
SHMS Family Newsletter
July 6, 2021
Principal's Message
Greetings Stuart-Hobson community,
We are excited to kick-off our summer programming with staff and students today. If you have not already signed up for anything please use this form to indicate your interest in any of our summer offerings except for Acceleration Academy, which is invite-only. The full list of programs is outlined below. AP Turner (katherine.turner@k12.dc.gov) is our summer leader and we encourage you to direct any questions or requests for support directly to her.
Like many of you, summer is an opportunity for all of us to recharge and plan for the upcoming school year. To make sure that the person who can support you is available, we strongly recommend calling or emailing ahead of time to schedule an appointment. The most common reasons for school visits and appropriate points of contact (POCs) during the summer, are listed below:
AP Turner: Summer programs, Aspen, and 8th grade
AP Taylor (rennie.taylor@k12.dc.gov): Special education, transportation, and 7th grade
Mr. Howard (devin.howard2@k12.dc.gov): Enrollment and technology
Lastly, please note that the newsletter will not resume weekly distribution until the middle of August and you can expect some intermittent newsletters, memos, and targeted communications about summer programs between now and then.
Warm regards,
Eric Fraser
Principal
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Calendars
Upcoming Dates
- Today, July 6, Deadline to submit medical documentation for virtual school enrollment in SY 2021-22
- July 19-30, SHMS Acceleration Academy
- August 9-12, Panther Pride Academy (6th Grade Summer Bridge)
- August 13, 7th Grade Orientation
- August 30, First Day of School for Students!
- September 6, Labor Day Observed, no school for staff or students
DCPS Calendar
Shout Outs and Celebrations
Congratulations again to the 8th Grade Class of 2021 - if you missed our promotion ceremonies you can watch the virtual edition that was emailed to 8th grade families anytime!
Enjoy your summer break!
Summer Opportunities & Announcements
DCPS Device Return
Summer Opportunities
Music Workshops w/Mr. Simmons (in-person)
Program Description: During our summer enrichment program students will learn brass, woodwind, percussion, and string essentials such as warmups scales, arpeggios, rudiments, and long tones etc. Students will also assemble into various ensemble configurations like drum line, string ensemble, pep band and funk band, which will include rhythm section players including pianists, guitarists, drummers, and bassists. Students will also benefit from learning music theory and application through improvisation. Select students will learn music programming into DAW (digital audio workstation) and music production
July 6-16, 1:00-4:00 PM, Monday-Friday
Seats: 30
Real World Equations w/Mr. Monsanto (in-person)
August 2 - 6
Program Description: Math enrichment
Target Audience: Rising 8th graders
Seats:15
Theater & Company w/Mrs. Pergerson and Mrs. Kensey (in-person)
Program Description: The SHMS Drama Players are ready for action! This summer enrichment class will serve as a jumpstart to the upcoming Fall season for students interested in auditioning. Students will engage their imaginations as they experience the thrill of creating live theatre. Focus will be placed on learning basic acting techniques, improvisation, and elements of performance. Each class sessions will involve drama games, choreography, and ensemble work to promote self-confidence and team spirit. At the end of the summer session, students will share their work in a free, public performance.
July 6 – 23, 1:00-4:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Target Audience: All grade levels
Seats: 30
Health & Wellness w/Mr. Strong (in-person) PROGRAM IS FULL!
Journalism 101 w/Mrs. Tomlinson(in-person) PROGRAM IS FULL
Podcasting 101 w/Mrs. Tomlinson (in-person) PROGRAM IS FULL
DCPS Virtual Summer Programs are also FULL.
DCPS Summer Meals
Lastly, additional food resources can be found here.
Summer Reading
Kids Ride Free Cards
Here are a few reminders about KRF Cards and public transit:
- SY20-21 cards will remain valid through September 30th
- Face coverings are required at school and on all modes of public transit
- Tap the KRF card, always
- Don’t leave home without the KRF card
- DC Student Ride Guide is available online with safe rider tips
- There is no fee for replacement cards
Questions? Students, families, and school staff can visit KidsRideFree.dc.gov or call (202) 673-1740.
