School Is Back in Session

Back to School

As students start heading back to school, members of my Administration visited intersections in all eight wards to remind drivers to slow down. The speed limit in DC school zones is 15 miles per hour, and we encourage drivers to remember to slow down near any school. We all want our kids to be able to walk to school safely. 

August 28, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 29

Dear Washingtonians,

This is one of my favorite times of the year - back to school time. After a summer of reading books, camp programs, and sports, our youth are heading back to school.  

Starting this week, DC students can ride free on Metrorail through my expanded Kids Ride Free program. My Administration is working hard to support our young people. A good education is critical to providing our young people pathways to the middle class.  We know in order to get a good education, students need to be able to get to and from school safely and efficiently. Students who attend DC traditional and charter schools can enroll in the Kids Ride Free program on both rail AND bus using their registered DC One Cards.  

DC public and charter schools are on the rise, and I am proud of our progress.  Across the city, our schools have committed leaders, faculty, and staff who understand that pathways to the middle class start with a solid education.  They have been working hard to make sure that DC continues to be home to the fastest improving urban school district in the nation.

This year, we've added four new schools: Brookland Middle School, Dorothy I. Height Elementary School, River Terrace Education Campus, and Van Ness Elementary School, as well as launched seven new National Academy Foundation (NAF) Career Academies in six DCPS high schools. These career academies closely align with in demand, good-paying jobs in the District. DC charter schools such as Two Rivers Public Charter School opened a new campus in Ward 5 and will add a grade each year going forward. These are just a few examples of many initiatives we are offering to help our students prepare for college and careers.

Most importantly, we have students who are showing people across the city and across the nation what DC youth can do. Our students continue to make us proud with their tenacity, vision, and hard work.  And they have our full support as they continue on their pathways to success.

I’m looking forward to a great school year for students all over the District.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

Mayor

P.S. For more information about the Kids Ride Free program, you can visit DDOT’s FAQ page here. Check out this flyer to learn how to register for the Metrorail benefits.

A Safer, Stronger DC 

I introduced a comprehensive public safety agenda that includes a mix of legislative, budgetary, and administrative measures to combat violent crime in the District of Columbia - to keep our city safe and strong. View the outlined agenda at mayor.dc.gov/saferstronger.  

You Can Make a Difference:  500 for 500

We are seeking dedicated men and women to serve as mentors to young men of color through our 500 for 500: Mentoring through Literacy Program. Our goal is to connect 500 committed volunteers with young scholars - to help them build strong literacy skills, gain confidence, and discover a passion for reading. Each mentor will receive training and ongoing support from the school system and community partners. All you need is a desire to see a student succeed and the commitment to get them there.  If you’re interested, sign up here.

MBSYEPers on Their Path to Success

This month, the Deputy Mayor of Greater Economic Opportunity and the Department of Employment Services (DOES) hosted a hiring event for 22-24 year olds who participated in this year’s Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP).  More than 40 employers gathered at Gallaudet University to meet and interview candidates. I am so proud of these young people connecting to their futures by working hard, taking the initiative and pursing their goals. Employers can learn how to tap into this talented and smart pool of young workers by contacting the DOES American Job Center via email at does@dc.gov or calling (202) 724-7000.

DCPS Adopt-a-School Program

DCPS is seeking corporate and community organizations to participate in the Adopt-a-School program for the 2015-2016 school year. The goal is to create and cultivate school-partner relationships that support the school’s and partner organizations' shared priorities. Schools will gain additional resources and experiences for students and faculty, and partner organizations will have a direct impact on the school community - with the ability to foster meaningful relationships. This program is a great chance for organizations to give back to the communities they serve and provide the city’s youth with resources and experiences - which will go a long way toward creating their pathways to the middle class.  For more information on the program, visit DCPS’ Adopt-a-School program page here.

DC General Back-to-School Celebration

I recently joined the Department of Human Services and Councilmembers Elissa Silverman, Yvette Alexander and Charles Allen for the Back-to-School Family Event and School Supply Drive at DC General. We celebrated the start of a new year and distributed books and school supplies. Thanks to all of the kind folks who donated backpacks and supplies. These youth now have the essential items needed for a successful start to the school year.

#IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight: Tonia Everette, IT Specialist, Office of Chief Technology Officer

This week’s #IAmMBSYEP Job Spotlight is Tonia Everette, a 21-year-old from Ward 5. She received a job offer from the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) as an IT Specialist at the recent Young Professionals Hiring Event. When Tonia was asked what she learned during her MBSYEP summer, she said,

My SYEP experience at DOES has helped me polish my professional skills by assisting a variety of different personalities and work styles. It also has helped me with patience and has made me eager to help my coworkers in the best way possible. I look forward to having an opportunity to give back and help promote the great experience SYEP gives to all of the District's youth. Special thanks to my supervisor at DOES, Mrs. Vanessa Weatherington, for pushing me to make better use of my time and talents.

I am always looking for the best and brightest to help me serve the residents of the District. I am proud that Tonia is using her IT certification to help OCTO be even more innovative. I can’t wait to see what she has in store. Welcome to the team, Tonia.

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week: Youth Development Representative, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services

The Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services is seeking enthusiastic individuals with active experience in positive engagement, rehabilitation, and youth development to serve as a Youth Development Representative. The position requires direct interaction with at-risk/court-involved youth between the ages of 12 to 21 as it relates to mentorship, advocacy, social and life skills. If you enjoy working with young people, and if you have experience in this field, you can find additional information here.  

Stay in contact with me and my Administration online. Like us on Facebook. Follow me on Twitter @MayorBowser to follow our progress. Follow my team, @TeamMuriel, for the latest news and information from the John A. Wilson Building and District government agencies. Follow me on Instagram @Mayor_Bowser for even more updates on what's happening around town.  Lastly, find our online picture albums on Flickr.