June 22, 2023

Another Year of Learning in the Books!

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This message was shared with DCPS families and staff on June 22, 2023.

Dear DCPS Community,

Today marks the end of School Year 2022-2023 for DC Public Schools (DCPS)! Across our schools, I’ve seen students partake in camping trips, field days, musicals, promotion ceremonies, and so many traditions that round out another year of joyful learning.

It has been a privilege to be a partner in your child’s education alongside you, their teachers, principals, and everyone who makes each school day special. Whether they learned how to ride a bike or swim, conducted science experiments, or discovered a love of reading, I hope that this year was a truly memorable one.

Over the past year, we have seen positive results from high-impact tutoring (HIT), a pioneering Science of Reading curriculum, a new standard for financial literacy across all grades, and some of the best experiential learning in the nation.

As we look ahead to a summer of both celebrating our successes and reflecting on valuable lessons, I want you to know that DCPS will be hard at work preparing for a new and exciting school year, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming you back.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s learning. I hope you have a restful and rejuvenating summer break.

Yours in partnership, 

Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.   
Chancellor, DC Public Schools

Mayor Muriel Bowser and other District leaders join Chancellor Ferebee and students in launching a safe summer for DC Youth.

Farewell, Graduates! 🎓

This year’s ceremonies are underway and filled with inspiring moments, from powerful commencement speakers to heartfelt musical performances. Thank you, graduating scholars and families, for making this season so special by showcasing the unique resilience, grit, and aspirations of the Class of 2023. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.

To stream any of the ceremonies, visit: bit.ly/DCPSGraduates2023.

Announcing 6th Grade Academies 📊

DCPS is excited to announce that we are introducing Sixth Grade Academies in 11 middle schools in SY23-24! Sixth Grade Academies will focus on a smooth transition to middle school, family engagement, academic success, excellent attendance, special events, and active participation in school.

We are confident that these academies will build a community of learners set up to flourish in school and beyond. If your child is starting sixth grade in the fall, keep an eye out for information from your child’s school about Sixth Grade Academy this summer.

Summer Meals Update 🛒

The school year is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean healthy school meals do! FREE breakfast and lunch will be available to all children and youth 18 and younger across the city all summer long! While DCPS can no longer offer meals to-go, students are welcome to stop into a participating DCPS meal site where they will be served a meal to eat on-site.

DCPS summer meal locations, hours, and menus can be found at dcps.dc.gov/page/dc-youth-meals-program. Please note that meal locations and hours are subject to change.

For additional sites near you call: 1-866-348-6479 or Text: Comida or Food to 304-30 or visit fns.usda.gov/meals4kids.

Pic Du Jour: Under the Sea 🤿

Back at it again! Closing out the school year with scuba diving certifications.

Parent University Is On-Demand 👩‍👦

DCPS Parent University (PU) is a workshop series facilitated by the Office of Engagement & Partnerships. We have some exciting on-demand videos, empowering students to become confident mathematicians, problem-solvers, and achievers by providing supports families can use at home. PU math series is comprised of four videos for elementary and secondary (middle school-focus) families. The videos include:

Information on how the DCPS curriculum supports problem-solving.
Concrete strategies, resources, and language families can use at home to support math learning.
Answers to families’ frequently asked questions for each topic presented.

Families can visit bit.ly/puondemand or bit.ly/pualacarta (for Spanish) to view these math videos and more!

Apply to SYIP by July 1 💼

Teens and young adults: The School Year Internship Program (SYIP) provides work-readiness skills, project-based learning, life skills, leadership development training, and work opportunities for District youth ages 14 – 21. The goal of the program is to help prepare District youth to successfully transition from high school into postsecondary education, advanced training, unsubsidized employment, or a career in the military. Eligible youth can apply today at does.dc.gov/service/school-year-internship-program or email youthjobs@dc.gov for any questions.

Get Moving This Summer! 😎

Did you know the DC Department of Parks and Recreation offers programs all summer long? Register your child for free weekly hip hop dance classes, swimming lessons, or cooperative play for ages 1-4. There are even a few slots available left for DPR Summer Camp!

Visit dprprograms.com to learn more.

Discover Summer at the Library 📚

From June 17th – August 31st, you’re invited to Discover Summer with DC Public Library. This city-wide celebration of reading and learning is open to DC residents of all ages. For DCPS’ summer reading guide, click here. To sign up for Discover Summer 2023, click here.

DCPS Happenings 📰

Redesigning High School: The second cohort of the DC+XQ partnership is announced! Calvin Coolidge HS, Columbia Heights EC, H.D. Woodson HS, and Ron Brown College Prep HS will join the 2022 inaugural DC+XQ cohort of Dunbar HS and Cardozo EC in reimagining the approach to secondary education. Read all about it. 🆕
Standing Ovation Nominations Are Open! For over a decade, the DC Public Education Fund has recognized DC Public Schools educators, staff, and school communities who exemplify excellence through the annual Standing Ovation Awards. Submit your nominations for the 2023 awards here. 🎉
Kennedy Center Hosts DCPS Arts Festival: Over 95 ensembles representing 2,500 DCPS students performed at the Kennedy Center to wrap up the school year. “The festival gives an opportunity to showcase what art teachers do on behalf of students to help them perfect their craft.” View on Facebook. 🎨
He Did That! Roosevelt High School AP Darryl Powell brought down the house at Roosevelt’s graduation ceremony, performing Marvin Sapp’s “Never Would Have Made It” as students and families danced in the stands. “The people got what they came for!” said Principal Courtney Wilkerson. View on Twitter. 🎙️
Take Me Out to the Ball Game: DCPS valedictorians spent an evening at Nations Park with DC State Superintendent of Education Dr. Christina Grant and OSSE leaders. “Congratulations, your hard work has paid off! Continue to excel,” said Superintendent Grant. 🏆
Goaaaaallllll: DC SCORES played their final games of the school year, with Raymond ES, Bancroft ES, and Houston ES making it to the championships. View on Twitter. ⚽
End-of-Year Celebrations: It’s been a true joy to follow along with all the field days, camping trips, and end-of-year activities to close out SY 22-23. From Amidon-Bowen ES’ community bike ride with DC Police Officers, Wells MS’ trip to King’s Dominion, and CHEC’s cultural exchange with the Japanese Embassy, we are leaving this school year with full hearts moving full steam ahead. 💙

Assistant Principal Powell: “Hopefully this song encourages you guys…”

Us:

Just watch it.