Posts in Category: From the Chancellor
DCPS Expands COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to DCPS families from Chancellor Ferebee on January 13, 2022. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, Our commitment throughout this pandemic has been to continuously review and assess our layered mitigation strategy for limiting the spread of COVID-19. Today, I want to provide you with an update on: Our expanded surveillance testing program to monitor COVID-19 within Read more
School Reopening Tomorrow and COVID-19 Testing Results
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to DCPS families from Chancellor Ferebee on January 5, 2022. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, I want to thank all our families and staff who have dedicated time and energy in service of reopening our schools safely in 2022. Our community truly mobilized to support Read more
Update on Test to Return and Thursday Planning
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to DCPS families on January 5, 2022. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, Thank you! More than 20,000 families have already submitted their student’s COVID-19 test results. We appreciate you taking part in this important task. If you have not already done so, please upload your Read more
Important Update: Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test Required for School
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to the DCPS Community from Chancellor Ferebee on December 29, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, The health, safety, and well-being of our school community remain our highest priorities. To support a safe reopening of our schools, all students and staff will be required to Read more
An Update to DCPS’ COVID-19 Response Protocol
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on December 22, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, As I mentioned in my email to you on Monday, we are seeing rising cases of COVID-19 in our schools and community. As a result, we will be making Read more
Update to the January Calendar and Rapid Testing Announcement
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on December 20, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, We are seeing a city-wide and region-wide increase in COVID-19 cases, and as with previous case increases within our community, those trends are reflected in the number of reported positive cases at schools. I recognize the stress and uncertainty this causes for you and Read more
The Power of a Vaccine
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on December 3, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, This week, our very own Kimball Elementary School had a few guests stop by to talk about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines: former President Barack Obama Read more
COVID-19 Vaccination for Ages 5+
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 4, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way for us to help stop the spread of the virus and keep our community safe. This week, the Centers for Disease Read more
Snow Day Policy Update
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on December 10, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, With students back in the classroom every day and winter weather now part of daily forecasts, we wanted to provide an update on how we will handle Read more
The Power of a Vaccine
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on December 3, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, This week, our very own Kimball Elementary School had a few guests stop by to talk about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccines: former President Barack Obama Read more
Sharing My Gratitude
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 18, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, This Thanksgiving, I want to reflect on the past year and express my gratitude to the entire DC Public Schools community. Our students, families, staff, and supporters have worked tremendously hard to reopen our schools, learn new routines, Read more
DCPS Welcomes the World + November Health Updates
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 18, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, We teach our students that there are no limits to what they can achieve, and this week scholars across DC Public Schools had the opportunity to meet some inspiring individuals, including some who were Read more
Take the Fall Family Survey and Share Your Feedback with Us
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 10, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, Over the last week, I heard directly from some of our students in grades 6-12 about how they’re feeling about the first term of the school year. They spoke candidly of the joy of seeing Read more
COVID-19 Vaccination for Ages 5+
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 4, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, The COVID-19 vaccine is the best way for us to help stop the spread of the virus and keep our community safe. This week, the Centers for Disease Read more
Honoring and Supporting DCPS Families
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on October 27, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, This year, the student art showcased in our school calendar celebrates how our students see the strength and resiliency of our community and of themselves. I want to recognize and congratulate Riley Mitchell of Eliot-Hine Middle School, Erykah Howell of McKinley Technology High Read more
Happy National Principals Month!
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on October 15, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, I hope you will join me this month in celebrating the outstanding contributions of our school leaders. National Principals Month is an opportunity to recognize the roles principals play in our Read more
October Vaccination Clinics, Health Townhalls & Reminders for Student-Athletes
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on October 1, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, As we reflect on our first month of the school year, I want to say thank you. I am grateful for the commitment of District families to support our teachers, principals, counselors, coaches, and staff as Read more
Vaccines Save Lives. Update on COVID-19 Vaccine and Childhood Immunizations
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on September 21, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, With the school year underway, it’s exciting to see students across the district diving into joyful and rigorous academic experiences with the excellent educators of DC Public Schools. From reading to world languages, science to Read more
Celebrating and Learning this Hispanic Heritage Month
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on September 15, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación Dear DCPS Families, At DC Public Schools, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month is about recognizing and honoring Latinos in school communities and throughout the city. It is also a time to learn from cultures and traditions outside of your Read more
How DCPS responds to COVID-19 cases
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on September 10, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación Dear DCPS Community, Across DC Public Schools, it is exciting to see students are settling into their classes and new routines, building friendships, and connecting with their teachers. The well-being Read more
Thank You for a Strong First Week!
