Stories

As a school counselor at Washington School for Girls (WSG), I witness daily the emotional complexities our students navigate. Recent findings from the CDC reveal a concerning reality: nearly 3 in 5 U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, with 30% seriously considering suicide. These statistics underscore the critical need for mental health support tailored to young girls, and I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where each student can thrive. The Intersection of Peacemaking and… READ MORE

Deuteronomy 36:6 says “Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” I remember hearing this at church when my mom was preaching. She told me to memorize the scripture but I had no idea why. Now I am glad I did. This scripture means that when you are going through struggles or need to… READ MORE

Washington, D.C. — October 23, 2024 — The Washington School for Girls (WSG) is proud to announce a $3.5 million investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. This transformative investment will propel the school’s mission to support and educate girls in Southeast Washington, D.C., providing essential resources to enhance both academic opportunities and the physical infrastructure of the school. Of the total grant, $1 million will be allocated directly to student scholarships, ensuring that more students can… READ MORE

Washington, D.C. has over 20,000 residents who are deaf or hard of hearing, and is home to one of the largest Deaf communities in the country. A serendipitous cold call opened the door for WSG students to gain a useful and inclusive skill: American Sign Language (ASL) with Ms. Tammy Whitaker. Ms. Whitaker’s journey into the world of ASL began at the age of 13, when she was captivated by her pastor seamlessly integrating sign language into his sermon. Ms.… READ MORE

WSG is happy to share our 2024 Spring Newsletter. Read on to learn more about our progress towards our new building, graduate highlights, math programs, ASL learning, and more! Please contact the Development Office if you would like to be added to our mailing list.

Today was a very special day for our community as we officially broke ground on our permanent home at THEARC. Our new school building will be located at 1865 Mississippi Avenue, SE right in the middle of THEARC campus. Read our full press release here. This is possible because a whole community of people believe in believe in WSG, our students, and our collective potential for the future. They believe in our present and they believe in our dreams. Dreams are an… READ MORE

I recently hosted a group of female educational leaders as part of our newly formed WSG Education Council. This group is composed of other Heads of Schools, school leaders and other successful women who serve in an advisory capacity to WSG.   Our topic of discussion was the idea of belonging, and how we might help our students to feel a sense of belonging both at WSG and their subsequent schools, universities and workplaces. We reflected on occasions in our own… READ MORE

At the heart of the Washington School for Girls lies a powerful force that isn’t limited by time or location. Sisterhood.  It is a unique blend of support, friendship, and shared aspirations that grows stronger each day. We know the bonds cultivated during our girls’ time here are enduring relationships that follow them long after they leave our school. From the first day a girl walks through our doors, she is welcomed into a sisterhood that celebrates diversity, supports individual… READ MORE

Finding a dedicated, passionate, and qualified person who also fits is essential when looking to fill a teaching role at the Washington School for Girls. Finding the right teacher can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack because we have a unique educational philosophy and mission. It has challenged WSG to think about creative partnerships to fulfill these very important roles. One of these great partnerships has been The University of Notre Dame’s Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE)… READ MORE

A big part of our school culture is our House system, which we expanded across both campuses this year. Students were recently sorted into one of three houses: Ausdauer (German for perseverance), Confianza (Spanish for confidence) and Imani (Swahili for faith). Throughout the year, students gather in their mixed-grade houses for a variety of activities that will build sisterhood and friendship within the community. From healthy competitions to collaborative projects, Houses offer a place beyond the classroom for students to… READ MORE

Earlier this week, WSG returned to campus for the 2023-2024 school year! We were thrilled to see new and returning students. As is WSG tradition, teachers, staff, and volunteers were on hand to cheer as our girls walked through the front door for the first day. Thank you to our friends from Alpha Kappa Alpha (Beta Upsilon Omega Chapter), the American Petroleum Institute, Carr Companies, DC United, the Ms. Full-Figured DMV Pageant, and WSG Board and Auxiliary Board members for… READ MORE

