Today is the first day for students back at school all across DC public schools. We’ve all been busy working to make sure the school "Repair Blitz" and “Buff and Scrub” efforts went well over the last couple of months -- and hundreds of volunteers came out for DCPS Beautification Day this pas weekend. This morning, Tommy had our staff fan out to schools across the ward to check in on progress and help trouble shoot if any problems arose on opening day. We’ll include summaries and pictures as our staff reports in:

Amidon Elementary

When I arrived at this school in Southwest, I introduced myself to the principal, Mr. Goudeaux. He took a few minutes out of his busy morning to share that the Repair Blitz work had gone well and that staff were in the building until midnight finishing up some last minute details. The building had a lot of cosmetic work to help spruce it up for the students – broken window panes were replaced, new paint on the walls, and new air conditioning units were installed. As I left, Mr. Goudeaux was shaking the hand of a new first grader, Seth, and helping him find his new teacher and classroom. - Charles Allen

Jefferson Middle School

Jefferson was a junior high school last year and is part of the junior high to middle school transition process this year. For anyone who’s been inside this school, the work done during the Repair Blitz is quickly evident. Overhead lighting was installed in the auditorium for the first time, immediately brightening the room. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and most importantly, critical repairs to the seating that had been missing for years. When I spoke with Principal Maa about the repairs, he was very happy, saying, “With the seats repaired, for the first time in years, we can have the entire school at the same assembly in the same room, rather than splitting it up like we’ve always had to.” I also spoke with Ms. Lobban, the school’s special education coordinator, who described it as the “most calm opening day in my five years.” - Charles Allen

Miner Elementary School

Principal Ms. Bunch and the faculty and staff were all smiles as they welcomed the children back for the first day of classes at Miner Elementary school.   The school was abuzz with excited young faces in their navy blue and white uniforms entering their beautiful school all prepped and awaiting their arrival.  Floors were shining and all sorts of messages decorations adorned the hallways.  Students moved smoothly into their classes, parents in tow.  Those who didn't know where to go stopped into the office and received instruction.  Ms. Valda Woodson received children for her Head Start classroom with smiles and hugs.  The air was filled with anticipation and excitement. - Linda O'Brien

Maury Elementary School

At Maury, principal Mr. Wilson, had the children and parents signing in outside the front door and then gathering in the cafeteria before lining the children up by grade on the playground.  Once the school day was ready to start, Mr. Wilson got on his bullhorn and welcomed all the children back and then took few minutes to remind them of some of the rules about respect and personal responsibility that help school days run smoothly. "How about a round of applause for our rising seniors" he  shouted, as he called all the 6th graders to their spot on the playground.   But for a few glitches that crept in and are being handled, all went extremely well on the first day of classes. - Linda O'Brien

Watkins Elementary School
 
Students, teachers and parents lined up early outside Watkins Elementary School this morning, to meet their teachers and to organize themselves into their classes.  They were greeted at 8:15 a.m. by the Mayor himself, and then they proceeded into the building where students went to their classrooms and parents went to the gymnasium for an assembly with the Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor to answer any questions.  It was beautiful day, and the school looked ready for its new school year.  Congratulations Watkins Elementary School! - Ram Uppuluri
 
Peabody School
 
Parents and children arriving at the Peabody School on Stanton Park were greeted at the door by Mrs. Kennedy from the Chancellor's office, and inside by Cluster School Principal Brandon Eatman, before meeting up with their teachers and walking into their classrooms.  The shool looked freshly painted, and Principal Eatman patiently answered every question the parents asked.  Peabody's new library on the fourth floor is almost ready - just waiting for tables and chairs, according to the school's librarian.  It's going to be an exciting year at the Peabody School. - Ram Uppuluri
 
Stuart Hobson Middle School

Classes were well underway at Stuart Hobson Middle School by 9:30 a.m., and parents were garthered in the school auditorium listening to Assistant Principal Humes answer their questions, and explain the news about Stuart Hobson this year.  Fifth grade parents were understandably anxious about their children entering a new school - "don't worry, don't worry" Mr. Humes assured them.  Stuart Hobson has a new athletic director this year, and will have a football team this fall for the first time, Mr. Humes announced.  The only glitch this year: painters had to take down all their equipment on Friday, so the teachers could set up their classrooms over the weekend.  Mr. Eatman and Mr. Humes assured me the painting will recommence on Friday, August 31, and go on through the Labor Day weekend - "I guarantee it!" Mr. Eatman said. - Ram Uppuluri

Tyler Elementary School

Students and parents at Tyler elementary were greeted by the new principal Pedro Cartagena and his staff, directing them to the auditorium for a brief welcome and introduction.  An announcement celebrating the efforts of last year's staff and students in acheiving Annual Yearly Progess status (2nd largest gains in DCPS) was greeted with applause.  Then, starting with the pre-school and pre-Kindergarten classes, teachers were introducecd and called students for their classroom assignements.  The great work done on School Beautification Day was evident as the new tile floors and paint gave the school a brightened look. Dr. Cartagena joins Tyler from his previous stint with Adams Elementary.  His considerable experience has Tyler's traditional instruction and Spanish Immersion Program on an upward track, evidenced by the increased enrollment and renewed enthusiasm at Tyler. - Marco Concha, Tyler ES Parent (not actually staff, but a committed parent who wanted to share their report, thanks!)

Payne Elementary School

Smiles laughter and the smell of fresh paint filled the halls of Payne Elementary as Mr. Homesely, the principal, greeted parents and children as they entered the school for the first day of the 2007-2008 school year. Parents and children made their way to the gym as teachers called their students' names and they made their way to their classrooms. The fresh coat of blue, green and white paint along with colorful decorations made the school feel like a stimulating learning environment. As I spoke to parents at the school, I found three that had removed their children from private school to come back to DCPS and attend Payne Elementary. This is exciting news to DCPS and Payne Elementary for the upcoming year of school. - Daniel Conner

J.O. Wilson Elementary

I visited JO Wilson in the morning.  Many smiling faces and no concerns by teachers or parents.  The only problem was that the school buses from Anacostia (children in the Head Start program) had not arrived by the time that orientation started.  The principal handled it very well though and kept things moving. - Adam Maier

Ludlow-Taylor Elementary 

I also had a good visit at Ludlow-Taylor.  The principal seemed to handle every minor problem with ease and largely, everthing was looking great and went smoothly for the first day back. - Adam Maier