August 18, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
The new 2023 Back to School Guide is now up on backtoschool.dc.gov!
A new school year is a new opportunity to open doors for our young people – to help them make friends, set goals, and dream big.
I am grateful that in schools across all eight wards, from pre-K3 to 12th grade and beyond, we have teachers, administrators, counselors, coaches, and staff who bring out the best in our young people. I am grateful for the thousands of students who come to school every day and make our city proud. Let’s continue to uplift the many great things happening in our schools, including our young people who go above and beyond for themselves, their peers, and our community.
As we head into this new school year, we also know that sometimes families and caregivers need support with making sure your children and teens are on the best path forward. Whether your child needs academic support in school, social and emotional support during out of school hours, or behavioral support at home – we have teams to support you. Remember: it takes a village.
Let’s start the school year strong. Make sure your child is up to date with their well child visits. Have a plan for before school and after school. Find time to meet your child’s teachers and other school staff. And remember that strong attendance is key to a strong school year; when young people are in school, they not only do better academically, they also have access to a range of supports to keep them happy and healthy.
Please use the Back to School Guide as a starting point, but also know that if you have any questions about how to help your child succeed, someone at your child’s school will be able to answer your questions and get you connected to the right resources.
Let's get ready to have a fantastic school year!
Sincerely,
 This week, during a public safety situational update, Mayor Bowser and Acting Chief Smith announced three upcoming initiatives to reduce crime and build a safer DC:
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Juvenile Curfew Enforcement Pilot: Youth (under 17) in seven focus areas who are out after curfew will be brought to DYRS where the agency will connect with the youth and their families to proactively engage them and offer rehabilitative services and supports.
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Expansion of CCTV: Adding 50 CCTV cameras throughout the city, with a commitment to double
the number of cameras over the next two years.
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Increase for the MPD Referral Bonus Program: MPD employees who refer another candidate are eligible to receive a $5,000 referral bonus for police officers and $2,000 for new cadets who are onboarded. Candidates must attend MPD’s Prospect Day before 10/31/2023 and begin the academy on or before 3/1/2024.
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 Tomorrow, on Saturday, August 19, celebrate Chuck Brown Day at a new, bigger location: Fort DuPont Park. The day commemorates the life, legacy, and music of DC legend and the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. Every year, the celebration features musical performances by the Chuck Brown Band and others.
The Chuck Brown Foundation will be giving out free backpacks for kids.
This year’s Chuck Brown Day will be bigger, better, and more cranking.
- When: Saturday, August 19 @ 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Fort DuPont Park (Minnesota Ave SE)
- Learn more HERE.
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 This week, Mayor Bowser and the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) hosted a lifeguard appreciation event to thank and honor District lifeguards for their work this summer. DPR lifeguards were presented with certificates of appreciation from Mayor Bowser in recognition of their work watching over the District’s 34 indoor and outdoor pools, ensuring residents and visitors could play, exercise, and keep cool throughout the summer.
Mayor Bowser also announced that DPR will host a new Junior Lifeguard Academy program for District residents ages 12 to 19 this fall. Participants will learn about conditioning, water safety, the drowning process, CPR and more. The program will begin in September, and interested students can sign up HERE.
DPR also offers free lifeguard training between September and June throughout the District, utilizing the International Lifeguard Training Program. Interested individuals can browse DPR’s lifeguard offerings HERE.
In addition to lifeguard training, DPR also offers Learn to Swim, Competitive Swim, and various other aquatics programs for all ages and swimming abilities. Registration for fall aquatic programs opened on Tuesday, August 15 and registration for all DPR fall programming opened on Wednesday, August 16. For more information and to register for DPR’s programs, visit DPRprograms.com.
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