Dorothy Hamm Middle School

Open Office Hours with David Priddy (Virtual)
2023-12-18 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-03-11 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-04-29 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | VA
Open Office Hours is a forum for Board members to listen to comments and concerns and to discuss various topics with community members. Community members are welcome to meet with a Board member during Virtual Open Office Hours for five minutes. To participate, individuals must sign-up ahead of time using the SignUpGenius link posted the Friday before Open Office Hours and select a time slot for an individual meeting. (Date and/or time are subject to change).
Open Office Hours are not held during Winter or Spring Break or over the summer.

Choral Concert
2023-12-18 19:00 - 20:30 | VA

Winter Break
2023-12-21 - 2023-12-29, 2024-12-23 - 2025-01-03, 2025-12-22 - 2026-01-02 | VA

Holiday - New Year’s Day (Observed)
2024-01-01 | VA

Work Session on ACTL #1 - CANCELED
2024-01-09 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
All work sessions occur on the second floor in the Board Room of the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. In addition, all work sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage.
For additional information or questions, please contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us.
The schedule listed below is subject to change.
Agendas, background information and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.

School Board Meeting - CANCELED
2024-01-11 19:00 - 22:00 | VA
School Board meetings are broadcast live below and live feed is available on Comcast Cable Channel 70 and Verizon FIOS Channel 41. The meetings are re-broadcast on Fridays at 9 p.m. and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. immediately following the meeting.
Please click on this link to watch live-stream: https://www.apsva.us/arlington-school-board/school-board-meetings/watch-school-board-meetings/

Holiday - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2024-01-15 | VA

Open Office Hours with Bethany Zecher Sutton (Virtual)
2024-01-16 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-06-10 19:00 - 21:00 | VA

Science Fair
2024-01-18 18:00 - 19:30 | VA
6-6:30 pm – Community Open House
6:30pm – Judging starts (until approximately 8:30pm)

Work Session on ACTL #1
2024-01-23 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

Academic Planning and Course Information Night
2024-01-25 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
In person for families of rising 6th graders.
Online for families of rising 7th/8th graders.

School Board Meeting
2024-01-25 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-02-08 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-02-22 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-07 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-03-21 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-11 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-04-25 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-05-09 19:00 - 22:00 and 3 more dates | VA

End of 2nd Quarter
2024-01-26, 2026-01-29 | VA

No School for Students (Grade Preparation Day)
2024-01-29, 2025-11-04, 2026-01-30, 2026-04-13 | VA

Open Office Hours with Mary Kadera (Virtual)
2024-01-30 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-04-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2024-06-24 19:00 - 21:00 | VA

Stratford Jr. High Integration 65th Anniversary
2024-02-02 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
This formal program will honor and celebrate the desegregation of Stratford Jr. High and Arlington Public Schools.

Stratford Jr. High Integration 65th Anniversary
2024-02-03 10:00 - 14:00 | VA
There will be an open house at DHMS with civil rights history information, entertainment, and citizen groups focused on history.

Early Release for Elementary/Middle/High School (Countywide PL for Staff)
2024-02-07 | VA

Open Office Hours (In person)
2024-02-12 17:00 - 19:00 | VA
School Board member Miranda Turner will host in-person Open Office Hours on Monday, February 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Arlington Career Center, 816 S. Walter Reed Dr., Arlington, VA.
Ms. Turner will manage the Feb. 12 Open Office Hours slightly differently. Please carefully review the following information to ensure you sign up accordingly.
Schedule

5 – 6:00 p.m.: Ms. Turner will conduct an open forum meeting to listen to comments and concerns on various topics and facilitate an open discussion where everyone is welcome to attend.
6 – 7:00 p.m.: Ms. Turner will meet individually with participants seeking a one-on-one private conversation. To schedule an individual meeting, participants must sign up ahead of time using the SignUp Genius link that will be posted here from February 9 through February 12 and select a time slot. Availability will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

During Open Office Hours

Participants are expected to be courteous and respectful. If a participant is disruptive, it may be necessary for the Board members to end the meeting early.
Personnel matters are confidential. Visitors are asked to respect that confidentiality; the School Board member cannot comment or offer their individual opinion on such matters. This silence should not be treated as an indication of any particular position on the matter.
Statements that personally attack individuals or do not relate to Arlington Public Schools’ business are not appropriate for discussion. You will be asked to limit your remarks to issues related to Arlington Public Schools’ business.
Participants are welcome to share their comments in writing by sending them to school.board@apsva.us. A copy of the remarks will be distributed to all Board members.

