
SHMS Family Newsletter
August 26, 2023
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
I am so excited to kick the new school year off on Monday! I am even more excited that some recent news continues to signal that the Stuart-Hobson Middle School community creates and outstanding experience for our students.
We were recently named as a people's choice finalist in the Washington City Paper's annual "Best of DC" list of middle schools. Also, PARCC results* for schools were published last week and I am proud to report that in addition to making year-over-year improvements in the volume of students meeting (L4) or exceeding (L5) expectations on both the Math and ELA exams. Each grade level also increased the number of students scoring L4 and L5! Further, we had the third highest percentages of students meeting or exceeding expectations in Math and ELA of any DCPS middle schools. This echoes the growth that we see on other standardized metrics (iReady and RI) where we also see that more time at SHMS truly accelerates learning for students!
In addition to the updates and guidance below, you can always access the most up-to-date version of our Student and Family Handbook here and our 6th grade families may find this article about the transition to middle school helpful.
Lastly, please remember that the entry line could move slowly in the first couple of days, barring athletics or a club all students are dismissed at 3:30 PM, and we will patiently practice everything about a "normal" school day with our students in the hours in between. I look forward to seeing many of you around school on Monday and here's to another fantastic school year full of Panther PRIDE!
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
*Individual student score reports are not yet available and we will share them with families as soon as they are later this Fall.
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Calendars
Weekly Calendar & Upcoming Dates
Monday
- Welcome back! First day of school year 2023-24!
Tuesday
- A great instructional day! Students follow their full schedule (we will distribute schedules at school)
- SHMS Hosts Chancellor Ferebee for 6th Grade Academy Pep Rally (families welcome), 1:00-2:30 PM
Wednesday
- A great instructional day!
- SHMS DramaPlayers - Winter Musical Auditions (rescheduled from 8/31)
Thursday
- A great instructional day!
Friday
- SHMS DramaPlayers - Winter Musical Auditions (rescheduled from 8/31)
Saturday
- SHMS Jazz Ensemble @ DC Jazz Festival, Pearl Street Stage, 2:00 PM
Upcoming Dates
September 5, LSAT Meeting, time TBD
September 7, Back to School Night, 6:00-7:30 PM
September 13, Welcome Wednesday PTA Meeting, time TBD
September 15, Hispanic Heritage Month begins
September 23, DCPS Back to School Block Party, McKinley Tech HS, 11:00-2:00 PM
September 29-30, Annual Cluster Scavenger Hunt
October 1, Bullying Prevention Month begins
October 9, Indigenous Peoples Day observed, schools closed
October 12, Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00-7:00 PM
October 17, Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00-7:00 PM
October 19, Schools closed for students
October 20, Professional Development Day for Teachers and Staff, schools closed for students
Athletics Schedule
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.
Universal Health Certificate (UHC). Students with certain medical conditions may also need to complete an Asthma Action Plan or an Anaphylaxis Action Plan
*ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED AND APPROVED BEFORE PARTICIPATION.
FALL SPORTS
Archery
Monday: 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Try-Outs)
Head Coach: Myron Alston
Email: maalston0563@gmail.com
Cross-Country
Start-Date: 9/5/23
Time: 4:00pm- 5:30pm
Head Coach: Tyler Smith
Email: Tyler.smith@k12.dc.gov
Football
Monday: 4:00pm - 6:00pm (Practice)
Tuesday: 5:00pm - 7:00pm (Practice)
Wednesday: 5:00pm - 7:00pm (Practice)
Thursday: 5:00pm - 7:00pm (Practice)
Friday: 4:00pm -6:00pm (Practice)
Head Coach: Stanley Stancil
Email: sstancil1@gmail.com
Assistant Coach: Dwayne Hill
Email: Dwayne.Hill@k12.dc..gov
Boys Soccer
Tuesday: 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Practice)
Wednesday: 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Practice)
Thursday: 3:30pm - 5:00pm (Practice)
Head Coach: Max Lempert
Email: Max.Lempert2@k12.dc.gov
Assistant Coach: Richard Strong
Email: Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov
Girls Soccer
Monday: Interest Meeting 3:30p - 3:45pm (Gym)
Head Coach: Dexter Batts
Email: Dexter.Batts@dc.gov
Volleyball
Wednesday: 4:00pm -5:30pm (Try-Outs)
Thursday: 4:00pm - 5:30pm (Try-Outs)
Friday: 4:00pm - 5:30pm (Try-Outs)
Assistant Coach: Linda Hilliard
Email: Linda.Hilliard@k12.dc.gov
WINTER SPORTS
Adapted Bowling
Bowling (Girls)
Basketball
Cheerleading
Indoor Track & Field
Swimming
SPRING SPORTS
Baseball
Outdoor Track & Field
Unified Basketball
Athletic Coaches Vacancies
Head Coach Swimming
DCPS Calendar & Meal Menus
Updated calendars for DCPS are available at this link.
