HEALTH PROTOCOLS
We implement current CDC protocols. Masks are worn by all students and staff.
STUDENT HANDBOOK
This resource describes all school policies and procedures, academics and conduct.
SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
The School Day is 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Students will have 40 minutes for lunch.
WEEKLY PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
VIRTUAL MEETING EVERY WEDNESDAY @10AM
BLACK LIVES MATTERLAS VIDAS NEGRAS IMPORTANحياة السود مهمّة 黑人的命也是命LA VIE DES NOIRS COMPTE黒人の命も大切ጥቁር ህይወት ጉዳይእና ውድ ዋጋ ይገባዋልLE VITE DEI NERI CONTANOBLACK LIVES MATTER
MISSION STATEMENT
"All students who graduate from our Dual Language Immersion Early College Campus will be prepared to succeed in college and civic life as leaders in the quest for social justice and anti-racism. We develop intellectually curious, self-motivated scholars who are articulate communicators in two languages, critical thinkers and consumers, cultural ambassadors, and contributing community members. We focus on socio-emotional learning as a key part of our program for students and staff. We demonstrate perseverance, ethics and character in the pursuit of excellence. Restorative practices are the foundation of our school climate, as we enhance relationships and build community. As lifelong learners in the pursuit of excellence and innovation, we foster a growth mindset through which teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members all collaborate to achieve goals and overcome obstacles. We utilize technology responsibly to personalize learning and support the learning process across distance. We trust one another to continually improve our practices."
ADMINISTRATION
UPCOMING EVENTS / INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR
MISSION AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR OCTOBER 2021
LANCE SWINTON
SHARAE BELTON
JORDAN STOUCH
ERIC WASHINGTON
MISSION AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 2021
TELAVIV DEGOLACION
HURLEY ODOM
CHEVANIECE MARSHALL
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHEC UNITY DRESS CODE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2021-22
August 3, 2021
Dear CHEC Families and Students:
As we prepare to reopen after a year and a half of virtual learning, as a school community we are conscious of the need to reopen in a way that builds student, parent and teacher trust in our community, and our commitment to building a safe and joyful space for learning.
With this in mind, in the Spring of 2021, we began a process of reflecting upon our mission and norms. One of the norms we surveyed students, parents and faculty about, was our norm of school uniforms. The uniform norm was established in 2007, when we moved into our then new building, based on the input of all stakeholders. The original intent was to build unity and school spirit in our new building, and support families and students in relieving the economic pressure of attire.
As we prepare to reopen, in looking at recent survey data regarding uniforms, we have seen the following feedback from our three stakeholder groups:
Students – 245 responded, 81% wanted a change in policy, with either more uniform options (29%) or uniforms being optional (52%)
Parents – 243 responded, 53% wanted a change in policy, with either more uniform options (26%) or uniforms being optional (27%)
Teachers – 84 responded, 68% wanted a change in policy with either more uniform options (53%), or uniforms being optional (15%)
Based on these results and discussions, the following is the Dress Code for School Year 21-22:
Our goal is for students to feel loved, challenged and prepared, to feel pride and unity in attending our school, and to express this pride authentically, when they wear attire that demonstrates being a part of our school. As such, we encourage being in “uniform”, and taking advantage of uniform choices.
However, wearing the uniform will be optional for all students this year. For SY 21-22, for those who wish to wear the uniform, it can consist of:
Any shirt that represents CHEC, including the Blue (Bell) or Burgundy (Lincoln) polo shirts, or any other shirt representing any academy, NJROTC, any club, sport, or grade level of CHEC.
Shirts are the only component of the uniform this year. Students can wear any sweater, jacket or hoodie of their choice, and any slacks, pants or skirt of their choice. Shoes should continue to cover the whole foot, for safety purposes.
Additional points:
- Every Friday will be a dress down day.
- For students in Academies, NJROTC, and PLT, Wednesday will be their special attire day.
- With student input, we will establish special days for PLT’s/Advisories, Grade Levels, and clubs to wear shirts and attire that represent them
Bell/Lincoln polo shirts and hoodies are currently available, and a limited number/sizes are on sale at the school for a reduced price of $8.00. Once these are sold, parents can order the shirts/hoodies directly from the company, and we will provide information on this process.