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on September 3, 2021. Dear DCPS Families, As educators, our greatest joy comes from seeing students learning enthusiastically. This week, our hearts were full as tens of thousands of DC Public Schools students reunited with their classmates and teachers in schools across Read more
Important update on asymptomatic and symptomatic testing at DCPS
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on August 27, 2021. Dear DCPS Families, DC Public Schools is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff. We have a robust, layered mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19 based on three key pillars: prevent, screen, and inform. Today, we are reaching Read more
Honor the Start of School with the Stronger & Safer Together Pledge
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on August 26, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación Dear DCPS Families, We are just a few days away from the start of our new school year. Every year, the first day of school is one of excitement and Read more
Back to School Health & Safety Guidelines
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on August 18, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, Today, we are sharing an update on our back-to-school health and safety measures and the robust plans that will be in place as we welcome back all our students. We worked hard throughout Read more
Important health and safety update on COVID-19 vaccines
From the ChancellorEsta información está disponible en español a continuación. This message was sent to the DCPS community on August 11, 2021. Dear DCPS Families, Yesterday, Mayor Bowser announced that vaccination against COVID-19 will be a requirement for all DC Government employees, including all DC Public Schools staff. The science is clear: the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. What we are seeing clearly in the District Read more
School Immunization Clinics are Now Open
From the ChancellorEsta carta está disponible en español a continuación. This message was sent to the DCPS community on August 4, 2021. Dear DCPS Community, This month, we are asking families to put vaccines on your back-to-school list! All DC Public Schools students must have their childhood immunizations up to date to attend school. The COVID-19 vaccine Read more
School Health & Safety Update
From the ChancellorEsta carta está disponible en español a continuación. This message was sent to the DCPS community on July 30, 2021. Dear DCPS Community, As we approach the end of July, we are now 30 days until the start of the new school year. The coming month is going to consist of traditional back-to-school activities, such as students getting school supplies and teachers preparing their Read more
July update – 40 days left of summer break
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to the DCPS community on July 21, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, Did you know that this week you can celebrate National Hot Dog Day (July 21) and National Hammock Day (July 22)? And hopefully you got a chance enjoy National Ice Cream Day Read more
Virtual Learning for SY21-22
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to the DCPS community on July 14, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. We hope you are having a safe and enjoyable summer. At DC Public Schools, we are actively planning for the next school year and cannot wait to see all students back in the classroom this Read more
Student Wellness and SY21-22
From the ChancellorThis message was sent to the DCPS community on July 6, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, We hope you had a fun and safe Fourth of July. As we prepare to return to in-person learning for every student, every day in the fall, we want to make sure Read more
The School Year in Your Words
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on June 24, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, It’s the last day of school for DC Public Schools. Throughout the past year, you and your family have accomplished so much. Students learned how to use Teams, Canvas, and other new technology tools Read more
DCPS Closed Tomorrow and Happy Juneteenth
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on June 17, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear Families, Happy Juneteenth from DC Public Schools! Today, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, establishing June 19 as a federal holiday. As such, Mayor Bowser announced Read more
DCPS Celebrates Pride Month
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on June 14, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, June is Pride Month, and DC Public Schools is proud to be an ally to students, school leaders, and staff within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer-plus (LGBTQ+) community. We are at our Read more
Investing in Students and Listening to Families
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on June 11, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, $1 billion. That is the local investment Mayor Bowser is committing to DC Public Schools for Fiscal Year 2022 to ensure our schools have a strong foundation Read more
Update on Health, Safety, and Virtual Learning for SY 21-22
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on June 7, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we want to share more about our preparations to fully reopen for every student, every day in Read more
Standing Ovation Awards & Vaccination Clinics for Students
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on May 27, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, This week, we celebrated the accomplishments of our educators, school leaders, and staff during the annual Standing Ovation for DC Public Schools presented by the DC Public Education Fund. During the virtual ceremony Read more
Mental Health Awareness Month
