Good morning, Washington. So, the Olympic closing ceremony — pretty terrible, right? Slate’s Olympic Twitter feed did an able job belittling the proceedings, but missed my favorite part: when the cockney dancer-zombies tried to scale the grass-filled double decker bus to devour David Beckham. What did you folks think?

School’s In For Autumn: The District’s kids will head back to class today, and the city’s classrooms will mostly be ready for them, according to the Washington Times. All 123 buildings will apparently be open, but work may continue on at least four of them after hours. Chancellor Rhee also says that steps have been taken to ensure that there’s no repeat of last year’s problems related to textbook distribution and parents not knowing that classes have started. Speaking of Michelle Rhee, the Post has a longer piece putting the schools chancellor’s first year in context. In short: unapologetically hard-nosed tactics, a tireless work ethic and heavily consolidated power have set Rhee up to be considered a hero or villain, but probably nothing in between.

Barry’s Challengers Profiled:The Post takes a look at the folks hoping to take over Marion Barry’s Ward 8 council seat. These candidates’ critiques of Barry are similar: they say they’d bring energy, fresh ideas and, perhaps most importantly, a clean slate. But there’s not much indication that they’re likely to unseat the mayor-for-life.

Kaine Responds To Biden Pick: As you’ve no doubt heard, Tim Kaine is not Barack Obama’s chosen running mate. But he doesn’t mind, according to the Post. It’s an honor just to be nominated! Or, uh, not nominated. You know what we mean. Kaine declined to rule out taking a job with the administration if one was offered, but said he expects to finish his term as Governor of Virginia.

Briefly Noted / Horribly Tragic: D.C. elementary school teacher and security guard dead in apparent murder/suicide… Robbery in Dale City leaves man dead… Man accused of drowning children tries to plead guilty, ordered to undergo psychiatric evaluation… Two men killed in Trinidad over the weekend… Twelve year-old girl killed in firearm accident…

This Day In DCist: One year ago Eastern Market reopened. Two years ago Beirut played the Warehouse Next Door and we made Kati rolls.

Image posted to DCist Photos by Flickr user lolabunee