Meekins, who works in special education, was among this year’s 21 recipients of the Agnes Meyer Outstanding Teacher Awards, sponsored by The Washington Post Educational Foundation to recognize teachers throughout the region for their initiative, creativity and professionalism. A group of area principals also received Distinguished Educational Leadership Awards. A full list is here.

On April 11, Chancellor Kaya Henderson announced “Proving What’s Possible,” a new $10 million grant program designed to spur innovative ways of boosting student achievement. Officials are especially interested in funding schools that want to extend the academic day, leverage technology to improve learning, or upgrade staff.

BASIS Tucson (no. 6) joins Alexandria’s Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (no. 2) at the top of a national 4,800-school heap. BASIS Tucson was also ranked the nation’s top charter school. You can read about the magazine’s methodology-- a combination of test scores, college readiness and success with students from low-income families-- here.

DCPS announced late Friday afternoon that it has sent annual “excess notices” to 333 teachers. It means that changes in budget, enrollment or academic programs at their schools have effectively eliminated their jobs. The excessed educators have until August 15 to find other spots in the school system. School officials said they expect at least 60 percent to be retained.

Right now, charters are open to eligible students citywide, with lotteries to determine admission if demand exceeds space. Traditional D.C. public schools, with the exception of the selective high schools, must take all eligible students within their attendance boundaries.

Community College Preparatory Academy, which will offer what it describes as “an educational second chance” to unemployed and under-skilled adults, is unusual in that it already has space lined up. Plans call for the school to hold classes in three D.C. facilities: the Backus Campus of the University of the District of Columbia Community College, Shadd School and P.R. Harris Educational Center.