garden beds, archways, and blueberry bushes!


Earth Day Celebrations Throughout the School Day
All students in attendance will participate with their grade level peers for fun and learning!

  • Calle Ocho Campus - April 11 

    • More information coming soon, including volunteer opportunities for Earth Day celebration on April 11!

    • From Calle Ocho's Comunidad Sustainability Committee: Earth Day is right around the corner, and the sustainability team needs your help! If you are interested in planning Earth Month activities, we welcome your ideas. Our first planning session will be Monday, March 18, from 8:00-8:45pm. Hope to see you there! Join via Zoom (Meeting ID: 821 0938 7081 / Password:  jLc8Tn)

  • JF Cook Campus - Apr 12
    We will need volunteers to sign up for shifts to support the students as they move through a variety of activity stations focusing on sustainability and their specific grade level spring expo topic. It was a great event last year, so please block some time out of your schedule that day to help. More information on the grade schedule and a volunteer registration form will be available very soon! Contact Carissa Tirado Marks (ctiradomarks@mundoverdepcs.org) or Meg Newman (megan.newman@gmail.com) if you have questions.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! March Board Meeting Recording

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors meeting recording from Tuesday, March 12, is now available here in English only.

The recording of this board meeting will be available until Saturday, March 23. The video can also be found in the Families Portal (Family Engagement section) on the website, and your ParentSquare calendar (03/12/2024).

NEW! Thank You for Successful Spanish Book Fair!

The book fair accomplished its goal of fostering the love for Spanish; introducing new books; addressing language inequity; and adding wonderful titles in Spanish in our classroom libraries.

Thank you to all teachers, students, parents and caregivers, and staff for making the book fair a great success! A special thanks to all parent/caregiver volunteers who made the book fair happen! We truly couldn’t have done it without you. 

Donations for students and classrooms were received for both campuses, thank you to those families who made this possible! We are excited that our school will also receive 30% of the total sales back in new books for all classrooms!

Class Picture Day
JF Cook: Monday, March 25
Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Class Picture Day:

  • JF Cook: Monday, March 25

  • Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Reminders:

  • Uniform - All students must wear their Mundo Verde tshirt.

  • Media Release Authorization - If your child/ren doesn’t have a Media Release Authorization and you didn’t change your preference by March 15, your children will not be included in the class picture.

  • Verbal conversations and emails with your children’s teacher are not valid to change the Media Release Authorization.

All Voices Matter

Thank you to everyone who recently completed the mid-year survey. If you didn’t have an opportunity to do so, or complete any of our monthly surveys, please expect a call shortly from a member of our team. Your voice counts and we want to know your thoughts!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Lice Case Reported in Kinder - Campus JF Cook

A lice case was reported in Kinder at J.F. Cook  campus. Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SCHOOL SERVICES

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program Interest Form
Deadline April 1

The 2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program in Spanish is oriented for students from both campuses, hosted at J.F. Cook campus only. The program is scheduled to run from July 8 to August 2.

Parents/caregivers can now submit their SY24 Summer Program Interest Form by April 1. Please note that only full time (4 weeks) enrollment is available. Visit the school website for more details.

If you have additional questions about the Summer Program, please contact us at summer@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! Washington Spirit
Saturday, March 23, 7:30pm
Padres is planning a school outing to watch the Washington Spirit Women’s Soccer Team take on the San Francisco Bay FC. One of the biggest events of the year. Last year over 200 people went! Don't miss out. Purchase $25 tickets here. Meet early (5:00pm) at Dacha Navy Yard for food and drinks before the game. Free tickets available for all Mundo Verde teachers/staff and families for whom the ticket price is a hardship.

NEW! Padres Coffee - Out Front
Friday, March 22, 8:10am
Get your Friday started right. Meet new families, catch up with old friends, and get your free coffee fix. Bring your Padres mug to show your support for the environment!

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Mar 18-22: Women Spirit Week - JF Cook

  • Mar 25: Class Picture Day - JF Cook

  • Mar 26: Class Picture Day - Calle Ocho

  • Mar 27: Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses

  • Apr 1: Enrollment Process Starts

  • Apr 8-12: Sustainability Week

  • Apr 10: RiverSmart Garden Build - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 11: Earth Day Celebration - Calle Ocho

  • Apr 12: Earth Day Celebration - JF Cook

  • Apr 15: Holiday/School Closed

  • Apr 16-19: Spring Break / No School for Students and Teachers

Family Update Issue #31

J.F. Cook Campus - 4th Grade Book Fair

Message

NEW! Mundo Verde School Leader Search Launch

Academics

Student Conferences This Week! Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

Support to Read MAP Reports - Tutorial Video Available

Events & Activities

NEW! This Week: Board Meeting - New Date! Agenda and RSVP Form - Mar 12

NEW! Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses - Save the Date! Mar 27

NEW! Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony - Save the Date! Jun 13

Communications, Information & Questions

Thanks to Our Community, Black History Month Celebrations Were a Success!!

Class Picture Day - JF Cook: Mar 25 & Calle Ocho: Mar 26

NEW! All Voices Matter

Health & Safety

NEW! Keeping Our School Healthy

School Services

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program - Interest Form Available

Student & Family Support

NEW! WISE 2nd Virtual Workshop: Promoting Children's Social and Emotional Well-Being - Mar 14

Community Announcements

NEW! First Public High School for African American Students

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Mar 13: Student Conferences (afternoon only)
Mar 14: Student Conferences (all day) - No School for Students
Mar 15: All Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

MESSAGE

NEW! Mundo Verde School Leader Search Launch

The Mundo Verde Board is excited to formally launch the search for a new school leader and update you on important next steps for engagement. 

If you missed the message sent by Anneliese Gegenheimer, Board President, on March 4, with updates about the Mundo Verde school leader search process, click here.

ACADEMICS

Student Conferences This Week!
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Our teachers are looking forward to seeing you at Student Conferences. Students in grades Kinder - 5th DO participate in their Student Led Conferences. If your child is in Prek, this will be a Parent Teacher Conference, and the student should NOT attend the conference.

  • March 13: Student Conferences in the afternoon - Regular school day

  • March 14: Student Conferences all day - NO SCHOOL for students

Support to Read MAP Reports
Tutorial Video Available

MAP reports this year look slightly different from previous years due to a technology issue that Mundo Verde experienced when sending the reports out. We are working with the platform to solve this issue. In addition to this situation, we have received questions about how to read this report. Please read this guide and Q&A in English / Spanish. 

For more details on how to read the MAP reports, please review this tutorial video in English and Spanish.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! This Week: Board Meeting - Agenda and RSVP Form
New Date! March 12, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Tuesday, March 12. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To read the full board meeting agenda, click here.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

NEW! Coffee with the Principals - Save the Date!
March 27, 8:45am - Both Campuses

Parents and caregivers from both campuses are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie, and Principals Michelle and Liz for their respective in person Coffees. Save the Date! March 27, 8:45am.

 

NEW! Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony - Save the Date!
June 13, 8:45am
JF Cook Campus, Zócalo

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

Thanks to Our Community, Black History Month Celebrations Were a Success!!

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the diverse activities throughout this month-long celebration. A special shoutout to those who graciously volunteered their time!

We had a huge turnout for the Black History Month Culminating Events! It brings us joy to witness our school community come together in celebration of Black History.

We acknowledge and appreciate the support and collaboration of Padres, Comunidad, and Staff, without their support, none of this would have been possible. Thank you!

Class Picture Day
JF Cook: Monday, March 25
Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Class Picture Day:

  • JF Cook: Monday, March 25

  • Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Reminders:

  • Uniform - All students must wear their Mundo Verde tshirt.

  • Media Release Authorization - If your child/ren does not have a Media Release Authorization, they will not be included in the class picture. If you want them to be included, please read this document to understand the details and implications (English / Spanish) and complete the Media Release Form by March 15. 

OJO! - Signing the media release form will authorize the school to include your child in the class photos, and potentially photograph, record, or tape your child at other school events/activities from now on.

NEW! All Voices Matter

Thank you to everyone who recently completed the mid-year survey. If you didn’t have an opportunity to do so, or complete any of our monthly surveys, please expect a call shortly from a member of our team. Your voice counts and we want to know your thoughts!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Keeping Our School Healthy

Recently our school community has had a rise in viral infections. We need your collaboration to slow the transmission of illnesses. To protect everyone, we ask that students stay at home when they are sick. Students must remain fever free for 24 consecutive hours without the use of fever reducing medications prior to returning to school. Help our school community prevent the spread of illnesses by following these recommendations: 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

  • Perform frequent hand hygiene:

    • Before and after eating food

    • Before and after group activities

    • After using the toilet

    • Before and after putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings

    • Touching your face

  • Frequently disinfect high touch surfaces that may be contaminated

Thank you for helping keep our school healthy!

SCHOOL SERVICES

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program
Interest Form Available

The 2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program in Spanish is oriented for students from both campuses, hosted at J.F. Cook campus only. The program is scheduled to run from July 8 to August 2.

Parents/caregivers can now submit their SY24 Summer Program Interest Form by April 1. Please note that only full time (4 weeks) enrollment is available.

  • Program times: 8:30am-3:30pm (with a drop-off window between 8:30-8:50am and a pick-up window between 3:30-3:50pm.) 

  • The program will be open only to current Mundo Verde students returning in the 2024-25 school year. 

  • New students entering PreK-3 in the Fall are not eligible to participate in the program.

  • Families with outstanding balances for school services are ineligible for the 2024 Summer Program until past balances are paid.

Please read the 2024 Summer Program Details here in English and Spanish. Click here for FAQ in English and Spanish.

If you have additional questions about the Summer Program, please contact us at summer@mundoverdepcs.org.

STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

NEW! WISE 2nd Virtual Workshop: Promoting Children's Social and Emotional Well-Being
March 14, 7:00pm

Mundo Verde and the MedStar Georgetown Center for Wellbeing in School Environments (WISE) are happy to announce the date for their second virtual workshop. As part of the series, Dr. Michael Brachfeld and Ms. Jackie Escobar will be presenting: Promoting Children's Social and Emotional Well-Being.

Join us on Thursday, March 14, 7:00pm, on topics such as stress and protective factors, emotion regulation, and implementation of coping strategies to support children. 

Please join the Zoom meeting here
Meeting ID: 878 9392 3871
Passcode: 423149

We are grateful to Delmy Rodriguez, Director of Student Services, and to parent volunteers Margaux Jessup (J.F. Cook Campus) and Olga Cano (Calle Ocho Campus) for helping coordinate these events. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW! First Public High School for African American Students

Join us in celebrating the first public high school in the country for African American students! Hear and see the story of The Perry School, our neighbors on M Street near the J.F. Cook Campus.

March 13 at Arena Stage - Tempestuous Elements.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Mar 12: Board Meeting

  • Mar 13: Conferences (afternoon only)

  • Mar 14: Conferences (all day) - No School for Students

  • Mar 14: WISE Virtual Workshop

  • Mar 15: All Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

  • Mar 25: Class Picture Day - JF Cook

  • Mar 26: Class Picture Day - Calle Ocho

  • Mar 27: Coffee with the Principals (Both Campuses)

  • Apr 8-12: Sustainability Week

  • Apr 11: Earth Day Celebration - Calle Ocho Campus

  • Apr 12: Earth Day Celebration - JF Cook Campus

  • Apr 15: Holiday/School Closed

  • Apr 16-19: Spring Break / No School for Students and Teachers

Family Update Issue #30

Come and Visit the Spanish Book Fair This Week!
March 5-7 at Both Campuses
9:00am to 4:30pm

Academics

Time to Sign Up! Student Led Conferences For Kinder to 5th Grade Students - Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

Time to Sign Up! Parent-Teacher Conferences for PreK Families - Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

NEW! Support to Read MAP Reports

Events & Activities

Come and Visit the Spanish Book Fair This Week! Both Campuses: March 5-7

Calling all Student Dancers, Musicians, Poets, Singers and Entertainers! J.F. Cook Campus Talent Show - Deadline to Sign-Up: March 8

NEW! Board Meeting Rescheduled - New Date TBD

Communications, Information & Questions

Your Voice Always Matters – Especially Now

NEW! Class Picture Day Is Coming Up! JF Cook: Mar 25 & Calle Ocho: Mar 26

DC Elementary Math Challenge - Congratulations to our Students Who Participated!

Health & Safety

Asking for Your Cooperation with Traffic at Calle Ocho Campus

NEW! Lice Case Reported in First Grade - J.F. Cook

School Services

NEW! School Meals Menu - March

NEW! It’s Time For School Services Payments - Due on the 10th of Every Month

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Mar 13: Student Conferences (afternoon only)
Mar 14: Student Conferences (all day) - No School for Students
Mar 15: All Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

ACADEMICS

Time to Sign Up! Student Led Conferences
For Kinder - 5th Grade Students
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Teachers are working with students (in grades Kinder-5th), preparing them to present to their family members their progress. 

Parents/caregivers should have received Student Led Conferences sign-ups from ParentSquare. If you have not received it yet, please contact your child’s teacher.

Mark your calendars:

  • March 13: Student Led Conferences in the afternoon - Regular school day

  • March 14: Student Led Conferences all day - NO SCHOOL for students

Time to Sign Up! Parent-Teacher Conferences for PreK Families
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Parent-Teacher Conferences in PreK are one-on-one conferences not including students, where teachers share individualized evidence of current strengths and needs. Its purpose is to build strong home-to-school partnerships for academic and social success, and share data on those areas (academics and social-emotional learning.)

Mark your calendars:

  • March 13: Parent-Teacher Conferences in the afternoon - Regular school day

  • March 14: Parent-Teacher Conferences all day. PreK students should not attend their conference - NO SCHOOL for students

Parents/caregivers should have received Parent Teacher Conferences sign-ups from ParentSquare. If you have not received it yet, please contact your child’s teacher.

NEW! Support to Read MAP Reports

Last week all families in K-5th should have received their children’s MAP report. If you did not, please email platforms@mundovedepcs.org.  

MAP reports this year look slightly different from previous years due to a technology issue that Mundo Verde experienced when sending the reports out. We are working with the platform to solve this issue. In addition to this situation, we have received questions about how to read this report. Please read this guide and Q&A in English / Spanish. 

Stay tuned for more info on MAP Reports.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Come and Visit the Spanish Book Fair This Week!
March 5-7 at Both Campuses, 9:00am to 4:30pm

Stop by the Zócalo at the Spanish Book Fair in each Campus on Tuesday, March 5, Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday March 7, from 9:00am to 4:30pm! Browse and purchase books from a large selection of titles, all in Spanish. We are look forward to seeing many of you there! For safety purposes, we ask parents and caregivers kindly to sign in at the front desk when arriving at your campus.

