Family Handbook

Lead Testing

Health Profile for School Year 2019-20

Student Vaccine Requirements

It is the goal of this school and the District of Columbia to keep all students healthy while in school. In an effort to protect the health and wellness of all students, District of Columbia law requires all students in the District to provide their schools with up to date immunization documentation or proof of medical or religious exemption in order to attend school (DC Official Code § 38–501 et seq.).

At the beginning of next school year, all students must present proper immunization documentation in order to attend school. If a student is discovered to not have received their proper immunizations, Breakthrough will issue a warning letter stating they will have 20 school days to present the proper immunization documentation to the school (DC Official Code § 38–505). If the proper immunization documentation is not presented to Breakthrough within the 20-school day period, the student will be removed from school and will receive an “unexcused absence” each day they are out of school. Once the proper immunization documentation is presented to Breakthrough, the student will be allowed to return and the missed days will be changed to “excused absences.”

DC Health immunization requirements are based on a student’s age. If you are not sure if your student’s immunization records on file are complete, please contact Nurse Emunah. You may also contact your primary health provider or make an appointment for your student to receive their annual wellness visit. During the wellness visit, ensure the health provider completes the Universal Health Certificate or provides you with appropriate proof of immunization or medical exemption. You will need to give this immunization documentation to Breakthrough.

This policy will protect the health of all students. In order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as measles, it is vital that all students are fully immunized before entering school. Immunizations are the best defense against some of the most common and sometimes deadly infectious diseases. This policy will help prevent an outbreak among unimmunized children and adults, similar to those that have occurred in other communities.

If you need assistance in finding a health provider or immunization location near you, please let us know or consult this list of providers. If you do not have health insurance or need a healthcare provider, please refer to DC Health Link or contact the Citywide Call Center by dialing 3-1-1.  If you have other questions or would like more information, please contact Nurse Emunah.

Resources for Families Experiencing Housing Instability: McKinney Vento Homelessness Assistance Act

The Educational Rights for Parents and Students Experiencing Homelessness document provides an overview of the federal guidelines of MKV, dispute resolution procedures, and the mission of the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) Homeless Education Program and staff contact information.

The Educational Rights for Parents and Students Experiencing Homelessness document is available in the following languages: English, Spanish (Español), Amharic (አማርኛ), Chinese (中文), French (Français),  Korean (한국어), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt).

Community Support Resources: 

From https://janeeseward4.com/community-resources/

Here are some additional resources for you and your family:

  • Apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

  • Food Resource Map for free meals and free groceries across DC

  • Food Assistance Programs for students, seniors, pregnant women, and mothers with young children

  • Slow Food DC helps grow, educate, and provide healthy and fair food

  • Ward 4 Mutual Aid is helping provide food, water, and supplies to neighbors across Ward 4.

  • Department of Behavioral Health Community Response Team to support adults who are experiencing emotional, psychiatric or substance use vulnerabilities: 202-673-6495

  • DC’s Mental Health 24-hour hotline staffed by behavioral health professionals: 1-888-793-4357

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline available to anyone in distress: 988

Here are some key places to seek housing assistance:

OSSE Special Education Services and Programs 

As families and educators prepare for the start of the 2024-25 school year, they should keep in mind the following services and programs provided OSSE. Follow the links below for more information.

  • Strong Start Early Intervention Services: The Strong Start DC Early Intervention Program provides early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and developmental delays. This program is crucial in identifying and addressing developmental issues early, setting the foundation for future educational success. 

  • DC Special Education Hub: The DC Special Education Hub is a vital resource for families, offering tools, information, and support to help them make informed decisions about their child’s education. An initiative of the DC Ombudsman for Public Education in partnership with OSSE, the Hub provides multilingual support and hosts events to empower families with knowledge about special education processes and rights. 

  • Student Transportation Services: OSSE’s Division of Student Transportation remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for students with disabilities. This service ensures that students can attend school and related activities without barriers, supporting their educational journey. 

  • Special Education Performance Report (SEPR): Now in its second year, the SEPR provides a detailed evaluation of LEAs’ special education programs. This report helps pinpoint areas for improvement and highlights successes, ensuring that LEAs receive the necessary support to enhance their services for students with disabilities.