
SHMS Family Newsletter
August 21, 2022
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
I am so excited to connect with everyone during Tuesday night's Family Orientation and to welcome students back in just over a week! If you have any specific questions or content that you would like us to address during the orientation you can share that on this form. Please note that you will also have an opportunity to see us in person when picking up a student device or COVID test kit to get ready for test-to-return and the first day of school. Details about both opportunities are below.
We will share some key policies and updates during the orientation on Tuesday evening and share a recording and copy of the SY 2022-23 Student & Family Handbook shortly afterward. Another good bookmark for families is the website that houses most DCPS policies and protocols for school year 2022-23.
We hope you find the updates below helpful as you continue to enjoy your last full week of summer recess. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or requests during the next few weeks.
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
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Calendars
Upcoming Dates: August 22-26
Monday
- Enjoy summer break!
Tuesday
- Enjoy summer break!
- School Year 2022-23 Family Orientation, 6:00-7:30 PM (virtual)
Wednesday
- Enjoy summer break!
- COVID Test Kit pick-up until 5:30 PM
Thursday
- Enjoy summer break!
- Uniform Drive and Student Device & COVID Test Kit pick-up extended hours, 3:30-6:30 PM
Friday
- Enjoy summer break!
- Uniform Drive and Student Device & COVID Test Kit pick-up extended hours, 3:30-6:30 PM
Saturday
- Uniform Drive and Student Device & COVID Test Kit pick-up extended hours, 12:00 - 4:00 PM
Upcoming Dates
- August 29, First Day of School for Students
- September 2, Pep Assembly!
- September 5, Labor Day Observed, schools closed
- September 7, PTA Meeting, 6:30-8:00, Watkins ES
- September 14, SHMS Back to School Night (BTSN)
- September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month begins
- September 21 or 22, 6th Grade Trip to Terrapin Adventures!
- September 30, Pep Assembly!
- October 1, Bullying Prevention Month begins
- October 2, Custodial Workers Appreciation Day
- October 6 & 7, Parent-Teacher Conferences & Professional Development for Staff, No School for Students
- October 10, Indigenous Peoples Day observed, schools closed
Athletics Schedule
The DCIAA is a youth sports league administered by DCPS Athletics. Access games schedules, scores, standings, and more.
***We are accepting athletic forms for SY2022 - 2023 and the Fall Sports listed below***
Participation Form: All students must complete a participation packet every school year. Additionally, the medical forms must be completed within the prior 365 days. We encourage you to have your healthcare provider complete these forms before the school year and attach them to your participation packet: MS/ES Participation Packet.
Click on the link below to submit the athletic forms online.
https://dcgov.seamlessdocs.com/f/0cnnnbhmck7h
Archery
Interest Meeting: Tuesday, August 30 in room G-04 (Health room) @ 3:00pm-3:15pm.
Head Coach: Myron Alston
Email: maalston0563@gmail.com
Football
Tuesday: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am - 12:00pm
Head Coach: Stanley Stancil
Email: sstancil1@gmail.com
Boys' Cross-Country
Head Coach: Taurus McGhee
Email: Taurus.mcghee@dc.gov
Girls' Cross-Country
Head Coach: Mark Smith
Email: Mark.smith3@k12.dc.gov
Girls' Soccer
Head Coach: Dexter Batts
Email: Dexter.Batts@dc.gov
Boys' Soccer
First Practice: Thursday, August 25 ( 4:00pm-5:00pm)
Head Coach: Richard Strong
Email: Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov
Volleyball
Try-Out Dates: August 30 - September 1 ( 4:00pm 5:30pm)
Head Coach: Ronald Dorsey
Email: Rondorseyjr@gmail.com
Questions? Know someone who is interested in one of our coaching positions? Please email our physical education teacher and Athletic Director, Mr. Strong, at richard.strong2@k12.dc.gov
Coaching Vacancies: SY 2022-23
Assistant Coach: Volleyball (Fall Season) - $1000
Head Coach: Cheerleading (Fall Season)
Head Coach: Girls Bowling (Winter Season)
Head Coach: Wrestling (Winter Season )
Head Coach: Co-Ed Lacrosse (Spring Season)
Interested candidates or volunteers should send a resume to Athletic Director Strong, Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov
Shout Outs and Celebrations
Thank you to our families for enrolling for the upcoming school year, sharing questions, and looking for ways to support our reopening. We look forward to connecting with you on Tuesday night at our virtual orientation!
Use this form to shout out a staff member or team. Shout-outs will find their way into staff meetings, newsletters, and mailboxes. Thank you!
