Principal Updates Liz Miller Principal Updates Liz Miller

Miner News: 9/2-9/5

Dear Mighty Miner Bears,

What a great first week of school!!! It was amazing to welcome back our students - returning and new to the Miner community. We missed you all over the summer. Classrooms are already hard at work, with our students digging into our reading and math curriculum. This week, teachers will begin beginning of the year (BOY) assessments. In K - 2, this means DIBELS phonics screener and iReady in ELA and Math. For our 3rd - 5th Grade students, they will focus their efforts on iReady.

This year, as a school community we are "In pursuit of excellence". This means our students arrive ready to learn by 8:30 am, in uniform, and with their cell phone secured at the front door lockers. It means we are joyful and focused as we learn to read, work on our writing, and become powerful mathematicians.

A quick clarification on the uniform policy - ALL TOPS (including sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies, etc) MUST BE uniform SOLID UNIFORM COLORS ONLY (navy, light blue, or white). That means, no writing, graphics, or other colors. We will remind students this week, and ask them to put them in their backpacks. The building is cold!!!! Please consider getting your student a solid colored zip up hoodie, or other solid uniform color sweater.

Upcoming Events

This week we have our first PTO meeting on Wednesday, 9/3 from 6 pm - 7 pm. EVERYONE is WELCOME and encouraged to attend! There is pizza and childcare provided. This week we will also host a 5th grade parent meeting to discuss the upcoming 5th grade overnight camping trip. See your class dojo for links and time for Thursday, 9/4.

Next week is our Back to School Night on Thursday, 9/11. This is a big evening for families to come and meet the teachers, see the classrooms, and learn more about Miner as a Title 1 school. Please plan to join us at 5:30 pm in the cafeteria. From there, we'll head out to the classrooms! We'll also share our Family/Student Handbooks with families as well.

Our 3rd Grade students start swimming the week of September 8th for their PE class. This is a Miner and DCPS initiative that teaches all 3rd graders to swim! More information is coming from your classroom teachers via Dojo. If you need a swimsuit or a towel, please don't hesitate to let your child's teacher know. All students are taught by a certified PE teacher and a Water Safety Instructor. There are also lifeguards on duty.

Is your 4th or 5th grader interested in playing basketball this winter? Get your physicals completed now!!!! Here's the Universal Health Certificate form, as well as the link to do the online https://www.thedciaa.com/participation-forms. Need help? Email AP Bosurgi at madison.bosurgi@k12.dc.gov

Dr. B

September is Attendance Awareness Month! To support this initiative, each student, grades 2-5, received a September attendance calendar.

Weekly Incentive (Fridays):

Students who are present every day that week will receive a small incentive on Fridays, from the attendance team. This routine mirrors the success we had with Attendance Bingo last year.

Help us by encouraging your child to be at school on time everyday- we want celebrate their commitment to learning!

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Join Us Wednesday for PTO Kick-off + Bear Name Reveal

Dear Miner Families, Caregivers, Teachers, and Staff,

Week 1 is behind us—whew! Thank you to everyone who stopped for coffee and donuts. It was a great way to start the year together. Now it’s time for our first PTO meeting of the year. All parents, guardians, and staff are already members—there's no cost to get involved, so all you have to do is show up.

Wednesday, Sept. 3 |  6:00–7:00 PM | Miner ES Cafeteria (in person only for this first meeting of the year)

Pizza + Childcare: Childcare in the library (with pizza for kids) provided by Christ City Church, which holds weekly services in Miner's building. (Big thanks to their community for also donating school supplies before the year started!) PTO is providing pizza for everyone else.

Our agenda includes:

  • What the heck is a PTO, anyway? Quick PTO 101—who we are, what we care about, and where all that volunteer time and donated money actually goes.  

  • Events & Plans for the Year: From big ideas to quick plug-in opportunities, there’s something for everyone.

  • The Big Reveal: Our Miner Bear has an official name. Be there to hear it first.

If you can’t make it, we’ll send a follow-up email with the slides, links, and details so you don’t miss out.

Looking ahead: while this first meeting will be in person only, future meetings will be hybrid. We encourage you to join in person when you can—it’s one of the best ways to connect with other Miner families, peek into the gym where your children run around, and finally see the staff office every child pauses to stare into with wide-eyed curiosity (hint: it’s right in front of the cafeteria).

