The DC Public Schools (DCPS) Back to School Information Session held on August 22, 2024, highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and attendance as the new school year approaches. School officials expressed enthusiasm for the return of students and emphasized the importance of consistent attendance, pledging to work closely with families to ensure students are present every day.

Corey Colgan, Chief of Teaching and Learning, introduced innovative learning experiences known as "cornerstones," which are designed to provide high-quality, experiential learning opportunities for all students. These cornerstones are integral to the district's strategic plan and aim to make learning both enjoyable and rigorous.

Among the engaging programs mentioned, first graders will participate in an aeronautical engineering cornerstone in collaboration with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. This initiative allows students to build and refine mock airplanes, fostering critical thinking and engineering skills. For grades 3 to 5, an art cornerstone will explore the use of color to express emotions, encouraging students to connect their feelings with artistic expression. At the high school level, the "Life I Choose" cornerstone empowers students to create narrative poetry about their lives, culminating in a district-wide poetry slam, which promotes student voice and creativity.

The meeting underscored DCPS's commitment to providing diverse and enriching educational experiences that not only enhance academic skills but also support social-emotional learning. As the school year begins, families can expect ongoing communication from the district regarding attendance policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive school community.