August 23, 2024

Ready for Another #DCPSStrong Year!

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This message was shared with DCPS families and staff on August 23, 2024.

Dear DC Public Schools (DCPS) Community,

The first day of school has always been special for me—whether it was when I was a student, teacher, or principal—being part of that moment when scholars walk into a new classroom is a treasured experience. I am excited to relive the first day magic on Monday, August 26, when our K-12 students return to DCPS across our 117 school communities.

Mayor Muriel Bowser said something right before the start of last school year that has stuck with me, “A new school year is a new opportunity to start healthy habits.” So, with the spirit of continuous improvement top of mind, I want to share a few things families can start right now to help ensure a #DCPSStrong start for their child for School Year (SY) 2024-2025:

Establish a Routine: Help your child create a daily schedule that includes plenty of rest, healthy nutrition, and preparation for school.
Prioritize Attendance: Aim to attend school every day—consistent attendance is key to a successful educational experience.
Encourage Engagement: Participate in your child’s schoolwork and learning experiences; your involvement will inspire and motivate them. Stay connected with their teachers and attend school activities when possible.

And I would like to add one last healthy habit for families—enjoy the journey. As a proud parent of a DCPS alumnus, I remember so much joy in the small moments, like when a teacher’s lesson really resonated with my son or when he scored at one of his sports. It goes by fast.

We have a lot to look forward to this school year, but the final stretch of summer break has been an exciting time for our district. Keep reading to learn where we hosted our first pep rally of SY24-25, how we are promoting health equity in our nation’s capital, and what supports students received to help ease their transition into middle and high school.

Let’s make this school year our best one yet! Thank you for choosing DCPS.

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

Today’s word count – 1,286 words, a 10-minute read.

Ready for the First Day 📚

This week, over one thousand families joined Chancellor Ferebee and DCPS leadership for a virtual Back to School Information Session to learn about School Year 2024-2025 updates across the district. The session reviewed topics ranging from attendance, early childhood education, and safety to global education, Advanced Placement, and more to help students and families prepare for the school year ahead. If you missed the event, click on the graphic below to view the recording.

It’s A Pretty Big Deal🥳

The energy was through the roof at Alice Deal Middle School’s Pre-Service Pep Rally. Chancellor Ferebee, Mayor Muriel Bowser, and members of city leadership came together to speak encouragement over Deal educators and staff and share heartfelt thanks and well wishes in preparation of the new school year. Thank you to our educators who spent this week training and getting ready to welcome scholars on Monday. 💙

Thriving Schools Summit ⚕

Kaiser Permanente’s inaugural Thriving Schools Summit brought education and health leaders from across DC, Maryland, and Virginia to discuss achieving equity in health and wellness within schools. Chancellor Ferebee discussed how we can ensure safe spaces, mental health support, and health resources for students and educators all year round. Equity is at the center of all that we do at DCPS, and we are committed to ensuring our schools are where students and educators flourish.

First-Day Ready➡️

6th and 9th graders got a sneak peek into their next few years via DCPS’ Summer Bridge program. This week-long immersion celebrates incoming middle school and high school students and supports a successful promotion into a new school experience. During Summer Bridge, scholars met classmates and educators, enjoyed team-building activities, toured their new campuses, learned about course and pathway offerings, and more.

*Chancellor Ferebee and* ***McKinley Tech Middle School and High School*** *students enjoy the first day of Summer Bridge.*

National Ed Equity Honor Society 🏅

Six DCPS scholars have been inducted into the National Education Equity Lab Honor Society for excelling in their college-level courses—performing in the top 15% of all students in the nation while still in high school. Let’s give a big congratulations to these exceptional scholars!

Cornell University; Top 5%
- Nermin R., Garnet-Patterson STAY Opportunity Academy
The University of Pennsylvania; Top 15%
- Adam C., School Without Walls High School
- Gisselle D., School Without Walls High School
- Jude M., School Without Walls High School
- Kai H., School Without Walls High School
- Rohan B., School Without Walls High School

2024 Back to School Guide ✏️

Be prepared for the new school year! Mayor Muriel Bowser’s 2024 Back to School Guide includes planning tips for families, immunization requirements, city resources, tutoring support, and more, all in one place. Explore the full guide of resources at backtoschool.dc.gov.

DCPS 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.

New School & Program Openings 🏫

Visit the DCPS Strategic School Planning page for information on new school and program openings, grade additions/configuration changes, feeder pattern and boundary changes, and swing spaces. Additional information on active and recently completed modernization, addition, or expansion projects is available on the DCPS Facilities Team website.

60/40 Attendance Policy ⏰

DCPS elementary schools will implement the “60/40” attendance policy as required by the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). This means that when students attend school for less than 60% of the day, their attendance will be tracked as a 60/40 absence. More information can be found by visiting the DCPS Attendance webpage.

SY24-25 Food & Nutrition 🍎

DCPS participates in the National School Lunch Program and adheres to guidelines established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the DC Healthy Schools Act. Please visit the DCPS Food & Nutrition Services webpage to view the Letter to Households which includes information on meal programs, menus, pricing, charge policy, and dietary accommodations.

Afterschool in the City 2024🎒

Join the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Learn24 network for their annual resource fair on Saturday, September 7 from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Deanwood Community Center. DC families can learn about afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs designed for youth ages 5-21. Learn more and RSVP here.

With Love, From DCPS Spotlight 📅

The School Year 2024-2025 calendar includes messages from students, educators, staff, families, and alumni who embody this year’s theme: With Love, From DCPS.

August highlights Greg Dohmann, DC Public Schools’ Director of 6th Grade Academies. “A major part of preparing students for success in middle school and beyond is ensuring they feel bonded to their school community,” said Mr. Dohmann. “We want our students to have opportunities to share unique experiences with their peers and the adults who support them.”

DCPS Happenings 📰

Activating Student Passion 💙: H.D. Woodson High School scholars tap into their passions to prepare for the future. Watch on YouTube.
2024 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador 💻: Hardy Middle School’s Brook Estifanos is one of only 50 educators chosen as a 2024 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador. Read more at Amazon.