Celebrating Our Teachers
FeaturedThis message was shared with DCPS families and staff on May 7, 2024.
Dear DC Public Schools (DCPS) Community,
For Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take a moment to say thank you to the more than 4,700 teachers across DC Public Schools (DCPS) who are at the heart of our work.
Teachers are integral members of our 117 school communities, driving student progress both inside and outside the classroom. They are also our equity champions, meeting scholars’ needs by going above and beyond to accommodate unique learning styles and making sure each learner has the skills and confidence to thrive.
Supporting families in their child’s educational journey is another critical role our educators fulfill when as they recognize parents and caregivers are a child’s first teachers. These strong relationships exemplify what outstanding family engagement looks like!
At College Signing Day last week, Mayor Bowser told students that, “There is a big world out there, just waiting for you to be a leader in it.” Across DCPS, teachers set the foundation for learners to live up to our Mayor’s words by creating joyful learning experiences and empowering young people to reach for the stars.
We are in the final stretch of School Year 2023-2024, and there are amazing things happening across the district. Keep reading to learn who else poured into our seniors for College Signing Day, what enrollment success looks like, and how DCPS honors and celebrates our linguistic diversity.
Today’s word count – 1,149 words, a 9-minute read.
In partnership,
Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.
Chancellor, DC Public Schools
Celebrating College Signing Day 🎓
Thousands of DCPS high school seniors showed us they’re prepared for what’s next at the District of Columbia College Access Program (DC CAP) College Signing Day event. Featured speakers Mayor Muriel Bowser and Chancellor Ferebee joined business leaders, professional athletes, and former First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage our scholars as they declared where they’re spending their next four years.
Enrollment Saturday 🗓️
Chancellor Ferebee had the pleasure of visiting several schools for this year’s Enrollment Saturday festivities. Along with leaders and staff from across Central Services, meeting and supporting families as they re-enrolled at their school or enrolled in a DCPS school for the first time was a joy. From engaging with community partners at Browne Education Campus to viewing student robotics projects at Cardozo, we were excited to spend time with our School Year 2024-2025 families.
20 Years of DC Language Access Act 🌎
DCPS was honored to receive the Language Access Accessibility Award from the DC Office of Human Rights. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of the DC Language Access Act, and the district has made great progress in providing equal access to our services and programs for our linguistically diverse students and their families. It is a privilege to be recognized for our commitment to equitably serve more than 8,600 DCPS multilingual learners.
#ThankATeacher 💙
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with us by sending DCPS teachers a friendly email or handwritten card. We will be highlighting incredible and inspiring teachers from across the district on our digital platforms. Follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Re-Enroll for SY24-25 🗓️
Returning families can log in to Parent Portal to confirm access to their ASPEN Parent Portal account which are the same credentials required for online enrollment. Once confirmed, families can enroll students at enrolldcps.dc.gov. If you need assistance, please contact your school’s main office with questions.
13th Annual Leading with Pride Conference 🌈
Join the DCPS LGBTQ and Sexual Health team at Bard High School Early College on Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Enjoy a day of celebration, education, advocacy, and resources for queer and trans students, their families, and supporters. Visit the team’s Instagram and Facebook for more information.
Share Ideas for SY26-29 Calendars 🗓
As we launch engagement for the SY26-29 calendars, DCPS invites you to submit your own calendar proposal. The submitted proposals will be used to inform the draft calendars that are shared publicly for feedback in Fall 2024. Learn more about how to submit your calendar proposal here. The deadline to submit is Friday, May 31. Questions? Email dcps.sead@k12.dc.gov.
DCPS Happenings 📰
- Top 100 Best High Schools 🏫 : School Without Walls High School and Benjamin Banneker Academic High School rank in the top 100 best high schools in the United States. Read on WTOP.
- Art in Transit for Earth Day 🌱: DCPS student artists created inspiring environmental masterpieces for display on Metro buses. Watch on WUSA9.
- Let the E-games Begin! 🎮: Eastern High School’s E-Sports team is currently ranked fourth in the nation. Hear from the players and Coach James on DCNewsNow.
- 8th Annual Everyday DC Exhibition 📸: More than 150 middle school students display their photography at the Charles Sumner Museum. Read on Pulitzer Center.
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.
May highlights Zamir and Ashley Cobb, DCPS parents and alumni of Roosevelt High School and Dunbar High School, respectively. Mrs. Cobb is also a teacher at Jefferson Middle School Academy.
“We are products of public school. It prepared us to be where we are today, which is living our wildest dreams,” said the Cobbs. “It was important for our kids to get a great education … It’s been a joy to see the investment that DC has made in the school system.”
Top Social Posts ❤️
Happy National Principals’ Day to the hardworking and inspiring DCPS principals across the district.
H.D. Cooke Elementary School alumnus and future Georgetown University athlete hosts a basketball clinic.
Ida B. Wells Middle School Beauty Cosmetology program students learn how to color hair.
Wheatley Education Campus brings a flag football division championship title home!
Ketcham Elementary School celebrates Administrative Professionals’ Day.
Deal Middle School scholars enjoy a language trip to Costa Rica over Spring Break.
Important Upcoming Dates 📆
- May 27: Memorial Day (DCPS closed)
- June 4: DC Primary Election Day (No school for students or teachers)
- June 7: Last day for seniors
- June 17: Last day of school for students
- June 23: End of Term 4 Records Day / Professional Development Day
- June 19: Juneteenth (DCPS closed)
***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.
