DKFI Survival Guide (2026-27)Dora Kennedy French ImmersionFounded in 1985 by Dr. Dora Funari Kennedy (1921-2009), Dora Kennedy French Immersion is a magnet school located in Seabrook, Maryland. It is a lottery-based specialty program serving students in grades K-8. The school is one of the oldest French immersion schools in the United States. The school was originally called Robert F. Goddard French Immersion School. In 2014, the school’s name was changed to Dora Kennedy French Immersion in honor of our founder, a long-time Maryland educator. Dr. Kennedy served as a teacher for many years and became the president of the Maryland Foreign Language Association and an executive member of the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages. She founded the National Museum of Language in College Park, MD, and became the first foreign language supervisor in the county’s school system.
In 2014, the school was awarded the esteemed designation of being a National Blue Ribbon School by the US Department of Education. The Blue Ribbon Schools Program is a national and state program that recognizes and honors schools that exhibit high performance and/or significant improvement in student achievement and reducing the achievement gap for disadvantaged students. DKFI continues to rank highly in the annual Maryland Public Schools Report Card, most recently awarded 5 stars for 2024-2025. All DKFI core subjects are taught in French beginning in kindergarten. In second grade, the curriculum begins to incorporate English instruction. In seventh grade, Russian becomes an academic requirement. Our teachers include mostly native French speakers from all over the world, including Morocco, France, and Cameroon. In the past, our students have received top honors in the Diplome d’Etudes en Langue Francaise, a certification of competency in French from the French Ministry of Education. Last year, our school celebrated a rich legacy of 40 years of French education. As proud parents of Dora Kennedy French Immersion we are committed to working with the school’s administration to carry the torch of excellence into the future for our community of learners. DKFI QUICK FACTS: Principal: James A. Spence, II DKFI Website: www.pgcps.org/schools/dora-kennedy-french-immersion School Colors: Red, Blue & White School Mascot: Toussaint, le Cardinal PTA President: Matene Okoye PTA Motto: Plusieurs Quartiers, Une Communauté (Many Neighborhoods, One Community) PTA Website: www.dkfipta.org Grades: K-8 |
In this guide, you will find:
History of DKFI Welcome Letter from PTA President Important Contact Information Things to Do Prior to the First Day Student Arrival & Dismissal Technology Tips Navigating French Immersion Testing for Kindergarten & First Grade General School FAQs BONUS: Tips for Success |
Welcome Letter from PTA President
Dear DKFI Families,
Welcome to another exciting school year! Whether you are new to the Dora Kennedy French Immersion community or returning, we are so happy to have you with us.
This year is especially exciting as we begin the school year in our new location. While there will certainly be changes and adjustments along the way, I know our school community will navigate them together. As parents, staff, and volunteers, let’s continue to support one another, manage our expectations, and be part of the solution as we settle into our new home.
The PTA is looking forward to meeting our new families and reconnecting with returning ones at Orientation and throughout the school year. We hope you’ll join us at our events, become a PTA member, and find a way to get involved that works for your family.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful school year. We can’t wait to see you!
Warm Regards,
Matene Okoye
DKFI PTA President
2026-27 PTA Executive Board Members
Matene Okoye, President
Kristan Skendall, Vice President – Elementary School
Latanza Wilson, Vice President – Middle School
Ayo Bello, Treasurer
Kelly Sohou, Secretary
Welcome to another exciting school year! Whether you are new to the Dora Kennedy French Immersion community or returning, we are so happy to have you with us.
This year is especially exciting as we begin the school year in our new location. While there will certainly be changes and adjustments along the way, I know our school community will navigate them together. As parents, staff, and volunteers, let’s continue to support one another, manage our expectations, and be part of the solution as we settle into our new home.
The PTA is looking forward to meeting our new families and reconnecting with returning ones at Orientation and throughout the school year. We hope you’ll join us at our events, become a PTA member, and find a way to get involved that works for your family.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful school year. We can’t wait to see you!
