Phoenix Flyer #13

December 11, 2020

Good afternoon, Phoenix Families –

My apologies, I am a little late with this week’s Phoenix Flyer. I hope everyone is well and staying strong. The DHMS Team would like to thank all our parents, and our amazing PTSA, for the fantastic drive-through celebration on Monday. 70 staff members were thrilled to see parents, pick up a delicious lunch, and enjoy a variety of desserts. Our professional learning on Monday afternoon was very well-received, after that lovely celebration.Thanks, as well, to all families who have made your “Instructional Delivery Method” selection. We have gathered that data; our Registrar, Ms. Carla Bran, will be reaching out to any family who has not selected (hybrid or virtual) yet. We want to make sure we know what you plan to do as we continue our planning to bring students back into the school building.

Congratulations to these Dorothy Hamm students, whose Reflections entries moved on to the Arlington County competition. Nadia and Anna will move on to the next level of competition! So proud of all students who entered! Thanks to Alex Voigt, our Reflections Chair, for supporting this PTA Contest.

• Anna Brodsky – for Dance Award of Excellence
• Vedica Chudiwale – for Film Award of Merit
• Nadia Lachhab – for Literature Outstanding Award
• Anna Brodsky – for Photography Outstanding Award
• Skylar Gregory – for Visual Arts Award of Merit

I encourage our students to participate in competitions and contests, like this one. For more information about opportunities, check out Ms. Partington’s Gifted Services page and her “At-Home Enrichment and Challenge Opportunities” on the DHMS website.

Remember Clubs and After-School Activities are a great way for kids to socialize with other kids and engage with a teacher/staff member. While Arlington Public Schools is not supporting middle school sports until our return to Level 4, lots of virtual activities are available. Check out the Anime Club and the Maker Monday Club, amongst others. Encourage your student to explore the Activities page on the DHMS website. Clubs are always open for new members.

I want to support you in encouraging your DHMS students to engage in reading books, magazines, and/or graphic novels during this home learning time. The best way to improve student’s reading and thinking, and build background knowledge, is to read, read, read. Please have your youngster read at least 30 minutes (minimum) every day. There are free libraries at DHMS (Door 1) and Key Elementary School. Please come and take books home anytime! They are always available. As well, students can check out books from our library (beforehand, through Destiny Discover) or at our pop-up library sessions – this Monday the pop-up library will be at DHMS, Door 1. Students who need help remembering how to check out books can visit this page.

Important iPad (iOS) updates for APS Devices
The APS Department of Information Services has opened software updates to student iPads which will allow students to update to iOS 14.2 improving functionality with student apps. Some students may need to do several updates to get the iPad to 14.2.  Please ask your student to follow the step-by-step directions and video in the post called iPad iOS 14.2 Update linked on the Middle School Student Technology Tutorials page on the APS website (in English and Spanish). ALL Dorothy Hamm students should update their iPads to iOS 14.2.

Finally, I’m looking for any DHMS student who is interested in doing a small painting project – our Little Free Library has lots of doors that need decoration. Please have your students send me a message through Canvas if they are interested. Doors will be available for pick up next Monday and Thursday at our regular distributions (Mondays and Thursdays, 3-5 PM) at DHMS.

Have a wonderful weekend – enjoy the slightly warmer weather.