All school meal menus can be found here and the middle and high school menus are here.
Shout Outs and Celebrations
Thank you to all of our staff, teachers, partners, and families for working to get us ready for school opening on Monday! The building looks great, everyone is energized, and we cannot wait to meet our students to begin the school year together!
As we start the new year we want to thank and acknowledge some employees and partners who will not be returning to SHMS this school year. Thank you City Year, Ms. Abdussalaam, Dr. Dezen, Mr. Espy, Mr. Nicholsen, Sr. Pizarro, Ms. Robinson, Ms. Taylor, and Ms. Valdez
We also want to welcome new staff and partners to our community. Please join me in welcoming the following people to our community:
Andral Hills, 6th Grade Academy Assistant Principal
Angelina Seymour, Science
Angeline M. Pino-Silva, Social Worker (CIS)
Bernadette Wittschen, Social Worker
Brandon Hill, Social Studies
Charles Benson, Custodian
Kiersten Morris, Social Worker (OCU)
Mikia Satchell, Behavior Tech
Tray Jackson, Custodian
Warren Andrews, Custodian
New Information and Important Updates
The First Day of School!
The first day of school is nerve-wracking, exciting, and quick. We are well-prepared to welcome your students and usher you all through the day.
Plan for your student to arrive at the 4th Street entrance between 8:15-8:45. Because we will be greeting one another and practicing all of our entry routines for the first time in a couple of months the line will likely move slowly. Like other routines, we will refine these over the early days of school, thank everyone for their patience, and know that the line will speed up as we approach the second week of school.
Once inside the building we will have staff members supervising and directing students throughout their day. We are also prepared to provide students with guidance, reminders, and support with everything they need. We will escort them from class-to-class, teach them how to open lockers, ensure they eat meals, and learn many other systems and routines that will become habits in the early weeks of school. To help with a smooth first day of school, students will spend the entire day with their first period teacher. Beginning on Tuesday, students will follow their full schedule. We will provide all students with a copy of their most current schedule (see Aspen), please do NOT send them to school with the version you received in the mail. By the end of the week, we will assign lockers. Until then, they will carry their belongings with them throughout the day.
The most common requests and questions during the first days of school are around student schedules. Please email any questions or requests to your student's guidance counselor or AP Turner. We will work through all schedule change requests and release updated schedules to students in batches. If there is an error on your student's schedule, please alert us by email and know that we will address it in the early days of school.
Because most staff will be focused on supporting students throughout the school day, we will not have many staff available to assist with parent and family needs early in the week. This can make the main office a busy place and cause longer-than-usual wait times. Wherever possible, please reach out to us by email to schedule an appointment or with any questions, requests, or updates and we will work to get back to your throughout the week.
At 3:30 PM students will be dismissed as follows:
6th Grade: Exit at 5th and E streets NE
7th Grade: Exit at middle of 5th Street NE
8th Grade: Exit at 4th and E streets NE
If you are picking up your student in a vehicle, please remember to only double park on the school side of any street. We strongly encourage families to identify a meet-up spot that is not on one of the blocks immediately surrounding the school to assist with a smooth dismissal process.
Lastly, unless they are participating in an athletic program outlined above, there are no other after-care programs running during the first weeks of school.
We cannot wait to see everyone for the first day of school on Monday!
Staffing & Schedule Updates
While our hiring team worked tirelessly throughout the Spring and summer to fill positions and prepare us for a strong start to the school year, we still have a combination of staff members on leave, others working through onboarding, and one vacancy that has been difficult to fill. Some of these staffing changes happened very late in the summer and the scheduling team has done a fantastic job of moving assignments around to best cover all of our students' needs. As you review your student's schedule, please note the following situations we are working through this year.