New Information and Important Updates
All Students Must Test-to-Return
Required COVID-19 Test: To support a safe return for the upcoming school year, all students and staff will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test for the first day of school on August 29. Families should test their students and upload their test results on Sunday, August 28.
You can pick up a test kit from our school on the following days:
· Tuesday, August 23 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
· Wednesday, August 24 from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
· Thursday, August 25 and Friday, August 26 from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
· Saturday August 27 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Families can also pick up a test kit from any District COVID Center, located in all 8 wards. You can find the COVID Center locations and hours here: https://coronavirus.dc.gov/covidcenters.
Student Device Distribution
We are excited to share that all students will be offered a device and charger from DCPS to use at school and home. Student devices will be ready for pick-up at SHMS later this week and during the first week of school. A parent/guardian must sign the device out in person and complete the technology use agreement. To be eligible for a device a student must:
1. Be fully enrolled for SY 2022-23. Fully enrolled students are visible in Aspen and have a student ID number.
2. Not have any unreturned DCPS devices attributed to their ID number. This includes devices that may have been loaned out by other DCPS schools.
If you meet the criteria above, please plan to pick up your student's device from the SHMS library during any of the windows below:
Thursday, 8/25, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Friday, 8/26, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Saturday, 8/27, 12:00 - 4:00 pm
Monday, 8/29, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Tuesday, 8/30, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Wednesday, 8/31, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
Thursday, 9/1, 3:30 - 6:30 pm
If you need any accommodations or to schedule a pick-up time outside of these windows please contact Ms. Tomlinson at jennie.tomlinson@k12.dc.gov
Uniform Collection and Swap
Starting tomorrow, you can drop off uniforms in the lobby at Stuart-Hobson during the hours below, including extended hours Thursday and Friday.
Anyone in need of a uniform can pick one up Thursday and Friday from 4:00-6:30, or Saturday from 12-4pm. If you're hoping to donate your used uniforms and grab a larger size for your student, you can do both during the afternoon pick-up hours Thurs - Sat.
You can drop off uniforms in the lobby at the following times:
Mon-Wed 8:00 - 4:00
Thursday & Friday 8:00 - 6:30
Saturday 12:00 - 4:00
You can pick up uniforms at the following times:
Thursday & Friday 4:00 - 6:30
Saturday 12:00 - 4:00
Thank you to the Cluster PTA for organizing this uniform drive and distribution!
Virtual Family Orientation Session This Week!
We hope you can join us on Tuesday evening to learn about our plans to reopen for students a week from Monday. During the sessions (one of which will be recorded and shared afterward) we will share details about how SHMS will implement the most current health and safety guidance as we reopen and what it means for our daily schedule and operations. There will be time reserved at the end of our event for an open question and answer session with Principal Fraser and other members of the staff.
Please join us to learn more about all of the following, and more:
1. The daily schedule for students (building open at 8:15 AM, classes from 9:00-3:30, and after-school programs from 3:30-6:00) and first day of school expectations,
2. Entrance, transition, and dismissal routines and locations,
3. Key policies (cell phones, uniforms, etc.)
4. Student schedules
5. School partners and programs
6. Health and safety routines
7. Key teachers, staff, and points of contact, and,
8. Upcoming events (uniform swap, device distribution, BTSN, etc.)
We hope to see you on Tuesday night and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions after our time together.
Student Schedules Live This Week!
DCPS will post all middle school schedules in Aspen at the same time sometime over the weekend or early this week. We anticipate that you should be able to view your student's schedule in Aspen.
Aspen Family Portal
Aspen Family Portal accounts will be available the week of August 22nd. 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.
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
We strongly recommend that families using iOS devices also download the "Grade Corner" app, which allows you to login to Aspen and monitor your student's grades and attendance in a streamlined app. The app was actually developed by an SHMS parent a few years ago.
Additionally, we will discuss student schedules during the family information sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday and hope you can join us for one of those virtual meetings!
IEPs, 504 Plans, and Language Acquisition
If your student is an English language learner (ELL), has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan, or you are interested in learning about these different supports, please know that our team is ready to connect with you to answer questions and connect you with supports.
Please see the points of contact for each type of inquiry below:
Tamara Lovelock (tamara.lovelock@k12.dc.gov): Special Education and IEPs
Molly Smith (molly.smith@k12.dc.gov): 504 Plans
AP Rennie Taylor (rennie.taylor@k12.dc.gov): English language learners, IEPs, or 504s
Back-To-School Vaccination Checklist
DC Public Schools works closely with DC Health to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. District law and regulations require all schools to ensure students are fully immunized to attend school, and we know that childhood immunizations are critical to keeping our community safe. Now is the time for families to schedule an annual wellness visit with your child’s doctor or attend a neighborhood or school-based vaccine clinic.
