D.C. Schools Start ‘Adopt-a-School' Program; Ends Beautification Day

The District of Columbia will no longer hold its annual school "Beautification Day," when volunteers descended on schools for a day of service before the start of the school year.

Instead, the school system has announced an "Adopt-a-School" program to encourage longer-term partnerships. The city wants community groups or businesses to apply to participate and develop a plan that outlines three community events the organization will support.

Principals said in surveys that they appreciated the last-minute clean-up help at "Beautification Day" but would benefit more from ongoing support, according to The Washington Post. Officials said the event was also a logistical challenge at one of the busiest times of the year.

Schools are scheduled to open Aug. 24. Some schools are continuing to host Beautification Day on their own.