DC Public Schools

12/25/2022

Happy holidays, everyone! Sending you all warmth, joy, and light today and all season long. ☃️

12/23/2022

Anacostia High Educator Earns Master's Degree While Encouraging Kids to Stay in School

Lavon Surratt was once homeless as a child, but his family always stressed the importance of education. Growing up, he only missed ONE day of school in 13 years! He watched his mother finish college and later become a school principal. "Education has just always been a big part of my family."

Today, Mr. Surratt is an educational aide at Anacostia High School and just earned his masters degree in curriculum and instruction. "The most fulfilling aspect of working in the school system is being able to impact others,” he said.

Thank you and congrats, Mr. Surratt. 🎓🎉

A D.C. educator just received his Master of Science in Education he earned while encouraging young people to stay in school.

12/22/2022

🗓️ Calendar Reminder 🗓️

Winter Break is from Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 2. Classes are back in session on Tuesday, January 3. Happy Holidays!

Access the Full SY22-23 Calendar here: http://bit.ly/DCPSCal

12/20/2022

This month, The Washington Ballet welcomed 1,586 students for their annual Student Matinee, including students from twelve DCPS schools.

Scholars of all ages were enriched by a world-class performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker." During a Q&A after the performance, one student asked, "Can you enlighten us about the struggles as a dancer and how you get over them?"

The dancer Nardia Boodoo encouraged the student to persist and follow their dreams while avoiding perfectionism. "You have to bring your full effort, every single day, but not every day is perfect. You can't judge yourself."

12/19/2022

Our team of passionate educators is defying expectations about what DC's students can achieve and transforming public education in the nation's capital. We're looking for talented, dynamic educators to teach where it matters most for the upcoming school year.

Join us this Thursday, December 22 at 5:00 p.m. EST to learn about the application process and to get all your questions answered. RSVP: https://joindcps.info/teacherwebinar22

Join us this Thursday, December 22 for a webinar where you can learn about our exciting initiatives, professional development, leadership opportunities, and what our 2023-2024 Teacher application entails!

RSVP: https://joindcps.info/teacherwebinar22

12/18/2022

Happy Hanukkah from all of us at DCPS. Tonight, Jewish members of our community usher in the light of Hanukkah as we light the first candle of the holiday.⁠ May your festivities be filled with peace, love, and light!

12/15/2022

DCPS is on a two-hour delay for Thursday, December 15. DCPS tiene un retraso de dos horas para el jueves 15 de diciembre.

Essential employees should follow their normal tour of duty. Non-essential employees should follow the 2-hour delay.

12/13/2022

Kamala Harris Surprises Young Artist by Putting His Painting on the Second Family's Holiday Card

Last month, 15-year-old Duke Ellington School of the Arts student Alex Berko was invited to a Zoom meeting, unaware of what was about to happen. He was suddenly face-to-face with Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff.

It turns out an original piece of artwork he created was selected as the official design for the Second Family's holiday card! An illustration of the Vice President's residence at the US Naval Observatory inside a snow globe, Alex's piece is now on display on cards and ornaments around the world.

"Oh my God, that's so crazy," he said. "No, it's magnificent, that's what it is," Vice President Harris replied. She added that Alex is the first DCPS student to design the holiday card.

What a thrilling moment for the arts in public schools!

Alex Berko, a 15-year-old high school student in D.C., was asked to paint an image of the vice president's residence, unaware that he was competing in Harris' secret holiday card design contest

12/09/2022

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become an astronaut? One of Amidon-Bowen Elementary School's youngest scholars asked NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei that very question.

"Do what you love, do adventurous things, find ways to be your best, but make sure you put more effort into getting all the people around you to be their best too. You have to be a team player...AND you have to apply at USAJOBS.gov!" 🚀🌏

12/08/2022

Today, Amidon-Bowen Elementary School scholars and Chancellor Ferebee were joined by NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Administrator Bill Nelson + astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Kayla Barron, Raja Chari, and Tom Marshburn for space stories, distribution of over 300 STEM activity kits, and “rocket” launching. Thanks for the blast! 🚀

12/01/2022

First lady of France visits Duke Ellington School of the Arts

During her visit to Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Brigitte Macron was welcomed by Chancellor Lewis Ferebee, met with the museum studies faculty, and listened to a performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," via Washington Post.

