Parents from about 100 families will meet with D.C. Councilmembers and the Mayor’s Office at nine breakfasts and luncheons during National School Choice Week.

The events will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 and Monday, Jan. 30 in the John A. Wilson Building in D.C. Parents and elected officials will attend ward-based meals to foster conversation and understanding about education options.

The event, hosted by PAVE (Parents Amplifying Voices in Education), will celebrate National School Choice Week 2017, which runs Jan. 22-28. This year, PAVE has confirmed events with Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1), Brandon Todd (Ward 4), Kenyan McDuffie (Ward 5), Charles Allen (Ward 6), Vince Gray (Ward 7), and Trayon White (Ward 8); At-Large Councilmember David Grosso; Chairman Phil Mendelson; and Deputy Mayor for Education, Jennifer Niles.

Last year, PAVE hosted seven events for 45 families, who were thrilled to have the opportunity to share their stories of school choice with their local government.

“Last year, National School Choice Week was my first opportunity to sit with other families in my ward to share my thoughts about school choice in general and the state of school choice options in my ward, specifically,” said Erika Harrell, Ward 7 resident and charter school parent. “I'm excited to be able to again share my thoughts during National School Choice Week with my recently elected Councilmember, and to share in fellowship with so many parents from my community who are passionate about ensuring great school choices for all of our children.”

Like parents, policy makers are also excited to have these opportunities to extend their engagement with parents and families in the District.

Vince Gray, the Ward 7 Councilmember, who has previously participated in PAVE events and will be participating in a PAVE NSCW event with Ward 7 parents such as Harrell said, “I am an unwavering advocate for children. Simply put, I heartily support quality education for all children in our city. How we educate our children is one of the most important issues facing the United States today. Education is a vehicle for personal growth, individual fulfillment, and professional success for the people of our great country. It is the key to our continued global competitiveness in an increasingly technologically sophisticated world.

“The public charter school movement has experienced explosive growth over the past two decades. Charter schools continue to be a vehicle allowing District parents to exercise freedom of choice in public education. And since each charter school is autonomous, we have one of the most diverse array of public education options in the country.”

Councilmember At-Large David Grosso, Chairperson of the Committee on Education, who participated in PAVE’s NSCW events in 2016 and will be participating again this year said, “Putting every student in the best position to succeed is my number one priority on the Council. As chair of the Committee on Education, I welcome every opportunity to meet with parents, as they are the best advocate for their children, and active and involved parents are critical to student achievement. I look forward to hearing from PAVE and parents of D.C. public charter school students again during National School Choice Week about how they have found the right educational option that provides a bright future for their child.”

Additionally, Jennifer Niles, the Deputy Mayor for Education, who is participating in a PAVE NSCW luncheon said, “I am thrilled to join parents from across the District as we celebrate National School Choice Week. This year, I am especially looking forward to hearing about how our charter school community is providing high-quality education to our students. I thank Parents Amplifying Voices in Education for providing families and policymakers with this tremendous opportunity to engage.”

For more information, contact Cathy Zaragoza, PAVE Chief of Staff, at cathy.zaragoza@dcpave.org or (310) 871-0447.

As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week shines a positive spotlight on effective education options for students, families, and communities around the country.

For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com, or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek.