
SHMS Family Newsletter
October 3, 2021
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
We have made it through a month together!
We were energized by this past week's town hall celebrations with each grade level. We clarified some school and grade-wide expectations, celebrated some recent and upcoming birthdays, and recognized students for upholding our school's core values (P.R.I.D.E.) or their academic achievements in class. To support positive school culture building at school please see October's Social Emotional Learning (SEL) calendar below for ideas about supporting our SEL theme this month. Congratulations again to our town hall awardees!
We are looking forward to this week's opportunity to reflect on the early weeks of school and game plan for the future during parent-teacher conferences (PTCs) on Thursday. Please see below for some updates and reminders about PTCs and accessing Aspen to monitor your student's progress. The formal update about your student's progress, the Term 1 Progress Report, should be visible in Aspen on October 12th.
We look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person later this week.
Have a great week everyone!
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
Calendars
Upcoming Dates: October 4 - October 8
This Week:
'The 3-week DCPS meals menu can always be found here.
Monday
- A great instructional day!
Tuesday
- A great instructional day!
Wednesday
- Girls in Aviation Field Trip 8am Departure - 1pm return
- 6th Grade Dress Down Day
Thursday
- Parent-Teacher Conferences (virtual or in-person), 9:00-4:00 PM, no school for students
Friday
- Staff development day, no school for students
Upcoming Dates
- October 11, Indigenous Peoples' Day observed, no school for staff or students
- October 12, Term 1 Progress Reports published for students and families in Aspen
- October 25-29, SHMS Fall Spirit Week
- October 29, Term 1 Pep Assembly (virtual)
- 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
Monday- (Practice) 3:30-5:00pm
Wednesday- (Practice) 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach- Myron Alston- Maalston0563@gmail.com
Cross-Country
Monday- (Practice) 3:30pm- 5:00pm
Wednesday- (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- 5:00pm
Wednesday- (Practice) 3:30pm-5:00pm
Head Coach- Richard Strong - Richard.strong@k12.dc.gov
Girls Soccer
Monday- (Practice) 3:30pm-4:30pm
Wednesday-( Practice ) 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Head Coach- Dexter Batts- Dexter.batts@dc.gov
Volleyball
Monday- (Game) Stuart-Hobson vs. Browne 5:30pm @ Browne EC
Tuesday- ( Practice) 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Wednesday- (Game ) Stuart-Hobson vs. Hardy 4:30pm @ Jefferson MS
Head Coach: Michelle Rumph- Michelle.Rumph@k12.dc.gov
Cheerleading
Fall Cheerleading Try-Outs have been postponed.
Head Coach: Joi Robins - joi.robins16@gmail.com
Stuart-Hobson will be competing in the DCIAA winter sports season. Listed below are the winter sports Stuart-Hobson will be offering.
Girls Bowling
Head Coach: Michelle Rumph- Michelle.Rumph@K12.dc.gov
Girls Basketball:
Head Coach: Troy Henderson - Troy.Henderson@k12.dc.gov
Assistant Coach: Natasha Lee - Natasha.Lee@k12.dc.gov
Boys Basketball
Head Coach: Sylvester Robinson - Slyvester.Robinson@dc.gov
***Team Meeting ( Tuesday, October 5 @ 3:30pm Room G-04 ). Students must have athletic forms submit to attend open workout sessions.
Co-Ed Swimming
Head Coach: Leonard Booker - acebooker@yahoo.com
Indoor Track
Head Coach: Mark Smith- Mark.Smith3@k12.dc.gov
Head Coach: Taurus McGhee - Taurus.McGhee@dc.gov
_____________________________________________________________________
Click on the link below to submit athletic forms.
DCPS Calendar
Like Scary Books? Join the October Lunch Book Club!
This month's featured genre is horror fiction. Book clubs meet Wednesdays in the library during the lunch. Participation is limited to the first ten students in each grade level who sign up with Ms. Tomlinson (jennie.tomlinson@k12.dc.gov).
