Mayor Muriel Bowser, alongside representatives from DC Public Schools (DCPS), the Department of General Services (DGS), and community members, celebrated the grand opening of the newly modernized Malcolm X Elementary School in Ward 8. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, the eldest daughter of Malcolm X, highlighting the significance of the school’s transformation.
The modernization, which cost $67 million, nearly doubles the school’s size from approximately 42,000 square feet to 85,000 square feet. It aims to provide a contemporary educational environment while reflecting the identity and history of the Malcolm X school community. The facility now features modern classrooms, STEAM learning spaces, a gymnasium, a cafeteria with a commercial kitchen, and outdoor learning areas, including playgrounds and a synthetic turf athletic field.
In addition to enhancing educational infrastructure, the school expands early childhood education offerings, including free full-day pre-K3 and pre-K4 programs. A newly reconstructed child development center will also serve infants and toddlers in partnership with a community-based organization. With this opening, there are now 13 DCPS elementary schools with on-site child development centers, part of an initiative started in 2020 to create a seamless transition from infant care to pre-K.
Interim Chancellor of DCPS, Dr. Kim Jackson, expressed optimism about the new facilities, noting that they would not only honor the legacy of Malcolm X but also inspire future generations through rigorous academic programs. The school’s design incorporates sustainability features, including rooftop solar panels and high-efficiency systems, aligning with modern environmental standards.
DGS Director Delano Hunter emphasized that the design of Malcolm X Elementary School was intended to serve the needs of students and the community. Notably, the school features public art, including a prominent mural celebrating Malcolm X’s legacy, which serves as a visual centerpiece for visitors and the school community alike.
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Read the original article at dcps