National Night Out

Last night, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) hosted National Night Out in all eight wards. National Night Out is designed to fight crime and drug use; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.  For more information on MPD's work in your community, visit here.

August 5, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 27

Dear Washingtonians,

It is hard to believe that we recently passed the six-month mark in the Bowser Administration.  I am pleased to report that Washington, DC is strong and getting stronger. Our economy is thriving, our schools are improving, and our finances are in good shape. 

Since day one, we have been looking to you – the residents of the District of Columbia – to shape our agenda. With your feedback in hand, we developed a budget that makes critical investments in education, health and wellness, public safety, affordable housing and jobs.  This Administration is focused on bringing prosperity to every corner of DC, so that our entire community can benefit from our success. 

Because you are so important to our progress, I wanted to share a snapshot of our successes to date. From improving our public schools, to enhancing public safety, to bringing good paying jobs to District residents, we are making DC an even better place to live, work and play.  

I’m proud of the things we have accomplished, but this is just the beginning; we have so much more to do. With your help, the Bowser Administration will continue to make you proud.

Sincerely,

Muriel Bowser

Mayor

Let's Read! Let's Move!

Last Wednesday, I had a great time reading The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers to a group of DC Public Schools students.  I joined U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Veteran Affairs Robert McDonald and his wife Diane McDonald, DC Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean and DC United Goalkeeper Bill Hamid for Let’s Read! Let’s Move! – First Lady Michelle Obama’s national campaign to combat childhood obesity and raise awareness on the importance of early learning.

#IAmMBSYEP Spotlight: Demarko Jones

This week’s #IAmMBSYEP Spotlight is on Demarko Jones, a 23-year-old resident of Ward 5.

Through MBSYEP, Jones is working at the American Job Center at the Department of Employment Services (DOES).

Jones describes his MBSYEP experience as one that has exposed him to a range of career options, challenged him to improve his office skills, and exposed him to working in a professional setting. Jones attended Potomac State College in West Virginia and plans to continue his studies at a culinary arts school. He hopes to someday work with DC Central Kitchen.

When asked, “Why should youth participate in MBSYEP?” Jones responded:

Demarko is a great example of the importance of expanding MBSYEP opportunities to include 22-24 year olds. With the support of MBSYEP, these young men and women receive additional job training, professional development and assistance that will help them on their pathways to the middle class.  

OurRFP Workshop Meeting - Alexander Crummell School

Last Wednesday, I hosted a meeting at the Bethesda Baptist Church with Ward 5 residents to discuss the future of the Alexander Crummell School. The meeting was part of my OurRFP, a new program designed to incorporate community engagement early in the request for proposals (RFP) process. We had a great conversation with community members and civic leaders on the future of the site and we look forward to an inclusive process that will deliver a project that Ivy City residents and the District can be proud of.

No Shots, No School Campaign

The DC Department of Health (DOH) reminds all parents and guardians to make sure their child’s immunizations are up to date prior to the start of the 2015-2016 school year. Well-child exams, including routine dental exams, and immunization requirements ensure the overall health and wellness of the entire school community. Visit DOH's website to get information on how to get your child immunized. 

Fill a Backpack Campaign

The DC Department of Human Services (DHS) is currently seeking school supply donations for children residing in the DC General Family Shelter and in Emergency Overflow Shelters in the District. Backpacks and school supplies for all ages are greatly needed. Boxes for donations are located in each DHS Service Center and at DHS Headquarters located at 64 New York Avenue, NE, Floors 4-6.  A list of grade appropriate school supplies recommended by DCPS may be found here.

Pathways to the Middle Class - Job Posting of the Week: Counselor, Office of Student Affairs, UDC

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) is seeking a counselor in its Office of Student Affairs. The position requires the candidate to have the ability to provide mental health services to students, perform outreach to the university, and provide supervision of non-licensed trainees. If you or anyone you know may be interested in the position, you can find more 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.