Category Archives: Education

May 27: LaSalle-Backus Leadership Transition Community Meeting

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

Sharing information from ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09). LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Principal Shelly Gray will be leaving the school at the end of this school year for a new position in DCPS.

On May 27, DCPS is holding a community meeting about selecting the next principal. Info below.

LaSalle Elementary Transition Letter from Principal Gray

LaSalle-Backus Elementary Principal Selection Info Session

From DCPS

LaSalle-Backus is seeking family, community, and staff input as we begin the process of selecting a new principal for the 2026 2027 school year. Join us to learn about the selection process and to share your ideas about the qualities needed to be a leader at LaSalle-Backus.

Join Us Wednesday, May 27 at 5:30pm

The meeting will take place online via Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/lasallebackusinfosession26

You can also participate via phone at +1 202-539-8006,,519772598#

Can’t attend the meeting? Need an interpreter or another accommodation?

Email at stephanie.arias@k12.dc.gov or by phone at (202) 351-1523.

Submit Comments on Proposed Parking Changes Around 6th & Madison NE by May 28, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Public Safety, Transportation

ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) passed along information about a Notice of Intent (NOI) with proposed parking changes around 6th Street & Madison Street NE. DDOT is proposing to daylight the intersection of 6th and Madison by installing pavement markings and flexposts within 25 feet of the existing crosswalk.

See NOI 26-129-TSA.

Commissioner Geong wrote:

DDOT issued a plan to update 4B09 residential parking signage and daylight the intersection at 6th/Madison St NE to improve safety (please reference attachment for details). This is the southwest corner by Riggs field, where a lot of W4-5 neighbors walk to LaSalle ES, the rec center etc. Parking in and around the intersection will be prohibited in accordance with existing city regulations if the NOI moves forward. 

Background: ANC 4B sent DDOT a traffic-calming resolution last year in response to a history of serious traffic accidents in the LaSalle-Backus ES school zone. LaSalle ES serves PK3-5 students in both ANCs 4B and 5A (5A01, 5A02, 5A07, 5A09).

To view and submit comments on this notice of intent (NOI 26-129-TSA Daylighting and Parking Change), visit DDOT’s NOI portal at http://noi.ddot.dc.gov by May 28, 2026.

Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Applications Due May 15, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship Award.

Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Application

LRCA will award Academic Excellence Scholarships of up to $2,000 to eligible graduating high school seniors and eligible college or trade school students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community impact. Must live within the boundaries of LRCA.

Download: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Flyer (updated)

Map of LRCA boundaries.

Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Applications Due May 15, 2026 (Updated Flyer)

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship Award.

Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Application

LRCA will award Academic Excellence Scholarships of up to $2,000 to eligible graduating high school seniors and eligible college or trade school students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community impact. Must live within the boundaries of LRCA.

Download: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Flyer (updated)

Map of LRCA boundaries.

UDC Free Workforce Development & Lifelong Learning Open Houses for Summer 2026 Enrollment

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Uncategorized

UDC offers free workforce development and lifelong learning courses for DC residents. There are a couple more Open House dates for the upcoming summer 2026 session.

Open House Location

University of the District of Columbia

3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE

Open House Dates

April 30, 10am-2pm

May 5, 1pm-4pm

Required Documents

State ID

Proof of high school diploma/GED

Proof of DC residency

See UDC WDLL Summer 2026 Course Schedule

Reminder: LRCA Scholarship Applications Due May 15, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Lamond Riggs Citizens Association

The Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association (LRCA) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Scholarship Award.

Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Apply: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Application

LRCA will award Academic Excellence Scholarships of up to $2,000 to eligible graduating high school seniors and eligible college or trade school students who demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and a commitment to community impact. Must live within the boundaries of LRCA.

Download: LRCA 2026 Scholarship Flyer (updated)

Map of LRCA boundaries.

LaSalle-Backus Elementary School Modernization Project

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

A former LaSalle-Backus parent passed along materials regarding the modernization of LaSalle-Backus Elementary School located at 501 Riggs Road NE.

The project budget is $88.6 million. Anticipated project completion is summer 2029.

To receive project updates, sign up for the LaSalle-Backus Modernization Project distribution list.

The DCPS point of contact is Matthew Dela Cuesta. He can be reached at matthew.delacuesta@k12.dc.gov.

