Family Handbook
2023–2024 School Year
Leah Hassler, Principal • Andrew Lardell, Assistant Principal
Social Emotional Learning - Equity - Personalized Learning
Dear Maury Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! Get ready for another year of joyful learning experiences
for Maury students. Our students impressed us with tremendous academic and social-emotional
growth last school year, and we cannot wait to continue to build on that work this year. Their
elementary school experience is only the beginning of their lifelong journey of learning and
contributing to the world, but we aim for it to be a special time to learn in a safe and supportive
environment around caring adults and empathetic and curious classmates.
We will continue to focus on social-emotional learning, equity, and academics as our top three
priorities. More specifically, our staff will engage in professional development to support
enhancing our inclusive school community. This includes implementing the most effective ways
to create welcoming learning spaces and to use instructional strategies that support students in
the individual ways they learn best. It also means partnering with families to have ongoing
conversations about student progress and how we can help to create a positive school
experience.
We are eager to have a great school year and to watch our students continue to grow as learners
and leaders. We look forward to seeing families at many school events this year.
Sincerely,
Leah Hassler, Principal
Andrew Lardell, Assistant Principal
About Maury Elementary School
Maury Elementary School is a vibrant community of learners, thinkers, creators, and achievers.
Our community-based school provides inquiry-based learning experiences, arts enrichment, and
academic programs that help students discover their potential. Through work and play, we
support each student’s growth and development, encouraging self-empowerment, high
achievement, and a passion for learning. Maury embraces the diversity within our school and
community, and promotes strong connections among our students, staff, parents, and
volunteers.
Programming offered at Maury includes music, art, science, health and physical education, and
library/media for all grades, Spanish language and culture, as well as creative movement in the
early childhood classrooms.
Maury’s enrollment for the 2023–2024 school year is approximately 550 students, with class
sizes ranging from 16–28 students. Each classroom has a full-time or part-time aide. Maury’s
active PTA works to engage families and the neighborhood in all aspects of school life. Parents
are always welcome and are invited to work closely with teachers to ensure that each child
receives the support needed to succeed.
National Blue Ribbon School - 2020
Maury was designated an Exemplary High Performing National Blue Ribbon School for 2020,
one of three DC Public Schools that year. Schools receiving this award are recognized for both
challenging academics and providing a welcoming and safe learning environment.
Ashoka Changemaker School
Since 2013, Maury has been a Changemaker School with Ashoka. Through this initiative, schools
prioritize the cultivation of empathy, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving in their students,
so they may become changemakers. These values are infused through all of our activities—every
student, every day. Learn more at: www.ashoka.org.
History
Maury Elementary School was built in 1886 and has been in continuous operation for over 130
years. In August 2019, Maury completed a modernization project and opened doors to its
current school building.
Mission and Values
Mission
Maury Elementary School offers a nurturing environment to its community of involved learners,
fostering creativity, cultivating curiosity, and forming lasting connections to develop
self-empowered citizens.
Values
We believe that each child has an inherent right to an education. It is our intent that he or she
will develop his or her maximum capabilities, in an environment that respects and supports the
diversity within our community.
At Maury, we believe that each child has the ability to learn, regardless of the rate of learning.
Therefore, we pledge to meet this challenge by providing a comprehensive educational program
in an atmosphere that is open and responsive to the needs of our students.
We believe in an inquiry-based environment where students must use critical and analytical
thinking. We believe that hands-on learning in various settings is a crucial part of learning. Our
caring staff attends to each student’s learning style to help him or her succeed.
Our “Five Stances” (empathy, flexibility, optimism, resilience and persistence) define the
characteristics that we hope to instill in our students.
Traditions
The Maury community is rich with traditions that provide continuity and positive rituals for our
children. Parents are welcome to attend school community events and share ideas to make
events even better or to create new traditions!
School Slogan: “Empowering Minds Today, Developing the Citizens of Tomorrow!”
School Colors: White and Royal Blue (uniform is white/navy)
School Mascot: The Maury Cougar
School Logo: The Maury Community Tree
School Song: “Dear Maury Elementary” By Rothel Carter (Lyrics below)
Dear Maury Elementary, to thee we’ll e’er be true.
We are so proud to wear your colors, white and royal blue.
Constantly we’re striving, to do the best we can.
Dear Maury Elementary, for thee we’ll always
stand. Dear Maury Elementary, to thee we’ll
e’er be true.
For guidance and good leadership; oh how we love you.
Achieving goals successfully, for this you are grand.
Dear Maury Elementary, for thee we’ll always stand.
Daily Student Schedule
7:15 AM
Polite Piggy’s opens for students registered for before care only at
Constitution Ave.
8:15 AM
Breakfast arrival only. Entrances are 13
th
St. (PK-1
st
) and Constitution Ave.
(2
nd
-5
th
).
8:30 AM
Morning arrival begins for students not eating breakfast. Students must
enter at 13
th
St. or Constitution before entering the playground for morning
recess and line up. (The paper health screening at the door is no longer
required.)
8:40 AM
Bell rings to start the school day; teachers escort K-5 students from
playground to class.
MIDDAY
Lunch/Recess (Times vary by grade.)
3:15 PM
Bell rings for dismissal from the playground and multipurpose room.
Polite Piggy’s aftercare and afterschool activities begin.
6:00 PM
Polite Piggy’s aftercare ends.
Arrival Procedures
Classroom hours are 8:40 AM–3:15 PM for all students. Please help your child arrive at school on
time to ensure he/she receives full instruction and to minimize disruption to other students.
Drop off. As we grow in enrollment, we have limited space and available supervision for those
not in beforecare during the morning drop-off time. Early arrival is encouraged for students
eating breakfast (starting at 8:15 AM) only. Students in staff-supervised school activities may
have a time arranged slightly before 8:15 AM. Please do not drop off or encourage your child
to arrive before 8:15 AM when there will be no supervision as staff prepares for the school
day unless your child is enrolled in beforecare with Polite Piggy’s. A 10-minute morning
recess starts at 8:30 AM and is also an opportunity for early drop off for students not eating
breakfast. They will need to enter the school on the 13
th
Street side or on Constitution for health
screening, not 12
th
Place.
PK3/PK4 students enter through 13 St. and eat in the Discovery Commons; All other students
eat in the cafeteria or grade-specific areas. Due to stricter guidelines with signing in and the
supervision of early childhood students, PK3/PK4 students do not attend the morning recess
with the larger group. Students not eating breakfast should plan to arrive between 8:30
and 8:40 a.m.
Getting to the classroom. No later than 8:40 AM, Kindergarten–Grade 5 students line up by
classes outside or in the multipurpose room in assigned spaces. Adults will give a hug and wave,
and teachers will escort students to classes. Students will head straight to the classroom from
the entrances during inclement weather.
Tardy arrivals. After the 8:40 AM line-up, all students must enter through the main door on
Constitution Ave. for arrival. Any student arriving to school after 8:55 AM must report to the office
for a “tardy slip” before going to the classroom; students will not be admitted to class without one
for attendance tracking purposes. Parents escorting a child into the building for late drop-offs will
be asked to sign in at the security desk as part of security procedures. Tardy arrivals are reported
on a child’s school record.
