Family Newsletter

Dear Hyde-Addison Community,

Welcome to the 2026 -2027 school year! The Hyde-Addison Team are ready and excited to welcome our K-5th grade students back into the building on Monday morning. We are equally excited to welcome our PK3 and PK4 students on Thursday, August 27th.

Here are a few important announcements:

• #ClapThemBack to School: On Monday, from 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM, there will be a crowd of community members and personnel from various District agencies cheering on our students as they return to school! See the announcement here: There will be signs, pom poms, encouragement and positive energy. We want to wish our students a happy first day of school and a successful 2027-2026 school year. We need your help making sure public schools, including DCPS and Public Charter schools have a welcoming environment across all eight wards on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 7:45 AM to 9:00 AM. We’ll have signs, pom poms and some fits as we clap our kids back and surround them with encouragement and positive energy. Bring the energy, create a spirit tunnel and share high fives! If you or someone else would like to officially participate, the registration can be found here: Fill | Join Mayor Bowser, residents and District Officials to Clap Our Students Back to School!
• Supplies - If you are bringing school supplies on the first day, there will be a drop-off table. Staff members will support will support with getting supplies to classrooms. Please bring supplies in a bag and be sure label the bag and your child's supplies with their name, grade, and homeroom teacher's name.
• Family Supervised Play on the Playground: Beginning at 8:00 AM, students may play on the playground under the supervision of a parent/guardian. Students may not be left unattended. School staff will not be on duty.
• Breakfast: Breakfast is available for K-5th grade students beginning at 8:10 AM. Parents, you may join your child during this time.
• Arrival: Students should arrive to school on time at 8:25 AM. Teachers will pick up students from their designated line spaces on the playground at 8:35 AM. In the event of inclement weather, students will gather in the gym at 8:25 AM and wait to be picked up by their teachers.
• Dismissal: Students in K-5th grades are dismissed at 3:25 PM. In the event of inclement weather, you will pick your child up from their building's external door. A staff member will be at the door and send for the student upon your arrival. Students will remain in the classroom until called down for dismissal.


• If you have not yet completed the required SY26–27 DCPS Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form, you will be asked to complete one on site. The form is required for every student. This will help us to ensure students are dismissed to the appropriate person.
• The Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy: Effective on Day One, all student cell phones and electronic devices (e.g., Smartwatches) must be off or turned to airplane mode, and placed in the student's backpack. If you need to relay a message to your child during the school day, call the front office at 202-282-0170.

Welcome back! Thank you for helping us to get the year off to a strong start for our students!

Warm regards,

Kim Bigelow

Interim Principal, Hyde-Addison Elementary School

• 🌱 School Yard Clean Up & Play Date — TOMORROW! Join us on the playground anytime from 10 AM–1 PM to play, paint kindness rocks, garden, or help get our school yard ready for Monday! No RSVP needed—just drop in whenever works for your family. Learn more here.

• 🌟 Add EACH child to their classroom on Konstella! Even returning families must manually add each child to their new 2026–2027 classroom. Go to: ⚙️ Settings → Your Children → Select Child → Add to Classroom. Don't see your child? Add them first under Your Children, then select their assigned classroom. This step is important! Your classroom is where you’ll connect with Room Parents and other class families for classroom activities, celebrations, playdates, birthday invitations, and more. The school cannot share family contact information with the PTA, so we cannot add families to classrooms for you. Learn more here.

• 🎒 PTA Backpack Mail Coming Home Next Week! Check backpacks during the first week of school for a PTA Welcome Letter and information about the Great Donation Race (formally known as The Great Envelope Race). We rarely send paper home, so make sure you’re registered on Konstella to stay up to date on PTA news throughout the year. Register for Konstella here.

• ✏️ Back-to-School Supplies: PTA-purchased kits have been delivered directly to your student's classroom(s)! If you didn't purchase a kit or drop off supplies at the Sneak Peek, please bring them on the first day. PTA supply kit purchasers: remember to send in any asterisked items (*) from your grade-level supply list separately—including wired headphones, which will be needed for beginning-of-year testing. A BIG thank you to our volunteers who helped distribute all those supplies!

