Our 5th graders are partnering with Ford's theater again this year under the leadership of Mrs. Henderson, Ms. Currier, and Mrs. Giovanni. 5th graders are practicing for their presentations at Ford's theater. Students present historical speeches to commemorate President Lincoln's birthday. Find more information about this special event here: https://fords.org/event/lincoln-oratory-festival/

A local news agency cam to school today to record some of the rehearsals for a spot on NBC4 news.

We live in a time where technology is easily accessible. Many families are making the decision to give their students phones. We recognize there are many reasons families choose to give their children phones.

We do know that phones can be a significant distraction for students. At LTES in the last years, we have had cyber bullying, recording at school, ordering food to school, and students pulling out phones during instruction. We also know that kids and cell phones can be a struggle at home as well. Here is come current research on younger students and phones from the Child Mind Institute.

Given the ability to be a source of distraction at school, please know that students are not allowed to have cell phones during the school day. When students arrive at school, phones need to be turned off and put away in their backpacks. Students may access their phones after dismissal. If a student has their phones out at school, the adult who sees the phone will take the phone. For the first incident, the phone will be given back at the end of the day. After the second incident, we will take the phone and call an adult to retrieve the phone.

Our policy is, "away all day". Pleas help us to enforce this policy with your child and let them know the steps the school will take if we see phones out during the day.

We all want our children to be healthy and happy. At LTES, we want the same for all students. We are grateful that parents have volunteered, along with teachers, to look at the DCPS Nutrition policy and to see how we can enhance and interpret that policy here at Ludlow Taylor.

We also want to respect all families and choices. To that, we will not limit or ban foods that students bring from home. As a reminder, all breakfasts and lunches are free this year. As a parent myself, I often take advantage of school lunch, knowing my child will get a good meal at school.

If you are interested in the work of the Nutrition Committee, please reach out to members of our LSAT. If you want to read more about DCPS's Food and Nutrition policy and the Healthy Schools Policy please see more here.