Attendance issues can impact student academic performance and will require a parent
conference. If not addressed, it may result in consequences under attendance policies and DC
law.
Dismissal Procedures
Students are dismissed from different exits, depending on grade levels:
grade levels can walk with siblings (K-5) with written permission. They will dismiss
from Constitution Ave. This group includes car riders where the adult driver is using
the express lane quick pick-up option on Constitution Ave to alleviate traffic around
neighborhood streets.
● PK3 and PK4 students are dismissed starting at 3:10 PM on the basketball court
(new location for 2022-23). Parents or an approved adult (with written permission)
must sign out students in these grades. Siblings cannot sign out PK students.
● Kindergarten–1
st
grade dismisses from the multipurpose room (enter from playground).
● 2
nd
-5
th
grades dismiss at designated spots on the playground.
Please pick up your child promptly at 3:15pm. Unless there is a scheduled appointment, please
allow your student to remain in class until the end of the day. NEW FOR 23-24 SY:
There will be no early dismissal after 2:30 pm to reduce
classroom interruptions. All students enrolled in afterschool programs will be
escorted by an adult from their classroom to their program.
Inclement weather. Unless otherwise noted, students will be dismissed from the multipurpose
room in waves. Please provide space at entrances to allow students to exit the building.
Identification
During the first week of school, identification will be required to pick up a child from PK3 or PK4
from regular school dismissal. Afterward, any person who does not pick up the child regularly
will be required to show identification, and the teacher/main office will need to check the
dismissal verification form on file for the child to verify the parents’ approval of the person
picking up. If permission cannot be verified, the person will be unable to pick up the child. (If a
name listed on the dismissal verification form changes, it is the responsibility of the
parent/guardian to update the form accordingly.) In Kindergarten through
Grade 5, staff may request identification for unfamiliar adults as well for safety. This is a safety
measure, and we want to make sure that all Maury Cougars get to the right place with the right
person!
Emergency. In an emergency, a parent may give permission via e-mail to
698-3838. Please ensure that an office contact (such as the Maury Attendance email) is notified
in addition to your child’s teacher who might not see the message while teaching.
Early/Late Pick Ups
Please do not pick up your child before dismissal at 3:15 PM unless there is an emergency or
scheduled appointment; Please avoid early pick-ups after 2:30 p.m. to avoid classroom
disruptions and so that your child can receive all assignments and notices at the end of the day.
Please check in with the main office to sign your student out for all early or late pick-ups.
Dismissal to Polite Piggy’s. At 3:35 PM, students not picked up may be dismissed to Polite Piggy’s
aftercare. Late pickups will incur a fee based on the following scale:
● 3:35–3:40 PM, $5
● 3:35–3:45 PM, $10
● 3:35–6:00 PM, $25
Repeated late pickups will require formal registration in Polite Piggy’s aftercare. In addition,
repeated cases will be reported to Child and Family Services. If students are not formally
registered with Polite Piggy’s, emergency contacts will be called for pick-up if a parent cannot
be reached. Upon pick-up, the adult must sign the child out in the late-pick up binder.
Children whose parents allow them to walk home by themselves must leave the school
promptly after dismissal at 3:15 PM. Please submit your permission for student self-dismissal in
self-dismissal for students below fourth grade unless there is an older responsible sibling
available to accompany the student. Older Maury students (4
th
/5
th
) may walk with younger
siblings but PK3 and PK4 siblings can only be dismissed to a parent or an approved adult for
dismissal. Only those students under parental supervision, in afterschool programs with staff, or
in aftercare may remain on school grounds after dismissal.
Getting To and From School Safely
Adhering to these rules at all times is paramount to ensure safety.
Parking. For families who wish to accompany their children into school, cars should be parked
on 13th Street NE (limited to 15 minutes). This is especially needed for the early childhood
families that must sign their PK3/PK4 students into their classrooms. Please do not block
crosswalks and practice patience with other parents during the busy times of arrival and
dismissal.
Express Drop-off/Pick-Up. From 8:30–8:40 AM, you may also drop off your child (K–Grade 5 only)
in the
Express Zone on Constitution Avenue NE in front of the school (heading west from 13th Street to
12th Place NE). Staff will be posted to greet your child, but drivers should not exit their
vehicles to keep traffic flowing. If you arrive after 8:40 AM, you will need to park and escort
your child into the building for sign-in. Students who have written permission as walkers may
meet parents or approved adult drivers at Constitution at the end of the day as well.
Drivers should remain in their cars at dismissal as well.
Walking. Walkers should cross streets only at corners. Adult crossing guards will assist
pedestrians at the busy intersections of Constitution Avenue and 13th Street and C and 13th
Streets. All children, even when supervised by a parent, are to cross streets only while the
“walk” signal is on.
Bikes. Students may ride bikes to school. According to DC law, properly fitting helmets must be
worn by all bike riders under the age of 16, including riders in bike seats or bike trailers. Maury
requires that bikes be locked securely to the bike racks in front of the school building during the
day to prevent thefts. The school is not responsible for damage or theft; parents are invited to
register their child’s bike with the National Bike Registry (www.nationalbikeregistry.com) to assist
police in the event of a theft. Bikes are not permitted to be ridden on the playground on school
days until after 6:00pm (except for cycling units designated by the PE and health teachers during
the day).
Scooters, skates, and skateboards. Scooters, skates, and skateboards must be locked up
outside. Students must use helmets with these activities. We do not have indoor storage space.
Public transportation. The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program allows DC students to ride for free
on Metrobus, the DC Circulator, and Metrorail within the District to get to and from school using
the Kids Ride Free (KRF) SmarTrip card. KRF SmarTrip cards are typically valid until
September 30 of the following school year. The new KRF SmarTrip card will be available before
current KRF SmarTrip cards expire.
Parents and guardians can also arrange to pick up a replacement for lost cards in the main
office once the school year begins.
Meals and Snacks
Maury is a nut-free and fish/shellfish-free school in response to documented severe allergies.
No food or drinks that contain peanuts/tree nuts or were packaged/manufactured in a facility
that handles or processes nuts will be allowed during the school year. Additional resources and
information about food allergies and a list of food substitutes is located here:
https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-
allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/substitutions
For 2023-2024, the Maury cafeteria will resume charging lunches to students’ lunch
accounts on www.myschoolbucks.com. Lunches are $3. Eligible families may apply for
free or reduced lunches at dcps.dc.gov/farm. School breakfast and lunch menus are on
display in the cafeteria and may also be downloaded from the DCPS website. Staff supervision
is provided during all meals.
Breakfast
Breakfast is available to all Maury students, between 8:15–8:40 AM daily. Due to space, please
only arrive for breakfast if your child plans to eat.
● PK3 and PK4: Breakfast is served in the early childhood Discovery Commons.
● Kindergarten–Grade 5: Breakfast is served in the cafeteria.
Lunch
For PK3 and PK4 students, lunch is served in the classroom; for Kindergarten–Grade 5, lunch
is served in the cafeteria. Lunch periods are as follows:
● PK3 and PK4: Varies by class (see teacher)
● Kindergarten and Grade 1: 11:10–11:40 AM
● Grades 2 and 3: 11:40 AM –12:10 PM
● Grades 4 and 5: 12:10–12:40 PM
Payment. Payment can be made to the Food Service Manager in the cafeteria or by using the
MySchoolBucks online service (www.myschoolbucks.com). Meals must be paid in advance to
the cafeteria staff; each student’s meal account is charged when they get lunch.
