Next week, thousands of students will return to school, and here is what I know: no matter what is happening in our city, our kids deserve a joyful start to the school year. So, let’s work together to make it happen. This weekend, connect with friends, neighbors, faith groups, and community organizations and make a plan to clap our kids into school. Let’s show our young people that the entire city is cheering them on.  

Leading our students, we also have the best educators in the country. In fact, this week, we announced the results of last school year’s statewide assessments. Overall, results show the largest increase in proficiency rates made since the pandemic in both ELA/literacy and math, in all tested grades, in both DC Public Schools and DC public charter schools. Now, our educators are ready to carry that momentum into the new school year.  

To our families, educators, and school communities: thank you for working with us to make this school year the best one yet. Here are a few items we can all put on our back-to-school lists: 

• If you have children, spend some time looking through the new Back to School Guide.
  • If you don’t have kids, share the Back to School Guide with someone who does.
• If you have children, familiarize yourself with this fact sheet on getting to and from school safely as well as information on the new DCPS phone policy. 
  • If you don’t have kids, share the fact sheet with someone who does. 

And to our students: enjoy your last weekend of summer and have a great first day of school. On Monday, DC will be cheering you on.  

Summer Restaurant Week, which began on Monday, August 18, has been extended through Sunday, August 31. More than 200 DC restaurants are offering special multi-course lunch, brunch, and dinner menus at unbeatable prices. Make a reservation today and support local DC restaurants! 

• When: Now through Sunday, August 31
• Where: Restaurants across the District 
• More information: ramw.org/restaurantweek 

The Department of Parks and Recreation still has spaces available in two programs that provide kids ages 6-12 with a safe, supportive, and structured environment after school: Afternoon Access and Enrichment Zone. Both programs feature a variety of activities that support their physical, intellectual, and emotional development, including homework help, arts and crafts, sports and fitness, and more. Enrichment Zone offers up to 1.5 hours of programming, while Afternoon Access provides up to 3.5 hours daily.  

• When: Monday through Friday
• Where: Programs available across the District
• Register: here

202Creates is back! Join a one-day conference celebrating the power and impact of DC’s creative community. Free and open to the public, enjoy live performances, interactive activations, networking opportunities, and more. And don’t forget to nominate your favorite DC creatives for the 40th Annual Mayor’s Arts Awards! 

• When: Friday, August 29 at 11:00 a.m.
• Where: Planet Word Museum, 925 13th Street NW
• Learn more and register at 202createsmonth.com