• ☕ Tears & Cheers Morning Mingle — Thursday, August 27: After drop-off, join the PTA on the playground from 8:15–9:00 AM for coffee, juice, and a chance to connect with other Hyde families. No RSVP needed! Learn more here.

• 🏁 The Great Donation Race Starts Monday! Our largest fundraiser and primary annual direct appeal to Hyde-Addison families kicks off on the first day of school. Donations of any size help fund field trips, classroom enrichment, teacher appreciation, community events, and more—and there are participation perks at every level! Learn more here.

• 🚨 PTA Website & Bulletin Board-- Don't forget to check out our website (HydeAddisonPTA.org) or our bulletin board (located inside the school lobby by the front office) for all the PTA-related happenings!
  

👇 Keep scrolling (below) for prior PTA updates that are still pertinent!

The current DCPS policy prohibits students from accessing a cell phone or personal electronic communication device during the bell-to-bell school day while on DCPS school grounds, aligning with our school’s current cell phone policy. Personal electronic communication devices include some wearable devices such as smart watches or Bluetooth headphones, laptops, tablets, and other future personal electronic communication devices.

For more information, please click the link below:

DCPS Student Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device policy

At DC Public Schools (DCPS), we are committed to the safety and security of our students. Beginning in School Year (SY) 2026–2027, all students in grades PreK–5 will be required to have a completed and signed Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form on file.

The Elementary Student Dismissal Authorization Form has two parts:

• Part 1: Authorization to Release (Required for all students in PreK–5)
  This section asks you to list the adults who are authorized to pick up your child, if needed, during the school day or at dismissal.

  
  

• Part 2: Permission to Self-Dismiss (Required only if applicable for students in grades K–5)
  This section allows you to give permission for your child to self-dismiss—either alone or with an older, authorized child-- at the end of the school day. Please note that only students in grades K-5 are eligible to self-dismiss, and DCPS recommends students in K-3 dismiss with an older, authorized student rather than alone. Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students should be picked up by a parent or authorized adult and may not be released to another elementary-age child.

You can learn more about the form, including recommendations for completing it, on the DCPS website. You may download a fillable version of the form online or pick up a paper copy from our main office at any time.

Required Task: Please complete a separate form for each child and submit completed forms to the main office or via email to hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov by the first day of school:

• Monday, August 24, 2026, for students in grades K–5

• Thursday, August 27, 2026, for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 students

  
  

Thank you for helping us keep your child safe and accounted for each day.

Please note that our Back-to-School Night is now Wednesday, September 2. To better support Hyde-Addison families with students attending both Hyde-Addison ES and Hardy Middle School, we have adjusted our schedule to help impacted families attend both events.

We look forward to welcoming you and kicking off a successful school year together!

The School Year 2026–2027 supply lists are now available and attached below. Please review the lists for your child’s grade level to ensure you’re all set for the first day.

Hi Families,

Enrollment is quick and done online at DiscoverChampions.com.

Current families: Log in and click “Add a Program.”
New families: Follow the flyer instructions to get started. (See below)

Questions? Contact Ms. Funmi at ch002523@discoverchampions.com or Ebony Tucker at ebony.tucker@discoverchampions.com.

We can’t wait for another great year!

Dear Hyde Families,

Registration for our Fall 2026 After-School Enrichment Programs opened last month.

Spots are filling up!

As a reminder, registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. This fall, we are excited to offer new program options. Families may choose from the following:

• One-Hour Enrichment (3:30–4:25 p.m.) – Student dismissal is at 4:30 p.m.
• Two-Hour Enrichment (3:30–5:30 p.m.) – Students participate in a two-hour enrichment program, with dismissal promptly at 5:30 p.m.
• New Spanish Language Programs – Available in both one-hour and two-hour formats.

As families begin planning for the upcoming school year, we are also offering a 20% discount for students enrolled in three or more enrichment classes per week. A detailed program packet, including schedules, class descriptions, and pricing information, is available under the "Catalog" section of our website.

Programs will begin on the first day of school, August 24, and will be offered on all full school days in accordance with the DCPS calendar.

Registration Link:
https://www.activeplayllc.com/hydeaddisonelementary

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at HydeEnrichment@ActivePlayLLC.com.

