4/30/2023 Greetings Ellington Community,
Congratulations on the amazing performances, exhibition openings, panels, and last week! We kicked off Arts as Activism month with our assembly and panel on Tuesday focusing on Don't Mute DC, Go-Go, and Social Activism. Museum Studies had a historic opening for their GoGo: The Sound of DC exhibit. Then our students showed out and performed excellently at Jazz City on Friday to celebrate Duke Ellington's 124th Birthday.
I also wanted to give a shout-out to the Jazz Ensemble for performing at an intimate reception at VP Kamala Harris's house during Spring Break for an event celebrating America's African-American Mayors. She spoke highly of Ellington and the students and the entire Ellington community.
Exciting news! Our new website officially launched last week. With its beautiful design and improved interface, our website is more interactive and easier to use than ever before while also showcasing our talented students and faculty. Visit us at ellingtonschool.org! Please note that we are still working on updates and maintenance.
PARCC testing continues and AP testing begins on Monday. May 1st. Make sure you get a good night's rest each night and eat breakfast each morning. Let's continue to show off our academic and artistic excellence young scholars.
We have the Vocal Music Show Choir Performance on May 5 and May 6, and then the Annual Dance Spring Concert on May 20 and 21st. You can find tickets for both at our box office! Come out and support some of the final performances of the school year.
ARTS AS ACTIVISM
What art form can you use to help push for further freedom? Who knows? Your project might just be selected as the first-place winner! Students must email ArtsAsActivism@ellingtonarts.org in order to express interest for submitting an Arts as Activism project. Projects are now due May 26. Please see additional details and instructions below.
PARCC TESTING - April 26 - May 27
NEW FACULTY UPDATE
Welcome to Ms. Faustina Sam, our new PCT representative. Her email address is Faustina.Sam@k12.dc.gov. Please refer all COVID-19-related questions and emails to Ms. Sam.
IMPORTANT DATES
PARCC Testing Window - April 26 to May 26
AP Testing - May 1 - May 15
Last Day of Classes for Seniors - June 8
Art Fees Due - May 15
That's it for now! Thank you for your attention to the details below! See you tomorrow!
Sandi M. Logan, Principal / Head of School
5/14/2023 Greetings Ellington Community,
I hope all is well and you all had a relaxing weekend. I just wanted to give a special thank you to the Ellington Fund and DESAP Boards of Directors for sponsoring the teacher luncheon during Teacher Appreciation Week. We truly appreciate all the hard work and dedication our teachers put in on a daily basis at DESA.
Another huge round of applause for everyone who completed another week of PARCC Testing and AP Exams! We will begin PARCC testing for Biology on Monday. Please note that only students currently taking Biology will be signed up for these sessions.
Don't miss the fourth and final part of 'A Mini-Desk Series' presented by your Gender & Sexuality Alliance on Wednesday, May 17. Students and faculty can sign up using the RSVP form below. The Visual Arts Department at Duke Ellington School of the Arts is pleased to announce the opening of the PATCHWORKS, their Senior Exhibition on May 19. Then the Dance Spring Concert is this week on May 20 and May 21! Join the Dance Department on May 20 and 21 for a performance full of choreography and energy you won't want to miss.
The Vocal Music Department presents its annual Spring Concert "Opera Workshop" on June 2 and June 3. This is an event for all opera and musical theatre lovers. You can visit our box office here to purchase tickets to both events.
Grading window opens 5/17- closes 5/22 at 11:59pm. Let's all work together to please have all grades posted by the deadline!
PROGRESS REPORTS:
Progress reports will be released by May 26 in Aspen.
BELL SCHEDULE
We are on a non-advisory schedule until May 26.
ARTS AS ACTIVISM
What art form can you use to help push for further freedom? Who knows? Students are free to create a work of art/artistic expression exploring a social justice movement of their choice. Your project might just be selected as the first-place winner! Projects are now due May 26. Please see additional details and instructions below.
PARCC TESTING - April 26 - May 27
NEW FACULTY UPDATE
We're excited to welcome our Math teacher Ms. Kasinowski back from maternity leave.
We would also like to continue welcoming Mr. Michael Lesense Jr. to the science team and DESA community!
IMPORTANT DATES
ENROLLMENT MONTH - May 1 - May 31
PARCC Testing Window - April 26 to May 26
Last Day of Classes for Seniors - June 8
Art Fees Due - May 15. Please click here to pay!
College Decision Day - May 23
International Food & Games Day - June 8 (time tbd)
That's it for now! Thank you for your attention to the details below! See you tomorrow!
Sandi M. Logan, Principal / Head of School
5/19/2023 Greetings Ellington Community,
I hope all is well and you all had a productive week so far. I just wanted to give a special thank you to the Ellington Fund and DESAP Boards of Directors for sponsoring the teacher luncheon during Teacher Appreciation Week. We truly appreciate all the hard work and dedication our teachers put in on a daily basis at DESA.
