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<h6>Dr. JacQue Patterson, SBOE At-large rep</h6>

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<h4>Why I'm Running for SBOE Ward 8!</h4><p><strong>I'm running for the State Board of Education because I want to make a difference and improve our Ward 8 families' quality of education. </strong>I want to bring fresh ideas and a compelling voice to the school board. I want families and teachers at the decision-making table to ensure a more inclusive education system, especially for our black and brown families. </p><p><strong>Our, children in Ward 8 deserve the best high-quality schools equipped with the resources to push our children toward their dreams! </strong>If elected to the SBOE, I would champion the board to expand its policy and advocacy efforts on family engagement, safety, special education, mental health, and accountability. It's time for our state board of education to reflect the true diversity of our community, and that includes ensuring that mothers are represented! </p><p><strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law- A Mom for Change </strong></p>

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<p>"Your zip code should not define your outcome on education" - LaJoy </p>

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<h4>LaJoy believes all Ward 8 children, families and Schools deserve....</h4>

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<p>"Our school communities need the WHOLE village! This is true Inclusion"</p>

<h2>Meet LaJoy</h2><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 40%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3a3989af-696d-4ea4-a331-fd8ad01713df/b1721264-274f-4d58-87bd-49d09864def4/b1721264-274f-4d58-87bd-49d09864def4.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C3589%2C2564&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="40" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><h4>"I'm a mom raising a child in the Great Ward 8. I want the best education not just for my child but for every child."</h4><p><strong>LaJoy is a Ward 8 resident with a beautiful 13-year-old daughter—Abria. </strong>LaJoy has been heavily involved in the education and policy landscape in DC for over 12 years. LaJoy is a fierce subject matter expert in education and has been a fighter for special education, schools east of the river, and children with disabilities and their families. LaJoy holds an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, LaJoy also holds a Master of Philosophy in Public Policy and Administration from Walden University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.</p><h4>Advocacy runs in the family- My DAD was my first advocate!</h4><span class="image image-framed image-right image-tilt-right" style="width: 30%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3a3989af-696d-4ea4-a331-fd8ad01713df/f4767773-cb2c-4562-9781-0d26e7bdd223/f4767773-cb2c-4562-9781-0d26e7bdd223.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C0%2C720%2C960&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="Love you Daddy! This campaign is dedicated to parents, just like you. May you continue to rest in eternal power! Abraham F. Johnson Sr. (1965-2015)" align="right" alignwidth="30" tiltdirection="right" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="">Love you Daddy! This campaign is dedicated to parents, just like you. May you continue to rest in eternal power! Abraham F. Johnson Sr. (1965-2015)</span></span><p><strong>Family advocacy is deeply personal to me. Growing up, my Dad was my first advocate. </strong>He fought tirelessly to ensure I had access to the support and resources I needed to succeed in school. His unwavering dedication has inspired me beyond measure. He would be so proud of the commitment I have made to ensure families across our Ward 8 community are heard and included. Join me in this campaign to make a difference for families, just like ours!</p><h4>"Powerful Families and Powerful Communities make Powerful Schools"</h4><span class="image image-framed image-left image-tilt-left" style="width: 37%;"><span class="image-inner-wrapper"><img src="https://run.imgix.net/3a3989af-696d-4ea4-a331-fd8ad01713df/b0c46057-06cb-49f8-aae7-e7accd6ac83c/b0c46057-06cb-49f8-aae7-e7accd6ac83c.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&amp;bri=0&amp;con=0&amp;sat=0&amp;high=0&amp;shad=0&amp;usm=0&amp;rect=0%2C27%2C1242%2C804&amp;w=1500" alt="" caption="" align="left" alignwidth="37" tiltdirection="left" variant="framed"></span><span class="caption" style="display: none"></span></span><p>Just like Abria, all children deserve a high quality school. <strong>Too many children in Ward 8 are defined by their zip code. </strong>Your zip code should not define your outcome in education. All of our children deserve quality, equity and feel included. Powerful Families and Powerful Communities make Powerful Schools.</p>

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<p><strong>“Inclusion is about all of us. Every Ward 8 child deserves to have a quality, equitable, inclusive and safe education."</strong> It is up to all of us to ensure our children are included, have access to equitable programming and making sure they are safe inside and outside of school.</p>