1. ELA - We have two teaching positions to cover and are doing so with current ELA teachers and certified long-term substitutes. This situation arose very recently so ELA programs for many students and staff in all three grade levels have changed since the earlier this summer as a result.
2. Spanish - We are waiting for a candidate to finish the onboarding process and expect them to report sometime in October. As a result, we will not be offering Spanish 1A during Term 1 and all students who initially had this course will be enrolled in a different elective/special for the term. Once our teacher is onboarded we will begin Spanish 1A in Term 2. This primarily impacts 7th graders.
3. Special Education, Inclusion - We are waiting for one additional teacher to finish onboarding and their presence will provide additional support in ELA courses. We expect this person to be cleared very soon.
Other support vacant positions (Behavior Tech and Psychologist) do not impact student schedules and we are working hard to fill them as well.
If you have any questions about your student's schedule, please reach out to their grade level administrator or counselor. We look forward to having the opportunity for families to connect with all teachers during Back to School Night on September 7th! As always, thank you all for your grace and patience as we work through the different staffing challenges that arise in any given school year.
Get Ready for the First Day of Meal Service!
We are excited that Stuart-Hobson Middle School is a CEP school again this year, meaning that all students will receive free school breakfast and lunch!
The DCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) team is excited to invite our students back into the cafeteria for SY23-24! Help us ensure that students are ready for the first day of meal service. Please see the SY 23-24 Meal Charge Policy, and dietary accommodations process for this school year.
REVISED DATES: Interested in Becoming a SHMS DramaPlayer?
The SHMS DramaPlayers seek to promote student involvement in the performing arts through middle school music theatre productions which create a variety of learning and community-building opportunities. Students are required to attend zero period (Mon-Fri) and any scheduled after school rehearsals in addition to enrolling in the 1st period theater elective class.
Interested students/families should be aware of the likeliness of increased time commitment and possible time conflicts with other extracurricular activities.
Want to join? Meet in Room 101 on Wednesday, August 30th or Friday, September 1st (revised dates) from 3:30-4:30 pm.
Please prepare/or bring the following:
Actors: 1 min monologue (original or recited from
your favorite musical/movie). Or you may sing an excerpt from a song that you like.
Dancers: Prepare a 30 sec-1min solo which demonstrates your best technique.
Tech: Be ready to share what area you specifically would like to work with and why. (Backstage crew, audio/sound, lighting, costumes, makeup). What talents do you possess already that will strengthen our team? How well do you work with others? How motivated are you to learn new skills?
SHMS Debate Team
Get involved with Debate! This year’s competitive topic is Income Inequality, and we would love to hear your voice!
We meet in Room 219 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 – 5:00.
See Mr. Plaisted (kip.plaisted@k12.dc.gov) for more information.
Stuart-Hobson MS Mock Trial
Stuart Hobson Mock Trial
Sept. 22, 2023 - May, 2024
This is a great program for any student - introverts, extroverts, wanna-be lawyers, actors, writers, free thinkers, good-at-arguing-with-siblings, and everyone in between.
You can read about last year's final trial here.
Program Description
Over the course of the year, students will prepare to conduct a mock criminal trial, with students taking on roles as lawyers and witnesses. The program culminates in May 2024 with a full mock trial before a real judge in a real courtroom (and before an audience of family and friends).
During class, students will learn the nuts and bolts of trials and effective trial advoacy skills. We will also discuss the legal system, some current events that pertain to the law and careers in the law. The majority of class time will be spent preparing for the mock trial. Students will work in teams (the defense team or the prosecution team) to get their “case” ready for trial. Depending on their role, the students will write opening and closing arguments, as well as questions for direct and cross examinations of witnesses.
This class is taught by Kate Weisburd, a Stuart Hobson parent. She has taught this class before at Stuart, as well as for 5th graders at Ludlow Taylor. By day, Ms. Weisburd is a professor at George Washington Law School and previously worked as a trial attorney for many years. GW Law students also provide additional coaching as guest teachers.
The first class will be Friday, September 22, 2023.