We are excited to foster love for Spanish in our school community through this amazing Spanish book fair staffed entirely by Mundo Verde families. Thank you to all parents and caregivers who are voluntering to help us make this book fair a success!! We Still Need Caregiver/Parent Volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here.

Calling all Student Dancers, Musicians, Poets, Singers and Entertainers!
J.F. Cook Campus Talent Show
Deadline to Sign-Up: March 8

Whether it's singing, dancing, comedy, magic, or any other special skill, we welcome all acts to audition. This is a fun opportunity for students in grades Kinder - 5th to share their talents with the school community. Students have until Friday, March 8, to sign-up outside of Ms. Rose's classroom (Art room). 

Performance slots are limited, an audition will be conducted on Wednesday, March 13, and Monday, March 11 (during crew) to finalize a list of students performing at the Talent Show. Performances should last no longer than 3 minutes. If your child signs up, please assist with practicing at home.

If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to the J.F. Cook Campus Specials Team at cookspecials@mundoverdepcs.org or Dean Kata at kbeltran@mundoverdepcs.org.

NEW! Board Meeting Rescheduled
New Date TBD

The Board Meeting scheduled for March 21 will be rescheduled. The new date is being determined.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

Your Voice Always Matters – Especially Now

Please complete the in-depth Spring Survey NOW!

 Tell us how you are feeling about:

  • The education of your children at Mundo Verde

  • The Extended Day Program

  • Student Services, and much more

 Help shape how school leaders and teachers work with your children this Spring and in SY24-25. Thanks for completing the survey now! English / Spanish

 Deadline: The survey closes on Tuesday, March 5.

NEW! Class Picture Day Is Coming Up!
JF Cook: Monday, March 25
Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

We are thrilled to announce Class Picture Day!

  • JF Cook: Monday, March 25

  • Calle Ocho: Tuesday, March 26

Reminders:

  • Uniform - All students must wear their Mundo Verde tshirt.

  • Media Release Authorization - If your child/ren does not have a Media Release Authorization, they will not be included in the class picture. If you want them to be included, please read this document to understand the details and implications (English / Spanish) and complete the Media Release Form by March 15. 

OJO! - Signing the media release form will authorize the school to include your child in the class photos, and potentially photograph, record, or tape your child at other school events/activities from now on.

DC Elementary Math Challenge
Congratulations to our Students Who Participated!

Mundo Verde students took the DC Math Challenge hosted by Harmony DC PCS among students from public, private, and charter schools.

These Mathematicians did an amazing job, as they were the first 3rd and 4th graders to participate. They all took a paper and pencil test, enjoyed lunch, and waited for the award ceremony. 

Congratulations to our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who participated!! 

Calle Ocho 4th graders (Rayan, Nat and Elliot ) made it as the top 10 finalists. Nat was awarded 2nd place. Our math teachers, Ms. Any and Ms. Marina, are very proud of all their students. Click here to see more pictures from this fascinating event.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Asking for Your Cooperation with Traffic at Calle Ocho Campus

A smooth arrival and dismissal are paramount to ensure a safe and happy learning environment. Calle Ocho campus is located in a non-commercial zone with narrow residential streets making traffic very challenging. 

Neighboring residents and organizations continue to complain to us and local officials that some parents/caregivers are engaging in unsafe driving and possibly illegal behaviors. Mundo Verde is seeking support from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Our staff are here to help students and families during arrival and dismissal but we are not law enforcement officials. To continue being good neighbors, the school has now reached out to MPD to seek support for ticketing and traffic monitoring. MPD will be visiting the area on random days of the week.

A friendly reminder to respect our neighbors at Washington Jesuit Academy. We understand that finding parking can be challenging, but please refrain from parking next door at the Washington Jesuit Academy. Their lot is not a public parking space, and we have heard complaints from our neighbors. We kindly ask for your cooperation so that the schools can remain in good standing and supportive neighbors.  

We thank the vast majority of families who are already helping make sure this busy time is also a safe time.

NEW! Lice Case Reported in First Grade - J.F. Cook

A lice case was reported in 1st grade at J.F. Cook Campus. Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SCHOOL SERVICES

NEW! School Meals Menu - March

J.F. Cook Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

Calle Ocho Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

NEW! It’s Time For School Services Payments
Due on the 10th of Every Month

Monthly payments are due by the 10th of each month. On Monday, March 1, families received a billing statement for school services for the month of March 2024 with instructions for how to pay for your snacks, meals, and/or Extended Day Program fees on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

If you have any questions about the charges, please email invoice@mundoverdepcs.org.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Mar 4-8: Literacy Week

  • Mar 5-7: Spanish Book Fair

  • Mar 13: Conferences (afternoon only)

  • Mar 14: Conferences (all day) - No School for Students

  • Mar 15: All Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

  • Mar 25: Class Picture Day - JF Cook

  • Mar 26: Class Picture Day - Calle Ocho

  • Mar 27: Coffee with the Principals (Both Campuses)

Family Update Issue #29

Black History Month at Calle Ocho Campus

Academics

Last Week to Apply for Sibling Preference at Mundo Verde! Deadline Mar 1

Last Week for 5th Grade Families Applying to DC International School! Deadline Mar 1

Academic Reports for Trimester 2

NEW! Reading Screening - Students From Kinder to Second Grade

Kinder - 5th Grade Student Led Conferences - Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

PreK Parent Teacher Conferences - Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

Events & Activities

Black History Month Celebrations

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Principals - Topic: Campus Updates & Resources for Families - Feb 28

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Principals - Feb 28

Join Us at the Spanish Book Fair and Sign Up As a Volunteer! Both Campuses - March 5-7

NEW! Calling all Student Dancers, Musicians, Poets, Singers and Entertainers! J.F. Cook Campus Talent Show

Communications, Information & Questions

Kids are Constantly Growing!

Health & Safety

NEW! Seeking Traffic Support at Calle Ocho Campus

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

Last Week to Apply for Sibling Preference at Mundo Verde!
Deadline March 1, 2024

This is a reminder for families with siblings of current Mundo Verde students to apply to Mundo Verde with sibling preference through the common lottery at MySchoolDC.org.

OJO! Make sure to indicate on the application that your child is a sibling of a current student attending Mundo Verde.

Last Week for 5th Grade Families Applying to DC International School!
Deadline March 1, 2024

This is the last week for 5th grade families to apply to DC International School (DCI) with transfer preference through the common lottery: MySchoolDC.org. 

OJO! This preference is only granted to families who apply by the deadline of March 1, 2024!

Academic Reports for Trimester 2

On February 23, Academic Reports and MAP Reports were sent to all families. 

If you did not receive your child’s academic/progress report, please contact platforms@mundoverdepcs.org.

If you have any questions about your child's performance, please contact your child's teacher.

NEW! Reading Screening
Students From Kinder to Second Grade

Beginning this school year, Mundo Verde must screen all students in Kinder through Second Grade to identify students considered at-risk for reading difficulties. This screening is required by the Addressing Dyslexia and Other Reading Difficulties Amendment Act of 2020 (DC Law 23-191). This screener does not diagnose dyslexia. 

Mundo Verde selected FastBridge Early Reading, a screener approved by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). FastBridge identifies students with composite scores below the 15th percentile as High Risk for later reading difficulties, and our school uses this benchmark to designate students as “at risk.” 

Screeners will be conducted the week of February 26. Families of students identified as at-risk will receive a separate letter from Ms. Delmy Rodriguez, Director of Student Services, the week of March 11, including specific notification that the student’s screening indicated they are at-risk of reading difficulties, as well as a description of the instructional support that is being implemented to address identified needs. 

If you have questions about Mundo Verde’s screening process or intervention for at-risk students, please contact Ms. Delmy at delrodriguez@mundoverdepcs.org.

Kinder - 5th Grade Student Led Conferences
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Student Led Conferences (SLC) provide a forum in which your child has the opportunity to lead the discussion about their own progress by sharing work and reflecting on their growth. 

Teachers are working with each of their students in grades Kinder - 5th, preparing them to present to their family members their progress. 

SLC will take place on March 13 (afternoon only) and March 14 (all day).

PreK Parent Teacher Conferences
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) in PreK are one-on-one conferences not including students, where teachers share individualized evidence of current strengths and needs. Its purpose is to build strong home to school partnership for academic and social success; and share data on academics and social emotional learning.

PTC will take place on March 13 (afternoon only) and March 14 (all day). 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Black History Month Celebrations

Join our school community in celebrating Black History Month: 

  • Feb 26-March 1: Spirit Week [Calle Ocho Campus Only]

    • Monday: Wear black, yellow, red, or green

    • Tuesday: Affirmation Day (Black Lives Matter, be Kind, love is love)

    • Wednesday: Random Acts of Kindness Day - wear something that shows love

    • Thursday: Throwback to a moment in Black History

    • Friday: Diaspora Day - wear something that represents the Black or Afro-Latina Diaspora

  • Friday, Mar 1: Culminating event 

    • Calle Ocho campus from 4:00-6:00pm

    • J.F. Cook campus from 3:45-6:00pm

  • Feb 1-March 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall - If you are an alumni of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), please stop by the Calle Ocho Campus front desk to add your name to our interactive HBCU wall!

We need volunteers to make the Culminating event happen! If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here:

If you have any questions about the culminating event, please reach out to Erin Pitts at ekpitts@gmail.com.

Coffee with the Principals
February 28, 8:45am - J.F. Cook Campus
Topic: School Updates & Resources for Families

J.F. Cook parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee on February 28 at 8:45am. In this opportunity, Principals will offer a hybrid coffee. You can join them in person at the Zólcalo or virtually using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91441913710 (Meeting ID: 914 4191 3710)

For this session, Principals Johanna and Natalie will focus on:

  • Campus updates

  • Resources for families

  • Questions

If you have questions related to these topics, please include them on this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Coffee with the Principals
February 28, 8:45am - Calle Ocho Campus

Calle Ocho parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Michelle and Liz for their coffee with the Principal in person at the Zócalo on February 28 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: Calle Ocho Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Join Us at the Spanish Book Fair and Sign Up As a Volunteer!
March 5-7 at Both Campuses

The Spanish Book Fair is staffed entirely by Mundo Verde families. WE NEED YOU TO MAKE THIS A SUCCESS!  Please sign up HERE if you can help with book sorting, book display, cashier at register, or other. 

Through the Spanish Book Fair, we foster the love for Spanish in our school community, address language inequity and, as possible, add to the wonderful titles in Spanish in our classroom libraries. You will find unique books that otherwise would be difficult to find. 

With your help, we all can make this Book Fair happen!!

NEW! Calling all Student Dancers, Musicians, Poets, Singers and Entertainers!
J.F. Cook Campus Talent Show

Talent Show 2017

We are thrilled to announce that J.F. Cook campus will host a Talent Show in May. 

This will be a fun opportunity for students in grades K-5 to share their talents with the school community. 

From February 26 through March 8, a sign-up sheet will be located outside of Ms. Rose's classroom (Art room). We encourage all students who wish to participate to sign up during this period.

Whether it's singing, dancing, comedy, magic, or any other special skill, we welcome all acts to audition. Please note that group acts will be prioritized, but solo acts are also welcome.

Performance slots are limited, an audition will be conducted on Wednesday, March 13, and Monday, March 11 (during crew) to finalize a list of students performing at the Talent Show. Performances should last no longer than 3 minutes. If your child signs up, please assist with practicing at home.

If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to the J.F. Cook Campus Specials Team at cookspecials@mundoverdepcs.org or Dean Kata at kbeltran@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

Kids are Constantly Growing!

Which is why we place so much importance on social/emotional development.

We want to know about your child’s experience at Mundo Verde – as well as your own.

Keep an eye out for links to the mid-year family survey coming soon!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Seeking Traffic Support at Calle Ocho Campus

A smooth arrival and dismissal are paramount to ensure a safe and happy learning environment. Calle Ocho campus is located in a non-commercial zone with narrow residential streets making traffic very challenging. 

Neighboring residents and organizations continue to complain to us and local officials that some parents/caregivers are engaging in unsafe driving and possibly illegal behaviors. Mundo Verde is seeking support from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Our staff are here to help students and families during arrival and dismissal but we are not law enforcement officials. To continue being good neighbors, the school has now reached out to MPD to seek support for ticketing and traffic monitoring. MPD will be visiting the area on random days of the week.

We thank the vast majority of families who are already helping make sure this busy time is also a safe time.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Feb 1-Mar 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall at Calle Ocho Campus

  • Feb 26-Mar 1: Spirit Week Calle Ocho Campus

  • Feb 28: Coffee with the Principals

  • Mar 1: BHM Culminating Event

  • Mar 4-8: Literacy Week

  • Mar 5-7: Spanish Book Fair

  • Mar 13: Conferences (afternoon only)

  • Mar 14: Conferences (all day) - No School for Students

  • Mar 15: All Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

  • Mar 21: Board Meeting

Family Update Issue #28

1st Grade “People and Places” Expo Calle Ocho

Academics

NEW! Academic Reports for Trimester 2

Celebrations of Learning (Expos) Dates and Times

NEW! Kinder - 5th Grade Student Led Conferences - Save the Date! Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

NEW! PreK Parent Teacher Conferences - Save the Date! Mar 13 (Afternoon Only) & Mar 14 (All Day)

NEW! Only 12 Days Left to Apply for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde - Deadline Mar 1

NEW! Attention 5th Grade Families Applying to DC International School - Deadline Mar 1

Events & Activities

Celebrating Black History Throughout the Month!

Virtual Information Session About Middle School Options: 4th & 5th Grade Families - Feb 22

Biliteracy Week and Spanish Book Fair: Join Us and Sign Up For Volunteer Opportunities! Spanish Book Fair from Mar 5-7 at Both Campuses

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Principals - Feb 28

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Principals - Feb 28

Communications, Information & Questions

School Leader Search Process: Parent and Caregiver Interest Form - Feb 11-25

NEW! February Board Meeting Recording

NEW! Change Is in The Air

Read-A-Thon to Support 5th Graders

Health & Safety

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

Community Announcements

BiciBus at J.F. Cook Campus - Volunteers Needed

NEW! News From 2023 Calle Ocho Lemonade Stand at the Brookland Open Streets Festival

DC Math Challenge for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students - Feb 24

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

ACADEMICS

NEW! Academic Reports for Trimester 2

On February 23, Academic Reports and MAP Reports will be sent to all families. 

