Digital Learning Day at the Capitol

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President’s Message

Hello WA DSPA Families – 
 
I hope your second semester is off to a great start. It has been a busy month here at DPSA as we hosted two large outings, prepped for Digital Learning Day at the Capitol, and had remote testing bills introduced in the Senate and House. Thank you for your continued support, whether you attended an event in-person or showed support by signing on remotely. 
 
Digital Learning Day at the Capitol is just three weeks away! Please check out the info below for more details and be sure to register. This year’s event will feature student leaders from multiple schools – and, of course, free pizza. 
 
This month’s newsletter is also focused on the new remote testing bills. These bills will positively impact all 20,000 digital learning students across Washington state. Stay informed about the status and see how you can help by reading the info below. 
 
Have a great holiday weekend! 

Sincerely,

Felicia Kern
President

p.s. Don't forget to register for Digital Learning Day at the Capitol. 

Digital Learning Day at the Capitol

Join us in Olympia on Friday, March 7, for Digital Learning Day at the Capitol. Every year, digital school families from across Washington gather at the State Capitol to celebrate digital public education. Digital Learning Day at the Capitol is an opportunity to:

  • Celebrate digital public schools

  • Meet other digital public school students and families

  • Learn how our state government works 

  • Meet with your state legislators 

  • Experience our state’s beautiful capitol building and capitol campus

During the event you will:

  • Learn about issues that impact digital public schools

  • Participate in a fun and interactive student activity

  • Hear from parent advocates who will share tips and tools to advocate for your school choice

  • Enjoy a pizza lunch

  • Have fun!

This free event is a great opportunity to meet other families, urge legislators to support remote testing options, and share your digital public school story. We hope to see you in Olympia on March 7!

Legislative Update: Remote Testing Legislation

Photo caption: DPSA parents Felicia Kern and James Perry with Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self

As we mentioned in our January newsletter, bills have been introduced in the House (HB 1079) and Senate (SB 5193) that would allow remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs. Allowing students to test remotely alleviates the burden and financial costs of traveling to a state testing site. Online students will feel more comfortable testing remotely in their daily learning environment, which may lead to improved test scores.

DPSA president, Felicia Kern and board member, James Perry traveled to Olympia to testify on these bills. They also met with Rep. Lilian Ortiz-Self the prime sponsor of the HB1079.
 
The legislature is moving quickly on these bills. We will keep you informed on how to show your support.

The Washington Digital Public Schools Alliance is a coalition of Washington families who have joined together to advocate for digital public schools in our state. DPSA parents have worked hard to educate and inform Washington State policymakers about the importance of digital public schools. Your participation makes a real difference to our leaders in Olympia.