Questions? Feel free to reach out to Ms. Weisburd at kweisburd@law.gwu.edu
Ready to join?
Interested students (or their guardians) should complete this form by September 8, 2023.
If there are more interested students than can be accommodated, a lottery will be used to select the final class list. Accepted students will be notified by email in mid-September.
FAQs:
Does my child have to have an interest in the law?
Absolutely not. It's great if they do, but it's equally great if they don't. This program is designed to expose students to what it's like to be a lawyer, but it's also a great chance to practice written and oral advocacy. Mock trial is also a great fit for students who like to perform and who might enjoy playing a witness.
What happens during class time?
Each class will be structured with a set lesson plan that includes lots of opportunity to practice advocacy skills. Over the course of the year, the students will work towards preparing for a final mock trial.
What is required of the students?
The most important requirement is that students attend class each week. Missing class every now and then is inevitable and fine. There will also be Fridays when class has to be canceled. But this is a full year commitment. There will also be very short and low-key homework assignments. In the spring, students will work on writing witness questions, as well as opening and closing statements.
Spread the Word: Jobs at SHMS!
Our recruitment and hiring processes are underway for the positions listed below. Please share this list of opportunities with colleagues and acquaintances who would be a great fit for our school community. In addition to applying to the DCPS pool of applicants by following the links below, interested candidates can express their interest in an opportunity by emailing our hiring team and/or Principal Fraser.
Teacher, English Language Arts
Teacher, Special Education - Inclusion
Thanks everyone for spreading the word about these opportunities!
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.
**The information below is new or an updated version of something announced previously! **
Aspen Parent Portal
Student schedules have been posted in Aspen and should be visible to anyone with an existing Aspen account after August 18th. Students or families without an account should soon receive an invitation to set one up by email (check your Junk folder). We will provide students with copies of their schedule during the first week of school as well.
Aspen Family Portal
Aspen Family Portal accounts should reflect the new school year on/after August 18th. 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.
If you have any questions about accessing Aspen or your student's grades or schedule please reach out to their counselor, Ms. Schimmerling or Ms. Williams, or grade level administrator, AP Hills - 6th, AP Taylor - 7th, or AP Turner - 8th.
Save the Date: Back-to-School Block Party
You are invited to the annual DCPS Back-to-School Block Party at McKinley Tech High School on Saturday, September 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Enjoy free food and fun activities, learn about city resources, and watch 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. RSVP today.
Recommended 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.
New Families Orientation Recording
Thank you to the new families who were able to join us in-person or virtually for our New Families Orientation sessions recently. If you are a new family, or just want a refresher about everything we do at Stuart-Hobson MS and key policies and procedures, please review this recording of the virtual session (please note that the orientation begins shortly after the 13 minute mark in the recording). Also, families can always find the most current resources and information about our school in this folder.
While families who attended were able to pick up their student's schedule and the summer mailing, those who were not able to join us should receive their student's schedule with the summer mailing sometime in soon.
Strategic Plan Community Update
Over the last year, input from thousands of stakeholders – including families, staff, and students – has shaped the direction of our next five-year strategic plan, ensuring that it aligns with the needs of our community. In June, we conducted a survey to ensure we gathered feedback on the implementation of our goals. You can see the dynamic report here. We look forward to sharing the final plan with the entire DCPS community in early fall.
Put Vaccines on Your Back-to-School List
To attend school, families are required to submit their student’s up-to-date immunization records by the first day. Vaccinations are critical for preventing illness and reducing the dangers that can come with being exposed to certain diseases. Click here for more information and forms, including the full list of required childhood immunizations. If you have not already submitted your child’s immunization records to your school, here is what you need to do now:
- Make an appointment with your child’s doctor. DC offers resources to help find a health provider if you do not have health insurance. More resources can be found at pedsvax.dc.gov.
- Have the doctor complete the DC Universal Health Certificate. Your health provider may also provide a different proof of immunization document or an exemption explanation.
- Submit your immunization paperwork to your child’s school. You can drop it off or call the school’s main office if you have questions about how to submit your form.