If any SHMS students or families need a card or have questions, please reach out to Ms. Hargrove, clara.hargrove@k12.dc.gov
NEW SCHOOL YEAR Action Items for Families
Virtual School Option for SY 2021-22
While we expect the overwhelming majority of our students will return to full-time in-person learning, we know there are a few who have a documented medical condition who need to continue virtual learning. To support these students, DC Public Schools will offer virtual instruction for those who meet medical eligibility requirements.
The only way to access remote learning is by submitting a completed medical eligibility form signed by your child's doctor. You can review the form and read a FAQ for families at https://dcpsreopenstrong.com/sy21-22/virtual.
If you are interested in virtual learning for a student with a medical need, families should complete by registration process by July 31, 2021, by following these steps:
- Complete student enrollment for SY21-22. You may submit enrollment forms electronically online or complete them at the school you will attend next year.
- Download the COVID-19 Medical Consent and Certification for Distance Learning prepared by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) or pick up a copy from your school.
- Contact your child’s medical provider so they may complete and sign the medical consent form for virtual learning. Forms must be signed by a physician or nurse practitioner, or they will not be accepted.
- Complete the virtual learning registration process by uploading your student’s medical consent form signed by their doctor by July 6. You can just take a picture of the signed form if you do not have an electronic copy. The form will ask for your student’s ID number. If you do not have the ID number, please contact your school.
- Our Student Health Services team will follow up with you if your form is incomplete, or to notify you if your form has been accepted.
If you have more questions about virtual learning, please let us know. For general questions on virtual learning in SY21-22, you can reach out to the Office of Integrity at dcps.cio@k12.dc.gov or call 202-442- 5885 (Option 2). If you have questions about medical eligibility for virtual learning, or the medical consent and certification form, please contact the Student Health team at medicalconsent@k12.dc.gov.
Online registration form (SPANISH)
SHMS School Uniforms
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 3:15 pm, unless athletic, dance or other specific apparel is required by the coach/leader.
Uniforms include:
- School swag including Cluster gear, SHMS t-shirts/sweatshirts or other Stuart-Hobson apparel
- Long or short-sleeved solid red polo shirt for all students.
- Plain black cotton sweatshirts (front zip or pullover) and knit vests
- Khaki pants, skirts/shorts worn at waist level.
- Comfortable closed-toed shoes or sneakers covering the entire foot.
- Any non-SHMS logo on uniform shirts or sweatshirts must be the size of a $1 bill (1 dollar) or smaller.
- Small purses or fanny packs
- Hoods over student heads while inside school
- Metal studs on headbands and other accessories
- Outerwear (vests or jackets made of fleece or other coat-like materials) in the building
- Khaki colored leggings/ tights (worn in place of Khaki pants).
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.
Return to Play Update – June 16
DCPS Athletics Community:
The following are key updates regarding the operations of DCPS Athletics programs, which align with the declaration and guidance on the return of all sports outlined by the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) and Mayor’s Emergency Health Order 2021-069. Updates and guidance on summer athletics preparation and fall sports is included below.
Indoor Athletic Space – Gymnasiums and Weight Rooms
Skill development, conditioning activities, and workouts in indoor spaces (gyms and weight rooms) may begin immediately. Athletic Directors and coaches must review and implement all protocols and guidance outlined in the DCPS Athletics Return to Play Plan.
Fall Sports Season Update
DCPS Athletics is planning for a full return to in-person athletic operations for the fall season of SY2021-2022. Tryouts and practices for fall sports teams start on August 2, 2021; details will be outlined through each school and team(s). Completed student-athlete participation forms are currently being accepted in preparation for the fall sports season.
COVID-19 Vaccination
As we prepare for the full return to sports this fall, everyone should do their part to lessen their risk of acquiring or spreading COVID-19. The safest way to resume play is to get vaccinated. We encourage everyone to get the vaccine. Get in the game and take your shot!
Communication and Resources
DCPS Athletics will continue to evaluate and implement the latest safety measures. Updates and guidance will continue to be provided and are available in the DCPS Athletics Return to Play Plan.
Calling All Athletes!
