DCPS school budgets have been released, and it is vital that we review them to ensure our schools have the resources they need. Please take a moment to look over the budget for your specific school and share your findings, concerns, or feedback through our Budget Capture form. Your input is essential as we advocate for fair funding and support for all our educators and students.
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Thank you to all the WTU members who joined us for this year’s Winter Social and helped make it such a warm and joyful gathering. We extend our deep appreciation to the WTU Socialite Committee for their hard work, creativity, and dedication in bringing this event to life. Stay tuned for more opportunities to come together in solidarity, celebration, and community.
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We are saddened to share the passing of Sylvia H. Mills, a dedicated WTU member and cherished presence in our community. Her kindness, service, and unwavering spirit touched many lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A memorial service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, February 28, with family and friends received beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Westphalia United Methodist Church in Upper Marlboro, MD.
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Opportunities to Get involved
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DC Council Performance Oversight Hearings - February and March
There are more opportunities to tell the DC Council how our government is doing spending our tax dollars. From DCPS to OSSE you can register to testify over Zoom or in person (or submit written testimony) at key hearings.
Lets show our power beyond the email!
| Date, topic & Link to sign up |
Potential Testimony Topics |
| 2/25: DC State Board of Education, State Athletics Oversight |
Empowering the DC State Board of Education to be a real school board, Athletic Trainers, All things DCPS Athletics |
| 2/26: Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining |
Grievance Process, Contract Enforcement and Violations, Contract Negotiations
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| 2/27: Public Service Commission |
Higher Utility Bills, Gas Smells On The Street, Excessive Street Construction by Washington Gas
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| 3/4: OSSE |
Special Education, Power Schools, School Busses |
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WTU Swag Design Contest - Entries due February 28th
The WTU Representative Assembly has launched a WTU Swag Design contest through the end of February. Winner gets a $500 monetary prize!
- We are seeking up to 3 designs per person that if selected can be used by the WTU to make a special SY25-26 item for all WTU Members.
- Who can participate? WTU Members & DCPS Students.
- Submissions Due: February 28th, 2026 by email to President Laura Fuchs: [email protected]
- Rules: Artwork must be original to the creator (Not Artificial Intelligent Driven Design)
Next Steps: A poll will be made with all designs and options for what to print the designs on (hat, sweatshirt, etc.) to WTU Members and then the final vote will be at the March Representative Assembly.
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 2/24/26, 4:30PM
Stand up for the vital work you do. Join the Specialized Services VP meeting on Tuesday and collaborate with colleagues across social work, counseling, psychology, library, and therapeutic services.
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 2/24/26, 5:30PM
Make your voice heard. Join the Elementary VP meeting on Tuesday and help shape union priorities for our elementary schools.
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**NEW** WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 2/25/26, 5:30PM
Join your fellow educators this Wednesday for the first meeting of this new Task Force to help organize and advocate for a fair evaluation system.
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 2/26/26, 6 PM
Join us Thursday for the Junior High School Committee meeting as we bring educators together to discuss shared priorities and continue building collaboration across our middle school community.
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Following the arbitrator's ruling that DCPS must pay administrative premiums to co-teachers covering for absent partners, the Union has secured a major victory for our members; read the full update here to see the steps you need to take to claim your compensation.
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In honor of the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, WTU member Raphael Bonhomme challenges us to move beyond seasonal lessons and embed Black history into the foundational American narrativeall year long.
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 2/24/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Elementary VP Meeting (Zoom) – 2/24/26, 5:30PM
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SHAPPE: Senior High Alliance of Parents, Principals and Educators (Zoom) - 2/24/26, 6 PM
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**NEW** WTU Replacing IMPACT Task Force (Zoom) - 2/25/26, 5:30PM
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WTU Junior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 2/26/26, 6 PM
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WTU Committee on Political Education Meeting (COPE) (Zoom) - 3/2/26, 5PM
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WTU International Educators Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 3/2/26, 7PM
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WTU Specialized Services VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) – 3/3/26, 4:30P
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WTU Socialite Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 3/3/26, 5PM
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WTU Professional Development Committee (Zoom) – 3/4/26, 5:30PM
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WTU Organizing Committee (Zoom) - 3/5/26, 5PM
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WTU Executive Board Meeting (View Only) (Zoom) - 3/7/26, 9AM (10 for Members)
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WTU Special Education VP Committee Meeting (Zoom) - 3/9/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Representative Assembly Meeting (Zoom) - 3/10/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Retiree Chapter Meeting (Lamond Riggs Library) - 3/11/26, 10AM
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WTU Career Educators VP Meeting (Zoom) – 3/11/26, 5PM
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WTU Senior High VP Meeting (Zoom) - 3/16/26, 4:30PM
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WTU Science Educator Committee (Zoom) - 3/17/26 4:30PM
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WTU Retirement Options Task Force (Zoom) - 3/17/26 5PM
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WTU Personnel Committee - 3/18/26, 5PM
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WTU Communications Committee (Zoom) - 3/19/26, 5 PM
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Join fellow WTU members for a special meet‑and‑greet with Janeese Lewis George, current Ward 4 DC Councilmember and the WTU‑endorsed candidate for Mayor, on Sunday, March 8 from 4–6 p.m. A proud graduate of Randolph ES, Deal, and School Without Walls, CM George is a candiate with deep roots in our public schools and community.
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Professional Development Opportunites
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Check out the latest free, for-credit professional development webinars from AFT Professional Learning, featuring sessions on everything from wellness and restorative practices to specialized instructional strategies. These upcoming events offer valuable opportunities to strengthen your skills and earn credits from the comfort of your home. Visit the AFT Event Calendar to view the full schedule and register today.
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The following are open forms you can use to inform the WTU of your opinion:
| Form Title & Link |
Purpose |
| Elementary Grade Level Leads Group Grievance |
Let us know if you were an Elementary Grade Level lead who did not get compensated. |
| Planning Time Survey |
Let us know if you are getting your full protected amount of planning time free from required LEAP and Data Meetings |
| New Educators In DCPS |
If you are new to your profession and/or new to DCPS the WTU wants to hear from you! The WTU will be hosting sessions to learn more about how things are going for new Educators and how we can better support you. |
| Self-Contained Support – Fill out form |
The WTU is gathering feedback from self-contained special education teachers to better understand your experiences, challenges, and priorities. |
| WTU: SY24-25 Morning Block Payment Calculation - Complete to receive any money due to you – Fill out form |
Fill out this form to inform us if your school held meetings, how many, and when, so we can make the case for you to be adequately compensated by DCPS for taking your protected time.
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| WTU Support Form |
If you took leave on January 29, January 30, or February 2, and your leave was charged 8 hours instead of 6 hours, please share that with us.
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| Winter Storm Facilities Issues |
If you experienced damaged cars, freezing classrooms, or other unsafe conditions at DCPS facilities as a result of the recent winter storm, please take a moment to report these issues to us.
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