Warm Regards,
Matene Okoye
DKFI PTA President
2026-27 PTA Executive Board Members
Matene Okoye, President
Kristan Skendall, Vice President – Elementary School
Latanza Wilson, Vice President – Middle School
Ayo Bello, Treasurer
Kelly Sohou, Secretary
School Administration Contact Information
|
James A. Spence II, Principal
[email protected] Sandrine Boukabara, Assistant Principal [email protected] Aby Koundoul, Academic Dean [email protected] Peter Mills, Testing Coordinator [email protected] Frederique Mortiniera, Reading Intervention Specialist [email protected] Cristina Kallon, Principal's Secretary [email protected] |
Lee Wright, Registrar
[email protected] Sarah Chung, Guidance Counselor (K-4th) [email protected] Rachele Donohue, Guidance Counselor (5th-8th) [email protected] Dionna Williams, Main Office Secretary [email protected] Philip Held, Technology Instructional Specialist [email protected] |
PTA Contact Information
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dkfipta.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DKFIPTA
Instagram: @dkfi_pta
Website: www.dkfipta.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DKFIPTA
Instagram: @dkfi_pta
PG County Language Immersion Programs Office
www.pgcps.org/immersionprograms
Jane M. Tarwacki, Supervisor
[email protected]
Amy Lahlou, instructional Specialist
[email protected]
Jane M. Tarwacki, Supervisor
[email protected]
Amy Lahlou, instructional Specialist
[email protected]
Things to Do Prior to the First Day of School
Register for a ParentVue Account
Add Money to Your Child’s My School Bucks Account
Download the Class Dojo App
(Bus Riders) Download the Chipmunk App (Apple App Store or Google Play)
Arrange Before and After Care (if needed)
Become a Member of the PTA
Register (or Renew) to Be an Approved Volunteer at School
- Enter the contact information that you wish to receive school communications. Be sure to check ParentVUE (online or via the app) regularly to monitor grades, attendance, and teacher updates. Families can also update their phone numbers and emergency contact information.
Add Money to Your Child’s My School Bucks Account
- School meals are paid directly on My School Bucks. Monitor this account, as it will charge for meals received even after funds run out, resulting in a negative balance.
Download the Class Dojo App
- Teachers use this app to send important announcements to parents. You will NOT need to pay for the optional upgrade to use this app. If your child’s classroom does not appear and you are not receiving messages, you may need to request the class code from your teacher to register.
(Bus Riders) Download the Chipmunk App (Apple App Store or Google Play)
- This school bus tracking app provides real-time bus locations, estimated arrival times, and other transportation alerts.
- Instructions: 1) Make sure you have an active ParentVUE account. 2) Select Prince George's County Public Schools as your district. 3) Sign in using the same email address associated with your ParentVUE account. Your student's transportation information will sync once available.
- Confirm your child’s bus stop and pickup time in ParentVue or Chipmunk. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early during the first two weeks. Expect buses to run late the first few days.
Arrange Before and After Care (if needed)
- PGCPS has selected vendors for before and after care programs. The assigned vendor for DKFI is Sanbridge Early Learning Center. For questions, contact Sanbridge directly or visit the PGCPS Vendor Managed Child Care Programs webpage.
- Note: Available slots fill quickly, so be proactive in seeking out these opportunities. There are a variety of off-site before and after care programs, some that offer transportation, that are also available in the area.
Become a Member of the PTA
- By becoming a member of the PTA, you will be able to connect with other parents and guardians, build community, and advocate for your child. Membership also grants you access to timely communications about school issues, engagement opportunities, and more.
- Membership is $15 per person or $25 per family, paid annually. Your support helps fund enrichment programs, events, and resources for our students and staff. Join the DKFI PTA.
Register (or Renew) to Be an Approved Volunteer at School
- All parents and guardians must be approved by PGCPS prior to volunteering at the school or chaperoning a field trip. The process takes about three weeks to complete for new volunteers.
- Step 1: Complete Volunteer Registration (new & returning volunteers)
- Step 2: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening Process (new volunteers only)
- Step 3: Complete Mandatory Safety Training Modules (new & returning volunteers)
- After registering, volunteers/chaperones must:
- Undergo a fingerprint background check and Child Protective Services (CPS) clearance (at least 15 business days in advance of volunteer activity). Then provide a copy of the fingerprint receipt with the CPS stamp to the school to keep on file. Note: This step only needs to be completed one time for new volunteers.
- Complete the required SafeSchools online training modules each academic school year (at least 15 business days prior to engaging in volunteer activity). Approximately 48 hours after your application is submitted, you will receive an email with a link to the training modules. Use your provided VIN # as your username to log in. Upon completion of each course, you will receive a certificate. Please save these for your records and email a copy to the school.
Student Arrival and Dismissal
Review the new DKFI Arrival & Dismissal Plan, and discuss with your family.
