October 13, 2023
Dear Washingtonians,
We know that Washington, DC has the best teachers in the nation. And this week, we were proud to name and celebrate one specific amazing teacher, our 2024 Teacher of the Year: Beth Barkley.
Ms. Barkley goes above and beyond to uplift student voices and inspire her students. She has been a teacher in DC for eight years, all at Cardozo. As a teacher in the International Academy, she currently teaches ninth and tenth grade students who are new to the United States and she also teaches a Human Rights and Social Action class. Outside of the classroom, she advocates for issues like expanded access to mental health care. In all of her work, she creates learning spaces where students can feel seen and loved and where they feel at home in their school community.
Ms. Barkley now represents the many teachers in DC who are winning for our students — each and every day. We are proud of Ms. Barkley and we look forward to cheering her on as she competes for the title of National Teacher of the Year.
I also want to give a special congratulations to our Teacher of the Year finalists:
- Chad Harris, a music teacher at Stanton Elementary School;
- Kena Allison, a biology teacher at Washington Latin Public Charter School;
- Rabiah Harris, a physical science and robotics teacher at Ida B. Wells Middle School; and
- Aneesah Blount, a kindergarten teacher at Van Ness Elementary School.
Thank you for making us #DCProud!
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.
 Students enrolled in DC Public Schools or DC public charter schools in grades 10-12 can now apply for a dual enrollment program to earn free college credits at local universities while still in high school. Students can then transfer those credits towards a degree at a two-year or four-year college. This saves students time and money when it comes to pursuing a college education. The dual enrollment program also allows high school students to explore various career paths and majors before they enroll in college full time.
The deadline to apply for the dual enrollment program is Friday, October 20. Learn more and apply HERE.
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 The Mayor’s Office of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing is inviting high school students to an after school program focused on wellness. The program will empower Deaf, DeafBlind, Deaf Disabled, and Hard of Hearing high school students with educational workshops, activities, networking, and resources that promote wellness. Students can learn about leadership development, gain new social skills, and engage in resources to support daily life.
- When: Select Thursdays, starting on Thursday, October 26 @ 3:00 p.m.
- Where: Columbia Heights Community Center (1480 Girard Street NW)
- Register and learn more HERE
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 Join Mayor Bowser and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs for the historic 17th Street High Heel Race! The event will allow attendees to celebrate the diversity of DC’s LGBTQ+ community by supporting drag queens, drag kings, and community members as they race down 17th Street NW.
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When: Tuesday, October 24 | Race check-in begins at 7:30 p.m., race starts at 9:00 p.m.
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Where: 17th Street NW between R and P Streets NW, near Dupont Circle
- Register to attend HERE
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