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
After suffering a tragic loss, eleven-year-old Ollie who only finds solace in books discovers a chilling ghost story about a girl named Beth, the two brothers who loved her, and a peculiar deal made with “the smiling man”–a sinister specter who grants your most tightly held wish, but only for the ultimate price.
Whispering Pines by Heidi Lang and Kati Bartkowski
Rae’s father vanished without a trace—and Rae knows what happened to him. But no one believes her when she says that her father didn’t run off, that he was actually taken. Now, a year of therapy later, Rae’s mother decides they need a fresh start, and so they move to a new town in the hope that life can return to normal.
The problem is, there is nothing normal about the town of Whispering Pines.
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
Quinn Maybrook and her father have moved to tiny, boring Kettle Springs, to find a fresh start. But what they don’t know is that ever since the Baypen Corn Syrup Factory shut down, Kettle Springs has cracked in half. On one side are the adults, who are desperate to make Kettle Springs great again, and on the other are the kids, who want to have fun, make prank videos, and get out of Kettle Springs as quick as they can.
Kettle Springs is caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress. It’s a fight that looks like it will destroy the town. Until Frendo, the Baypen mascot, a creepy clown in a pork-pie hat, goes homicidal and decides that the only way for Kettle Springs to grow back is to cull the rotten crop of kids who live there now.
Shout Outs and Celebrations
Please join me in celebrating our custodians for their hard work and efforts to make our school a warm, welcoming, and safe space for students always! Saturday was Nationa Custodian Appreciation Day and we encourage you to show some love for the members of our team, Mr. Demetrius Reed, Mr. Randolph Peoples, Mr. Omar Espy, Mr. Charles Benson, and Ms. Mariah Jackson.
Shout out to Senor Pizarro, Ms. Brewer, and Ms. M. Williams for spearheading our Hispanic Heritage Month events. They have been organizing a daily trivia challenge for students and a social media campaign. If you have not done so already, please see the social media challenge below.
Hispanic Heritage Month Challenge: Heroes de la Pandemia
Share a post in Spanish on social media, using the hashtags: #HispanicHeritageMonth #MesDeLaHerenciaHispana #HHM2021 #Heroes and tag @StuartHobsonMS on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram (or any other similar app).
Not into social media, feel free to e-mail your post to Señor Pizarro, rafael.yepes@k12.dc.gov
Your post should be written in Spanish and briefly describing a photo of you (together with) or someone you consider a hero during the pandemic: nurses, teachers, firefighters, etc., both wearing masks, preferred. You may use this information for your post:
QUIÉN (WHO)
___________________________________
QUÉ HIZO / HARÁ (WHAT THEY DID / WILL DO)
___________________________________
CUÁNDO (WHEN)
____________________________________________
DÓNDE (WHERE)
________________________________________
POR QUÉ (WHY)
_______________________________________
CÓMO (HOW)
You are encouraged to use Google Translate and make mistakes. Also, the template above aligns with the Hochman method for structuring a summary paragraph.
We look forward to seeing everyone's celebrations of Hispanic heritage and culture during the Hispanic Heritage Month! From September 15 to October 15, 2021.
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! **
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We look forward to a productive Parent-Teacher Conference Day on Thursday, October 8th from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Sign up for Parent-Teacher Conferences began at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 1st. Conferences for all SHMS teachers are scheduled through this website.
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.
Student Grades
As a reminder, students and parents have access to Aspen accounts to monitor student progress in real time. We strongly encourage all students and families to check Aspen regularly to monitor academic progress and make plans for improvement.
Many students and families find the Grade Corner app (developed by a former SHMS parent!) to be a much more user-friendly way to monitor Aspen. We encourage families and students to download the app to their mobile device.