If you are interested in participating in any of the following sports at Stuart-Hobson during SY 2021- 2022 please fill out the interest form for that sport. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Strong, SHMS Athletic Director, at richard.strong@k12.dc.gov
Coaching Opportunities
Mr. Strong, the SHMS Athletic Director, is seeking interested candidates to coach some of our sports teams for the upcoming school year. The following sports are most in need of interested and qualified candidates, please spread the word!
Girls Head Basketball Coach (winter sport) --$2,000.00 stipend (approx.)
Boys Assistant Basketball Coach (winter sport)- $1,000.00 stipend (approx.)
Head Lacrosse Coach (Spring sport) -- $800.00 stipend (approx.)
Qualifications: CPR Certified, DCIAA Coaches Certifications, Cleared Criminal Background Check
Interested candidates should send a letter of interest to Richard.Strong@k12.dc.gov.
Analyzing maps in geography!
Stuart-Hobson Panthers
6th Graders Speaking for Social Justice!
Previous Announcements & Resources
***Everything below this section of the newsletter has been announced in previous editions***
After School All-Stars for SY 2021-22
Summer & SY 2021-22 Updates
A few important action items and points of reference mentioned in the info session are summarized below:
- Enroll for the upcoming school year so your student is eligible for summer programs.
- Complete and submit health forms with your enrollment application or before the start of summer programs / SY 2021-22.
- Bookmark the DCPS SY 2021-22 Reopen Strong website to stay current on plans and policies about the upcoming school year.
- If your student will attend virtual school in the Fall semester, a doctor or registered nurse must complete the Medical Consent and Certification for Distance Learning form and submit it online or in-person by July 6th. information about eligibility and the form can be found on the DCPS Reopen Strong website.
- We strongly recommend that everyone who is eligible gets vaccinated to help stop the spread of Covid-19. You can find information about vaccination sites across the district here.
- If you are new to our school community, join the Capitol Hill Cluster PTA and/or sign-up for the listserv to keep current on the goings-on in our school community and to connect with other parents.
Information and guidance are still in development for the following items:
- After-school programming and athletics sign-up,
- Course preference survey for student schedule building, and,
- Device return procedures.
If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to any member of our leadership team:
Mr. Howard (DSL), devin.howard2@k12.dc.gov - Building operations and access, front office communications, and technical assistance.
AP Rennie Taylor, rennie.taylor@k12.dc.gov - 7th grade, Special Education, English learners, 504 plans, and Science.
AP Katherine Turner, katherine.turner@k12.dc.gov - 8th grade, programming and schedules, enrollment, Social Studies, electives, and summer programs.
Principal Fraser, eric.fraser@k12.dc.gov, 6th grade, ELA and Math, all things SHMS!
Immunizations: No Shots, No School
All immunization records and Universal Health Certificates must be up to date in order for your child to return to in-person school virtual-only learning concludes. Students who have not submitted the appropriate documentation will be removed from in-person learning until their document submission is completed successfully.
Records can be submitted via email to Tiffany Mcilvaine and Janice Myles (Senior School Nurse). If you are unable to email, you can schedule an appointment to drop off records at the school. Appointments and email submission should be submitted to: tiffany.mcilvaine@k12.dc.gov and/or JMyles@childrensnational.org
Policies & Daily Operations
DCPS Roadmap to #RecoverStrong - May Update
Dear DCPS Community,
A month ago, we announced DC Public Schools will fully reopen for the 2021-2022 School Year with in-person learning for every student every day. This is an incredibly critical milestone to ensure our students remain on the path for success in college, career, and life.
Enrollment for SY21-22 is now open online at enrolldcps.dc.gov. We want to thank our families who are helping their school better prepare for welcoming back students next year by enrolling early. Our Enrollment Saturday and other in-person events from the past few weeks demonstrate there is eagerness and excitement to return to the classroom. We also want to thank our staff who are ensuring our students end the year strong — no matter if they are learning virtually or at school — and putting plans in place to be ready for day one of SY21-22 on August 30.
Updated Local and Federal COVID-19 Guidance and Impact to DCPS
This week, local and national leaders announced adjustments to COVID-19 safety protocols, and we want to provide an update on what they mean for DCPS.
