DC Deputy Mayor for Education

Families, we want to hear from you! 💬 Your feedback helps us improve student outcomes. ✨ Complete the 2026 Panorama Survey by Friday, March 27. ✅ 🔗 dcsays.dc.gov

📣 OSSE supports District learners from birth to adulthood, and we want to hear from you as we develop our next strategic plan. We invite educators, families, & partners across DC to share feedback on priorities for the years ahead. 📝 Take the survey ow.ly/4Z3w50YvVHw

DPR programs canceled today (Monday, March 16); grass fields closed due to storms. DPR facilities remain open. nixle.us/H68YB

Talking to kids or students about emergency preparedness? Start here: 📞My Communication Plan worksheet 🔎 Make an Emergency Kit word search These two worksheets help kids learn how to stay prepared. Find more resources at ready.dc.gov.

Severe storms are expected in the DC area today (3/16) and could bring damaging winds and possible tornadoes. Make sure emergency alerts are turned on in the notifications settings of your cell phone so you can receive warnings if severe weather develops. You can also sign up for District weather updates through @AlertDC at alert.dc.gov. #dcwx

Many schools are dismissing early today due to forecasted extreme weather. As students and families head home, please take extra care—especially when walking or waiting for buses—and follow guidance from school staff and crossing guards. Stay safe, DC.

DC, we're providing an update on today's severe weather in less than one hour. Tune in at 12:30PM here on X, on Facebook, mayor.dc.gov/live, or Channel 16.

🚨 The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch in the District of Columbia until 7PM today, 3/16. A Tornado Watch means that tornadoes are possible in the area. Very strong and dangerous winds may cause downed trees/branches, localized power outages, and damage to homes and buildings. BEFORE A TORNADO: - Secure loose outdoor objects like trash cans, outdoor furniture, and other items that could become dangerous flying debris during a tornado. - Charge your phone and other communication, medical, or assistive devices in case of a power outage. - Identify a safe space to shelter if a Tornado Warning is issued. Visit ready.dc.gov/pages/hazard-t… for more safety tips. DURING A TORNADO: - Go to the nearest sturdy building if you are outside or in a vehicle. - Move to an interior room on the lowest floor if possible. STAY AWAY from windows.

Due to the forecasted severe weather, DCPS will close schools two hours early on Monday, March 16. Afterschool and evening activities are cancelled. Staff will remain at school until all students are safely dismissed.

Severe storms are forecasted to affect the District this afternoon and evening (3/16). There is potential for strong thunderstorms that could bring damaging winds, heavy rain, hail, and possible tornadoes. Secure outdoor items like trash cans and patio/balcony furniture before winds increase. Loose objects can become dangerous in severe weather. Learn more storm safety tips at ready.dc.gov.

Compact 2043 ensures every DC student graduates with pathways to college or a career. In a new article for the DC Postsecondary Success Collaborative, DME Chief of Staff Clara Haskell Botstein outlines the vision for Compact 2043. Read it here: tinyurl.com/CHBCOMPACT243

Right now in DC, students are: 🩺Training as certified nursing assistants 🏘️Building homes at Phelps ACE 🖨️Designing products on 3D printers 🎓Earning tuition free associate's degrees

Since I became Mayor, we've: 🌳Planted nearly 80,000 trees 🌳Made it so that 99% of residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park 🌳Added 59 miles of bike lanes, including 36 miles of protected lanes Washington, DC is green and beautiful—it's a great day to enjoy our city.

Know a young person in DC looking for a summer job? The #MBSYEP2026 application closes tomorrow!👇

99% of Washington, DC residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. And 100% of residents are invited to help shape the future of parks in our city with the SCORP survey: DPR.dc.gov/SCORP

Great news for families in Washington, DC! Registration is now open for all spring programming with the nation’s #1 park and rec system at DPRPrograms.com.

New in the District: Registration for spring aquatic programming with @DCDPR is OPEN. Sign up for an active, engaging, and fun spring activity: dpr.dc.gov

During last week’s oversight hearing, we shared more about ETEP, a first-of-its-kind data system linking students’ education & training to real jobs and wages, so families can see what works and what DC’s investment is delivering. Learn more: dme.dc.gov/etep

Save the Date📅 The 2nd annual DC Educator Workforce Summit is Monday, May 11. Interested in leading a breakout session? The call for proposals is OPEN! OSSE and @DMEforDC invite ideas on teacher pathways, retention & leadership. Proposals due March 6: forms.office.com/g/m9J3GKK2Ve

Today, DME joined 2nd graders at Burroughs Elementary to read "Hair Love" for Black History Month!   The story follows a father helping his daughter get ready for a special day and celebrates the beauty of all hair types. Thanks for having us, Burroughs Rams!