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NEW: DC School Garden Week, Oct. 5-11
School Garden Week celebrates and builds awareness of District school gardens. School gardens in the District are thriving, and OSSE wants everyone to know it! During the 2025-26 school year, the District had 125 schools with gardens, more than 16,000 students engaged in garden-based learning, and more than 1,000 teachers engaged in garden-based teaching.
Here are some ways schools can get involved:
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Follow OSSE and other DC government agencies through the Gardenpalooza Dashboard as we visit every school garden in the District on Monday, Oct. 5.
- Students can submit entries for the Gilda Allen Best School Garden Award. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 5 to Nov. 24.
- Learn more about school gardens that were active during the 2025-26 school year by visiting the Thriving Schools Gardens Storymap.
- Attend an information session on becoming a Capitol LEAF school by attending the Capital LEAF webinar on Thursday, Oct. 8.
- Share a School Garden Success! OSSE wants to share your success with the public as an example of the incredible work happening in school gardens across the District.
For questions or additional information, please contact Sam Ullery at Sam.Ullery@dc.gov.
NEW: Defining Evidence for Programs to Ensure Nutrition for Development (DEPEND): School-Based Demonstration Project, Apply by Oct. 13
The US Department of Health and Human Services released $23 million in funding for its new DEPEND: School-Based Demonstration Projects, which is a cohort-based demonstration and learning mode opportunity for creating healthier, more appealing school meals through sustainable strategies. Public schools, public charter schools, LEAs and School Food Authorities (SFAs) are eligible to apply for one of up to 50 awarded projects in four learning cohorts with assigned amounts per individual award:
- Food Purchasing & Supply: $200,000-$450,000
- Workforce & Food Production: $200,000-$450,000
- Student Demand & Meal Economics: $150,000-$350,000
- Transforming Operations & Infrastructure: $300,000-$2.5 million
- Innovation Reserve Additional: $50,000-$150,00
The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13 with anticipated awarded decisions by Friday, Oct. 23. The awarded project period is from Dec. 1, 2026, through Aug. 31, 2027.
Interested applicants should review the official Notice of Funding Opportunity before applying in the application submission system.
NEW: Promoting Real Food in Child Nutrition Programs with the USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Team Nutrition initiative announced the release of new and revised nutrition education and training resources designed to help child nutrition program operators promote the clear, common-sense message of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030: Eat real food.
These resources focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. These foods include protein foods, dairy, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Additionally, they highlight the importance of limiting the intake of highly processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates.
Resources for Schools
Resources for Child Care Organizations
OSSE Seeks DC Educators for 2026–27 Statewide Assessment Development Opportunities, Apply by Dec. 4 (Reminder)
OSSE is seeking educators to participate in statewide assessment development activities during the 2026–27 school year. Educator expertise is essential to ensuring DC’s assessments are valid, fair, rigorous, and reflective of the knowledge and skills students are expected to demonstrate.
Selected educators may have opportunities to participate in activities such as item and content review, bias and sensitivity review, range-finding, data review, standard setting, and other assessment development work across English language arts/literacy (ELA), mathematics, science, alternate assessments, and English language proficiency assessments.
Educators from a range of grade levels, content areas, and professional roles are encouraged to apply. Prior assessment development experience is not required; selected participants will receive event-specific training and guidance. Individual events may require approximately three to five school days and may be held virtually or in person. Depending on the event, participants may be eligible for a daily stipend or Professional Learning Units (PLUs), and substitute reimbursement may be available to LEAs.
Educators interested in being considered for assessment development and standard-setting opportunities throughout the 2026–27 school year should complete the OSSE Educator Recruitment Application by Friday, Dec. 4. For additional questions, please contact Yolanda Barber at Yolanda.Barber@dc.gov.
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NEW: Join OSSE’s ESEA Team for Title Tuesday Office Hours on Oct. 20
Join us for this month’s Title Tuesday: Consolidated Application (ConApp) Feedback and LEA Listening Session on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m.
Title Tuesdays are monthly office hours covering Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) grant program topics relevant to the current moment in the grant cycle. Each session provides actionable information relevant to ESEA Title programs and offers LEAs an opportunity to engage directly with the ESEA team on any related questions.
These virtual office hours will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. Participants can join each session using the recurring link provided. Please come prepared to share your questions and feedback. We encourage participants to submit questions related to the monthly topic and ideas for future office hour topics to Con.App@dc.gov.
NEW: OSSE's 2026 Financial Aid Professional Learning Day, Oct. 9
Join the Office of College and Career Readiness (CCR) on Thursday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for OSSE’s 2026 Financial Aid Professionals Learning Day. This day of virtual workshops will offer opportunities to learn about scholarships, financial aid support, and relevant information regarding skills needed to be successful in college.
