“Dear PoPville,
The process for parents trying to volunteer in their children’s schools is terribly inaccessible.
I am a first time DCPS parent trying to sign up to volunteer with my PreK kid’s class.
I heard that the clearance process takes weeks and that I needed to complete it as soon as possible. My husband and I have both tried to submit the initial form for days, but it’s broken and gives an error that there’s no way to fix. Read More
via GoFundMe
“Dear PoPville,
I am a teacher at Barnard Elementary in Petworth. As many are aware, a 9-year old boy was killed in the fire last weekend, which the Mayor has referred for investigation. We found out last week that the child was a student at our school. Our hearts are broken, and we are working as a school community to celebrate his impact and honor his life, especially as students return today. Read More
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to share a video that a local middle school student posted of a high school student assaulting someone on the metro. I did file a report with the police and they are investigating to see if the incident can be matched with a reported assault. From my experience as a teacher these incidents occur often and are not addressed and students do not receive consequences for their actions. Usually, these videos are deleted and are circulated amongst students but withheld from administrators and other adults. I’m not sure what actions can be taken if any but I thought this might be a place to start in order to bring awareness and help prevent these assaults from occurring.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Nikoo’s Photos
“Dear PoPville,
Last week, someone commented that they called a school to pay off some kids outstanding school lunch balances–any idea how to do that? I’ve googled and nothing came up.”
via google maps
“Dear PoPville,
I wanted to write in because while I was walking my dog Friday around 4:30 pm on 18th Street between Kenyon and Kilbourne, I saw a DCPS school bus drive by. The driver, who had several children on the bus, was talking on her cell phone with only one hand on the wheel. I made a note of the license plate and called DCPS and left a voicemail. I am concerned I won’t hear back and want to know if anyone knows the contact info of someone at DCPS who I can talk to about this, as I really want this driver to be talked to about her reckless driving.”
Photos courtesy Department of General Services
Thanks to a reader for passing on an article from NBC Washington:
“The frescoes are products of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal initiative called PWA – Public Works Administration. The fresco titled “Adolescent America” captures entertainment, movies and fun. The 12-by-40-foot “American Panorama” features scientists, innovation and industry. The plan is to hang both pieces in the school’s new grand entrance.”
And thanks to DGS for sending the photos and these two articles from the 1930s:
1935 12 10_Post_Movies, Comics, Refreshments (PDF)
1934 11 26_Herald_Up Looms the Merry Storm (PDF)
North Twin Oaks Plot at 14th and Taylor St, NW
From an email:
“As many of you know, the north side of Twin Oaks Community Garden—which is located on either side of Taylor St NW at 14th St–has been slated for demolition to make way for a parking lot as part of the renovation of the neighboring Powell Elementary School.
We are writing to inform you that, after receiving suggestions on alternative parking options from Twin Oaks as well as comments from the community, the D.C. Department of General Services (DGS) has decided to proceed with the destruction of the north side of the garden. There will be a community meeting this Tuesday to announce the decision as well as plans to build a new garden in Upshur park, and we invite all community members to attend to weigh in.
Where: Petworth Library, 4200 Kansas Ave NW
When: Tuesday, August 5th, 6:30pm
Thank you for your support,
Twin Oaks Community Garden”
From DCPS:
“Ever wondered how you can help out and make a difference? District of Columbia Public Schools is seeking local professionals to participate in an innovative mentoring program. Last year, DCPS launched an internship program for students with disabilities called the Competitive Employment Opportunities (CEO) Program. The CEO Program brings high school age students with various disabilities together with professional mentors who work in a range of occupations. CEO mentors help introduce our students to the working world and guide them through the career exploration process. To learn more visit our website dcpsceo.com or follow us on twitter @DCPSCEOProgram.
Over the past two years, CEO has provided DCPS students with professional development training, one-on-one mentoring, and paid summer internships throughout the district. During bimonthly one-on-one mentoring, which takes place on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 4:30pm – 6:00pm, students work with mentors on a career-focused project. This project and the summer internship open our students’ minds to the expansive and exciting working world, allowing them a first-hand experience in what it’s like to be a professional. Last year, one of our students worked with a mentor from the Architect of the Capitol on creating a 3-D design of a music studio. Another student worked with a mentor from NASA on a presentation about the landing of the Mars Rover. Our mentors have come from companies and organizations, large and small, all over the district, from Spooky Action Theater to The Discovery Channel.
Currently, we are looking for more local partner agencies in the DC community to add professional mentors to our team, in order to give our students more outlets for career exploration. It is an exciting time for the CEO program, as DCPS is looking to double our programming in 2015. Our goal is to recruit 20 new mentors through 15 new corporate/organizational partnerships by January 2015. If you are enthusiastic about your career, you can share that enthusiasm by becoming a mentor. If you work at a company or organization that would provide exciting options for our students, you can open doors by partnering with DCPS. If you are interested in mentoring or would like more information, please email [email protected].”