For the remainder of the school year, all current health, safety, and school operational policies will remain in effect for DCPS staff, students, and visitors. This means that our mitigation strategies to keep students and staff safe such as wearing masks, social distancing, student cohorting, and daily health screenings are staying in place. The last day of school for students is June 24 and the last day for staff is June 25. This also means that high school graduation and student promotion ceremonies will continue as planned.
The news that our city-wide health metrics are trending in the right direction makes us incredibly hopeful that we will meet our commitment to fully reopen in the fall. This kind of certainty is necessary, along with the strategic budget planning and classroom capacity analysis already underway, as we continue on our path to #RecoverStrong and build confidence around the return to in-person learning.
This week, we held the first of our #RecoverStrong town hall series and provided an update on DCPS’ road to recovery ahead of next school year. You can watch a replay of the event on YouTube or download the presentation slides. Next week on May 19 at 5:00 p.m., we will provide the same information in Spanish and take questions from families. You can RSVP here.
A few highlights from the conversation:
COVID-19 Vaccine
While the COVID-19 vaccine is currently not required for students to attend school next year, we encourage all students ages 12 and older and their parents and caregivers to get vaccinated. If you want to see students back in school, then it is our responsibility as a community for everyone to receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available to them. We are collaborating with local health officials to host vaccination clinics at our schools. More details are forthcoming.
On Wednesday, DC Health announced that DC residents who are 12-15 years old can now get vaccinated at the free walk-up sites, hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies that administer the Pfizer vaccine. Visit coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc to see where the Pfizer vaccine is available for young people each day. People 18 and older can receive any approved vaccine to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.
Afterschool Programs
The return to in-person learning for students is also about the return to in-person work for adults and our commitment to meeting families’ childcare needs. DCPS is proud to announce that we will offer before and aftercare next school year. More information about how to register for DCPS Out of School Time Programs will be available this summer.
Commuting to School
We know our students and staff rely on public transportation to get to school every day. During the town hall, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) shared how they are protecting the public and their workforce against the spread of COVID-19. Did you know that Metrorail cars complete a full air change approximately every three minutes, and on buses, new air enters frequently as the doors open and close at each stop? Follow the link to learn about how Metro is ensuring health and safety precautions are in place. Stay tuned for information about the Kids Ride Free (KRF) program for next school year.
Recovery Investments Survey
As we shared earlier this week, we look forward to receiving your feedback on how DCPS should prioritize the use of our federal recovery funds under the American Rescue Plan. Visit bit.ly/dcps-recovery-survey to share your opinion on these investments as well as what you need to see or hear from our schools to feel safe returning to in-person learning this fall.
Sincerely,
Lewis D. Ferebee, Ed.D.
Chancellor
DCPS Building Safety Hotline
As DCPS continues to reopen schools, the COVID-19 Building Safety Hotline has been created to ensure that students, parents, the community and staff members have a mechanism readily available for reporting safety concerns in school buildings. Safety concerns can be submitted via two methods: by emailing dcps.covidsafety@k12.dc.gov or calling (202) 442-5656. Typical operating hours for the phone line will be 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Voicemails and emails will be acknowledged within 48 hours of receipt.
This information is shared publicly for students and families on the Reopen Strong website here.
The Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO) Risk Management team will monitor the intake of these concerns via the COVID Safety Concerns Hotline (phone and email). The concerns will then be directed to the relevant central office team for response, resolution, and closeout.
Supports for Students & Families
Mental Health Services for Stuart-Hobson Students
The Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) School Mental Health Program is hosted by Stuart-Hobson Middle School to support students’ mental and emotional well-being. Reach out to Ms. Harrington if you feel your student would benefit from support such as, individual therapy or group grief therapy.
These services are provided via telehealth during partial and full distance learning.
DBH's services are a public health model. Services are provided to families at no charge regardless of insurance. For more information or to enroll, please reach out to Ms. Harrington using the email or phone number below.
Kimberly Harrington, LICSW, Clinical Social Worker
School Mental Health Program, Department of Behavioral Health
kimberly.harrington@dc.gov, 202-557-6404
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