
SHMS Family Newsletter
March 6, 2022
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
Thank you everyone for your efforts to support a safe return to school last week. By the middle of the week we had received test-to-return data from more than 95% of our students and staff and welcomed them back to the building safely.
As February gave way to March, we wrapped up our Black History Month celebrations and began focusing on Women's History and National Social Work Month. In addition to celebrating our social workers, Ms. Jessica Thompkins, Ms. Molly Smith, and Ms. Kimberly Harrington, I would also like to make sure we recognize our school counselors, Ms. Tomicula Williams and Ms. Jessica Schimmerling. Together, this team supports students, staff, and families and we have relied on them this past year more than ever before. This year's theme is especially apt, "The time is right for social work!" Please find some time to thank these members of our community for their contributions to our well-being and health.
Students have a short week this week and we are excited to wrap up progress reports on Wednesday before parent-teacher conferences on Thursday and professional learning on Friday.
Have a great week everyone!
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
Calendars
Upcoming Dates: March 7 - 11
This Week:
'The 3-week DCPS meals menu can always be found here.
Monday
- Welcome back! A great instructional day!
Tuesday
- A great instructional day!
Wednesday
- A great instructional day!
Thursday
- Parent-Teacher Conferences (virtual or in-person), No School for Students, 9:00-4:00 PM
Friday
- Professional Development Day, No School for Students
Upcoming Dates
- March 18, 8th Grade Dress Down Day (Cluster Auction Winner!)
March 28-April 8, DCPS Student Device blackout for PARCC prep
March 30, April 27, & May 18, SHMS Mission & Vision Family Meetings, 6:00-7:30
March 30, SHMS Mission & Vision Building Family Focus Groups, 6:00-7:30
April 19-May 13, PARCC Testing (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays)
April 27, SHMS Mission & Vision Building Family Focus Groups, 6:00-7:30
May 18, SHMS Mission & Vision Building Family Focus Groups, 6:00-7:30
Athletics Schedule
Students that are 12 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated or submit medical or religious exemption forms to be eligible to participate. If exemption is approved, a weekly negative COVID test must be submitted to remain eligible.
Cheerleading
Monday: ( Practice) 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday: ( Practice) 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday: (Practice) 4:00pm - 6:00m
Thursday: ( Practice ) 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday: (Practice) 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach: Joi Robins- joi.robins16@yahoo.com
Outdoor Track & Field
Monday: (Practice) 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Wednesday: (Practice) 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Boys Head Coach- Taurus McGhee - taurus.mcghee@dc.gov
Girls Head Coach- Mark Smith- mark.smith3@k12.dc.gov
Baseball
Tuesday: (Practice ) 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Head Coach -Scott Campbell - Scott.campbell@k12.dc.gov
Assistant Coach - Michael Schwengel - mschwengel@eab.com
Golf
TBA
Lacrosse
Tuesday: (Practice)3:30pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach - Richard Strong - Ricahrd.Strong@k12.dc.gov
Football
Monday: (Practice) 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach- Coach Stancil - sstancil1@gmail.com
Intramural Soccer
TBA
If you have any questions regarding student eligibility, medical clearance, or interested in supporting Stuart- Hobson athletics. Please contact Richard Strong (Health/PE Teacher / Athletic Director ) at Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov.
Click on the link below to submit athletic forms online.
DCPS Calendar
Shout Outs and Celebrations
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!
Shout out to Ms. Hargrove for organizing trips to Ben's Chili Bowl for students who recently maintained perfect attendance!
New Information and Important Updates
**The information below is new or an updated version of something announced previously! **
CORRECTION: Parent-Teacher Conferences, March 10th
Grade 6 and 8th grade Last Names A-J - Ms. Schimmerling - jessica.schimmerling@k12.dc.gov
Grade 7 and 8th grade Last Names K-Z - Ms. Williams - tomicula.williams@k12.dc.gov
Parents/guardians can choose to attend in-person or virtually. A link to the virtual meeting should be shared with your confirmation invitation in advance of the conference. If you attend in-person please be prepared to follow all current COVID safety protocols (masking, social distancing, etc.)