If you do not receive your child’s report, please contact platforms@mundoverdepcs.org.

If you have any questions about your child's performance, please contact your child's teacher.

Celebrations of Learning (Expos) Dates and Times

J.F. Cook Campus

  • 3rd Grade: February 21, 9:00am

  • 4th Grade: February 23, 2:15pm

  • 5th Grade: February 22, 9:00am

Calle Ocho Campus

  • 3rd Grade: February 22, 9:00am 

  • 4th Grade: February 23, 9:00am 

NEW! Kinder - 5th Grade Student Led Conferences - Save the Date!
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Student Led Conferences (SLC) provide a forum in which your child has the opportunity to lead the discussion about their own progress by sharing work and reflecting on their growth. 

Teachers are working with each of their students in grades Kinder - 5th, preparing them to present to their family members their progress. 

SLC will take place on March 13 (afternoon only) and March 14 (all day).

NEW! PreK Parent Teacher Conferences - Save the Date!
March 13 (Afternoon Only) & March 14 (All Day)

Parent-Teacher Conferences (PTC) in PreK are one-on-one conferences not including students, where teachers share individualized evidence of current strengths and needs. Its purpose is to build strong home to school partnership for academic and social success; and share data on academics and social emotional learning.

PTC will take place on March 13 (afternoon only) and March 14 (all day).

NEW! Only 12 Days Left to Apply for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde
Deadline March 1, 2024

Siblings of students enrolled at Mundo Verde may apply with sibling preference through the common lottery: MySchoolDC.org. Mundo Verde has generally been able to accommodate admissions for all of our students with younger siblings, but sibling preference does not guarantee entry. The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

Make sure to indicate on the application that your child is a sibling of a current student attending Mundo Verde.

NEW! Attention 5th Grade Families Applying to DC International School
Deadline March 1, 2024

Fifth graders may apply with transfer preference to DC International School (DCI) for 6th grade on the MySchoolDC.org common application. 

OJO! This preference is only granted to families who apply by the deadline of March 1, 2024!

Join us for a virtual Information Session about Middle School Options on February 22, 7:00-8:30pm. Fourth and fifth grade families are invited!

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Celebrating Black History Throughout the Month!

Join our school community in celebrating Black History Month: 

  • Feb 1-March 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall - If you are an alumni of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), please stop by the Calle Ocho Campus front desk to add your name to our interactive HBCU wall!

  • Friday, Feb 23: Movie Night “Soul”

    • Calle Ocho campus, 4:00pm

    • Edgewood Arts Center (3415 8th St. NE), 6:30pm

  • Saturday, Feb 24: Black Broadway walking Tour, 10:30am - Families from both campuses are invited

  • Feb 26-March 1: Spirit Week [Calle Ocho Campus Only]

    • Monday: Wear black, yellow, red, or green

    • Tuesday: Affirmation Day (Black Lives Matter, be Kind, love is love)

    • Wednesday: Random Acts of Kindness Day - wear something that shows love

    • Thursday: Throwback to a moment in Black History

    • Friday: Diaspora Day - wear something that represents the Black or Afro-Latina Diaspora

  • Friday, Mar 1: Culminating event 

    • Calle Ocho campus from 4:00-6:00pm

    • J.F. Cook campus from 3:45-6:00pm

If you would like to participate in planning events throughout the Black History Month and/or with the culminating event, please join the planning meetings every Thursday evening at 8:30pm at this link.  

If you are unable to join the meetings, you can reach out to Erin Pitts at ekpitts@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Virtual Information Session About Middle School Options
4th & 5th Grade Families
February 22, 7:00-8:30pm

We hope that many 4th and 5th grade families had an opportunity to attend the Middle School Fair hosted at DC Bilingual this past Thursday, Feb. 15th!  If you missed the opportunity to be there, and are still looking to find out information about opportunities for continued bilingual education in middle school, we invite you to join us at 7:00pm this coming Thursday, February 22. Mundo Verde leaders will host an information session to go over details shared on the message sent on January 10, linked here (ENG / SPA).

Help us better prepare our content by submitting your questions in advance using this link.  Log in to this virtual meeting with the Zoom details below:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98814580975
Meeting ID: 988 1458 0975

One tap mobile
+13017158592,,98814580975# US (Washington DC)
+13052241968,,98814580975# US

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acJF2V3dc0

Biliteracy Week and Spanish Book Fair
Join Us and Sign Up For Volunteer Opportunities!
Spanish Book Fair from March 5-7 at Both Campuses

Mundo Verde is excited to celebrate the love for reading during the Biliteracy Week from March 4-8, and the Spanish Book Fair from March 5-7.

The Biliteracy Week is centered on the guiding question: What ESPICA values can you find in your favorite book characters or stories?

To have a successful Biliteracy Week and Book Fair we need your active participation! From helping with book sorting, book display, cashier at the register at the Book Fair to read books to our students. If you are interested, please register HERE to volunteer.

If you are not able to volunteer, stop by at the Spanish Book Fair! You can browse and purchase books from a large selection of titles, all in Spanish. Our goals are to foster love for Spanish in our school community, address language inequity and, as possible, add to the wonderful titles in Spanish in our classroom libraries. You will find unique books that otherwise would be difficult to find. We look forward to seeing you there!

Coffee with the Principals
February 28, 8:45am - J.F. Cook Campus

J.F. Cook parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee on February 28 at 8:45am. In this opportunity Principals will offer a hybrid coffee. You can join them in person at the Zólcalo or virtually using this Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/91441913710 (Meeting ID: 914 4191 3710)

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Coffee with the Principals
February 28, 8:45am - Calle Ocho Campus

Calle Ocho parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Michelle and Liz for their coffee with the Principal in person at the Zócalo on February 28 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: Calle Ocho Principals Questions Form

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

School Leader Search Process
Parent and Caregiver Interest Form
February 11 - 25

As the school launches its search, click here (English / Spanish) to learn about and express your interest in being involved in or providing input to the transition / search process to identify and evaluate qualified school leader candidates.

NEW! February Board Meeting Recording

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors meeting recording from Thursday, February 15, is now available here in English only.

The recording of this board meeting will be available until Saturday, February 24. The video can also be found in the Families Portal (Family Engagement section) on the website, and your ParentSquare calendar (02/15/2024).

NEW! Change Is in The Air

There’s lots happening – including the in-depth Spring Survey!

Beyond the quick, monthly pulse surveys, the spring survey invites you to share your deeper reflections and considered thoughts.

Keep an eye out for links to the survey coming soon!

Read-A-Thon to Support 5th Graders

Share your children’s joy of reading with your friends and family, encouraging them to support their literary efforts with donations to the 5th Grade Capstone Trip. Follow these easy instructions and sign up here to participate. 

Students can participate by opening their page and committing to read by a predetermined date and invite their relatives, neighbors, and friends outside of Mundo Verde to support them with pledges for their reading. Supporters can donate money for every book read or give a flat amount.

If you have any questions feel free to contact stacy.wallace77@gmail.com.

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

A few lice cases have been reported in PreK and 2nd grade at Calle Ocho campus lately. Given that we have siblings from these grades in other grades in the school -- we recommend EVERY family take the time this week to use the special comb to both check for and if found remove eggs as this is how lice spreads (see photo). Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

BiciBus at J.F. Cook Campus
Volunteers Needed

Help us bring the BiciBus back to J.F. Cook campus! 

We need adults to volunteer as safety leaders for J.F. Cook's weekly Bicibus on Wednesday mornings. Safety training will be provided.

Riders meet at Alethia Tanner park and depart by 8:10am. From there, roll to Florida Ave park to pick up more riders, and then ride the rest of the way to Mundo Verde. 

Are you interested or need more information? Reach out to Sustainability Manager, Carissa Tirado at ctiradomarks@mundoverdepcs.org.

NEW! News From 2023 Calle Ocho Lemonade Stand at the Brookland Open Streets Festival

The 2023 Calle Ocho lemonade stand at the Brookland Open Strets Festival was a sweet success, and we are thrilled to share the fruit of your generosity! 

Your involvement in last year's Open Street festival, whether through volunteering or dropping by, helped make it a spectacular event, and now, those efforts have transformed into a literary treasure for our students. Thanks to the organizing from Comunidad members, students, and parents/caregivers, this collection will be a source of joy for all fourth grade students and all those who eventually reach fourth grade in the future.

On February 28, we are set to present these books to our Calle Ocho fourth graders at the zócalo, with our third graders joining as the audience, tying into their expedition on "The Right to Read." Please note, that due to limited space at the Zócalo, only fourth-grade parents/caregivers can attend. We are on the lookout for a volunteer to capture this memorable moment on film so the entire community can share in the excitement. If you are a video enthusiast or have a knack for filmmaking, please reach out to Classroom Liaison Coordinator, Lindsey Elman at lindsey.elman@gmail.com.

DC Math Challenge for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
February 24

Harmony DC PCS is hosting the DC Math Challenge on Saturday, February 24. This competition is open to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders attending DC public, public charter, or private schools. This is a FREE math contest that builds excitement about math, challenges students’ mathematical thinking skills, and rewards students’ participation and excellence with great prizes!    

If you are interested in registering your child, please click here.

If you want to receive more information, please contact Harmony DC PCS at info@harmonydc.org.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Feb 1-Mar 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall at Calle Ocho Campus

  • Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

  • Feb 21: 3rd Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 5th Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 3rd Grade Expo (Calle Ocho)

  • Feb 22: Virtual Information Session About Middle School Options - 4th & 5th Grade Families

  • Feb 23: 4th Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 23: DCI Buddy Day - 5th Grade Students

  • Feb 23: Movie Night at Calle Ocho Campus - BHM Celebration

  • Feb 24: Black Broadway walking Tour - BHM Celebration

  • Feb 26-Mar 1: Spirit Week Calle Ocho Campus

  • Feb 28: Coffee with the Principals

  • Mar 1: BHM Culminating Event

  • Mar 4-8: Literacy Week

  • Mar 5-7: Spanish Book Fair

  • Mar 13: Conferences (afternoon only)

  • Mar 14: Conferences (all day) - No School for Students

  • Mar 15: All Staff Professional Development - No School for Students

Family Update Issue #27

Kinder Calle Ocho - Expedition: Exploring Vegetables

Academics

Celebrations of Learning (Expos) Dates and Times

Events & Activities

It Is Black History Month, Let’s Celebrate!

Black History Month Planning Meetings: Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited - Every Thursday

Board Meeting: RSVP Form & Agenda Available - Feb 15

Middle School Fair: 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families Are Invited - Feb 15

NEW! Virtual Information Session About Middle School Options - Save the Date! 4th & 5th Grade Families - Feb 22

NEW! Biliteracy Week and Spanish Book Fair - Save the Date and Sign Up For Volunteer Opportunities!

NEW! Coffee with the Principals Both Campuses - Save the Date! Feb 28

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! School Leader Search Process: Parent and Caregiver Interest Form - Feb 11 - 25

Valentine’s Day No Candy Policy

Read-A-Thon to Support 5th Graders

Health & Safety

NEW! Ensuring Student Safety - J.F. Cook Campus, La Casita

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

School Services

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program - Interest Form Coming in March

Community Announcements

NEW! BiciBus at J.F. Cook Campus - Volunteers Needed

DC Math Challenge for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students - Feb 24

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

ACADEMICS

Celebrations of Learning (Expos) Dates and Times

J.F. Cook Campus

  • Kinder: February 15, 2:00pm

  • 1st Grade: February 13, 9:00am

  • 2nd Grade: February 14, 11:45am

  • 3rd Grade: February 21, 9:00am

  • 4th Grade: February 23, 2:15pm

  • 5th Grade: February 22, 9:00am

  • Caterpillars: February 14, 11:45am

Calle Ocho Campus

  • Kinder: February 15, 2:00pm

  • 1st Grade: February 13, 9:00am

  • 2nd Grade: February 14, 11:45am

  • 3rd Grade: February 22, 9:00am 

  • 4th Grade: February 23, 9:00am 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

It Is Black History Month, Let’s Celebrate!

This month, students, families, and staff are participating in activities to celebrate Black History Month. We have adopted the national Black History Month theme –African Americans and the Arts with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance.

Please find below the activities organized for this month:

  • Feb 1-March 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall - If you are an alumni of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), please stop by the Calle Ocho Campus front desk to add your name to our interactive HBCU wall!

  • Friday, Feb 23: Movie Night “Soul”

    • Calle Ocho campus, 4:00pm

    • Edgewood Arts Center (3415 8th St. NE), 6:30pm

  • Saturday, Feb 24: Black Broadway walking Tour, 10:30am - Families from both campuses are invited

  • Feb 26-March 1: Spirit Week [Calle Ocho Campus Only]

    • Monday: Wear black, yellow, red, or green

    • Tuesday: Affirmation Day (Black Lives Matter, be Kind, love is love)

    • Wednesday: Random Acts of Kindness Day - wear something that shows love

    • Thursday: Throwback to a moment in Black History

    • Friday: Diaspora Day - wear something that represents the Black or Afro-Latina Diaspora

  • Friday, Mar 1: Culminating event, 

    • Calle Ocho campus from 4:00-6:00pm

    • J.F. Cook campus from 3:45-6:00pm


We Are Calling All Parent/Caregiver Performers! 
As part of the Black History Culminating Event (March 1), both campuses are planning to celebrate through an experiential museum for children and adults. We are looking for individuals or groups interested in performing any of the following acts. Your expertise is very appreciated by our school community!

  • Singing

  • Dancing

  • Spoken Word

  • Playing a Musical Instrument

  • Stand up Comedy

  • Reading a Story Aloud

  • Any other talent that celebrates Black History

If you are interested in participating, or have any questions, please contact your dean of academics, they looking forward to hearing from you by Februrary 12:

Black History Month Planning Meetings
Every Thursday at 8:30pm
Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited

If you would like to participate in planning events throughout the Black History Month and/or with the culminating event, please join parents, caregivers, and deans of academics  for planning meetings every Thursday evening at 8:30pm. You can join at this link.  

If you are unable to join the meetings, you can reach out to Erin Pitts at ekpitts@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Board Meeting - RSVP Form & Agenda Available
Feb 15, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Thursday, February 15. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To read the full board meeting agenda, click here.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

Middle School Fair
Feb 15, 5:00pm
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families Are Invited

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families are encouraged to attend the Middle School Fair to learn about other middle schools currently accepting students in DC. Please register here, if you are interested in attending.

