
SHMS Family Newsletter
September 26, 2021
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
Thank you for joining us for Back to School Night this past Wednesday! If you were not able to join us, please remember that most of our teachers shared pre-recorded videos about their classes and you can access those on Back to School Night menu. Also, you will find the teachers' email addresses there if you want to connect with them. Lastly, if you please sign-in for BTSN if you did not on Wednesday night.
We are finalizing the bulk of our beginning of year schedule changes through the weekend and expect students to have access to revised schedules on Monday morning. If your student's schedule has been changed, you should have received communication last week and no later than Saturday evening. If you have any questions about your student's schedule, please reach out to their guidance counselor.
Our last full week of school is ahead of us before some shortened weeks and mid-term check-ins on student progress. Please see below for information about upcoming parent-teacher conferences and timelines for scheduling your meetings with teachers.
Have a great week everyone!
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
Calendars
Upcoming Dates: September 27 - October 1
This Week:
'The 3-week DCPS meals menu can always be found here.
Monday
- A great instructional day!
- BOY Testing in Science classes (MAP)
- A great instructional day!
- BOY Testing in Science classes (MAP)
Wednesday
- A great instructional day!
- BOY Testing in Science classes (MAP)
Thursday
- A great instructional day!
- Weekly Asymptomatic Testing, 10:45 - 11:30
- BOY Testing in Science classes (MAP)
- A great instructional day!
- BOY Testing in Science classes (MAP)
Upcoming Dates
- October 7, Parent-Teacher Conferences, 9:00-4:00 PM (virtual or in-person), no school for students
- October 8, Professional Learning Day for staff, no school for students
- October 11, Indigenous Peoples' Day observed, no school for staff or students
- November 2, Election Day, no school for teachers or students
- November 5, Last day of Term 1, Professional Development and Records-Keeping Day for staff, no school for students
Athletics Schedule
Archery
Tuesday- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. Browne 4:00pm @ Browne EC (850 26th St. NE)
Thursdsay- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. Johnson MS 4:00pm @ Johnson MS (1400 Bruce Pl. SE)
Head Coach- Myron Alston- Maalston0563@gmail.com
Cross-Country
Monday- (Practice) 4:00pm- 5:30pm
Wednesday- (Practice) 4:00pm-5:30pm
Thursday- (Practice) 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach- Taurus McGhee - taurus.mcghee@dc.gov
Head Coach- Mark Smith- mark.smith3@k12.dc.gov
Boys Soccer
Monday- (Practice) 3:30pm- 4:30pm
Tuesday- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. MacFarland 4:30pm @ Randall Field (820 S. Capitol St. SW)
Wednesday- (Practice) 3:30pm-4:30pm
Thursday- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. Hardy 5:00pm @ Deal MS (3815 Fort Dr. NW)
Head Coach- Richard Strong - Richard.strong@k12.dc.gov
Girls Soccer
Tuesday- (Practice) 3:30pm-4:30pm
Wednesday-(Practice) 3:30pm -4:30pm
Thursday- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. Hardy 4:00pm @ Deal 3815 Fort Dr. NW
Head Coach- Dexter Batts- Dexter.batts@dc.gov
Volleyball
Monday- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. Sousa 4:30pm @ Browne EC (850 26th St. NE)
Tuesday- ( Practice) 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Wednesday- (Game ) Stuart-Hobson vs. CHEC 5:30pm @ Stuart-Hobson (410 E St. NE)
Thursday- ( Practice ) 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach: Michelle Rumph- Michelle.Rumph@k12.dc.gov
Cheerleading
Try-Outs: October 4th -October 7th
Head Coach: Joi Robins - joi.robins16@gmail.com
_____________________________________________________________________
Click on the link below to submit athletic forms.
DCPS Calendar
Shout Outs and Celebrations
Thank you to the Capitol Hill Cluster PTA for organizing last weekend's 2nd Annual Cluster Cup Scavenger Hunt! It was great to see everyone out and about in the neighborhood and city racking up points and vying for bragging rights. We always need positive, non-school interactions and this is a great example of how the PTA organizes those for our school community. Congratulations to the many winners!
