Whittier Elementary School Core Values Quiz

Vision

• Whittier Elementary School aims to promote academic inquiries in a bias-free environment, focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).
• The goal is to foster self-exploration and community contribution among students.

The Warrior Way - Core Values

• Results without Excuses or Shortcuts: Commitment to outstanding education through measurable goals, using data for progress tracking and accountability for shortcomings.
• People Matter -- Mightily: Emphasis on the crucial role of teachers and staff in student success; fostering professional and collaborative classroom environments.
• Excellence is a Habit: Pursuit of high standards and documented systems to maintain excellence; collaborative planning occurs three times weekly.
• Sweat the Small Stuff: Attention to details vital for achieving excellent outcomes; awareness that small oversights can impact student experiences significantly.
• Team and Family: Strong sense of community and teamwork where individual strengths are respected; collaboration is encouraged to foster a family-like atmosphere.

REACH Pillars

• Respect: Modeling respect in interactions with students and colleagues, using a calm and understanding tone.
• Enthusiasm: Maintaining a positive attitude during challenges and supporting each other.
• Achievement: Setting and upholding high standards for self and students; procedures for early dismissals require parent/guardian sign-out.

Absences

• Excused absences align with DCPS legal standards; families can submit excuse notes electronically or contact school for assistance.

Birthday Parties

• Recommended scheduling for classroom birthday celebrations during lunch or the last 15 minutes of the school day; encouragement for out-of-school parties.

Bulletin Boards/Learning Stations

• Bulletin boards display current student work and align with ongoing lessons; teachers responsible for updating boards monthly and maintaining word walls.
• Daily objectives and standards must be visible in classrooms.

Field Trips

• Students with three or more documented referrals or who leave without permission lose field trip privileges.
• Permissions for trips under 50 miles are optional, while overnight and longer trips require permission slips for approval.

Financial Transactions

• Staff must acquire prior written authorization from the principal for all payment-related transactions.

Food and Nutrition

• Compliance with USDA Smart Snacks and DC Healthy Schools Act standards for all food sold or provided in schools.
• Restrictions on third-party sales 90 minutes before and after school hours; unhealthy foods cannot be used for classroom rewards.

Meeting Schedule

• Special meetings for ECE, ELA, Math, Special Education Compliance, MTSS Leadership, Attendance Team, Behavior Team, and Committee planning are scheduled weekly.

Mandated Reporting

• Duty for DCPS employees to report suspected child abuse or neglect to Child and Family Services Agency and Metropolitan Police Department; contact for guidance provided.