Thursday, February 15 from 5:00-6:00 pm AT 33 Riggs Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011 (DC Bilingual Public Charter School)

NEW! Virtual Information Session About Middle School Options - Save the Date!
4th & 5th Grade Families
February 22, 7:00-8:30pm

We encourage 4th and 5th grade families to join us on Thursday, February 22 for an information session about opportunities for continued bilingual education in middle school. This session serves as a continuation of the message sent on January 10, linked here (ENG / SPA). More information will be available in next week’s family bulletin. To help us better plan our presentation, please enter questions in advance using this link.

NEW! Biliteracy Week and Spanish Book Fair - Save the Date and Sign Up For Volunteer Opportunities!

Mundo Verde is excited to celebrate the love for reading and to host again the Spanish Book Fair!!

During our Biliteracy Week, students will have different opportunities to celebrate their love for literature with a week filled with books, storytelling, favorite characters, and more. The Biliteracy Week will be centered on the guiding question: What ESPICA values can you find in your favorite book characters or stories?

The Spanish Book fair returns to Mundo Verde from March 5 to 7! Stop by, browse and purchase from a large selection of titles, all in Spanish. Our goal is to foster love for Spanish in our school community; introduce books that otherwise would be difficult to find; address language inequity and, as possible, add to the wonderful titles in Spanish in our classroom libraries. 

To have a successful biliteracy week we need your active participation:

  • Volunteer for the Book Fair to help with book sorting, book display, cashier at the register, or other.

  • Authors or illustrators of children's and youth books.

  • Parents who wish to read aloud.

We love the idea of having all the support of our families and to do so, if you want to participate in any of our roles, please do not hesitate to register HERE as a volunteer.

NEW! Coffee with the Principals - Save the Date!
February 28, 8:45am - Both Campuses

Parents and caregivers from both campuses are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie, and Principals Michelle and Liz for their respective Coffees in person at the Zócalo on February 28 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form:

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! School Leader Search Process
Parent and Caregiver Interest Form
February 11 - 25

As the school launches its search, click here (English / Spanish) to learn about and express your interest in being involved in or providing input to the transition / search process to identify and evaluate qualified school leader candidates.

Valentine’s Day No Candy Policy

Consistent with our commitment to diversity, sustainability, and wellness, we ask families to not send your child/ren to school with candy on Wednesday, February 14.

As a school, Mundo Verde practices a commitment to embrace and celebrate social events that are aligned with our mission and priorities. Our school celebrations focus on cultural heritage and diversity, and we invite families to share their experiences. As a school, we refrain from celebrating days or traditions that may show preference of one group over another or do not align with our school policies. Hence, we do not celebrate holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and holidays of a solely religious nature. For families who value holidays that are not observed at the school, we encourage them to continue the celebrations at home.

This content can be found in the Family Handbook on page 21 in English, and page 23 in Spanish.

Read-A-Thon to Support 5th Graders

Join our 5th graders in a literary adventure and help send them to Puerto Rico! Calling all students across grades to embark on this thrilling journey where reading can unlock doors to both imagined and real adventures. Participation is as easy as turning the pages of your children’s favorite book (or one of these Puerto Rican-themed suggestions). It's free to join, and the best part? You get to share your children’s joy of reading with your friends and family, encouraging them to support their literary efforts with donations to the Capstone Trip. Follow these easy instructions and sign up here to participate. 

Students can participate by opening their page and committing to read by a predetermined date and invite their relatives, neighbors, and friends outside of Mundo Verde to support them with pledges for their reading. Supporters can donate money for every book read or give a flat amount.

Let's make this Read-A-Thon a tradition of compassion and solidarity! Imagine our younger students supporting the dreams of those who came before them, creating a ripple effect of generosity and empowerment. One day, they too will experience the joy of reaching Puerto Rico in 5th grade. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact stacy.wallace77@gmail.com with any questions. 

Thanks to the support of the next generation!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Ensuring Student Safety
J.F. Cook Campus, La Casita

The week of February 12, La Casita, at J.F. Cook campus will be practicing lockdown drills. Like a fire drill, a lockdown drill is undertaken so that staff can practice the protocols and make sure they are thoroughly familiar with best practices if there ever is a threat inside our buildings. As disheartening as it may be to even think about this, we do need to prepare for what we hope never happens. There have been instances when neighborhood violence has required us to shelter-in-place inside our schools, but we also need to plan for when intruders enter beyond our front desks and threaten our internal community.

Although the specific timing of the drills will not be announced, we do encourage parents and caregivers to talk about the drill ahead of time, providing your child/ren with context about the purpose of a drill. As a parent/caregiver, it is important to be clear, forthright, and supportive while honoring your child's feelings and questions questions while you talk to them.

For more information, please visit the Center for Wellness in School Environments (WISE), our mental health partner, and the National Association of School Psychologists.

NEW! Check YOUR Child for LICE

A few lice cases have been reported in Kinder and 3rd grade at J.F. Cook campus lately. Given that we have siblings from these grades in other grades in the school -- we recommend EVERY family take the time this week to use the special comb to both check for and if found remove eggs as this is how lice spreads (see photo). Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SCHOOL SERVICES

2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program - Interest Form Coming in March

We are excited to share we are planning a four-week long Summer Program in Spanish for students from both campuses, at J.F. Cook Campus only (30 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20001). The program is scheduled to run from July 8 to August 2. An interest form will be made available by mid-March.

The program times are 8:30am-3:30pm (with a drop-off window between 8:30-8:50am and a pick-up window between 3:30-3:50pm). The program will be open only to current Mundo Verde students returning in the 2024-25 school year. New students entering PreK-3 in the Fall are not eligible to participate in the program. Families with outstanding balances for school services will be ineligible for the 2024 Summer Program. 

Stay tuned for more information!

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW! BiciBus at J.F. Cook Campus
Recruiting Volunteers

It's time to bring the BiciBus back to J.F. Cook campus, but we can't do it without you! 

We need adults to volunteer as safety leaders for J.F. Cook's weekly Bicibus on Wednesday mornings. Safety training will be provided.

Riders meet at Alethia Tanner park and depart by 8:10am. From there, roll to Florida Ave park to pick up more riders, and then ride the rest of the way to Mundo Verde. 

Are you interested in being a BiciBus safety leader or need more information about what this entails? Reach out to Sustainability Manager, Carissa Tirado at ctiradomarks@mundoverdepcs.org.

DC Math Challenge for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
February 24

Harmony DC PCS is hosting the DC Math Challenge on Saturday, February 24. This competition is open to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders attending DC public, public charter, or private schools. This is a FREE math contest that builds excitement about math, challenges students’ mathematical thinking skills, and rewards students’ participation and excellence with great prizes!    

If you are interested in registering your child, please click here.

If you want to receive more information, please contact Harmony DC PCS at info@harmonydc.org.

Calle Ocho Campus Families News From Comunidad

Coffee and All-Hands Comunidad Meeting
Feb 14, 8:45am In Person - Zócalo
Join Comunidad for a coffee and all-hands meeting in person on February 14 at 8:45am. If you aren’t able to attend in person, there will be an additional meeting on Wednesday, February 21, at 8:00pm via Zoom. For questions, reachout to Niki Irish at nikiirish@gmail.com.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Feb 1-Mar 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall at Calle Ocho Campus

  • Feb 13: 1st Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 14: 2nd Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 14: Caterpillars Expo

  • Feb 15: Kinder Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 15: Board Meeting

  • Feb 15: Middle School Fair at DC Bilingual PCS

  • Feb 16: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

  • Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

  • Feb 21: 3rd Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 5th Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 3rd Grade Expo (Calle Ocho)

  • Feb 23: 4th Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 23: DCI Buddy Day - 5th Grade Students

  • Feb 23: Movie Night at Calle Ocho Campus - BHM Celebration

  • Feb 24: Black Broadway walking Tour - BHM Celebration

  • Feb 26-Mar 1: Spirit Week Calle Ocho Campus

  • Feb 28: Coffee with the Principals

  • Mar 1: BHM Culminating Event

Family Update Issue #26

Yoga Break in PreK - Calle Ocho Campus

Academics

Rescheduling Celebrations of Learning (EXPOS)

Rescheduling MAP Testing

Events & Activities

NEW! It Is Black History Month, Let’s Celebrate!

Black History Month Planning Meetings: Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited - Every Thursday

Board Meeting: RSVP Form Available - Feb 15

Middle School Fair: 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families Are Invited - Feb 15

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Valentine’s Day No Candy

NEW! Read-A-Thon to Support 5th Graders

Health & Safety

NEW! Lice Case Reported in Kinder - J.F. Cook

School Services

NEW! 2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program - Interest Form Coming in March

NEW! School Meals Menu - February

NEW! It’s Time For School Services Payments - Due on the 10th of Every Month

Community Announcements

NEW! DC Math Challenge for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students - Feb 24

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

Calle Ocho Campus Families: News From Comunidad

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

Rescheduling Celebrations of Learning (EXPOS)

Due to school closures and disruptions, the Celebrations of Learning scheduled for February had to be rescheduled.

Celebrations of learning are more than a display of student work. The events compel students to reflect on and articulate what they have learned, how they learned, questions they answered, research they conducted, and areas of strength and struggles. They are powerful opportunities to make learning public.

Please find below the NEW dates for the Expos from Kinder to 5th grade:

J.F. Cook Campus:

  • Kinder: February 15

  • 1st Grade: February 13

  • 2nd Grade: February 14

  • 3rd Grade: February 21

  • 4th Grade: February 23

  • 5th Grade: February 22

  • Caterpillars: February 14 - NEW DATE!

Calle Ocho Campus:

  • Kinder: February 15

  • 1st Grade: February 13

  • 2nd Grade: February 14

  • 3rd Grade: February 22 - NEW DATE!

  • 4th Grade: February 23 - NEW DATE!

Rescheduling MAP Testing

Due to school closures and disruptions, MAP testing have been rescheduled.

MAP is an assessment to measure student Math, English, and Spanish growth and proficiency.

Instructional staff uses this assessment as a data point to help inform instruction for all students. Click on the images to enlarge them.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! It Is Black History Month, Let’s Celebrate!

This month students, families, and staff will engage in activities to celebrate Black History Month. We have adopted the national Black History Month theme –African Americans and the Arts with a focus on the Harlem Renaissance.

Please find below the activities organized for this month:

  • Feb 1-March 1: Front Lobby Interactive Wall - If you are an alumni of an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), please stop by the front desk to add your name to our interactive HBCU wall! [At Calle Ocho Campus Only] 

  • Wednesday, Feb 7: Virtual reading, 6:00pm - There Was a Party for Langston (a tribute to Langston Hughes) by DC-born author Jason Reynolds. The book will be read in English and Spanish. Join Zoom Meeting (link) - Meeting ID:  944 0209 9419 

  • Friday, Feb 9: Viva Viernes, 4:00pm [At J.F. Cook Campus Only] 

  • Friday, Feb 23: Movie Night at Calle Ocho Campus, 4:00pm

  • Saturday, Feb 24: Black Broadway walking Tour, 10:30am

  • Feb 26-March 1: Spirit Week - More details as we approach the week!

  • Friday, Mar 1: Culminating event, 4:00-6:00pm

We Are Calling All Parent/Caregiver Performers! 
As part of the Black History Culminating Event (March 1), both campuses are planning to celebrate through an experiential museum for children and adults. We are looking for individuals or groups interested in performing any of the following acts. Your expertise is very appreciated by our school community!

  • Singing

  • Dancing

  • Spoken Word

  • Playing a Musical Instrument

  • Stand up Comedy

  • Reading a Story Aloud

  • Any other talent that celebrates Black History

If you are interested to participate, or have any questions, please contact your dean of academics, they looking forward to hearing from you by Februrary 12:

Black History Month Planning Meetings
Every Thursday at 8:30pm
Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited

If you would like to participate in planning events throughout the Black History Month and/or with the culminating event, please join parents, caregivers, and deans of academics  for planning meetings every Thursday evening at 8:30pm. You can join at this link.  

If you are unable to join the meetings, you can reach out to Erin Pitts at ekpitts@gmail.com to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Board Meeting - RSVP Form Available
Feb 15, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Thursday, February 15. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

Middle School Fair
Feb 15, 5:00pm
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families Are Invited

3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families are encouraged to attend the Middle School Fair to learn about other middle schools currently accepting students in DC. Please register here, if you are interested in attending.

Thursday, February 15 from 5:00-6:00 pm AT 33 Riggs Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011 (DC Bilingual Public Charter School)

Mundo Verde is collaborating with member schools of the DCI consortium (DC Bilingual, Elsie Whitlow Stokes, LAMB, YuYing, and Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools) to put together a Middle School Fair to help families learn about what options besides D.C. International School (DCI) are available for students as they transition to middle school. 

While a vast majority of Mundo Verde students continue their education at DCI and perform at a high level within their academic program, not all of them do. The reality is that each member school has steadily grown (or has plans to grow) to serve more students, resulting in DCI reaching a ceiling in its current home in SY25-26. To read the letter sent to 4th and 5th grade families with details about enrollment at DCI, click here (ENG / SPA). 

If you are interested in volunteering a few hours to support the fair, please email Siobhan Saul, Network Coordinator at ssaul@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Valentine’s Day No Candy

Consistent with our commitment to diversity, sustainability, and wellness, we ask families to not send your child/ren to school with candy on Wednesday, February 14.

As a school, Mundo Verde practices a commitment to embrace and celebrate social events that are aligned with our mission and priorities. Our school celebrations focus on cultural heritage and diversity, and we invite families to share their experiences. As a school, we refrain from celebrating days or traditions that may show preference of one group over another or do not align with our school policies. Hence, we do not celebrate holidays such as Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and holidays of a solely religious nature. For families who value holidays that are not observed at the school, we encourage them to continue the celebrations at home.

This content can be found in the Family Handbook on page 21 in English, and page 23 in Spanish.

NEW! Read-A-Thon to Support 5th Graders

Join our 5th graders in a literary adventure and help send them to Puerto Rico! Calling all students across grades to embark on this thrilling journey where reading can unlock doors to both imagined and real adventures. Participation is as easy as turning the pages of your children’s favorite book (or one of these Puerto Rican-themed suggestions). It's free to join, and the best part? You get to share your children’s joy of reading with your friends and family, encouraging them to support their literary efforts with donations to the Capstone Trip. Follow these easy instructions and sign up here to participate. 

Students can participate by opening their page and committing to read and invite their relatives, neighbors, and friends outside of Mundo Verde to support them with pledges for their reading. Supporters can donate money for every book read or give a flat amount.

