SHMS Family Newsletter

Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,

Congratulations and thank you to everyone for helping with a smooth and positive start to the school year. Together, we have begun turning routines and expectations into habits for a safe and successful school year. From an ever-quicker morning entry and a sea of red shirts showing school pride to lockers that are (mostly) figured out, we are busy settling in to the new year.

Congratulations to the 8th graders for claiming first place in Friday's Pep Assembly and winning a dress-down day on Tuesday! The energy in the gym was intense and the competition fierce, it is clear that every month's pep assembly will be hotly contested.

I want to remind anyone who is just joining us that many key expectations and updates for this school year were shared during our virtual family orientation. A recording is available here and the Powerpoint slides are attached below. Also, the SY 2022-23 Student and Family Handbook should help anchor everyone in shared expectations, plans, and policies.

I look forward to connecting with our community at this week's PTA meeting and next week's LSAT meeting and Back to School Night events. Here's to another great week as we continue to launch this school year together!

Warm regards,

Eric Fraser

Principal

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Monday

• Labor Day observed - Schools Closed

Tuesday

• A great instructional day!

Wednesday

• A great instructional day!
• PTA Meeting, 6:30-8:00, Watkins ES
  

Thursday

• A great instructional day!

Friday

• A great instructional day!

Upcoming Dates

• September 13, LSAT Meeting, 6:00-8:00
• September 14, SHMS Back to School Night (BTSN)
• September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month begins
• September 17, DCPS Back to School Block Party at Eliot-Hine MS
• 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
• October 20, 6th Grade Trip to Terrapin Adventures!

Participation Forms

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.

1. MS/ES Participation Packet

Click on the link below to submit the athletic forms online.

https://dcgov.seamlessdocs.com/f/0cnnnbhmck7h

Fall Sports Season

Archery

Wednesday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice)

Friday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice)

Head Coach: Myron Alston

Email: maalston0563@gmail.com

Football

Tuesday: 4:30pm - 6:00pm (Practice)

Wednesday: Stuart-Hobson vs. Kramer 6:00pm @ Anacostia HS (Game)

Thursday: 4:30pm - 6:00pm (Practice)

Head Coach: Stanley Stancil

Email: sstancil1@gmail.com

Boys' Cross-Country

Tuesday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice) Meet on the front steps.

Wednesday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice) Meet on the front steps.

Thursday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice) Met on the front steps.

Head Coach: Taurus McGhee

Email: Taurus.mcghee@dc.gov

Girls' Cross-Country

Tuesday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm ( Practice) Meet on the front steps.

Wednesday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice) Meet on the front steps.

Thursday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice) Met on the front steps.

Head Coach: Mark Smith

Email: Mark.smith@k12.dc.gov

Girls' Soccer

Tuesday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice)

Thursday: 3:45pm - 5:00pm (Practice)

Head Coach: Dexter Batts

Email: Dexter.Batts@dc.gov

Boys' Soccer

Wednesday: 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Practice)

Friday: 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Practice)

Head Coach: Richard Strong

Email: Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov

Volleyball

Tuesday: 3:45pm - 5:45pm ( Practice)

Wednesday: 3:45pm - 5:45pm ( Practice)

Thursday: 3:45pm - 5:45pm ( Practice )

Head Coach: Ronald Dorsey

Email: Rondorseyjr@gmail.com

Winter Sports Season

Boys Basketball

Head Coach: Sylvester Robinson

Email: Sylvester.Robinson@dc.gov

Girls Basketball

Head Coach: Troy Henderson

Email: Troy.Henderson@k12.dc.gov

Cheerleading

Head Coach: TBA

Boys Indoor Track & Field

Head Coach: Taurus McGhee

Email: Taurus.mcghee@dc.gov

Girls Indoor Track & Field

Head Coach: Mark Smith

Email: Mark.smith@k12.dc.gov

Swimming

Head Coach: Leonard Booker

Email: acebooker@yahoo.com

Adaptive Bowling

Head Coach: Tomicula Williams

Email: Tomicula.Williams@k12.dc.gov

Candidates interested in coaching or volunteering. Send your resume to Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov

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

Updated calendars for DCPS are available at this link.

School meal menus can be found here: dcps.dc.gov/menus

Thank you Ms. Tomlinson, Ms. Rosera, Ms. Latagan, Mr. Herr, Ms. Dixon, Ms. Hargrove, and Ms. Hilliard for collaborating to support students and families with device pick-up in the evenings and on weekends the last few weeks! Because of your extra efforts almost 400 students have picked up their device and we should have a mostly smooth beginning of year testing experience!

Shout out to Mr. Simmons and the SHMS Jazz Ensemble for their brave and impressive performance at the DC Jazz Festival yesterday!

You can find the latest edition of our student paper, The Panther Gazette, online for easy access anytime and on-the-go!

Please use this link to register for the SHMS chapter of We The Girls!

Contact Ms. Rouse or Ms. Bonner with questions or requests for more information.

You are invited to the annual DCPS Back to School Block Party at Eliot-Hine Middle School on Saturday, September 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.! Enjoy free food, fun activities, and student performances as we celebrate the start of a new school year. Be sure to tell your colleagues, school community, and neighbors to attend, too.