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<p><strong>So much is happening right now!</strong> Thank you all so much for keeping up with the campaign. These are a few news articles and press opportunities I have had the honor to be involved in over the years! </p>

<h2>Take a look at LaJoy in the News &amp; Press</h2>

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<h1>About</h1>

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<h2>LaJoy on Chronic Absenteeism </h2><p>How are we assisting children with chronic conditions and how that relates to chronic absenteeism and tardiness?</p>

<h2>SBOE Expert Panelist Testimony</h2><p>Special Education Expert testimony. Navigating special education in the District.</p>

<h2>Ward 8 Democratic Woman of the Year!</h2><p>Ward 8 Democrats named LaJoy Johnson-Law, Ward 8 Democratic 2023 Woman of the Year!</p>

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<p>Got questions? Would you like to volunteer? Host a meet and greet? or just want to be involved in the campaign- we would love to have you! Please contact us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:contact@lajoyforward8.com"><strong>contact@lajoyforward8.com. </strong></a></p>

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<p><strong>LaJoy interviews with the Team Rayceen! </strong>LaJoy sat down with Team Rayceen Productions for a candidate interview for the State Board of Education Ward 8. Hear LaJoy's priorities and why she's running! </p>

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<h4>LaJoy interviews with Team Rayceen</h4>

<p><strong>Early Voting Centers</strong> <strong>( October 28th - November 3rd ) </strong></p><p>- FORT STANTON RECREATION CENTER 1812 Erie Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>- FEREBEE-HOPE RECREATION CENTER 700 Yuma Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>-ARTHUR CAPPER COMMUNITY CENTER 1000 5th Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>- BALD EAGLE RECREATION CENTER 100 Joliet Street, SW Gymnasium</p><p></p><p><strong>Election Day Voting Centers ( November 5th) </strong></p><p>- FORT STANTON RECREATION CENTER 1812 Erie Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>- FEREBEE-HOPE RECREATION CENTER 700 Yuma Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>-ARTHUR CAPPER COMMUNITY CENTER 1000 5th Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>- BALD EAGLE RECREATION CENTER 100 Joliet Street, SW Gymnasium</p><p>-ALLEN A.M.E. CHURCH 2498 Alabama Avenue, SE Multi-Purpose Room</p><p>-ANACOSTIA HIGH SCHOOL 1601 16th Street, SE Gymnasium</p><p>-BALLOU HIGH SCHOOL 3401 4th Street, SE Dance Studio</p><p>-TURNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 3264 Stanton Road, SE Gymnasium</p><p>-COVENANT BAPTIST CHURCH 3845 South Capitol Street, SW Church Hall</p><p>-HENDLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 425 Chesapeake Street, SE Auditorium</p><p>-THEARC 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE Auditorium</p><p>-UNION TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH 1225 W Street, SE Church Hall</p>

<h4>Election Day!!!</h4>

<p>Come meet and greet LaJoy and Abria! Hear more about the campaign's priorities and educational vision for Ward 8. Hosted by Ward 8 Community Member.</p>

<h4>Meet LaJoy and Abria hosted by Queen Elvera-         Golden Miss Washington DC </h4>

<p>Meet LaJoy and Abria hosted by Queen Elvera-         Golden Miss Washington DC </p>

<p>“I think we all have to remember, kiddos are literally crossing the city to go to school,” said LaJoy Johnson Law. Law is the parent of a 7th-grade student with special needs. She drives her daughter to and from school daily, making the trip from Ward 8 to Ward 1. She said transportation is just one of the many factors that can cause a student to show up late to school, or not at all.</p>

<h4>Chronic Tardiness </h4>

<p><strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law, parent, Ward 8 resident, and parent advocate </strong>at Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE), joins the Education Town Hall to discuss issues for schools in Ward 8 and citywide. Topics included students as stakeholders, treating feedback as more than “check the box” exercises, budgets, relationships of DCPS and DC Public Charter Schools, homeschooling, and much more.</p>

<h4>Centering Ward 8 Needs In Education</h4>

<p><strong>That was the case for Abria Law, according to her mother, LaJoy Johnson-Law</strong>. The elementary school student has an Individualized Education Plan that says she needs occupational therapy and physical therapy, among other services. But she only received a paperwork packet that she was expected to complete on her own during quarantine, said Law, a parent support specialist with Advocates for Justice and Education, a group that serves students with disabilities.</p>

