July 2021 Newsletter

July is peak summer & peak vacation time right?

Almost right!
It’s been a busy July in the best way.

Scroll down for opportunities for summer fun, as well as Back to School events and resources, which means peak summer, but no time for vacation…yet (but it’s coming).

In this newsletter you’ll find:
*Walking A Mile in Our children’s Shoes
*SBOE July Update
*News You Can Use: Testify on School Reopening
*Back to School Events
*What’s Happening in Ward 7: Upcoming Community Events & Info
*Grants & Community Resources
*COVID-19 Resources

I look forward to continue working with the Ward 7 Community to continue supporting our students, families, and schools. I hope the resources and updates below are helpful.

Please reach out to me at eboni-rose.thompson@dc.gov if there are resources you’d like to share in future newsletters or if there are questions and concerns.

Yours in Service,

Walking a Mile in Our Children’s Shoes

Walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is a cliche until you try it.
On July 26th, Councilmembers Christina Henderson & Mary Cheh joined us to walk (more than) a mile in Ward 7’s shoes from Kenilworth to Deanwood & back.

Why? Because it’s the route children take to school or to take a swim on a hot day or go to the nearest library, and after the 295 bridge collapse an already difficult walk got more difficult.

Thanks to all those who joined us & all those working to make transportation equity a reality.
Special shout out to:
the Ward 7 Education Council
ANC 7C
ANC 7D
Deanwood Civic Association
Office of the Chief Student Advocate
& everyone who took the long hot, walk with us.

SBOE Updates

A few highlights from our July Public Meeting:

*New Interim State Superintendent Dr. Christina Grant’s 1st SBOE Meeting
*Expert Panel on Homeschooling in DC
*SBOE Approves: Annual Teacher Retention Report & Student Advisory Committee Report

Watch the Full Recording

DCSBOE Introduces the Statewide Educational Data
Warehouse Amendment Act of 2021

On July 12th the board officially reintroduced the Statewide Data Warehouse Amendment Act to DC Council. The bill requires the Office of the State Superintendent for Education to report annually on the state of teaching & teacher retention in D.C. including data on the decisions of teachers to leave the teaching profession.

News You Can Use

SBOE Welcomes Testimony on School Reopening

When: August 17th Public Meeting at 5:30pm

Despite wanting to return to in-person learning because we know it is best for academic and social support, many students, families, and educators continue to express confusion and concerns. Reopening strong means a clear plan and addressing concerns. Below are the health and safety measures announced for DCPS. Please note, each Public Charter School has makes these decisions independently.

We want to hear from you.

All students, parents, and educators, and community members are invited to provide testimony at public meetings.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to comment at a public meeting are asked to notify Board staff in advance by phone at (202) 741-0888 or by email at sboe@dc.gov no later than 48 hours in advance of the meeting. An electronic copy of testimony must be received no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting. Individuals are asked to furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any.

Back to School Events

Save the Date!!!
We’re giving away 1000 Backpacks with School Supplies!!!
If you’re interested in partnering, donating, or volunteering please email me
at eboni-rose.thompson@dc.gov for more information.