Ask anyone who works for a school and they will tell you that the weeks leading up to opening a school for the new school year are among the busiest and most important planning periods. There are schedules to make, professional development time and activities, teachers are busy getting classrooms for new students, and the list goes on. Starting a new school year requires everyone to invest the energy required to start with enthusiasm and excitement, to ensure that translates… READ MORE

I’m excited to share with you highlights of a special opportunity I recently participated in. This past week, I traveled to Mexico City with Sr. Mary Bourdon, WSG co-founder, to attend the Religious of Jesus and Mary International Encounter on Global Education.  This conference brought together 190 people from 28 different countries, both religious RJM sisters and lay people, such as myself, who work in mission organizations supported by the RJMs.  Over the course of five days, we engaged in… READ MORE

On June 9 we celebrated our newest WSG alumnae, the Class of 2023, in our traditional promotion ceremony. After years of modified ceremonies, we were so thrilled to experience this rite of passage together with our whole community.  The promotion marked the end of their WSG journey but the beginning of their new chapters of lifelong learning. We look forward to how they will impact the world as both WSG alumnae and courageous women. This year we welcomed Danita Johnson, President… READ MORE

Every year, the Washington School for Girls 7th grade makes the trek across the Bay Bridge and down the coastline of the Eastern Shore for a three-day stay at the Karen Noonan Memorial Environmental Education Center (KNC). Run by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the KNC is home to residential environmental programs focused on the ecology of the bay, including the nearby Hooper Strait Sanctuary (protected oyster habitat) and the marshlands that surround the Center.  Over the course of the trip… READ MORE

When the Class of 2019 was promoted to high school nearly four years ago, they charted their own new paths. They enrolled at a variety of schools: from Catholic schools like Archbishop Carroll High School, Bishop McNamara High School, Bishop O’Connell High School, and Elizabeth Seton High School, and independent boarding schools like Episcopal High School, to specialized programs like Duke Ellington School for the Arts and Prince George’s Community College Academy of Science and Technology (a dual enrollment program).… READ MORE

At the Washington School for Girls, we value experiential learning and the opportunity for students to be active participants in the classroom. When we adopted the balanced calendar model over seven years ago, we created two weeks of additional experiential learning time called “Intersession” which takes place one week at a time before our fall and spring breaks.  At the end of March, students participated in a week full of field trips, outdoor activities, and collaborative learning. Students went on… READ MORE

On April 13, our school community joined together to celebrate Founders Day and the legacy of the women whose lives inspire our school. This was a special year as we marked 25 years of sisterhood. WSG was founded in 1997 as an after school program, which quickly evolved into a full academic program beginning in the 1998-99 school year. The founders hailed from three organizations: the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the Religious of Jesus and Mary (RJM), and… READ MORE

In celebration of Black History Month, students presented a showcase of performances that demonstrated their understanding of the Harlem Renaissance. Students were asked to not only learn about the significant artistic, cultural, and political impact of the era that spanned the 1920s and 1930s, but were also challenged to interpret what the Harlem Renaissance might look like if it took place today. The result was a vibrant presentation that highlighted both history and current-day styles of music, dance, and entertainment.… READ MORE

At WSG, we believe that parents are the first and primary educators of their daughters. We may be the experts in the classroom, but a parent is the expert in his or her child. That is why we commit to our family partnership and try to create as many opportunities as possible for our families to be part of the learning experience.  We also recognize that our hard-working families may not all have the same flexibility in their schedules, so… READ MORE

The Washington School for Girls is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Trustees, Lynette Espy-Williams and Yolanda Long, Class of 2004. Long is the first alumna in WSG’s history to serve as a trustee.  Lynette Espy-Williams is a Shareholder and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Cozen O’Connor. A graduate of Spelman College and the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, Espy-Williams’ impressive legal career began with a judicial… READ MORE