Provide advance notice of any planned early dismissals or transportation changes – by 12 PM – to your teacher and the office. Early dismissals are not permitted after 3:00 PM.
School Hours
Car Rider Expectations
Provide advance notice of any planned early dismissals or transportation changes – by 12 PM – to your teacher and the office. Early dismissals are not permitted after 3:00 PM.
School Hours
- Doors open: 9:00 AM / Classes begin: 9:30 AM
- Dismissal: 3:45 – 4:30 PM
- Wave 1 (3:45 – 4:10 PM): Elementary car riders, walkers, and van riders.
- Wave 2 (4:10 – 4:30 PM): Middle school car riders and walkers, and all bus riders.
Car Rider Expectations
- During drop-off, parents must remain in their vehicles and allow students to exit independently from the LEFT side of the vehicle. There will be staff and volunteers to assist students.
- At pickup, display your red DKFI car tag AND your student's unique QR code inside your vehicle.
- During arrival and dismissal, parking is prohibited (unless you have a VFW parking pass). Stay in the car line and follow the designated traffic pattern.
Technology Tips
For assistance with student technology, visit the Technology Help webpage or contact Mr. Held. Cell phones or personal devices must remain in lockers and turned off. Review the PGCPS cell phone policy.
Student Email
Students will receive an email address and password from the school. Once they have this information, you can access their email from any device at gmail.pgcps.org.
Clever
Clever is a digital platform used by PGCPS to streamline access to educational resources. Students may access the platform anywhere by logging in with their student email and password. A variety of apps are available and may be recommended by your teacher to supplement classroom learning.
Helpful Links
Student Email
Students will receive an email address and password from the school. Once they have this information, you can access their email from any device at gmail.pgcps.org.
Clever
Clever is a digital platform used by PGCPS to streamline access to educational resources. Students may access the platform anywhere by logging in with their student email and password. A variety of apps are available and may be recommended by your teacher to supplement classroom learning.
Helpful Links
- ParentVue (track student records or update your contact info)
- Class Dojo (communicate with teachers and receive school updates)
- My School Bucks (make payments for school meals, field trips, etc.)
- PTA website (follow our calendar of events, news, and event information)
- PGCPS website (find menus, transportation, calendar, grading and reporting, and more)
Navigating the French Immersion Program
French Immersion FAQs
1. What classes will be taught in French?
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are taught in French. Students receive approximately one hour of English Language Arts every day from grades 2-8.
2. What are the language proficiency goals for the students?
Studies have shown that students achieve an intermediate low level of proficiency by 2nd grade, intermediate mid by 5th, intermediate high by 8th, and advanced mid by 12th grade.
3. How will my child learn to read in English?
Because your child will be in a totally French immersive environment, if your child is not an English reader when they begin school, they may read French before reading English. English language arts instruction is not introduced to students until 2nd grade. It is vitally important that you read regularly to your child in English and encourage English reading acquisition at home. See “Tips for Reading” for more info.
4. What can I do to support French language continuity at home?
Exposing your child to French language through music and television is a great way to ensure that your child is hearing French at home. Many streaming services, including Netflix, have programs that are in French. Conversely, you can change the language settings to have programs streamed with French audio. French language posters for beginners that can be purchased are a great reference for your students to review topics such as numbers, days of the week, colors, months of the year, etc. Games such as Spot It!, Kloo, and Bananagrams are available in French editions.
5. Are homework assignments translated into English for parents?
No – homework assignments are not translated into English. The homework that students receive in kindergarten and first grade should be extensions of work that is done in class. While parents are encouraged not to help with homework, Google Translate does allow you to understand the assignment. However, teachers know the proficiency level of their students and assign work that is appropriate for their comprehension level. Providing your student with Google Translate answers will be detrimental to their learning and will easily be detected by the teachers.
6. What if my child is not thriving in the French immersion program?
Teachers and administrators constantly assess your student’s progress and provide support to encourage your child’s development. If you are concerned with your student’s progress, parents should proactively schedule a comprehensive review by the end of second grade to determine if your child should continue in the French immersion program.
1. What classes will be taught in French?
French Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies are taught in French. Students receive approximately one hour of English Language Arts every day from grades 2-8.
2. What are the language proficiency goals for the students?
Studies have shown that students achieve an intermediate low level of proficiency by 2nd grade, intermediate mid by 5th, intermediate high by 8th, and advanced mid by 12th grade.