Let's make this Read-A-Thon a tradition of compassion and solidarity! Imagine our younger students supporting the dreams of those who came before them, creating a ripple effect of generosity and empowerment. One day, they too will experience the joy of reaching Puerto Rico in 5th grade. 

If you have any questions feel free to contact stacy.wallace77@gmail.com with any questions. 

Thanks to the support of the next generation!

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Lice Case Reported in Kinder - J.F. Cook

A lice case was reported in Kinder at J.F. Cook Campus. Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SCHOOL SERVICES

NEW! 2024 Mundo Verde Summer Program - Interest Form Coming in March

We are excited to share we are planning a four-week long Summer Program in Spanish for students from both campuses, at J.F. Cook Campus only (30 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20001). The program is scheduled to run from July 8 to August 2. An interest form will be made available by mid-March.

The program times are 8:30am-3:30pm (with a drop-off window between 8:30-8:50am and a pick-up window between 3:30-3:50pm). The program will be open only to current Mundo Verde students returning in the 2024-25 school year. New students entering PK3 in the Fall are not eligible to participate in the program. Families with outstanding balances for school services will be ineligible for the 2024 Summer Program. 

Stay tuned for more information!

NEW! School Meals Menu - February

J.F. Cook Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

Calle Ocho Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

NEW! It’s Time For School Services Payments
Due on the 10th of Every Month

School services payments allow us to offer quality services. Monthly payments are due by the 10th of each month.

On Thursday, February 1, families received a billing statement for school services for the month of February 2024 with instructions for how to pay for your snacks, meals, and/or Extended Day Program fees on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

If you have any questions about the charges, please email invoice@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW! DC Math Challenge for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students
February 24

Harmony DC PCS is hosting the DC Math Challenge on Saturday, February 24. This competition is open to all 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders attending DC public, public charter, or private schools. This is a FREE math contest that builds excitement about math, challenges students’ mathematical thinking skills, and rewards students’ participation and excellence with great prizes!    

If you are interested in registering your child, please click here.

If you want to receive more information, please contact Harmony DC PCS at info@harmonydc.org.

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! Neighborhood Safety Committee Meeting
Feb 7, 8:00pm (Virtual)
Join the monthly meeting at this link. Ward 5 Councilmember Parker shared information and a survey about the temporary use of the lot at North Capitol Street and Florida Ave. Padres are encouraging all to take a look and engage, as it would be so great to see that space realized into something of greater community benefit! Click here to complete the survey.

NEW! All-Hands Padres Meeting
Feb 8, 6:00pm (Virtual)
Come join Padres as they have a discussion with teachers about formally becoming a PTO. Please share any other proposed agenda items with mvpadrescomms@gmail.com. Call-in link with Spanish AI Translation available. Instruction for setting up the AI here

NEW! Viva Viernes, Feb 9, 4:00pm at DCity Smokehouse
Padres Host Viva Viernes on Friday, February 9 from 4:00-7:00pm at DCity Smokehouse. Continue celebrating Black History Month in a casual gathering supporting black owned bussines.

Calle Ocho Campus Families News From Comunidad

Coffee and All-Hands Comunidad Meeting
Feb 14, 8:45am In Person - Zócalo
Join Comunidad for a coffee and all-hands meeting in person on February 14 at 8:45am. If you aren’t able to attend in person, there will be an additional meeting on Wednesday, February 21, at 8:00pm via Zoom. For questions, reachout to Niki Irish at nikiirish@gmail.com.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Feb 5 & 6: MAP 1st and 2nd Grades (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 7: MAP 4th Grade (JF Cook)

  • Feb 7: Virtual Reading - BHM Celebration

  • Feb 13: 1st Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 14: 2nd Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 14: Caterpillars Expo

  • Feb 15: Kinder Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 15: Board Meeting

  • Feb 15: Middle School Fair at DC Bilingual PCS

  • Feb 16: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

  • Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

  • Feb 21: 3rd Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 5th Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 3rd Grade Expo (Calle Ocho)

  • Feb 23: 4th Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 23: DCI Buddy Day - 5th Grade Students

  • Feb 23: Movie Night at Calle Ocho Campus - BHM Celebration

  • Feb 24: Black Broadway walking Tour - BHM Celebration

  • Mar 1: BHM Culminating Event

Family Update Issue #25

PreK - J.F. Cook Campus

Academics

NEW! Rescheduling Celebrations of Learning (EXPOS)

NEW! Rescheduling MAP Testing

Events & Activities

NEW! Board Meeting - Save the Date! Feb 15

NEW! Middle School Fair - Save the Date! 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families Are Invited - Feb 15

Celebrating Black History Month! Planning Meetings Every Thursday - Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited

Agenda for Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals - Jan 31

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals, Topic: Calle Ocho Growth / Construction Plans - Jan 31

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Update on Calle Ocho Growth and Construction Plans

NEW! School Calendar: Second Trimester End Date Adjusted

Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign Will Relaunch in the Spring

Community Announcements

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

Calle Ocho Campus Families: News From Comunidad

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

ACADEMICS

NEW! Rescheduling Celebrations of Learning (EXPOS)

Due to school closures and disruptions during the last two weeks, the Celebrations of Learning scheduled for February had to be rescheduled.

Celebrations of learning are more than a display of student work. The events compel students to reflect on and articulate what they have learned, how they learned, questions they answered, research they conducted, and areas of strength and struggles. They are powerful opportunities to make learning public.

Please find below the NEW dates for the Expos from Kinder to 5th grade:

J.F. Cook Campus:

  • Kinder: February 15

  • 1st Grade: February 13

  • 2nd Grade: February 14

  • 3rd Grade: February 21

  • 4th Grade: February 23

  • 5th Grade: February 22

Calle Ocho Campus:

  • Kinder: February 15

  • 1st Grade: February 13

  • 2nd Grade: February 14

  • 3rd Grade: New Date Coming Soon

  • 4th Grade: New Date Coming Soon

NEW! Rescheduling MAP Testing

Due to school closures and disruptions during the last two weeks, MAP testing will be rescheduled.

MAP is an assessment to measure student Math, English, and Spanish growth and proficiency.

Instructional staff uses this assessment as a data point to help inform instruction for all students. Click on the images to enlarge them.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! Board Meeting - Save the Date!
Feb 15, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a regular Board meeting on Thursday, February 15. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

NEW! Middle School Fair - Save the Date!
Feb 15, 5:00pm
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Families Are Invited

Are you wondering about middle school options? Mundo Verde is collaborating with member schools of the DCI consortium (DC Bilingual, Elsie Whitlow Stokes, LAMB, YuYing, and Mundo Verde Public Charter Schools) to put together a Middle School Fair to help families learn about what options besides D.C. International School (DCI) are available for students as they transition to middle school. 

WHEN: Thursday, February 15 from 5:00-6:00 pm
WHERE: 33 Riggs Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011 (DC Bilingual Public Charter School)

While a vast majority of Mundo Verde students continue their education at DCI and perform at a high level within their academic program, not all of them do. The reality is that each member school has steadily grown (or has plans to grow) to serve more students, resulting in DCI reaching a ceiling in its current home in SY25-26. To read the letter sent to 4th and 5th grade families with details about enrollment at DCI, click here (ENG / SPA). 

We encourage 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade families to attend the fair to learn about other middle schools currently accepting students in DC. If you are interested in attending, please register here.

If you are interested in volunteering a few hours to support the fair, please email Siobhan Saul, Network Coordinator at ssaul@mundoverdepcs.org.

Celebrating Black History Month!
Planning Meetings Every Thursday at 8:30pm
Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited

Over the month of February, parents/caregivers and school staff from both campuses will partner to celebrate Black History Month. 

In collaboration, Padres, Comunidad, and Affinity Group for Caregivers of Black Students have adopted the national Black History Month theme –African Americans and the Arts.  

If you would like to participate in planning events throughout the month and/or with the culminating event, please join them for planning meetings every Thursday evening at 8:30pm. Beginning this Thursday, February 1, you can join at this link.  

If you are unable to join the meetings, you can reach out to Erin Pitts (ekpitts@gmail.com) to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Agenda for Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals
January 31, 8:45am - Zócalo

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on Wednesday, January 31 at 8:45am. 

See below the agenda for this conversation:

  1. School Updates: basketball hoops,  emergency updates, arrival & dismissal procedures. 

  2. Upcoming school events and volunteers.

  3. Special Education questions

If you have questions related to these topics, please include them on this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals
January 31, 8:45am - Zócalo
Topic: Calle Ocho Growth - Construction Plans

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Michelle and Liz for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on January 31, 8:45am. The conversation will focus on Calle Ocho growth and construction plans.

If you have questions related to this topic, please include them on this form: Calle Ocho Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Update on Calle Ocho Growth and Construction Plans

As we look forward to the Coffee with the Principals at  Calle Ocho (January 31), we want to keep the school community informed about developments related to the campus growth. These developments include construction on the new property at 817 Varnum Street, changes to campus operations related to the carline, summer projects (kitchen construction and HVAC replacement), and 2024-25 school year programming/classroom allocations. Click here to read the details on these developments (ENG / SPA).

NEW! School Calendar
Second Trimester End Date Adjusted

Due to school closures and disruptions during the last two weeks, the Second Trimester end date has been adjusted. It was originally scheduled for February 2 and has been moved to February 9.

Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign Will Relaunch in the Spring

The Fieldwork fundraising campaign is taking a momentary pause. We want to assure those who have opted for recurring donations that their scheduled payments will continue as planned. If you are interested in making donations, you can still use https://bit.ly/FieldworkSY24 to give. 

Looking ahead, we are gearing up for an exciting relaunch in the spring, with a sharper focus on our two most thrilling trips– adventures that take our students farther with overnight stays and awesome adventures: The 4th grade NatureBridge camping trip and the 5th grade Capstone Trip to Puerto Rico. Your continued support will be pivotal in making these exciting opportunities a reality for all our oldest students. 

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! Neighborhood Safety Committee Meeting
Wednesday, Jan 31 at 8:00pm
Join the monthly meeting at this link

NEW! Padres Coffee - Out Front
Friday, February 2
Warm up and meet friends. Coffee will be provided out front at arrival. Sponsored by Padres!

Calle Ocho Campus Families News From Comunidad

NEW! Coffee and All-Hands Comunidad Meeting
Feb 14, 8:45am In Person - Zócalo
Join Comunidad for a Coffee and All-Hands Meeting in person on February 14 at 8:45am. If you aren’t able to attend in person, there will be an additional meeting on Wednesday, February 21, at 8:00pm via Zoom. For questions, reachout to Niki Irish at nikiirish@gmail.com.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Jan 29: MAP Kinder (Calle Ocho)

  • Jan 31: Coffee with the Principals (Both Campuses)

  • Jan 31: MAP 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades (JF Cook)

  • Jan 31: MAP 4th Grade (Calle Ocho)

  • Feb 5: MAP 1st and 2nd Grades (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 6: MAP 1st and 2nd Grades (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 7: MAP 4th Grade (JF Cook)

  • Feb 13: 1st Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 14: 2nd Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 15: Kinder Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 15: Board Meeting

  • Feb 15: Middle School Fair at DC Bilingual Public Charter School

  • Feb 16: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

  • Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

  • Feb 21: 3rd Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 22: 5th Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 23: 4th Grade Expo (JF Cook)

Family Update Issue #24

5th grade - J.F. Cook Campus

Academics

MAP Testing - Next Three Weeks

Events & Activities

Celebrating Black History Month! Planning Meetings Every Thursday - Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals, Submit Your Questions in Advance! Jan 31

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals, Topic: Calle Ocho Growth / Construction Plans - Jan 31

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Keeping the Community Informed

NEW! January Board Meeting Recording

The Journey Continues - Fieldwork Fundrasing Campaign

School Calendar - Third Trimester End Date Correction

Lost and Found - Labeling Items Is Encouraged

Health & Safety

NEW! Lice Case Reported in PreK - Calle Ocho

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Jan 26: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

ACADEMICS

MAP Testing

All students from Kinder through 5th grades continue taking the Measures of Academic Progress assessment (MAP). MAP is an assessment to measure their Math, English, and Spanish growth and proficiency.

Our instructional staff uses this as one data point to help inform instruction for all students. Click on the images to enlarge them.

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Celebrating Black History Month!
Planning Meetings Every Thursday at 8:30pm
Parent/Caregivers From Both Campuses Are Invited

Over the month of February, parents/caregivers and school staff from both campuses will partner to celebrate Black History Month. 

In collaboration, Padres, Comunidad, and Affinity Group for Caregivers of Black Students have adopted the national Black History Month theme –African Americans and the Arts.  

If you would like to participate in planning events throughout the month and/or with the culminating event, please join them for planning meetings every Thursday evening at 8:30pm. You can join at this link.  

If you are unable to join the meetings, you can reach out to Erin Pitts (ekpitts@gmail.com) to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals
January 31, 8:45am - Zócalo
Submit Your Questions in Advance!

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on Wednesday, January 31 at 8:45am. 

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals
January 31, 8:45am - Zócalo
Topic: Calle Ocho Growth - Construction Plans

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Michelle and Liz for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on January 31, 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

For this session, Principals Michelle and Liz will focus on Calle Ocho growth and construction plans.

If you have questions related to these topics, please include them on this form: Calle Ocho Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Keeping the Community Informed

Thank you to all parents and caregivers that took the time to respond to our possip pulse survey this past week. In reviewing entries and comments, we realize there are still lingering questions and confusion about how the school managed the bomb threat situation on Jan. 10.  As a reminder, MPD advised us to treat this situation at each campus as a real threat, and took some time to clear the buildings for safe return. As a school, the well-being of our students remains our utmost priority, and we took every precaution to ensure their safety throughout this situation. For additional information please click here to see the follow up communication sent last week.

In the spirit of clarifying how emergencies are processed internally, we want to share an overview of the school protocol: 

  • The emergency is evident 

  • The emergency team makes a quick decision to mobilize students and staff

  • As students and staff are being mobilized, the emergency team informs the executive leadership and the communications teams about the situation

  • The communications team develops a message with known/confirmed details to inform parents/caregivers about the situation as soon as possible

  • The emergency team checks the facts in the message 

  • Executive or campus leadership provides the final “all clear” to the communications team

  • The communications team sends the message out to the school community

Should you continue to have questions or concerns about this or any other safety situation, please be in touch with Kat Park, Chief Operations and Sustainability Officer - available via email at kpark@mundoverdepcs.org or through our main reception (202) 750-7060.

