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From the Principal’s Desk - May 2024


May 5, 2024

Greetings Ellington Community,


As we gear up for the week ahead, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to our remarkable community—our dedicated teachers, staff, outstanding students, and families.


Last Friday, I was deeply touched and genuinely surprised by the heartwarming celebration orchestrated by our school community in honor of School Principals' Day, which falls nationally on Wednesday, May 1. The overwhelming love and support I felt on that day reinforced my gratitude for the privilege of serving as the Principal of such a remarkable school. Thank you all for your unwavering trust and support—it means the world to me.


Moving forward, we are thrilled to announce that this week, from May 6th to May 10th, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. It's an opportunity for us to express our deepest gratitude to all of our teachers—both academic and art instructors—for their tireless dedication to our students. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for education are truly commendable, and we have some special surprises planned throughout the week to show them just how much they mean to Ellington.


In addition, we'd like to take this opportunity to encourage our returning families who have not yet re-enrolled to do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance with the enrollment process, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Registrar, Ms. Ramirez, at nramirez@ellingtonarts.org


Furthermore, we offer congratulations to our Seniors in the C.A.M.P Department for their outstanding performance in the Senior Showcase "24 Stops." It has been truly inspiring to witness their growth and development over the past four years. Their talent and dedication are a testament to the transformative power of arts education.


Lastly, we are pleased to report that the DC CAPE Testing conducted thus far has been a resounding success. We express our deepest gratitude to all of the staff members who have worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth administration of the tests. As a reminder, the testing window closes on May 24th.


Lastly, a friendly reminder: the deadline for Arts as Activism submissions is May 10th. Students are encouraged to engage with their advisors during advisory sessions and refer to the Student Handbook for guidance.


Please find below a list of upcoming important dates and events:

DC CAPE

Testing all students will occur between April 30 and May 24, marking the conclusion of the DC Cape Testing window.


Arts As Activism Submission Deadline

We want to remind everyone that the submission deadline is May 10th. Click here to view the Student Handbook.


C.A.M.P Showcase "Tony's Carry-Out"

The C.A.M.P Department presents "Tony's Carry-Out," a showcase of narrative writing set in a fictional restaurant, promising a captivating blend of drama, comedy, and poetry on May 10th at 6:30 pm and May 11th at 2 pm.


Spring Dance Concert

The Dance Department presents the annual Spring Dance Concert. The dates are May 18 at 7:30pm & May 19 at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $25, please click HERE to purchase.


Dance Department Parent Meetings

The Dance Department Parent Meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month.

Sandi M. Logan

Principal / Head of School

May 13, 2024

Greetings Ellington Community,


I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday! As we reflect on Mother's Day, let's celebrate the invaluable role of mothers and acknowledge their unwavering love and support. As we journey through May, let's also honor Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of nurturing our mental well-being.


Firstly, we have some exciting opportunities to share:

  • KidOvation Stage Opportunities: They are seeking talented teachers and student volunteers for their June 2024 programming. Positions include 2 Assistant Teaching Artists and 4 Junior TA volunteers. The program is from June 17th to August 23rd, and resumes must be submitted by May 15th to admin@kidovationstage.com. Training week is scheduled for June 5th, with a background screening requirement.


  • Capital City Fashion Week: Duke Ellington students are invited to a hair and makeup artist competition on August 17th and 18th. Selected students may assist professionals and walk the runway. For participation, please contact Mr. Winkfield at pwinkfield@ellingtonarts.org.


  • Blues Alley Jazz 25th Annual Summer Jazz Camp: The camp takes place from July 22nd to August 2nd and is available for ages 11-18 at St. Augustine's Church in Southwest, Washington DC. To register, please click HERE.


Additionally, this week, we are having Mental Health Awareness Spirit Week from May 13 - 17 with themed activities each day. Please refer to the flyer in the next section for details.


We also want to remind returning families to re-enroll as soon as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Registrar, Ms. Ramirez, at nramirez@ellingtonarts.org


Furthermore, a quick reminder: 9th & 10th graders who completed DC CAPE- ELA, Algebra I, Algebra 2, Geometry, and DC Science are invited to our Annual Six Flags Celebration Field Trip on June 17, 2024. Your support is crucial in making this trip possible. Please contribute here: Donations. Thank you for ensuring our students have an unforgettable experience!


Lastly, we extend our congratulations to our Cinematic Arts and Media Production Department for their outstanding "Tony's Carry-Out" showcase. The showcase left a lasting impression on all attendees, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to all our students and staff for their hard work and dedication.

Please find below a list of upcoming important dates and events:

DC CAPE

Testing all students will occur between April 30 and May 24, marking the conclusion of the DC Cape Testing window.


Visual Arts Senior Show "Perspectives"

The VA Senior Show will take place on May 17 from 6-8pm.


Spring Dance Concert

The Dance Department presents the annual Spring Dance Concert. The dates are May 18 at 7:30pm & May 19 at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $25, please click HERE to purchase.


Dance Department Parent Meetings

The Dance Department Parent Meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month.


Annual Six Flags Celebration Field Trip

9th & 10th graders who finished all DC CAPE Testing are invited to our Annual Six Flags Celebration Field Trip on June 17. Your support is vital in making this trip happen. Please contribute here: Donations.