3. How will my child learn to read in English?
Because your child will be in a totally French immersive environment, if your child is not an English reader when they begin school, they may read French before reading English. English language arts instruction is not introduced to students until 2nd grade. It is vitally important that you read regularly to your child in English and encourage English reading acquisition at home. See “Tips for Reading” for more info.
4. What can I do to support French language continuity at home?
Exposing your child to French language through music and television is a great way to ensure that your child is hearing French at home. Many streaming services, including Netflix, have programs that are in French. Conversely, you can change the language settings to have programs streamed with French audio. French language posters for beginners that can be purchased are a great reference for your students to review topics such as numbers, days of the week, colors, months of the year, etc. Games such as Spot It!, Kloo, and Bananagrams are available in French editions.
5. Are homework assignments translated into English for parents?
No – homework assignments are not translated into English. The homework that students receive in kindergarten and first grade should be extensions of work that is done in class. While parents are encouraged not to help with homework, Google Translate does allow you to understand the assignment. However, teachers know the proficiency level of their students and assign work that is appropriate for their comprehension level. Providing your student with Google Translate answers will be detrimental to their learning and will easily be detected by the teachers.
6. What if my child is not thriving in the French immersion program?
Teachers and administrators constantly assess your student’s progress and provide support to encourage your child’s development. If you are concerned with your student’s progress, parents should proactively schedule a comprehensive review by the end of second grade to determine if your child should continue in the French immersion program.
Words and Phrases to Practice with Your Child During the First Quarter
When your child enters DKFI, they will be completely immersed in the French language. For many students, this will be their very first school experience. Combined with the introduction of a foreign language, this environment can be overwhelming for some. To help acclimate them to their new reality, practicing some common words and phrases can be helpful in overcoming some of the anxiety associated with beginning kindergarten. Below are some of the common words that they will hear and need to be able to communicate (asking for the bathroom is a good phrase to practice!).
Bonjour / Hello
Quel est ton nom? / What is your name?
Je m’appelle / My name is
Comment ça va? / How are you?
Ça va bien / I am well
Je suis malade / I am sick
Aux toilette s’il vous plait! / To the bathroom please!
Asseyez-vous s’il vous plait / Sit down please
Merci / Thank You
Au revoir / Goodbye
Tips for Reading
The most important foundation for reading is established before your child goes to school. There is nothing more important that you can do for your child than to establish a love of books and an appreciation of the written word.
There are several differences between French and English pronunciation that might be most obvious as you read along with your child:
Bonjour / Hello
Quel est ton nom? / What is your name?
Je m’appelle / My name is
Comment ça va? / How are you?
Ça va bien / I am well
Je suis malade / I am sick
Aux toilette s’il vous plait! / To the bathroom please!
Asseyez-vous s’il vous plait / Sit down please
Merci / Thank You
Au revoir / Goodbye
Tips for Reading
The most important foundation for reading is established before your child goes to school. There is nothing more important that you can do for your child than to establish a love of books and an appreciation of the written word.
- Expose your child to English and French reading material as often as possible.
- Use a variety of genres (i.e., newspapers, comic books, fiction, and non-fiction).
- Discuss content with your child and encourage verbal feedback.
- Show that books can be a form of entertainment as well as a source of information.
- Libraries and book clubs are excellent sources for obtaining quality reading material. Parents can assist their child in learning how to locate these resources which will support their learning.
There are several differences between French and English pronunciation that might be most obvious as you read along with your child:
- consonants are essentially the same
- there are significant differences between the sounds of the vowels
- h is always silent in French
- an s at the end of a word, to indicate the plural, is silent
- qu sounds like k (not kw as quiet)
- th is pronounced t
- ch is pronounced like the English sh
- i is pronounced like the long English e (see)
- ou in French always sounds like troop (not out)
- oi sound like wa in wash
- au and eau have the long o sound (go)
- ez has the long a sound (say)
- accents change the sounds of vowels
- è sounds like the short English e (peck)
- é sounds like the long a sound (say)
- <ê sounds like the short English e (peck)
- ç sounds like the s sound (sand)
- stress falls on the last sounded syllable (tapi sounds like tap-ee)
- when a word begins with a vowel (or a silent h), it is usually joined with the last consonant of the preceding word – it will sound as though your child is reading one word instead of two
Testing for Kindergarten and First Grade
Students at DKFI take several tests during their time in the immersion program -- both state-mandated and French immersion-specific assessments. The information below outlines tests taken during kindergarten and first grade. State-mandated tests are administered in English. A description of DELF, a French language efficiency exam that you must opt-in for your child, is also included here. This test is introduced in second grade.
