Message From Mayor Muriel Bowser: Update on Schools

April 17, 2020
Dear Washingtonians, 
Today, I made two important education announcements:

1. Learning at home will continue for the rest of the 2019-2020 school year.
2. DC Public Schools will end the school year for students on Friday, May 29. Public charter school operators will make determinations on closures, but are encouraged to end on or about May 29.

I want to thank all of our educators, families, staff, and school leaders for all they have done since we began planning for this emergency to develop and execute a learning at home program. While we know there is room for improvement, given the circumstances, our educators and families have done a fantastic job at adjusting. Ending the school year early for students will allow us to refine distance learning and focus on planning for the summer as well as the upcoming school year. 
I have said before that closing our school buildings was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make during this pandemic. We would all prefer that our young people are in school learning and staying connected to their peers, teachers, and coaches. But we also know that, in terms of slowing the spread of COVID-19, this is what we need to do to save lives.
Parents, if you have not made contact with your child's school or teacher since March 16, please reach out as soon as possible. We need to hear from you.
As we go into the weekend, I want to remind our entire community that staying home is saving lives. Additionally, any DC resident who is experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 should reach out to a health care provider or call the United Medical Center testing hotline at 1-855-363-0333. 
We are all in this together, and we will get through it together.
For more information and resources, visit coronavirus.dc.gov.
Sincerely, 
Muriel Bowser