To Do List for Students & Families
- Bring your Ask, Ask, Look form completed every morning. Blanks can be picked up in the main office. If your student is showing any of the red flag symptoms or any 2+ of the others listed on the form, please keep them home, get them tested, and reach out with questions about returning to school.
- Prepare for asymptomatic testing on Thursdays by watching the overview video. As a reminder, all students are eligible unless they submit an opt-out form.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to school. We encourage you to put your student's name on it with tape or a marker. We have bottle fillers throughout the building for students and staff to use.
New Information and Important Updates
**The information below is new or an updated version of something announced previously! **
Student Schedule Revisions
In an effort to reduce class size, provide academic extension/support and improve the student learning experience overall, selected students will receive updated schedules. The student's new schedule will begin on Monday, September 27th and parents may view the schedule change(if any) by 6pm Sunday, September 26th. Students who change classes will have their grades saved and provided to the student's new teacher. Students will not be required to complete assignments prior to 9/27 in their new classes.
Please note that students who received a schedule change will be notified by email. If you have or do not receive an email, your student does not have changes to their schedules.
Thank you parents for your patience and thank you to our scheduling team for their hard work.
Contact AP Turner with any questions
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We look forward to a productive Parent-Teacher Conference Day on Thursday, October 8th from 9am-4pm. Sign up for Parent Teacher Conferences will begin at 11am on Friday, October 1st. Conferences for all SHMS teachers are scheduled through this website: https://ptcfast.com/schools/Stuart_Hobson_Middle_School_
The PTC Fast system will email you your conference schedule on the conference day. Parents will also receive a confirmation email when your conference is scheduled.
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held virtually or in-person at the parent's discretion.
- If attending in person, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Report directly to the teacher's classroom to attend your conference.
- If attending virtually, the meeting link will be in the conference schedule confirmation email.
- Meetings with parents will occur only during the times that are scheduled.
- Unfortunately, we cannot extend meeting times for tardy arrivals or unscheduled appointments.
Contact AP Turner with any questions
8th Period Clubs & Tutoring
Contact AP Turner with any questions
DCIAA Athletics & Vaccination Requirements
Beginning on November 1, any student-athlete or coach participating on a winter team must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated individuals will not be allowed to participate in any team activities. Winter sports include basketball, bowling, indoor track, swimming, and wrestling. Spring student-athletes and coaches wishing to participate in pre-season activities must also be fully vaccinated.
Fall Student-Athletes and Coaches
There is no vaccine mandate for Fall sports (archery, cross country, football, soccer, and volleyball). Fall student-athletes and coaches may finish out the season under the existing student eligibility and coach certification rules. Student-athletes and coaches participating on both Fall and Winter teams must be fully vaccinated by November 1 to participate with their Winter teams.
Students Turning Age 12
Students who turn 12 years old after September 20, 2021 will have six weeks following their birthday to complete their COVID-19 vaccination. After the six-week period, any 12 year old who has not completed a full vaccination sequence will be unable to participate in athletics per the above policies.
We will be communicating more information soon on how individuals should submit proof of their vaccination status. Go to vaccines.gov to find a vaccination clinic near you.
Analyzing maps in geography!
Stuart-Hobson Panthers
6th Graders Speaking for Social Justice!
Previous Announcements & Resources
All Newsletters
You can find previously released newsletters and information here.
Chancellor's Reopening Update for Families
September 10, 2021
Dear DCPS Community,
Across DC Public Schools, it is exciting to see students are settling into their classes and new routines, building friendships, and connecting with their teachers. The well-being of our students and staff is our priority. We recognize that with our robust health and safety measures in place, this school year feels different for most students and families. We know families have questions, and we are committed to keeping you informed about our health and safety measures.
Today’s email covers:
- What happens when there is a COVID-19 positive case at your child’s school.
- What to do if your child feels unwell or tests positive for COVID-19.
What should I do if my child doesn’t feel well?
Each day, families should follow our daily symptoms checklist (often referred to as “Ask. Ask. Look.”) to monitor for any symptoms of COVID-19 before your student leaves for school. If your child is not feeling well or is showing any symptoms, they should stay home.