Free and reduced-price lunches are available to students who submit a Free and Reduced Meal
(FARM) application and meet the income eligibility requirements. FARM applications are available
in the main office or on the DCPS website at: dcps.dc.gov/farm.
Lunch from home. Please see above regarding allergy restrictions. Please pack healthy
lunches that do not include candy/sweets or sodas. Additional food policies may be enacted
based on medical need by individual classrooms. Please write your child’s name on the
outside of the lunch box/bag and all water bottles and food containers.
Food allergies. If your child has a food allergy, you must report it to the school nurse with
report the condition to your child’s teacher and to your room parents for coordination of special
events. The nurse and a group of trained staff can administer medication (Epipen, etc.) in case
of an emergency or to support children in ongoing healthcare.
Snacks
Afternoon snacks are provided in the PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten classrooms. Snacks are
provided by parents for the entire class on a rotating basis (usually twice a year), to be
coordinated by each classroom. Snacks should also adhere to allergy restrictions. Teachers will
contact parents directly regarding snacks.
Recess
Maury provides a 30-minute active recess period minimum into each school day. We believe
that active recess is necessary to enhance student focus and learning, as well as enrich
physical, social, and emotional development. Under DCPS policy, recess may not be withheld
from a student; however, severe or repeated infractions against the recess rules could result in
a loss of privilege or other school- based consequences.
Students will have outdoor recess except during inclement weather, which could include
severe temperatures or rain that reduces visibility or makes slipping on equipment or surfaces
more likely. We ask that you please dress your child appropriately for the weather. Grade
levels may be assigned to separate areas to support a positive recess climate and safety.
Schedule
● PK3 and PK4: Before lunch and after nap (times vary)
● Kindergarten: 10:40am
● Grade 1: 11:40am
● Grade 2: 11:10am
● Grade 3: 12:10pm
● Grades 4 and 5: 12:40pm
Expectations
Students must abide by the following expectations to ensure safety at recess:
● Students must respect the adults on recess duty and follow recess expectations.
● All students must respect the personal space of others.
● Each child must notify a teacher or an adult on recess duty if there is an
emergency, an injury, or a need to leave the playground or classroom for any
reason.
● All students must respect the playground equipment and classroom materials.
● While outside, all students must use age-appropriate playground equipment
properly (e.g. sliding down the slide, as opposed to walking or standing on the
slide).
● All students must notify a teacher or an adult on duty if they find anything on the
grounds of the playground (or classroom) that can pose risk of harm.
● Students must return balls and equipment to storage areas at the end
of recess. All teachers will go over the recess rules and playground safety with
students regularly.
School Policies
Enrollment
All elementary school-age children (aged 5 and above as of September 30) residing in the
Maury school boundaries, as well as those who have attended Maury during the previous
school year, have a right to attend Maury Elementary School. Families living outside the
Maury boundaries must apply through the My School DC Lottery before their first enrollment.
Placements are made on a space-available basis through the lottery process.
Required Documents
All public school students in the District of Columbia are required to provide proof of
their residency in the District or pay tuition. To enroll a child, it is required that you present
each child’s:
● Birth certificate
● Health records, including health certificate/immunizations and dental certificate
● Proof of residency
More information is available in the DCPS enrollment packet, available in the main office at
Maury or on the DCPS website at: enrolldcps.dc.gov.
Early Childhood
Families may apply for admission to the Early Childhood program at Maury if their child meets
the following age requirements by September 30 of the current school year:
● PK3: Three years old
● PK4: Four years old
Enrollment for all Early Childhood spots is handled by the My School DC Lottery; space is limited.
Demand for the Early Childhood program and an influx of families into the Maury boundaries
means that many applicants—even those who live in-bounds or have siblings attending
Maury—will be placed on a waitlist. The waitlist is maintained by the school; parents will be
notified promptly when space becomes available.
Attendance
The District of Columbia Compulsory School Attendance Law requires that children from the age
of 5 be enrolled in and attend school regularly. Student attendance is monitored daily. An
auto-dial (robocall) system is used to notify parents of unexcused absences. We also enforce
that every student should be on time (no later than 8:40 AM) daily. Please note that
Covid-related absence updates apply and can be found on the DCPS website, or you can
contact the school if you have questions.
Absences
AM. Absences that do not have an e-mail or written excuse by 12:00 PM will be listed as an
unexcused absence. The District specifies the following as valid reasons for absence from
school:
● Illness of the student (a doctor’s certificate is required for an absence of more than 4
days)
● Medical reasons such as a doctor’s appointment (a doctor’s certificate should be
provided
for medical appointments scheduled during the school day)
● Observance of a religious holiday
● Death in the student’s immediate family
Family trips are not considered excused absences. Parents should send an e-mail to
recordkeeping of long-term absences. Because it is an unexcused absence, parents will still
receive a robocall.
In accordance with the DCPS attendance policy, families have 5 days to provide a written
excuse for an absence. Further documentation may be requested depending on the length of
the absence. After the 5- day period, absences are counted by DCPS as unexcused.
DCPS will not change the unexcused status after that period. Students are deemed
chronically absent if they miss 10% or more school days and chronically truant if they have 10
or more unexcused absences.
Appointments
Please try to make all appointments for your child before or after school. If your child must
leave early, only a parent, guardian, or adult designated by the parent or guardian may
withdraw your child. Please call the main office or send a note to designate another person to
pick up your child.
When early dismissal is necessary, students may be picked up in the main office after the early
dismissal book has been signed by the parent or guardian on record.
Dress Code
All Maury students are expected to come to school wearing a uniform daily, unless the
administration suspends uniform wearing for special occasions such as field trips, class reward
or celebration days arranged by teachers, and other special programs (such as PTA uniform
pass days). Parents are responsible for ensuring their child adheres to the uniform policy.
Uniform
The Maury uniform colors are navy and white. Students are expected to wear clothing and
footwear appropriate for the weather and for recess and physical education.
Bottoms. Navy pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, or dresses.
Tops. White or navy button-down collared shirt, polo shirt with collar, or Maury logo t-shirt.
White or navy sweaters or cardigans are permitted. NO: Plain t-shirts/undershirts as uniform
shirts.
Uniform Bank. All families are encouraged to use the uniform bank, where parents can choose
and donate used uniforms. If not out in the lobby, inquire in the school office for the location.
Footwear and Accessories
Casual shoes, sneakers, or sandals. Crocs are discouraged. NO: Open-toed sandals or flip-flops.
Children may not wear hats in the building. Dangling earrings are not allowed for safety reasons.
Donations for Students in Need
Brand new school supplies and uniforms are also available for Maury students in need. To learn
Early Childhood Readiness
Potty training. While potty training is not mandatory for children entering PK3 or PK4, parents
are encouraged to work with their children on potty training before starting school. Our
dedicated staff will work with each family to ensure that each developmentally ready child is
fully potty-trained within the first six weeks of school. An extra pair of clothing in a plastic bag
for the cubby is suggested for PK3, PK4 and Kindergarten.
