Phoenix Flyer #14

Dear Phoenix Families,

Thank you so much for the expressions of support and caring that you sent to our teachers last week during Teacher Appreciation Week. Many have mentioned to me how thrilled they were to hear individually from you or your DHMS students. As well, staff is very excited about your gift of a laminator! Teachers love to laminate! Many thanks, again, to the TAW Committee for everything!

This week’s Flyer highlights only a few things:

First – I have asked teachers to share some of the great work that students are doing virtually, so that we can share that with you. There are so many deep, engaging learning experiences occurring right now.

Second – This week school counselors continue their work exploring thoughts, emotions and decisions and will specifically explore the topic of anxiety. Most middle school students experience some form of anxiety during their time in middle school, and we know some students experience this feeling more than others. In order to better support our students, the school counselors want students to understand what anxiety is and identify common sources of anxiety. Once students have a better understanding of both, each will then create a plan for handling anxiety.

Third – Teachers are providing students with feedback on assignments – but often the more detailed feedback can be found in Canvas. A quick glance at StudentVue will only report Complete, Incomplete, Needs Revision, or Missing. If a student receives a Needs Revision – there is an element of the assignment that should be re-looked at by the student. Feedback about what needs to be redone is either a comment in the gradebook or detailed in Canvas.

Fourth – as the year winds down…

• We are in the process of planning an awesome virtual Eighth Grade Promotion, including certificates, speeches, individual recognition of students, and some DHMS gifts. Please stay tuned, eighth grade families, and hold June 17 (AM) for the celebration.
• Once APS has determined how to safely have staff and students return to the building (shifts/social distanced/wearing protective gear) we will communicate with you what that will look like at Dorothy Hamm. We are working on a plan – focused first on grade 8 students.
• If you are moving this summer, the Dorothy Hamm Counseling Department is working on providing a smooth transition for the upcoming school year. If your family will be moving out of the area, we ask that you please fill out this form. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our school registrar, Ms. Argenal, at sonia.argenal@apsva.us.

Kudos – This week’s Kudos go to all of our students who have entered the NPR Podcast Challenge! Seventeen Dorothy Hamm students entered, with the support of Ms. Shanker and Ms. Partington, after working on podcasts in their 7th grade English classes.

Best,
Ellen

Ellen Smith, Principal