Today, all DC Public Schools were evacuated as a result of the earthquake that struck the Washington, DC, area at about 1:51 pm. A number of DC Public Schools sustained minor damage and two students, one at Kelly Miller Middle School in Ward 7 and another at Deal Middle School in Ward 3, received minor injuries. No serious injuries were reported.

DCPS officials are currently working with school leaders and custodial staff to survey damage at all 126 DC Public Schools and will issue an update later this evening. Parents and families should monitor the DCPS website, http://dcps.dc.gov, as well as DCPS social media (@DCPublicSchools on Twitter and facebook.com/dcpublicschools).

Schools followed emergency procedures to safely evacuate students and DCPS took immediate action to notify parents and families of the steps taken to ensure the safety of their children. DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson remained in constant contact with the Mayor’s Office and DC emergency response officials to determine the scope of the emergency and appropriate district-wide measures to ensure public safety.

The City Administrator has instructed the Office of Public Education Facilities Modernization to conduct inspections at all DC Public Schools buildings, including administrative offices.

Dismissal occurred as usual at 3:15 pm and parents were able to pick up their children. After school programs remain in session this evening due to the volume of traffic currently on District roads and the ability of parents to pick up their children.

The Ballou STAY program will be in session tonight, while Roosevelt STAY and Spingarn STAY will close this evening.

Special Education transportation is running but with possible delays. For questions, please call the DCPS Critical Response Team at (202) 478-5738.