We look forward to welcoming your children back in the fall!

Sincerely,

Active Play

We are pleased to report that the spring DCPS Panorama Survey results have arrived. Please see several key data points below. When officially published by the district, family facing data will be available on the OSSE school report card, at schoolreportcard.dc.gov, in the school climate section.

POC: HealthServices.dcps@k12.dc.gov

All Hyde-Addison families are encouraged to attend Friday, September 11 at 8:45 AM in the school gym, immediately following the School-Wide Meeting.

Come meet the SY 26–27 PTA Executive Board, hear what’s ahead for the year, and help conduct important PTA business—including voting to approve the annual budget and proposed bylaws updates.

No dues or sign-up required—all Hyde-Addison parents and guardians are members of the PTA and welcome to participate. We hope to see you there!

🗓️ Add this event to your personal calendar!

Room Parents are an important link between classroom families, teachers, and the PTA—and a great way to get involved in your child’s classroom and help build community throughout the year.

Each classroom typically has 1–2 Room Parents, selected by the teacher. While the role varies based on each teacher’s needs, Room Parents generally help:

• Create a classroom contact list and WhatsApp group at the beginning of the year so families can connect
• Collect and manage voluntary classroom contributions for teacher gifts, Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, and other classroom needs
• Help organize a beginning-of-year playdate or family get-together
• Coordinate volunteers or supplies for classroom celebrations or special activities
• Help communicate classroom needs, such as snacks, tissues, supplies, or volunteer opportunities as they arise
• Serve as a bridge between the teacher, classroom families, and the PTA

The role is typically most active at the beginning of the school year while contact information, classroom groups, contributions, and initial gatherings are being organized, with responsibilities becoming more occasional throughout the year.

The PTA’s Room Parent Co-VPs, Madi and Gelila, support Room Parents throughout the year with an orientation, resources, guidance, and assistance whenever needed.

Interested? Teachers will share information about Room Parents at the Sneak Peek next Friday, August 21. Let your child’s teacher know then—or reach out directly after the school year begins—to express your interest! If you have any questions for Madi and Gelila, you can message them on the Room Parents group on Konstella or email pta.hydeaddison@gmail.com!

Help us get Hyde-Addison ready for the new school year! Join us for a fun, family-friendly morning of light gardening, school yard cleanup, rock painting, and play.

This is a casual, family-friendly event--bring friends, family & siblings! RSVP or sign-up is necessary—just stop by the Hyde-Addison playground anytime between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and stay for as little or as long as you'd like.

Add the event to your calendar here!

See the graphic above for all the details on what we'll be doing and what to bring. We hope to see you there! 💙💛

The Hyde-Addison PTA is seeking a VP of Events to fill a vacancy for the 2026–2027 school year. If you enjoy planning events, staying organized, and bringing our community together, we'd love to hear from you!

Interested or have questions? Email us at pta.hydeaddison@gmail.com. 💙💛

Before we officially kick off the new school year, now is a great time to learn more about the Hyde-Addison PTA’s committees and join the ones that interest you!

Our goal is to build robust, active committees that reflect the diversity, perspectives, and interests of our entire school community. We want every family who would like to be involved to have a place to contribute—and we want our PTA’s work to represent our students and families to the best of our ability.

Making that possible requires your participation! Whether you are interested in events, gardening, fundraising, sponsorship, school swag, teacher and staff appreciation, the Audit Committee, or something else, there is a place for you.

🔗 Learn more: hydeaddisonpta.org/committees

✅ Ready to join? Log in to Konstella and select: Directory → Browse Committees → Openings (orange button)

Your time, ideas, talents, and perspective can make a meaningful difference. We hope you’ll join us!

Whether you own a business, know a local business you'd love to see partner with our school, or have a friend, family member, nonprofit, or organization looking to make a meaningful impact in the community, we'd love to connect.

📖 Learn more about the program: https://hydeaddisonpta.org/sponsor

✅ Confirm your sponsorship here: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/7eta78f4zkvx

📄 View the 2026–2027 Annual Business Sponsorship Plan

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all sponsorship contributions to the Hyde-Addison PTA are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law, and we're happy to provide receipts for your records.