Schedule subject to change to accommodate participants or circumstances.

Please contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us if you have any questions.

Holiday - Presidents Day
2024-02-19, 2025-02-17 | VA

Work Session #2 on ACTL #2
2024-02-20 18:30 - 20:00 | VA

Work Session #2 on ACTL
2024-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

Open Office Hours with Cristina Diaz-Torres (Virtual)
2024-02-27 17:30 - 19:00 | VA

Superintendent's Proposed FY 2025 Budget Presentation
2024-02-29 19:00 - 21:00 | VA

No School for Students (Primary Election Day)
2024-03-05 | VA

Elementary Early Release for Parent-Teacher Conferences
2024-03-14 | VA

Public Hearing on Superintendent's Proposed FY 2025 Budget
2024-03-14 19:00 - 21:00 | VA
To sign up to speak and for speaker guidelines please click on the link: https://www.apsva.us/arlington-school-board/school-board-meetings/sign-up-to-speak/.

No School for Elementary & Middle School Students - Parent-Teacher Conferences
2024-03-15 | VA

High School Early Release (School-Based PL)
2024-03-15 | VA

Budget Work Session
2024-03-19 09:00 - 17:00 | VA

Joint School Board/County Board Budget Work Session at Bozman Government Center
2024-03-22 15:00 - 17:00 | VA

Spring Break
2024-03-25 - 2024-03-29, 2025-04-14 - 2025-04-18, 2026-03-30 - 2026-04-03 | VA

Budget Work Session with the Budget Advisory Council (BAC)
2024-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
All work sessions occur on the second floor in the Board Room of the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. In addition, all work sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage.
For additional information or questions, please contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us.
The schedule listed below is subject to change.
Agendas, background information, and minutes are posted on BoardDocs when available.

Holiday - Eid al-Fitr
2024-04-10 | VA

No School for Students (Grade Preparation Day); End of 3rd Quarter
2024-04-15 | VA

Navigating High School for APS Immigrant Families
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Date: Tuesday April 16
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Location: Arlington Career Center
Navigating the high school process can be daunting, especially for immigrant families. This event provides a unique opportunity for two student leaders to share knowledge, resources, and support in a welcoming and inclusive environment for eighth grade APS immigrant families. Empower yourself and your family to unlock the doors to academic success and future opportunities!Also, there will be light refreshments!
Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeL9QISJHZLB9S2G8iXTcOAOA5Gu5oWEGcGwy6R7nztI4HBFw/viewform
Español | Монгол | አማርኛ | العربية

Open Office Hours with Mary Kadera and Bethany Zecher Sutton (In-person)
2024-04-16 19:00 - 21:00 | VA
Open Office Hours is a forum for board members to listen to comments and concerns and discuss various topics with community members. Community members are welcome to meet with a Board member during Open Office Hours.
The sign-up link for Tuesday, April 16, Open Office Hours will be available on Friday, April 12. The Open Office Hours for April 16 will be in person and at the Columbia Pike Library. For more details go to https://www.apsva.us/arlington-school-board/about-the-school-board/open-office-hours/.
Open Office Hours are not held during Winter or Spring Break or over the summer.

Public Hearing on the School Board Proposed FY 2025 Budget
2024-04-23 19:00 - 21:00 | VA

End of Passover Celebration and Kick-Off to Jewish American Heritage Month
2024-05-02 18:00 - 20:00 | VA
All DHMS community members are invited to join us for a special event on Thursday, May 2nd from 6:00-8:00pm to mark the end of Passover and the beginning of Jewish American Heritage Month. We’ll gather in the cafeteria for a communal meal, sharing of culture, and learning about Jewish traditions. Come together with friends and colleagues to share in the spirit of community and reflection. This event is open to all in the DHMS community.
We need your help! Please sign up to bring a dish or other item and/or help out here.
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Shanker, jenny.shanker@apsva.us.

Early Release for Elementary/Middle/High School (School-Based PL)
2024-05-03 | VA

Open Office Hours with Miranda Turner (Virtual)
2024-05-13 18:00 - 20:00 | VA

8th Grade Panoramic Photo
2024-05-16 | VA
DHMS will take our first ever panoramic photo of the entire 8th grade class on Thursday, May 16 at 11 AM. You can preorder the 8th Grade Panoramic photo. All orders placed before photo day will be shipped home with no shipping charge.