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on May 21, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, As we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect and give yourself grace for what you and others have endured over the past year; you have been courageous, Read more
Our Roadmap to #RecoverStrong – May Update
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on May 14, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, A month ago, we announced DC Public Schools will fully reopen for the 2021-2022 School Year with in-person learning for every student every day. This is an incredibly critical milestone to ensure our Read more
Survey – Share Your Recovery Priorities
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on May 11, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Since March 2020, DC Public Schools has strategically utilized federal stimulus funds to support COVID-19 recovery. These are commonly referred to as Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Read more
Update on Summer Acceleration Academies
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on May 7, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, It was an amazing week celebrating our teachers, and you can check out this recap to see how much we love our DCPS teachers! Thanks to the entire DCPS Read more
Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on May 3, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Join me in wishing every DC Public Schools educator a Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! As we kick off this week of celebration, we know that the love Read more
Additional FY22 Funds Available for Schools
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on April 29, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, As DC Public Schools continues its work to recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we know that maximizing the use of all available funds is critical for Read more
Cohort Changes for Term 4 and Enrollment Saturday
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on April 23, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, This week, 12 jurors in Minnesota fulfilled their civic duty and delivered accountability by convicting Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. We know that one conviction does not equal justice. DC Public Schools is Read more
Important Announcement About Next School Year
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on April 8, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, We have some exciting news to share today about next school year. DC Public Schools will fully reopen with in-person learning for all students, every day in Read more
DCPS Family Guide to Summer 2021 Learning
From the ChancellorFollow the link to explore our Family Guide to Summer Learning to find the program or opportunity that best fits the needs of your student.
New Health Guidelines for Term 4
ArticlesDC Health released a revised set of COVID-19 guidelines for schools in alignment with updated school operations guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accordingly, DC Public Schools (DCPS) will adopt some of these changes, and they will go into effect at the start of Term 4 next month.
In solidarity with our AAPI students, families, and staff
From the ChancellorWhat does solidarity look like? Taking a stance to remind our community that there is no room for xenophobia, racism, or hate within the DCPS community. As we work to become an actively anti-racist district, we must speak up and speak out against all forms of hate and bias.
#RecoverStrong and Social Emotional Learning
From the ChancellorFor the past year, we have navigated learning in the age of COVID-19 together, and as we turn the page on what’s next, DC Public Schools is centering our recovery work around what’s the most critical: that every student feels loved, challenged, and prepared to positively influence society and thrive in life.
Update on COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing for Students
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on March 8, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, In early December, we announced that the DC Public Schools, in partnership DC Health and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, would provide free asymptomatic Read more
#RecoverStrong This Summer
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on March 5, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Last month we announced how DC Public Schools plans to target our federal stimulus dollars to fund initiatives that address the academic and social emotional learning impacts Read more
Enhancing Student Learning through Virtual Instruction this Year
From the ChancellorThere are many lessons learned from virtual instruction that we will use to advance student outcomes next school year and beyond.
Emotional Wellness for Students and Families
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on February 11, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Last week, we shared some of the excitement students, families, and staff experienced as all schools across DCPS opened for in-person learning. We continue to be inspired by the great work happening in our schools to Read more
DC Public Schools Are Open
From the ChancellorThis week, the familiar sound of laughter, joy, and classroom instruction filled schools as we welcomed students and staff into school buildings for in-person learning programming across all grades.
Important Update from DC Public Schools
From the ChancellorWe know our students are ready, we know our buildings are ready, and we know our staff is ready.
An open letter to our community
From the ChancellorTogether, with educators and families, we made a concentrated effort over the past 10 months to maximize learning opportunities for students both at home and in school. Throughout all of this we had a clear goal in mind: to safely reopen school buildings and welcome students and staff back to the classroom.
