September 8, 2016 | Vol. 2, Issue 34
Dear Washingtonians,
We
know that good school attendance is
essential to student achievement. Currently, far too many of our students -
starting as early as kindergarten - are chronically absent. That is why
this September, the District is participating in Attendance Awareness Month, a nationwide effort
that highlights the important connection between school attendance and academic
achievement.
Research
has shown that missing 10 percent or more
of school for any reason is a proven predictor of academic problems and
increased dropout rates. Fortunately, when schools, families and communities
work together to intervene early, chronic absenteeism can be reduced and we can
keep our students on track to graduate college and career ready.
In recognition of this data, my Administration has launched the Every Day Counts! attendance campaign. This
year, students and schools making the most improvement citywide will be
rewarded with end-of-year celebrations and field trip opportunities.
Check
out attendance.dc.gov to
find citywide attendance policies, resources and activities to address
attendance challenges, and help me spread the message that every day counts!
Sincerely,
ICYMI: Last week, we released our 18 Month Progress Report. Read it HERE.
 Download the "Stat of the Week" and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #everydaycounts.
Throughout September, we are celebrating the diversity of the District's creative economy and the many people who make DC such a great place to live, work and play.
Upcoming Events:
September 8: Community Collective Photography Showcase
September 8 - 18: DC Shorts Film Festival
September 9: Sonic Circuits Festival: Fringe Music and FLY BY LIGHT Free Screening
September 10: 202 Festival, DC Wine Fest, Break the Internet Festival and SATCHMO at the Waldorf
September 12: Okie Fest
September 13: Don't Stop the Music Open Crew Call
September 14: #brownbagdc Book Chat
Go to 202Creates.com to see a list of all the events we have lined up.
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Last week, the Bowser Administration hosted a Family Fun Day at Walter Pierce Park.
A week after the park made news for its missing fire truck playground equipment, community members came together to celebrate with popcorn, the popular FEMS fire engine slide and Fire Engine Truck #21 and its firefighters. At the event, we announced the good news that during the week of September 19, #FreddieDaFireTruck will make his triumphant return to Walter Pierce Park.
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This week, the National
Action Network (NAN) held its annual Legislative and Policy
Conference, themed “From
Demonstration to Legislation,” on Criminal Justice and Voting Rights. On Tuesday, Mayor Bowser represented the U.S. Conference of Mayors as a member of
their Advisory Board and welcomed NAN to the District. In their welcome remarks, both Mayor Bowser and Reverend Al Sharpton spoke about the importance of DC statehood.
You can learn more about what happened at the conference by searching #NANLPC16 on social media.
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Want to learn more about adopting or fostering children and teens in DC? The DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is holding an informational session at the Lamond-Riggs Library on Tuesday, September 13. Representatives from CFSA will be on site from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m to answer questions and provide an overview of DC's Foster and Adoption Program.
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On Friday, September 16, the DC Mayor's Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) will host the last event of its second annual Chinatown Park Start Fresh! summer series.
Free and fun for all ages, the evening will start at 7:00 p.m. with the Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring a balloon artist, arts and crafts, mooncake distribution, Chinese snack tasting and more. Jackie Chan's "Monkey King: Hero Is Back" will play at 8:00 p.m.
RSVP for this event HERE.
The DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is the public child welfare agency in the District of Columbia responsible for protecting child victims and those at risk of abuse and neglect and assisting their families. CFSA works to improve the safety, permanence and well-being of abused and neglected children in the District of Columbia and to strengthen their families.
CFSA has an opening for a Social Worker. All
details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by
visiting the job announcement.
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