The project will renovate and expand the existing school. Looks like the existing school is roughly 55,000 square feet, and the modernized school will be 79,000 square feet. The existing school will be gutted to put in new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. New playgrounds and an outdoor classroom will be constructed as part of the project.

Swing space will be at the old Sharpe Health School located at 4300 13th Street NW. Buses will be available to transport students between LaSalle-Backus and Sharpe during construction. More information about this will be provided as the process moves along.

Greater Washington Urban League College Scholarship Opportunity – Deadline Extended to March 6, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

The Greater Washington Urban League and Thursday Network are accepting applications for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 for the Fall 2026 college term. High school seniors and current undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: Monday March 6, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

For full details, visit gwul.org/gwulscholarships or email your questions to scholarship@thursdaynetwork.org.

Greater Washington Urban League College Scholarship Opportunity – Deadline March 2, 2026

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

The Greater Washington Urban League and Thursday Network are accepting applications for scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $8,000 for the Fall 2026 college term. High school seniors and current undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

Application Deadline: Monday March 2, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Join the Virtual Scholarship Information Session on Thursday February 12 at 6:00pm.

For full details, visit gwul.org/gwulscholarships or email your questions to scholarship@thursdaynetwork.org.

AFRO Newspaper Social Justice School Profile

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Education

Social Justice School is building its long-term home in the neighborhood at 3rd Street and Kennedy Street NE. The AFRO newspaper recently published a nice profile of the school. See Creating the next generation of change makers: A look at D.C.’s Social Justice Charter School by Deborah Baily.

The piece tracks what Social Justice School officials have previously shared about the school’s mission and its guaranteed income pilot for families. Check it out.

Upcoming Back to School Events/Giveaways

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

Ed. Note 8/15/2025: Given everything going on, I do not recommend that parents take their kids anywhere near police-sponsored activities.

Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Annual Backpack Giveaway

On August 16, 2026, 11am-1pm, the Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Rec is holding a backpack giveaway at Riggs-LaSalle Rec, 501 Riggs Road NE. Must be a DC resident.

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MPD 4th District Backpack Giveaway

On August 21, 2025, 4pm-6pm, MPD 4th District officers will offer free backpacks and free haircuts while supplies last, 6001 Georgia Avenue NW. Child must be present to obtain a backpack.

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Metro Transit Police Department Annual Back to School Bash

On August 23, 2025, 11am-3pm, the Metro Transit Police Department is holding its annual back to school bash at Fort Totten station, large parking lot. Enjoy free food, drinks, haircuts, school supplies, live music, and giveaways.

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Lamond-Riggs Library Back to School Uniform Swap

On August 23, 2025, 2:30 pm-5:30pm, Lamond-Riggs Library is hosting a back-to-school uniform swap, 5401 South Dakota Avenue NE.

Please bring any lightly used school uniforms to the library. All clothing should be clean and free of serious wear and tear.  Clothing should be sized to fit students aged 3-16.  Accepted items include khaki pants, school shirts, belts, and school shoes. All leftover clothing will be donated to the PTA of the appropriate school.  

While at the branch, get ready for the new school year by signing up your child for a Library card and registering for Beyond the Book!

UDC Free Workforce Development & Lifelong Learning Open Houses for Fall 2025 Enrollment

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

UDC offers free workforce development and lifelong learning courses for DC residents. There are several Open House dates during the month of July for residents to learn more information about admissions and enroll for fall 2025.

Open House Location

University of the District of Columbia

3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE

Open House Dates

July 10, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

July 17, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

July 24, 10:00am-2:00 pm

July 31, 1:30 pm-4:30 pm

Important Deadlines

August 8: New Student Application Submission Deadline

August 8: Continuing Student Enrollment Deadline

Required Documents

State ID

Proof of high school diploma/GED

Proof of DC residency

Today May 3: LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser at &Pizza Brookland

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser

&pizza Brookland Location (666 Monroe Street NE)

May 3, 2025

11:00 am-9:00 pm

Eat out at &pizza and support a good cause! Place an order in the shop (show flyer) or order online and use code LSBPTO. Up to 30 percent of sales goes to support our neighborhood public school, LaSalle-Backus Elementary.

