February 2, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 5
Dear Washingtonians,
Yesterday, in the midst of Education Week, we welcomed our new DCPS Chancellor, Antwan Wilson, to Washington, DC. As Mayor, it is my goal to expand opportunity in DC so that more Washingtonians have a pathway to the middle class. And part of expanding opportunity for our youngest residents, means ensuring that every child - no matter their background or zip code - has access to a high-quality education.
Since coming into office, my Administration has remained committed to accelerating the pace of school reform in Washington, DC. Over the past ten years, our city has seen tremendous improvements in schools throughout all eight wards, and I have never been more confident in our educators than I am today.
In the past two years, we have expanded access to internships, career academies and travel abroad programs. We have introduced extended year programming at 11 schools, and opened the Ron Brown College Preparatory High School - the first all-boys school of its kind in Washington, DC, designed to meet the specific needs of young men of color. And we have found new ways to expand access to data and information so that families can make informed choices when choosing schools.
I look forward to working with Chancellor Wilson to continue building on our successes while opening new doors for young Washingtonians.
And, once again, thank you to all the educators who come to work each and every day ready to teach and inspire their students. Our success depends on you, and you continue to make DC proud.
Sincerely,
ICYMI: Last week, online applications for the 2017 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program opened. Applications are available for youth ages 14-24 who want to apply for a position as well as employers who want to get involved with MBSYEP HERE.
 Download the "Stat of the Week" and share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
On Monday, Mayor Bowser was at DC Bilingual Public Charter School to kick off Education Week in Washington, DC. During the event, the Mayor announced the establishment of a “walkability preference” in DC’s school lottery. The walkability preference will enable a public charter elementary school to offer a preference in admission to families living within half a mile of the charter school and more than half a mile away from their DCPS-zoned school. The optional preference will go into effect for the 2018-2019 school year.
Learn more about the Mayor's other Education Week announcements HERE.
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On Wednesday, Mayor Bowser surprised this year's DCPS Teacher of the Year, Jan Schuettpelz. Ms. Schuettpelz is a seventh grade science teacher at Deal Middle School where she goes the extra mile to bring real-life experiences into her classroom. Ms. Schuettpelz supports her students both inside and
outside of the classroom with afterschool tutoring, small-group lunches, a
Girls STEM Science Club - one of the largest extra-curricular activities
at Deal, and a Mighty Girls Book Club.
DC is fortunate to have many passionate teachers teaching throughout our city, and we are excited to honor Ms. Schuettpelz. Congratulations!
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Registration
begins tomorrow for DPR Fun Day on February 17. DPR Fun Day is a
free, single-day program run by the Department of Parks on Recreation on days when DCPS is closed for professional development. The program offers fun and enriching activities for children between the ages of 6 and
12 years old.
Learn more about DPR Fun Day HERE.
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In February, the Bowser Administration will host Budget Engagement Forums throughout Washington, DC to solicit public input about the Administration's priorities and investments.
Register for a Budget Engagement Forum using the links below.
Thursday,
February 23, at 6:30 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson High School (3950 Chesapeake
Street, NW)
Saturday, February 25, at 1:00 p.m. at the Department of Employment Services (4058 Minnesota Avenue, NE)
Monday, February 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus (3101 16th Street, NW)
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This week's District Minute features stories about the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, the Mayor's Public Safety Community Conversations Call, and the kickoff of Education Week in DC.
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 Are you passionate about closing the achievement gap and ensuring that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, receives an excellent education?
DCPS is on a mission to defy expectations about what urban schools and students can achieve and to make DCPS a model for public education nationwide. Learn more about jobs at DCPS at joindcpublicschools.com.
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