January 19, 2024
Dear Washingtonians,
Earlier this week, I was proud to join Chancellor Ferebee and our education partners, including our students, at the launch of DC Public Schools’ new five-year strategic plan. I share the Chancellor’s gratitude for our teachers, principals, school staff, our Central Services employees, and for all the people who helped build this plan.
I also share the Chancellor’s pride in the progress at DCPS: improved graduation rates, enrollment growth, and strong highly effective educator retention. The strategic plan, which represents the feedback of hundreds of students and stakeholders, is a roadmap for building on that progress through a focus on equity, people, community, and making sure our students are succeeding academically, connected to their schools, and prepared for important transitions.
I encourage you to listen to the Chancellor describe the plan:
 DCPS has been a bright spot in the renaissance of Washington, DC over the past 15 years. And our schools will continue to play a critical role in our comeback.
I am proud to be a DCPS mom. I am appreciative of the work that so many people do daily to make sure our young people are loved, challenged, and highly educated in our schools. And I am excited about the future of DCPS.
Sincerely,
 View photos from this week on Facebook.
 There's still time to celebrate: Winter Restaurant Week has been extended through Sunday, January 28. Participating restaurants are offering multi-course brunch and lunch menus for $25 per person, and multi-course dinner menus for $40, $55, or $65 per person for on-premises dining. Many restaurants are also offering cocktail, wine, and non-alcoholic pairings.
View participating restaurants and make reservations for Winter Restaurant Week at rwdmv.com.
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 The My School DC common application and lottery is now open, and the deadline to apply for high schools for the upcoming 2024-25 school year is only two weeks away.
My School DC is a random lottery and there is no advantage to applying first; however, applicants must apply by the application deadlines:
- February 1, 2024 for grades 9-12
- March 1, 2024 for PK3-grade 8
To learn more and apply, visit myschooldc.org. For any questions regarding the My School DC process, families can contact the My School DC hotline at (202) 888-6336 or email info.myschooldc@dc.gov.
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 Are you a DC resident who is 60 or older and interested in representing your peers as Ms. Senior DC 2024? Apply now to be a contestant! Submit an application HERE to be considered to be a contestant.
The contestants selected will be judged on their:
- Personal interview
- Philosophy of Life
- Talent Presentation
- Evening Gown Presentation
The Ms. Senior DC 2024 winner will go on to represent the District and compete in the 2024 Ms. Senior America Pageant.
To learn more about the contest and how to apply residents should contact (202) 724–5626 or email dacl.communications@dc.gov.
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 Check out events in Downtown DC this month:
2024 Washington, DC Auto Show: The Washington, DC Auto Show will feature hundreds of new cars from dozens of manufacturers, an all-new DC eDrives Experience, indoor and outdoor test-drive experiences, classic cars, exotics, and so much more!
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When: Daily 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Friday, January 19 – Sunday, January 28
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Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place NW)
- Find more information about tickets HERE.
National Building Museum Community Celebration: On Sunday, January 28, the National Building Museum will be free to the public for a community celebration day! A new exhibit, Building Stories, will bring visitors on an immersive exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, and construction found in the pages of children's books.
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When: Sunday, January 21 @ 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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Where: National Building Museum (401 F Street NW)
- Register to attend the free community day HERE.
The Future of Orchids Opening: Head to Kogod Courtyard at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery for the 28th annual orchid exhibit. The display will feature a series of newly commissioned and loaned works by the contemporary multimedia artist, Phaan Howng, to help audiences visualize the future of orchids.
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When: Opens Saturday, January 27 - April 28, 2024
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Where: National Portrait Gallery (8th Street NW & G Street NW)
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