Standards for Attire
In order to ensure that attire is appropriate to the school environment, when school starts, we will convene a group of student government and other representatives to help us update and review our standards and dress code for those elements which are not part of the uniform.
Thank you for your understanding and feedback as we re-envision and redesign our school community for the coming year. In the coming weeks and days we will be providing ongoing opportunities for communication, including Parent Town Halls prior to school opening.
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at Maria.Tukeva@k12.dc.gov.
Sincerely,
Maria Tukeva
Principal
REVIEWING YOUR SCHEDULE IN ASPEN
Hello CHEC Scholars,
You can access ASPEN and review your class schedule. If you need an ASPEN password reset, please email your counselor. The counselor caseload breakdown is below. Please be aware that schedule changes that receive priority will ONLY be students who are missing a class or for some reason have a duplicate course.
COUNSELOR'S BY GRADE
Ms. Marianella Castro
Grade: 12th (Me-S)
marianella.castro@k12.dc.gov
Mr. Luis Diaz
Grades: 10th (M-Z) & 12th (Gonzalez-H)
luis.diaz@k12.dc.gov
Mr. Hurley Odom
Grades: 10th (A-L) & 12th (A-B)
hurley.odom@k12.dc.gov
Dr. Evelyn Iraheta
Grades: 11th (K-Z) & 12th (J-MC)
evelyn.iraheta@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Corine Partelow
Grades: 11th (A-L) & 12th (S-Z)
corine.partelow@k12.dc.gov
Mr. Kwame Yeboah
Grades: 9th (A-Go) & 12th (C-Gomez)
kwame.yeboah@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Patricia Ortez Aparicio
Grade: 9th (Gra-Pa)
patricia ortez.aparicio@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Andrea Lewis
Grade: 9th (Pa-Z)
andrea.lewis@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Patricia Ortez Aparicio
Grade: 8th PLT
Najam, Edmonds, Urbina, Giron, Ryan, Nunez, Degolacion, Guillen, Smith, Garcia
patricia ortez.aparicio@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Andrea Lewis
Grade: 8th PLT
Jones, Athmer, Nimer, Borrego, Chatalian, Menendez, Washington, C.Vazquez
andrea.lewis@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Chevaniece Marshall
Grade: 7th grade
chevaniece.marshall@k12.dc.gov
Ms. Rosa Cruz
Grade: 6th grade
rosa.cruz@k12.dc.gov
We look forward to a successful school year!
The CHEC Counseling Team
RECENT PRESS
Perla Guzman Martinez, a sophomore at Columbia Heights Education Campus, struggled to catch up in her classes after recovering from COVID-19.
Tyrone Turner / WAMU/DCist
Perla Guzman Martinez woke up on the second day of the year in a cold sweat. The 15-year-old’s body ached and she could not stop shaking.
The teenager said does not know how she and the rest of her family became infected with the coronavirus. The family is careful to wear face masks outside their apartment in Fort Totten, which they only leave for necessities.
After two weeks of missing class, Guzman Martinez’ coronavirus symptoms began to ease. But as she prepared to log back on for virtual learning, the sophomore at Columbia Heights Education Campus in the District faced another challenge: finals.
“At that point, school wasn’t even important, if I’m being completely honest,” she said.
Her mother and stepfather, who are not fluent in English, suffered more severe symptoms of the virus than the teenager did. The language barrier meant Guzman Martinez and her older sister, a college student, became responsible for tracking down information about COVID-19 testing sites and local organizations that were offering food and other assistance. The 15-year-old helped care for her parents as they recovered, brewing tea and cooking eggs and bacon and quesadillas.
“What people don’t talk about is the emotional toll that having COVID takes on you,” she said. “It’s really hard to focus because there are so many other worries.”
That toll has been unevenly felt among the D.C. region’s public schoolchildren.
SOCIAL MEDIA HUB
At CHEC, there is power in student voice, and it isn't a voice that teachers can give. We don't give voices here. We make space for students interested in learning how to fight for their lives, our lives, and their nation. From discussion about the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 in communities of color, to immigration reform, housing descrimination, mass incarceration, police brutality our students are ready, willing and able to engage in courageous conversations.