Washington, DC – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser encouraged students, families, and educators to attend a wide variety of back-to-school events hosted by District agencies and community organizations leading up to the first day of school.
Book Bag and Swag School Supplies Drive
Help kick off the school year for District youth by joining the DC Department of Human Services (DHS) annual “Book Bag and Swag” school supplies drive for children experiencing homelessness. District residents may donate and purchase school supplies on the DHS Amazon Wish List.
Contributions are requested by Friday, August 19. Donations are also accepted at DHS headquarters at 64 New York Avenue NE and may be dropped off at the building’s West Security Desk.
Ready for Pre-K Online Workshop
This virtual session will offer an overview of the DC Public Schools Pre-K program, answer any questions you might have about your child's transition to school, and share some strategies to ensure a strong start to the school year.
Thursday, August 4, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Register here to receive the link to watch.
The English Learners’ Back to School Fair
Join DC Public Schools and the DCPS Language Acquisition Division for a day of learning and fun.
Saturday, August 6, 10 am – 2 pm
MacFarland Middle School
4400 Iowa Avenue, NW
Climb and Connect Bookbag Giveaway at Randle Highlands ES
Join DPR Roving Leaders Division and the Department of For-Hire Vehicles for an event featuring a rock wall, book bag giveaways, and a host of other activities for kids.
Saturday, August 6, 11 am – 3 pm
Randle Highlands Elementary School
1650 30th Street, SE
10th Annual Bellevue Back to School Bash
In partnership with Community of Hope, Beat the Streets, the Metropolitan Police Department, Amazon Housing Equity Fund, and the Washington Nationals, the DC Public Library invites residents to join the 10th Annual Back to School Bash!
Monday, August 8, 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Bellevue/William O. Lockridge Neighborhood Library
115 Atlantic Street, SW
2nd Annual Public Safety Back 2 School Event Kick-Off
Join the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice and community partners for a back-to-school event featuring a book bag and school supplies giveaway, food, games, and more.
Thursday, August 11, 4 pm – 8 pm
Columbia Heights Educational Campus
3101 16th Street, NW
School Supplies Giveaway at Takoma Rec Center
DPR event featuring free distribution of school supplies for the 2022-23 School Year to middle school and high school students.
Friday, August 12, 4 pm – 6 pm
Takoma Recreation Center
300 Van Buren Street, NW
Ricardo Duren Backpack Giveaway at Brentwood Rec Center
DPR’s Roving Leaders Division will support and host this event providing school supplies to young residents.
Saturday, August 13, 11 am – 3 pm
Brentwood Recreation Center
2311 14th Street, NE
Public Safety Back to School Event
Join the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice and community partners for a back-to-school event featuring a book bag and school supplies giveaway, food, games, and more.
Friday, August 19, 11 am – 2 pm
Columbia Heights Village
2900 14th Street, NW
Back to School with GoDigital
Join the DC Public Library to learn about homework help resources on GoDigital. Caregivers are invited to walk through different online homework help resources available children as they return back to middle school.
Monday, August 15, 6 pm – 7 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
901 G Street, NW
DCPS Back to School Town Hall
Join Chancellor Ferebee and DCPS for important updates on how we are preparing to welcome back our students and staff. Topics include student immunizations, health and safety, academics, attendance, and more!
Thursday, August 18, 5 pm – 6 pm
RSVP on Facebook to watch online.
Edgewood – Back to School/Summer Closeout
This summer close-out and back to school event will celebrate the Edgewood Community by providing school supplies, a fish fry, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, drinks and music.
Thursday, August 18, 5 pm – 8 pm
Edgewood Creation Center
300 Evarts Street, NE
Educator Meet & Greet at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library
DCPL is throwing an open house meet & greet for educators in Ward 1 to kick off the new school year. Stop by when you can, grab a free swag bag as a token of appreciation, and meet the librarians.
Friday, August 19, 11 am – 5 pm
Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library
3160 16th Street NW
8th Annual Chuck Brown Day
Chuck Brown Day commemorates the life legacy and music of DC legend - the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. Every year, the celebration features musical performances by the Chuck Brown Band and others. The Chuck Brown Foundation will be giving out free backpacks for the kids.
Saturday, August 20, 2 pm – 7 pm (backpack giveaway starts at 1 pm)
Chuck Brown Memorial Park
2901 20th Street, NE
King-Greenleaf Backpack Giveaway
DPR is partnering with Good Projects for this annual community backpack giveaway.
Friday, August 26, 1 pm – 3 pm
King-Greenleaf Recreation Center
201 N Street, SW
Roving Leader Backpack Giveaway at Kennedy Rec Center
DPR’s Roving Leaders Division will supports and host this event providing school supplies to young residents.
Saturday, August 27, 11 am – 2 pm
Kennedy Recreation Center
1401 7th Street, NW
Annual Community Day Health and Wellness Fair 2022
The DC Health Places of Worship Advisory Board, in partnership with Valley Avenue, is excited to present the 6th Annual Community Day Health and Wellness Fair. This Fair will provide community members with lots of free opportunities for food, friends, and fun, as well as free school supplies, vaccinations, and dental exams for children.
Saturday, August 27, 2 pm – 6 pm
Oxon Run Park
1200 Mississippi Avenue, SE
Public Safety Back to School Event
Join the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice is partnering with the Thomas McNeal Foundation for a back-to-school event featuring a book bag and school supplies giveaway, food, games, and more.
Tuesday, August 30, 3 pm – 6 pm
Cedar Gardens, 1510 Butler Street, NW
Welcome Back to School Event at Petworth Library
School is back in session and DCPL is here to help make the new year better and brighter for you. Sign-up for a library card, play games, do some art, and take home some free stuff!
Tuesday, August 30, 3:30 pm – 5 pm
Petworth Neighborhood Library
4200 Kansas Avenue, NW
To learn more about upcoming events specific to a student’s school community, families should be in touch with their child’s school.
Families are also reminded that students must be up-to-date on required immunizations. To help families be in compliance, the District is offering expanded immunization access, conducting extensive outreach to families, and providing resources for schools and healthcare providers. For more information, please visit dchealth.dc.gov/immunizations.
Social Media:
Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser
Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser
Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser
Mayor Bowser YouTube: https://www.bit.ly/eomvideos