While in town for a White House visit, French first lady Brigitte Macron stopped by the performing arts school to meet students and teachers.

11/28/2022

Last week, we joined the Washington Teachers' Union in a tentative agreement that includes a 12% salary increase over 4 years, an additional 4% signing bonus, additional funds for classroom materials and other benefits.

The proposed agreement is fair for students and teachers, and it is one of many steps we will take together to continue to improve education in the District.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Chancellor Lewis Ferebee commented on pandemic-related delays, noting that all agree that three years is too long:

“That time period was not spent on traditional contract negotiations, which may have gotten us to a contract earlier.

The ability for us to also express gratitude via retention bonuses also is something that I’m excited about. This contract positions us well, with maintaining our status as one of the most competitive cities in the nation for teacher compensation.”

11/26/2022

Congratulations to the Rough Riders for taking the Turkey Bowl championship for the second year in a row!

Roosevelt High School played a great game against Dunbar High School, final score: 26 to 18. Our hats our off to players from both teams for their incredible drive this season and commitment to the game.

"This is a 52-year tradition. It keeps thousands coming back year after year — we always look forward to coming back."

-DCPS Director of Athletics Michael Bryant

11/26/2022

All students and staff are expected to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school on Monday.

⏰ Set a reminder to upload your results at http://dcpsstrong.com/testing. Thanks for doing your part to keep DCPS safe for everyone.

11/22/2022

A team effort shows some warmth to kids on a cold day - WTOP News

Every year, Operation Warm distributes thousands of new winter jackets to DC-area kids. Our own Turner Elementary students just received over 500 NEW COATS and got to meet Coach John Thompson III and members of the Washington Mystics
and Washington Wizards.

“One girl just came in a second ago and she told one of our employees that she was going to try on every coat here. She felt like a Kardashian as she went through the list!”

Thank you Monumental Sports Network, Operation Warm, and everyone who made this day possible.

On a cold Monday morning, hundreds of new coats were given to students at a Southeast D.C. elementary school.

11/21/2022

Happy Thanksgiving (week), everyone! 🦃

Reminder: most schools and offices will be closed from Wednesday through Friday this week in observance of the holiday. Classes resume on Monday, Nov. 28.

🗓️You can view the full SY22-23 calendar here: bit.ly/DCPSCal

11/14/2022

JUST IN: Enrollment in DC Public Schools has increased by 1,169 students since last school year. Today, DCPS is home to over 50k students across 116 schools. Interested in joining the DCPS family? Learn about our schools at profiles.dcps.dc.gov. 💙

11/11/2022

We are closed today in observance of Veterans Day. Thank you to everyone across our schools who has answered the call to serve. The JROTC Cadets look up to you as role models who have put duty, honor, and country first.

Students, what does it mean to be a Veteran?

Do you have any family members who are Veterans? What are their stories?

Have you read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae? What’s its significance?

Who are the Veterans in your life? Take some time today and find a way to share your thoughts with them.

11/10/2022

Congratulations to Duke Ellington alumna Asha Haddox-Rossiter on being named Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year! The award includes a $50,000 scholarship, mentorship, and vocational training.

"This role presents me with an opportunity to not only represent kids and teens across the nation, but to exemplify what’s possible when young people are given access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and life-enhancing experiences that empower us to reach our full potential.

The Youth of the Year program has taught me how to interview, write a resume, and give a speech. But more than that, this club has taught me to know who I am — that I always bring something to the table." Well done, Asha!

Congratulations to DESA alumna Asha Haddox-Rossiter (Vocal Music, 2022)! Asha was recently selected as the 2022 National Youth of the Year for the Boys and Girls Club of America.

Aspiring to be the future President of the United States, Asha is a first-year undergraduate student at The Ohio State University, majoring in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy. Her goal is to work closely with D.C. City Council to address key issues in her local community and nationwide, including education equity and food insecurity.

