April 24, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
It’s Earth Month, this week was Earth Day (featuring a very special debut of the National Zoo's baby elephant), and it is also National Volunteer Week. And tomorrow, you have an opportunity to bring it all together by joining our 10th annual Spring Cleanup.
There are cleanups happening in all eight wards:
- Ward 1: Banneker Recreation Center, 2500 Georgia Ave NW
- Ward 2: Garrison Elementary School, 1200 S St NW
- Ward 3: Guy Mason Recreation Center, 3600 Calvert St NW
- Ward 4: Emery Heights Recreation Center, 5701 Georgia Ave NW
- Ward 5: Crummell School, 1900 Gallaudet St NE
- Ward 6: Sherwood Recreation Center, 640 10th St NE
- Ward 7: Washington Senior Wellness Center, 3001 Alabama Ave SE
- Ward 8: Malcolm X Park, 500 Parkland Place SE
These cleanups are a great way to meet neighbors and teach children about civic pride, so I encourage you to join one.
And if you can't make it to a cleanup, I encourage you to learn about the Department of Public Works' Helping Hand program and organize your own neighborhood cleanup! Through the program, which runs from March to October, DPW will provide you and your neighbors with rakes, brooms, shovels, trash bags, and more.
Have a safe, fun weekend.
Sincerely,
On Saturday, April 25, nearly 200 schools will open for Enrollment Saturday to accept enrollment paperwork for new and re-enrolling students for the 2026-27 school year.
View a list of participating schools and the hours they will open here. Contact schools directly to confirm their hours of operation, the type of support available on Saturday, and any additional information you may need.
If you applied in the 2026-27 school year lottery and received a match, you must enroll by May 1, 2026, to secure your space. Enrolling at your matched school does not remove you from waitlists.
High school seniors, college students, recent graduates, or young adults interested in a short-term or summer job working with youth and the environment are invited to apply for a position with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Available positions include: Team Leader, Site Manager, Warehouse Project Manager, Communication Coordinator, Field Manager, and Operations Program Support Assistant.
Every summer, DOEE implements a comprehensive curriculum through a partnership with the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program to provide up to 250 youth and young adults, ages 14 to 24, with an opportunity to learn about energy and environmental issues, complete community-based environmental work projects such as rain gardens and storm drain markers, and prepare for careers.
Learn more about open positions and apply here.
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This weekend, catch the final days of the 2026 Smithsonian Craft Show at the National Building Museum, where hundreds of exhibitors will spotlight the finest in hand-crafted American artistry. Celebrate makers and discover how fine arts and crafts have shaped America.
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When: Through Sunday, April 26
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Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
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Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
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Where: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW
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Purchase tickets here
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