SY22-23 Highlights

Welcoming Alumni as Coaches

This year, we were excited to welcome back alumni to coach programs they were involved in as students. Alumni Herson Carrillo, Jordy Gomez, Eddy Hernandez, DiAnte McGriff, and Jelani White all brought their coaching skills back to E.L. Haynes this year — taking our Volleyball, Track & Field, Basketball, and Soccer programs to new heights.

Varsity Teams Set a High Bar

The 2022 – 23 School Year started strong with impressive opening seasons from our Varsity Boys Soccer and Varsity Girls Volleyball teams. Our Varsity Boys Soccer team won the 8th Annual Petworth Cup, bringing the championship trophy back to E.L. Haynes, and securing a spot in the top 10 teams in the District (#7). From there the team advanced to the state tournament, despite a tough season.

On the volleyball court, our Varsity Girls team played an unforgettable season. They started by hosting the first-ever E.L. Haynes Invitational Volleyball Tournament with nearby schools, during which the team made history by securing the inaugural championship title of what is now the annual E.L. Haynes Invitational Volleyball Tournament. After that powerful start, the team played an 11-3 season, advancing to the state tournament where they finished 4th in the District.

Elementary and Middle School Spotlights

For younger learners, sports provide a fun and active way to strengthen socio-emotional and teamwork skills, in addition to building sport-based technical skill sets. For example, our elementary school Saturday Soccer program teaches students how to dribble and kick, while also developing their overall confidence and interpersonal skills.

This fall, our middle school Coed Soccer team played a dream season. The team was undefeated in the regular season, qualifying them to compete in the 2022 DC Scores Capital Cup at Audi Field. Playing under the stadium lights was a feeling our student-athletes will never forget. Cheered on by staff and family members in the stands, they played hard; and although they came up short, they finished the game with their heads held high. Every year, each sports team aspires to advance to its playoffs and state finals, and our middle and high school teams played their hearts out.

Strengthening Student Success and School Community

As students grow older, participating in sports also helps to develop important life management skills, including time management, prioritization, and leadership. Throughout the year, student-athletes work hard to maintain good grades and adapt to new playing strategies when transitioning across sports. And as a community, we make space to find shared joy through sports. Every year, we host several student vs. staff sports games, including soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and track & field.

Our 2022 – 2023 School Year student-athletes set the bar high, and we look forward to another successful year ahead.

Register for Fall Sports

Registration is now open for fall sports! If your student is interested in playing a sport this fall, visit our Athletic Registration page and be sure to sign up for real-time sports alerts. For more information, contact Brent Bass, Director of Athletics, at bbass@elhaynes.org. 

• 7th Grade students will be able to take a new math course called Math 7/8.
• 8th Grade students will be able to take Algebra 1.

Increasing Access to More Advanced Math Classes in High School

Offering Math 7/8 and Algebra 1 in grades 7 and 8, respectively, will boost learning and make it easier for students to take more advanced math classes in high school and beyond. According to Chief Academic Officer Dr. Rikki Hunt Taylor, “Students who complete these new offerings will be in the strongest possible position when they enter high school, allowing them to take Advanced Placement classes and earn college credits before graduating from high school.”

The benefits of completing Math 7/8 (in 7th grade) and Algebra 1 (in 8th grade) include:

• The opportunity to take on new learning challenges;
• Eligibility for more advanced math courses in high school, including Advanced Placement (AP) classes; and
• Eligibility to earn college credit during high school through AP classes.

Math 7/8: New Course for 7th Grade Students

Math 7/8 will be a fast-paced course that combines content from 7th and 8th grade into one school year. Because it combines two years of learning into one academic year, Math 7/8 is a more rigorous and challenging course that moves at a quicker pace than a traditional math course.

Algebra 1: Now Available for 8th Grade Students

Beginning in the 2023-2024 School Year, 8th graders will be able to take Algebra 1, instead of Math 8. (Algebra 1 is currently offered to students in grades 9 and above.) Students who choose to take Algebra 1 instead of Math 8 will receive additional support to make sure they receive all the critical content that would normally be taught in Math 8. Because students will be taking Algebra I instead of Math 8, this will be a rigorous, fast-paced experience. Families and students enrolling in Algebra I for 8th grade should know there may be additional effort and work required to succeed in this course.