Your school can also provide information about the learning materials available for your student while they are unwell and can arrange for an at-home technology device to be available if you need one.
My child tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 cannot attend school in person and should isolate for at least 10 days and show improvement of symptoms, including no fever for 24 hours.
Please call your school to notify immediately if your child tests positive for COVID-19. We will need to know when your child was last in the school building so contact tracers can begin identifying anyone who may have been in close contact with your child. Your school can also provide information about the learning materials available for your student while they are quarantining and can arrange for an at-home technology device to be available if you need one.
How do I learn if someone tests positive for COVID-19 in my child’s class?
When we are notified about a positive COVID-19 case at school, trained contact tracers will determine if anyone is considered a close contact. Anyone who is identified as a close contact will be notified directly by the school.
After close contacts are identified and informed, families are notified via an email message from your school principal that someone tested positive for COVID-19 within their school and the date that the individual was last present in the building. If the person who tested positive was in your child’s classroom you will receive an additional notification from your school.
If someone at my child’s school tests positive for COVID-19, who is told to quarantine?
Contact tracers will work with the school and the individual who tested positive to identify anyone who is considered a close contact. If your student is considered a close contact, you will be contacted directly. Click here to read how DC Health defines a close contact in a school setting.
If your student is fully vaccinated, they will be notified that they are a close contact but are not required to quarantine unless they show symptoms. Fully vaccinated individuals who are in close contact with a COVID-19 individual are encouraged to get a test between 3 to 5 days of exposure.
What kind of COVID-19 testing is done at school for students?
There are two kinds of testing operations at DCPS schools.
If a child is showing symptoms of COVID-19, they will be escorted to the Health Isolation Room and administered an on-site COVID-19 test.
DCPS also has an opt-out, no-symptom (asymptomatic) testing program. This means we work to randomly test 10-20 percent of our students each week. This is a non-invasive saliva-based test.
All DCPS school-based testing is free for students.
Have more questions?
You can find the answers to more questions about how we inform a school community about COVID-19 public health notices at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/health/response/.
We know there is nothing more important to you than the well-being of your child. We will continue to update you on our health and safety protocols and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our schools.
Sincerely,
Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.
Chancellor
IMPORTANT REMINDERS FOR FAMILIES
Take the Shot, DC!
The science is clear: the best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. DCPS highly encourages all eligible students and community members to get vaccinated. Go to vaccinate.dc.govto find information on the vaccination clinics happening across the city. DC students can get AirPods or a $51 gift card if they get their first shot at the Johnson, Sousa, or Brookland Middle School locations between now and September 30. Youth giveaway sites are open Tuesday – Thursday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Routine Immunizations
Students must be in compliance with routine childhood immunization requirements by their 20th school day to attend in-person learning. To see a list of required immunizations, visit dchealth.dc.gov/immunizations, and you can schedule an appointment at vaccinate.dc.gov.
Panther Pride School Store: Additional SHMS Clothing & Gear!
Social distancing doesn't mean fashion gets thrown to the wind. Show your Panther pride during your next class, meeting, or virtual friend meet-up. Check out the clothing and gear that are available at our new school store!
Families, staff, and students will be able to buy custom Stuart-Hobson Panther gear. You can find the latest name brands on your custom SHMS gear.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Howard, devin.howard2@k12.dc.gov
Policies & Daily Operations
Aspen Family Portal Login
Aspen Family Portal accounts will be available the week of August 23rd. Returning families should be able to access their account using their username and password from last school year. New families will receive an email from Aspen Family Portal when their family portal account is available to use (check your junk and spam folders for the invitation).
The Portal allows you to keep up with progress in school - including grades, assignments, attendance, and more. The goal of DCPS' new digital portal is to create an open line of communication between home and school.
To Access the Portal:
1. Visit https://aspen.dcps.dc.gov
2. Make sure pop-up blocking is disabled for your browser
3. Your user name will be provided via email
4. Your temporary password will be provided via email
NOTE: Both user name and password are case sensitive
5. Click Log On to access the system. You will be prompted to fill out some information to change your password so that in the future you can click "I forgot my password" to receive a new password.
