Turning Tassels, Turning the Page
Chancellor's NewsletterThis message was shared with DCPS families and staff on June 18, 2026.
June 18, 2026
Dear DC Public Schools (DCPS) Community,
Last week, DCPS filled venues across the nation’s capital to cheer on the Class of 2026. And this graduation season was particularly special for me, as it marked the last time I will direct DCPS students to turn their tassels as Chancellor of this great district.
This year’s graduates step forward as DCPS continues to deliver record results. More students than ever are completing high school on time, taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams and scoring three or higher, and earning college credit and industry credentials. Making a vision that I set at the beginning of my tenure become reality has taken commitment and shared effort from our students, educators, and families.
As DCPS leads the nation in academic recovery in both reading and math, I wrote an op-ed reflecting on the deliberate choices that made this progress possible. We invested in our educators, strengthened instruction, and stayed focused on student outcomes. Our staff came through with their talent and dedication, and families remained engaged partners who pushed us toward continuous improvement.
As I close this chapter, I do so with tremendous pride in what we have accomplished together and full confidence in where DCPS is headed. Mayor Bowser has named Dr. Kim Jackson as DCPS’ Interim Chancellor, and as a trusted colleague, I know that Chancellor Jackson brings the experience and leadership to build on our progress and raise expectations even higher.
I make it a point every year to remind our graduates that they will forever be part of the DCPS family, and I carry that truth with me as I depart. This enduring sense of belonging—across school communities and generations—connects us all.
Thank you for the trust, the partnership, and the belief in our young people. It has been an honor, DCPS.
With gratitude,
Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.
Chancellor, DC Public Schools
DCPS Highlights
Caps in the Air 🎓
More than 3,000 seniors from the Class of 2026 proudly crossed the stage last week, celebrating a major milestone. Big smiles, inspiring speeches, live performances, and proud moments filled each ceremony as students marked the end of one chapter and stepped into what’s next.
Rolling into Summer 🚲
Across DCPS, second graders are ready for a safe, active summer following the completion of the district’s Bicycle Cornerstone, where all students build their biking skills through a hands-on curriculum. For 300 students in Wards 7 and 8 who culminated their learning with a Graduation on Wheels at Kenilworth Park, it also included new bikes and helmets!
Passport to Possibility 🌍
For more than 50 years, schools have partnered with local embassies to explore history, culture, and global issues. A year of global learning through the DCPS Embassy Adoption Program came full circle as students convened at the Ronald Reagan Building for a Model United Nations-style experience, putting diplomacy and critical thinking into action.
A Legacy of Service 🌟
This year’s retirees, along with their loved ones, gathered at Dunbar High School for the DCPS Teacher Retirement Celebration. Chancellor Ferebee honored dozens of educators whose combined service spans more than 520 years. The celebration recognized their dedication and the profound impact they have made on generations of students.
School Stories
Fall. Rise. Repeat.🏅
Students from C.W. Harris Elementary School traveled to the Fort Dupont Ice Arena to spend time with Olympic gold medalist Ilia Malinin, known as the “Quad God.” During the visit, Ilia shared how discipline and perseverance shape success and why getting back up after a fall is part of every champion’s journey.
Launching What’s Next 🚀
At MacFarland Middle School, Chancellor Ferebee joined Sixth Grade Academy students at an interactive career fair led by Blue Origin and CoSi. Through engaging science experiments and virtual reality experiences, students discovered how the STEM skills they are building today can open doors to future careers in aerospace, engineering, and robotics.
Checkmate, DCPS!♟️
The first districtwide chess competition brought together twenty students from Ida B. Wells, MacFarland, Deal, and Jefferson Middle Schools for a morning of friendly competition. Match by match, and move by move, players showcased strategy and quick thinking across the board.
Making Math a Family Affair ➕
DCPS launched Family Math Dinners this spring to bring students, educators, and families together for evenings of connection and shared learning. Over meals and engaging math activities, Phelps ACE High School teachers hosted families and explored ways to support learning at home.
Important Dates
- June 19: Juneteenth—DCPS Closed
- June 21: Father’s Day
- June 22: First Day of DCPS Summer Programming
- July 3: Independence Day Observed—DCPS Closed
Family Opportunities
- Standing Ovation Nominations: The DC Public Education Fund recognizes educators, school staff, Central Services staff, and school communities who make DCPS extraordinary. Submit your nomination by Friday, June 19.
- DCPS Summer Bridge: This free, week-long program (August 3—6) helps rising 6th and 9th graders explore their new school, meet staff, and build community. Families can contact their school to learn more.
- Ready for Pre-K Family Toolkit: This family resource provides important dates, insight into the classroom experience, and tips to support learning over the summer.
DCPS Socials
Follow along on DCPS social media to see more stories and celebrations!