NEW! January Board Meeting Recording

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors meeting recording from Thursday, January 18, is now available here in English only.

The recording of this board meeting will be available until Saturday, January 27. The video can also be found in the Families Portal (Family Engagement section) on the website, and your ParentSquare calendar (01/18/2024).

The Journey Continues
Fieldwork Fundrasing Campaign

As our fieldwork campaign continues to gain momentum, we express sincere appreciation to the generous donors who've already fueled our Fieldwork funds! Together, we've achieved remarkable progress, and the journey continues. Your ongoing support is crucial as we gear up for the next phase, with a heightened focus on our thrilling 4th-grade NatureBridge camping trip and the 5th-grade Capstone Trip to Puerto Rico. Exciting adventures await, and your contributions ensure these opportunities become a reality for all our oldest students.

To contribute and help us reach our goal, you can donate here: https://bit.ly/FieldworkSY24.

School Calendar
Third Trimester End Date Correction

As we reviewed our plans and school calendar for the remainder of the school year, we noticed a discrepancy on the Third Trimester end date. The Third Trimester end date was originally scheduled for May 24 and has been corrected to be June 14 now which is also the last day of school. 

Lost and Found
Labeling Items Is Encouraged

All students’ clothing and belongings should be labeled for identification. Teachers should take time often to remind students to leave no trace and claim their belongings from the hallway and the classroom. Any articles found in and around the school are kept in a lost and found bin on the front desk of each campus.

Before taking any item from the Lost and Found bin, please make sure it belongs to your children, since many items could look alike. Any unclaimed articles are donated to appropriate community-based organizations periodically during the school year.

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Lice Case Reported in PreK - Calle Ocho

A lice case was reported in PreK at Calle Ocho Campus. Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Jan 22-25: MAP 3rd to 5th Grades & Kinder (JF Cook)

  • Jan 26: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for students

  • Jan 29: MAP Kinder (Calle Ocho)

  • Jan 31: Coffee with the Principals (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 8: 1st Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 9: 2nd Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 12: Kinder Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 13: 3rd Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 14: 5th Grade Expo (JF Cook)

  • Feb 15: 4th Grade Expo (Both Campuses)

  • Feb 15: Board Meeting

  • Feb 16: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

  • Feb 19-20: Mid-Winter Break

Family Update Issue #23

PreK Experts Visit - Calle Ocho Campus

Message

Message from Kristin Scotchmer, Founding Executive Director

Academics

NEW! MAP Testing - Next Three Weeks

Student Online Accounts Credentials

Admissions Season Has Come for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde

5th Grade Families - DC International School Transfer Preference

NEW! DCI School’s Strategic Planning for Growth

Events & Activities

NEW! Celebrating Black History Month! Panning Meetings Each Thursday

Board Meeting - RSVP Form and Agenda Available - Jan 18

NEW! Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals, Submit Your Questions in Advance! Jan 31

NEW! Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals, Topic: Calle Ocho Growth / Construction Plans - Jan 31

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! A Heartfelt Thank You to The Wonderful Supporters

Don’t Be Silent! Complete This Month’s Survey - Tell Us What You Think About Racism & Inclusion

NEW! School Calendar: Third Trimester End Date Correction

NEW! Lost and Found - Labeling Items Is Encouraged

Food in Classroom Celebrations

Health & Safety

NEW! Lice Case Reported in First Grade and Kinder - J.F. Cook

School Services

NEW! January School Menus Available With Nutrition Facts

Community Announcements

OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED
Jan 26: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

MESSAGE

Message from Kristin Scotchmer, Founding Executive Director

Dear Mundo Verde Community, 

I am grateful for all the support our school community showed during the challenging week we all experienced.

I am thankful for how our teachers and staff performed during the evacuation and early dismissal with speed, kindness, and professionalism, understanding correctly at the time that we were facing a real threat to safety. Our staff demonstrated that they are not only qualified to teach and guide our students through their academic and socio/emotional development, but also through real life experiences.

I am thankful for parents and caregivers for understanding these circumstances and supporting our team’s immediate response and thereafter the need to prepare as a team–all with the only purpose of treating our students with the utmost care during this emergency as well as when welcoming everyone back into the school buildings.

I am thankful for our students who show us in every possible way how they are on track to be successful and compassionate global stewards of their communities, embracing the wonderful and sometimes very complex realities of our world.

We have always been, remain, and will continue to be a resilient and vibrant community working together as crew. 

With much appreciation,

Kristin Scotchmer
Executive Director

ACADEMICS

NEW! MAP Testing
Next Three Weeks

In the next three weeks, all students from Kinder through 5th grades will take the Measures of Academic Progress assessment (MAP). MAP is an assessment to measure their Math, English, and Spanish growth and proficiency.

Our instructional staff uses this as one data point to help inform instruction for all students. Click on the images to enlarge them.

Student Online Accounts Credentials

On Monday, January 8, all families should have received the login information and instructions for some of the online platforms used at the school. These platforms (Raz-Kids, Zearn Math, and BeeReaders) are complementary to regular instruction.

If you need support accessing any of these platforms, please email platforms@mundoverdepcs.org.

Admissions Season Has Come for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde

Siblings of students enrolled at Mundo Verde may apply with sibling preference through the MySchoolDC.org common lottery. You can indicate on the application that a sibling is currently attending Mundo Verde. Mundo Verde has generally been able to accommodate admissions for all of our students with younger siblings, but sibling, preference does not guarantee entry. The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

5th Grade Families - DC International School Transfer Preference

Fifth graders have the opportunity to receive transfer preference for enrollment at DC International School (DCI) for 6th grade on the MySchoolDC.org common lottery. Apply today!

In cases where demand exceeds available spaces, selections are determined by lottery among those with preference. This preference is only granted to families who apply by the deadline of March 1, 2024!

NEW! DCI School’s Strategic Planning for Growth

Over the last several months, member schools of the DC International School (DCI) consortium, including Mundo Verde, DC Bilingual, Elsie Whitlow Stokes, LAMB, and Yu Ying, have met to research and discuss the future of our relationship. The reality is that each member school has steadily grown (or has plans to grow) to serve more students; reaching a ceiling in DCI’s current home at Walter Reed. 

Executive leadership from each of the member schools will participate in DCI’s strategic planning process, elevating the voices of students, families, and staff through this process. DCI anticipates completing a strategic plan within the current school year. At the end of that time, DCI will share their plan and the criteria they will use to determine expansion, providing more clarity to the timeline and process for growth.

To read the letter sent to 4th and 5th grade families this week with information regarding available seats in the coming two years, click here (ENG / SPA).

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! Celebrating Black History Month!
Planning Meetings Each Thursday at 8:30pm

Over the month of February, caregivers and school staff from both campuses will partner to celebrate Black History Month. 

In collaboration, Padres, Comunidad, and Affinity Group for Caregivers of Black Students have adopted the national Black History Month theme –African Americans and the Arts.  

If you would like to participate in planning events throughout the month and/or with the culminating event, please join them for planning meetings each Thursday evening at 8:30pm. You can join at this link.  

If you are unable to join the meetings, you can reach out to Erin Pitts (ekpitts@gmail.com) to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Board Meeting - RSVP Form and Agenda Available
January 18, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will hold a regular Board meeting on Thursday, January 18. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To read the full board meeting agenda, click here.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

NEW! Coffee with the J.F. Cook Campus Principals
January 31, 8:45am - Zócalo
Submit Your Questions in Advance!

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on Wednesday, January 31 at 8:45am. Save the date!

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: J.F. Cook Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

NEW! Coffee with the Calle Ocho Campus Principals
January 31, 8:45am - Zócalo
Topic: Calle Ocho Growth - Construction Plans

Parents and caregivers are invited to join Principals Michelle and Liz for their Coffee in person at the Zócalo on January 31, 8:45am. Save the date!

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

For this session, Principals Michelle and Liz will focus on Calle Ocho growth and construction plans.

If you have questions related to these topics, please include them on this form: Calle Ocho Principals Questions Form.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! A Heartfelt Thank You to The Wonderful Supporters

Who kicked off our Fieldwork Campaign during the holidays, raising $5,000! 

Your generosity is already propelling us towards transformative experiences for Mundo Verde students. While we are grateful for this great start, we still have ground to cover. Let's build on this momentum and invite others to join our mission. Every contribution, big or small, counts in shaping the future of over 1,000 young minds. Together, we are creating a lasting impact. Thank you for being the spark that ignites a year of meaningful fieldwork adventures!

Missed out in December? No worries! This stage of our campaign runs through January. Be the catalyst for a year of growth, curiosity, and global responsibility. Your support matters – make a difference today and be part of building a great future for our students! Act now at https://bit.ly/FieldworkSY24, starting at just $5.

Don’t Be Silent! Complete This Month’s Survey and
Tell Us What You Think About Racism & Inclusion

Do you think the school is paying too much, too little, or about the right amount of attention to issues of race and inclusion?

You should have received an invitation on Thursday, January 11, to participate in the January survey. (If you did not, please check your spam folder.) These ‘pulse’ surveys can be answered via the web or a text message, and are sent from Possip.

The deadline is Monday, 01/15
Please complete it now!
It only takes a minute
If you haven’t already completed the January survey,
click your preferred language now to have your voice heard: English | Spanish

NEW! School Calendar
Third Trimester End Date Correction

As we reviewed our plans and school calendar for the remainder of the school year, we noticed a discrepancy on the Third Trimester end date. The Third Trimester end date was originally scheduled for May 24 and has been corrected to be June 14 now which is also the last day of school. 

NEW! Lost and Found
Labeling Items Is Encouraged

All students’ clothing and belongings should be labeled for identification. Teachers should take time often to remind students to leave no trace and claim their belongings from the hallway and the classroom. Any articles found in and around the school are kept in a lost and found bin on the front desk of each campus. 

Before taking any item from the Lost and Found bin, please make sure it belongs to your children, since many items could look alike. Any unclaimed articles are donated to appropriate community-based organizations periodically during the school year.

Food in Classroom Celebrations

If snacks are brought for a celebration please remember that, as a junk-free and nut-free school, Mundo Verde does not allow soda, candy, tree nuts, peanuts, or junk food. In order to accommodate the allergies and dietary limitations of all our students, families must coordinate with the classroom teacher before purchasing or bringing any snacks to school. Should a food or snack violate our allergy policy, we will not allow it to be served.

See this Bringing Food To School Guide in English or Spanish for more information

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! Lice Case Reported in First Grade and Kinder - J.F. Cook

A lice case was reported in 1st grade and Kinder at J.F. Cook Campus. Click here in English / Spanish for guidelines listed in Mundo Verde’s policy on lice. Read this document in English / Spanish on myths and facts about lice.

SCHOOL SERVICES

NEW! January School Menus Available With Nutrition Facts

J.F. Cook Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

Calle Ocho Campus - Breakfast & Lunch - ENG / SPA

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session
Jan. 18 - Virtual

On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released a draft for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for feedback and public comment. 

OSSE invites school, family, and community participation in the upcoming stakeholder engagement feedback session on the standards. These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to learn more about SEL and why it is important for students in schools. Participants will experience a facilitated walk-through of each standard and aligned indicators.

SEL is the process through which students and adults activate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. RSVP Here.

  • Virtual Session:

    • Thursday, January 18, 6:00-7:30pm

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

NEW! First Happy Hour of the New Year!
Jan 17, 5:00pm - La Cosecha

On Wednesday, January 17, 5:00pm, join Padres for the first Happy Hour of the New Year! They will gather at La Cosecha (1309 5th Street NE) to raise funds for our 5th grade capstone trip to Puerto Rico, this is for the whole Mundo Verde community, not just 5th grade! Participating vendors are donating a percentage of proceeds; a Colombian artist, Claudia Forero, is donating paintings for auction; 5th grade students will sell handmade crafts, and former parent and teacher chaperones will share insights into last year’s trip. Please join, learn more about this unique Mundo Verde experience, and help to reach the fundraising goal!

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

  • Jan 16-19: MAP 1st to 5th Grades

  • Jan 18: Board Meeting

  • Jan 22-25: MAP 3rd to 5th Grades & Kinder (JF Cook)

  • Jan 26: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for students

  • Jan 29: MAP Kinder (Calle Ocho)

  • Jan 31: Coffee with the Principals (Both Campuses)

Family Update Issue #22

Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign https://bit.ly/FieldworkSY24

Message

Ready For Change! Message from Kristin Scotchmer, Founding Executive Director

Academics

NEW! Student Online Accounts Credentials

More Celebrations of Learning Coming Up!

Admissions Season Has Come for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde

5th Grade Families - DC International School Transfer Preference

Events & Activities

Learn About Co-Teaching and Student Achievement Towards IEP Goals at Mundo Verde - Jan 12, Virtual Session - Submit Your Questions in Advance!

Board Meeting: RSVP Form Available - Jan 18

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign: Got the Winter Blues?

NEW! Your Opinion Matters in 2024! Monthly Survey - Jan 11

NEW! Food in Classroom Celebrations

School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Make Sure Your Children are Ready for Outdoor Recess!

Health & Safety

DC Health Provides Covid Test Kits to Schools Before Breaks

Update - Dental Health/Screening Program

School Services

NEW! It’s Time For School Services Payments - Due on the 10th of Every Month

Student & Family Support

DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series Training

Community Announcements

OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED
Jan 26: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for Students

MESSAGE

Ready For Change!
Message from Kristin Scotchmer, Founding Executive Director

With the new year comes change, for me personally and for our wonderfully diverse community of families, students, and staff… 

To read the message Ready for Change! from Founding Executive Director, Kristin Scotchmer, sent on January 5, please click here: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/27733081

ACADEMICS

NEW! Student Online Accounts Credentials

On Friday, January 5, all families should have received the login information and instructions for some of the online platforms used at the school. These platforms (Raz-Kids, Zearn Math, and BeeReaders) are complementary to regular instruction.

If you need support accessing any of these platforms, please email platforms@mundoverdepcs.org.

More Celebrations of Learning Coming Up!

Celebrations of learning are more than a display of student work. The events compel students to reflect on and articulate what they have learned, how they learned, questions they answered, research they conducted, and areas of strength and struggles. They are powerful opportunities to make learning public.