We are concerned about our students’ learning. Let me rephrase and restate that for emphasis: More specifically, we are concerned about the ongoing challenges that the pandemic has presented to our girls as related to their education. Last year in August 2021, we were excited about the prospect of returning to in-person learning after having been remote for nearly a year and half. We dubbed the new year as “The Year of the Comeback,” as we readied the campus with… READ MORE

“Please don’t ever change the love for these beautiful girls.” “Please don’t change the student to teacher ratio. The close attention from teachers was very beneficial to my learning.” “Please don’t change the learning curriculum and how we learn.” ~WSG 8th grade students, 5/25/22 I’ve always believed that one of the best ways to understand how a school is doing is to ask the students. Students in the right environment will just tell you what they think! It’s why I’ve… READ MORE

In October 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) joined together to declare a National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health. Think about that for a moment. A National State of Emergency is primarily used in situations when there is a clear need for additional visibility and resources in order to save lives and protect citizens, such as natural disasters. By acknowledging the mental… READ MORE

Physical Education. The terminology implies teaching students the subject of being physical, much like Spanish education or Math education teaches students the subject matter. In the past, this interpretation of physical education has led to instruction dedicated to motor skills and knowledge, reinforcing to students the benefits of physically active behaviors. Over the past decade however, the focus on physical education in many schools, including WSG, has shifted towards helping students embrace a healthy lifestyle and overall wellness for their… READ MORE

COVID forced a shift in how excellence in teaching is viewed – or if it didn’t happen that way, it should have. Over the past two years, schools needed to quickly shift their teaching model to meet students’ needs, depending on the specific circumstances of their school and the students themselves. Whether hybrid teaching, completely virtual/remote, or in-person wearing a mask and social distancing with students, delivery of instruction changed. Students adapted accordingly to the mode of instruction, with many… READ MORE

As a part of our extended day program, we offer a number of Out of School Time (OST) learning opportunities through partnerships with local organizations that are dedicated to creating space for students to explore. Students take ownership of their learning, while discovering their passion. The Washington Ballet is an ensemble of dancers in Washington, DC. At THEARC, our students train weekly and practice classical ballet. They also have the opportunity to audition for children’s roles within the company’s productions.… READ MORE

December is full of Christmas cheer at WSG! WSG’s hallways are transformed with decorations, there is planning for our Christmas program, and you can hear Christmas carols in our hallway during classroom transitions. Christmas is also a beautiful reminder of our awesome responsibility to provide excellent and joyful learning opportunities for our girls. You may think to yourself, “Ms. Wetzel, what on Earth does Christmas have to do with WSG’s pedagogy?” I am here to tell you that Christmas has… READ MORE

November is Black Catholic History Month! All month long we are celebrating the vibrant history of the Black Catholic community during Morning Prayer and in Religion class. DeMetria White is our Religion Teacher and Director of Campus Ministry, in her ninth year at WSG and her second in her current role. Ms. White’s journey into the faith was a deeply personal one: her late mother was baptized into the Catholic church as an adult, shortly before her death. Driven by… READ MORE

Since joining the Washington School for Girls in 2015 as the Family Relations Coordinator, DeAnna McCall has made a significant impact on the lives of our parents and families through transparent communication that continues to foster long lasting relationships. Ms. McCall graduated from Howard University with her Masters in Social Work in 2008 and has since devoted 13 years to case management, intensive home based counseling, and parent support. Now serving as our Director of Recruitment & Family Relations, Ms.… READ MORE

On October 17th 2021 Dr. Reaves travelled to Philadelphia to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. The year-long celebration ended with a Liturgy at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul and a luncheon reception. October 15, 1846 is formally recognized as the date of the founding of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus by Cornlia Connelly at the request of Pope Gregory XVI. For 175 years, the Society’s members have lived… READ MORE