Immunizations & Mobile Vaccination Clinics
OSSE and DC Health are pleased to announce recurring mobile vaccination clinics at three locations provided by KIDS’ Mobile Medical Clinic (KMMC)/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (RMHC) (images & attachments). Students can receive their vaccinations at any of the three clinic locations, regardless of the student’s school. Students will be seen regardless of insurance status. Care comes with no direct cost to patients—families will never be billed for care.
For students to receive immunizations at a mobile clinic, parents/guardians should:
- Be present with the student.
- Complete registration and consent prior to arrival: forms.office.com/r/0VNUFSu4J5.
- Fill out and bring the Screening Checklist Form (image and attachment below).
- Make every effort to bring vaccine records or check with their school on what vaccinations the student needs.
Please direct mobile clinic questions to Kiersten Lally, Nurse Clinician for KMMC/RMHC at (202) 444-8888 or communitypediatrics20@medstar.net.
Other Vaccination Opportunities with Families
The best place for families to access required immunizations is through their medical provider. Expanded vaccination access opportunities include:
- School-Based Health Centers: Families with students ages 3 and older will be able to visit any school-based health center, regardless of where the student is enrolled, for a vaccination-only appointment.
- Pediatric Immunization Clinics: Daily vaccination opportunities conducted with community partners at sites throughout the District (See Pediatric Vaccination Opportunities Calendar, Attachment 3). Additional information on immunization requirements is available here.
All pediatric immunization clinics are free, though insured families should bring their insurance cards to their immunization appointments.
Reminder: After-School All-Stars Registration Open for SY 2023-24
Registration for after-school programming with our partner After-School All-Stars is open for the upcoming school year. We expect programming to run daily from 3:30-6:00. Spots are filled on a first-come, first served basis and ASAS is reserving 40 seats for 6th graders and 20 each for 7th and 8th grade. ASAS also manages any waitlists and requests for technical support.
Please reach out to Mr. Evroy Marrett with any questions or requests at evroy.marrett@afterschoolallstars.org
SY 2023-24 Uniform Policy & Dress Code Survey Results and Updates
Thank you to the more than 200 stakeholders who responded to our uniform policy and dress code survey at the end of the school year! The majority of respondents in the two surveys (staff and students/families) demonstrated a preference for maintaining the tradition of our school uniform and/or dress code expectations while finding ways. Further, there was feedback showing that we should find ways to incentivize compliance and expand opportunities to showcase individuality and school pride. While the policy outlined below does not outline any major shifts in overall expectations it does include a couple of changes aimed at increasing opportunities to express individuality, show school pride, and dress for shifting weather and school climate conditions.
Specifically, please note the following shifts/clarifications:
- Any clothing that identifies SHMS or the Capitol Hill Cluster School will be allowed in place of or as a supplement to the uniform. Think SHMS team outfits, t-shirts, sweatsuits, etc.
- SHMS/Cluster hoodies, so long as the hoods are not used as a head/face covering during the school day, ARE allowed.
- Long-sleeved t-shirts, preferably a solid color, are allowed under red polo shirts.
- Uniform compliance will be celebrated and used for LiveSchool points, field trip eligibility, and other rewards.
Additionally, while there is no expectation that families use either avenue, please find the opportunity to procure dress code compliant outfits here and one vendor with information about uniforms in the flyer below.
SY 2023-24 Uniform Policy and Dress Code
The SHMS uniform policy is designed to maintain school pride and traditions while contributing to a safe and predictable school experience for students and families.
School uniforms or other apparel that identifies our school 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 red, black, or white crewneck sweaters/sweatshirts (front zip, button up, or pullover) and vests. No hoods.
o Long sleeved, plain color, crew/V-neck shirts may be worn underneath uniform shirts.
o Khaki pants, skirts, shorts, worn at waist level. Khaki jumpers are also acceptable.
o Comfortable closed-toed shoes or sneakers covering the entire foot. Shoes and sneakers should lace-up or fit snugly. No sandals, slippers, or Crocs.
o Any clothing that identifies our school community by name or logo (e.g. Stuart-Hobson MS or the Capitol Hill Cluster School) may be worn in place of uniform components. This includes hoodies.
Dress Code
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:
• Hooded coats, shirts, and sweatshirts,
• Outerwear like jackets, fleeces, parkas, windbreakers, etc.,
• Hats and other head coverings (e.g. winter/baseball hats, ski masks, bonnets, goggles, scarves, etc.)