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. 

Warmly,
The Miner PTO Board

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PTO Updates Liz Miller PTO Updates Liz Miller

Coffee, Donuts, and a Curious Bear

Dear Miner Families, Teachers, and Staff,

We’re excited to kick off the school year with you this week! Nick, Laura, Liz, and Chris will be out front with coffee and donuts to welcome you to the first week of school.

  • Monday – 15th & 16th Street entrances

  • Thursday – in front of the ECE building

Please stop by, grab a treat, and say hi.

And mark your calendars: PTO meetings are the first Wednesday of every month, 6–7pm, in the Miner ES cafeteria.
Our first meeting is coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 3
Pizza provided
Childcare available in the library across the hall

This first meeting of the year is a great chance to meet other Miner families, hear about what the PTO does, and learn about the projects and events we’ll be supporting this year.

For those returning, welcome back—and for those who are new, welcome to Miner!

Warmly,
Miner Elementary PTO Board

P.S. We’re volunteers, so there’s no official content calendar...but there is a curious bear who shows up from time to time. Follow @miner.pto on Instagram for teacher cameos, hallway adventures, and plenty more to come.

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Principal Updates Liz Miller Principal Updates Liz Miller

Welcome to 2025-2026

Dear Mighty Miner Bears,

Happy First Day of School eve for our Kindergarten - 5th Graders!!! This is an exciting evening, laying out uniforms, making sure backpacks and shoes are ready, and making the plan for who's walking to school. I've celebrated a "first day of school" for the last 44 years straight.....This will be my 45th one! And without a doubt, the best one.

This year, as a school community we are "In pursuit of excellence". This means our students arrive ready to learn by 8:30 am, in uniform, and with their cell phone secured at the front door lockers. It means we are joyful and focused as we learn to read, work on our writing, and become powerful mathematicians.

It means we speak to one another with respect and kindness. It also means our adults speak to one another with respect and kindness. Our staff spent the week preparing to welcome each and every student to be sure that everyone has a sense of belonging and is affirmed for who they are. We are ready!

It was great to see so many of you on Friday at the Back to School Bash. The sense of community and excitement was amazing. The hugs and "welcome backs" were heartfelt and excited. Thank you to the Miner PTO for their support in all ways - grilling, social media, volunteers, and funds. We are all in this together!

Happy First Day of School Eve,

Dr. B

Arrival Time and Procedure

8:30 – 8:45 am – Morning Drop Off for all students P3 – 5th Grade

  • · Walkers

    • Enter through the 15th Street doors OR the 16th Street doors

    • No walkers in the parking lot

  • · Car Drop Off Line - Parking Lot in front of school

    • Enter into the parking lot,

    • Go to the right, and drop off your student(s) at the 15th street door.

    • Driver’s stay in their car

    • Students must be able to exit the car by themselves

    • Drive slowly and carefully

  • · PK3 and PK4 drop off is at the ECE Center from 8:30 – 8:45 (new building)

    • Parents will drop students off at the front doors

    • Parents will not come into the building

  • · Breakfast will be served in the classrooms after students arrive

  • · Students arriving after 8:45 are TARDY

    • All students must enter through the parking lot doors on 15th street to receive a tardy pass

Early Pickup

Early Dismissal Ends at 2:30 pm – No Exceptions

  • Parent/Guardian must enter the main office and request their child for early dismissal

  • The main office will then call your student down to the main office for dismissal.

  • We will not dismiss students via phone, or call them down early.

  • If a student is not listed in Aspen as an emergency contact, we will not dismiss your student to them.

  • All pick up adults should have picture ID available.

Cell Phone Policy

DCPS is a “phone free zone” from bell to bell.

  • When students enter the doors, they will be required to lock their phones in a locker. Students will carry the key with them throughout the day.

  • At dismissal, after students have been picked up by their caregiver, they can retrieve their phone from the phone lockers.

  • Phones may not be stored in purses, backpacks, or in any other spaces within the school building besides the phone lockers.

