In a piece called, "Good things are happening at Langley Elementary. You can help." Washington Post columnist John Kelly praised the school's social emotional program, Conscious Discipline, which Principal Drumm and team rolled out during the last couple of years. After describing some of Langley's healthy school family rituals the author wrote: "It can sound like so much high-concept touchy-feeliness, but the approach seems to be working. Since 2015, suspensions at Langley have fallen by 50 percent." 

Kelly invites readers to become a part of Langley's transformation by linking their Giant and Harris Teeter grocery cards to the school, which is an excellent way to contribute financially to Langley's PTSA. 

Read the full article here. 

Read about what Langley parents have had to say about Conscious Discipline here and here.  

Public schools such as Langley Elementary face many challenges. Donations of money and supplies are always welcome and go a long way to close gaps in school funding. If your family runs on a tight budget, or if you're the sort of person who likes to get your hands dirty, there are other ways to support the school - and many require only your time and energy. Learn more about how you can get involved at Langley. With a robust team of volunteers, we can accomplish anything!

PTSA
The Parent Teacher Student Association is a chance for parents (or other caregivers), educators, students and citizens to be active members of the school community. The meetings have historically been held on Tuesdays, less than once monthly, and usually last for an hour.  Elections for the officer positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary are happening now and the chosen leadership will set the schedule for upcoming meetings. The PTSA's goals often center around fundraising efforts, community service, educational enrichment, community-building events and identifying opportunities for improvement. Members are invited to pay $10 in annual dues, though that is optional. Whether you'd like to just sit back and learn more about the school and its needs or you've got a list of awesome ideas ready to share, come to the next meeting. It's a perfect start to getting involved.

Contact: LangleyPTA101@gmail.com or stay tuned for the date and time of the next meeting

Pre-K Committee
This committee is concerned with issues and planning related specifically to our two early childhood education grades, pre-K 3 and pre-K 4. It is headed by Langley's Family Engagement Coordinator, LaToya Smith, as well as two elected co-chairs and a secretary, who have been selected for the 2018/19 school year. The group meets on the third Thursday of every month, from 8:30-9:30 AM, and its second meeting is planned for Thursday, Oct. 18th. The group tackles goals such as improving preschool attendance, supporting childhood development, planning preschool-focused events and ensuring Kindergarten readiness. The Pre-K Committee hosts a popular family dinner and support group series called Pre-K Parent Cafe, which is an excellent way to get to know other families, share experiences and learn about your growing kids.

Contact: LaToya Smith; LaToya.Smith@dc.gov

LSAT
The Local School Advisory Team (LSAT) is a group of elected and appointed members that exists for every District of Columbia Public School. The LSAT is a key lever to increasing transparency at DCPS and ensuring decisions affecting school communities are made collaboratively with the help of a diverse group of school stakeholders. The team, which has been elected for the 2018/19 school year, meets once monthly with teams from all other schools and reports back to Langley's principal and vice principal. Other community members are welcome to attend meetings as well. 

Contact: Principal Drumm; Vanessa.Drumm@dc.gov or AP Jennings; Shaunte.Daniel@dc.gov

Classroom or Special Subjects Volunteer
Volunteers who want to be really effective on a grassroots level should consider working in the classrooms. Extra hands are needed during events like field trips and field day. Classrooms with struggling readers could use help working one-on-one with students. To learn more about classrooms with these types of needs, contact the front office and you'll be connected with the right teacher. Please note: volunteers in the classrooms are required to get clearance through DCPS first.

Contact: Main Office;  (202) 724-4223

Langley parents, registration is now open for autumn's excellent selection of after school enrichment through Flex Academies! If you're dreaming of improving your child's sportsmanship, providing opportunities for artistic expression or introducing your child to the many benefits of meditative stretching, you're in luck: soccer, art and yoga are this sessions offerings. Classes begin the week of Sept. 24 and are open to all our students, not only those enrolled in aftercare. Please contact Ms. Wortham if you'd like your child to be considered for a scholarship. 

Check out the flyer below for pricing and more info, or click here to register. 

Incoming preschool and Kindergarten Tiger families, join us for our final Early Childhood Education Playdate of the summer! We'll mingle on the playground in front of the school on Saturday, July 28, from 10 until noon. We hope to see you there.