Acronyms:
DELF - Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française
DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment
KRA - Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
OLSAT - Otis–Lennon School Ability Test
SLO - Student Learning Objectives
Kindergarten Assessments Tentative Timeline:
KRA - September
SLO Pre-test - September
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
First Grade Assessments Tentative Timeline:
SLO Pre-test - September
OLSAT TAG ID - November
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
Test Descriptions
DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française)
The DELF is a test given by the France Ministry of Education around the world to people who study French but are not native French speakers. The test includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing sections. People who pass the test receive the DELF diploma. At DKFI, 2nd graders take the A1 level; 4th graders take the A2 level. Typically, most DKFI students pass the DELF exams and receive DELF diplomas the following year.
Subjects: French proficiency (2nd & 4th graders)
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
The DRA is a standardized reading test used to determine a student's instructional level in reading. The DRA is administered individually to students by teachers and/or reading specialists. It identifies a student’s reading level, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Students read a selection (or selections) and then retell what they have read to the examiner. For more details, visit the Scholastic website.
Subjects: Reading (K-2nd grades)
KRA (Kindergarten Readiness Assessment)
The KRA measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that children should be able to demonstrate at the start of kindergarten. All items can be administered by the teacher using a test administration manual, but 17 of the items are also available through an App which allows students to select responses using a tablet or computer device.
Subjects: Math, English language arts, Social Foundations, Physical Well-Being, and Motor Development (Kindergarten ONLY)
OLSAT (Otis–Lennon School Ability Test)
The OLSAT is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with several different types of verbal, non-verbal, figural, and quantitative reasoning questions. Schools commonly administer the OLSAT for admissions into gifted and talented programs.
Subjects: Verbal comprehension, Verbal reasoning, Pictorial reasoning, Figural reasoning, and Quantitative reasoning (1st & 3rd all; 2nd, 4th & 5th if new to PGCPS)
SLO (Student Learning Objectives)
The SLO is defined in the state of Maryland as “A specific, rigorous, long-term goal for groups of students that educators create to guide their instruction and administrative efforts.” Teachers develop SLOs at the beginning of the interval of instruction (unit, quarter, or semester) and identify the targeted amount of growth their students will make during this interval, with guidance from the content supervisor and building administrator if needed. Subjects: Any subject (K-8th grades)
Acronyms:
DELF - Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française
DRA - Developmental Reading Assessment
KRA - Kindergarten Readiness Assessment
OLSAT - Otis–Lennon School Ability Test
SLO - Student Learning Objectives
Kindergarten Assessments Tentative Timeline:
KRA - September
SLO Pre-test - September
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
First Grade Assessments Tentative Timeline:
SLO Pre-test - September
OLSAT TAG ID - November
DRA - January
SLO Post-test - January-February
Placement Tests - June
End of Year Assessments - June
Test Descriptions
DELF (Diplôme d'Etudes en Langue Française)
The DELF is a test given by the France Ministry of Education around the world to people who study French but are not native French speakers. The test includes speaking, listening, reading, and writing sections. People who pass the test receive the DELF diploma. At DKFI, 2nd graders take the A1 level; 4th graders take the A2 level. Typically, most DKFI students pass the DELF exams and receive DELF diplomas the following year.
Subjects: French proficiency (2nd & 4th graders)
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment)
The DRA is a standardized reading test used to determine a student's instructional level in reading. The DRA is administered individually to students by teachers and/or reading specialists. It identifies a student’s reading level, accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Students read a selection (or selections) and then retell what they have read to the examiner. For more details, visit the Scholastic website.
Subjects: Reading (K-2nd grades)
KRA (Kindergarten Readiness Assessment)
The KRA measures the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that children should be able to demonstrate at the start of kindergarten. All items can be administered by the teacher using a test administration manual, but 17 of the items are also available through an App which allows students to select responses using a tablet or computer device.
Subjects: Math, English language arts, Social Foundations, Physical Well-Being, and Motor Development (Kindergarten ONLY)
OLSAT (Otis–Lennon School Ability Test)
The OLSAT is a multiple-choice K-12 assessment that measures reasoning skills with several different types of verbal, non-verbal, figural, and quantitative reasoning questions. Schools commonly administer the OLSAT for admissions into gifted and talented programs.