Registration is not required, but we'd love to know if you plan to attend. RSVP on Facebook and visit bit.ly/dcpsblockparty2022 to learn more.

**The information below is new or an updated version of something announced previously! **

You can find previously released newsletters and information here.

The most current version of the Student & Family Handbook is linked on our website.

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:

o 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

o Plain black cotton sweatshirts (front zip or pullover) and knit vests. No hoods.

o Khaki pants, skirts/shorts, worn at waist level.

o Comfortable closed-toed shoes or sneakers covering the entire foot. No sandals, slippers, or Crocs.

o Tops like crewneck t-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts (no hoods) that show school pride (e.g. SHMS or CHCS logos).

While students may wear some of the following to and from school, they are expected to avoid wearing all of the following during the school day, on trips, and in after-school activities:

• 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.

Uniform Non-Compliance Policy

Students should comply with the uniform policy daily. Uniform policy violations can be documented in Live School. Some uniform deficiencies can be remedied by the support team but the loss of instructional time should be avoided when supporting students in complying with the policy. If for some reason a student is out of compliance in your classroom you may reach out to a grade-level administrator or dean for support or remedy. Patterns of infractions should be handled like other Tier 1 and 2 infractions outlined above in the “Disciplinary Policy” section.

We are delighted to remind everyone that school meals are free for all students at SHMS again this year! School menus can be found here: dcps.dc.gov/menus.

If your student needs any dietary accommodations, please complete the Dietary Accommodation Forms. Any student that requires a different meal than what is being served (due to medical, food allergy, or philosophical reason) must complete the appropriate form and submit it to dietary.forms@k12.dc.gov or to the cafeteria lead. Please note that a new form is no longer required each year; only when the student requires a new accommodation or a change to their accommodation. Dietary accommodations from SY 19-20 and later will carry forward.

Adults, including teachers, school staff, and parents can purchase meals by creating an Adult Meal Account.

Follow us on social media to stay tuned with our latest events on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter using @DCPSEats.

More Helpful Links:

SY22-23 FARM Application

Join the School Food Collaborative!

Dietary Accommodation Forms

DCPS Local Wellness Policy
DCPS Website | Food and Nutrition Services

Stuart Hobson Debate Team Tournament Schedule 2022-2023

Tournaments start at 8:30 am and end (roughly) by 5:30 pm
Breakfast and lunch are provided
Participants are responsible for transportation to and from host sites. Should a last-minute change in location occur, every effort will be made to spread the information.

Questions? Contact Mr. Plaisted, kip.plaisted@k12.dc.gov

Student schedules have been posted in Aspen and should be visible to anyone with an Aspen account. Students or families without an account should soon receive an invitation to set one up by email. We will provide students with copies of their schedule during the first week of school as well.

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!

This policy is designed to ensure that the use of cell phones does not interfere with teaching and learning or student safety during the school day. As a result of these goals, students do not need to bring cell phones or other personal devices (e.g. laptops, tablets, etc.) to school as DCPS provides all students with a device for use during the school day.

If students bring a cell phone or other personal device (e.g. Apple watch, tablet, etc.) to school we will be collecting them during morning entry and returning them at the end of the school day. Families are strongly encouraged to maintain records and other identifying labels on student’s personal devices/technology to assist with reuniting students with lost devices. Examples include, maintaining a copy of the serial number, using lock screens and codes, etching name on the device, taping identification (e.g. name) on inside of cell phone case, etc.

Students may activate cell phones before school and after school. Students who violate these policies will have their phones taken and returned by an administrator or dean at the end of the school day. Any subsequent offenses will result in the cell phones or personal device being held for a parent/guardian to pick-up between 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

In addition to online/digital safety and responsibility, families are encouraged to discuss their students’ vulnerability to theft and/or physical harm when they carry expensive electronics. The school will NOT be responsible for the loss, damage or theft of cell phones and other electronic devices, including those devices turned into the school for storage during the school day. All students are aware of the policy and the expectations around cell phones.

In case of family emergencies, parents are encouraged to call our school main office so we can relay messages to your student and appropriate school staff. This allows staff to be aware of any serious concerns that could effect the student during the school day.

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

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.

MORE INFORMATION

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.

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.

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.

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).
  

While students may wear some of the following to and from school, they are expected to avoid wearing all of the following during the school day, on trips, and in after-school activities:

• 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.

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.

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!

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

DCPS is an inclusive school community and makes every effort to support all students. Below and attached are resources for LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies. We are grateful that Mr. Thrift is our liaison for this work at SHMS. Our Panther Pride club will soon start meeting again and you should expect more information in upcoming newsletters.

Please feel free to reach out to Mr. Thrift to begin building a relationship with this support network in the mean time. He works out of room 111 and can be reached at john.thrift2@k12.dc.gov

While some students regularly receive scheduled counseling and support from the many members of our mental health team, we want to remind everyone that all students are eligible to check-in with a social worker or counselor on an as needed basis too. If at any point in the school year you think that your student would benefit from the opportunity to meet or speak with a member of our team, please reach out to them directly or connect with a grade level administrator. We often help students navigate hardships like loss, grief, and change individually and in groups. Please reach out to a member of the team at any time if you would like to learn more!

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

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