<h4>What happens to learning when D.C. students must quarantine? It depends.</h4>

<p><strong>“I just really want folks to know that, like, how are families accessing education in the city?" Ward 8 parent LaJoy Johnson-Law said. </strong>"And how does that translate to transportation, whether it's by OSSE, Metro car, rail, parent, walking, like, whatever it may be, like, have you really sat down to look at all the mitigating factors that are actually going into this issue? Because how can you solve something and you haven't even you haven't .”</p>

<h4>Tackling Truancy </h4>

<p><strong>As a “proud single mom”</strong> to an 8 year old with multiple disabilities, <strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law understands the complexities of navigating D.C.’s health and education systems</strong>. This first-hand knowledge has helped Johnson-Law in her role as a parent support specialist at Advocates for Justice and Education. I love the fact that I am a mom, period. It is a miracle that I am a mom. My daughter was born at 23 weeks weighing 1 pound, 6 ounces.</p>

<h4>Washington Family Magazine- Meet LaJoy Johnson-Law</h4>

<p>LaJoy believes in implementing comprehensive school safety measures to ensure everyone in our community are safe. This will require a comprehensive approach that includes prioritizing the use of de-escalation, restorative justice practices, safe passage and appropriate accountability measures to fight our epidemic of violence in Ward 8 to make our community safer.</p><p>As a parent, LaJoy understands the importance of creating safe environments where our children can learn and grow without fear. This includes the following:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Safe Passage for Every Student</strong>: Every child deserves to feel safe on their journey to and from school. That's why LaJoy is committed to ensuring implementation of safe passage programs across DCPS and DC Charter Schools in Ward 8 that provide designated routes monitored by trained staff and volunteers to ensure the safety of our students and families as they travel to school each day.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Community Collaboration</strong>: Keeping our schools safe requires collaboration and partnership with our Ward 8 community, government agencies and schools. This will require all of us! That includes collaboration across ANCs, neighborhood and civic associations, law enforcement, violence interrupters, community organizations and schools to develop and maintain safe passage routes and other safety measures that address the specific needs and concerns of our community.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Student Support Services</strong>: In addition to physical safety measures, it is important to recognize the importance of providing students with the social and emotional support they need to thrive. Supports include: counseling services, mentorship programs, and conflict resolution initiatives to address underlying issues and promote positive school communities.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Engaging Parents and Families</strong>: Parents and families are critical partners in ensuring the safety of our students and schools. Through active engagement with parents in safety planning and communication efforts, this will help provide families with the information and resources they need to support their children's safety both inside and outside of school.</p></li></ul><p>Safety is a <strong>MUST</strong>! It is up to every member in the community to assist with the safety of our children, families and schools. Every one of us deserves the right to be safe!</p>

<p>LaJoy believes in prioritizing the use of <strong>de-escalation + restorative justice </strong>practices + appropriate accountability measures to fight our epidemic of youth violence in Ward 8 and around the city to ensure that efforts to make our community safer.</p>

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<h2>School Safety</h2>

<p><strong>Petition Signature Drop Off!!</strong> LaJoy dropped over 400 signatures to the board of elections to obtain a spot on the ballot. "Thank you Ward 8! The campaign is turning in over 400 signatures today and we are still collecting! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support!!" - LaJoy</p>

<h4>Petition Drop Off!</h4>

<p><strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law, a Ph.D. candidate in Washington, D.C.</strong>, calls her daughter Abria a “miracle baby.” Abria was born at 23 weeks, at 1 pound, 6 ounces — a tiny little warrior with everything stacked against her.&nbsp;They live in Ward 8, an area housing mostly Black residents, many of whom are low-income. In 2015, the D.C. Department of Health ranked Ward 8 with the highest rates of asthma among adults.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Children with chronic disability deserve affordable, quality healthcare</h4>