When Washington School for Girls closed our doors in March 2020 and began distance-learning, our main focus was to “fill the gaps” when it comes to technology at home for our students. Prior to closing our doors, various surveys were sent to the WSG families to gain an understanding of the types of technological resources that they may need in the event of a shutdown. As a result of these surveys, WSG was prepared to provide students and families with… READ MORE

Last week while preparing for International Day of the Girl and in thinking about this year’s theme “Digital Generation, Our Generation”, I reached out to women in our community who are currently leaders in the S.T.E.M. field to learn more about their experiences and the paths that led them to their current roles. I wanted to know how they got there and how our girls could get there. Between laughs and storytelling these women left me with some very inspiring… READ MORE

Outdoor learning experiences have long been a hallmark of the WSG experience, from the annual 7th grade trip to the Karen Noonan Educational Center on the Chesapeake Bay to partnerships with the National Park Trust. Experiential learning activities in the sciences are especially important for girls beginning to imagine future careers. In 2019 WSG completed the John P. Haslinger Outdoor Classroom at THEARC, a specially designed outdoor learning space adjacent to THEARC Garden and a few steps away from Oxon… READ MORE

The Robotics Club is one of our enrichment programs where students learned and applied concepts that translate well into STEM careers. This program offered opportunities to design, construct, and program robots in preparation for regional competitions. Students were challenged with identifying an opportunity to help communities improve their physical and mental health through movement. Nahla (3rd grader) and Carleon (4th grader) developed an inclusive outdoor park for kids with physical and developmental disabilities. Nahla says, “Not only did we learn… READ MORE

“I felt like it was necessary to be seen and not be a hidden figure.” – Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, American immunologist I love when I hear the story of someone’s life that I haven’t heard before. The older I get, I still continue to be amazed when I learn about someone whose life was so impactful that I believe I should have known, seen or learned about them in school or in the media over the past 50+ years. That… READ MORE

The United Nations declared October 11th as International Day of the Girl Child, an internationally recognized annual observance designed to “amplify the voices and rights of girls everywhere.” As a coalition of NativityMiguel-modeled, independent middle schools from across the country, we are united in the common purpose of educating girls in communities that have largely been excluded from economic resources and empowering them to become their best, most authentic selves. We recognize the vast potential of our female scholars, and… READ MORE

Social-emotional learning is a term often used to describe a school’s approach to building what may be considered the softer skills – regulating emotions, building interpersonal relationships, navigating the internal desire to succeed. According to CASEL, a non-profit that aims to make evidence-based social emotional learning (SEL) an integral part of preK-12 education social-emotional learning is: … the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions… READ MORE

Sept 13, 2021 By: Mark Zimmermann Photographer: Andrew Biraj Original Article: https://bit.ly/3lmY4kW After pivoting to remote learning during the pandemic, the new school year at the Washington School for Girls has a special meaning. “We’re calling it a comeback,” said Dr. Beth Reaves, the school’s president. On Aug. 2, more than 100 girls returned to in-person classes at the school, which is a tuition-free Catholic school for grades three through eight primarily serving girls of color from Wards 7 and… READ MORE

What does it mean to give? August is Black Philanthropy Month, an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those in the Black community who give of themselves to support community growth. Recognizing that Black philanthropists were often not included in the perspective on philanthropy, Black Philanthropy Month was established nearly a decade ago by Dr. Jacqueline Bouvier Copeland and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (PAWPNet), to elevate visibility of on-going philanthropy in the Black community. A recent article by Ophelia Akanjo,… READ MORE

The motto of the Washington School for Girls is “In the Spirit of Courageous Women.” Inspired by the spirit of three women in history, WSG’s co-founders established an organization that would bear the legacies of that spirit. These Founding Spirits (Cornelia Connelly – Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Mary McLeod Bethune – National Council of Negro Women, and Claudine Thevent – Religious of Jesus and Mary) were intentionally chosen by WSG co-founder Sr. Mary Bourdon, RJM, and other courageous… READ MORE