March 22, 2024

Celebrating Learning Excellence Across DCPS

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This message was shared with DCPS families and staff on March 22, 2024.

Dear DC Public Schools (DCPS) Community,

I recently had the honor of paying tribute to longtime DCPS art educator and renowned artist, Ms. Alma Thomas. Hosted by the DC Public Library through April 14, I encourage everyone to visit the “Let This World Be Beautiful” exhibition featuring DCPS teacher artists who have been inspired by Ms. Thomas’s life and light.

Celebrating this HERstory legend set the stage for another important observance—Women’s History Month. And our DCPS community is showing up DCPS Strong:

The Eagles of Malcolm X Elementary School honor Ruby Bridges, a young girl who changed the course of history and walked tall in the face of injustice.
Jefferson Middle School Academy scholars learn about the contributions of women from around the world.
Eastern High School students write to elected officials, women in their school community, and even their future selves.

I want to take a moment to shout out our female athletes across DCPS who are actively making women in sports history in the District! Congratulations to Roosevelt High School’s Bowling Team for their District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (DCIAA) Bowling Championship, along with runner-up, McKinley Technology High School.

To our female scholars learning to shape the future, our educators teaching about women of the past, and our leaders and families showing up for our schools every day—thank you for all you do. Keep reading to learn where we’re driving success with High-Impact Tutoring (HIT), which scholars were surprised with a full-ride to college, what tasty dessert pairs best with math, and how high our 6th graders are climbing!

Today’s word count – 1,268 words, a 9-minute read.

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

HIT-ting the Mark: Tutoring Success in DC 🧠

Chancellor Ferebee joined State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant and other city leaders at the DC High-Impact Tutoring (HIT) Summit at Catholic University. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced continued investments in HIT, which boosts learning and has been shown to improve attendance. The summit provided an opportunity to build knowledge, make new connections, and share resources amongst hundreds of partners and educational leaders.

Full Scholarships for These Revolutionaries🎓

Six DCPS seniors were awarded the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg (SJT) Scholarship from The George Washington University—covering all undergraduate costs. We joined the scholarship reveal for Constance J. at Roosevelt High School, daughter of longtime and cherished DCPS leader, the late Shanita Burney.

Let’s give a big congratulations to all our SJT Scholars!

Jaden D., Benjamin Banneker HS
Jaeden G., Columbia Heights EC
Aanisah M., Eastern HS
Edward H., Jackson-Reed HS
Zyad S., Jackson-Reed HS
Constance J., Roosevelt HS

“Her education will be a testament to Shanita’s service to DCPS,” said Chancellor Ferebee during the surprise visit. “We know that Constance is a future changemaker here in DC.”

Sweet Potato Pie 🥧

National Reading Month is underway! Plummer Elementary School students enjoyed Chancellor Ferebee’s enthusiastic reading of Sweet Potato Pie, a book about a young girl helping her family survive difficult times. Combining both math and reading, these activities help ensure scholars are succeeding academically and developing a joy for learning. Elementary school families can support math learning by attending the Dream Family Math Expo—keep reading for details!

Building a Sense of Belonging with Each Other and the Outdoors 🧗

6th Grade Academy students traveled to outdoor adventure parks for team building activities including rock-climbing, ziplining, and ropes courses. In recent surveys, academy students overwhelmingly responded that these signature trips are their favorite part of the school year and made them feel connected to school and their community.

Complete the 2024 Panorama Survey by March 31📝

Your feedback helps inform plans for the upcoming school year and allows DCPS to continue partnering with you to promote student success. Visit bit.ly/dcpsfamily to complete the survey today!

SY24-25 Enrollment Starts Soon 🗓️

Enrollment for School Year 2024 – 2025 is right around the corner! When families receive their My School DC lottery matches, they will be able to use DCPS’ new online enrollment platform to enroll their scholars for the upcoming school year. Visit enrolldcps.dc.gov to learn more.

Online Enrollment Login Update 💻

On March 25, an email titled “Welcome to the ASPEN Parent Portal” will be sent to families who have never accessed the ASPEN Parent Portal. The email will contain login and password information, so please test and save these credentials, as they will be needed to access the online enrollment platform starting March 29. Please contact your school’s main office with any questions.

Apply Now for Dual Enrollment! 🎓

DCPS high school students can take free college courses through Dual Enrollment. There are two district-wide dual enrollment programs to consider: DCPS Private Universities and OSSE Consortium. Please click here to learn more and apply today.

Join Us at the DCPS Family Math Expo 🔢

Elementary school families are invited to the DCPS Family Math Expo on Saturday, April 6, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at Houston Elementary School (1100 50th Pl NE). Enjoy math games, math-focused readings, a captivating science show, and more. Lunch and snacks provided. Register at bit.ly/dcpsfamilymathexporsvp24.

Spring Break Reminder 🌸

As a reminder, DCPS Spring Break is from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19. We will welcome students back from break on Monday, April 22. Have a fun and safe break!

DCPS Happenings 📰

Showcasing Young Talent 🎼: Duke Ellington School of the Arts students performed for rapper Noochie’s The Front Porch series. Watch on ABC7.
High-Impact Tutoring is Improving Attendance 📈: Interim findings show students were more motivated to go to school on days with tutoring sessions. Listen at WTOP.
National School Breakfast Week 🍓: Smothers Elementary School enjoyed breakfast with special guests from USDA and International Fresh Produce Association. Read at Produce Blue Book.
A Mini-Me Tribute to Beyonce 🎤: A Bunker Hill Elementary School student’s performance went viral the day before her lifesaving surgery. Watch on Fox5.

DCPS Forever Spotlight 📅

School Year 2023-2024 calendars are available for pickup at your school. The calendar includes stories from students, staff, parents, families, and alumni who embody this year’s theme: DCPS Forever.

Adia Howard-Stroud, Doris Howard, and Bia on the steps of **Bunker Hill Elementary School**

March highlights mother-daughter duo Adia Howard-Stroud, DCPS alumna and Central Services employee, and Doris Howard, DCPS grandparent and retired DCPS substitute teacher.

“It’s amazing to see and be part of the school system’s growth,” said Ms. Howard-Stroud. “I worked in DCPS for a long time before becoming a parent, and seeing its development gave me the confidence to say my child will definitely benefit from DC Public Schools.”

Important Upcoming Dates 📆

March 29: Enrollment for SY24-25 Begins
March 29: Good Friday
March 31: Easter
April 5: End of Term, PD Day, Records Day (No school for students)
April 6: Family Math Expo at Houston Elementary School
April 10: Eid al-Fitr Begins
April 15-19: Spring Break (No school for students)
April 16: Emancipation Day (DCPS closed)
April 22: Passover Begins
April 27: Enrollment Saturday

***Please note that the last day of school for students will remain Monday, June 17, and the Professional Development/Records Day on Tuesday, June 18 will remain the last day for teachers.

View the full DCPS School Year 2023-2024 Calendar online.