December 8, 2016 | Vol. 2, Issue 46
Dear Washingtonians,
Over the past two years, my administration has worked to expand learning opportunities for students throughout Washington, DC. Since coming into office, we launched an extended school year at 11 public schools; opened DC’s only all-boys public high school, Ron Brown College Preparatory High School; fully-funded a travel abroad program for DCPS students; increased access to libraries and books; and, through internship programs, expanded access to hands-on learning opportunities. This year, we made historic investments in education, investing an additional $220 million in the modernization of schools and increasing the level of funding schools receive per student. With increased enrollment and graduation rates and increased academic achievement, DCPS continues to be the fastest improving urban school district.
Now, we are about to begin a new chapter for DC schools. Two weeks ago, I announced my nominee for the next DCPS chancellor. When we started the search for the next chancellor, I knew that we would need to find a leader who has the experience to build on DCPS's successes and the vision and determination to tackle our school system's most persistent and formidable challenges. The person who leads our schools has the power to change the lives of thousands of children in Washington, DC.
In community meetings, online feedback forms, and focus groups, my administration gathered feedback from students, families, educators and community members about their priorities for the next DCPS chancellor. In reviewing the feedback, we found five key priorities:
- reducing the achievement gap;
- increasing opportunities for all students;
- increasing parent and community engagement and communication;
- prioritizing teacher and leadership retention; and
- improving school culture and safety.
From the DCPS Rising Leadership Committee, I received similar recommendations, which you can read HERE.
After conducting a nationwide search for the next chancellor, I chose Antwan Wilson - a lifelong educator who has the experience, expertise, and character to lead our schools. He is also a role model for our students - his success proves that with hard work, they can achieve what they set out to do. Our school communities are stronger than they have ever been, and I know that together we will be able to work with Chancellor Wilson to make progress in closing DC's achievement gap while continuing to expand opportunities and provide a world-class education to students from every background and circumstance.
Sincerely,
ICYMI: On Tuesday, DC Public Schools Chancellor nominee Antwan Wilson answered questions and shared more about his background on Facebook Live. Watch the interview HERE.
Download the "Stat of the Week" and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Register for Mayor Bowser's Fit DC 5K Walk/Run on January 1, 2017 HERE.
Last week, Mayor Bowser attended the C40 Mayors Summit in Mexico City where she joined leaders from more than 60 global cities to talk about climate change. At the summit, Mayor Bowser shared the work the District is doing to reduce our annual carbon emissions, which are down by more than 23 percent since 2006, and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
While at the summit, Mayor Bowser helped officially launch Paris Mayor, and new C40 chair, Anne Hidalgo’s #Women4Climate initiative. The initiative will draw attention to the vulnerability of urban women to the impacts of climate change and support women who are leading the climate fight at the city level.
Read more about #Women4Climate HERE.
Back to Top
Earlier this year, the Department of Energy and Environment and the U.S. Department of Justice launched an environmental essay contest open to all sixth through eighth grade students in the District. The contest, in support of Mayor Bowser’s citywide effort to showcase Washington, DC's diverse and vibrant creative community, challenged students to address the following question in 300-500 words: What do you think is an important environmental issue facing the District, and how can you be part of the solution?
Tomorrow, ten District students representing seven schools will receive prizes and be recognized at an awards ceremony hosted by the Department of Justice. The schools represented include: Oyster Adams Middle School, Eliot-Hine Middle School, Center City Public Charter School, Hardy Middle School, Calvary Christian Academy, St. Anthony's Academy, and School Without Walls at Francis Stevens.
Congratulations to all the finalists!
Back to Top
Yesterday, Mayor Bowser broke ground on the McMillan Redevelopment Project, a 25-acre development located at North Capitol Street and Michigan Avenue, NW in Ward 5. The transformative project is expected to create 6,200 jobs and 134 units of affordable housing and produce $1.2 billion in economic activity over 30 years. The groundbreaking represents the first activity at the site in nearly three decades.
The $720-million redevelopment of McMillan is the product of a successful community-driven process led by Mayor Bowser. Throughout the planning process and the selection of the development team, the District and its partners convened over 200 workshops and community forums, ensuring residents had a voice in shaping the vision of their neighborhood. The redeveloped site will feature: 12 acres of public, open and green space; an eight-acre park; a 17,000 square-foot community center with a pool; a full-service grocery store; restaurants and retail; 655 units of housing (134 affordable); and over one million square-feet of healthcare facility space.
Learn more about the McMillan redevelopment HERE.
Back to Top
Registration for the DC Department of Parks and Recreation's (DPR) winter programming is currently open. DPR offers a variety of programs and activities for all ages including: sports programs, swim classes for adults and children, fitness programs such as aerobics and Zumba, and a variety of other enrichment programs for teens and seniors.
Browse the entire list of winter programs, activities, and classes or register for programming HERE.
Back to Top
The District of Columbia is committed to protecting those experiencing homelessness from extreme weather. Residents can help keep everyone safe by calling the Shelter Hotline to report a person experiencing homelessness who may be impacted by extreme temperatures. Reach the hotline by emailing uposh@upo.org or calling (202) 399-7093 or 311.
To receive notifications when a hypothermia alert has been activated, sign up for AlertDC HERE.
Back to Top
This week's District Minute features stories about Mayor Bower's plan to end the HIV epidemic, the District's Small Business Enterprise fiscal year 2017 spending goals, and the Mayor's proposed plan to ensure that more DC residents can access the District's homeless services.
Back to Top
The Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) consists of the Forensic Science Laboratory Division, the Public Health Laboratory Division, and the Crime Scene Sciences Division. The mission of the DFS is to provide high-quality, timely, accurate, and reliable forensic science services using best practices and best available technology, focusing on unbiased science and transparency, to enhance public safety and health.
DFS has an opening for a Forensic Intelligence Analyst. This position is responsible for gathering DC crime intelligence from all types of public and law enforcement media, coordinating and consolidating necessary information and correspondence, and generating statistical reports. All details regarding this vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
Back to Top
|