Below are some additional resources to support students' academic and social success. For technical support related to scheduling Parent Teacher Conferences, please contact AP Turner at katherine.turner@k12.dc.gov
Resources for Families:
- DCPS Parent University
- Aspen Parent Portal Guide in English and Spanish
- DCPSReopenStrong.com
- 24/7 Tech Support for Families (202) 442-5885
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.
The most current version of the Student & Family Handbook is linked on our website.
SHMS Mission & Vision Building Family Series
Because of the generous donation of an anonymous member of our school community, we will be able to engage with parents and families with a specific focus on how race and equity show up and influence our work with students. Using the affinity group format, we will have three facilitated discussions where we will discuss how our mission and vision building, with race and equity in mind, can improve all students' sense of belonging and well-being at SHMS. We are so excited to begin this work and hope you will save these dates so you can join us:
March 30, 6:00-7:30
April 27, 6:00-7:30
May 18, 6:00-7:30
We are so excited to begin this work and are grateful to the PTA, our anonymous donor, and the Race & Equity Committee for supporting us here. We will share more details in upcoming newsletters.
PTA Spring Updates
Peabody, Watkins and Stuart-Hobson Families,
Two of our biggest and most amazing PTA community events are coming back this spring and we need your help!
Our 2022 Spring Auction will be in April! The auction planning team is actively planning the event, including a final date and outdoor location. Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey we sent out last week -- the feedback was amazing! If you are interested in volunteering, please email our 2022 Auction Chairs, Kristi Lowe and Laura Odato. There is a place for everyone on the team! (ClusterAuctionChair@chcspta.org, laura.odato@gmail.com)
The Capitol Hill Classic is BACK -- please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 15th! The CHC is truly one of the best community events on Capitol Hill but it takes a huge amount of work to put together. If you would like to join the Capitol Hill Classic Team, please email Race Director Jason Levine or Lona Valmoro. (jason@queso.com, lvalmoro@yahoo.com)
PTA Dates This Spring:
Monday, March 7th -- PTA March General Meeting on Zoom (8:00pm)
Sunday, March 20th -- Kickball Tournament on the field at Stuart-Hobson (Price of admission -- canned/non-perishable item for our Cluster Food Drive!)
April Tbd -- 2022 Spring Auction!
Sunday, May 15th -- 41st Annual Capitol Hill Classic!
Monday, May 23rd -- PTA May General Meeting on Zoom (8:00pm)
Updated DCPS Meal Sites
Challenging Conversations
Please find below some resources that can support educators, parents, and other adults when teaching young people and helping them navigate conversations about topics that can be challenging, unfamiliar, and important to them. Facing History and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) are both rich with materials and supports for educators and families. Below you will find links to comprehensive websites to support you in conversations about any number of topics.
Embrace Race Resources for Families
Facing History
DCPS recommended readings and resources about Race
See below for a specific opportunity, brought to us by the Cluster PTA, to engage your student with learning about the Holocaust:
Three Generations of Survivors:
Stories of the Holocaust (on Zoom)
Wednesday, March 2nd, 8:00-9:15 pm
How does the Holocaust continue to affect its survivors and frame our thinking today? Join Hill Havurah members Peter Stein (a survivor of the Holocaust), Kim Fellner and Laurie Solnik (the children of survivors), and Dan Rogger (the grandchild of a survivor) for an evening of memory, reflection, and looking forward.
These speakers will share their perspectives and help us explore. We'll have a chance to hear from each of our speakers and ask them questions. We heartily welcome all teens and adults to attend.
The Capitol Hill Cluster PTA and Race, Class, and Equity Group, which include Watkins Elementary School, are co-sponsoring this event with Hill Havurah.