Open Enrollment

Every student should have access to rigorous academic experiences that push and support them to reach higher levels of learning and success. If students and families want to take on more challenging learning opportunities, they should have the opportunity to do so. For that reason, Math 7/8 and Algebra 1 will be Open Enrollment courses, meaning that any family who wants to enroll their child in these courses can — regardless of learning disability, learning difference, or primary language. We will soon host virtual information sessions for families to learn more.

If you are interested in learning more, or are ready to enroll, complete the appropriate form below as soon as possible:

• Rising 7th grade students: Math 7/8 Interest Form
• Rising 8th grade students: Algebra 1 Interest Form

Student Support Plan

Because Math 7/8 is a rigorous and fast-paced course, and Algebra 1 requires students to bypass Math 8, we will provide additional support to students to promote their success. If a student experiences issues that will prevent them from completing the course, we will provide different layers of support:

1. For students who need support maintaining a passing grade, the teacher will meet them and their family to review student work, talk through concerns, and develop a support plan;
2. After developing and implementing the support plan, if the student continues to experience issues, the teacher, student, and family will meet to discuss what is in the best interest of the student and their learning trajectory, which may include the possibility of enrolling in a traditional Math 7 or Math 8 course.

Contact Information

If your student has a learning difference or disability and you have questions about what a more rigorous and fast-paced math course could look like for them, please reach out to

Brandan Persaud, Assistant Director of Student Support Services, at bpersaud@elhaynes.org or by phone at 202-667-4446.

For more general information about Math 7/8 or Algebra 1 please contact Rob Murphy, Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment at rmurphy@elhaynes.org or by phone at 202-423-1099.

In 9th grade, students attend monthly College Academy sessions and a one-to-one College Connections family meeting. In 10th grade, they focus on professional pathways through Career Day in the fall, and Career Shadow Day in the spring. In 11th grade, students focus on the college application process. And in 12th grade, they participate in overnight college trips and quarterly College Prep Bootcamps.

College Visits

Every school year, the College Office organizes overnight college trips. This school year, students visited dozens of colleges and universities across the mid-Atlantic (see below). These off-site learning experiences give students a chance to participate in campus tours, get a sneak peek of life as a college student, attend sports games, engage in conversations about life after graduation, and much more. This year, while visiting Bowie State University, 10th grade students participated in a live on-air interview with WBSU Radio and discussed the powers and dangers of social media and education. Check out their discussion here!  

Family Engagement

As part of working with students to develop their post-graduation plans, our College Office partners with families to make sure they are supported in helping their student’s transition. For students looking to go into post-secondary education after high school, our College Office helps students and families with college research, applications, and decisions; financial aid research and applications; and more. Periodically throughout the school year, College Counselors meet with students and their families to discuss updates, new interests, and outstanding tasks that need to be done to help the student meet their goals. For students choosing to go into a specific trade or career field, we assign a College Counselor to work with them beginning in the middle of 11th grade to develop an individualized career development plan.

Pre-College Programs and College Advising

The end of every school year brings excitement as students finalize plans for what they will do next. Students in grades 9 – 12 think through their plans for the summer with support from College Office staff. In addition to college advising, the College Office supports students in accessing valuable learning and experiential experiences outside of E.L. Haynes. These opportunities range from academic summer programs at nearby colleges to year-round, after-school programs. We are proud to have supported student participation in Critical Exposure, Bringing the Lessons Home, MS², DC Happ, Urban Alliance World Bank Internship, and POSSE Scholars. We hold a twice-yearly External Opportunities Fair and produce a quarterly newsletter introducing students to these programs. 

Senior Year and Beyond

In 12th grade, students apply to college and pursue professional opportunities, including vocational training programs. On May 1, we celebrate National College Decision Day, during which 12th graders across the country announce their plans for after graduation to friends and family. This year, we look forward to celebrating the Class of 2023 and their post-graduation plans during our annual Commitment Ceremony on Thursday, May 25, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Additionally, we offer support to alumni as they navigate college and careers, including through an Alumni College Emergency Support Fund. Stay tuned for more highlights, events, and support opportunities from the College Office!

9th Graders meet with college and company representatives during the annual Pre-College Fair.

This school year’s second annual Sophomore Career Exploration Day, an opportunity for 10th graders to gain exposure to different career sectors, connect with community members serving in a wide array of roles within those sectors, and gain valuable insights into the job application process. 

Senior Josiah Aniyikaiye-Preston celebrating his accomplishment of winning a full-tuition, merit scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as a DC POSSE Scholar!

Students visiting Bowie State University. During the tour, students participated in an on-air interview with campus radio station WBSU about the power and dangers of social media.