Uniforms. All students are expected to be in uniform daily.
Attendance. All students should be able to attend school daily for the entire day. Consistent
attendance in early childhood supports strong attendance and academic performance as
students get older. We will work with your family in the case of challenges that we can support.
Health Policies
A School Health Nurse is on duty regularly from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM in the Health Suite, located
on the first floor, or by phone depending on the DCPS nurse assignment schedule. The nurse is
available for first aid, health screening, medication administration, and health education.
Students must present a School Nurse Pass that has been filled out by the teacher before being
seen. Contact the Health Suite directly at 202-698-3834; confidentiality on all health matters is
respected.
Allergy
Due to severe documented allergies, Maury is a nut-free and fish/shellfish-free school. If your
child has a food or other allergy, you must report it to the school nurse with doctor’s instructions
on the appropriate forms. The nurse and a group of trained staff can administer medication
(Epipen, etc.) in case of an emergency or to support children in ongoing healthcare.
Food allergy. This information should be documented on a Dietary Accommodations Form
(available in the clinic or at dcps.dc.gov/health); the nurse will send the completed form to
DCPS Food and Nutrition Services. In addition, please report the condition to your child’s
teacher and to your room parents for coordination of special events.
Other allergy. If your child needs medication in the event of an allergic reaction, please see
Medication (next page) for forms and medication requirements.
Illness
Parents are requested to report immediately if their child has an infectious illness (e.g. strep
throat, chicken pox, lice, etc.) to their teacher and the nurse. Children with a temperature over
100.2º F, sore throat, or who have had recent episodes of vomiting or diarrhea should be kept
home. Students may return to school after being fever-free or vomit/diarrhea-free for 24
hours without medication.
Children diagnosed with a contagious illness such as strep throat or pink eye should be kept
home until completing the first 24 hours of antibiotics. Parents should send documentation of
results to the nurse.
Students with possible eye or skin infections, lice, or other contagious illnesses will be
removed from class. Parents will be notified to pick up the child for further diagnosis.
Covid-19. In accordance with national and local guidance, we employ safe practices to reduce
the spread of Covid-19 in our school building. Key health and safety measures include HVAC
enhancements, enhanced cleaning, and sharing reported cases of Covid-19 in the school to
prevent further spread. We also ask that families promote safety measures, schedule Covid-19
vaccines (and boosters as applicable) and allow students to stay home when they are ill and get
tested as recommended by Covid protocols.
DCPS requires all staff to get the Covid vaccine as well as our school’s beforecare and
aftercare provider. Students presenting selected Covid symptoms during the school day will be
sent to a staffed health isolation room and parents will be called to pick up the student.
Contracted health professionals worked with our school nurse to implement additional
measures, including health screenings and on-site Covid testing per health guidance. Students
who test positive will have to remain home for at least 5 days.
Lice. Please report any outbreak to your child’s teacher and the school nurse. Students with
active lice infections will be sent to the nurse, and parents will be notified. Per DC Municipal
Regulations, DC Public Schools does not exclude students from school when they have lice,
but we do want to make sure families have the information they need to monitor and care for
their children. Resources on how to treat lice effectively and prevent outbreaks are available on
the Maury website: mauryelementary.com/lice. Nit combs are available from the school
nurse—just ask!
Chronic illness. Parents of children with a chronic illness (e.g. asthma) that may affect school
performance should contact the school nurse to develop an individual health plan, and to find out if
any other documentation may be required.
Sudden illness or accident. The school nurse will contact parents to advise them in case of
illness or accident. Please keep contact information current. The school must also have the
number of a relative, friend, or neighbor in case parents cannot be reached. If emergency
transportation is required, a student will be accompanied by a staff member if the parent is not
present.
Medication
If a student needs (or may need) medication during school hours, DCPS policy requires that forms
be completed by both parent and physician before any prescription or over-the-counter
medication can be administered to a child. Parents must submit a Medication Plan, Asthma Action
Plan, or Action Plan for Anaphylaxis, along with the required medication in a box labeled by a
pharmacy. Over-the-counter medications require a doctor’s order and sealed medication (no
pharmacy label required). Information and forms available from the nurse or at:
dcps.dc.gov/health.
Medications should always be delivered by a parent or authorized adult, who must sign
medication into health suite. For the safety of all students, no child is permitted to carry
medications with the exception of an albuterol inhaler, which requires authorization from a
physician and an assessment by the school nurse. If you have any questions or concerns,
please speak to the nurse.
In-School Screenings
Children’s School Services provides vision, hearing, and body mass index (BMI) screening for all
students; the school nurse will notify parents if there is a need to follow up with a health care
provider. In addition, dental services are available twice a year at school; parents will be notified
in advance.
Immunization and Health Requirements for Enrollment
DC Public Health requirements specify that all students must present certification that required
immunizations have been administered to complete enrollment. A listing of free immunization
clinics is available in the nurse’s office. Students will not be able to continue enrollment if
immunizations are not updated.
All students must submit a record of completed physical and dental examinations (including a
current record of TB status) annually from date of last exam. Please review health forms prior
to submission to ensure they are correct and complete. More information on health
requirements is available at: dcps.dc.gov/page/health-and-wellness.
Lost and Found
Lost items are located on the 1st floor near the main office. Please inquire at the security desk
or main office about the location. Unclaimed items are donated before long breaks.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination
against employees, applicants for employment, or students on the basis of actual or perceived
race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, marital status, personal
appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family status, family
responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability, source of
income, status as a victim of an interfamily offense, or place of residence or business. For more
detailed information, please visit:
dcps.dc.gov/page/dcps-notice-non-discrimination.
Phone Calls
Students are to be called at Maury only in emergency situations. They cannot be called to the
telephone but will be given urgent messages immediately. Students may use the main office
telephone only for emergencies. All afterschool plans should be made before arriving at school
there is an adult change for pick- up.
Student Cell Phone and Personal Devices Policy
Use of cell phones and personal Smart devices (including watches) during the school day disrupt
teaching and the learning environment. Such devices are not allowed to be used while the child
is in the custody of the DCPS unless given specific permission by a staff member. For various
academic subjects, students may have access to school-issued laptops for academic purposes
only. Personal devices should remain at home or turned off inside backpacks for the entire school
day or for the entire time that the student is on school property. These guidelines apply to
afterschool activities and field trips also.
Visiting the School
To ensure safety, all school entrances are locked during the school day, and security guards are
present. To enter the building, please come to the main entrance on Constitution Avenue to be
admitted and signed in. Any parent or visitor entering the building for an appointment at the
start of the school day must sign in at the security desk upon arrival and departure. This does
not include drop off, pick up, or evening events, but security may request proof of identification
in reasonable cases where identity cannot be determined to ensure safety in the building.
Visitors and volunteers may enter by appointment only with Maury staff.
Visitation by children from other schools is not permitted. Children under school age are not
permitted to visit school or attend school celebrations during the school day unless
accompanied by parents and approved by the teacher in communication with the main office
staff and security.