New for the 2022-2023 School Year, all students ages 12 and older are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine to attend school. If you need a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit your local COVID Center.
Where to Obtain a Vaccine
The best place for DC families to access childhood immunizations is at their primary medical provider. If a family does not have a health care provider for their child or has difficulty securing an appointment before the first day of school, they can select one from a list of pediatric locations, located in every ward. There are DCPS School Based Health Centers to consider on that list, and mobile units that will visit schools through August and September.
- DC Health – Religious Exemption Seeking Process
- OSSE – COVID-19 Compliance Steps
- OSSE – Best Practices for School Leaders
For more information on obtaining immunizations by the first day of school, visit dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines.
Enroll for The 2022-23 School Year Now!
Thank you for helping us move to more than 85% of our enrollment goal in the opening months of enrollment season! We aspire to enroll 100% of families for next school year by August 22nd! See below for ways that you can help us hit that target!
The Stuart-Hobson Middle School team looks forward to welcoming your rising 6th, 7th and/or 8th grade student into our diverse and dynamic Capitol Hill Cluster School community. You can also learn more about our school by viewing our school's recorded Open House webinar.
Enrolling can be quick and easy for families, and we encourage you to enroll as soon as possible. For your convenience, visit this website to complete your enrollment online: dcpsenrollment. Families are also invited to complete enrollment by visiting our SHMS main office between 9:00 am-3:30 pm Monday through Friday.
We welcome all parents to make the school choice that best suits their child and family needs. If your student will not be joining our SHMS community, please contact the main office and inform our team of your student's new school. We will provide you with appropriate documentation to be removed from our school roster and mailing list.
We look forward to supporting our families through this enrollment season and welcome you to contact AP Turner with questions.
Analyzing maps in geography!
Stuart-Hobson Panthers
6th Graders Speaking for Social Justice!
Previous Announcements & Resources
**The information below is new or an updated version of something announced previously! **
All Newsletters
You can find previously released newsletters and information here.
The most current version of the Student & Family Handbook is linked on our website.
Policies & Daily Operations
SY 2022-23 Kids Ride Free Program
The Kids Ride Free (KRF) program allows students to ride for free on Metrobus, Metrorail, and the DC Circulator while traveling within the District. The SY22-23 KRF cards will be delivered to schools starting 8/9 through 8/16 and will be activated as soon as they are assigned to a student. Please note that:
- SY22-23 KRF cards will be assigned to students without KRF cards first
- SY21-22 KRF cards will remain valid through September 30th
- Always tap the KRF card before rides
- Don’t leave home without the KRF card
- There is no fee for replacement cards
- For more information, visit KidsRideFree.dc.gov or call (202) 673-1740.
Please reach out to our Attendance Counselor, Ms. Clara Hargrove, with any questions or requests for support.
Revised: School Supply List
The following general school supply list will support your student in a successful start to the school year.
General School Supplies
- Headphones (microphone optional)
- Black or Blue Pens
- Pencils and Pencil Sharpener
- 2-4 Composition Books
- 2-4 Spiral Bound Notebooks
- Crayons, Color Markers, and Color Pencils
- Black Sharpie Marker
- Scissors
- Glue Sticks
- 3 ring binder(s) are recommended to help students organize for multiple classes
When planning to organize your student and their supplies, please remember that students will have 4 core classes (Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELA) and 2 electives (e.g. physical education, band, Spanish, etc.).
*Please contact school leadership or a member of the student support team for support with procuring school supplies*
Additional supplies may be required based on individual courses. These supply lists will be provided by teachers directly to their students/class.
FINAL SY 2022-23 Uniform Policy
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 3:30 PM, unless athletic, dance or other specific apparel is required by the coach/leader.
Uniforms include:
- Long or short-sleeved solid red polo shirt/t-shirt. SHMS logo optional. Any non-SHMS logo on uniform shirts or sweatshirts must be the size of a $1 bill (1 dollar) or smaller
- Plain black cotton sweatshirts (front zip or pullover) and knit vests. No hoods.
- Khaki pants, skirts/shorts, worn at waist level.
- Comfortable closed-toed shoes or sneakers covering the entire foot. No sandals, slippers, or Crocs.
- Tops like crewneck t-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts (no hoods) that show school pride (e.g. SHMS or CHCS logos).
