September 14, 2017 | Vol. 3, Issue 37
Dear Washingtonians,
Last weekend, surrounded by students, educators, and community members, my Administration launched the new five-year strategic plan for DC Public Schools (DCPS).
In 2012, DCPS released a plan that
recommitted the system to providing every student with a safe, academically
challenging, and inspiring learning experience. Today, five years later, we
know without a doubt that DCPS is on the rise. DCPS continues to be the fastest
improving urban school district in the country, and a recent report confirmed
that our schools have made significant gains on student achievement, graduation
rates, Advanced Placement exams, student satisfaction, and attendance. However,
there is still much more work to be done to ensure that every student, in every
ward of our city, receives the education and opportunities they deserve.
The new five-year strategic plan presents a set of
priorities and goals that will continue to transform DCPS into a school district
of both excellence and equity. In the months leading up to the creation of the plan, we heard from thousands of students, educators, families, and community
members about their visions for the future of DCPS. With its focus on creating
a more equitable system, the plan reflects the
feedback of families and educators who all want the best for their own
children, but also recognizes that our city cannot reach its full potential if
policies and investments do not support all children.
Today, our school communities are stronger than they have
ever been, and I am committed to continuing the investments we are making in
and out of the classroom that ensure all students are exposed to a diverse range
of rigorous, hands-on learning opportunities. A Capital Commitment 2017-2022 will help us give more students a
fair shot at success by focusing the energy of all eight wards on creating a
system of excellence, equity, and love.
Sincerely,
ICYMI: On Monday, the DC Department of Housing and Community Development was selected as the 2017 winner of the prestigious Robert C. Larson Housing Policy Leadership Award by the Urban Land Institute. The award recognizes exemplary state and local programs that are using innovative strategies to produce, rehabilitate, or preserve workforce and affordable housing. Learn more HERE.

The Bowser Administration invites parents and families of public school students in Washington, DC to attend the 2017 DC Parent and Family Engagement Summit on Saturday, September 16. Throughout the day, families can help develop DC's new state report card and attend a range of panel presentations on issues related to public education in DC.
The conference will facilitate the effective implementation of the District's state education plan by building partnerships between the Office of the State Superintendent and families.
Learn more about and register for the summit HERE.
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On Thursday, September 21, join Mayor Bowser as she cuts the ribbon on the new DC International and Latin American Montessori Bilingual Public Charter Schools at the historic Delano Hall of the Walter Reed campus.
This special occasion marks the opening of the first public use building on the Parks at Walter Reed, formerly the Walter Reed Army Medical Center campus.
RSVP HERE.
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Calling all data heroes! The Bowser Administration is seeking data-enthusiasts of all skills levels to join DataKind, Code for DC, and the DC Deputy Mayor’s Office on Health and Human Services for our first-ever Health and Human Services Hackathon. At the hackathon, residents will discuss using data to answer complex questions and other issues related to health, aging, homelessness, and child well-being.
The hackathon will take place on Saturday, September 23, and all skill levels are welcome. Learn more about joining the National Day of Civic Hacking HERE.
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Throughout September, the Bowser Administration is celebrating DC's second annual 202Creates, a month-long showcase of the District’s diverse and vibrant creative community.
Upcoming Events:
September 15: ContraryCon, Art of Care for Medical Professionals, Anacostia Community Museum Open House, DC Dance Summit, Red Bull 3x3 Challenge, Market Southwest, Fashion Week Debrief, Auditions: Capital Movement Dance Party, Sonic Circuits Festival, Native Gardens, Purple Wave Festival: Strengthening Families and Communities
September 16: Food, Family, and Fun Fair, Walking Town DC, Barbecue Boot Camp, H Street Festival, Fiesta DC, GDSC Loudly Presents "Homecoming Jam" a Music Showcase at SPT, Black Magic Exhibit Artist Talk, FORDAM ROWE presents: GREY Parts of Me
September 17: Women Who Changed America: Walking Tour, Fresh Talk: Judy Chicago-AMPLIFY, Concert for Yoko Ono, Washington and the World
Find a full list of all 202Creates events at 202Creates.com.
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This
week's District Minute features stories about the launch of DCPS' five-year strategic plan, Workforce Signing Day, and the 202Creates Arts and Music Festival.

The
Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) is the District agency 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 Washington, DC and to strengthen
their families.
CFSA has an opening for a Family Support Worker.
This position is responsible for assisting Social Workers with assessing the
needs and strengths of families. All details regarding this
vacancy, including qualifications, can be found by visiting the job announcement.
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