<p>LaJoy believes in the power of family engagement. By prioritizing parent engagement, it will create stronger partnerships between schools and families, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and a more supportive learning environment for all students. LaJoy's approach to supporting schools with parent engagement revolves around several key initiatives:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Family Engagement Policies</strong>: Parent Engagement Policies to support schools with parent engagement and involvement. There needs to be an update and/or creation of family engagement standards.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Parent and Family Empowerment</strong>: Empower parents and families to advocate for their children's education and participate in decision-making processes at their schools in Ward 8, Education Councils, and on a city level. Provide training and resources on topics such as school governance, policy advocacy, and family leadership development.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>PTAs/PT0s/LSATs</strong> <strong>Partners</strong>: It is imperative that we partner with school LSATs (Local School Advisory Teams), PTAs (Parent Teacher Associations), and PTOs (Parent Teacher Organizations) to assist with family engagement and outreach to share feedback, ideas, and concerns with all ward 8 educational stakeholders.</p></li></ul><p>By prioritizing <strong>family engagement </strong>and implementing these policies and initiatives, schools can <strong>strengthen family partnerships</strong>, improve student outcomes, and create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.</p>

<p>LaJoy believes that there is a need to prioritize enhancing <strong>parent engagement and involvement</strong> as essential components of student and school success. By prioritizing parent engagement, it will create stronger partnerships between schools and families, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and a more supportive learning environment for all students.</p>

<h2>Parent and Family Engagement</h2>

<p><strong>LaJoy testifies at DC Council hearing concerning Student Truancy and Absenteeism. </strong>"As I read through the different policies, I was heartbroken to see that children with disabilities are not really accounted for in regard to chronic absenteeism, whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Children with disabilities are often not included in chronic absenteeism and tardy conversations due to the assumption that this will just fall in the excused category" LaJoy testimony.</p>

<h4>LaJoy testifies at DC Council Truancy Hearing</h4>

<p>"<strong>As a mother of a child with a disability,</strong> I know it is imperative to protect our youths and their future. We can do this by implementing a bold vision for educational excellence by providing equitable funding for both sectors, requiring all elementary educators to receive structured literacy training to strengthen how children are taught to read and supporting all educators through mental health services and higher compensation".</p>

<h4>Parents Deserve to make their own Choice </h4>

<p><strong>As a parent, protecting your children is one of your main priorities</strong>. Hear from this strong Ward 8 mom, LaJoy Johnson-Law, who committed to saving her then preemie baby’s life, and learn how she made the bold decision to get vaccinated to protect the health of her daughter.</p>

<h4>As a parent, protecting your children is one of your main priorities. Ward 8 mom LaJoy Johnson-Law</h4>

<p>Come meet and greet LaJoy! Hear more about the campaign's priorities and educational vision for Ward 8. Hosted by Olivia Henderson- Washington Highland Civic Association President, Former ANC 8D Chair.</p>

<h4>Bonfire Meet and Greet hosted by Olivia Henderson- Washington Highland Civic Association President</h4>

<p>Bonfire Meet and Greet hosted by Olivia Henderson- Washington Highland Civic Association President</p>

<p>"My daughter and I are the dynamic duo. She is my miracle baby. She is not only surviving but thriving. As a proud single mom, it is important to have the village. <strong>Every child deserves an opportunity to attend a school with a community of people committed to their success.</strong> Every child deserves a school that will help their individual needs to be successful. Families deserve the right to make a choice that is best for their child and their family".</p>

<h4>NCSC22: Parent LaJoy Johnson Law, Speaker Spotlight</h4>

<p>LaJoy believes in the importance of ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, receives the support they need to thrive. Special education is a critical issue that requires careful attention and proactive measures to ensure equity, inclusion, and success for all students. LaJoy is committed to the following special education policies and initiatives:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Educator Training and Professional Development</strong>: Advocate for ongoing training and professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their knowledge and skills in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. This includes training on evidence-based instructional practices, behavior management strategies, and the use of assistive technology.</p></li><li><p><strong>Equity and Access</strong>: Advocate for equity and access to educational opportunities for students with disabilities, including access to high-quality curriculum, extracurricular activities, and educational resources. Address disparities in educational outcomes and ensure that students with disabilities have equal and equitable access to obtain a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).</p></li><li><p><strong>Special Education Advocacy &amp; Funding</strong>: Advocate for adequate and equitable funding for special education programs and services. Ensure that resources are allocated in a manner that meets the needs of students with disabilities and supports the implementation of effective special education initiatives.</p></li></ul><p>By prioritizing<strong> special education policy</strong> and implementing these proactive measures, we can create a more <strong>inclusive</strong> and <strong>supportive</strong> learning environment.</p>

