D.C. Schools Blitzed With Paint and Plants

One of the first projects, the construction of a new Woodson High School in Northeast, will begin next month. Lew said he aims to make Woodson a green school with solar power and geothermal heating and air-conditioning systems.

Lew said he coordinated with the volunteers to ensure that yesterday's projects would not conflict with work to be done this summer.

Unlike at Ballou, volunteers at nearby Simon Elementary School were mainly working outside. Some planted marigolds around the school sign while others painted hopscotch squares and a map of the United States and other countries on the playground's blacktop.

"The kids will be excited to see people care," said David Johnson, 37, an information technology consultant who was painting Russia in green. "Hopefully, it will pique their curiosity about the world and inspire them to travel a bit."

Siobhan Canty, head of Greater D.C. Cares, said her organization would like to do more for the schools. But she said she hasn't received as much cooperation as she would like from Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) and Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee.

"We hope today is the start of a conversation with the city about how we can be an asset to their efforts to revitalize the D.C. school system," she said. "Real work is needed to develop partnerships."

This week, Greater D.C. Cares will hold a book drive for school libraries, technology training sessions for teachers and sessions for PTA members on how to be organized. For information, go tohttp://www.greaterdccares.orgor call 202-777-4447.