- Hoods over student's heads while inside school,
- Outerwear like jackets, fleeces, parkas, windbreakers, etc.,
- Metal studs on headbands and other accessories
- Khaki-colored leggings/ tights (worn in place of Khaki pants).
- Small purses or fanny packs
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.
No Shots, No School!
We’re excited to welcome your child back for the new school year in just under 40 days. Please see this important update and reminder on the steps all families must take to attend school this year.
DC Public Schools works closely with DC Health to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, and community. District law and regulations require all schools to ensure students are fully immunized to attend school, and we know that childhood immunizations are critical to keeping our community safe. Now is the time for families to schedule an annual wellness visit with your child’s doctor or attend a neighborhood or school-based vaccine clinic.
New for the 2022-2023 School Year, all students ages 12 and older are required to have the COVID-19 vaccine to attend school. If you need a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, visit your local COVID Center.
Put Vaccines on Your-Back-to-School List
To attend school, families are required to submit their student’s up-to-date immunization record by the first day of school. Vaccinations are critical for preventing disease and reducing the dangers that can come with being exposed to certain diseases. You can find a list of required immunizations for your child according to their age by viewing this helpful flyer from DC Health.
If you have not already submitted your child’s immunization records to your school, here is what you need to do now: 1. Make an appointment with your child’s doctor. DC offers resources to help you find a health provider if you do not have health insurance. 2. Have the doctor complete DC’s Universal Health Certificate, available here. Your health provider may also provide a different proof of immunization document or an exemption explanation.
3. Submit your immunization paperwork to your child’s school. You can drop it off at your school or call the school’s main office if you have questions about how to submit your form.
Where to Obtain a Vaccine
The best place for DC families to access childhood immunizations is at their primary medical provider. If a family does not have a health care provider for their child or has difficulty securing an appointment before the first day of school, they can select one from a list of pediatric locations, located in every ward. There are DCPS School Based Health Centers to consider on that list, and mobile units that will visit schools through August and September.
For more information on obtaining immunizations by the first day of school, visit dcpsreopenstrong.com/vaccines.
Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our schools and students safe.
Stay Connected At Stuart-Hobson!
There are many ways that you can stay connected with the PTA and other families at SHMS. Here are a few popular spaces in our community:
CAMPUS LISTSERVE
Families can sign up for individual campus listservs (Peabody, Watkins and/or Stuart-Hobson) through our school website. Our listservs are designed to be open forums for Cluster parents to connect with other Cluster families and stay updated on school-related issues.
https://www.capitolhillclusterschool.org/listservs
CAPITOL HILL CLUSTER SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.capitolhillclusterschool.org
The Cluster School website has general school information, school news including weekly newsletters and the school calendar with events for all three campuses.
SOCIAL MEDIA
INSTAGRAM: @capitolhillclusterschoolpta
Follow us on Instagram! Photos of our Cluster community including Peabody, Watkins and Stuart-Hobson events.
TWITTER: @CHCSPTA
Follow us on Twitter! The best way to see frequent posts and reminders of upcoming school events at all three campuses.
FACEBOOK: Capitol Hill Cluster School
Follow us on Facebook! General information and photos of recent and upcoming school events.
LINKEDIN: Capitol Hill Cluster School Parents Group
Join us on Linkedin! Network with other Peabody, Watkins and Stuart-Hobson parents. Lend your professional expertise to help the Cluster!
DCPS Summer Meals Start July 5th
Check Grades in the Aspen Family Portal
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), likely in late August or early September.
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
Also, we recommend that families download the Grade Corner app to their smartphones or other devices. This app was created by an SHMS parent, requires an Aspen login, and allows you to see all of your student's grades in one place. In addition to seeing report cards, it is a quick and easy tool for keeping tabs on your student's progress.
Panther Pride School Store: Additional SHMS Clothing & Gear!
Check out the clothing and gear that are available at our new school store!
Families, staff, and students will be able to buy customizable 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
Supports for Students & Families
Mental Health Supports
Molly Smith, Social Worker, molly.smith@k12.dc.gov
Jessica Thompkins, Social Worker, jessica.thompkins@k12.dc.gov
Kimberly Harrington, DBH Social Worker, kimberly.harrington@dc.gov
Montrice Williams, CIS Social Worker, mwilliams@cisnationscapital.org
Jessica Schimmerling, Guidance Counselor, jessica.schimmerling@k12.dc.gov
Tomicula Willams, Guidance Counselor, tomicula.williams@k12.dc.gov
Kristin Dezen, kristin.dezen@k12.dc.gov
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