<p>LaJoy believes in the importance of ensuring that every student, regardless of their abilities, receives the support they need to thrive. <strong>Special education is a critical issue </strong>that requires careful attention and proactive measures to ensure equity, inclusion, and success for all students.</p>

<h2>Special Education </h2>

<p><strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law is a DC parent of a middle school student who attends E.L. Haynes PCS</strong>.<strong><em> </em></strong>E.L. Haynes has been outstanding and supportive of our transition to middle school and E.L. Haynes. I’ve seen in-depth collaboration between my daughter’s E.L. Haynes’ team and her elementary school team. A team member of her elementary school team attended her IEP meeting before we even started at E.L. Haynes, which is the in-depth collaboration we need as students transition between schools.</p>

<h4>Who Are Students With Disabilities?</h4>

<p><strong>Vote Mama endorses LaJoy for Ward 8 State Board of Education. </strong> "I’m proud to be endorsed by Vote Mama and join an incredible network of Democratic moms who are fighting for the future our kids deserve. As an organization dedicated to supporting moms and working to break the structural and cultural barriers that keep moms from running for and serving in office, their endorsement carries significant weight and reflects our aligned vision for positive change in elections and education" LaJoy. </p>

<h4>Vote Mama Endorses LaJoy</h4>

<p>LaJoy believes in addressing mental health needs of our students, educators and schools. This is not just a priority, but a necessity. LaJoy is dedicated to forging strong partnerships between schools, government agencies, and community organizations to prioritize mental health and well-being for all Ward 8 schools, but especially our students. Here's how we plan to implement policies and initiatives to support mental health:</p><ul><li><p><strong>School-Based Mental Health Services</strong>: We must continue advocacy efforts to fund and expand access to mental health services within all of our Ward 8 schools that provide on-site counseling, therapy, and support groups for students struggling with mental health issues. This can also be implemented by a collaborative care teams initiative. Collaborative Care teams will help to develop individualized care plans and coordinate services across multiple systems. By integrating these services into the school environment, we can reduce barriers to access and ensure early intervention and support.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Self-Care and Wellness Programs for Educators</strong>: There must be a prioritization around the well-being of our educators by implementing self-care and wellness programs that promote stress management, resilience-building, and work-life balance at our schools. These initiatives may include mindfulness practices, wellness workshops, and access to mental health resources.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Trauma-Informed Practices</strong>: We'll implement trauma-informed practices within our schools to create safe and supportive environments for students who have experienced trauma. This approach recognizes the impact of adverse experiences on mental health and emphasizes sensitivity, empathy, and understanding in interactions with students.</p></li></ul><p>By <strong>working together</strong> across schools, government agencies, and community organizations, we can create a <strong>comprehensive</strong> and <strong>coordinated</strong> approach to <strong>mental health </strong>that ensures every student has the support they need to thrive.</p>

<p>LaJoy believes in prioritizing increased funding, support services, and the establishment of a training standard for providing comprehensive mental health care -- that is accessible to students, families, and the entire school community.</p>

<h2>Mental Health</h2>

<p>“If we can’t give them the basics, how are they supposed to learn? <strong>You can’t learn if you’re hungry</strong>,” Johnson-Law said. “I do see it as an intersectionality approach to get kids back in school and to let students know this is another resource. This is just another layer to remove another form of barrier.” LaJoy Johnson-Law, a parent advocate who ran for the Ward 8 seat on the D.C. State Board of Education in 2020...</p>

<h4>Free School Lunch Proposal </h4>

<p>Meet LaJoy Johnson-Law. Her daughter Abria’s story of living with COPD is featured in ATS Patient Voices, Volume 12. The focus of the stories includes how mental health is impacted by lung disease. Please support the ATS Research Program to help children like Abria.</p>

<h4>American Thoracic Society Patient Voices-LaJoy Johnson-Law</h4>

<p><strong>”You want to talk about chronic absenteeism, chronic tardiness, look at the students who have chronic conditions and how are we really assisting them. </strong>Children that have disabilities, they have doctor's appointments, they have therapeutic appointments, they may have days where they're not feeling well"</p>