Holiday - Memorial Day
2024-05-27, 2025-05-26 | VA

CIP Work Session #1 - 3
2024-05-30 09:00 - 14:30 | VA

Strategic Plan Work Session
2024-05-30 14:45 - 16:15 | VA
All work sessions occur on the second floor in the Board Room of the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. In addition, all work sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage.For additional information or questions, please contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us.
The schedule listed below is subject to change.
Agendas, background information and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.

Work Session on Planning Factors
2024-06-04 13:00 - 14:30 | VA
All work sessions occur on the second floor in the Board Room of the Syphax Education Center, 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA. In addition, all work sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. For additional information or questions, please contact the School Board Office at 703-228-6015 or school.board@apsva.us.
Agendas, background information and minutes are posted, when available, on BoardDocs.

Joint School Board/County Board CIP Work Session
2024-06-04 15:00 - 17:00 | VA

Work Session on CIP with FAC and JFAC
2024-06-04 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

8th Grade Promotion Party and Dance
2024-06-07 18:30 - 21:00 | VA

8th Grade Field Trip
2024-06-10, 2025-06-13 | VA

High School Early Release
2024-06-10 - 2024-06-12 | VA

Public Hearing on Proposed CIP
2024-06-11 19:00 - 21:00 | VA

Last Day of High School - Early Release
2024-06-12 | VA

Elementary Early Release
2024-06-12 | VA

8th Grade Promotion
2024-06-12 09:00 - 11:00 | VA
1. CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVESTREAM and watch it online! It begins at 9am. No password is required.
2. Arrival Details: Please arrive between 8:15-8:30am to park and walk to the DRIVEWAY SIDE of the school.
Where do you enter?
DOOR 11 & 12 IF YOU HAVE A TICKET. (EVEN CHILDREN 2 and older MUST HAVE A TICKET)
DOOR 13 – IF YOU NEED HANDICAP ACCESS TO THE ELEVATOR.
DOOR 13 – NO TICKET? YOU WILL GO UPSTAIRS TO THE CAFETERIA FOR LIVESTREAM.
NO ENTRY ACCESS TO PROMOTION AT DOORS 16, OR DOOR 1.
Promotion Access is only at the back of the building on the driveway.
3. Get here EARLY! GYM DOORS 11 & 12 WILL CLOSE AT 8:45AM and 8th graders will fill the halls to walk inside!
After 8:45am all seats will be filled and Late arrivals must go to the OVERFLOW-Cafeteria Space.
Please Keep in mind that our 6th and 7th grade students are still in classes and we are bound by the day’s schedule.
4. DRESS CODE: Ceremony attire – nice bottoms, nice tops, comfy shoes for walking.
5. TICKET REMINDER: There are NO more extra tickets. All tickets have been stamped and numbered to help us maintain space.
6. Reception to Follow, hosted by our 7th grade PTSA

Last Day of Elementary and Middle School - Early Release
2024-06-14 | VA

Holiday - Eid al-Adha
2024-06-17 | VA

Holiday - Juneteenth
2024-06-19, 2025-06-19 | VA

Holiday - Independence Day
2024-07-04 | VA

First Day of Summer School
2024-07-08, 2025-07-07, 2026-07-06 | VA

School Board Meeting - Organizational Meeting
2024-07-08 19:00 - 22:00 | VA

School Board Meeting
2024-07-18 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-08-01 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-08-15 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-09-05 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-09-19 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-10-17 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-10-29 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-11-14 19:00 - 22:00 and 27 more dates | VA
School Board meetings are broadcast live below and live feed is available on Comcast Cable Channel 70 and Verizon FIOS Channel 41. The meetings are re-broadcast on Fridays at 9 p.m. and Mondays at 7:30 p.m. immediately following the meeting.
Please click on this link to watch live-stream: https://www.apsva.us/arlington-school-board/school-board-meetings/watch-school-board-meetings/.
Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

School Board Retreat
2024-07-23 09:00 - 16:00 | VA

Last Day of Summer School
2024-08-02, 2025-08-01, 2026-07-31 | VA

8th Grade Open House
2024-08-22 08:30 - 10:00 | VA
Mark your calendars! The DHMS Open House is Thursday, August 22nd. This is an opportunity for students to drop in and meet their Team of teachers and find their TA (homeroom) classroom. Visit anytime during your child’s grade-level window.
8th Grade – 8:30-10:00am
7th Grade – 10:30am-12:00pm
6th Grade – 12:30-2:30pm

7th Grade Open House
2024-08-22 10:30 - 12:00 | VA

6th Grade Open House
2024-08-22 12:30 - 14:30 | VA

First Day of School K-12
2024-08-26, 2025-08-25 | VA

Holiday-Labor Day (Thru Sept. 2)
2024-08-30 - 2024-09-02 | VA

6th Grade Family Welcome Party
2024-09-13 16:30 - 18:00 | VA
Save the date! There will be a 6th Grade Family Welcome Party on September 13 from 4:30-6:00 pm, outside on the DHMS Plaza. Please contact Erin Thompson (erin.pence.thompson@gmail.com) if you would like to help plan this fun event.