Investing in a Safe Reopening of School
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on January 22, 2021. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, This school year, under the leadership of Mayor Bowser, DC Public Schools made significant strategic investments to support a safe reopening of our schools and enhance virtual Read more
#ReopenStrong – A Commitment to Health & Safety
From the ChancellorYour school’s reopening plan is unique and designed to meet the needs of your school community. Families helped determine what Term 3 learning looks like for their students.
Term 3 Update: In-Person Learning Expands to All Grades
From the ChancellorTerm 3 begins on Monday, February 1, and every school will offer a range of in-person learning options and services for students.
A Message to the DCPS Community
From the ChancellorDear DCPS Community, I am angry. Like many of you, I watched Wednesday’s senseless attack on the U.S. Capitol in horror and disgust. To see our town where we live and work and raise our children become a battleground for white nationalists and threaten the fabric of our democracy is unacceptable. It is another reminder Read more
Winter Break and Happy Holidays from DCPS
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on December 24, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, Happy holidays from DC Public Schools. We appreciate that you have chosen to be part of the DCPS family. Socially distanced, but still together, DCPS continues to Read more
#ReopenStrong – Spotlights in Equity and Partnership
From the Chancellor2020 has been a year of constant change and uncertainty. Through it all, our teachers, families, and staff have leaned into our DCPS values — especially that of equity — to ensure quality learning and provide social-emotional support for our students.
Community Collaboration and CARE to #ReopenStrong
From the ChancellorToday, we are sharing updates on how this collaboration as an entire school community is at work from CARE Classrooms starting at elementary schools, to Reopen Community Corps planning at all schools for Term 3, and how you can participate in the virtual EdFEST event this weekend.
With gratitude from DCPS
From the ChancellorThis year has been unlike any other. Your dedication, resourcefulness, creativity, and joy remain steadfast. Thank you for your service to DC Public Schools; we appreciate all that you do.
A #ReopenStrong Milestone and Communal Path Forward
From the ChancellorWe must continue to take deliberate steps to bring more students back to schools; steps that chart a clear path forward for a safe return to school centered around our communities.
CARE Classroom Update
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 12, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Over the past few months, school operations teams worked diligently to prepare buildings to welcome back students and staff this fall. Plans were developed, staff were trained, Read more
Changes to School Reopening Plans
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on November 2, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, DC Public Schools has a responsibility to provide every student with an equitable, rigorous, and joyful education — no matter if they are learning at home or Read more
#ReopenStrong: The School Day in Term 2
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on October 22, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Since the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency, DC Public Schools has remained grounded in the firm belief that to best serve students furthest from opportunity, Read more
A Commitment to Equity
From the ChancellorOne of DCPS’ core values is Equity; specifically, working proactively to eliminate opportunity gaps and investing in effective strategies to ensure every student succeeds.
Starting a Healthy #ReopenStrong Routine
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on October 14, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Last week, we announced that when Term 2 begins next month, DC Public Schools (DCPS) elementary students in grades Pre-K to 5 will have the opportunity to return to Read more
DCPS Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
From the ChancellorHappy Hispanic Heritage Month! Our DCPS legacy is comprised of the contributions and accomplishments of our diverse community of families, educators, and staff.
#ReopenStrong: Redesign in a Virtual Setting
From the ChancellorAcross the district, students, families, and educators are adjusting to learning at home.
#ReopenStrong: Welcome Back to Learning
From the ChancellorThe start to every school year presents new opportunities and challenges, and we are grateful to our entire school community for your patience as we adjust to all-virtual instruction this fall.
#ReopenStrong – Important Updates
From the ChancellorBelow are important updates for families for SY20-21 on topics like grading and attendance.
#ReopenStrong – RSVP for Parent University
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on August 6, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Families, As a new school year approaches, families often have many questions, and we know this year is no exception. As DC Public Schools (DCPS) prepares to start Read more
DCPS to #ReopenStrong Virtually this Fall
From the ChancellorThis post is an email sent by Chancellor Ferebee to the DCPS community on July 30, 2020. Esta carta está disponible en español a continuación. Dear DCPS Community, Throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency, DC Public Schools (DCPS) has remained committed to the health and safety of our entire school community. Today, with consideration Read more