May 28, 2024

Greetings Ellington Community,


I hope you've had a great week and wish you an enjoyable long weekend. As we approach the final weeks of the school year, let's stay motivated and dedicated to finishing strong.


This weekend, we observe Memorial Day, a significant holiday to honor and remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in military service. As we enjoy the extended weekend, let's take a moment to reflect on their courage and express our gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.

Congratulations to the Arts as Activism winners! Your dedication and creativity are a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of art. First place went to Yakob Tesfaye, second to Princess Brown, and third to Halle Hutchins, Lela Harkrader, Chloe Thomas, and Olivia Burley. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for driving positive change and to our moderators, advisors, and adjudicators for your indispensable support. Bravo to all! Keep shining and inspiring!

More Congratulations! We commend all 9th and 10th students for successfully completing their DC-CAPE Testing. Your hard work and dedication are commendable. Students who completed their DC-CAPE Testing are eligible for our Annual Six Flags Field Trip on Monday, June 17, 2024! While students will need to purchase their own tickets, donations are being accepted to help make this experience unforgettable for everyone. To purchase your ticket, please click HERE. If you would like to donate, please click HERE.


Additionally, we kindly remind our returning families to complete your re-enrollment as promptly as you can, if you haven't already done so. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact our Registrar, Ms. Ramirez, at nramirez@ellingtonarts.org.


Lastly, we want to remind our community of our 13th Annual International Food and Games Day on June 10, 2024! We kindly ask for your help by requesting a tax-deductible food donation from your favorite restaurants to serve 100 appetizer-sized portions. Please confirm your support by May 25, 2024, and feel free to contact Ms. Lynn Moore at lynn.moore@k12.dc.gov for any inquiries.

Please find below a list of upcoming important dates and events:

Dance Department Parent Meetings

The Dance Department Parent Meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month.


Vocal Music Department Presents "The Gondoliers"

The Vocal Music Department presents "The Gondoliers" featuring the Senior Class of 2024. The dates are May 31 at 7pm and June 1 and 3pm. General Admission tickets are $25 and student tickets are $15. Click HERE to purchase tickets.


Annual Celebration Field Trip

9th & 10th graders who finished all DC CAPE Testing our Annual Six Flags Field Trip on June 17, 2024. To purchase your ticket, please click HERE. If you would like to donate, please click HERE.

May 19, 2024

Greetings Ellington Community,


I hope you had a wonderful week and wish you a rejuvenating and relaxing weekend ahead.


First and foremost, we would like to remind everyone that tomorrow, May 20, will be an Odd Advisory Schedule. Please be prepared to follow the corresponding schedule.


We want to express our gratitude to our Wellness Team for organizing an outstanding Spirit Week in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Their dedication and hard work have made this week meaningful for everyone.


This week, we were treated to some incredible performances. Congratulations to the Visual Arts Department on the fantastic opening of their Senior Show, "Perspectives." The talent and creativity on display were truly remarkable, and each piece was a testament to the hard work and artistic vision of our students.


Additionally, we applaud the Vocal and Instrumental Music Departments for their captivating performance at the Nationals Park Stadium. The energy and skill they brought to the stage was inspiring, and we are incredibly proud of them.


We extend congratulations to the Dance Department for their outstanding Spring Concerts. The performance was a breathtaking display of talent, creativity, and dedication, making it a show to remember. Bravo to everyone involved!


Furthermore, we want to remind our community that our 9th and 10th graders who complete their DC CAPE-ELA, Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and DC Science testing are invited to our Annual Celebration Field Trip on June 17, 2024. To make this trip possible, we need your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, will create lasting memories, is tax-deductible, and fosters community unity. Click HERE to make a donation. Please share this opportunity with friends and family to help our students.


To our returning families, we kindly remind you to complete your re-enrollment as promptly as you can, if you haven't already done so. Should you have any questions or require assistance, please contact our Registrar, Ms. Ramirez, at nramirez@ellingtonarts.org.


Lastly, we're excited to announce our 13th Annual International Food and Games Day on June 10, 2024! This beloved tradition celebrates our school's diverse backgrounds with delicious foods from around the world and fun global games. We kindly ask for your help by requesting a tax-deductible food donation from your favorite restaurants to serve 100 appetizer-sized portions. Please confirm your support by May 25, 2024, and contact Ms. Lynn Moore at lynn.moore@k12.dc.gov with any questions.

Please find below a list of upcoming important dates and events:

DC CAPE

Testing all students will occur between April 30 and May 24, marking the conclusion of the DC Cape Testing window.


Dance Department Parent Meetings

The Dance Department Parent Meeting is scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month.


Vocal Music Department Presents "The Gondoliers"

The Vocal Music Department presents "The Gondoliers" featuring the Senior Class of 2024. The dates are May 31 at 7pm and June 1 and 3pm. General Admission tickets are $25 and student tickets are $15. Click HERE to purchase tickets.



Annual Celebration Field Trip

9th & 10th graders who finished all DC CAPE Testing are invited to our Annual Celebration Field Trip on June 17. Your support is vital in making this trip happen. Please contribute here: Donations.


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