Building a Love of Math
FeaturedThis message was shared with DCPS families and staff on April 12, 2024.
Dear DC Public Schools (DCPS) Community,
Last week, we kicked off April by celebrating School Librarian Day and National Assistant Principals Week—two positions in our district that are near and dear to me.
As a son of school librarian, visiting the libraries across DCPS is a joy. It was at Ross Elementary School that I got to see Ms. Lisa Juriga—better known as “the Ross Matchmaker for Books.” Ms. Juriga mentors 4th and 5th graders to be librarian helpers and inspires them to read to Pre-K students. Her library is where students choose to spend their recess time—that’s something special!
And as a former assistant principal, I want to shout out my fellow North Carolinian, Mr. Sean Bellamy of J.O. Wilson Elementary School. Mr. Bellamy is leading DCPS’ inaugural AP Partner Program, mentoring first-year assistant principals, and serving as a student government advisor. J.O.’s Principal Brunson said it best, “Mr. Bellamy exemplifies what it means to be a leader … making a profound impact on everyone he encounters.”
Thank you to the more than 100 librarians and 200 assistant principals across DCPS who inspire a love for reading and lead our communities with joy, purpose, and action.
April is full of special moments. Keep on reading to learn how we’re celebrating Math Education Month, where Ida B. Wells Middle School 8th graders will spend their next four years, and whether my opening pitch made it to the mound during our annual DCPS Night at Nationals Park!
Today’s word count – 1,065 words, an 8-minute read.
In partnership,
Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.
Chancellor, DC Public Schools
I‘m a Math Person 🔢
Happy Math Education Month! Students and families came from all eight wards to showcase their love of math at the DCPS Family Math Expo hosted at Houston Elementary School. Scholars enjoyed new games, readings, a captivating science show, and many more math-focused activities to move forth our priority of ensuring students are succeeding academically and developing math joy.
High School Decision Day🎉
Ida B. Wells Middle School’s 8th graders are prepared for what’s next. Chancellor Ferebee and Mayor Muriel Bowser were joined by the city’s education leaders as they cheered scholars who announced their high school matches for next school year. Mayor Bowser also announced the city’s investments to support student programs in summer and out-of-school time programming.
Let’s Play Ball ⚾️
We had a great time rooting for the home team at DCPS Night at Nats Park with our students, staff, and families from across the district. Right before Chancellor Ferebee’s opening pitch sailed over home plate, our 2023 Standing Ovation awardees were honored on the field with two of our amazing school leaders:
- Whitney Bartell (Simon Elementary School)
- Alex Clark (Dunbar High School)
- Kalpana Sharma (Brightwood Elementary School)
- Principal Kortni Stafford (McKinley Tech)
- Principal Rodney Wormsley (Luke C. Moore High School)
Many thanks to all our student participants for their support!
Color Guard (from Columbia Heights Education Campus)
- Francisco C.
- Atheo F.
- Miguel H.
- Ana Lucia M.
- Yosselin P.
“Play ball” Announcer
- Kheionte H. (Turner Elementary School)
Lineup Delivery
- Meghan T. (Jackson-Reed High School)
President’s Race Officiants
- Paulina S. (Jackson-Reed High School)
- Casey E. (Jackson-Reed High School)
Spring Break Reminder 🌸
As a reminder, DCPS Spring Break is from Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19. Have a fun and safe break!
Re-Enroll Today for SY24-25 🗓️
Enrollment is open! Families, please re-enroll in your DCPS school or enroll in your lottery-matched school for School Year 2024-2025. Secure your scholar’s spot today using our online enrollment platform at enrolldcps.dc.gov by Wednesday, May 1.
Register for DCPS Summer School Programming ☀️
DCPS Summer Programming is now open for K-8 students! From robotics to music, choose from many exciting programs. Program times and location vary, and seats are limited. Find details and registration information at dcpsstrong.com/summer.
Apply for the SY24-25 Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Board 📝
The Chancellor’s Parent Advisory Board provides a monthly space for parents and caregivers to ask questions, receive updates from Chancellor Ferebee and DCPS leadership, and engage with DCPS teams. We are looking for parents and caregivers from across all eight wards to join! Apply at bit.ly/cpabapp2425 by Monday, May 6.
DCPS Happenings 📰
- Exploring the DC Justice System ⚖️: Charles Hart Middle School 8th graders visited the DC Superior Court to learn about careers in the legal field. Read at DCNewsNow.
- DCPS’ Very Own Drew Gooder 🍎: Ida B. Wells Middle School’s Dr. NiLa Austin was honored on the Drew Barrymore Show. Watch on the Drew Barrymore Show.
- Tools to Build a Brighter Financial Future 💰: New DC standards for SY24-25 offer a financial literacy elective course to high school students. Read at WTOP.
- Let’s Spring Together 🌸👟: 40 DCPS students in grades 3-5 designed sneaker artwork to celebrate cherry blossom season. 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.
April highlights John Guzman, Bancroft Elementary School Director of Strategy & Logistics, DC Scores coach, and alumnus. “It’s the community that helped raise me as a kid,” said Mr. Guzman. “I feel I need to give back to the community the same way they were able to give me a chance when I was younger and give [Bancroft students] the opportunities that I was able to enjoy here.”
Top Social Posts ❤️
MacArthur High School brings the heat for a basketball showdown between students and staff!
Nalle Elementary School sings and dances along with Ms. Penny from Wolf Trap Education.
Malcolm X Elementary School collaborates with local artist on Cherry Blossom Festival mural!
Jefferson Middle School Academy, along with schools across the district, views the solar eclipse!
Seaton Elementary School kindergarteners become authors and publish their own books!
Important Upcoming Dates 📆
- April 15-19: Spring Break (No school for students)
- April 16: DC Emancipation Day (DCPS closed)
- April 22: Passover Begins
- April 27: Enrollment Saturday
- May 1: MySchoolDC Enrollment Deadline for Matched Students
***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.
