Garrison Elementary School cancels quarterly awards ceremony to align with its “vision of an abolitionist school community that is inclusive and equitable”

Garrison Elementary School, a K-5 elementary school in DC Public Schools, cancelled its quarterly awards ceremony, in order to align with its “vision of an abolitionist community,” according to an announcement by the school principal.

Instead of hosting the awards ceremony, the school will be “celebrating Wildcat Value Awards” and “toasting their writing.”

The change of plans was included in the Nov. 10, 2021, issue of the Garrison Gazette, the official school newsletter sent to families.

In the newsletter, the principal said, “After much staff discussions, we have decided to revise how we’ve done our quarterly K-5 Awards Ceremony in the past to ensure that any celebration aligns with our Wildcat Values and our vision of an abolitionist school community that is inclusive and equitable.”