How to Navigate the Portal:
This flyer gives you the Parent Portal basics:
- What you need to know about the Parent Portal
- Lo que necesita saber sobre el Portal de Padres
Asymptomatic Testing
Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FARM) Application
You can find an online application here. Additionally, you can download the paper application to return to the school at that site. Please note that we will also send the paper version home with students and have them available in the main office for pick-up.
SHMS School Uniforms
School uniforms are required while on school property, field trips (before or after school day hours), while attending After-school All Stars and school-approved activities after 3:15 pm, unless athletic, dance or other specific apparel is required by the coach/leader.
Uniforms include:
- School swag including Cluster gear, SHMS t-shirts/sweatshirts or other Stuart-Hobson apparel
- Long or short-sleeved solid red polo shirt/t-shirt
- Plain black cotton sweatshirts (front zip or pullover) and knit vests
- Khaki pants, skirts/shorts worn at waist level
- Comfortable closed-toed shoes or sneakers covering the entire foot
- Any non-SHMS logo on uniform shirts or sweatshirts must be the size of a $1 bill (1 dollar) or smaller
- Small purses or fanny packs
- Hoods over student heads while inside school
- Metal studs on headbands and other accessories
- Outerwear (vests or jackets made of fleece or other coat-like materials) in the building
- Khaki colored leggings/ tights (worn in place of Khaki pants).
An SHMS logo is not required for any uniform attire. School uniforms may be purchased via Lands End, Target, Old Navy and other retailers. More information regarding our school uniform policy will be shared via our school handbook.
Cell Phone and Personal Technology Policy
If you must send your student to school with a device, please know that we are very limited in our abilities to investigate loss, theft, or damage to those devices. This is another primary reason why we discourage students from having them at school.
Thanks for your support here!
Kids Ride Free Cards
Here are a few reminders about KRF Cards and public transit:
- SY20-21 cards will remain valid through September 30th
- Face coverings are required at school and on all modes of public transit
- Tap the KRF card, always
- Don’t leave home without the KRF card
- DC Student Ride Guide is available online with safe rider tips
- There is no fee for replacement cards
Questions? Students, families, and school staff can visit KidsRideFree.dc.gov or call (202) 673-1740.
If any SHMS students or families need a card or have questions, please reach out to Ms. Hargrove, clara.hargrove@k12.dc.gov
Supports for Students & Families
Mental Health Services for Stuart-Hobson Students
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) School Mental Health Program is hosted by Stuart-Hobson Middle School to support students’ mental and emotional well-being. Reach out to Ms. Harrington if you feel your student would benefit from support such as, individual therapy or group grief therapy.
These services are provided via telehealth during partial and full distance learning.
DBH's services are a public health model. Services are provided to families at no charge regardless of insurance. For more information or to enroll, please reach out to Ms. Harrington using the email or phone number below.
Kimberly Harrington, LICSW, Clinical Social Worker
School Mental Health Program, Department of Behavioral Health
kimberly.harrington@dc.gov, 202-557-6404
Craft & Chat Club!
Craft and Chat started in Spring 2020 during distance learning and continued strong last school year. We are ready to start in-person and are excited for any and all students to join us! No art or craft experience necessary! Students are welcome to bring their own project but we will have art supplies available. This is an opportunity to slow down after the school day, be creative, and have community with others at Stuart-Hobson MS.
Craft and Chat will meet on Tuesdays from 3:45-4:30pm in classroom #G03 (Ms. Kensey’s room) starting Tuesday, 9/21/2021.
Any questions? Contact DBH Social Worker Kimberly Harrington (kimberly.harrington@dc.gov). See flyer above for more information.
Students can drop in as they can and we look forward to growing a joyful and creative community of students as the school year continues.
Stuart-Hobson Middle School
Email: eric.fraser@k12.dc.gov
Website: www.stuart-hobson.org
Location: 410 E Street Northeast, Washington, DC, USA
Phone: 202-671-6010
Twitter: @StuartHobsonMS