Other things to note…

  • Aftercare begins on the first day of school

    • Monday, 8/25 for K – 5

    • Thursday, 8/28 for PK3 and PK4

    • Aftercare is provided by both DCPS and Everyday Play N’Learn. Currently the DCPS seats are filled. If you need before/after care, please see this flyer from Everyday Play N'Learn

    • Late pick up is for students waiting for their siblings or dismissal person from 3:30 - 4:15 pm. All students must be picked up no later than 4:15 pm.

  • Uniforms are required at Miner.

    • Tops – dark blue, light blue or white;

    • Bottoms: dark blue or khaki (No jeans)

  • Emergency Procedures - In the unlikely event of an emergency situation, all information will be texted and emailed to families. If we ever have to evacuate and reunify with families, our reunification site is Rosedale Recreation Center.

Student Health Needs

Does your student have a health need? Need medication at school? Please be sure that Nurse Anderson (simone.anderson@dc.gov) has all required action plans and information. She's in the school health suite every day from 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Miner is not a nut free school. However, if your student has an allergy of any kind, please notify your classroom teacher and the school nurse. We will make any accommodations required by their allergy action plan as outlined by a doctor.

Click here for all DCPS health forms: Asthma Action Plan, Anaphylaxis Plan, Medication Authorization Form, Dietary Restrictions Form.

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Principal Updates Liz Miller Principal Updates Liz Miller

Getting “First Day of School” Ready

Message From the Principal - Thursday, 8/21

Dear Mighty Miner Bears,

Are you first day of school ready???? The first day of school for all of our KDG – 5th Grade students is Monday, 8/25. We are SO excited to welcome all of you back! Here are several helpful hints and reminders to make sure you are FIRST DAY Ready!!!

This week we welcomed back our over 80 staff members that make Miner the amazing and joyful community that it is! The teachers and staff have been hard at work getting classrooms ready, sorting curriculum, and reaching out to make early connections with you as families. This year we are welcoming back many returning staff members plus several new faces. Whether they are new or returning, all of our staff are committed to rigorous and joyful learning for your students. This year, we are "In pursuit of excellence". As a Title 1 school, we are ensuring that all students have access to rich resources in the classroom, as well as strong instruction in all of our classrooms from PK3 to 5th Grade.

We hope to see many of you Friday afternoon at the Back to School Bash from 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm. This "sneak peek" at school is for enrolled Miner students and their adults only. Join the PTO for a hotdog or hamburger, we'll give away backpacks, and you can tour the main building and take a peek at your child's classrooms. Our ECE building will not be open due to a few repairs being finished. However, PK3 and PK4 families will join their teachers next week for family meetings. Many of our staff plan to be at the Back to School Bash as well and are excited to meet our students and families!

With Love,

Dr. B

Family and Student Information Highlights 2025-2026

Arrival Time and Procedure

8:30 – 8:45 am – Morning Drop Off for all students P3 – 5th Grade

  • Walkers

    • Enter through the 15th Street doors OR the 16th Street doors

    • No walkers in the parking lot

  • Car Drop Off Line - Parking Lot in front of school

    • Enter into the parking lot,

    • Go to the right, and drop off your student(s) at the 15th street door.

    • Driver’s stay in their car

    • Students must be able to exit the car by themselves

    • Drive slowly and carefully

  • PK3 and PK4 drop off is at the ECE Center from 8:30 – 8:45 (new building)

    • Parents will drop students off at the front doors

    • Parents will not come into the building

  • Breakfast will be served in the classrooms after students arrive

  • Students arriving after 8:45 are TARDY

    • All students must enter through the parking lot doors on 15th street to receive a tardy pass

Early Pickup

Early Dismissal Ends at 2:30 pm – No Exceptions

  • Parent/Guardian must enter the main office and request their child for early dismissal

  • The main office will then call your student down to the main office for dismissal.

  • We will not dismiss students via phone, or call them down early.

  • If a student is not listed in Aspen as an emergency contact, we will not dismiss your student to them.

  • All pick up adults should have picture ID available.

Cell Phone Policy

DCPS is a “phone-free zone” from bell to bell.

  • When students enter the doors, they will be required to lock their phones in a locker. Students will carry the key with them throughout the day.

  • At dismissal, after students have been picked up by their caregiver, they can retrieve their phone from the phone lockers.

