September 25, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
We are officially one month into the new school year. Our DC Public Schools students have checked out more than 59,000 books since returning, our schools have distributed more than a million meals, and we’ve already cut three ribbons on beautiful new schools. In fact, on Monday, I celebrated with students, educators, and community members at the beautiful new Malcolm X Elementary School in Ward 8, where we also heard an inspiring message from Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz. Next week, we’ll be in Ward 1 for our fourth celebration at the new Harriet Tubman Elementary School.
On Saturday, families are invited to the DCPS Block Party happening at Dunbar High School. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with DC Government agencies and community organizations and receive services related to health and wellness, food access, college and career readiness, and more. There will also be free food and fun activities for all ages.
 Here are a few other items we want to make sure families are tracking:
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If your child is still using their Kids Ride Free card from last year, they must get their new card by next week.
- 2025–26 Kids Ride Free cards expire on September 30, 2026
- Contact your school's ID administrator now to get the new 2026–27 card, which is ready to use immediately and valid through September 30, 2027
- Students 13+ can also add their card to Apple Wallet
- Without a valid card, students will have to pay the fare starting on October 1
- DCPS held the first Parent University of the school year and covered how technology is used in classrooms across DCPS to support student success. If you weren’t able to attend, you can view it here.
- If your child is in their last year of high school, even though we are only a month into the school year, now is a good time to start thinking about and talking to your child’s school about what comes next. This year, we have 6,010 residents eligible for DC TAG, the highest number in the history of the program.
Let’s keep working together to make it a great school year.
Sincerely,
 This weekend, in recognition of National Car Seat Check Day, the District invites expecting parents, new parents, and caregivers to a free child safety seat check on Saturday, September 26 at the DC DMV Inspection Station (1001 Half Street SW).
Trained professionals will be on hand to check car seats, help families make sure they are properly installed, and answer questions about choosing the right seat for their child. Free child safety seats will also be available to DC residents with proof of residency, while supplies last.
No matter if you are preparing for your first ride home or simply want peace of mind, stop by and make sure your child is riding safely.
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When: Saturday, September 26 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Where: DC DMV Inspection Station (1001 Half Street SW)
 The Department of Parks and Recreation's Youth Hockey Development Program is designed to give young athletes ages 8–13 a strong, confidence‑building introduction to skating and hockey. The program is organized into two progressive phases that help participants develop both foundational skating skills and early hockey fundamentals in a supportive, structured environment.
Phase 1: Learn to Skate
Participants begin by developing essential skating skills, including balance, stride, stopping, and turning. This phase ensures every athlete gains comfort on the ice before progressing to hockey-specific tasks.
Phase 2: Introduction to Hockey Fundamentals
After mastering basic skating, participants move into core hockey skills such as stick handling, passing, shooting, positioning, and basic game awareness. This phase focuses on teamwork, safe play, and building confidence as young players begin their journey in the sport.
Mandatory Orientation
All parents and program participants are required to attend a mandatory orientation on October 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the rink. This session will cover program expectations, equipment needs, safety procedures, and an overview of both phases to ensure a successful experience for every athlete.
Learn more and register here.
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 Save the date for one of DC's favorite fall events: the annual 17th Street High Heel Race! Every year, this event celebrates DC’s LGBTQIA+ community, drawing thousands of spectators to cheer on participants as they race down 17th Street NW. Since its start in 1986, the race has become a symbol of the city's strong LGBTQIA+ culture and continues to grow each year.
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When: Tuesday, October 27
- Check-in starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Race begins at 9:00 p.m.
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Where: 17th Street, between R and P Streets NW
- Learn more here.
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 This weekend, head Downtown to immerse yourself in the energy of Fiesta DC! The two-day festival is a lively celebration of the rich heritage and diversity of the Latino community in DC. And on Sunday, walk with Mayor Bowser in the Fiesta DC parade!
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When:
- Saturday, September 26, 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 27, 11:00 a.m.
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Where:
- Sign up to walk with Mayor Bowser here.
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