If you'd like to join us for this special program, you can register here.
DCPS Assessments Guide for Families!
Launching the New Assessment Guide for Families!
The DCPS Assessment Guide for Families is a resource to assist families with understanding their student’s assessment results. This guide provides an overview of the uses of diagnostic and curriculum-based assessments.
Spring Athletic Coaching Vacancies
We are still seeking candidates for teams that will compete in Spring athletics. For more information about the opportunities below, or to express your interest in either, please reach out to our Athletic Director, Mr. Richard Strong (richard.strong@k12.dc.gov).
Boys Lacrosse Head Coach - $950 stipend
Girls Lacrosse Head Coach - $950 stipendCheck Grades in the Aspen Family Portal
Aspen Family Portal accounts have been available since 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
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.
Staffing Support
1. Teacher, Science
2. Teacher, Special Education (CES)
3. Aide, Special Education
4. Teacher, Substitute - Apply here!
Thank you all again for your help, feedback, and patience while we have navigated the different staffing challenges this school year!
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
DCPS Attendance Policy Updates
This is a reminder about updates to DC Public Schools’ policy regarding unexcused absences related to COVID-19 and Virtual Learning Program for school year 2021-22. If your student has unexcused absences related to COVID-19 or Virtual Learning Program this school year, please review the information below to determine whether your student's absences are eligible to be excused. If you believe your student to be eligible, you must submit a note to your school’s Attendance Point of Contact (Ms. Hargrove) for absences to be excused.
COVID-19 Close Contact: You may now submit a note for an excused absence if your student was absent from school because the student, or a member of the student’s household, was determined to be a close contact of a person who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Students whose absences were not previously eligible for excusal for this reason can now have those absences excused.
Virtual Learning Program Expansion: If your student is approved for virtual learning under new requirements set by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), their previous absences related to COVID-19 can also be excused.
Please complete and submit the excuse note provided below if your child has been absent from school this school year due to one of the following reasons:
1. Your child or a member of your household was determined to be a close contact of a person who tested positive for COVID-19; or
2. Your child has recently been approved for the Virtual Learning Program and has had COVID-related absences between the start of school and November 30, 2021.
Notes must be submitted via email, text, or hand-delivery to your child’s school on or before December 17, 2021, so that your child’s absence can be recorded as excused. For the rest of this school year, please submit excuse notes to your school within five days of your child’s return to school from an absence.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact your school’s attendance Point of Contact, Ms. Hargrove.
Attendance Corner
Attendance Corner:
Welcome to the Attendance Information Corner for Stuart-Hobson Middle School. My name is Ms. Hargrove and I will be providing attendance updates to families in this corner. Parents, it is crucial that you get your child to school on-time and attending all classes. Please take a moment and read the 80/20 rule below. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me and I will be able to discuss it with you.
80/20 Attendance Rule:
This rule states that a student must not miss more than 20% of their day to be marked present. If a student misses 2 classes in a day, that student has missed 20% of the day and will be marked absent without a valid excuse. Please do your best to have your student present and on-time for school. If your student has a valid excuse for being late, please provide documentation to Ms. Hargrove by email:Clara.Hargrove@k12.DC.Gov, by text: 202-494-9747 or by calling the main office at 202-671-6010. If you need additional information on DCPS Attendance Policies, please go to the see the attached website: https://dcps.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcps/publication/attachments/Attendance-and-Truancy-Policy-SY%202021-22.pdf.
Attendance Celebration:
At Stuart-Hobson Middle School, we like to celebrate our students’ achievements for attendance. We will host a monthly attendance celebration for perfect and improved attendance by our students. Perfect attendance is described as no tardies or absences from classes for the month. I want to thank the students that had perfect attendance and participated in the Jeans & Jersey Day on November 1, 2021. Our next attendance incentive will be our Annual Perfect Attendance Pancake Celebration on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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
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