Back-to-School Night
2024-09-18 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

School Board Work Session
2024-09-24 09:00 - 16:30 | VA
UPDATED
9:00 Instructional Technology
10:45 Partnerships
1:00 Career Center Programming
2:45 Planning Factors
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Back to School Night for Families of English Learners
2024-09-26 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
Families of English Learners are invited to come to a special back-to-school event on Thursday, September 26th from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the DHMS cafeteria. See this flier for more information.
Learn about:

DHMS Procedures
After School Activities & Buses
School Technology
Family Resources Available

We will have live interpreters for Spanish, Mongolian, Arabic, Amharic, and Russian.
Questions? Contact Contact Susan Kennedy susan.kennedy@apsva.us or Henry Cardenas henry.cardenas@apsva.us.

Holiday - Rosh Hashanah
2024-10-03 | VA

Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day
2024-10-09 | VA

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology Information Session
2024-10-09 18:00 - 19:30 | Gunston Middle School, 2700 S Lang Street, Arlington, VA, 22206
All current 8th graders in Arlington Public Schools who are in Algebra I intensified or higher are invited to attend this information session about TJHSST.
The event will begin promptly at 6PM; doors will open at 5:45pm.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
2024-10-10 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-10-11 08:00 - 12:00 | VA
Parent/Teacher Conferences are on Thursday, October 10 from 4pm to 7 pm, and Friday, October 11 from 8 am to 12 noon. There is no school for students on Friday, October 11. Please come to Doors 1, 9, or 13 to enter the building.
Teachers will be seated at individual desks in central locations. You are welcome to stop by each teacher’s desk for a brief (five-minute) conversation with any/each of your child’s teachers.

Sixth Grade teachers: Auxiliary Gym and Fitness Room (by Door 13)
Seventh Grade teachers: Main Gym – Right Side
Eighth Grade teachers: Main Gym – Left Side
Elective and Health/PE teachers: Cafeteria

Some teachers may have limited availability. Those teachers will reach out to let you know when they will be available during the conferences window. This style conference allows parents to meet with each teacher they wish.
The DHMS LOST and FOUND will be available outside of the cafeteria during conferences. Are you are missing any items? We have water bottles, sweatshirts, and other items that have been collected.

No School for Students - Elementary & Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Learning for Staff
2024-10-11 | VA

No School for Students - Countywide Professional Learning for Staff
2024-10-14 | VA

Early Release for all Students - Professional Learning for Staff
2024-10-30, 2024-12-11, 2025-01-15, 2025-02-05 | VA

Emergency Preparedness Week - Lock & Talk
2024-10-30 18:00 - 19:00 | VA
Lock and Talk is a suicide prevention strategy designed to limit access to firearms, poisons, and medication for someone who may be at risk of suicide. It is part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in Arlington County.
Join us in-person or virtually on Wednesday, October 30th from 6:00pm-7:00pm
for a Lock & Talk presentation by the Arlington County Department of Human Services at:
Kenmore Middle School
200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.
Arlington, VA 22204
Virtual: Live stream link: https://youtube.com/live/PDqrUi9kI1U

Holiday - Diwali
2024-11-01 | VA

No School for Students - End of 1st Quarter & Professional Learning
2024-11-04 | VA

No School for Students - Grade Prep Day
2024-11-05, 2025-01-31, 2025-04-21 | VA

Picture Day
2024-11-08, 2024-11-12 | VA
Pre-order online. Images will be available approximately two to three weeks after picture day.
Questions? Email underclass@vosphoto.com

Holiday - Veterans Day
2024-11-11 | VA

School Board Work Session
2024-11-19 09:00 - 16:30 | VA
9:00 Program Capacity Study and Class Size
10:45 Non-Traditional Secondary Programs
1:00 Boundaries and Options Programs
2:45 Budget
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Holiday - Thanksgiving Break
2024-11-27 - 2024-11-29 | VA

