Free food and fun activities for all ages — including a moon bounce, mini-golf course, parkour course and student performances — will be featured Saturday, Sept. 14 at the DCPS’ Back to School Block Party.
The celebration to welcome students, parents, teachers, school administration, and community members will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Theodore Roosevelt High School in Northwest.
The block party is designed to engage the D.C. community in a fun and welcoming environment while providing information and multiple resources from local partner organizations and District government agencies, such as health and wellness, food access and college and career readiness.
Contact Jerry Ilar, DCPS coordinator of public events and engagement, at jerry.ilar@dc.gov or 202-744-0423 to register, for questions about the event or to participate as a partner or volunteer.
Mayor Welcomes Students
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently celebrated the beginning of the 2019-20 school year at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the fully modernized Maury Elementary School in Ward 6.
Prior to kickoff events, Bowser led a “Slow Down” campaign at Lincoln Park, where she was joined by residents and administration officials in reminding motorists to slow down and use caution while school is in session.
“Every new school year is exciting because each school year brings new opportunities to make each day count,” Bowser said. “This year, we are proud and excited to once again be welcoming students and families across D.C. back to new and modernized buildings, but we are also proud of the new programs we are rolling out. From our early college academies to our Connected Schools, we are finding and funding new ways to support our families and set our young people up for success, both inside and outside the classroom.”
Bowser also announced new initiatives to strengthen “Safe Passage” efforts in the new school year. The project engages businesses, government, and faith-based organizations to serve as places of safety and support along corridors frequently used by students to get to and from school.
New Schools and Programs
DCPS launched two new programs this school year aimed at preparing students for college and their future careers.
Bard High School Early College DC in Ward 7 opened its doors to students and will provide them the opportunity to earn college credit and an associate degree from Bard College, while earning their high school diploma.
In Ward 4, Coolidge High School launched the “Early College Academy,” where students will gain valuable experience enrolled in college-level courses while earning their high school diploma, as well as earning up to an associate degree from Trinity Washington University.
‘My Brother’s Keeper’ Summit
The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships and the Mayor’s Office on Fathers, Men and Boys presents “My Brother’s Keeper Summit and Volunteer Fair” from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 5 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest.
This year’s gathering shares new and existing efforts being made by the Bowser administration, legislators, business leaders, the philanthropic community and nonprofits to propel young men of color along their path to full achievement.