School Opening SY26-27

Dear Brent Families,

Welcome to School Year 2026-2027!

Dear Brent Bear Families,

One year ago, we started our two-year swing space adventure. During that time, we have seen students make the building their own, families embracing new routines with flexibility, and faculty approaching new challenges with creativity and care.

Year One taught us a great deal! We built and refined our transportation systems, honed communication with families, and began new traditions that brought our community together—from our Brent Bus Depot community and New Families Pizza Playdate to spring Talent Shows and a (first ever!) Science Concert. These experiences have made us stronger and reinforced our belief that people make the school.

Meanwhile, exciting progress continues at the 301 N Carolina Ave site. Each week, our new building rises a little higher, bringing us one step closer to returning to a beautiful, state-of-the-art campus that will serve students and families for generations to come.

This year, we will begin the process of transitioning to our new school name – Gardner Bishop Elementary. With the new building and new name on the horizon, we remain fully committed to making this year at Brent@Meyer our best yet. The Summer Mailing is a launch point intended to orient our families to the school year. The Summer Mailing is published in several forms: through email, on our website, and in hard copy mailed to your home. In addition to this letter, the Summer Mailing includes the resources linked below.

Families who qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch are excused from student activity fees. Families with other financial considerations should contact norah.lycknell@k12.dc.gov or brentelementary@k12.dc.gov. Students will not be excluded from supply, field trip, assembly, or visiting artist access under any circumstances.

I am grateful to work alongside such an incredible community of returning and new students, faculty, and families. Because, after all, the people make the school!

Sincerely,

Norah Lycknell Principal