Winter Orchestra Concert
2024-12-05 19:00 - 20:00 | VA

Picture retakes for all students
2024-12-10 | VA

Winter Choral Concert
2024-12-12 19:00 - 20:00 | VA

7th & 8th Grade Dance – NYC Met Gala
2024-12-13 18:00 - 20:00 | VA

Holiday gifting event
2024-12-17 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-18 14:30 - 16:00 | VA
We will be having a pre-winter break distribution of resources and gifts! We will have food, hygiene products, a limited number of gift cards, and additional gifts available for families who need extra help this holiday season.
Please join us in Conference Room 138 on the following dates:
Tuesday, December 17th from 4-7pm OR
Wednesday, December 18th from 2:30pm-4pm
Please enter door (Door #2) by the auditorium and side parking lot. Clear markings will direct you to the conference room!
If you plan to come, please let the school social worker, Gabby Bomberg, know which day you will attend or if you have any questions. Gabby can be reached at: (703)-946-9032 or gabrielle.bomberg@apsva.us

8th Grade Writers Event
2024-12-18 18:30 - 20:00 | VA

Holiday - Martin Luther King, Jr., Day
2025-01-20 | VA

Academic Planning Night (Virtual)
2025-01-23 18:30 - 20:00 | VA
Microsoft Teams link will be shared with families via ParentSquare on the morning of 1/23 and they will be posted here on the website at 2 pm that day as well.

Summer Activities Fair 2025
2025-01-27 18:00 - 20:00 | VA

School Board Work Session
2025-01-28 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
Subject: Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL) #1
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

No School for Students - End of 2nd Quarter & Professional Learning
2025-01-30 | VA

APS Teen Health Fair
2025-01-30 11:00 - 15:00 | VA
The health fair will offer:

Free Health Exams
Teen Immunizations
Resource Fair for Teens and their Families

Register online or contact your school nurse

School Board Work Session (CANCELED WILL BE RESCHEDULED)
2025-02-11 18:00 - 20:00 | VA
Subject: Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL) #2
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.
Note: If APS is closed due to inclement weather, the Work Session will be rescheduled for a later date.

School Board Work Session
2025-02-25 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
Subject: Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning (ACTL) #2
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage.
Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Early Release for All Students – Professional Learning for Staff
2025-03-05 | VA

Book Fair
2025-03-10 - 2025-03-14 | VA
The DHMS book fair will be here from March 10 to 14, 2025 in the library. We are partnering with a local nonprofit called Read Early and Daily (R.E.A.D.). Your student will have the opportunity to make wish lists and/or shop on Monday through Thursday.
On Thursday evening and Friday morning, families are invited to shop together at the book fair during Parent-Student-Teacher conferences. Cash/Check/Credit Card/Apple Pay are all accepted.
We are looking for volunteers to help out during the week. Please sign up here!
Can’t make it? You can shop online starting March 10. If books are purchased online, they will be delivered to your student’s classroom.
For more information, please contact Ms. Shanker, our librarian, or go to the R.E.A.D. website.

Joint School Board/County Board Budget Work Session
2025-03-12 13:00 - 16:30 | VA

Student-Led Conferences
2025-03-13 15:00 - 19:30, 2025-03-14 07:30 - 12:00 | VA
Parents received an invitation from their child’s TA teacher to sign up for a time slot on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

No School for Students – Elementary & Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences and High School Professional Learning for Staff
2025-03-14 | VA

Mental Health Fair & Screenagers Event
2025-03-20 18:00 - 20:30 | VA
We are excited to announce an important upcoming Mental Health Fair and Screenagers Event held at Dorothy Hamm Middle School for all Arlington County Public Schools middle and high school students and parents. This event is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and explore vital topics surrounding mental health and the impact of technology on youth.
Important Event Details:

Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: DHMS
Who is Invited: All middle and high school students and their parents.
Special Note: All students must be accompanied by a parent. This is a no-exception policy for attendance.

The Mental Health Fair will showcase local resources, services, and strategies designed to support mental well-being. This event is an invaluable opportunity for both students and parents to come together and learn about mental health in a supportive environment. It is our hope that families will leave with a better understanding of how mental health and technology are interconnected and how to foster healthy habits in today’s digital age. In addition to the fair, there will be five engaging 30-minute breakout sessions to help you better understand and manage mental health, technology, and substance use. Here are the topics for the breakout sessions:

Safety Planning and Coping Mechanisms – Learn strategies to help students manage stress and emotions while creating personal safety plans for difficult situations.
Conversation Starters and Coping Mechanisms – Understand how to approach difficult conversations with your child about mental health and substance use, while equipping them with healthy coping mechanisms.
Police Liaison – Hear from local law enforcement about the current trends related to substance use in the county, and learn how the community is responding to these challenges.
Narcan Training – A critical session for understanding how to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses, including how to administer Narcan to potentially save a life.
Panel Discussion – Listen to first-hand experiences from individuals who have lived with mental health and substance abuse challenges. This session provides a platform for sharing stories and offering insights into recovery and coping.

