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New: Inclement Weather Instructional Days Reminder
With potential inclement winter weather, a reminder that OSSE considers weather-related early dismissals and late starts full days of instruction for instructional day counting purposes. Schools may be required to reschedule up to two lost days of instruction due to weather-related closures each school year. OSSE will approve instructional day waivers from schools that apply for a waiver for weather-related closures for every closure beyond the first two days of weather-related closures in a school year when that closure is initiated by the Government of the District of Columbia. OSSE will continue to consider all other instructional day waivers on a case-by-case basis.
We encourage schools to be prepared to transition to situational distance learning. Every school that routinely provides in-person learning has a “bank” of five distance learning days that can be used at its discretion. These days cannot be built into the school calendar at the beginning of the school year, as they are strictly intended for managing unforeseen circumstances such as inclement weather. School leaders do not need advance approval from OSSE to use one of their five banked days but are to note these modifications as they occur in eSchoolPLUS.
New: SY 2025-26 School Health Profiles – Key Dates
On Dec. 15, all LEA-level users who hold the appropriate roles (e.g., LEA Head of School, LEA Data Manager, School Health Profile (SHP) POC) will automatically be granted access to the new SHP application to begin prefilling data for schools. LEA Data Managers should ensure that both LEA-level and school-level SHP points of contact are updated via the all-staff application. All users must use the same email address added in the all-staff application to create a new user profile to log-in to the SHP application. (NOTE: the application will only go live on Dec. 15).
Key Dates:
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Monday, Dec. 15: Early Access to SHP Application Granted to LEA-level Users
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Monday, Jan 12: SHP Application Launches for School-Level Users
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Monday, Feb. 2: OSSE Support Tool (OST) Deadline
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Friday, Feb. 13 by 11:59 p.m.: SHP Data Submission Deadline for School-Level Users
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Tuesday, Feb. 17 by 5 p.m.: SHP Data Certification Deadline by LEA Heads of School
If you have questions, olease find a webinar recording here for LEAs explain the log in process; how to request access for new users; how to navigate through the application; and how to submit and certify the data. The webinar covers how to use the SHP application, how to get access and important steps LEA data managers can take to ensure their schools complete the SHP by the Feb. 13 deadline. Please note, this webinar is specific to LEA-level users only. OSSE will share a separate webinar for school-level users in the coming weeks, just before school-level users receive access to the application on Jan. 12.
Your questions may be answered in the FAQs document, which is on the OSSE Healthy Schools Act webpage and also at the end of the questionnaire for the 2025-26 school year. If you have any questions, please contact Grace Manubay at OSSE.SchoolHealth@dc.gov.
OSSE Strategic Plan Community Input Survey (Reminder)
OSSE works to support learners citywide from birth to adulthood. We are developing OSSE's 2026-2030 strategic plan and want to hear from LEA leaders and educators across DC.
Your input will play a vital role in shaping and guiding OSSE’s priorities and initiatives for the coming years. Please share this survey (also available in Spanish and Amharic) with your LEA, school staff, and families so that we can learn about their perspectives.
The survey closes Friday, Dec. 12. For questions, contact osse.strategicplan@dc.gov.
LEAs Invited to Share Feedback on CLASS Observations (Reminder)
In recent years, OSSE has partnered with Teachstone to conduct Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observations of preschool-age classrooms in DC. Teachstone is interested in understanding to what extent and in what ways CLASS data is used to inform decision-making in DC and wants to hear from LEA instructional leaders and/or their support staff.
Individuals who support pre-K programs should email Teachstone's Vice President of Client Strategy Matt Owens, at Matt.Owens@teachstone.com if they are interested in sharing their input.
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NEW: Foundations of Special Education Spring 2026 Cohort Program
Enhance your skills and better serve all students, especially those with disabilities, by joining the Foundations of Special Education Spring 2026 Cohort Program. Engage in meaningful coursework activities while leveraging the flexibility of technology.