Compensation and Pay Scale Philosophy

We anchor our compensation decisions using the guiding principles below.

• Competitive: We offer salaries that are competitive in the D.C. market for similar roles. We assess our competitiveness regularly to ensure that we are able to attract and retain our excellent staff members.
  
• Transparent: We openly share our compensation structure as an organization and what drives our total compensation package. We provide clarity so that our staff understand their compensation and the investments made in them.
  
• Fair and Consistent: We ensure that employees within the same position are compensated fairly and consistently. We regularly review data and compensation processes to ensure staff do not experience differences in their compensation based on gender, race, and other demographic factors.
  
• Sustainable: We plan for our future and ground our investments in our staff in our ability to continue to do so in future years, while also maintaining critical investments in our students and other needed expenses.

During Black History Month in February, we learned about Black history and power, celebrated Black culture and love, and elevated the voices and stories of Black authors. Connecting to this year’s national theme for Black History Month, Black Resistance, our cross-campus celebration honored the fact that, “despite historic and ongoing oppression, Black people have found ways to nurture and protect Black lives through activism, advocacy, organizing, and the arts.” Click here to read more about the national theme.

Throughout the month, students across all three campuses engaged in special learning units, field trips, or assignments. 

• High school students went on a Black history scavenger hunt across three different Smithsonian museums. While exploring, students were tasked with locating specific exhibitions and artifacts around each museum, including the Greensboro lunch counters from the student sit-ins, and more. In addition to finding each item, students took time at each exhibition to reflect on what they saw and learned. 
  
• At the middle school, students in the 7th grade Humanities class read Black Trailblazers, a collection of 30 excerpts about Black historical figures, innovators, and more. Their exploration of the book went beyond reading. Students met with the author Bijan Bayne, who came to the classroom to talk with them about leaders profiled in the book, the writing process, and how to work towards becoming a published author. 
• Our elementary school Extended Day Program closed out the month with their very own Black History Month celebration, where our youngest learners performed a series of dance numbers for their favorite teachers, friends, and families. 

On February 22, we hosted hundreds of families for our annual cross-campus Black History Month Celebration. The event, which was our first in-person Black History Month celebration since 2020, was full of love and joy. The evening featured live performances, including Go-Go sets from our high school student band, musical selections from both our elementary and middle school students, dance showcases, original student poetry, and more. In case you missed it, check out our Instagram reel, watch the highlight reel, and view the event program!

Thank you to all of the families who joined our celebration, to all of the students who performed or organized events throughout the month, and to all of the teachers and staff who led special activities. We look forward to next year’s celebration, and to all of the learning that will take place in the coming year.

In partnership with our teachers and instructional staff, our operations and administrative teams, our wellness and student support staff, our families, and our neighbors, we provide a first-class education to every student, every day. We challenge our students with rigorous and relevant content in every classroom, and we anchor all of our work in trusting and loving relationships.

Founded in 2004, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School is named for Dr. Euphemia Lofton Haynes, the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in mathematics and a DCPS teacher for nearly 50 years. In 1966, while serving as President of the DC School Board, Dr. Haynes led the dismantling of the oppressive academic tracking system, replacing it with more equitable methods of assessment. Our talented staff continues her legacy by preparing every learner to be a leader in the classroom and in their communities. We proactively recruit, intentionally develop, and deeply value all members of our diverse and highly talented team. Our work environment fosters inclusion and authenticity, supporting all staff to thrive in their roles and maximize their impact on students. 

Employee Benefits Package

E.L. Haynes offers a variety of benefits designed to support and empower employees based on their personal goals and needs. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Parking and metro benefits;
• Paid-Time Off and parental leave;
• 403(b) Retirement account with 3% employer contribution;
• Life, short-term, and long-term disability insurance;
• Extensive professional development opportunities;
• Employer-covered options for medical, dental, and vision insurance;
• Staff preference for enrollment if you and your child reside in DC; and
• Staff stipend for E.L. Haynes before- and after-care (Pre-K3 – 5th Grade only).