  • Phones may not be stored in purses, backpacks, or in any other spaces within the school building besides the phone lockers.

Other things to note…

  • Aftercare begins on the first day of school

    • Monday, 8/25 for K – 5

    • Thursday, 8/28 for PK3 and PK4

    • Aftercare is provided by both DCPS and Everyday Play N’Learn. Currently the DCPS seats are filled. If you need before/after care, please see this flyer from Everyday Play N'Learn

    • Late pick up is for students waiting for their siblings or dismissal person from 3:30 - 4:15 pm. All students must be picked up no later than 4:15 pm.

  • Uniforms are required at Miner.

    • Tops – dark blue, light blue or white;

    • Bottoms: dark blue or khaki (No jeans)

  • Emergency Procedures - In the unlikely event of an emergency situation, all information will be texted and emailed to families. If we ever have to evacuate and reunify with families, our reunification site is Rosedale Recreation Center.

Student Health Needs

Does your student have a health need? Need medication at school? Please be sure that Nurse Anderson (simone.anderson@dc.gov) has all required action plans and information. She's in the school health suite every day from 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Miner is not a nut free school. However, if your student has an allergy of any kind, please notify your classroom teacher and the school nurse. We will make any accommodations required by their allergy action plan as outlined by a doctor.

Click here for all DCPS health forms: Asthma Action Plan, Anaphylaxis Plan, Medication Authorization Form, Dietary Restrictions Form.

Uniform Policy (click)

School Supply List 2025-2026 (click)

Cell Phone Policy

8/8/25

Dear Miner Elementary School Community,

I hope you and your families are having a safe, fun, and relaxing summer.

As DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, announced in June, DCPS will implement a district-wide student cell phone policy beginning School Year 2025-2026. With this new policy, our school will adopt and enforce a cell phone-free environment during the "bell-to-bell" school day.

This means that when we return to school in August, students will not be permitted to use their cell phones or personal electronic communication devices from when the first bell rings in the morning until the dismissal bell in the afternoon, with limited exceptions. To help set students' and caregivers' expectations for our return to school, I want to share more about our school’s cell phone storage process.

Storage:

Upon arrival, all student phones and personal electronic devices will be securely stored. Students will secure their devices by placing them in a provided phone storage locker as they enter the building. Staff will supervise the storage process in our 15th and 16th Street entry ways to ensure all devices are secured.

Devices will be securely stored, monitored, and, with a few exceptions, inaccessible to students during the bell-to-bell school day. Students who arrive after the start of instruction will follow the same storage procedures.

Retrieval:

At the end of the school day, staff will provide supervision as students retrieve their devices from designated location(s) after their caregivers pick them up from their teacher. Students will not be permitted to retrieve another student’s device(s), including those of siblings or other relatives.

Once students have retrieved their devices, they will continue with their dismissal proceedings. Please note that DCPS Out of School Time Program sites do not allow use of student cell phones or personal devices, and other afterschool providers and athletic teams may also have restrictions on cell phone usage during their programming. Students and caregivers will retrieve their devices from the storage lockers when they are picked up from aftercare.

Expectations:

Students will be expected to adhere to this policy throughout the bell-to-bell school day. Failure to cooperate could result in disciplinary action in accordance with the DCPS Safe and Positive Schools Policy.

I recognize this will be an adjustment for our school community, and I would like to take a moment to affirm our commitment to effective communication with families. In the event that an emergency causes a change in our school’s operating status, such as an evacuation, alert, or lockdown, we receive support from the DCPS Central Services Operations Communications Team so that we can focus on the immediate safety of our students and staff. The Operations Communications Team works across district operations and security to provide accurate and timely messaging to families via the centrally managed message platform, Finalsite (previously named Blackboard). If you need to get in contact with your student during the school day, please call the main office at 202-397-3960

I appreciate your partnership as we ensure a school environment where Miner Elementary students are focused on learning, classroom engagement, and building positive relationships with their peers and educators. Our scholars will continue to utilize school-issued devices and technology to supplement their learning experiences.