As the highest honor a Club member can receive, the National Youth of the Year represents Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the voices of over four million Club youth it serves. For 75 years, the Youth of the Year program has recognized young people for their outstanding leadership, service, academic excellence, and dedication to living a healthy lifestyle.

11/04/2022

🗓️ Calendar Reminders 🗓️

Monday, 11/7 is the End of Term 1, and there is no school for students.

Tuesday, 11/8 is Election Day, and schools are closed for students & teachers.

Friday, 11/11 is Veterans Day, and schools are closed for everyone.

Learn more: bit.ly/DCPSCal

11/03/2022

"The DC Scores soccer team has become a safe haven for many of the immigrant children at the school...When they come in, they don’t know anyone, they’re very shy, and they have nothing that they feel confident in. But they know how to play soccer. Immediately they can have a couple of friends that they play soccer with and then that can grow into a team.

Seaton’s super diverse — socioeconomic, race, language, everything. And everybody’s together on these teams. They bring everyone together in a very beautiful way.”

-Coach Fabiana Duarte

Read more about DC SCORES' partnership with Seaton Elementary School and the power of creating inclusive teams: bit.ly/DCScoresSeaton.

10/31/2022

LIVE: Mayor Bowser Cuts Ribbon on New Playground at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School

Happening now! 🛝

10/26/2022

BIG NEWS: Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $1 billion investment in electric school buses nationwide — including $7.6M for DC. These funds will help DC have a 100% green school bus fleet.

This morning, White House Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu and administrators delivered the news from John Lewis Elementary, a LEED Platinum school. 🌏🚌

10/20/2022

Did you know the DCPS Out of School Time Program serves 5,000 students at 55 sites each school day?

Today is , an annual celebration of after-school programs across the country. Thank you to our site coordinators for always going the extra mile for DC youth and supporting academic, social, and emotional learning.💡

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¿Sabía usted que el Programa de Tiempo Extraescolar de DCPS sirve a 5,000 estudiantes en 55 sitios cada día escolar?

Hoy es , una celebración anual de los programas extraescolares en todo el país. Gracias a nuestros coordinadores de sitios pot hacer un esfuerzo adicional para los jóvenes de DC. 💡

10/19/2022

We are currently seeking feedback from families and students to help shape the future trajectory of DCPS. Share your feedback on the DCPS Strategic Plan by October 25 at: bit.ly/dcpsplan22

"I have been spending a lot of time listening this fall. Listening to our students, our families, our staff, and community. At Cardozo, students spoke about improving Wi-Fi connectivity and course options. At Ron Brown, students asked for more support in processing the pandemic and developing stronger emotional and social skills. Teachers have shared a wealth of wonderful ideas, from having e-sports leagues to recruiting specialists in dyslexia and reading intervention.

The underlying theme? A community ready to meet the challenge of the moment. We are living in a transformative time, and DC Public Schools, as an institution, is prepared to adapt and set a course forward. That’s why we need your input right now."

-Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee

10/11/2022

Today begins the first phase of immunization enforcement for students in Pre-K to 5th grade. Families of non-compliant students are advised to work with your school’s health staff and visit DC Health for resources: http://bit.ly/DCHealth-Immunizations.

Reminder: families can still make an appointment by visiting their doctor or calling Children’s National Hospital at 1-888-884-BEAR (2327).

10/07/2022

📆 Reminder: DC Public Schools are closed on Monday, October 10 in observance of Indigenous People's Day. You can see the full calendar at: http://bit.ly/DCPSCal

10/05/2022

Today, we join millions around the world to celebrate World Teachers' Day. DC educators make a difference every day, whether they are seasoned veterans or it's their first year in the classroom. Thank you to the entire DCPS family for answering the call to serve.

10/03/2022

Do you have a memory of a principal who changed your life? Let us know. ⬇️

In recognition of Principal Appreciation Month, we sincerely thank all DCPS principals who devote their time, resources, and effort to their schools every day.