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School Cohort: For DC public and charter schools and Pre-K Enhancement and Expansion Program (PKEEP) educators, with up to 10 participants per school, including teachers, coaches, service providers, and leaders.
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Special Education Endorsement Recovery Initiative (SEERI) Cohort: Earn a special education endorsement with Praxis support, a voucher, and fee reimbursement.
Visit OSSE’s website for more information. Apply by Jan. 5 here. Participants will be notified by Jan. 9. For questions, contact Byul.Yim@dc.gov.
New: Additional Opportunities for Action Civics and Project Digital Civic Inquiry Professional Learning
OSSE has partnered Dr. Sarah McGrew (University of Maryland) and the Close Up Foundation to design a series of units designed to support grade 8 educators in implementing Action Civics standards using the Project Digital Civic Inquiry Curriculum. Each of the units builds on the work conducted by Dr. McGrew in Civic Online Reasoning and the Close Up Foundation's expertise in deliberation-based learning about current issues.
Learning dates and times:
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Dec. 19: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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Jan. 23: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
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Feb. 6: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Project Digital Civic Inquiry Curriculum symposium will take place at Friendship Armstrong Campus, 1400 First St. NW.
To register, please email Madison.Kantzer@dc.gov with the name and email address of your participating Grade 8 educator by Friday, Dec. 12. Instructional coaches or social studies supervisors are also invited to participate alongside educators.
New: Holocaust Workshop
OSSE and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum are excited to announce the launch of a one-day workshop to support educators in teaching the Holocaust.
Secondary English Language Arts and Social Studies educators are invited to a special professional learning day on Feb. 4 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
The one-day Holocaust Institute will provide educators with an overview of best practices, strategies and resources for teaching the Holocaust with depth, sensitivity, and historical accuracy. Participants will engage with museum experts, explore classroom-ready materials, and strengthen their practice by exploring the choices individuals made during the holocaust.
Target Audience:
- World History II, US History II, and Action Civics educators
- English language arts (ELA) teachers who teach Holocaust texts including Maus, Night, and The Diary of Anne Frank.
- Instructional coaches and administrators who support secondary ELA and social studies teachers.
This opportunity is available to any secondary educator or leader at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here.
For more information, please contact Madison Kantzer at Madison.Kantzer@dc.gov.
New: Secondary STEM Fair Overview Sessions
The Division of Teaching and Learning will offer an overview of the Secondary Senior Division (grades 9-12) and Secondary Junior Division (grades 6-8) STEM Fairs. The overview conversations geared toward educators, leaders, and coaches supporting students. Whether you are new to supporting students in STEM Fair projects or looking to streamline your current approach, the overview will equip you with the tools and information needed to have a successful fair experience.
The sessions will provide information regarding:
- Historical Participation Rates
- Review Committee Roles and Expectations
- Registration Process and Key Deadlines
If you are interested in scheduling a session, or would like more information, please contact the Teaching and Learning Science Specialist Jhatia McKnight at Jhatia.McKnight@dc.gov. Individual overview sessions can be scheduled through March 28.
Do not miss your opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and role in fostering scientific inquiry and student achievement.
New: Upcoming Social Studies Professional Learning Opportunities
- Last Call to Register: Document-Based Professional Learning Series
- Sessions will take place on the following Wednesdays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at OSSE headquarters at 1050 First St. NE, Washington DC, 20002.
- Session 1: Wednesday Dec. 10,
- Session 2: Wednesday Jan. 28
- Session 3: Wednesday March 11
- Session 4: Wednesday May 6
- Session 5: Monday, June 22 (10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.)
- Light dinner and refreshments will be provided.
- Last Call to Register: Grade 6 Educators: Teaching Geographic Reasoning with the Revised Standards
- Wednesday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m at OSSE (1050 First Street NE)
- This session will:
- Familiarize educators with the Grade 6 Geography Standards.
- Introduce educators to geographic thinking and critical geographic inquiry with geographic data.
- Develop educator capacity to leverage OSSE resources to design lessons that align with standards and incorporate elements of critical literacy.