Returning families only have a couple more weeks before the May 31 DCPS enrollment deadline! We are hosting Enrollment Day on Saturday, May 20 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at DESA!
SAVE THE DATE DCPS NIGHT AT NATS PARK​ on May 23! If
would like to attend to please see Director Howard for tickets first come first serve basis. (Flyer Below)
DESA DECISION DAY - Tuesday, May 23, 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM, Ellington Front Lawn
Please come out and join us as we celebrate the Class of 2023 with DESA College Decision Day! Families are welcome to attend at no cost (Feel free to bring a lawn chair for comfort) Seniors are encouraged to wear any merchandise from the college they'll be attending.
We also have the annual Dance Spring Concert on May 20 and May 21! Don't miss the CAMP Senior Showcase event "Moving On" on May 26. The Vocal Music Department presents its annual Spring Concert "Opera Workshop" on June 2 and June 3. This is an event for all opera and musical theatre lovers. Then we have the Cinematic Arts and Media Production Spring Showcase on June 2 and June 3. You can visit our box office here to purchase tickets to each event.
Black youth's mental health matters and I'm excited to be a part of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's annual The Can We Talk? Symposium and Joy Awards on June 3. I'll be speaking on the theme "Unspoken Curriculum" which explores how we can help change what’s really communicated in our schools to make it a healthier place for the minds of our students.
**The grading window opens 5/17- closes 5/22 at 11:59pm. Let's all work together to please have all grades posted by the deadline!**
PROGRESS REPORTS:
Progress reports will be released by May 26 in Aspen.
BELL SCHEDULE
We are on a non-advisory schedule until May 26.
ARTS AS ACTIVISM - Final Projects Due in 1 Week!!!
What art form can you use to help push for further freedom? Who knows? Students are free to create a work of art/artistic expression exploring a social justice movement of their choice. Your project might just be selected as the first-place winner! Projects are now due May 26. Please submit your final project to artsasactivism@ellingtonarts.org
PARCC TESTING - April 26 - May 27
IMPORTANT DATES
ENROLLMENT MONTH - May 1 - May 31
PARCC Testing Window - April 26 to May 26
Last Day of Classes for Seniors - June 8
College Decision Day - May 23
International Food & Games Day - June 8 (time tbd)
No School (Memorial DAY) - May 28
GRADUATION DAY, Saturday, June 17, 10:00 AM (Doors will open at 8:30 AM), Ellington Theatre. Seniors are expected to arrive no later than 8:00 AM
June 22 - Last Day of Classes for Students
That's it for now! Thank you for your attention to the details below! See you tomorrow!
Sandi M. Logan, Principal / Head of School
5/29/2023 Greetings Ellington Community,
Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend and spent some time outdoors.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023 and all the students and families who participated in College Decision day at DESA! College decision day is an exciting and significant milestone in your educational journey. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Finally, be proud of yourself and your achievements. You have worked hard to reach this point, and you deserve to celebrate your accomplishments.
We look forward to reviewing your final arts and activism projects this week. Please be on the lookout for an email with more details, including when we will announce the final winners. Remember that art and activism are ongoing processes. Even after the completion of your current projects, you can continue to explore and engage with social issues through artistic expression. May your art and activism continue to inspire and make a difference!
This week we have a few exciting end-of-the-year productions and events! On June 1, the Cinematic Arts and Media Production Department will have a VIP Launch Party for the new student-produced Literary Magazine. Tickets & Sponsorships: VIP tickets are $100 for one and $150 for two. Sponsorships begin at $250. Click here for details on ticket and sponsorships. The Vocal Music Department presents its annual Spring Concert "Opera Workshop" on June 2 and June 3. This is an event for all opera and musical theatre lovers. Then we have the Cinematic Arts and Media Production Spring Showcase "All Things Considered" on June 2 and June 3. You can visit our box office here to purchase tickets to each event.
Black youth's mental health matters and I'm excited to be a part of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation's annual The Can We Talk? Symposium and Joy Awards on June 3. I'll be speaking on the theme "Unspoken Curriculum" which explores how we can help change what’s really communicated in our schools to make it a healthier place for the minds of our students. You can register here.
BELL SCHEDULE
We will be on a non-advisory schedule for the remainder of the school year.
IMPORTANT DATES
DESA 2nd ANNUAL PRIDE WEEK, presented by the Gender & Sexuality Alliance and funded by the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs - June 3 - June 10
International Food & Games Day - June 13, 11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
GRADUATION DAY, Saturday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. (Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.), Graduating Senior’s last day of school is June 8. (No amnesty week)
Senior’s grades are due by June 9
Monday, June 12 – Friday, June 16 Graduation Verification.
(Any Seniors that will not graduate in June, will have to continue to attend school until June 22)
Last day of school for grades 9-11: June 22.
Amnesty week: June 12-16. (This does not include Assessments, finals, quizzes, or projects).
That's it for now! Thank you for your attention to the details below! See you tomorrow!
