As DCPS Goes on February Break, DPR to Offer Daytime and Evening Programming for Students

(Washington, DC)  Today, as DC Public Schools (DCPS) prepared to go on a week-long February Break, Mayor Muriel Bowser is reminding families that the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be hosting daytime and evening programming next week to help keep students engaged during their out of school time. 

Activities and events during the week of February 22 - February 25 include: 

DPR Mid-Winter Break Camps 

DPR is providing full-day options for parents of youth ages 3-5 years old and 6-12 years old at recreation centers across the District. The camps will offer a blend of enrichment activities, sports, and arts and crafts. 

DPR Community Events  

Building Blocks Community Activities 

Fun community activities, including hoverboards, UNO, remote control cars, and video games, as well as one-on-one activities, like STEM games and LEGO. 
When: Tuesday, February 22, 4:30 pm – 7 pm
Where: Kennedy Recreation Center 

Roving Leaders Basketball 

Basketball games hosted by DPR Roving Leaders for kids 12 and under.
When: Tuesday, February 22, 6 – 8 pm
Where: Lamond Recreation Center

Roving Leaders Basketball

Basketball games hosted by DPR Roving Leaders for kids 14 and under.
When: Wednesday, February 23, 6 – 8 pm
Where: Raymond Recreation Center

First to Twelve “Sports Showdown” 

Youth will come together for a competitive Sports Showdown with a mini E-Sports gaming tournament and a competitive basketball/volleyball game along with members of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Youth will also receive information on the MPD Cadet program.  
When:  Friday, February 25, 5 pm – 8 pm  
Where:  Fort Stanton Recreation Center  

Movie Night 

Movie night for kids ages 5 and up in the community to get together and enjoy. 
When:  Friday, February 25, 5 pm – 7 pm 
Where:  New York Avenue Recreation Center 

Black History Family Game Night 

Fun-filled intergenerational family Black history trivia game night for seniors, youth, and families to learn valuable historical information while having fun.  
When:  Friday, February 25, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm  
Where:  Fort Stevens Recreation Center 

Harlem Heritage Showcase 

Participants will use a variety of media such as dance, song, poetry to express the legacy of the Afro -American Experience in Harlem.  
When:  Friday, February 25, 6 pm – 8:30 pm 
Where:  Deanwood Recreation Center 

To learn more and register for events, please visit dpr.events.

Open Indoor DPR Pools 

Nine indoor pools are open across the District next week, including Marie Reed, Wilson, Roosevelt, Turkey Thicket, Dunbar, William H. Rumsey, Deanwood, HD Woodson, and Barry Farm. For hours of individual pools, please visit dpr.dc.gov/page/indoor-pools (all DPR facilities are closed Monday, February 21, 2022 in observance of President’s Day). 

Open Gyms at DPR Recreation Centers 

Gyms will be open next week at the following DPR recreation centers: Bald Eagle, Barry Farm, Benning Stoddert, Edgewood, Fort Davis, Fort Stanton, Hillcrest, Kenilworth, Lamond, Langdon Park, North Michigan Park, Raymond, Ridge Road, Riggs-LaSalle, Shepherd Park, Sherwood, Trinidad, and Woody Ward. A full list of open gym hours can be found here. 

Out-of-School Time Programming

The District’s Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes (OST) partners with community-based organizations to offer youth enriching opportunities to grow and thrive outside the classroom. A full list of available programs across all eight wards can be found here.

Meal Distribution 

DPR provides meals for DC children 18 years and under at select recreation centers throughout the District. A full list of sites and hours can be found at dpr.dc.gov/afterschoolmeals. 

In addition to the meals provided by DPR, the DC Central Kitchen mobile meal truck will be making stops at 11 of the DC Public Schools. The free lunch bags - that include two days’ worth of healthy proteins, fruit, and milk - will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Meal delivery schedule below. 

Monday, February 21 and Tuesday, February 22: 

• Ron Brown Preparatory High School – 10 am
• Houston Elementary School – 11:15 am
• Burrville Elementary School – 12 pm
• Drew Elementary School – 12:45 pm
• Smothers Elementary School – 1:30 pm
• Walker Jones Campus – 2:15 pm

Wednesday, February 23 and Thursday, February 24:

• Thomas Elementary School – 10:30 am
• Nalle Elementary School – 11:15 am
• CW Harris Elementary School – 12 pm
• Kelly Miler Middle School – 12:45 pm
• Aiton Elementary School – 1:30 pm

Open DCPL Neighborhood Libraries

DC Public Library (DCPL) will open the Anacostia Library, Benning Library, Mt. Pleasant Library, Petworth Library, Southwest, Tenley-Friendship Library, Woodridge Library, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Monday, February 21, from 10 am – 6 pm .

DCPS Test to Return 

Mayor Bowser and DC Public Schools also remind families that students and staff must administer a COVID-19 test on Sunday, February 27 prior to returning from February break. DCPS students must upload their negative test results to  dcpsreopenstrong.com/safereturn by 9 pm on Sunday, February 27 before returning to school on Monday, February 28.  

All students and staff will receive rapid antigen test kits from their school by February 18. On February 27, students and staff will take their COVID-19 test before returning from break. Families may choose to utilize their own testing option, but tests administered before February 27 will not be accepted. Students will not be permitted to attend school until they provide proof of a negative test result following February break. DCPS students who arrive at school on Monday, February 28 without a negative test result will be provided with a test kit to administer. Unaccompanied students will be tested onsite by trained medical professionals but will likely face a lengthy wait outside before starting the school day.