“Our principals are like mini-mayors. They're the mayors of their campuses. We call on them for their academic know-how, for their social and emotional supports. Sometimes they are project managers and oversee real estate and construction. We call on them to do a lot and we know when they get it right, it's right for our kids.” - Mayor Bowser

10/03/2022

Starting today, DCPS will return to our pre-pandemic School Visitor Policy that encourages opportunities for parents and caregivers to visit their child’s school and outlines procedures to ensure that student and staff safety remain paramount. All visitors must follow established security protocols such as signing in upon arrival and showing a valid ID to be allowed into a school building. To read the full policy, visit dcps.dc.gov/publication/school-visitor-policy.

09/30/2022

And with that, the sun has set on another week at DCPS. Enjoy your weekend and we’ll see you Monday. 🌅

A gorgeous sunset from our fair school

09/30/2022

Today, Chef José Andrés visited Watkins Elementary School to celebrate FoodPrints DC, a food + gardening program that serves 19 schools and 7,000 students. Thank you, Chef Andrés, for being so generous with our students and for supporting the future of nutrition education at DCPS.

09/29/2022

DCPS recientemente organizó un evento en Garrison ES para celebrar el inicio del año escolar y también el Mes de la Herencia Hispana con El Comité de Familias Latinas de DCPS. ¡Gracias a todos los que vinieron!

DCPS recently hosted an event in Garrison ES to celebrate the start of the school year and also Hispanic Heritage Month with the DCPS Latino Families Committee. Thanks to everyone who came!

09/27/2022

DCPS Families: Please join us for a community listening session this evening at 6 p.m. Come learn, reflect, and share your thoughts about your child's education. Refreshments and child care provided.

⏰ 6-8PM
📍Ron Brown HS, 4800 Meade Street NE

RSVP: http://bit.ly/dcpsccevents22

09/25/2022

Can you hear the shofar? It's officially Rosh Hashanah, the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Tonight, many Jewish people enter a 10-day period of reflection, culminating with Yom Kippur on October 4. Shana Tova and Happy Holidays to all celebrating!

09/23/2022

Last night, held the first of a series of sessions for the DCPS community to come together to reflect on our strengths and where we must grow.

We asked this young man from Jefferson Academy () what he would like to see more of in school.

His answer: field trips, expanded extracurriculars, including robotics 🤖, and connecting with history -- “the REAL history”. Big thanks to the scholar for stepping to the mic and to ES for hosting a powerful first conversation.

🍎 Our team heard a LOT of great ideas on how to make school more welcoming and affirming for everyone. Now we want to hear your thoughts as well! Save the date: Ron Brown High School will host the next session on Tuesday, 9/27. for the full schedule & to RSVP.

💡If you could change one thing about your school right now, what would it be and why? What change would have the most transformative effect on you, your child, or our city?

Let us know. 🎤

09/21/2022

DCPS Families: You are invited to a community listening session this Thursday, September 22 at 6 pm. Join us at Tyler Elementary to learn, reflect, and share feedback about your school and student's needs. Refreshments and child care provided. RSVP at bit.ly/dcpsccevents22.

09/19/2022

In case you missed it, we had an incredible time at the Back to School Block Party on Saturday. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the start of the school year with us! A huge thank-you to Eliot Hine for hosting and the Office of Engagement and Partnerships for organizing this year's bash!

09/17/2022

Doors are open to the . Enter from Constitution Ave or C Street NE between 17th and 19th streets. Food, fun and festivities until 2 pm!

09/16/2022

🚨 Beginning next week, DCPS will hold a series of listening sessions for families, students, and staff through the end of October. Your voice matters! Join us and help shape the future of DCPS.

Learn more ➡️ dcpsstrong.com/strategic-plan
Sign up ➡️ bit.ly/dcpsccevents22

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🚨 Las Escuelas Públicas de DC (DCPS) se enorgullecen de ser el distrito escolar urbano que mejora con mayor rapidez en el país. Nuestro compromiso de acelerar ese progreso se basa en nuestro plan estratégico de cinco años, que centra las voces de la comunidad para guiar nuestra visión como distrito escolar.

Aprende más ➡️ dcpsstrong.com/strategic-plan
Sesiones de escucha comunitaria ➡️ bit.ly/dcpsccevents22