<h4>Chronic Absenteeism </h4>

<p>The case study specifically explored the lives of <strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law and her daughter, Abria,</strong> who joined the workshop. LaJoy is a Ward 8 resident whose beautiful 9-year old daughter, Abria, was born extremely premature at <strong>23 weeks and 1 pound 6 ounces</strong>.<strong> </strong>LaJoy and Abria joined the case study simulation to afford the participants with an alternative perspective: that of the family and the patient.</p>

<h4>GW - A Virtual Interprofessional Case Study Simulation w/ LaJoy Johnson-Law</h4>

<p>When the coronavirus pandemic struck unexpectedly earlier this year, households across the country, regardless of geography or income levels, needed to quickly pivot to a world that was moving almost exclusively online. <strong>LaJoy is a disability advocate, and a busy single mother with a special needs child of her own. </strong>She knows firsthand how important representation is for the special needs community</p>

<h4>Internet Essentials: Three Stories. Washington, DC-LaJoy </h4>

<p>“There is going to be a loss of instruction. We have to deal with the reality of the situation,” said Johnson-Law, who also works as an advocate for students with disabilities. “<strong>Parents are always our kids’ first teachers, but I don’t think that’s going to take the place of what they get at school</strong>. "</p>

<h4>D.C. Students With Disabilities Could Face ‘Significant Regression’ During Distance Learning</h4>

<p>LaJoy and her daughter Abria Law attend the White House highlight of the<strong> Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).</strong> A digital equity program to help close the digital divide and provide families across the country to get families and students connected digitally.</p>

<h4>LaJoy and Abria at the White House! Awareness, Outreach, and Innovation to Achieve Digital Equity</h4>

<p>Since LaJoy Johnson-Law gained access to the internet in her home last year, life has completely changed for her and her 8-year-old daughter, Abria. "<strong>When the internet was set up and working, it felt amazing</strong>. It felt like we were connected with the world. It was also a sense of relief because [not having internet] had been a point of stress," said Johnson-Law.&nbsp;</p>

<h4>A D.C. Resident Shares How the Internet Changed Her Life</h4>

<p>"Many families of children that have disabilities struggle to find inclusive out-of-school time programming. <strong>Children with disabilities</strong> have a <strong>federal righ</strong>t to be <strong>included</strong> in out-of-school time and for the programs to be accessible. We are asking the board to help with advocacy on these efforts.” LaJoy Johnson-Law</p>

<h4>LaJoy testifies at May State Board of Education (SBOE) Public Meeting</h4>

<p><strong>LaJoy picks up petitions to get on the ballot for Ward 8 SBOE! </strong>"Ward 8 petitions are out now it’s time to get on the ballot. Remember there are NO MOMS on the SBOE-It’s time to change that and get on the ballot. If you would like to help circulate petitions, signup at: <a href="https://lajoyforward8.com/volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://lajoyforward8.com/volunteer</a>." </p>

<h4>LaJoy picks up Petitions for Ward 8 SBOE!</h4>

<p>LaJoy believes in city wide accountability for all DC publicly funded schools. Transparency is fundamental to building trust and accountability within our education system. We must prioritizes transparency within both DC Public Schools (DCPS) and DC Public Charter Schools (DCPCS), ensuring that parents, students, educators, and community members have access to accurate information about school performance, compliance measures, and decision-making processes.</p><ul><li><p><strong>Public Access to Information</strong>: We will advocate for greater public access to information about school performance, including academic outcomes, graduation rates, and school climate data. This information should be readily available to parents and the community so that they can make informed decisions about their child's education.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Equity and Accessibility</strong>: We will ensure that transparency efforts are equitable and accessible to all members of the community, including those with disabilities, limited English proficiency, or other barriers to access.<br><br></p></li><li><p><strong>Community Engagement and Input</strong>: We will prioritize community engagement and input in decision-making processes, seeking input from parents, students, educators, and community members on important issues such as school policies, curriculum decisions, and budget priorities. This includes actively soliciting feedback through surveys, forums, and community meetings to ensure we are consistently monitoring and evaluating transparency efforts for all schools.</p></li></ul><p>Transparency is not just about checking boxes – it's about building <strong>trust</strong>, fostering <strong>accountability</strong>, and <strong>empowering stakeholders</strong> to play an active role in improving our schools. By working together to promote transparency, we can ensure that every child receives the education they deserve.</p>