Additionally, the event will feature a screening of the documentary Screenagers: Under the Influence. This thought-provoking film explores the effects of screen time and digital media on young people’s mental health and decision-making. It will address important concerns about the role of technology in our children’s lives and offer helpful strategies to navigate the digital world with mindfulness and balance.We encourage you to attend and take advantage of this informative and engaging event. If you have any questions or need further details about the event, you view the DHMS website or simply reach out to either myself, Gabrielle Bomberg, Quamika Wright, or Danielle Hatcher. We look forward to seeing you there and working together to promote mental wellness and healthy lifestyles in our community.

School Board Budget Work Sessions
2025-03-25 13:00 - 16:00 | VA
1:00 Budget Work Session #1
2:45 Budget Work Session #2
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Holiday - Eid al Fitr
2025-03-31 | VA

School Board Budget Work Session
2025-04-03 15:45 - 17:15 | VA
3:45 Budget Work Session #3
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Public Hearing on Proposed FY 2026 Budget
2025-04-03 19:00 - 21:00 | VA

New Date: School Board Budget Work Session w/ BAC
2025-04-08 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
Budget Work Session with the Budget Advisory Council (BAC)
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

End of 3rd Quarter
2025-04-11, 2026-04-10 | VA

Grade 8 Integrated Reading and Writing Test
2025-04-24 | VA

Reading MAP Test for All Grades
2025-05-01 | VA

School Board Meeting (Action Item -Adopt FY 2026 Budget - Tentative)
2025-05-01 19:00 - 22:00 | VA

Math MAP Test for Grades 6, 7, 8 Math and Algebra 1
2025-05-02 | VA

Reading SOL test for all grades
2025-05-13 | VA

Grade 7 Civics and Grade 8 Science SOL tests
2025-05-15 | VA

School Board Meeting (Action Item-Adopt FY 2026 Budget)
2025-05-15 19:00 - 22:00 | VA

Sneaker Ball (6th and 7th grade dance)
2025-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | VA
6th and 7th grade DHMS students are invited to the Spring Fling Sneaker Ball! Tickets are $5 and will be on sale during lunch only starting on Monday, May 12th and ending on Friday, May 16th. You may NOT buy tickets at the event. To buy a ticket, you must have a completed permission slip signed by your parent or guardian.
Dress Code is “Dressy Casual,” so dress nicer than you would for school.
Students MUST be dropped off and picked up by an adult. Drop-off is between 6:00-6:30pm. No students will be allowed in after 6:30pm. Pick up starts at 7:50pm. Drop-off and pick up will be along the DHMS driveway at Door 11. Students will not be allowed to leave the dance early unless they are picked up by an adult.

Math SOL test for all grades
2025-05-20 | VA

School Board Work Sessions
2025-05-29 14:45 - 20:30 | VA
Subjects:
2:45 p.m. Special Education Inclusive Practices
6:30 p.m. Advisory Committees End-of-the-Year Reports
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

8th Grade Dance
2025-06-06 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

School Board Work Sessions
2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
Subject: Preparations for 2027-36, the Pre-Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

School Board Meeting - New Date
2025-06-12 19:00 - 22:00 | VA

8th Grade Promotion
2025-06-17 08:30 - 10:30 | VA
Doors open at 8 am.

Last Day of School (All Students) - Early Release
2025-06-18 | VA

School Board Meeting - CANCELED
2025-06-26 19:00 - 22:00 | VA

School Board Meeting/Organizational Meeting
2025-07-08 10:30 - 12:30 | VA

6th Grade Open House
2025-08-21 08:30 - 10:00 | VA
We hope to see you on Thursday, August 21, at the DHMS Grade Level Open House. Each grade is welcome to come in during their assigned time, find their TA room, meet their TA Teacher, and explore the building. Make sure to stop by the cafeteria for the PTSA Swag Table, Extended Day Contacts, and Clubs and Activities Information. Please walk if you are able, as parking will be tight.

6th Grade – 8:30 – 10:00 AM
7th Grade – 10:30 – 12:00 (Noon)
8th Grade – 12:30 – 2 PM

7th Grade Open House
2025-08-21 10:30 - 12:00 | VA

8th Grade Open House
2025-08-21 12:30 - 14:00 | VA

First Day of School PreK and VPI
2025-08-26 | VA

Holiday: Labor Day
2025-08-29 - 2025-09-01 | VA

Virtual Sixth Grade Parent Meeting
2025-09-04 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Assistant principals and counselors will hold virtual parent orientations on the following dates. Check back here before the meetings for the links to join.