If you have any questions, please call the main office at 202-397-3960 or email me at carrie.broquard@k12.dc.gov

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Carrie Broquard

Principal, Miner ES

Update from the PTO

Welcoming Miner Staff
Parents and Caregivers: This week is Professional Development week for teachers and staff, and the PTO is organizing a few meals to welcome them back. If you’d like to chip in to help cover costs, you can make a contribution through our PayPal Giving Fund. Even $10 would be a nice gesture to show staff they’re supported as they gear up for the year.

Not in a place to give financially? You can still share a note of encouragement or thanks, and we’ll make sure it reaches the staff during the meals. A few kind words mean just as much as tacos and pizza. (Send to: minerpto@gmail.com)

Bear Bulletin – Meet the New Front Desk Team
Our Miner Bear mascot has been busy! Over on Instagram (@miner.pto), the Bear has started a new series called the Bear Bulletin. This week, the Bear meets our two new front desk staff, Ms. Footman and Mrs. Ding-Chong—and we'd like you to meet them, too.

We're also still taking name suggestions for the Bear for another week. Send 'em our way on IG or email us.

First-Day PTO Welcome Tables
Next week: On the first day of K–5 (8/25), we’ll have PTOtables at the 15th Street and 16th Street school entrances. On the first day of PK3/PK4 (8/28), we’ll be set up outside the ECE building. Stop by for coffee and donuts and to say hi—we’d love to meet you.


Warmly,
Liz Miller
on behalf of the Miner PTO Board

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Back-to-School Bash, Bear Bulletin, and... DIY Bingo!

Dear Miner Families,

The school year is almost here, and we have a few quick updates to share:

Back-to-School Bash – Volunteers Needed

Our first community event of the year is the Back-to-School Bash on THIS Friday, August 22, 3:30–6:30 PM. We’ll have activities for families, a chance to meet other parents and staff, and our PTO Spirit Wear table will be open (adult and kid sizes available).

 We still need a few more volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and activity stations. If you can lend a hand, please sign up here: [Sign-Up Genius Link]

Welcoming Miner StaffParents and Caregivers: This week is Professional Development week for teachers and staff, and the PTO is organizing a few meals to welcome them back. If you’d like to chip in to help cover costs, you can make a contribution through our PayPal Giving Fund. Even $10 would be a nice gesture to show staff they’re supported as they gear up for the year. 

Not in a place to give financially? You can still share a note of encouragement or thanks, and we’ll make sure it reaches the staff during the meals. A few kind words mean just as much as tacos and pizza. (Send to: minerpto@gmail.com)

Bear Bulletin – Meet the New Front Desk TeamOur Miner Bear mascot has been busy! Over on Instagram (@miner.pto), the Bear has started a new series called the Bear Bulletin. This week, the Bear meets our two new front desk staff, Ms. Footman and Mrs. Ding-Chong—and we'd like you to meet them, too.

 We're also still taking name suggestions for the Bear for another week. Send 'em our way on IG or email us.

First-Day PTO Welcome TablesNext week: On the first day of K–5 (8/25), we’ll have PTO tables at the 15th Street and 16th Street school entrances. On the first day of PK3/PK4 (8/28), we’ll be set up outside the ECE building. Stop by for coffee and donuts and to say hi—we’d love to meet you.

Warmly,
Liz Miller
on behalf of the Miner PTO Board

P.S. Want to add some fun to the first week? Try Back-to-School Bingo! Download the card here: Back-to-School Bingo PDF (courtesy of Highlights magazine) and see how many you and your kids can spot.

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Back to School Greetings from the PTO Board

Are you on the Miner PTO mailing list? Sign up via the form on our homepage! (You’re not automatically added to the list via enrolling in the school.)

Dear Miner Families,

Back-to-school season is here, which means fresh pencils, new routines, and those first “how was your day?” stories (...or complete silence).

The Miner PTO exists to bring parents, caregivers, and staff together to support every student at our school. We help fund enrichment opportunities, create spaces for families to connect, and work with school leadership to make Miner an even stronger, more equitable community for all of our kids. Whether you can give your time, ideas, or resources, your voice matters here. If you want to get involved this year, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form.