Teacher Supports and Perks

We support every member of our staff community to maximize their impact on student learning by providing the tools and support they need to do their best work. This includes a robust system of direct support as well as a competitive salary package. View our Teacher Salary Scale for more compensation information. Our collaborative team model is designed to ensure there is ample classroom staffing support, and we offer a variety of resources to teachers, including:

• Classroom materials and tools, available for purchase in consultation with grade-level leads;
• Direct support from Instructional Coaches and Assistant Principals;
• Access to student performance data and help creating data-driven instructional strategies;
• Opportunity to earn stipends for taking on additional responsibilities (e.g., advising a club, coaching, other special assignments); 
• Access to robust Wellness and social work team supports, including help with Tier 2 and Tier 3 strategies for students;
• Teacher lounges equipped with free snacks, coffee, filtered water, cutlery and plates, refrigerators, and microwaves; and
• Budget to decorate their classroom in a way that reflects their values and instructional approach.

Supporting Teacher Sustainability Through Our School Year Model

This March, we released our first-ever three-year academic calendar. We designed a new three-year calendar to maximize student learning and growth while supporting staff sustainability and meeting the needs of our diverse family community. Starting next year, teachers will be further supported by our school calendar in the ways listed below.

• Teacher planning and professional development time: Teachers will get every Wednesday afternoon to focus on planning, as well as seven professional development days throughout the school year, in addition to our week-long All-Staff Institute in August.
  
• Regular breaks throughout the school year to rest and reflect: In addition to various three-day weekends and early dismissals, teachers will receive time off during an October Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break, February Break, and Spring Break.
  
• Extended summer break: We lengthened our summer break to create space for extended summer academic and enrichment programming for select students, and for teachers to rest, take on other summer opportunities, or travel. 

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you want to work, apply today!

To make sure our students receive the best education possible, we value getting to know candidates using different evaluative methods. The chart below provides a quick snapshot of our Instructional Candidate Selection Process, which generally lasts three to five weeks.

What You Can Expect

Step 1: Complete an Online Application via TalentEd

View all open positions and submit your written application via the E.L. Haynes TalentEd Hire page.

Step 2: Submit a One-Way Video Interview

We utilize one-way interviews to provide you with the flexibility to submit responses on your own time before a designated deadline. We conduct these interviews through Spark Hire, our virtual interview platform. You will receive an invitation and instructions via email. We will ask you to respond to a few questions using a computer webcam or mobile device. As you prepare for your video interview, check out these interview tips.

Step 3: Teaching Demonstration and Interviews

As part of the final stage, candidates will deliver a demonstration lesson on the date of their in-person panel interview. Candidates will meet with a selection panel composed of current staff with a connection to the role to debrief the lesson and engage in a two-way interview, during which candidates can ask questions. 

In most cases, interviews are conducted in person to give candidates an opportunity to see our school community in action. In special circumstances, interviews may be conducted over Zoom.

Step 4: Reference Checks

E.L. Haynes will contact your references. 

Step 5: Job Offer Sent

If you are selected for hire, you will receive the official job offer electronically via email.

What We Consider “Teaching Experience”

Our compensation process evaluates candidates based on their total years of teaching experience. See below for details about what counts as teaching experience and what does not.

Receiving an Offer

Congratulations on making it this far! If you are selected for the position, you will receive an email and phone call from your hiring manager. Your offer letter will include important information including your salary, benefits, and start date information.

Teacher Compensation Scale

In July 2022, we unveiled our new teacher compensation scale, which features starting salaries beginning at $65,000. After months of community engagement, and in alignment with our 2025 Strategic Plan, we anchored this new compensation structure to align with the following guiding principles:

• Competitive: We offer salaries that are competitive in the DC market for similar roles, and we regularly reassess to make sure we remain competitive over time.

• Transparent: We openly share our compensation structure, and we provide clarity so that our staff understand their compensation and the investments made in them.
  
• Fair and Consistent: We make sure employees within the same position are compensated fairly and consistently, and we regularly review our data to ensure staff do not experience differences in compensation based on gender, race, and other demographic factors.
  
• Sustainable: We plan for our future and ground our investments in staff in our ability to continue doing so in future years.

If this sounds like the kind of environment where you want to work, view all of our open positions and apply today!

We are writing to share important information regarding Summer 2023 programming. As we shared in early January, programming this year will look different as we work to design a more comprehensive five-week summer program beginning in 2024. With that in mind, we are offering limited programming for students this year.

• Four-Week Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 Program. We will offer a four-week summer program for all interested current Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students. Running from Monday, June 26 through Friday, July 21, this program will take place from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. every day. Filled with fun enrichment activities, academics, and play, we hope this program will be a great opportunity for our youngest learners, who do not often have access to camp programming throughout the city. Note: There will be no before or after-care programming over the summer.