Can’t make it but still want to support the PTO? Donate via Venmo (@LaSalleBackusPTO) or Cashapp ($LaSalleBackusPTO)

Save the Date – May 3: LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser at &Pizza Brookland

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

LaSalle-Backus PTO Fundraiser

&pizza Brookland Location (666 Monroe Street NE)

May 3, 2025

11:00 am-9:00 pm

Eat out at &pizza and support a good cause! Place an order in the shop (show flyer) or order online and use code LSBPTO. Up to 30 percent of sales goes to support our neighborhood public school, LaSalle-Backus Elementary.

Can’t make it but still want to support the PTO? Donate via Venmo (@LaSalleBackusPTO) or Cashapp ($LaSalleBackusPTO)

April 26-27: Free Young Archaeologists’ Club Program at Lamond-Riggs Library (Registration Required)

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Lamond Riggs Library

Passing along information I received about an upcoming Young Archaeologists’ Club program at Lamond-Riggs Library hosted by a DC educational nonprofit called Archaeology in the Community. Sounds pretty cool:

This is an opportunity for youth interested in archaeology to work with professional archaeologists and explore STEM-related topics through hands-on activities, games, and crafts. Participation is free, but registration is required.

The program is designed for middle-school-aged students. The one-day engaging sessions go from now through August at different locations throughout Washington, DC and virtually. Participants can choose which days, locations, and topics work best for them. Our next sessions will be April 26-27 at the Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library. If there is a way to reach out to families in the Riggs Park neighborhood about this opportunity, they can read more about the schedule and register on Archaeology in the Community’s website. Spots are limited!

Pedestrian Safety Near LaSalle-Backus Elemntary School

Posted by nextstoprp in Education, Transportation

In a recent newsletter, Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George noted that she is working ANC Commissioner Danielle Geong (4B09) on pedestrian safety near LaSalle-Backus Elementary School. Commissioner Geong and several residents testified about this issue at DDOT’s recent oversight hearing.

CM Lewis George writes:

Working to Improve Traffic Safety in Riggs Park

Last week, my team joined ANC 4B Commissioner Geong, DDOT’s Safe Routes team, and the LaSalle-Backus PTO for a traffic safety walk around LaSalle-Backus Elementary School. The area along Riggs Road where the school is located has been a source of concern for many community members, with frequent reports of speeding and drivers running red lights, endangering students and families, particularly during drop-off and pick-up time. DDOT’s Safe Routes team is looking into several solutions, including potential jersey barriers, street narrowing, and speed bumps, and committed to improving signage in the area. I’m also continuing to work with DDOT to advocate for a Safe Routes Action Plan for LaSalle-Backus to look into further traffic calming measures to ensure our students, teachers, and families are safe. 

Social Justice School Relocation Update

Posted by nextstoprp in Cafritz Art Place at Fort Totten, Education

Social Justice School Relocation Fact Sheet

Back in June, the DC Public Charter School Board approved Social Justice School’s relocation application (see this post for information about the relocation). The plan remains having modular classrooms in place at 333 Kennedy Street NE for the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. If there is a delay, classes will be held temporarily at Impact DMV Church on First Place NE.

School officials are still negotiating with the Cafritz Foundation over a permanent move to the remaining warehouse at 3rd and Kennedy Street NE. If they reach an agreement, school officials anticipate that construction on the warehouse will take approximately 18 months and that they will be able to occupy the space in time for the 2026-2027 school year.

Aerial view of space reserved for Social Justice School temporary location in black border.

August 17: Back-to-School Events

Posted by nextstoprp in Education

There will be two back-to-school events in the neighborhood on August 17, 2024, one at Riggs-LaSalle Rec and one at Fort Totten Metro station.

Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center Back-to-School Community Day
August 17, 2024
11:00 am-1:00 pm
Riggs-LaSalle Recreation Center (501 Riggs Road NE)

Free backpacks, school supplies, snacks & ice cream. Hosted by Friends of Riggs-LaSalle Recreation, Lamond-Riggs Citizens Association, and the Office of Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George.

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Metro Back-to-School Celebration & School Supply Giveaway
August 17, 2024
11:00 am-3:00 pm
Parking Lot at Fort Totten Station

Hosted by Metro Transit Police Community Services Bureau. Children of all ages are welcome from elementary to high school.

• Free School Supplies
• Kids Haircuts & Glam Station Makeovers
• DJ and Music
• Games and Fun
• Complimentary Food & Desserts
• Petting Zoo
• Miniature Train Rides 

Follow MTPD on twitter for up-to-date information.