Dear Ward 8 Residents,

I am disappointed in the recent and abrupt closure of Eagle Academy Public Charter School, which has left hundreds of students, families, and staff in a state of shock and uncertainty. 

Eagle Academy announced its closure after a proposed merger with another charter school was rejected amid concerns over declining enrollment and financial mismanagement by previous leadership.

My office has been deeply involved in this issue, advocating for a responsible and sustainable path forward for Eagle Academy. We attended both the August 14th and August 19th meetings with the DC Public Charter School Board, where the proposed merger with Friendship Public Charter School was discussed. This plan could have preserved the school's operations and honored the legacy of its founder, Cassandra S. Pinkney.

While Eagle Academy's board ultimately decided to surrender its charter, my commitment to the affected students, families, and staff remains unwavering. We are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that every child finds a suitable school placement and that staff can access new job opportunities.

DC Public Charter School Board and DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee have stepped in to offer significant support, including assistance with student enrollment and organizing job fairs for former staff. 

Together, we will ensure that the legacy of Eagle Academy endures, even in the face of these challenging circumstances.

Respectfully,

JAZZ IN THE PARK x PLAY IN THE PARK

Thursday, September 5

Deanwood Community Center

1350 49th Street NE

JAZZ IN THE PARK x PLAY IN THE PARK Tuesday, September 10

Hillcrest Recreation Center
3100 Denver St. SE

JAZZ IN THE PARK x PLAY IN THE PARK
Thursday, September 12

Eastern Market Plaza
8th & Pennsylvania Ave SE

JAZZ IN THE PARK x PLAY IN THE PARK Tuesday, September 17

Palisades Community Center

5200 Sherier Place NW

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://jazzintheparkseries.splashthat.com/

Over the weekend, Communications Director Jules Jessie attended several back-to-school events dropping off back packs and school supplies on behalf of the Office of Councilmember Trayon White. These events provided a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for our scholars preparing for their first day of school.

The day was filled with fun activities, including great food, moon bounces, foam parties, and live bands, all designed to prepare and energize students for the upcoming academic year. The Office of Councilmember White extends heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors and looks forward to future events that will continue to positively impact our residents.

• Boosting healthcare access and tackling health disparities head-on.
• Expanding educational opportunities by increasing career and technical education (CTE) programs.
• Enhancing public safety with community policing and mental health crisis response teams.
• Increasing affordable housing with a special focus on our senior population.
• Supporting at-risk youth and families with vital services like mental health care, mentorship, and parenting programs.

• Advancing health equity by securing more funding for community health initiatives.
• Expanding financial literacy education in schools and offering free online resources.
• Empowering our communities through targeted development programs and leadership training.
• Establishing violence prevention programs in schools and launching youth empowerment initiatives.

Friday 

Game Hour

Friday, August 30: 3:30pm - 5:30pm

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library

AGE GROUP:   5 - 12 YEARS OLD 

EVENT TYPE:  GAMING

Fun for the whole family! Join us for blocks, Legos, board games and Virtual Reality gaming. Ages 3 and up.

Saturday 

Coffee & Conversation - A Conversation Circle

Saturday, August 31: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library - Conference Room B (6-12 Person Capacity)

AGE GROUP:   ADULTS 

EVENT TYPE:  CONVERSATION CIRCLE

Customers are invited to join a casual conversation with other library customers and individuals from the neighborhood. Coffee provided.

Tuesday

Tween Time!

Tuesday, September 03: 5:30pm - 7:00pm

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library

AGE GROUP:   5 - 12 YEARS OLD  13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS) 

EVENT TYPE:  STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH), GAMING, FILM, ARTS & CRAFTS

Join Us every 1st and third Tuesday for various activities geared for Tweens! For ages 10-14.

Wednesday 

Sign Up for a WMATA Reduced Fare Program

Wednesday, September 04: 9:30am - 5:30pm

Anacostia Neighborhood Library

AGE GROUP:   SENIORS  ADULTS 

EVENT TYPE:  EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Connect with representatives with WMATA to learn about what their Reduced Fare Programs can do for you!

Early Stages 

Wednesday, September 04: 11:00am - 1:00pm

Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library

AGE GROUP:   BIRTH - 5  ADULTS 

EVENT TYPE:  HEALTH, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

DC's early intervention program for children birth to age 5.

Job/Resume Clinic - Job/Resume

Wednesday, September 04: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library - Conference Room B (6-12 Person Capacity)

AGE GROUP:   SENIORS  ADULTS  13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS) 

EVENT TYPE:  JOB READINESS CLINIC

Job Seekers/Resume provides help to create your résumé, apply for posted jobs, research in demand careers, and find occupational training opportunities that meet your needs.

STEAM Club

Wednesday, September 04: 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library

AGE GROUP:   5 - 12 YEARS OLD 

EVENT TYPE:  STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATH), FAMILY PROGRAM, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM, ARTS & CRAFTS

Explore different STEAM themed activities and toys every other week. For ages 5-12

Teen Game Night

Wednesday, September 04: 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Bellevue (William O. Lockridge) Neighborhood Library - Meeting Room (25-100 Person Capacity)

AGE GROUP:   13 - 19 YEARS OLD (TEENS) 

EVENT TYPE:  GAMING

Come out to Bellevue Library to enjoy our teen game night! Board games, card games, and video games!