As we get ready to start the school year, we also wanted to introduce your 2025–26 PTO Board:

  • President: Nick Kushner, PK4 & 2nd Grade Parent

  • Vice President: Laura Swanson, 2nd Grade Parent

  • Treasurer: Chris Santulli, 1st & 2nd Grade Parent

  • Secretary: Liz Miller, PK4 & 1st Grade Parent

  • Teacher Rep: Mr. Jason Yoho, Kindergarten

  • Principal: Dr. Carrie Broquard

As a board, our goal is simple: keep Miner’s families connected, our events well-supported (and fun), and our resources working for students and staff.

Here’s what’s coming up soon:

Back-to-School Bash [Friday 8/22] – Volunteers Needed!
Our first event in collaboration with the Miner admin team is the Back-to-School Bash on Friday, August 22, 3:30–6:30 PM. We’ll have activities for families, a chance to meet other parents and staff, and our PTO Spirit Wear table will be open for purchases—including both adult and kid sizes.
>> If you can help with set-up, clean-up, or selling spirit wear, please sign up here: [Sign-Up Link]

PTO Meetings – New Wednesday Schedule
This year, PTO meetings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month from 6–7 PM, starting Wednesday, September 3. The first meeting will be in-person only, and all following meetings will have a virtual option. Meetings are open to all parents, guardians, and staff—just show up to join the conversation.

Help Name Our New Bear Mascot on Instagram
We have a new Miner Bear mascot, but it needs a name. Follow @miner.pto on Instagram and add your suggestion to our naming post. We’ll take ideas through the first week of school, then post the finalists for a community vote.

We’re looking forward to a great year together. Thank you for being part of Miner’s community. Please feel free to contact us at minerpto@gmail.com with any questions or ideas.

Warmly,
The Miner Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Board

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August Update from Dr. B

Message From the Principal

Dear Mighty Miner Bears,

We are getting excited to welcome your students back to school in just two weeks! As we are getting ready to return to school, there are some helpful hints to make sure your student is ready! For example, now is a great time to start putting a night time routine and bedtime back in place! We know summer can be lax and days are much longer. However, establishing a bedtime and night time routine are incredibly important for elementary aged children.

Did you know DCPS has a new cell phone policy?? Last year many students brought cell phones to school. If you plan to send your child to school with a phone, we will all be following the new policy. Here's what you need to know:

  • When students enter the doors, they will be required to lock their phones in a locker. Students will carry the key with them throughout the day.

  • At dismissal, after students have been picked up by their caregiver, they can retrieve their phone from the phone lockers.

  • Phones may not be stored in purses, backpacks, or in any other spaces within the school building besides the phone lockers.

  • Want to read the full policy? Click here.

  • Read more below!

We need your Health Forms!!!! Please bring in your Universal Health Certificates ("physical") and your immunization records. Nurse Anderson is here every day from 8 am - 4 pm. All students need to bring in updated paperwork - including asthma action plans, inhalers, and any allergy information and medications.

Below are some other reminders and resources as we head into the last several weeks of summer:

  • Students can arrive at school between 8:30 am - 8:45 am. School hours are:

    • 1st Grade - 5th Grade - 8:45 am - 3:15 pm

    • PK3, PK4, and Kindergarten - 8:45 am - 3:05 pm

  • New Uniform Policy for all grades (P3 - 5th) - New Zip up hoodies available for purchase! The uniform policy will be enforced beginning on the first day of school.

  • If you would like to donate uniforms for our Uniform Closet, we will accept all donations at any of our back to school events (Popsicles with the Principal, ECE Playdate, or Back to School Bash)

Looking forward to seeing everyone very soon!!!!

Dr. B

Miner Zip-Ups Kids & Adults Group Order Form - Sign Up Today!

More info on the cell phone policy:

As DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor, Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, announced in June, DCPS will implement a district-wide student cell phone policy beginning School Year 2025-2026. With this new policy, our school will adopt and enforce a cell phone-free environment during the "bell-to-bell" school day.

This means that when we return to school in August, students will not be permitted to use their cell phones or personal electronic communication devices from when the first bell rings in the morning until the dismissal bell in the afternoon, with limited exceptions. To help set students' and caregivers' expectations for our return to school, I want to share more about our school’s cell phone storage process.

