Greetings to all members of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts community, including staff, students, faculty, parents, and stakeholders,
In light of recent concerns surrounding the restrictions on bringing open drinks or drinks with ice cubes into the school premises, we would like to provide you with further information and clarification regarding our school's operations and security procedures.
It is important to note that these rules, which prohibit the aforementioned items, are not implemented by Duke Ellington School of the Arts itself. Rather, they are mandated by the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) for the overall safety of its community. We would like to ensure that everyone is aware of these guidelines in order to comply with the regulations set forth by DCPS.
To maintain a safe and secure environment, Duke Ellington School of the Arts partners with various entities including the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) School & Safety Division, DCPS Special Police, and Contract Security Officers from Security Assurance Management, Inc (SAM). These entities work collectively to ensure the safety and security of all individuals within DCPS school buildings and public spaces.
To maintain a safe environment at our school, the following items are strictly prohibited:
- Lighters/Matches
- Water Guns
- Glass Bottles
- Open Containers Thermos
- Cigarettes
- Vape Pens (Hookah)
- Over-the-counter Medication, unless prescribed by a doctor and accompanied by a note
- Dice (Gambling)
- Tobacco Funnel
- Tobacco Sheets (Backwoods)
- Black and Mild (Tobacco Product)
- Large Sharp Scissors (Sheers)
- Protractor with Sharp Edge (Used as a Knife)
- Aerosol Sprays (Deodorants, Perfume)
At Duke Ellington School of the Arts, our mission is to provide outstanding academic and arts education ,while ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.
Principal Sandi Logan, along with her administrative team, is committed to delivering exceptional leadership and customer service to our DESA community . Should you have any additional concerns or questions regarding this policy, please feel free to contact DCPS Senior Security Management at the Office of the Chief Operating Officer, located at 3535 V Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20018.
For those who would like to join the School Home Association (SHADE) initiative to support water alternatives, contact SHADE at shade@ellingtonarts.org.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.Â
Sincerely,
Director Vernard Kam Howard
Director of Strategy and Logistics
Duke Ellington School of the Arts