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World History I and Grade 7 Curriculum Cohort
- OSSE has partnered with curricular experts to curate a more complete set of lesson resources to support World History I and 1 Driving Concept for Grade 7 Civil War. We are looking for 8-10 educators to pilot the revised curricular materials and provide feedback. Educators will receive coaching and professional learning support, in addition to access to lesson materials. Register here to participate.
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Discuss World History Professional Learning
- Digital Promise is looking for World History teachers to pilot lesson plans on a set of paired topics: Mongols/Black Death OR Appeasement/Holocaust. Participants can receive up to $500 for their time and will be asked to implement two brief lessons and record classroom discussions. Please see this link for an overview of the study and interest form.
Small Group Reading Strategies for Multilingual Learners, Dec. 10 (Reminder)
In this session, third through fifth grade teachers will learn strategies for teaching effective and culturally responsive small group lessons to multilingual learners who are developing foundational reading skills. Participants will learn to incorporate students’ language assets and support needs in all domains of reading. Participants will observe linguistically responsive small group instruction in action from a local teacher.
The session will take place in-person on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 1-3:30 p.m. at OSSE, 1050 First St. NE. Attendees will receive 3 professional learning units (PLUs) for their participation. Register here.
For more information, contact Francesca Smith, Multilingual Specialist, at Francesca.Smith@dc.gov.
Winter 2025-26 Math Bootcamp Enrolling Now (Reminder)
Back by popular demand, OSSE is excited to offer and updated math bootcamp focusing on evidence-informed practices for math instruction. Educators will engage with developing math instructional practices that support accelerated learning for all students. This online course is available to K-12 educators and school leaders. Participants will earn 18 professional learning units (PLUs) for successful completion.
The math bootcamp virtual course will contain both asynchronous and synchronous sessions.
- The 14 asynchronous modules will help educators understand scientifically based, evidence-informed instructional methods to teach mathematics in grades K-12. The session begins with a brief overview of how the brain learns math and the ways that knowledge, memory, and skill are developed, stored, and retrieved in the brain. Subsequent modules are rooted in the Standards for Mathematical Practice, creating a clear basis for mathematical expertise that educators should expect and in turn develop in all students, grades K-12.
- The six live sessions will provide educators with an opportunity to discuss new learning and turnkey course concepts in a classroom setting. Live sessions will take place on Tuesday afternoons in January and February. More information will be available upon registration.
This opportunity is available to any K-12 educator or leader at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Register here. For more information, please contact Miryam Oziel Miryam.Oziel@dc.gov.
 School Climate Enhancement Microgrant, Apply by Dec. 8 (Reminder)
Applications are now open for the 2025-26 OSSE School Climate Enhancement Microgrant. This grant supports schools in using data to establish or enhance a sustainable, school-wide approach to social and emotional learning (SEL), ultimately contributing to an improved school climate. By leveraging data-informed strategies, schools can make a meaningful and positive impact within their communities.
Apply here by Monday, Dec. 8 at 8 a.m.
Microgrant Details:
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Award Amount: Up to $50,000 per school
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Purpose:To establish or enhance a comprehensive approach to SEL and school climate, utilizing the DC Survey About Your School (DC SAYS) school climate data to identify specific areas of need and to drive targeted, meaningful, and systemic enhancements in policies, practices, and culture, in collaboration with key stakeholders. Priority points will be awarded to schools whose projects and initiatives are explicitly targeted at supporting middle school students, high school students, and/or students with disabilities.
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To be eligible for a grant, an applicant must:
- Be a school within a public or public charter DC LEA that participated in the 2024–25 DC SAYS and
- Was not selected as a 2024-25 microgrant recipient.
For more information, please visit the OSSE School Climate Enhancement Microgrant website. We warmly invite all eligible participants to consider applying and take advantage of this opportunity to foster school growth and improvement.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Marcus Hughes at Marcus.Hughes@dc.gov.
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December 2025
January 2026
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