
SHMS Family Newsletter
July 30, 2023
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer break! We are more than 95% enrolled for the year, past the halfway point in summer break, and finalizing plans for the return of all staff and students at the end of August.
Below you will find information about our finalized uniform and dress code policy for the school year, and links to two of the many stores where you can procure uniform compliant outfits.
Please remember that registration for 6th grade summer bridge (Panther Pride Academy) closes this week so please register if you have not already. Registered families will receive a follow-up email with directions for signing up with ASAS for the optional afternoon enrichment opportunities during Panther Pride.
I hope everyone continues to have a fun-filled and energizing summer break!
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
Subscribe / Unsubscribe
You can add additional preferred e-mail addresses to the distribution list here.
As a reminder, all current and past newsletters are posted on our website for your reference.
You can unsubscribe by scrolling to the bottom of any newsletter and pressing 'Unsubscribe'
Calendars
Upcoming Dates: July & August
Upcoming Dates
August 1, Deadline to register for Panther Pride Academy
August 1, National Night Out
August 7-11, Panther Pride Academy (summer bridge for rising 6th graders)
August 8, New Family Orientation (in-person), 9:30 AM
August 28, First day of school!
September 5, LSAT Meeting, time TBD
September 7, Back to School Night, 6:00-7:30 PM
September 23, DCPS Back to School Block Party, McKinley Tech HS, 11:00-2:00 PM
September 29-30, Annual Cluster Scavenger Hunt
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
Try-Out Date(s): 8/22/23 & 8/23/23
Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Head Coach: Myron Alston
Email: maalston0563@gmail.com
Cross-Country
Start-Date: TBA
Head Coach: Taurus McGhee
Email: Taurus.McGhee@dc.gov
Football
First Practice: 7/31/23
Time: 4:00pm - 7:30pm
Head Coach: Stanley Stancil
Email: sstancil1@gmail.com
Assistant Coach: Dwayne Hill
Email: Dwayne.Hill@k12.dc..gov
Boys Soccer
First Practice: 8/23/23
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Stuart-Hobson Field
Head Coach: Richard Strong
Email: Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov
Girls Soccer
First Practice: 8/23/23
Time: 4:00pm
Location: Stuart-Hobson Field
Head Coach: Dexter Batts
Email: Dexter.Batts@dc.gov
Volleyball
Skill Development Training
Date: TBA
Try-Outs: 8/29/23 - 9/1/23
Time: 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Head Coach: TBD
Email: TBD
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 Boys Soccer
Head Coach Girls Bowling
Head Coach Swimming
DCPS Calendar
Updated calendars for DCPS are available at this link.
School meal menus can be found here: dcps.dc.gov/menus
Shout Outs and Celebrations
Thank you Ms. Latagan for welcoming some of our rising 6th graders for an early opportunity to prepare for Math 6 during the last two weeks!
Have a great summer everyone!
New Information and Important Updates
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.
Panther Pride Academy: August 7-11
Greetings to our new students and families!
We are so excited to welcome our new students for Panther Pride Academy (Summer Bridge) in early August! As a reminder, students are invited to join us from 9:00-3:30 PM for a full day of programming with our staff and After-School All-Stars from August 7-11. If you plan for your student to stay for the full-day of programming you must register for both the morning sessions with SHMS and the afternoon sessions with ASAS. Thank you to the almost 100 new families who have already registered their students. Please note that registration will close at the end of the day on Tuesday, August 1st.
During Panther Pride, students who are new to SHMS will begin building community and familiarize themselves with school staff and routines. We will practice opening lockers, transitioning from classes, practicing morning entry routines, literacy, and math work, and having fun!
We want to share some additional reminders and logistical details as everyone plans for our time together.
Here's an easy version of the daily schedule to help you plan for your student's day and week*:
Daily Schedule
8:45, Drop-off and student entry begin at the 4th Street entrance
9:00-12:00, Panther Pride Academy with SHMS teachers & staff (breakfast included)
12:00-1:00, Lunch (included), recess, and dismissal with SHMS & ASAS staff. Students attending only the morning session will be released to travel home from the 4th Street entrance between 12:00-12:30 PM
1:00-3:30, Enrichment activities with ASAS staff
3:30-4:00, Dismissal & Pick-Up at 4th Street entrance. Students will be released to travel home from the 4th Street entrance beginning at 3:30 PM
*Note that Friday's program is with ASAS staff only and may have a later end time because of a tentative field trip. More information will be shared when plans are finalized.
**A brief orientation for new families will take place on Tuesday, August 8 from 9:30-11:00 with Principal Fraser in room 101. The same orientation will take place virtually that evening beginning at 6:00 PM. Families can enter through the main entrance on E Street beginning at 9:00 AM.
FAQs
1. Uniform - Students do NOT need to wear a uniform to Panther Pride Academy. In fact, because of some light physical activity, students are encouraged to dress comfortably and wear sneakers.
2. Personal belongings - Students are welcome to bring a backpack with any supplies or other materials, though nothing is required specifically for Panther Pride. Also, students will get some practice with weapons abatement (a.k.a "scanning") this week. Students can bring an empty, refillable water bottle (no glass) and any lunch/snack. Please note that metal silverware, glass containers, and any open containers with any liquid (e.g. water, iced tea, soda, etc.) will likely be confiscated by security. Lastly, while students may bring a cell phone to Panther Pride, they will not need it for any portion of the programming and our staff will collect and store them in lock boxes during programming as we do during the school year.
3. Needs and Accommodations: If your student has any specific personal needs or accommodations that we should be aware of (physical, dietary, social, etc.), or if you have any general questions please reach out to AP Andral Hills (6th Grade Academy AP), andral.hills@k12.dc.gov, Counselor Williams, tomicula.williams@k12.dc.gov, AP Turner, katherine.turner@k12.dc.gov, AP Rennie Taylor, rennie.taylor@k12.dc.gov, or Principal Fraser, eric.fraser@k12.dc.gov before our sessions begin.
4. Schedules - We will share information about students' schedules, the uniform policy, lockers, student safety, IEPs, and many other topics during the new family orientations, summer mailing, and via the school handbook.
5. ASAS: If you have any questions about After-School All-Stars specifically, please contact Mr. Evroy Marrett at: evroy.marrett@afterschoolallstars.org.
Please reach out to AP Hills, Counselor Williams, or AP Turner with any questions. We will share any final updates or reminders in the days before Panther Pride and look forward to engaging with you and your student(s) in August!
DCPS Summer Youth Meal Program
Just because school ends doesn’t mean school meals do - free breakfast and lunch will be available to all children and youth aged 18 and younger across the city all summer long. While DCPS can no longer offer meals to-go, students are welcome to stop into a participating DCPS meal site where they can be served a meal to consume on-site. DCPS summer meal locations, hours, and menus can be found here. Please note that meal locations and hours are subject to change. For additional sites near you, please visit here, call 1-866-348-6479 or text “Comida or Food" to 304-30.
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
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.
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! **
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