Subjects: Verbal comprehension, Verbal reasoning, Pictorial reasoning, Figural reasoning, and Quantitative reasoning (1st & 3rd all; 2nd, 4th & 5th if new to PGCPS)
SLO (Student Learning Objectives)
The SLO is defined in the state of Maryland as “A specific, rigorous, long-term goal for groups of students that educators create to guide their instruction and administrative efforts.” Teachers develop SLOs at the beginning of the interval of instruction (unit, quarter, or semester) and identify the targeted amount of growth their students will make during this interval, with guidance from the content supervisor and building administrator if needed. Subjects: Any subject (K-8th grades)
General School FAQs
1. What is ParentVUE and why do I need access to it?
ParentVUE is an electronic student information system used by Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). It allows you to view your child’s attendance, grades, assignments, report cards, discipline incidents, and other information. It is important to consistently track your student’s progress via this site. ParentVUE also allows you to sign up for PGCPS and school alerts.
2. How do I get access to ParentVue?
Review ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians. If you are unable to register, you may email the school’s registrar Ms. Wright.
3. How do I sign up for PGCPS alerts?
Ensure all contact information including home, cell, and work numbers as well as email addresses are all up to date in ParentVUE. In addition, you may sign up for School Messenger to receive Board of Education member news.
4. Who do I contact if I have a question about bus transportation?
If you have questions about a specific bus, you should contact your bus lot. View the frequently asked questions or visit the Transportation webpage.
5. What do I do if I have an issue with a teacher?
We encourage all parents to contact their teacher directly first. Let them know your concerns and try to resolve the issue. If you are unable to do so, please contact Assistant Principal Mme Sandrine Boukabara.
6. What is Cardinal Culture?
Dora Kennedy French Immersion prides itself on showcasing these core values:
character / ambitious / responsible / determined / integrity / noble / achiever / leadership
Learn more about what it means to be a cardinal.
7. What is the benefit of joining a PTA?
The PTA provides parents and teachers with a way to share their experience and knowledge about children. PTA members support public education and work to improve children’s health and safety. PTAs speak on behalf of children – who can’t effect change for themselves – at local, state and national government levels. We work together with the principal, superintendent, school board, and other community leaders to make sure your concerns are heard and needs are met.
8. How do I donate materials or money to the school to support teacher programs/supplies?
Contact Mme Cristina Kallon for monetary donations. To donate supplies, reach out to your child’s teacher or the school to confirm current needs, or visit the DKFI Amazon Supplies Wish List to contribute directly to our students and teachers.
9. What should my student do if their email has been hacked?
Send an email directly to your student’s teacher and include Mr. Philip Held and Administration on the email.
10. My student has an IEP. How do I ensure my student receives the help and support they need?
Speak with your student’s teacher and contact the Special Education Office: Gustave Biaka or Ebun Barnes.
11. Does the school offer tutoring?
PGCPS provides access to Brainfuse, a platform for free, on-demand online tutoring in a variety of subjects. Students can access Brainfuse and request a session anytime by logging into Clever.
12. What is the school’s food policy?
The school’s food policy is to promote student health, safety, and equity by clearly outlining expectations regarding food items brought into the school for classroom celebrations and events. Please review the 2025-26 food policy, and follow any additional guidance provided by the school.
13. How do I sign up for free or reduced priced meals?
Free or reduced-price meals are available to students based on household size and income. Students are automatically eligible for free meals if the family receives assistance under the Food Supplement Program, Medicaid, or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits. Apply here.
14. What is a "classroom parent"?
Parents may sign up early in the school year to be considered for the role of a classroom parent. Typically a couple parents from each classroom are selected and will work together with the teacher and the PTA to streamline communication with other parents in the class, coordinate classroom events and volunteers when needed, and organize teacher appreciation initiatives. Classroom parents must be PGCPS-approved volunteers as well as DKFI PTA members.
ParentVUE is an electronic student information system used by Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). It allows you to view your child’s attendance, grades, assignments, report cards, discipline incidents, and other information. It is important to consistently track your student’s progress via this site. ParentVUE also allows you to sign up for PGCPS and school alerts.
2. How do I get access to ParentVue?
Review ParentVUE Support for Parents and Guardians. If you are unable to register, you may email the school’s registrar Ms. Wright.
