It’s Teacher Appreciation Week and, like we are every week, we're proud that Washington, DC is home to the best teachers in the world. The transformation of our public school system over the past two decades has been nothing short of remarkable, and we know that our educators have been the main drivers of that transformation. Our teachers have raised the bar for teaching, they love and challenge our students, they inspire and motivate our young people both in the classroom and through their support of after-school clubs and sports. That’s why we are proud to be able to say that in DC we offer the highest starting teacher salaries in the nation. 

And we have results to show for the hard work of our educators: student achievement is up, graduation rates are up, and because families have continued to put their trust in our schools, enrollment is up.  

Additionally, earlier this week, we announced mid-year results from the second year of the District’s Truancy Reduction Pilot Program, which include a 71% year-over-year reduction in truancy for participating students in the first year of the program. The program replaces referrals to child welfare and courts for truant students with a suite of services aimed at early intervention and comprehensive support. Because of the success we’re seeing in the program, my FY27 budget includes legislation to expand the pilot into a citywide, prevention-focused approach to chronic absenteeism. 

So, thank you, DC teachers, for going above and beyond every day for our city's young people. And thank you to the families, District agencies, and community organizations that work side-by-side with school communities to support our students and educators.  

This summer’s offerings include: 

• Aquatics: Summer swim league, youth water polo, senior swim team, and learn‑to‑swim programs.
• Cultural Arts: Piano, ballet, hip‑hop dance, musical theater, and visual arts.
• Sports & Outdoor Adventure: Cheer, tennis, kayaking, pickleball, and intro to lacrosse.
• Seniors: Senior fitness, aquatics, tai chi, and Senior Fun Camp at Camp Riverview.

Registration for summer programming is first‑come, first‑served. To help manage high demand, DPR will continue to implement a virtual “waiting room” on both registration days. 

DPR summer program registration opens: 

• Noon on Tuesday, May 12 – Aquatics programs ONLY
• Noon on Wednesday, May 13 – All other summer programs 

Residents are encouraged to create or update their DPR account ahead of time to streamline the registration process. To create an account, visit dpr.dc.gov/DPRaccount. 

DPR offers reduced rates for qualifying DC residents. Applicants must be approved before registering. Residents may view the reduced rate application at dpr.dc.gov/page/dpr-reduced-rates. 

For more information and to view a complete list of DPR programs, visit DPRprograms.com.

In addition to summer programs, residents are reminded that there are still summer camp slots available in DPR’s new Camp Around Town camps for tweens ages 11-13. These thematic camps range from STEAM to Cultural Arts, allowing your tween to immerse themselves in what they enjoy. Details and registration links are available at DPRsummercamp.com.  

Next week, free, fresh, and locally grown produce is back for 2026! The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is kicking off its weekly veggie giveaways, bringing nutritious, organic veggies to residents across the city four times a week.   

• When: May 12 to November 25 
  • Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 
• Where: DPR Communal Farms  
  • On Tuesdays at 11am-12pm: Edgewood Rooftop Farm, 301 Franklin Street NE 
  • On Wednesdays at 11am-12pm and Saturdays at 10am-11am: Lederer Garden, 4801 Nannie H. Burroughs Avenue NE 
  • On Thursdays at 11am-12pm: Powell Communal Farm, 3149 16th Street NW 
• Find more information and register here.

Next week, celebrate National Bike to Work Day at Franklin Park! Free coffee and snacks will be available, as well as live music, vendors, and exhibitions. Whether you’re riding for fun, fitness, or because that’s how you always get to work, this event will be a celebration of multimodal transportation in the District. Register now for a free t-shirt!   

• When: Friday, May 15 at 7:00 a.m.   
• Where: Franklin Park, 1332 I Street NW  
• Find more information and register here.