Storage:

Upon arrival, all student phones and personal electronic devices will be securely stored. Students will secure their devices by placing them in a provided phone storage locker as they enter the building. Staff will supervise the storage process in our 15th and 16th Street entry ways to ensure all devices are secured.

Devices will be securely stored, monitored, and, with a few exceptions, inaccessible to students during the bell-to-bell school day. Students who arrive after the start of instruction will follow the same storage procedures.

Retrieval:

At the end of the school day, staff will provide supervision as students retrieve their devices from designated location(s) after their caregivers pick them up from their teacher. Students will not be permitted to retrieve another student’s device(s), including those of siblings or other relatives.

Once students have retrieved their devices, they will continue with their dismissal proceedings. Please note that DCPS Out of School Time Program sites do not allow use of student cell phones or personal devices, and other afterschool providers and athletic teams may also have restrictions on cell phone usage during their programming. Students and caregivers will retrieve their devices from the storage lockers when they are picked up from aftercare.

Expectations:

Students will be expected to adhere to this policy throughout the bell-to-bell school day. Failure to cooperate could result in disciplinary action in accordance with the DCPS Safe and Positive Schools Policy.

I recognize this will be an adjustment for our school community, and I would like to take a moment to affirm our commitment to effective communication with families. In the event that an emergency causes a change in our school’s operating status, such as an evacuation, alert, or lockdown, we receive support from the DCPS Central Services Operations Communications Team so that we can focus on the immediate safety of our students and staff. The Operations Communications Team works across district operations and security to provide accurate and timely messaging to families via the centrally managed message platform, Finalsite (previously named Blackboard). If you need to get in contact with your student during the school day, please call the main office at 202-397-3960

I appreciate your partnership as we ensure a school environment where Miner Elementary students are focused on learning, classroom engagement, and building positive relationships with their peers and educators. Our scholars will continue to utilize school-issued devices and technology to supplement their learning experiences.

If you have any questions, please call the main office at 202-397-3960 or email me at carrie.broquard@k12.dc.gov

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Back to School Update from Dr. B

Message From the Principal

Dear Mighty Miner Bears,

Friday, August 1st is a BIG Day for the Miner Community!

  • Class Lists will be emailed out to enrolled families by 4 pm!!!! Watch your emails!

    Don't see your child on the list? Is your enrollment complete? There's still time to enroll online: https://enrolldcps.dc.gov/node/76

    Any other questions, email Dr. B and carrie.broquard@k12.dc.gov

  • Popsicles with the Principal at 5 pm at the ECE Playground! Please join us!!!

Below are some other reminders and resources as we head into the last several weeks of summer:

  1. Upcoming Events - Save the Date!

  2. School Supply List by Grade band

  3. New Uniform Policy for all grades (PK3 - 5th): If you would like to donate uniforms for our Uniform Closet, we will accept all donations at any of our back-to-school events (Popsicles with the Principal, ECE Playdate, or Back to School Bash)

Looking forward to seeing everyone very soon!!!!

Dr. B

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Principal Updates Liz Miller Principal Updates Liz Miller

July Family Updates from Dr. Broquard

Topics:

  • Popsicles with the Principal – Rescheduled to Aug. 1

  • New Uniform Policy for 2025–26

  • Report Cards mailed this week

  • PTO Updates - Coming soon

🐻 Message from Principal Dr. Broquard

Dear Mighty Miner Bears,
We hope you're staying cool this summer! Our team is working hard to prepare for a strong start to the new school year. Below are some important updates and reminders as we head into August.

🧊 Popsicles with the Principal – Rescheduled

Due to inclement weather, Popsicles with the Principal has been moved to Friday, August 1 at 5:00 PM on the ECE Playground. We look forward to seeing you there for a cool treat and warm welcome!

👕 New Uniform Policy for 2025–26

Thank you to all the families who participated in last year’s survey! This year, all students are required to wear uniforms daily:

  • Tops: Light blue, navy blue, or white

  • Bottoms: Navy or khaki (no jeans)

More details will be shared soon!

📄 Report Cards

Final report cards for the 2024–25 school year will be mailed and should arrive by the end of next week. Please contact the front office if you do not receive yours.

🤝 PTO Updates

The PTO is gearing up for another great year of family events, school support, and community-building. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities and the upcoming first general meeting of the year in September.

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