There are three easy ways to stay informed, get involved, and connect with our school community throughout the year:

💬 Join Konstella
Our private family communication platform where you can connect with other Hyde families, sign up to volunteer, join committees, and receive important PTA announcements. Join here: https://www.konstella.com/cd/FABTS7

📸 Follow us on Instagram
For school highlights, event reminders, volunteer opportunities, and PTA updates. @HydeAddisonPTA

🌐 Visit our Website
Find everything you need in one place, including upcoming events, programs, volunteer opportunities, fundraising information, committee details, and more: https://hydeaddisonpta.org

We look forward to another fantastic school year together! 💙💛

Label It Before You Lose It! Back-to-school means water bottles, backpacks, jackets, lunchboxes… and the return of the endless Hyde Lost & Found. Now is the perfect time to get organized and label EVERYTHING before the school year begins!

Now through August 31, shop Mabel’s Labels and:

✨ Get 15% OFF sitewide with code LABEL15
💛 Hyde-Addison PTA receives 20% of your purchase when you select “Hyde-Addison PTA (Washington)” as your organization.
👉 Start shopping here: campaigns.mabelslabels.com

The SY26–27 Family Handbook is available below. Please take time to review it for important information about school policies, procedures, expectations, and resources for the upcoming school year.

We encourage all families who are interested in volunteering or serving as chaperones on school field trips to complete the volunteer clearance process as early as possible. Processing times can vary, and completing the requirements in advance will ensure you are eligible to participate in upcoming school events and excursions.

All volunteers, including parents, must complete the DCPS Clearance process before volunteer services can be provided. Please send a proof of your completed clearance status to hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.

If your child needs to take medication or requires medical treatment during school hours, please have your medical provider complete the appropriate forms, which may include the Medication and Treatment Authorization Forms, the Asthma Action Plan and the Action Plan for Anaphylaxis. Please email forms to hyde.Addison@k12.dc.gov and ask them to be submitted to the nurse. We will confirm receipt.

If your child needs a dietary accommodation, your provider should also complete the Dietary Accommodations Form. Please submit the completed form to dietary.forms@k12.dc.gov and cc hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.

Attendance is a top priority for both DCPS and Hyde-Addison ES, as consistent, on-time attendance is essential to student achievement, growth, and overall success. We encourage families to review the DCPS Academic Calendar below or directly on the dcps.dc.gov website, to plan vacations, appointments, and events in a way that supports uninterrupted learning throughout the school year.

During the school year, please notify the school every time your student is absent. Excuse notes must be emailed to hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov within 5 school days after the student’s return to school for the absence to be excused, in alignment with DCPS Attendance policies. (Classroom teachers cannot excuse absences.)

DCPS is pleased to announce the release of the SY 25-26 Feeder, Middle School, and High School Booklets. These comprehensive booklets provide essential information including school overviews, programming details, geographic and programmatic feeder patterns, and much more.

Please find attached a message from DC Public Schools Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee regarding changes to sibling phase-in policies for students enrolling in 9th grade in School Year 2026-2027 and later.

For students and families:

• OCTO Student & Family Call Center – Assists parents and students with technical and password issues. Contact number is: (202) 442-5885 (Option 1).

DCPS is committed to creating a discrimination-free environment for all students. To meet this commitment, DCPS is focused on creating an environment in which we eliminate opportunity gaps, interrupt institutional bias, and remove barriers to academic and social success, particularly for students of color. Please review the following policies regarding anti-discrimination within DCPS.

DCPS Anti-Discrimination Policy

When you receive the Family Newsletter by email each Friday, as well as most other school-wide communications, you will have the option to view it in a web browser. Accessing the newsletter this way allows for automatic translation into over 20 languages and provides enhanced accessibility features, including high-contrast display settings and adjustable font sizes for improved visibility.

All Family Newsletters will also be archived on the Hyde-Addison website https://hydeaddisondc.org/home throughout the year for your ongoing reference.

Aug 24: First Day of School (K-5)

Aug 27: First Day of School (ECE)

Sept 2: Back to School Night

First Tuesday of Each Month: LSAT