Attendees will also receive 2027-28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Dependent Student Walk-Through, along with updates, advice, and recommendations for completing the FAFSA.
Presenters include: CCR College Access Professionals Support Network (CAPSN) (OSSE), DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG), SchoolHouse Connection, and the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking.
OSSE's 2026 Financial Aid Professional Learning Day is a great opportunity for new counselors and college access professionals, and those looking to refresh their financial aid knowledge.
To join us, please register here. For questions or additional information, please contact Greg Palmer at Gregory.Palmer@dc.gov.
NEW: Title I Community of Practice, Apply by Oct. 15
OSSE is seeking members of the District of Columbia school community to support children from low-income families in receiving a high-quality education by serving on the Title I CoP. Members of this committee engage with OSSE quarterly to advise on effective and responsive policies that impact schools in the District receiving federal Title I funds.
Over the years, this committee has influenced updates to the DC School Report Card and State School Climate Survey and revisions to the District’s Elementary and Secondary Education Act Consolidated State Plan.
The Title I CoP seeks thoughtful and engaged school community members to serve a three-year term from September 2026 to August 2029. Committee members attend quarterly meetings each school year, which are usually held virtually from 4:30-6 p.m.
To join the Title I CoP, you must serve a school community in the District in one or more of the following roles:
- DC Public Schools (DCPS) teacher;
- Public charter school teacher;
- DCPS paraprofessional;
- Public charter school paraprofessional;
- Public charter school leader (e.g., principal, assistant principal);
- DCPS school-level administrator (Title I program implementation);
- Public charter school-level administrator (Title I program implementation);
- Public charter school-level specialized instructional support personnel (e.g., counselor, interventionist);
- Public charter school board member;
- Parent of DCPS student(s); or
- Private school representative.
If you are interested in serving and representing your community’s needs, please submit a completed application and resume to Con.App@dc.gov by Thursday, Oct.15. If you know someone whose perspective and expertise would benefit OSSE’s Title I CoP, please share this application opportunity with them.
For more information, see the OSSE’s Title I Committee of Practitioners website or contact Con.App@dc.gov.
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Instructional Community of Practice (CoP) (Reminder)
OSSE will continue its SEL CoP for the 2026–27 school year. These convenings will serve as the primary professional learning framework for the District of Columbia in advancing the integration of SEL across various academic domains.
The CoP will convene bi-monthly, bringing together instructional leaders from both LEAs and schools to enhance their capacity to incorporate SEL into literacy, mathematics, social studies, leadership practices, wellness strategies, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).
CoP participants will:
- Engage in bi-monthly CoP meetings scheduled from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., held in person at the OSSE building located at 1050 First St. NE.
- Engage in evidence-based instructional models, practical tools, and exemplars suitable for direct implementation by educators.
- Explore ways to incorporate District-wide data sources, tools, and resources, such as DC Survey About Your School (DCSAYS) data.
To learn more about this opportunity, please click on the registration link for each session or contact Marcus Hughes with OSSE’s Division of Teaching and Learning at Marcus.Hughes@dc.gov.
Capital LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Actions for our Future) Webinar, Oct. 8 (Reminder)
OSSE is pleased to relaunch Capital LEAF (Leaders in Environmental Actions for our Future) for the 2026-27 school year!
Capital LEAF supports schools on their journey to be green, healthy, and sustainable. This initiative provides schools with guidance, training, and technical assistance to increase sustainability and environmental education efforts and empower youth to take actions that will reduce environmental impact and improve the health and wellness of their school and community. Capital LEAF is a self-directed program with the flexibility to support the interests, time, and capacity of teachers, staff, and students.
OSSE will host an informational webinar on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 4-5 p.m. Teachers, staff, and interested students are encouraged to attend. Please register here or contact Grace.Manubay@dc.gov with questions.
OSSE and DC Health School Immunization Webinar, Oct. 14 (Reminder)
OSSE and DC Health will hold a technical assistance webinar on implementing the School Year 2026-27 School Immunization Policy on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. The webinar will cover October key dates for the current school year, performing immunization data entry and retrieval, sending warning notifications of temporary exclusion to all families of noncompliant students in key grades, and potential vaccine opportunities. This webinar is required for Immunization Points of Contact (IPOCs), and school nurses. LEA and school leaders and any other school staff involved in immunizations should plan to attend. Register here.
School Behavioral Health 101 for School Leaders, Oct. 28 (Reminder)
How are you supporting mental health and wellbeing in your school? Join OSSE on Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. for School Behavioral Health 101. This presentation is designed for school leaders and leadership teams in public and public charter schools in the District. It’s especially helpful if you are a new school leader, are looking for a refresher on school behavioral health, or want to learn about new tools being shared this year. Participants will learn about available resources for your school, professional learning opportunities, and best practices and practical tips for employing a strong comprehensive school behavioral health system.