If you have questions about your student's grades or need help accessing Aspen or Grade Corner, please reach out to their counselor, Ms. Tomicula Williams (tomicula.williams@k12.dc.gov) or Ms. Jessica Schimmerling (jessica.schimmerling@k12.dc.gov).
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.harringsont@k12.dc.gov
Montrice Williams, CIS Social Worker, montrice.williams@k12.dc.gov
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
Panorama Student Survey Information & Opt Out
We are excited to announce that the Fall 2021 Panorama Student Survey will open on Tuesday, October 12!
Twice a year, we ask students in grades 3 and higher to complete a survey about social emotional learning for DC Public Schools, the Panorama Student Survey, to help DCPS and school administrators better understand what students think about their school experiences and their social and emotional learning. This fall, the student survey will be open from October 12 to October 29. Every student will be able to take the survey by signing in with their student ID at https://surveys.panoramaed.com/dcps/login. Some schools will administer the survey in class online or on paper.
You may opt your child out of the student survey if you do not want your child to take it. If you are a student 18 or older and do not want to take it, you may opt yourself out of the survey. The deadline to opt out is October 8. If you do NOT want your child to take the Panorama Student Survey this fall, or if you are a student 18 or older and do not want to take the survey, fill out this form by October 8, 2021: Fall 2021 Panorama Student Opt-Out. To fill out the form, you need your child’s student ID.
This survey is voluntary and confidential. Your child is not required to participate, but the feedback would be very valuable. This survey asks only for your child’s honest experience and opinions. Your child’s grades will not be affected by his or her responses. Your child’s privacy will be protected to the extent allowed by law. Your child’s name will never be used in reports. As in previous years, the survey asks students in grades 6-12 about their gender and sexual identity. These questions help the district promote equitable treatment for all students in accordance with our Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Policy Guidance. They are entirely voluntary, and students who are not comfortable answering can skip them.
Schools use survey results to better understand your child’s needs. Part of DCPS’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports initiative (MTSS @ DCPS) is the use of the Panorama Student Success portal, which enables teachers and staff to see students' Panorama results side-by-side with academic, attendance, and behavioral data. Using Panorama Student Success, teachers can see your child’s average scores on different SEL topics on the survey. They cannot see how a student answered individual questions and will NOT see any information from Student Satisfaction questions or questions on gender and sexual identity. The platform is secure and can be accessed only by teachers or staff at a student’s school.
If you have any questions regarding the Panorama Student Survey and the Panorama Student Success platform or if you want to see the survey questions students will receive, please visit https://dcps.dc.gov/surveys.You may also contact AP Turner with questions.
Borrow Unit 1 ELA Class Novels in Sora
Click the link below to borrow a copy of the novel your student is reading in ELA class. The link will redirect to Clever but will end up on the "borrow" page in Sora. Please contact Ms. Tomlinson at jennie.tomlinson@k12.dc.gov with any questions.
English 6, Unit 1: Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
English 7, Unit 1: Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl
English 8, Unit 1: A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry
Parent University Returns
- 9/28: Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences. Sign up
- 10/19: Prepare Your Child for College: Overview of College Prep Resources and How to Get them. Sign up
- 10/26: The DCPS Journey to Become a Whole-Child Centered, Anti-Racist District. Sign up
- 11/16: Check in on our Social Emotional Well Being and Mental Health. Sign up
Flyer here. (In Spanish as well!)
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Parent Corner
Last week, 6th graders participated in DBH’s annual Good Touch/Bad Touch classroom program, learning about body safety, types of abuse and neglect, identifying safe and supportive adults, and how to help a friend. While it can be a difficult topic, students actively engaged in discussions and had many thoughtful and insightful ideas and opinions. The attached article “Talking with Your Kids Abuse Sexual Abuse” provides tips and guidelines for parents of all students in how to navigate difficult but important conversations about sexual abuse, safety, and consent.
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
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.
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
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
8th Period Clubs & Tutoring
Contact AP Turner with any questions
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