Classroom visits and volunteers. All visitors must be scheduled prior to a visit and announced
by the main office staff; this includes parent-teacher meetings outside of scheduled conference
days. Unless prior arrangements have been made, teachers are unable to leave their
classrooms during instructional time to meet with parents. Unannounced visits by parents may
cause disruptions and break classroom routines; we encourage parents to share in classroom
activities, but request that adequate notice be provided. Regular volunteers must complete the
DCPS volunteer process (dcps.dc.gov/page/volunteer- our-schools) and submit their approval
Before, aftercare, and extracurriculars
Before Care and Aftercare
Polite Piggy’s Camp. Polite Piggy’s offers before care and aftercare programs at the school for
all Maury students, from PK3–Grade 5. Aftercare programming includes: snack time (snack is
provided), homework time (Grades 1–5), outdoor/free time, or participation in age-appropriate
activities, such as
yoga, science class, or Labyrinth games. In addition to regularly scheduled activities, special
programming (like music lessons or cooking classes) is available during the school year for an
added fee. Families must enroll students in Polite Piggy’s.
Before care operates from 7:15–8:15 AM on all school days except the first and last day of
school. Aftercare operates from 3:15–6:00 PM on all full school days except the first and last day
of school. Extended aftercare is also available on half days of school, beginning at dismissal and
running through 6:00 PM. Polite Piggy’s is open on professional development days and
parent-teacher conference days. Please note that when school is delayed or closed for
inclement weather, Polite Piggy’s is not open. Both before care and aftercare are available on a
full-time or part-time basis. Polite Piggy’s also offers full-day camps during winter, spring, and
summer breaks.
More information, forms, and the fee schedule can be found on the Polite Piggy’s website:
www.politepiggys.com. You may also contact director D’Angela Williams at (202) 607-9483 or
Extracurricular Activities
Maury also offers a range of extracurricular activities before, during, and after school. Activities
vary year to year, but may include music, library, and newspaper clubs. Athletics and wellness
programs may include basketball, cross country, Girls on the Run, and Ski Club. Many of these
offerings differ by grade level. Information on programs will be shared in the first weeks of school
with updates shared as needed. Some are offered during school hours as part of the regular
school day but many are offered before or after school, such as Girl Scouts and knitting.
Non-school sponsored clubs wishing to provide enrichment to students must make
arrangements and complete a facilities agreement pending availability with the main office by
contractors or volunteers working with students must meet the DCPS clearance
requirements.
School Closures and Emergencies
Inclement Weather
To get timely information about DCPS emergencies, delays, or closures:
● Check the DCPS website (dcps.dc.gov) for weather advisories and sign up to
receive e-mail alerts
● Follow DCPS on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook (@dcpublicschools)
● Monitor news sources
More information at: dcps.dc.gov/page/stay-informed-emergencies-delays-and-closures.
Early dismissal. Occasionally, weather conditions warrant the need to close school early.
Parents are advised to check for announcements on early closing and to pick up their children
promptly at early dismissal time. The emergency form completed at the beginning of the school
year informs us of your provisions for your child in this type of event. No child is dismissed
unless a parent or emergency contact person has been contacted and arrangements have
been made for pick up.
Before care and aftercare. Please note that when school is delayed or closed for inclement
weather,
Polite Piggy’s is not open.
Schoolwide Emergencies
Monthly fire drills are scheduled to prepare our students for emergencies. The DC Schools
Emergency Response Plan is available online at:
esa.dc.gov/page/school-emergency-response-plan-management- guide. Hard copies are also
available in the main office, or at your local public library.
Lockdown or Evacuation
Parents should NOT come to the school during a lockdown or evacuation. In those situations,
it is critical to avoid confusion and keep the area clear for emergency responders.
Parent notification. The principal will notify parents via robocall or other approved
communication tools in case of a schoolwide emergency. Parents can also monitor news sources
for emergency information and updates.
Parent Reunification Site. Each school or facility has identified a Parent Reunification Site where
parents may assemble during school emergencies. At the site, staff members will assist parents
and communicate when it is safe to pick up their children. For Maury, the Parent Reunification
Site and evacuation location is: Miner Elementary School, 601 15th Street NE.
In the Classroom
Classroom Placement
Staff weigh many factors when composing each classroom. Consideration is given to special
needs, male- female ratios, instructional levels, diversity (ethnic, racial, language, etc.), and
group dynamics. In the spring, returning families will have the opportunity to complete a survey to
share their insight on their child in preparation for class placement. Please do not request specific
teachers or students for your child’s class but share information about your child that will help us
to determine the best learning environment.
The Responsive Classroom Model
Maury uses the Responsive Classroom approach to elementary teaching. Created by classroom
teachers and backed by evidence from independent research, the Responsive Classroom model
is based on the premise that children learn best when they have both academic and
social-emotional skills. The approach consists of classroom and schoolwide practices for
deliberately helping children build academic and social-emotional competencies within a strong
and safe school community.
Guiding Principles
Seven principles guide the Responsive Classroom approach:
● The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum.
● How children learn is as important as what they learn: process and content go hand in
hand.
● The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction.
● To be successful academically and socially, children need a set of social skills:
cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control.
● Knowing the children we teach—individually, culturally, and
developmentally—is as important as knowing the content we teach.
● Knowing the families of the children we teach and working with them as partners is
essential to children’s education.
● How the adults at school work together is as important as their individual
competence: Lasting change begins with the adult community.
Everyone within the Maury community is expected to treat one another with kindness and
respect. Adults are expected to model for children, and children are expected to take their
social responsibilities seriously (as developmentally appropriate); name-calling and bullying are
not acceptable.
Disciplinary Actions
Maury teachers handle disciplinary matters within their own classrooms, through conflict
resolution and peer mediation techniques utilized for handling normal behavioral problems. If
problems persist, the teacher will inform parents and seek assistance from a member of the
school behavioral support team, which includes the social worker, behavioral support staff, and
school administrators. It is imperative in these cases that channels of communication remain
open, and that parents make themselves available to discuss potential solutions.
In a case where a student’s behavior disrupts or substantially threatens maintaining a safe and
secure environment for students and staff, the student will be subject to appropriate disciplinary
actions as set forth by the Board of Education in Title 5, Subtitle B, Chapter B25 of the District
of Columbia’s Municipal Regulations. Disciplinary measures will be aimed, to the extent
practicable under the circumstances, at remediation and rehabilitation to enable the student to
complete their instruction in compliance with the Fair Access to School Act (2018).
Field Trips
Maury encourages field trips several times a year to complement classroom instruction. Signed
parent permission slips are required for students to participate; please return these to teachers
in a timely manner. Maury uses public transportation when appropriate; field trips to some
locations may require chartered coach or school buses. There may be additional fees for
admission or transportation to a field trip site. Assistance with fees is available for families in
need; contact your child’s teacher or the social worker. Trips are generally organized by grade
level by the classroom or specials teachers; all information, forms, and fees will be coordinated
through your child’s classroom teacher or room parents.
Volunteers. Extra chaperones are always needed for field trips! Please speak with your child’s
teacher or room parents to volunteer. Chaperones must comply with DCPS field trip and clearance
policies.
Homework
Homework is assigned to review and reinforce skills taught in the classroom, and to develop
routines for independent study. Teachers in Kindergarten–Grade 5 assign homework daily. It
should be completed by the student independently, though parents may be asked to monitor
completion by initialing homework assignments or other methods. Parents must check
homework daily.