Sandi M. Logan, Principal / Head of School
6/4/2023 Greetings Ellington Community,
Congratulations to Vocal Music and Cinematic Arts and Media Production on their incredible Spring Productions! You all showcased immense talent and creativity, closing out the school year on a high note. Keep shining and inspiring others with your artistry!
We also wanted to give a big congratulations to all the seniors on their outstanding showcases and recitals! It's hard to believe the end of the year is almost here, but your incredible performances will leave a lasting impression. We are wishing you the best as you prepare for graduation and the next chapter of your journey.
The last day of school for Graduating Seniors is on June 9. Be sure to read the senior section below for important dates, deadlines, information on prom and the senior drop, and any clearances needed for graduation.
As usual, this is a busy time of year and we strongly recommend checking in with your teachers and counselors to ensure you're on track to finish off the year strong. We're proud to announce that the GSA is hosting its second annual Pride Week at DESA with a full calendar of activities for the week. On June 8, we're proud to honor our 2023 Spring National Honor Society Inductees for their display of artistic AND academic excellence. On June 9, students and staff can enjoy a spoken word performance in the Media Center (flyer below).
Last week marked a significant milestone for the Cinematic Arts and Media Production department as they launched their first-ever official literary magazine, aptly named "Riot." In the spirit of gratitude, it's important to acknowledge and express a massive thank you to Priscilla Clarke, a valued member of the Ellington Fund board. Priscilla Clarke generously sponsored the magazine, contributing to its realization and making it possible for the creative voices of the students to be heard. You can purchase the magazine online using this link.
Lastly, thank you to those who joined my panel discussion for the Boris Lawrence Henderson Foundation's Can We Talk? Symposium and Joy awards over the weekend. on promoting equity in mental health resources for youth, particularly youth of color. Together, we can make a difference and create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all young minds.
BELL SCHEDULE
We will be on a non-advisory schedule for the remainder of the school year.
IMPORTANT DATES
FINAL Senior Class Meeting at the top of Lunch
(Virtual) Parent Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88667644987?pwd=cWtsZzlTTk53VEhUb2psc3NVNHhpZz09 - June 5
DESA 2nd ANNUAL PRIDE WEEK, presented by the Gender & Sexuality Alliance and funded by the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ Affairs - June 3 - June 10
International Food & Games Day - June 13, 11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
SENIOR AWARDS - June 13, 10:00 a.m.
GRADUATION DAY, Saturday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. (Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.), Graduating Senior’s last day of school is June 8. (No amnesty week)
Senior’s grades are due by June 9
Monday, June 12 – Friday, June 16 Graduation Verification.
(Any Seniors that will not graduate in June, will have to continue to attend school until June 22)
Last day of school for grades 9-11: June 22.
Amnesty week: June 12-16. (This does not include Assessments, finals, quizzes, or projects).
That's it for now! Thank you for your attention to the details below! See you tomorrow!
Sandi M. Logan, Principal / Head of School
6/112/2023 Greetings Ellington Community,
I hope all is well and everyone is staying safe. Congratulations to the Class of 2023 for completing their final week of high school classes! This week they will be prepping for graduation on Saturday, June 17. We also have the Senior Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 13, at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate their achievements before we send them off to their next adventure! Please note that we will still be on a non-advisory schedule for this day.
Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate our second annual DESA Pride Week, which was sponsored by a grant from the Mayor's Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs. We hope you had fun, and reflected on the meaning of PRIDE. We also want to thank everyone who volunteered at Prom this weekend, we couldn't have done it without you! We also loved seeing all of the creative Prom fits. If you have any photos you'd like us to share with our community from either event, please email them to communications@ellingtonarts.org.
If you completed all of your PARCC- ELA, Algebra I, Algebra 2, Geometry, and 9th Grade DC Science Tests, you are officially invited to our Six Flags Field Trip on Thursday, June 22! We're so proud of all of your hard work and want to congratulate you on finishing the year off strong. You will have access to the water park, and roller coasters, and we will provide meal and snack vouchers for the day. We will send out an email this week with more details.
BELL SCHEDULE
We will be on a non-advisory schedule for the remainder of the school year.
IMPORTANT DATES
International Food & Games Day - June 13, 11:45 a.m. - 1:45 p.m.
SENIOR AWARDS - June 13, 10:00 a.m.
GRADUATION DAY, Saturday, June 17, 10:00 a.m. (Doors will open at 8:30 a.m.), Graduating Senior’s last day of school is June 8. (No amnesty week)
Senior’s grades are due by June 9
Monday, June 12 – Friday, June 16 Graduation Verification.
(Any Seniors that will not graduate in June, will have to continue to attend school until June 22)
Last day of school for grades 9-11: June 22.
Amnesty week: June 12-16. (This does not include Assessments, finals, quizzes, or projects).
That's it for now! Thank you for your attention to the details below! See you tomorrow!
Sandi M. Logan, Principal / Head of School