September 4 – Virtual Sixth Grade Parent Meeting (Teams meeting link) – 7:00 PM
September 9 – Virtual Seventh Grade Parent Meeting – 6:30 PM
September 11 – Virtual Eighth Grade Parent Meeting – 6:30 PM

Virtual Seventh Grade Parent Meeting
2025-09-09 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
Assistant principals and counselors will hold virtual parent orientations on the following dates. Check back here before the meetings for the links to join.

September 4 – Virtual Sixth Grade Parent Meeting (Recording of meeting) – 7:00 PM
September 9 – Virtual Seventh Grade Parent Meeting (Teams meeting link) – 6:30 PM
September 9 – Virtual Eighth Grade Parent Meeting (Teams meeting link) – 6:30 PM

Virtual Eighth Grade Parent Meeting
2025-09-09 18:30 - 19:30 | VA

Middle School Back-to-School Night
2025-09-17 | VA

PTSA Parent Connect Meeting
2025-09-17 18:00 - 18:30 | VA
The PTSA is hosting a “Parent Connect” opportunity on Wednesday, September 17th immediately before Back to School Night begins. Join PTSA members in the DHMS Cafeteria beginning at 6:00 PM. Get a chance to meet other parents, ask any questions you might have, join the PTSA and purchase DHMS Spiritwear!

DHMS Back to School Night
2025-09-17 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
Back to School Night is Wednesday, September 17th at 6:30 PM. You will have the opportunity to visit every class and teacher. Your student’s schedule (name, subject and room number) will be sent home prior to Back to School Night for you to follow.

Reading MAP Test, All Grades
2025-09-18 | VA

Math MAP Test, All Grades
2025-09-19 | VA

Holiday: Rosh Hashanah
2025-09-23 | VA

6th Grade Family Fun Party
2025-09-26 17:00 - 18:30 | VA
We’re excited to welcome all 6th-grade families to our Family Welcome Party! Join us for an evening of treats and fun designed to help incoming DHMS families (or existing families with incoming 6th graders!) connect and build community.
DHMS staff will be on hand to answer questions, and be sure to stop by the merchandise table for some gear!
Want to help? Email Erin Bracken (mom to 6th-grader Luke) at erin.h.bracken@gmail.com or Kelly Givan (mom to 6th-graders Ruby + Noble) at kruest@gmail.com.
Please note: 6th graders must be accompanied by a parent/guardian; this is not a drop-off event.

Work Sessions
2025-09-30 09:00 - 16:00 | VA
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Work Session on Planning Factors – Planning for Phase 2 Implementation
10:45 – 12:15 p.m. – Work Session on the Human Resources Audit Report – Update on Implementation
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Work Session on the Feasibility Studies
2:45 – 4:00 p.m. – Work Session on FY 2027-36 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Direction
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Holiday: Yom Kippur
2025-10-02 | VA

PSAT Testing Day
2025-10-08 | VA

AI in APS: Virtual Community Town Hall
2025-10-08 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
As part of our Year of Empowered AI Learning in APS, we are excited to invite you to a virtual Community Town Hall on Artificial Intelligence on Wed, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.

At this session, you can learn more about our adopted instructional platform, SchoolAI, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Learn more.
Spanish, Mongolian, Amharic and Arabic interpretation is available.
If you have questions that you would like to have addressed during the live event, please add them here: Community Pre-event Questions for APS AI Town Hall

Elementary/Middle Early Release for Parent-Teacher Conferences
2025-10-10, 2026-03-12 | VA

No School for Students
2025-10-13 | VA
Elementary/Middle Parent Teacher Conferences; Professional Learning for HS staff

Thomas Jefferson High School Information Session
2025-10-14 18:00 - 19:00 | VA
A representative from the TJ Admissions office will be providing an information session about TJHSST and the admissions process.

PTSA Meeting (in person or online)
2025-10-14 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Please join us for a hybrid PTSA meeting. You can either join us in the DHMS Library or online. The link to join is here.

Picture Day | October 16 and 17
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-17 | VA

Holiday: Diwali
2025-10-20 | VA

DHMS Family Life Education Night
2025-10-21 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Tuesday, October 21 at 7:00 PM (virtual only). The Health and PE Team will present information about how and when Family Life is taught in APS and at DHMS, and will share the opt out process for any of the FLE standards.
To join the Family Life Education meeting, use this link.