In addition to daily (or weekly) homework assignments, long-term projects may be assigned.
They are a valuable tool to help students plan and manage their time, learn research
techniques, and engage in in- depth study.
If your child is spending an inordinate period of time on school assignments, or is having great
difficulty, please let the teacher know.
Reading at Home
Students are expected to read (or to be read to) at home every day. In fact, Maury implements
a schoolwide reading initiative each year to support this activity, because it has proven to be
of such benefit to our students.
Classroom and library books
Students are responsible for keeping borrowed books clean and replacing them if they are
destroyed or lost. All lost books must be paid for or replaced by the last school day in June. For
librarian ([email protected]).
Supplies
Early Childhood
Our PK3 and PK4 students should bring the following supplies to school:
● Nap roll (available at Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.) or nap mat and small blanket
● Small book bag (no wheels please)
● Extra clothes (2 sets), including top, bottom, socks, and underwear; place items in a
plastic
bag and label with child’s name
● Family picture for the classroom
● $50 supplies/field trip fee (details to be shared directly with Pre-K families)
Grades K–5
Maury uses a pre-order system, where supplies for next year can be ordered and delivered to
Maury over the summer so that teachers can organize their classrooms before students return.
If you prefer to shop for your child’s supplies, please contact your child’s teacher at the start of
the school year.
Donations for Students in Need
Brand new school supplies and uniforms are available for Maury students in need. To learn more,
More information about supplies is available on the Maury website:
mauryelementary.com/supplies.
Standards and Testing
Academic Standards
For Early Childhood instruction, Maury uses Creative Curriculum, and adheres to the DCPS
Kindergarten Readiness Standards. The Reading/English language arts and mathematics
components of this curriculum are among the best in the nation and are the cornerstone of the
school system’s commitment to provide an excellent education to our PK3 and PK4 students.
For Kindergarten through Grade 5, the Math/Reading/Writing curriculum is based on rigorous
Common Core State Standards that set high expectations for all students. These standards
define important developmental skills for children and are taught throughout the District of
Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system. They spell out what students should know and be
able to do in each subject, at each grade level, and in every school. For Science, Social
Studies, and Health, teachers are expected to use DCPS standards-based curriculum
resources to guide instruction.
More information on these learning standards can be found on the DCPS website. To learn
more about the Common Core State Standards, please visit:
dcps.dc.gov/page/common-core-and-your-child. For more information on the Kindergarten
Readiness Standards, visit: dcps.dc.gov/publication/kindergarten- readiness-standards.
Testing
DCPS requires that Maury administer annual tests to assess student progress.
The GOLD assessment tool is used in our early childhood classrooms to assess progress toward
developmental benchmarks in the areas of literacy, numeracy, fine and gross motor skills, and
social/emotional skills.
The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) is used to measure
fluency and early reading skills, such as phonological awareness and oral language. It is the
DCPS chosen early literacy assessment which allows the school system to norm across the
city. There may also be additional progress monitoring when necessary.
The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), is
administered in the spring in Grades 3-5; results are expected to be available in August. The
Reading Inventory is administered three times annually to students in grades 2-5. It measures
progression in reading and
provides a student Lexile score to help determine students’ reading ranges. Students in
Grades K-5 take the I-Ready math assessment three times annually to measure math
progress. These assessments help to track progress in learning grade-level math concepts.
The Achievement Network (ANet) Assessment is a benchmark assessment administered
three times a year to students in Grades 3-5 in specific reading and math standards.
DCPS also assesses Health and Science in Grade 5. Periodically (but not every year), Grade 4
students will be selected to take the National Assessment for Educational Progress. In the
past, it has been administered during the winter season.
Results from these tests are another tool to help teachers and administrators in instructional
planning and goal setting. Teacher observations, class performance, and other types of
assessments provide a multi-dimensional view of each student and each class. All
assessment methods should assist to:
● Assess individual academic skill development.
● Measure student progress in various achievement areas.
● Identify students who would benefit from additional educational services.
● Evaluate the effectiveness of the school curriculum.
Assessments are not intended to be punitive or stressful. Parents or children with concerns
should first speak with their teacher; the school testing coordinator
assessments can be found at: dcps.dc.gov/assessments.
DCPS also assesses Health and Science in Grade 5. Periodically (but not every year), Grade 4
students will be selected to take the National Assessment for Educational Progress. In the
past, it has been administered during the winter season.
Results from these tests are another tool to help teachers and administrators in instructional
planning and goal setting. Teacher observations, class performance, and other types of
assessments provide a multi-dimensional view of each student and each class. All
assessment methods should assist to:
● Assess individual academic skill development.
● Measure student progress in various achievement areas.
● Identify students who would benefit from additional educational services.
● Evaluate the effectiveness of the school curriculum.
Assessments are not intended to be punitive or stressful. Parents or children with concerns
should first speak with their teacher; the school testing coordinator can also respond to
questions. More information on assessments can be found at: dcps.dc.gov/assessments.
Communication
Communication between school and home is critical to a positive educational experience for
children. There are several ways that Maury communicates with families on a regular basis:
Friday Email Updates and Flyers. News, announcements, and information on upcoming events
are sent via a principal’s update each Friday during the regular school year. The update may
contain online flyers, but please also check your child’s bag regularly for any hard copies of school
communications! If you are not receiving the Friday emails, please contact
PTA Listserv. Parents are also invited to join the Maury PTA listserv, which is a great way to
communicate with the whole school community and get information about school events and
activities. Participation is limited to parents, guardians, teachers, staff, and volunteers with a direct
link to the school. You can request to join the PTA listserv by visiting www.groups.io/g/Maury.
Classroom communications. Teachers often send out weekly communications via email,
Canvas announcements or Teams to keep you updated on grade-level information; speak to
your child’s teacher or room parents for more information.
E-mail or robocall. Important schoolwide information from the principal will be communicated
directly to families via e-mail or phone using the schoolwide system that sends out e-mail blasts
and distributes robocalls for attendance matters. Parents can opt to receive messages in this
way from the school during enrollment. Your preference can be updated with the Registrar at:
Calendar. Maury uses Google Calendar to maintain its school calendar, which includes all DCPS
holidays, professional development days, parent-teacher conferences, and important Maury
events such as PTA meetings and major fundraisers. You can view it on the Calendar page of
Maury website or add it to the electronic calendar on your phone, tablet, or desktop. The
calendar and how-to instructions are available at: mauryelementary.com/calendar.
School website. The official school website is mauryelementary.com. It is maintained by the
PTA, in collaboration with the principal and staff. The website serves as a centralized
information source for all school policies, programs, and events.
Social media. Like us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter (@MauryElementary) to learn more
about classroom activities and school-wide events. There are also several other staff members
who post school- focused updates on social media.
Room parents. Room parents are an important liaison between teachers, staff, parents, and the
PTA. Ideally, each classroom has two room parents. They support the teacher in many ways,
including helping to organize parent help for class activities, and serving as a conduit for
information flowing between the school, PTA, and families. Those interested in becoming a
room parent can contact their child’s teacher or sign up when requested at the beginning of the
school year.