Please find below the dates for the Expos from Kinder to 5th grade:

  • Kinder: February 12

  • 1st Grade: February 8

  • 2nd Grade: February 9

  • 3rd Grade: February 13

  • 4th Grade: February 15

  • 5th Grade: February 14

Admissions Season Has Come for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde

Siblings of students enrolled at Mundo Verde may apply with sibling preference through the MySchoolDC.org common lottery. You can indicate on the application that a sibling is currently attending Mundo Verde. Mundo Verde has generally been able to accommodate admissions for all of our students with younger siblings, but sibling, preference does not guarantee entry. The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

5th Grade Families - DC International School Transfer Preference

Fifth graders have the opportunity to receive transfer preference for enrollment at DC International School (DCI) for 6th grade on the MySchoolDC.org common lottery. Apply today!

In cases where demand exceeds available spaces, selections are determined by lottery among those with preference. This preference is only granted to families who apply by the deadline of March 1, 2024!

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Learn About Co-Teaching and Student Achievement Towards IEP Goals at Mundo Verde
Submit Your Questions in Advance!
January 12, 7:30pm - Virtual Session

Join Delmy Rodriguez, Director of Student Services, for a virtual session to learn more about co-teaching and student achievement towards IEP goals on January 12, 7:30pm via zoom. This session will offer simultaneous translation in English and Spanish.

Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/3767886443
Meeting ID: 376 788 6443

Parents and caregivers can submit questions in advance here.

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Board Meeting - RSVP Form Available
January 18, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will hold a regular Board meeting on Thursday, January 18. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information to join the meeting.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign
Got the Winter Blues?

Do you feel down now that the holidays are over and the cold of January is setting in? Let's picture ourselves in warmer spring days and look forward to exciting fieldwork opportunities. For instance, picture third graders collecting water samples while enjoying a boat ride up the Anacostia River. Fourth graders in Prince William Forest in Virginia exploring the ecosystem and camping for three days. Fifth graders hiking in El Yunke National Forest and swimming in the bioluminescent waters of La Parguera in Puerto Rico. By making a donation to our Fieldwork Campaign (https://bit.ly/FieldworkSY24), you can help bring our students to exciting fieldwork and warm your heart even on the coldest winter days. Thank you for your support!

NEW! Your Opinion Matters in 2024!
Monthly Survey, January 11

To inform important decisions being made by school leaders, Mundo Verde sends a two-question survey to parents and caregivers every month. You will receive an invitation Thursday, January 11 to participate in this month’s survey.

These ‘pulse’ surveys can be answered via the web or a text message, completed in either English or Spanish, and are sent from Possip.

NEW! Food in Classroom Celebrations

If snacks are brought for a celebration please remember that, as a junk-free and nut-free school, Mundo Verde does not allow soda, candy, tree nuts, peanuts, or junk food. In order to accommodate the allergies and dietary limitations of all our students, families must coordinate with the classroom teacher before purchasing or bringing any snacks to school. Should a food or snack violate our allergy policy, we will not allow it to be served.

See this Bringing Food To School Guide in English or Spanish for more information

School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Mundo Verde follows D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) decision regarding changes in the school schedule due to inclement weather. In the event of a delayed opening, the before school program is canceled. In the event of early dismissal, the after school program is canceled. Either way, we ensure students receive school meals regardless the school status. In some cases, the school reserves the right to make a different decision than the one made by DCPS if necessary.

Information about school closures and delays is available through:

  • Text Message & Email: A text message and/or an email is sent to families and staff when a closing or delay is decided (the night before or early the morning of)

  • School Website: A note on the school website top announcement bar

  • Radio Station: WTOP (1500 AM, 107.7 FM)

  • Television: WJLA News Channel 7

  • School Social Media: Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram

This content can be found in the Family Handbook in English (p. 67), and Spanish (p. 72).

Make Sure Your Children are Ready for Outdoor Recess!

It is cold outside, please prepare your children with the appropriate gear. We go outside even when it is cold! We recommend a jacket and head covering, and appropriate protection for hands, feet and head. When there is inclement weather we may at times opt for indoor recess. 

Please remember to label all students’ belongings so that we can return them in case they are forgotten in the park or patio.

If you need any assistance providing these items for your family, please contact Sarah Ozment, Family Support Manager, at sozment@mundoverdepcs.org.

HEALTH & SAFETY

DC Health Provides Covid Test Kits to Schools Before Breaks

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) has sent a new supply of Covid take home tests and strongly recommends that families test their children before returning to school after the winter break, given the increased risk of transmission of respiratory illness from activities and travel.

Covid tests were sent home with students before winter break.

Please ensure that your child takes their Covid tests after 5:00pm the night before returning to school. Parents and caregivers are required to report test positive results via email at covid19@mundoverdepcs.org. Mundo Verde requests students and staff who test positive for Covid to stay home and isolate themselves, especially during the first 5 days, when they are most likely infectious and contagious. Individuals exhibiting only mild or no symptoms may return to campus upon submission of a negative antigen test.

Actualización - Programa de Detección/Salud Dental

Dental Health/Screening Program has been postponed due to the low sign-up numbers received. 

We continue collecting consent forms from families interested in dental check-ups for their children. The minimum number of participants we need to run the program is 20 for each campus.

If you want your child to have a dental check-up, please sign up HERE. Forms can be returned to the school to the nurses’ office, or via email to Angeline Vergara, Health and Safety Manager, at avergara@mundoverdepcs.org.

To learn more about this program, click here FAQ.

SCHOOL SERVICES

NEW! It’s Time For School Services Payments
Due on the 10th of Every Month

School services payments allow us to offer quality services. January 10th is the deadline to pay for Extended Day, school lunch, and snacks.

On Tuesday, January 2, families received a billing statement for school services for the month of January 2024 with instructions for how to pay for your fees on the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you have an outstanding balance, your statement will reflect the amount owed.

If you have any questions about the charges, please email invoice@mundoverdepcs.org.

STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series Training

Choosing the Right School for Your Special Education Student - In Partnership with My School DC
January 11, 7:00pm - Online
Join the DC Special Education Hub and My School DC for a Virtual Informational Session on the DC Lottery with a focus on Families and Caregivers of Students with Disabilities on Thursday, January 11, 7:00-8:00pm. My School DC is the common application and public-school lottery for all DC Public Schools (DCPS) and most public charter schools that serve PK3 – Grade 12.

This session will present information to equip you with valuable tools and information to guide you through the process of applying to the schools that are the best fit for your student(s). There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Register Here

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session
Jan. 9 - In-Person/Hybrid
Jan. 18 - Virtual

On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released a draft for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for feedback and public comment. 

OSSE invites school, family, and community participation in upcoming stakeholder engagement feedback sessions on the standards. These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to learn more about SEL and why it is important for students in schools. Participants will experience a facilitated walk-through of each standard and aligned indicators.

SEL is the process through which students and adults activate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. RSVP Here.

  • In-Person/Hybrid Sessions:

    • Tuesday, January 9, 12:00-2:00pm

    • Tuesday, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm

  • Virtual Session:

    • Thursday, January 18, 6:00-7:30pm

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Jan 12: Virtual Meeting with Student Support Team

  • Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

  • Jan 18: Board Meeting

  • Jan 26: All Staff PD Day - NO SCHOOL for students

  • Jan 31: Coffee with the Principals (Both Campuses)

Family Update Issue #21

Message

No Family Update on December 31

Academics

NEW! More Celebrations of Learning Coming Up!

Admissions Season Has Come for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde

5th Grade Families - DC International School Transfer Preference

Events & Activities

NEW! Learn About Co-Teaching and Student Achievement Towards IEP Goals at Mundo Verde - Jan 12, Virtual

NEW! Board Meeting - Save the Date! Jan 18

Communications, Information & Questions

Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign: Become a Part of the Magic that Shapes Our Students

NEW! Special Board Meeting Recording from Tuesday, Dec 19

School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Make Sure Your Children are Ready for Outdoor Recess!

Health & Safety

NEW! DC Health Provides Covid Test Kits to Schools Before Breaks

Student & Family Support

DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series Training

Community Announcements

OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Dec 22 to Jan 5: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS
Dec 22 to Jan 1: Winter Break - SCHOOL CLOSED
Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

MESSAGE

No Family Update on December 31

Due to the winter break, there will not be Family Update on Dec. 31. You can expect to receive the next Family Update issue on January 7, before classes are resumed.

ACADEMICS

NEW! More Celebrations of Learning Coming Up!

Thank you to everyone who joined and explored the captivating world of the stories our clothing tells. PreK students and teachers enjoyed seeing families and friends learning from their discoveries.

Celebrations of learning are more than a display of student work. The events compel students to reflect on and articulate what they have learned, how they learned, questions they answered, research they conducted, and areas of strength and struggles. They are powerful opportunities to make learning public.

The Expo may include artwork, research results from an experiment, written work, tests, or other projects. At Expo students demonstrate what has been learned more clearly than just a grade on a report card can. It also gives other students ideas that will help them improve their own work and helps to set a standard for excellent work from all students.

  • Kinder: February 12

  • 1st Grade: February 8

  • 2nd Grade: February 9

  • 3rd Grade: February 13

  • 4th Grade: February 15

  • 5th Grade: February 14

Admissions Season Has Come for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde

Siblings of students enrolled at Mundo Verde may apply with sibling preference through the MySchoolDC.org common lottery. You can indicate on the application that a sibling is currently attending Mundo Verde. Mundo Verde has generally been able to accommodate admissions for all of our students with younger siblings, but sibling, preference does not guarantee entry. The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

5th Grade Families - DC International School Transfer Preference

Fifth graders have the opportunity to receive transfer preference for enrollment at DC International School (DCI) for 6th grade on the MySchoolDC.org common lottery. Apply today!

In cases where demand exceeds available spaces, selections are determined by lottery among those with preference. This preference is only granted to families who apply by the deadline of March 1, 2024!

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

NEW! Learn About Co-Teaching and Student Achievement Towards IEP Goals at Mundo Verde
January 12, 7:30pm - Virtual Session

Join Delmy Rodriguez, Director of Student Services, for a virtual session to learn more about co-teaching and student achievement towards IEP goals on January 12, 7:30pm via zoom. This session will offer simultaneous translation in English and Spanish.

Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/3767886443
Meeting ID: 376 788 6443

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

NEW! Board Meeting - Save the Date!
January 18, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will hold a regular Board meeting on Thursday, January 18. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign
Become a Part of the Magic that Shapes Our Students

This winter break, be it just outside of the DMV or a continent away, many of our students will be traveling and experiencing new sights and adventures returning in January with fantastic stories and memories. For some students, fieldwork like Luray Caverns, Calvert Cliffs, NatureBridge, or the Capstone trip provides opportunities to get beyond the DC area for the first time. For all students, even those who travel often, fieldwork is unparalleled as the discoveries made collectively with classmates enhance the journey and foster deep connections to the learning expeditions. 

Your donation to our Fieldwork Fundraising Campaign can open a world of new experiences to over 1,000 Mundo Verde students. 

Give today at https://bit.ly/FieldworkSY24

NEW! Special Board Meeting Recording from Tuesday, Dec 19

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors meeting recording from Tuesday, December 19, is available here in English only.

The recording of this board meeting will be available until Saturday, December 30. The video can also be found in the Families Portal (Family Engagement section) on the website, and on your ParentSquare calendar (12/19/2023).

School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Mundo Verde follows D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) decision regarding changes in the school schedule due to inclement weather. In the event of a delayed opening, the before school program is canceled. In the event of early dismissal, the after school program is canceled. Either way, we ensure students receive school meals regardless the school status. In some cases, the school reserves the right to make a different decision than the one made by DCPS if necessary.

Information about school closures and delays is available through:

  • Text Message & Email: A text message and/or an email is sent to families and staff when a closing or delay is decided (the night before or early the morning of)

  • School Website: A note on the school website top announcement bar

  • Radio Station: WTOP (1500 AM, 107.7 FM)

  • Television: WJLA News Channel 7

  • School Social Media: Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram

This content can be found in the Family Handbook in English (p. 67), and Spanish (p. 72).

Make Sure Your Children are Ready for Outdoor Recess!

It is cold outside, please prepare your children with the appropriate gear. We go outside even when it is cold! We recommend a jacket and head covering, and appropriate protection for hands, feet and head. When there is inclement weather we may at times opt for indoor recess. 

If you need any assistance providing these items for your family, please contact Sarah Ozment, Family Support Manager, at sozment@mundoverdepcs.org.

HEALTH & SAFETY

NEW! DC Health Provides Covid Test Kits to Schools Before Breaks

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) has sent a new supply of Covid take home tests and strongly recommends that families test their children before returning to school after the winter break, given the increased risk of transmission of respiratory illness from activities and travel.

Covid tests were sent home last week with students.

Please ensure that your child takes their Covid tests after 5:00pm the night before returning to school. Parents and caregivers are required to report test positive results via email at covid19@mundoverdepcs.org. Mundo Verde requests students and staff who test positive for Covid to stay home and isolate themselves, especially during the first 5 days, when they are most likely infectious and contagious. Individuals exhibiting only mild or no symptoms may return to campus upon submission of a negative antigen test.

STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series Training

Post-Secondary Transition: When and How to Start
January 8, 7:00pm - Online
Transitions can be challenging, and this can be especially true for students in special education. DC Special Education Hub invites you to join them to learn more about the who, what, when, why, and how of special education transition plans.

Although these plans typically start in middle school, families with students of all ages are encouraged to attend this session on Monday, January 8, 7:00-8:00pm. It's never too early or too late to start learning about transition strategies and supports!

You'll receive the Zoom link in an email in the week of the training! Register Here

Choosing the Right School for Your Special Education Student - In Partnership with My School DC
January 11, 7:00pm - Online
Join the DC Special Education Hub and My School DC for a Virtual Informational Session on the DC Lottery with a focus on Families and Caregivers of Students with Disabilities on Thursday, January 11, 7:00-8:00pm. My School DC is the common application and public-school lottery for all DC Public Schools (DCPS) and most public charter schools that serve PK3 – Grade 12.

This session will present information to equip you with valuable tools and information to guide you through the process of applying to the schools that are the best fit for your student(s). There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Register Here

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session
Jan. 9 - In-Person/Hybrid
Jan. 18 - Virtual

On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released a draft for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for feedback and public comment. 

OSSE invites school, family, and community participation in upcoming stakeholder engagement feedback sessions on the standards. These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to learn more about SEL and why it is important for students in schools. Participants will experience a facilitated walk-through of each standard and aligned indicators.

SEL is the process through which students and adults activate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. RSVP Here.