<p>LaJoy believes that school transparency is paramount and essential to <strong>promoting accountability, </strong>informed decision-making, parental involvement, continuous improvement, and legal and ethical compliance.</p>

<h2>School Transparency</h2>

<p>“My daughter often has doctor’s visits, follow-up visits, evaluations because she’s going through medical and therapeutic appointments for her physical and mental health" - LaJoy Johnson-Law. There are many families of children with disabilities and they are not fully considered when the data is disaggregated. </p>

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<h4>A Parent Perspective on Absenteeism and Tardiness </h4>

<h4>Lunch w/ LaJoy: DC Education DATA Deep Dive </h4>

<p>Lunch w/ LaJoy feat. Josh Boots: An In depth conversation about DC Education Data and how it affects our Ward 8 community. </p>

<p>Lunch w/ LaJoy: DC Education DATA Deep Dive </p>

<p>Johnson-Law also expressed a desire to organize and amplify the voices of Ward 8 parents, teachers, and education organizations who she say have been left out of education policy discussions. "I want to continue the work and make sure our families are okay and that they feel heard,” Johnson-Law said. “<strong>We can get more help when we have a broader community working together.</strong>”&nbsp;</p>

<h4>LaJoy announces Ward 8 SBOE 2024 candidacy</h4>

<p>LaJoy Johnson Law....a 32 year-old single mother and Parent Support Specialist for Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE)<strong> spent the eight months during the pandemic in a campaign to represent Ward 8 on the State Board of Education (SBOE).</strong>..At the same time, she was working at her full-time job alongside her daughter Abria, 9, as the latter attended virtual fourth-grade classes from Rocketship Prep Academy.</p>

<h4>How Families are Managing Virtual Learning-Hill Rag</h4>

<p><strong>Local Mother Embarks on Anti-Bullying Crusade. </strong>Supported by local community action groups, Yolanda Corbett meets with Washington Leadership Academy Public Charter School Administration to discuss bullying prevention. (Andrea Jones and LaJoy Johnson-Law- We, The Motherhood....</p>

<h4>Community Action Groups help Local Mother w/ Bullying Concerns</h4>

<p>"<strong>We call for you to acknowledge that Ward 8 students are equitably accounted for</strong>. Many of the asks today are for a reinstatement of funds cut from the budget, and these cuts disproportionately impact Ward 8 communities. How can we claim to care for Ward 8 when we’ve made such cuts? It’s time that we rectify these oversights by implementing the following asks.."</p>

<h4>LaJoy Johnson-Law Testimony – Joint Budget Oversight Hearing for Education&nbsp;Agencies</h4>

<p>Listen to <strong>LaJoy share some honest reflections and helpful guidance for parents of children who have complex medical conditions. </strong>LaJoy is both an applicant and an advisor, and we’re grateful to collaborate with her and the organization where she works, Advocates for Justice and Education (AJE).</p>

<h4>Conversation With LaJoy Johnson-Law on the Realities of Caregiving</h4>

<p>Below are just a few institutions, collected in consultation with W<strong>ard 8 resident and special-needs parent LaJoy Johnson-Law</strong>, that have been proven to help special-needs students of all ages.</p>

<h4>Tools for Special-Needs Families</h4>

<p>This is especially so for <strong>parents of students with disabilities, who already it find it difficult</strong> to determine how public funds are spent on resources such as special education teachers, books, specific learning material and specialists. </p>

<h4>Parents must know how DC Charter Schools Spend Public Money</h4>

<p>In this final episode of The Friends of Oxon Run Podcast, <strong>LaJoy Johnson-Law </strong>stops by to join LaHannah and Elijah to discuss the necessity for relationships between <strong>advocacy organizations, schools, and the community.</strong></p>

<h4>Friends of Oxon Run Podcast- LaJoy Johnson-Law</h4>

LaJoy has been heavily involved in the education and policy landscape in DC for over 12 years. LaJoy is a fierce subject matter expert in education and has been a fighter for special education, schools east of the river, and children with disabilities and their families. 

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