DHMS Gifted Information Night
2025-10-23 18:30 - 19:30 | VA
Regina Boyd, the DHMS Advanced Academics Coach, will share information about Advanced Academics and how Gifted Services are implemented in APS Middle Schools. If you have a student taking any intensified classes, this is a great presentation to join.
To join this meeting, use this link.

Early Release for All Students
2025-10-29, 2026-01-14 | VA
Countywide professional learning for staff

End of 1st Quarter
2025-11-03 | VA

Holiday: Veteran's Day
2025-11-11 | VA

School Board Work Sessions
2025-11-18 09:00 - 16:30 | VA
Subject:
9:00 a.m. – Advisory Committee Working Group
10:45 a.m. – Non-Traditional Secondary Program
1:00 p.m. – Grace Hopper Center Site Programming
2:45 p.m. – High School Schedules
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

PTSA Meeting (Hybrid)
2025-11-18 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
Please join us for a hybrid PTSA meeting on November 18 at 7pm.
You can either join us in the DHMS Library or online. The link to join is here.
Stop Battling. Start Building. Raising a Middle Schooler: Without Losing Your Mind -or the Connection.
Join parenting author Mary Willcox Smith for practical ways to handle the heated moments-calm. clear. connected.
November 18th at 7pm DHMS Library or on Zoom.
Raising a Middle Schooler-Without Losing Your Mind (or the Connection)
Kids push for independence, emotions run high, and we’re left wondering how to hold the line without losing connection. These tense moments matter most because they teach fastest. During this PTSA meeting, parenting author Mary Willcox Smith explains why-and shows a simple way to respond under pressure, set clear limits without blowups, and hand wins back so confidence grows. Come for phrases you can use tonight; leave with a calmer plan for tomorrow.

Picture Retakes
2025-11-21 | VA
Picture Retake Day is November 21, 8 am until 2 pm in Room 340.
Students will go by grade level: 8th grade during 1st period, 7th grade during 3rd period, and 6th grade during 7th period.

Thanksgiving Break
2025-11-26 - 2025-11-28 | VA

Early Release for All Students
2025-12-10, 2026-02-11 | VA
School-based professional learning for staff

Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
2026-01-19 | VA

School Board Work Session #1 with ACTL
2026-01-27 18:30 - 20:30 | VA
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

School Board Work Session #2 with ACTL
2026-02-10 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

Holiday: Presidents Day
2026-02-16 | VA

Course Information Night
2026-02-26 19:00 - 20:00 | VA
6th and 7th grade will be virtual (link will be sent closer to the time)
8th grade – in person in the DHMS Auditorium
Slideshows and recordings will be posted after the event.

Middle School Information Night for Rising 6th Graders
2026-03-03 18:30 - 19:30 | Dorothy Hamm Middle School Auditorium, 4100 Vacation Lane, Arlington, VA, 22207, United States
This event is for parents of rising 6th graders. Families are welcome to bring their child with them.

Holiday: Eid al-Fitr
2026-03-20 | VA

School Board Work Sessions
2026-03-24 09:00 - 16:00 | VA
Subject:
9:00 a.m. – Educational Technology – Focus on AI
10:45 a.m. – Inclusive Practices (Special Education)
1:00 p.m. – Budget Work Session #1
2:45 p.m. – Budget Work Session #2
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

School Board Work Sessions
2026-04-14 09:00 - 16:30 | VA
Subject:
9:00 – 10:30 a.m. – Budget Work Session #1
10:45 a.m. – Budget Work Session #2
1:00 p.m. – Budget Work Session #3
2:45 p.m. – Budget Work Session #4
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

School Board Work Session with BAC
2026-04-21 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

Early Release for High School Students Only
2026-04-22 | VA
Full day for Elementary/Middle school students
Professional learning for high school staff

School Board Work Session with Advisory Committees - End of Year Reports
2026-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | VA

Holiday: Memorial Day
2026-05-25 - 2026-05-26 | VA

Holiday: Eid al-Adha
2026-05-27 | VA

School Board Work Sessions
2026-06-02 13:00 - 16:30 | VA
Subject:
1:00 p.m. – Early Childhood
2:45 p.m. – FY 2027-36 CIP
Work Sessions are live-streamed and can be viewed any time after the meeting by visiting the School Board Work Sessions webpage. Agendas and background information are posted one week prior to the Board Meeting on BoardDocs.

Last Day of School (Early Release)
2026-06-18 | VA

Holiday: Juneteenth
2026-06-19 | VA

Holiday: July 4 (Observed)
2026-07-03 | VA
