D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and interim schools Chancellor Amanda Alexander recently announced that Benjamin Banneker Academic High School will relocate to the site of the former Shaw Junior High School in Northwest.
In making the announcement, Bowser also committed to working with the Shaw and DCPS communities to open a new middle school that aligns with the District’s enrollment needs.
“Families and students are succeeding at Benjamin Banneker Academic High School, and, now, we are proud to take this step toward increasing access to a highly sought-after program,” Bowser said. “As families continue to choose our public schools, we’re going to continue working with the community to provide high-quality options — at every level — that set our young people up for success.”
DCPS is planning to open the new Banneker at Shaw Junior High School by school year 2021-22. The relocation is expected to increase programming capacity by 300 students.
“At D.C. Public Schools, we are committed to building on programs that are helping our students succeed,” Alexander said. “Banneker is proving what is possible for our young people and I am thrilled to open its doors to more students. Congratulations to Banneker Principal Anita Berger, and all of the school’s students and staff.”
‘Slow Down’
Late last month, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser joined students, community members and city leaders at Garfield Elementary in Southeast for a “Slow Down” campaign aimed at improving traffic safety near the school.
The Oct. 23 event also focused on drawing attention to the ongoing citywide “Vision Zero” efforts.
“I know [this] event was one of many ongoing steps in the right direction for School Safety and Vision Zero, but if only for a moment, it felt we won the battle in our commitment to eliminate transportation-related accidents and fatalities,” said Garfield Principal Kennard Branch. “Standing together as a community to call attention to such an important issue was truly an inspiring and remarkable way to spend a Tuesday afternoon — a reminder that when we work together, we can build safer roads and communities.”
Meanwhile, the District Department of Transportation is rolling out new road features that will help build safer roads and sidewalks across the city.
Summer Study Abroad
DCPS is now accepting “Summer 2019 Study Abroad” applications for programs that will occur throughout the summer.
With trips departing between June 22 and July 6, the programs, scheduled for between eight to 12 days long, will focus on language learning, community service and/or global leadership.
Middle and high school students who are selected are assigned a trip based on their world-language course history and interests.
All eligible students are encouraged to apply.
Application packages, which include three essay questions, are being accepted through Nov. 2.
For more information, go to dcpsglobaled.org/how-to-apply.