July 31, 2024

A DCPS Midsummer Update

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This message was shared with DCPS families and staff on July 31, 2024.

Dear DC Public Schools (DCPS) Community,

Summertime holds some of my most treasured childhood memories. It was the season during which I played basketball until dusk and kept up on my summer reading and learning—thanks to the encouragement of my parents, two lifelong educators.

I am so thankful that DCPS can offer summer programming opportunities for students to remain engaged before returning to the classroom on August 26th. I recently saw these programs in action at MacFarland Middle School, where our learners are sharpening their math skills through our Algebra Acceleration II program.

*Chancellor Ferebee speaks with Algebra Acceleration students*

This amazing work happening in Ward 4 is just the tip of the iceberg on all things summer at DCPS. From practicing tennis fundamentals with our partners at Turner Elementary School to hiking, archery, and swimming with Outdoor Pursuits, K-12 students across the district are having a successful summer.

And speaking of success, setting aside just 24 minutes to read each day helps prepare our scholars to excel in the classroom. The DCPS Summer Reading Guide connects students with dozens of online books for readers of all levels. Mayor Muriel Bowser summed it up perfectly when she said, “We want our students to have every opportunity to not only learn to read, but to love reading.” And thanks to our educators and families, DCPS is doing just that.

The education community across the District has been busy getting ready for School Year 2024-2025. Keep scrolling to learn how we are celebrating global education in our nation’s capital, working with partners to support food access, and dreaming big for math.

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

Today’s word count – 1,149 words, a 9-minute read.

Building a Better World 🌎

Chancellor Ferebee welcomed over 1,700 educators from around the world to DC at this year’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Global Conference. Visitors heard Chancellor Ferebee discuss DC’s rich and diverse background, DCPS’ global education work, and his confidence in empowering students to shape their world for the better. For more than 20 years, the district’s IB programs have served thousands of students from Pre-K to 12th grade across seven schools.

Meals All Summer Long 🍎

This July, we kicked off the DC Youth Meals Program at Kimball Elementary School with DCPS Deputy Chancellor of Finance and Operations Patrick Ashley and leaders from the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Students, educators, and families heard about the importance of summer food access and enjoyed the Washington Mystics’ Hoop Bus and more. Aligned with DCPS’ Equity Imperative, DC youth have access to free meals at over 100 sites across DC through Sunday, August 25.

Dare to DREAM Big 🔢

Hundreds of math educators convened at McKinley Technology High School for the second annual DCPS Road to Equity and Achievement in Math (DREAM) Institute, a two-day conference for math experts to collaborate, share best practices in math accessibility and acceleration, and plan for the upcoming school year. Chancellor Ferebee shared his reflections from School Year 2023-2024 and his excitement for the district’s work ensuring DCPS students are mathematically strong and succeeding academically.

“ *All students deserve rigorous, grade level instruction that they can access through the appropriate supports.”*
*– Chancellor Ferebee*

Distinguished Principal Fellows 🌟

Four DCPS school principals have been named Distinguished Principal Fellows of the prestigious Cahn Fellowship. During School Year 2024-2025, they will build their leadership skills, work closely with an aspiring administrator, and connect with other principals from across the country. Congratulations to the following leaders:

Shelly Gray, LaSalle-Backus Elementary School
Kerry Richardson, Brookland Middle School
Dr. Kristie Edwards, Randle Highlands Elementary School
Kortni Stafford, McKinley Technology Middle & High School

DCPS’ Green Ribbon School ♻️

Congratulations to Marie Reed Elementary School for being a 2024 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School! Marie Reed has worked to reduce its carbon footprint, provided sustainability education, and inspired students to take an interest in environmental issues.

DCPS Student Health Hub ⚕

DCPS students can visit the DCPS Student Health Hub this summer to get access to free eye exams, immunization and health resources, and health vendors from across DC. Visit one of the following middle schools (MS) at the remaining summer dates:

Thursday, August 1, (10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.): Sousa MS
Tuesday, August 6, (11:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.): McKinley MS
Friday, August 16, (10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.): Brookland MS
Saturday, August 17, (10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.): Deal MS

Pre-K Summer Family Toolkit ☀️

Find essential information inside the Pre-K Summer Family Toolkit to help you and your young scholar prepare for their education journey. Discover details about the Pre-K classroom experience, important upcoming School Year 2024-2025 dates, answers to FAQs, and tips for supporting learning during the summer.

SUN Bucks Application ☀️

SUN Bucks, or Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), is a new program to help families with students buy food during the summer. Each eligible student will receive $120 for the summer, pre-loaded on a card. To learn more or apply visit sunbucks.dc.gov.

5th Annual Books and Blocks Party 📚

Join a day of celebration for families, expectant parents, and caregivers of children ages 0-5 on Saturday, August 10, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Raymond Recreation Center and Playground. Receive access to health and developmental screenings, community resources, creative activities, music, and more. RSVP at bit.ly/5thBooksandBlocks.

Back to School Block Party 🎉

Mark your calendars for the DCPS Back to School Block Party on Saturday, September 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Jefferson Middle School. Enjoy free food, activities for all ages, city resources, and student performances. RSVP today at bit.ly/DCPSBlockParty2024.

DCPS Happenings 📰

DC’s Hometown Team 🏀: The Watkins Elementary School boys’ basketball team is named Fox 5’s Zip Trip Hometown Team. Watch on Fox 5.
Test Your Skills 🧮: Tackle common school-age math problems with help from DCPS Director of Math Strategy & Advancement, Jessica Gonzales. Read on Washington Post.
Amplifying Student Voice 📣: Ron Brown Preparatory High School graduate shares how his educators created a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. Read on the 74.
Hands-on Food Education 🌱: FRESHFARM FoodPrints teaches nutrition and food gardening at DCPS. Watch on NBC Washington.
Terry’s Locker Supports Northeast DC 🧼: Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin donates time and laundry supplies to students at McKinley Middle School. Watch on WUSA9.
Pride in DCPS 🌈: DCPS’ Adalphie Johnson shares how parents can support their child a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Read on Washington Blade.