  • In-Person/Hybrid Sessions:

    • Tuesday, January 9, 12:00-2:00pm

    • Tuesday, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm

  • Virtual Session:

    • Thursday, January 18, 6:00-7:30pm

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Dec 22 to Jan 5: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS

  • Dec 22 to Jan 1: Winter Break - SCHOOL CLOSED

  • Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

  • Jan 18: Board Meeting

Family Update Issue #20

PreK Expo “La Ropa” - Calle Ocho Campus

Events & Activities

Special Board Meeting: RSVP Form and Agenda Available - Dec 19

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Update - Annual Holiday Teacher and Staff Appreciation Collection

NEW! A Season for Giving

NEW! School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Special Board Meeting Announcement

Come and Check the Lost & Found Before Winter Break! Unclaimed Items Will be Donated

Health & Safety

Update - Dental Health/Screening Program

Student & Family Support

NEW! DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series Training

Community Announcements

NEW! OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Dec 22 to Jan 5: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS
Dec 22 to Jan 1: Winter Break - SCHOOL CLOSED

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Special Board Meeting - RSVP Form and Agenda Available
December 19, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 19. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To read the full board meeting agenda, click here.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

Note: Recordings of open board meetings, minutes and agendas are available to the school community on the school website, and your ParentSquare calendar.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Update - Annual Holiday Teacher and Staff Appreciation Collection

Our 2023-24 Holiday Teacher and Staff Appreciation Collection has ended, and the caregiver organizations at J.F. Cook and Calle Ocho are pleased to share the results with you all!

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of Mundo Verde parents and caregivers, we collected a total of $34,582.78 between November 19 and December 10, which exceeded our collection goal of $30,000! Funds will be distributed this week to all 288 employees, including our janitorial team, contractors, and the security team, in the form of prepaid visa cards. Each full-time staff member will receive a gift card worth $125 and each part-time staff member will receive $75. 

Participation in the collection is optional and dependent on each family’s financial circumstances. Regardless of whether you’ve chosen to express your appreciation by contributing to the fund or in other ways this year, we are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support and participation. It is wonderful to be able to recognize the amazing teachers and staff at Mundo Verde this holiday season.

NEW! A Season for Giving

As many of you know, this is the season for our annual campaign, which this year focuses on supporting Mundo Verde's fieldwork excursions school-wide. Starting at $5, every donation can go a long way, quite literally— just like over 100 fourth graders who traveled 161 miles to Jamestown this week for an immersive experience in colonial living. Your gift will help cover an array of expenses, from bagged lunches to charter bus transportation, entrance fees, tour guides, and so much more. Year-round fieldwork experiences bring expeditions to life for PreK-5th grade students. Make your donation here.

NEW! School Closures and Delays Due to Inclement Weather

Mundo Verde follows D.C. Public Schools’ (DCPS) decision regarding changes in the school schedule due to inclement weather. In the event of a delayed opening, the before school program is canceled. In the event of early dismissal, the after school program is canceled. In some cases, the school reserves the right to make a different decision than the one made by DCPS if necessary.

Information about school closures and delays is available through:

  • Text Message & Email: A text message and/or an email is sent to families and staff when a closing or delay is decided (the night before or the morning of)

  • School Website: A note on the school website top announcement bar

  • Radio Station: WTOP (1500 AM, 107.7 FM)

  • Television: WJLA News Channel 7

  • School Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

This content can be found in the Family Handbook on page 67 in English, and page 72 in Spanish.

Special Board Meeting Announcement

As some of you may know, Dr. Alicia Williams planned to end her tenure at Mundo Verde at the end of this school year. Last week, she shared with us her plan to accelerate her timeline; her last day was December 4th.

Dr. Williams has spent seven years serving the Mundo Verde community. We thank her for her service to Mundo Verde and wish her all the best in her next journey.

On Sunday, November 26th, the Mundo Verde Board of Directors held a special board meeting to elect Bisi Oyedele as Secretary, Roman Goldstein as Treasurer and Anneliese Gegenheimer as President, effective December 4.

We’re excited for Mundo Verde’s next chapter and look forward to continuing to create a supportive environment for our students.

On Behalf of the Board,
Anneliese Gegenheimer, Board President

Come and Check the Lost & Found Before Winter Break!
Unclaimed Items Will be Donated

From a water bottle and a lunch box, to jackets and hats, we invite you to check out the lost and found before we go on winter break. Items left at the lost and found that are name labeled will be returned to students.

Unclaimed items that can be used as loaner clothes for the school will be washed and available for any student. Other unclaimed items will be donated. The lost & found rack is located at the front desk!

To avoid any of your children's items being lost please be sure to label their items!

HEALTH & SAFETY

Update - Dental Health/Screening Program

Dental Health/Screening Program has been postponed due to the low sign-up numbers received. 

We continue collecting consent forms from families interested in dental check-ups for their children. The minimum number of participants we need to run the program is 20 for each campus.

If you want your child to have a dental check-up, please sign up HERE. Forms can be returned to the school to the nurses’ office, or via email to Angeline Vergara, Health and Safety Manager, at avergara@mundoverdepcs.org.

To learn more about this program, click here FAQ.

STUDENT & FAMILY SUPPORT

NEW! DC Special Education Hub: Family Empowerment Series Training

Post-Secondary Transition: When and How to Start
January 8, 7:00pm - Online
Transitions can be challenging, and this can be especially true for students in special education. DC Special Education Hub invites you to join them to learn more about the who, what, when, why, and how of special education transition plans.

Although these plans typically start in middle school, families with students of all ages are encouraged to attend this session on Monday, January 8, 7:00-8:00pm. It's never too early or too late to start learning about transition strategies and supports!

You'll receive the Zoom link in an email in the week of the training! Register Here

Choosing the Right School for Your Special Education Student - In Partnership with My School DC
January 11, 7:00pm - Online
Join the DC Special Education Hub and My School DC for a Virtual Informational Session on the DC Lottery with a focus on Families and Caregivers of Students with Disabilities on Thursday, January 11, 7:00-8:00pm. My School DC is the common application and public-school lottery for all DC Public Schools (DCPS) and most public charter schools that serve PK3 – Grade 12.

This session will present information to equip you with valuable tools and information to guide you through the process of applying to the schools that are the best fit for your student(s). There will also be an opportunity to ask questions. Register Here

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW! OSSE: Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for Feedback and Public Comment Session
Dec 19 and Jan 18 - Virtual
January 9 - In-Person/Hybrid

On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) released a draft for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Standards for feedback and public comment. 

OSSE invites school, family, and community participation in upcoming stakeholder engagement feedback sessions on the standards. These sessions will provide opportunities for participants to learn more about SEL and why it is important for students in schools. Participants will experience a facilitated walk-through of each standard and aligned indicators.

SEL is the process through which students and adults activate knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions, achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions. RSVP Here.

  • Virtual Sessions:

    • Tuesday, December 19, 6:00-7:30pm

    • Thursday, January 18, 6:00-7:30pm

  • In-Person/Hybrid Sessions:

    • Tuesday, January 9, 12:00-2:00pm

    • Tuesday, January 9, 5:30-7:30pm

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Dec 19: Special Board Meeting

  • Dec 22 to Jan 5: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS

  • Dec 22 to Jan 1: Winter Break - SCHOOL CLOSED

  • Jan 15: Holiday - SCHOOL CLOSED

Family Update Issue #19

Kinder receives expert visits at Calle Ocho

Academics

This Week! Join us for PreK Expos - Dec 15 Both Campuses

Enrollment Season for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde is Here!

Attention 5th Grade Families, it is Time to Apply to DC International School (Middle & High School)

Events & Activities

Join Your Principal for a Coffee - Dec 13, Both Campuses

NEW! Special Board Meeting: RSVP Form Available - Dec 19

Communications, Information & Questions

NEW! Special Board Meeting Announcement

NEW! Come and Check the Lost & Found Before Winter Break! Unclaimed Items Will be Donated

Your Opinion Matters! Monthly Survey

LAST DAY to Participate in the Annual Teacher & Staff Appreciation Holiday Collection - December 10

Health & Safety

Free Covid-19 Test Available in Public Libraries

As Our Weather Changes, Make Sure Your Children are Ready for Outdoor Recess!

Community Announcements

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

School Calendar and Upcoming Events

SY23-24 School Calendar

Dec 22 to Jan 5: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS
Dec 22 to Jan 1: Winter Break - SCHOOL CLOSED

ACADEMICS

This Week! Join us for PreK Expos
Friday, December 15 Both Campuses

 
 

Enrollment Season for Siblings of Students Enrolled at Mundo Verde is Here!

Starting tomorrow, December 11, siblings of students enrolled at Mundo Verde may apply with sibling preference in the common lottery on MySchoolDC.org. You will see a place on the application to indicate that a sibling is currently attending Mundo Verde. Mundo Verde attempts and has historically been able to accommodate admissions for all of our families with younger siblings, however, given the limited number of spots, preference does not guarantee entry. The deadline for applying is March 1, 2024!

Mundo Verde is recruiting families, and word of mouth has been a powerful recruitment tool. Please consider sharing this message with your networks.

Attention 5th Grade Families, it is Time to Apply to DC International School (Middle & High School)

Rising 6th-grade students from Mundo Verde have the unique opportunity to receive transfer preference for enrollment at DCI, ensuring a seamless continuation of their inquiry-based language immersion education from 6th to 12th grade.

Starting tomorrow, December 11, 5th graders may apply with transfer preference to DC International School (DCI) for 6th grade on the MySchoolDC.org common application. 

In cases where demand exceeds available spaces, selections are determined by lottery among those with preference. This preference is only granted to families who apply by the deadline of March 1, 2024!

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Join Your Principal for a Coffee
December 13, 8:45am - Both Campuses

Parents and caregivers from both campuses are invited to join Principals Johanna and Natalie, and Principals Michelle and Liz for their respective Coffees in person at the Zócalo on December 13 at 8:45am.

Submit Your Questions in Advance!

To help us use our time together most efficiently, we invite you to submit your questions in advance using this form: 

We look forward to seeing many of you there!

NEW! Special Board Meeting - RSVP Form Available
Dec 19, 6:30-8:30pm

The Mundo Verde Board of Directors will be holding a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, December 19. All regular and special board meetings are open to the public, providing the opportunity for stakeholders to observe board operations. The meeting will take place virtually from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

To observe the board in action at this meeting, please complete this registration form (Updated Link). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. 

For questions related to the meeting, email board@mundoverdepcs.org.

Note: Recordings of open board meetings, minutes and agendas are available to the school community on the school website, and your ParentSquare calendar.

COMMUNICATIONS, INFORMATION & QUESTIONS

NEW! Special Board Meeting Announcement

As some of you may know, Dr. Alicia Williams planned to end her tenure at Mundo Verde at the end of this school year. Last week, she shared with us her plan to accelerate her timeline; her last day was December 4th.

Dr. Williams has spent seven years serving the Mundo Verde community. We thank her for her service to Mundo Verde and wish her all the best in her next journey.

On Sunday, November 26th, the Mundo Verde Board of Directors held a special board meeting to elect Bisi Oyedele as Secretary, Roman Goldstein as Treasurer and Anneliese Gegenheimer as President, effective December 4.

We’re excited for Mundo Verde’s next chapter and look forward to continuing to create a supportive environment for our students.

On Behalf of the Board,
Anneliese Gegenheimer, Board President

NEW! Come and Check the Lost & Found Before Winter Break!
Unclaimed Items Will be Donated

From a water bottle and a lunch box, to jackets and hats, we invite you to check out the lost and found before we go on winter break. Items left at the lost and found that are name labeled will be returned to students.

Unclaimed items that can be used as loaner clothes for the school will be washed and available for any student. Other unclaimed items will be donated. The lost & found rack is located at the front desk!

To avoid any of your children's items being lost please be sure to label their items!

Your Opinion Matters!
Monthly Survey

As celebrations of student learning and work, what would make the winter expos most valuable to you?

You should have received an invitation on Thursday, 12/7 to participate in the December survey. (If you did not, please check your spam folder.) These ‘pulse’ surveys can be answered via the web or a text message, and are sent from Possip.

The deadline is Monday, 12/11
Please complete it now!
It only takes a minute
If you haven’t already completed the December survey,
click your preferred language now to have your voice heard: English | Spanish

LAST DAY to Participate in the Annual Teacher & Staff Appreciation Holiday Collection - December 10

Thank you to everyone who has been able to participate in the Teacher & Staff Appreciation Holiday Collection this year!

If you wish to participate, there is still time TODAY. A Non-Tax-Deductible Contribution can be made via this PayPal link or the QR code below.

If you have any questions, please contact us!

HEALTH & SAFETY

Free Covid-19 Test Available in Public Libraries

More than 20 public libraries in all eight wards are offering free Covid-19 rapid tests for pick-up to DC residents.

If you prefer to order free test kits to your home, you can do so through the federal government at covidtests.gov.

As Our Weather Changes, Make Sure Your Children are Ready for Outdoor Recess!

As the weather gets colder, please prepare your children with the appropriate gear - especially for days when there is a chill in the air. We go outside when it is cold! We recommend a jacket and head covering, and appropriate protection for hands, feet and head. When there is inclement weather we may at times opt for indoor recess. If you need any assistance providing these items for your family, please contact Sarah Ozment, Family Support Manager, at sozment@mundoverdepcs.org.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

J.F. Cook Campus Families: News From Padres

Support the 5th Grade Capstone Trip to Puerto Rico!
Mundo Verde Night at &Pizza
Dec 12, 4:00-8:00pm

Join Padres for the Mundo Verde Night at &Pizza in Brookland to support the 5th grade Capstone Trip to Puerto Rico! Join us at &Pizza Brookland (666 Monroe St NE) on Tuesday, December 12 from 4:00-8:00pm, or order online for pickup (use code: Padres). &Pizza will donate 25% of proceeds to the 5th grade Capstone Trip!

SY23-24 School Calendar

Upcoming Events:

  • Dec 10: Annual Teacher & Staff Appreciation Collection End Date

  • Dec 13: Coffee with the Principals - Both Campuses

  • Dec 15: PreK Expos - Both Campuses

  • Dec 19: Special Board Meeting

  • Dec 22 to Jan 5: Winter Break - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS & TEACHERS

  • Dec 22 to Jan 1: Winter Break - SCHOOL CLOSED





 

Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School

J.F. Cook Campus • 30 P Street NW • Washington, DC 20001
P (202) 750-7060 • F (202) 905-0002 • info@mundoverdepcs.org

Calle Ocho Campus • 4401 8th Street NE • Washington, DC 20017
P (202) 803-8967 • F (202) 905-0002 • calleocho@mundoverdepcs.org

 
 

© 2023 Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School. All Rights Reserved.