Please register here to participate.
Questions? Reach out to Celeste Brown, School Behavioral Health Outreach Specialist, at Celeste.Brown@dc.gov.
Restorative Learning Fall 2026 Professional Development, Multiple Dates (Reminder)
This fall, Restorative DC is offering professional learning and planning opportunities to help DC educators in implementing restorative practices during the school year. Sessions will address building community, reducing chronic absenteeism, responding to student behavior, using data to inform practice, and sustaining a restorative culture. All sessions will be held in person at Charles Sumner School, with follow-up virtual coaching sessions provided.
For more information and to register, please visit the event website. For questions, please email Jessica.Dulay@dc.gov.
 New Terms and Conditions for Federal Awards
For FY27, OSSE federal grants contained new terms:
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Grantees not use federal funds in any manner that violates the Constitution, federal antidiscrimination laws, or certain executive orders.
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Grantees comply with annual registrations requirements made in SAM.gov, including provisions that address civil rights, DEI programs, and support of illegal aliens.
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Federal awards may be terminated at any point during the award’s period of performance if the award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities.
The District has joined other states in challenging these terms and has sent a reservation of rights to prevent our acceptance of grants from being construed as agreement to the new terms. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your legal counsel.
NEW: Department of Behavioral Health School Behavioral Health Services Comprehensive Expansion Grant
The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Child, Adolescent, and Family Services, is soliciting applications from DC public charter school LEAs to directly hire school behavioral health clinicians where the school has the capacity, willingness, ability to implement school behavioral health services, provided that each clinician shall receive onsite clinical supervision and shall perform duties exclusively related to the School Behavioral Health Program and provide prevention, early intervention, and treatment services using the Comprehensive School Behavioral Health Model.
Eligibility Criteria:
- A DC public charter school LEA.
- A DC public charter school LEA without a DBH-funded school behavioral health partnership.
Experience requirements are listed in the Request for Application (RFA).
An LEA that meets both eligibility and experience requirements may apply. The application submission deadline is Friday, Oct. 23 by 12 p.m.
For more information and for the recording of the Sept. 22 pre-application conference, please view here.
Grant-related questions for the point of contact, Dr. Charneta C. Scott, may be sent to dbh.grants@dc.gov.
NEW: Direct Investment in Students – Grant Request for Application Deadline Extended to Tuesday, Oct. 13
OSSE has extended the Direct Investment in Students grant application submission due date to Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m. Please review this notice of extension for further information. Applications are accepted only through OSSE’s Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS) at grants.osse.dc.gov.
OSSE will host a webinar on Monday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. to answer any remaining questions. Please register for the webinar here. During the webinar, OSSE will respond to all questions submitted here by Thursday, Oct. 1.
If you have any questions about the grant, please email Jessica.Sobin@dc.gov and Sam.Angileri@dc.gov.
NEW: Fiscal Year 2027 National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Equipment Assistance Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity
The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the NSLP Equipment Grant is now available in the DC Register. The competitive grant application for the FY27 NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant will be available on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Enterprise Grants Management System (EGMS). This grant opportunity is available to District public schools, public charter schools and private/non-public schools that currently participate in the NSLP (including the Seamless Summer Option), and who are interested in using the equipment funds to improve the quality and safety of school food service meals. The deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, Dec. 1. The award period for this grant is the date of award through Sep. 30, 2027.
An optional pre-application webinar will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday Oct. 20, which will provide an overview of the purpose of the NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant, provide information on how to complete the application in EGMS, and share basics of project budgeting and allowable costs. Please register to attend here.
Learn more about the award here. For questions or additional information about the NSLP Equipment Assistance Grant application, contact Kimberly Thompson, Grants Management Specialist, at KimberlyA.Thompson@dc.gov.
FY27 SOAR Formula Application Now Available (Reminder)
The consolidated application for the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Act Formula grant programs, which include SOAR Academic Quality and SOAR Early Childhood, is now available in the EGMS. The award period for these grants is July 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. All eligible expenses incurred during this period may be submitted for reimbursement after applications have been approved. The deadline for public charter LEAs to submit applications is 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.
LEAs are invited to attend a pre-application webinar at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8. Please register to attend here. The webinar will provide an overview of the purposes of the SOAR Formula grant programs and instructions on how to complete the application in EGMS. The webinar recording will be posted on OSSE’s SOAR Formula webpage, along with the FY27 SOAR Formula application guide.
For questions or additional information about the FY27 SOAR Formula Consolidated application, please reach out to your LEA’s OSSE SOAR program contact.
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October 2026
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