Events and meetings. There are many formal and informal opportunities for communication
among the adults in our community, including monthly PTA meetings and special school event
nights.
Whole school meetings. Maury holds a whole school meeting monthly starting in October.
These meetings are a great way for staff and students to see what’s happening in other grades
and classrooms, and to highlight students who have acted as empathy leaders and
changemakers during the past month. Meetings take place at 8:45 AM on the school playground
and last about 20 minutes; parents are welcome to attend. We ask that parents stand around the
perimeter of the room so students can remain with their classes. The PTA often hosts parent
coffees before each morning meeting. Whole school meetings will be canceled or postponed for
inclement weather.
Parent-Teacher Communication
Parents are informed of the educational progress of their children through written comments on
homework and class work, parent-teacher conferences three times a year, progress reports,
and report cards issued every nine weeks. Teachers also regularly communicate with parents
through announcements, monthly calendars, e-mail, or phone calls.
Please inform the classroom teacher of any family changes, household crises, new diagnoses,
or medication (along with the school nurse) that may affect your child’s learning readiness and
behavior. If you wish to schedule a conference to address questions or concerns about your
child or the class, please notify your child’s teacher.
It is a Maury policy that all classroom problems first be discussed with your child’s teacher. If
an issue remains unresolved, the teacher may refer you to the principal, assistant principal, or
social worker, or you may request a meeting with them.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
For 2023-2024, parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice in the school year (October
and March) for PK-Grade 1; your child’s teacher will send a notice and invite parents to sign up
for a preferred conference time. Conferences may be offered on the scheduled DCPS
Conference Day, or on other days to offer more flexible times before or after school. Parents
may also request a different meeting time or day. All parents/guardians are strongly encouraged
to attend these conferences as this is an important opportunity to discuss your child’s progress.
Academic Parent–Teacher Team. Maury has adopted the Flamboyan Academic Parent–Teacher
Team (APTT) meeting model for parent-teacher conferences in Grades 2–5. Under the APTT
model, teachers meet with all parents in their classroom at the same time. Each parent receives
their child’s performance indicators; and then teachers provide an in-depth coaching session on
how to interpret this data based on overall classroom performance, school benchmarks, and
state standards. Parents are also given strategies and tools to help support learning at home.
Together, parents and teachers set goals for their students, individually and as a class.
Academic information only goes to the parent/guardian of each student during the meeting.
Families may also request to speak with a teacher individually if there are
academic concerns.
Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times each year after Records Days, which signal the end of each
term on the DCPS calendar. Progress reports—a formal early intervention system to alert
parents of necessary updates or concerns—are sent out midway through the reporting period
as needed. Parents should first convene with the classroom teacher if they have concerns
about their child’s performance, report card, emotions, or behavior. Parents can also request
referrals via the classroom teacher to the school
intervention team to have a closer look at their child’s progress and to plan effective interventions.
Other Meetings
Meetings can also be scheduled at other times, as requested by either the parents or teacher.
These are
normally scheduled before or after school, or during the teacher’s planning period.
Home/Community Visits
In partnership with the Flamboyan Foundation, Maury has implemented home visits for all
students. In the weeks before school begins, teachers schedule a time to meet with the families
of their new students, either at home or another place outside the school (like a park). These
visits allow teachers to meet and learn more about the students and their families, which sets the
foundation for a collaborative and trusting relationship to support each student’s learning. This is
a great opportunity for parents to voice any questions or concerns, and to have a candid
discussion with the teacher about your child’s strengths, challenges, and the goals for the year
ahead.
Please note that families are not required to have a home visit. Maury aims for home visits for
100% of students in PK3/PK4, and for 85% of students in Grades K–5.
Other Resources
DCPS website. The DCPS website is a great resource for families. With information ranging
from school calendars and lunch menus, to policy information and guides to academic
standards, the DCPS website also serves as a central source for announcements regarding
inclement weather and other emergencies; parents can also sign up to receive notifications. To
learn more, visit: dcps.dc.gov.
Student Support Services
English Language Learners
The English Language Learners (ELL) program supports non-native English speakers by working
closely
with the child’s teacher. As needed, children conduct language activities with a designated ELL
teacher in a resource learning area. Students may receive ELL services at varying degrees
depending on language proficiency and grade level.
Guidance
Maury’s on-site psychologist and social worker provide:
● Crisis intervention for students and families.
● Coordination of screening and referral process to identify students for special
education services.
● On-going counseling for students and parents in need.
● Test coordination.
● Developmental guidance lessons.
Resource Teachers
Maury has four special education teachers (PK-K, Grades 1-2, Math Grades 3-5,
Reading/Writing Grades 3-5), and a reading specialist (Grades 1-5). Our ELL teacher also
provides general intervention support for Grades 1-5. Grade configurations for resource
teachers will vary based on student needs annually.
Special Needs
DC Public Schools are required to evaluate and provide, when appropriate, services for children
with special needs. These may include physical and emotional disabilities, learning disabilities
(mild to severe), and speech and language challenges. Services include specialized instruction,
counseling, speech and language therapy, and psycho-educational evaluations. Contact your
child’s classroom teacher, the psychologist, or the social worker if you think your child should be
evaluated. Students in PK3 and PK4 are initially evaluated by Early Stages, a DCPS diagnostic
center for children aged 2 years, 8 months through 5 years, 10 months.
IEP. Each student with special needs who qualifies for special education services will have an
Individualized Education Program (IEP), developed by a team of professionals, which states
educational goals and objectives; describes learning needs and abilities; and lists the needed
related services. In accordance with the IEP, a student is included in the regular education
program in the most optimal environment to ensure access to instruction that can best meet the
students’ needs. Please contact the lead special education teacher
504 Plan. A student may qualify for a 504 Plan if the student has a diagnosed medical or physical
impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. A 504 Plan is intended to
remove barriers that impact student learning. If you think your child might qualify for a 504
Plan, please contact the school psychologist.
Tiered Intervention Team
Tiered intervention is an early-warning system to identify effective supports for students who
struggle academically, behaviorally or with attendance. Examples include students who are not on
grade level academically, those who are chronically absent or truant, and students who are at risk
for grade level retention. A tiered intervention team may include social workers, teachers,
administrators, parents, school nurses, and other staff. The team uses a data-based, collaborative
process to assess student academic and/or behavioral needs, identify goals, design strategies for
support and intervention, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. If you have questions,
email [email protected]
Special School Events
Maury has a very active events calendar! Please consult the school calendar for specific dates
(mauryelementary.com/calendar); more detailed information will be shared as events near.
Back-to-School Night
At the beginning of the new school year, this event gives parents the opportunity to meet the
principal, teachers, and other staff and to visit their children’s classrooms. Back-to-School Night
is for parents or guardians only; no childcare is available onsite. This is an important opportunity
for the adults in our community to talk freely about the upcoming school year; at least one
parent or guardian from each family is expected to attend. Multiple sessions will be scheduled
for each classroom visit to accommodate parents with more than one child.
Concerts
We look forward to the return of student musical performances this year. Prior to the pandemic,
students in Chorus and Orff Ensemble (band) performed in the Winter and Spring Concerts.
Chorus and Orff Ensemble members work hard for months to create and rehearse their works.