• Metal studs on headbands and other accessories
• Khaki-colored leggings/ tights (worn in place of Khaki pants).
• Small purses or fanny packs
Religious, medical, or other personal exemptions/exceptions to any of the above expectations should be made by parents/families and documented with the school culture and/or administrative teams prior to taking effect.
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
Students should comply with the uniform policy daily and will be recognized for compliance with LiveSchool points, eligibility for trips and other activities, and other rewards. 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. Incidents and patterns of infractions will be handled like other Tier 1 and 2 infractions.
Attention Medicaid Beneficiaries!
Did you know all District residents who access healthcare services via DC Medicaid, Alliance, or the Immigrant Children’s Program must start renewing their health coverage again? Don’t miss out on important information- take time today to update your address, phone number, and email at districtdirect.dc.gov so the Department of Health Care Finance knows where to send your Medicaid renewal letter. If you need help, please call the Public Benefits Call Center at 202-727-5355.
DCPS Strategic Plan Community Update
We are excited to share a community update on the 2023-2028 DCPS Strategic Plan. Your input has been instrumental in shaping the direction of our strategic plan and ensuring that it aligns with the needs of our community, and we want to make sure we hear from your school on how this plan will be implemented. Please take and share this survey with your contacts in our school community. To review the “What We Heard” report summarizing our community engagement last fall, visit dcpsstrong.com/strategic-plan.
Enrollment for School Year 2023-2024 is now open!
I am so excited to report that 93% of families have already enrolled for the upcoming school year! If your student is joining us next year, please complete your enrollment online or by contacting the main office for support as soon as possible.
Thank you for being a part of DCPS this school year, and we look forward to welcoming your family again next year. If you haven’t already, be sure to first learn about your in-boundary school and feeder school.
Enrollment can be completed in the following three steps:
Submit your completed enrollment packet to your DCPS school.
We want to support you with enrollment, so if you need assistance, please contact your school or the DCPS Enrollment Team at enroll@k12.dc.gov.
DCPS Calendar Updates for SY 2023-24 & 2024-25
Dear DCPS Community,
I am writing to share updates to the DC Public Schools (DCPS) calendar for the upcoming 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years, including an adjustment to the first day of school.
At DCPS, we work to develop a calendar that reflects the needs and preferences of families and staff, honors agreements with our labor partners, and adheres to the requirements of local regulations. To learn about our community’s calendar preferences, we engaged over 1,300 community members representing every DCPS school to provide feedback on the calendars that were released last spring.
Thank you to those who participated!
The recently passed Elections Modernization Amendment Act of 2021 necessitates a shift in the upcoming school year calendars as it requires DCPS to close on DC’s primary election day in June. As we explored options for this adjustment, we prioritized the feedback from the initial development of a calendar that included ending school prior to the Juneteenth holiday and minimizing the number of partial weeks.
Please note the following adjustments:
School Year 2023-2024
School will start on Monday, August 28, 2023, instead of Tuesday, August 29.
Tuesday, January 2, 2024, will be a professional development day for staff. There are no changes to the announced student schedule for winter break; classes will resume on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Schools will be closed for teachers and students on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, for DC’s primary election day.
School Year 2024-2025
School will start on Monday, August 26, 2024, instead of Tuesday, August 27.
Friday, January 17, 2025, will be a professional development day. School will be closed for students.
There is no DC primary election day in June 2025.
We also anticipate adjustments to the School Year 2025-2026 calendar, and we are working with city leadership to finalize those updates. It is our hope that sharing this information supports your planning for the years ahead with DCPS. You can review updated school calendars at dcps.dc.gov/page/dcps-calendars.
Sincerely,
Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.
Chancellor
Attention Medicaid Beneficiaries!
Did you know all District residents who access healthcare services via DC Medicaid, Alliance, or the Immigrant Children’s Program must start renewing their health coverage again? Don’t miss out on important information- take time today to update your address, phone number, and email at districtdirect.dc.gov so the Department of Health Care Finance knows where to send your Medicaid renewal letter. If you need help, please call the Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355.
Student Clubs & Extra-Curriculars
Policies & Daily Operations
School Mental Health Supports
Supports for Students & Families
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