3. How do I sign up for PGCPS alerts?
Ensure all contact information including home, cell, and work numbers as well as email addresses are all up to date in ParentVUE. In addition, you may sign up for School Messenger to receive Board of Education member news.
4. Who do I contact if I have a question about bus transportation?
If you have questions about a specific bus, you should contact your bus lot. View the frequently asked questions or visit the Transportation webpage.
5. What do I do if I have an issue with a teacher?
We encourage all parents to contact their teacher directly first. Let them know your concerns and try to resolve the issue. If you are unable to do so, please contact Assistant Principal Mme Sandrine Boukabara.
6. What is Cardinal Culture?
Dora Kennedy French Immersion prides itself on showcasing these core values:
character / ambitious / responsible / determined / integrity / noble / achiever / leadership
Learn more about what it means to be a cardinal.
7. What is the benefit of joining a PTA?
The PTA provides parents and teachers with a way to share their experience and knowledge about children. PTA members support public education and work to improve children’s health and safety. PTAs speak on behalf of children – who can’t effect change for themselves – at local, state and national government levels. We work together with the principal, superintendent, school board, and other community leaders to make sure your concerns are heard and needs are met.
8. How do I donate materials or money to the school to support teacher programs/supplies?
Contact Mme Cristina Kallon for monetary donations. To donate supplies, reach out to your child’s teacher or the school to confirm current needs, or visit the DKFI Amazon Supplies Wish List to contribute directly to our students and teachers.
9. What should my student do if their email has been hacked?
Send an email directly to your student’s teacher and include Mr. Philip Held and Administration on the email.
10. My student has an IEP. How do I ensure my student receives the help and support they need?
Speak with your student’s teacher and contact the Special Education Office: Gustave Biaka or Ebun Barnes.
11. Does the school offer tutoring?
PGCPS provides access to Brainfuse, a platform for free, on-demand online tutoring in a variety of subjects. Students can access Brainfuse and request a session anytime by logging into Clever.
12. What is the school’s food policy?
The school’s food policy is to promote student health, safety, and equity by clearly outlining expectations regarding food items brought into the school for classroom celebrations and events. Please review the 2025-26 food policy, and follow any additional guidance provided by the school.
13. How do I sign up for free or reduced priced meals?
Free or reduced-price meals are available to students based on household size and income. Students are automatically eligible for free meals if the family receives assistance under the Food Supplement Program, Medicaid, or Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits. Apply here.
14. What is a "classroom parent"?
Parents may sign up early in the school year to be considered for the role of a classroom parent. Typically a couple parents from each classroom are selected and will work together with the teacher and the PTA to streamline communication with other parents in the class, coordinate classroom events and volunteers when needed, and organize teacher appreciation initiatives. Classroom parents must be PGCPS-approved volunteers as well as DKFI PTA members.
Bonus: Tips for Success
- Give teachers, bus drivers, students (and yourself!) a little grace. The first few weeks are an adjustment for everyone. Kids may come home tired and need time to decompress.
- Label everything. Backpacks, lunch boxes, water bottles, jackets, etc. Encourage your child to pack their own backpack, and then do a quick check.
- Leave early and be prepared to wait. The first few days of school bring extra traffic and longer pickup lines. Expect bus delays during the first week. It will get better!
- Check your email and Class Dojo regularly to stay on top of important school alerts. If you are not receiving any messages, check with your child’s teacher.
- Pack snacks if your child’s teacher allows it. The school day is long and younger grades may eat lunch earlier than they are used to.
- Join your class chat group and meet other parents. Whether it’s confirming a bus stop, sharing a reminder, or answering a quick question, parent communities are one of your best resources.
- Discuss your transportation plan and what to do if plans change. Prepare a card with your child’s name, school, grade, teacher, and emergency contact information to keep in their backpack.
- Read with your child every day. Even 15 minutes together each evening can make a real difference throughout the school year.
- Ask questions -- spark conversation with questions other than, “How was school?”
- Who did you sit with at lunch?
- What made you laugh today?
- What was something new you learned?
- Was anything confusing today?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
- Parent involvement is one of the most powerful ways to help our school succeed.
Make time to meet your child’s teacher, support staff, and school administrators and learn their preferred methods of communication. Back-to-School Night in early September is a great time to make these connections. Follow our PTA calendar for events and opportunities to get involved!