Concerts have a dress rehearsal during the school day and an evening performance the same
night. All students and families are invited to attend the evening performance.
Curriculum-Related Events
At Maury, our teachers plan after-hours events to engage parents and families in what their
children are learning in school. In particular, this is often a great opportunity for parents to meet
the “specials” teachers, whom they may not see on a day-to-day basis. Literacy Night, Family
Fitness Night, the STEM Expo, and concerts are evening events where families are encouraged to
join their children for fun, educational activities at the school. There are also several day events
that parents are encouraged to attend, including the Book Character Costume Parade and Field
Day.
Maury at the Market and other PTA Fundraisers
Maury at the Market is the biggest event of the year, raising the majority of the annual budget for
the PTA. This fun, adults-only evening features a live and silent auction and is a great way to
connect with the adults in the Maury community! The PTA also sponsors many other fundraising
events and initiatives throughout the year, including the weekly bake sale, Pajama/No Uniform
Day passes, the Maury Yard Sale, among many others.
Picture Day
Student portraits are taken twice a year: individual pictures are taken in the Fall; class pictures
are taken in the Spring. Students may wear their own clothes that day for the individual
pictures; please note that uniforms are required for the class pictures. There is a make-up day if
your child is absent on picture day in the Fall.
Prints are ordered directly from the photography studio; order forms will be sent home with
students and will also be available in the main office. Ordering prints is not required.
Promotion Ceremonies
The ceremony which marks the passage of our Grade 5 students from Maury is a very special
occasion. Kindergarten students are also promoted to Grade 1 in a special ceremony. More
information will be available through your child’s classroom teacher in the spring.
Sneak Peeks
Maury hosts “sneak peek” observation days for each grade in the Spring. This gives parents a
chance to view the classrooms and content their children will encounter in the upcoming year,
and to meet and ask questions of the teachers.
Spirit Weeks
Spirit Weeks are fun themed weeks in the Spring where students get to dress up in a different
way each day to show his/her Maury Cougar spirit. In past years, students have participated in
spirit weeks for literacy, Black History month, and preparing for the PARCC test.
Talent Show
The talent show is an opportunity for students of all ages to showcase their skills and passions.
We have had singers, dancers, musicians, comedians and Rubik’s cube experts! All students of
the Maury community are encouraged to share their special talents—get creative! More
information on try-outs will be available during the school year.
Parent Involvement
Volunteers
Maury encourages parent volunteers! To continue our effort to strengthen our instructional
program, all parents are asked to donate a minimum of one hour of volunteer services per
quarter, or the equivalent of four hours throughout the school year. Cleared volunteers can
help by being a field trip chaperone, classroom assistant, tutor, lunchroom helper, recess
monitor, etc. You can also help by providing snacks (wrapped/store-bought), helping to organize
the lost and found, or joining a beautification/clean-up day. We need your help and welcome
your support!
Parents are welcome to help in the classroom, library/media center, or the main office. Those
interested in volunteering in the classroom should talk directly with the teachers once their
DCPS clearance is approved. Volunteers are expected to maintain the confidentiality of
information about students gathered during their volunteering. More information about
volunteering is located at dcps.dc.gov/page/volunteer-our-schools.
Local School Advisory Team
Every DC public school is required to have a Local School Advisory Team (LSAT)—an advisory
group that works with school administrators on internal policies related to school operations,
budget, and long- range planning. The LSAT includes parents, teachers, staff, and a member from
the community. Annual elections are held in June for the following school year.
Maury PTA
The Maury Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a voluntary member organization for parents,
staff, and community members. All parents, community members, and teachers are welcome
to attend! Monthly meetings are scheduled at 6:00 PM on the third Thursday of each month
during the school year (with a few exceptions). Free childcare is available, and pizza and
refreshments can be purchased on site.
Become a member. Annual membership dues are $15 per person (free memberships available
if finances are a barrier); you must be a member to vote for officers and other PTA initiatives.
Through dues, donations to the Annual Fund, and other fundraising events, the Maury PTA
pays for a variety of school expenses:
● 5 teacher aides
● Think Tank STEM supplies
● Mini-grants for teachers to use for classrooms/supplies
● Resource materials for music, physical education, art, library, science, and
computer technology
● Playground and office equipment
● Special schoolwide events and programs, and other support as needed and/or
voted upon by membership-at-large
● Professional development and training for staff
It’s easy to join—look for the registration table at Back-to-School Night or PTA meetings, or join
online at: mauryelementary.com/pta.
PTA Executive Committee 2023-2024 (annually elected by Maury PTA Members)
CO-PRESIDENTS
VICE PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
PARLIAMENTARIAN
TREASURER
EQUITY CO-CHAIRS
Talia Dubovi
Sairah Saeed
Each position has a two-year term; not all are elected in the same year to ensure continuity of
leadership. The Executive Committee meets once a month. Any ideas, questions, or comments
must be submitted by the last Monday of each month. Suggestions for agenda items or
requests for speaking time should be sent to the Executive Committee at least 3 days prior to
any meeting.
Contact the PTA. To get in touch with the PTA, drop a note through the PTA mailbox in the
feel free to speak with any Executive Committee member in person.
Standing Committees
The PTA also has standing committees to assist the school, including Fundraising,
Communications, School Improvement, Hospitality, Teacher Appreciation, and Grants
Committees. The work of these committees supports the school in many ways—please
consider adding your talents! Contact a member of the PTA Executive Committee for more
information or sign up on the PTA volunteer form distributed to all families at the beginning of
the school year.
Fundraising
The PTA sponsors many fundraising events and initiatives throughout the year. Maury at the
Market is the biggest event of the year raising most of the annual budget for the PTA. This fun,
adults-only evening features a live and silent auction and is a great way to connect with the adults
in the Maury community! This year, Maury at the Market will be held in March.
The PTA also spearheads the Annual Fund, which provides funding for a variety of programs
and initiatives throughout the school year that are not provided for in the DCPS budget
including classroom aides, Think Tank, Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, Mindfulness, and
school supplies. The Annual Fund ensures a base of funding for the Maury PTA and
strengthens Maury’s ability to provide quality programs, hands on learning opportunities, and
supportive staff. Every student from PK3 through Grade 5 benefits from the resources provided
by the Annual Fund.
Additional funds are raised through other events like bake sales, the Maury Yard Sale,
no-uniform pass days, and restaurant sponsors. More on how to support Maury is available at:
mauryelementary.com/fundraising.
Supporting School Events
In addition to our critical fundraising activities, the Maury PTA supports the staff and students
throughout the year (dates subject to change):
August. Early Childhood and New Family Playdates
September. Room Parent Orientation, Back-to-School Night, Book Fair
October. Walk-to-School Day, Family Fitness Night
November. Thanksgiving baskets, Open House for Prospective Families
December. Winter Concert
January. Open House for Prospective Families, School Spelling Bee
February. African American History Program
March. International Night, Literacy Week, Think Tank Expo
April. Talent Show, Mathademics, Early Childhood New Family Orientation, Spirit Week
May. LSAT elections, Staff Appreciation Week, Bike-to-School Day, Sneak Peeks
June. Spring Concert, Field Day
July. Capitol Hill 4th of July Parade
More information will be available at Back-to-School Night; please let us know if you would like to get
