DLA QUICK LINKS

We know families are the heart of our community. This page brings together the tools, forms, and information you need most — all in one place. From attendance and transportation to school meals and family engagement, these quick links help you stay informed and connected to your child’s day-to-day experience at Dayton Leadership Academies.

Attendance

Strong attendance builds strong learners. Learn more about our attendance policies, how to report absences, and why being at school every day matters.

  • At Dayton Leadership Academies, we believe that every day in the classroom matters. Regular attendance isn’t simply a requirement — it’s the foundation for academic success, character growth, and unlocking students’ full potential.

    Like models at peer institutions such as KIPP Columbus — which use proactive attendance campaigns and transparent data reporting to engage families and students alike — we embed attendance as a key pillar of our community culture.

    Each day present at school means more chances to connect with caring educators, participate actively, build meaningful relationships, and stay in rhythm with the pace of learning. Missing days or being persistently tardy can create a ripple effect — lost instruction, missed social-connections, and greater risk of falling behind.

    That’s why we partner with students and families to:

    • Make arriving on time and staying all day the norm.

    • Monitor attendance patterns early and respond quickly when a student is at risk of chronic absence.

    • Communicate clearly and collaboratively, sharing regular updates and support resources.

    • Celebrate high-attendance communities and reinforce the link between presence and possibility. By showing up each day, our students not only claim the educational opportunities before them — they affirm their own commitment to leadership, growth, and future success. At Dayton Leadership Academies, attendance is not just being here, it’s choosing to lead.

Food Services

We provide healthy, balanced meals to fuel every student’s success. Find menus, allergy information, and details about our breakfast and lunch programs.

  • Dayton Leadership Academies will continue its policy to operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program for the school year. All schools that operate CEP will serve breakfast and lunch to all children at no charge and eliminate the collection of meal applications for free/reduced-price, and paid student meals. This new approach reduces burdens for both families and school administrators and helps ensure that students receive nutritious meals.


    Breakfast/Lunch

    • DLA participates in a USDA Federal Food Service Program and provides free breakfast and lunch every school day.

    • Students in grades 3-8 go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival and have breakfast between 8:00am and 8:30am. Students in grades K-2 report initially to their classrooms and go with their class to breakfast from 8:00am to 8:30am. After eating, students line up with their class and quickly and quietly walk to their classrooms.

    • Students may opt to bring their own lunch, but it must consist of items that make up a healthy meal. In the event that students bring non-nutritious items, they will not be allowed to eat what they brought (they will bring it back home with them) and other arrangements will be made to ensure that they eat. 

    • Students should not bring candy, soda, or large bags of chips for lunch.

    • We are a peanut- and allergen-free school. Please do not send peanuts or peanut-based foods in with your student.

    • Always check with the Health Clinic Coordinator before bringing in snacks or treats for the classrooms.

    If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please coordinate with the main office or your child’s teacher to ensure that you arrive at the correct time.

  • Food Allergy Facts

    Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 4%–6% of children in the United States. Allergic reactions can be life threatening and have far-reaching effects on children and their families, as well as on the schools or early care and education (ECE) programs they attend. Staff who work in schools and ECE programs should develop plans for preventing an allergic reaction and responding to a food allergy emergency.

    What is a Food Allergy?

    A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods. The body’s immune response can be severe and life threatening, such as anaphylaxis. Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.

    Eight foods or food groups account for 90% of serious allergic reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts.

    Symptoms of Food Allergy in Children:

    • It feels like something is poking my tongue.

    • My tongue (or mouth) is tingling (or burning).

    • My tongue (or mouth) itches.

    • My tongue feels like there is hair on it.

    • My mouth feels funny.

    • There’s a frog in my throat; there’s something stuck in my throat.

    • My tongue feels full (or heavy).

    • My lips feel tight.

    • It feels like there are bugs in there (to describe itchy ears).

    • It (my throat) feels thick.

    • It feels like a bump is on the back of my tongue (throat).

    The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can be different between individuals, and can also be different for one person over time. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death. Not all allergic reactions will develop into anaphylaxis. 

Transportation

Safe, reliable transportation is part of our commitment to families. Get details about bus routes, pick-up times, and what to do if your child’s transportation needs to change.

  • TRANSPORTATION CONTACTS

    Dayton Public School District: If you live more than 2 miles from the Dayton Leadership Academies Campus you will receive busing from DPS. DLA will submit your transportation request and DPS will notify you via phone with your child’s bus #, bus stop, pick up & drop off times.

    DAYTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 937-542-4010

    SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE 937-542-3009

    Jefferson Township School District will be transported by Jefferson Township Transportation. Parents MUST go to the Jefferson Township Board of Education located at 2625 S. Union Rd. during the hours of 8:00am-4:00pm Mon-Fri with a current utility bill and parent’s photo ID.

    JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP 937-522-1029

    Trotwood-Madison: Students who reside in the Trotwood-Madison School district will be transported by Trotwood-Madison School District Transportation in the mornings and afternoons.  Parents MUST arrange transportation for your child at Trotwood-Madison Board of Education located at 3594 North Snyder Road, Trotwood, OH 45426, during the hours of 8:00am-3:30pm. Bring proof of residency and photo ID. In order to obtain transportation through Trotwood families must fill out the form below. 

    Transportation Application (1).pdf

    TROTWOOD MADISON 937-854-3050

    Students who live within 0-2 miles of Dayton Leadership Academies will be provided transportation by First Student Transportation. However, parents must come to DLA to sign up. Bring proof of residency and photo identification.

    FIRST STUDENT 937-813-1570

Parent Advisory Council

Our families are leaders too. Learn how the Parent Advisory Council helps strengthen the DLA community and how you can get involved.

  • Parents Have Power!

    What is the Parent Advisory Council?

    PAC is a group of parents who serve on a volunteer basis as co-leaders and decision-makers in our school.  

    DLA's Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is in its fourth year of active service to our school community. PAC is made up of several DLA parents and guardians who support our school goals and initiatives. Last year, PAC hosted fundraisers throughout the school year and awarded (2) scholarships to 8th grade students attending selective high schools with tuition or enrollment fees. This year's scholarships were meant to offset the costs for the families of students attending these schools. PAC also assists in planning monthly family events and reviews and gives input on policies and programs.  

    The PAC meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 5pm-6pm.  Daycare is provided!  

    If you are interested in being a PAC member, email sbrown@dlaeagles.org