If you are interested in having your student participate, please click HERE. 

• Camp Canopy – Two-Week Overnight Sleepaway Camp for Rising 4th through 8th Grade Students. A new overnight summer camp experience for rising 4th – 8th grade E.L. Haynes Students, Camp Canopy will take place from Tuesday, June 27 through July 9. Transportation will be provided and there are 20 scholarships available. Camp Canopy will host two information sessions TODAY, March 10 at (2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.). Click HERE to attend a virtual information session.

If you are interested in having your student participate, please contact Charlene Desanges.

• Four-Week Summer High School Prep Program for Current 8th Grade Students. In order to help prepare our eighth grade students for the rigors of high school, we are hosting a four-week high school preparatory program, which will include Algebra 1, creative writing, fun enrichment activities, and field trips. This program will take place from Monday, June 26 to Friday, July 21, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. We highly encourage all returning E.L. Haynes students to participate in this free summer program. 

To sign your student up for this program, click HERE. 

• Extended School-Year Programming For Students with IEPs. As we have in previous years, we will offer extended school-year programs for students who require it in their IEPs. The program will take place from Monday, June 26 through Friday, July 14. Our special education team will reach out directly to these families with more information. 

• Credit Recovery Program for High School Students. As we have in previous years, we will offer Credit Recovery programs for high school students to remain on-track to graduate. This program will take place from Monday, June 26 through Friday, July 14. Our high school team will reach out directly to families and students who should participate. 

We also wanted to share a list of external opportunities with you. This list is by no means exhaustive, so if you have any programs we should add, please email info@elhaynes.org. Important note: DC Department of Recreation (DPR) summer camp registration begins MONDAY, MARCH 13.

Though we are offering limited opportunities this summer, we are thrilled to pilot new programs, and build upon what we learn for an exciting 2024. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out directly to me or your principal.

In service,

Rikki Hunt Taylor

Chief Academic Officer

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more campus and staff spotlights celebrating Women’s History Month!

What’s on your daily to-do list?

Elementary school principal Ms. Brittany Wagner-Friel makes a point to interact directly with students, families, and staff every day. “I get into classrooms every day since that is where the most important work (magic!) happens, and to anchor in my goals for the day to make sure I spend my time in ways that help us progress as a school community.” Meeting most of our longtime students at a young age, Ms. Brittany says her proudest moments are watching students she worked with in elementary school, either as a teacher or principal, walk across the stage at their high school graduation.

“As a Pre-K – 12 school community, we have the privilege and opportunity to work with students and families for many years and it is an amazing moment when the time, effort, and love of so many culminate in this important moment.” 

Why do people need to feel seen, heard, and loved?

When thinking about the power of inclusion, Ms. Zenada Mahon-Belton, middle school principal, talked about why it’s critical to create a sense of connection. In a recent conversation with a teacher, who was also a mother, they talked about how challenging mornings can be with small children at home. The conversation centered around the importance of knowing you’re not alone. 

“We are hard-wired for connection. I believe we all have an innate desire to feel seen, heard, and loved because it makes us feel less alone and more connected. Feeling connected to others and knowing we belong is critical to our emotional and social well-being. Being seen, heard, and loved can heal the places where we are hurting, and it doesn’t take much to offer this to each other.”

Thank you, Ms. Mahon-Belton, for helping build community with a shared sense of humanity that enables every learner and staff member to thrive.

What has leading through COVID-19 taught you?

Reflecting on the past three years, high school principal Ms. Emily Hueber Stoetzer talked about what the process has been for her as our community has moved closer to what feels like a “normal” school year: 

“Returning last year and this year, we have had to re-learn the importance of building community — for our students, staff, and families. Welcoming families into the building at 9th Grade Orientation, the 12th Grade College Office Meeting, and Family Teacher Conferences, and our cultural heritage celebrations has been such a highlight! We’ve had to pivot and make adjustments where students, particularly 9th grade and 10th graders, are taking longer to acclimate to in-person learning and rebuilding healthy peer-to-peer interactions. I am impressed with how strong our staff’s commitment to supporting our community of learners has been.” 

When asked what about this year she is most excited for, Ms. Hueber Stoetzer replied, “all of the in-person events, activities, and experiences we are planning for students: the Homecoming Pep Rally, overnight college trips, and academic signature learning experiences!”

Take a moment this month to show some love and appreciation to our campus leaders. If you see them in the halls during pick-up and dismissal, be sure to give them a high five.