Mustang Matters

Greetings MMS Families,

I hope you are well and also hoping for some better weather and a break from rain this weekend and moving forward. Our Mustangs seem ready for summer and so am I! We are down to our last three weeks of school and there is lots happening, so make sure our Mustangs are here every day.

Enrollment Update – We continue to make progress and stay ahead of last year’s pace. Please note that course request forms have been shared with all reenrolled/enrolled students and families!

Have a great weekend!

Greetings MacFarland Families,

Enrollment season started on Friday, March 27th for the 2026-2027 School Year and we are excited at the prospect of continuing to provide your Mustang with the opportunity to learn and grow with us!

We have some awesome incentives in store for current 6th and 7th grade students that complete the re-enrollment process (flyer attached).

6th Grade Incentives:

• The first advisory to reach 100% re-enrolled wins a Chick-fil-A breakfast.

• The second advisory to reach 100% re-enrolled wins a donut party.

• Students re-enrolled by April 3rd, can dress down for the remainder of the year.

• Students re-enrolled by April 10th, will receive extra recess and can dress down every Monday and Friday.

• Students re-enrolled by April 24th, will participate in an Ice Cream Social.

• Students re-enrolled by May 1st, will attend the Carter Barron Cookout.

• Students re-enrolled by June 1st, will receive a MacFarland t-shirt.

7th Grade Incentives:

• The first advisory to reach 100% re-enrolled wins a Chick-fil-A breakfast.

• The second advisory to reach 100% re-enrolled wins a donut party.

• Students re-enrolled by April 3rd, will be able to dress down for all remaining FRIDAYS once re-enrolled.

• Students re-enrolled by April 10th, will attend an Ice Cream Party.

• Students re-enrolled by April 24th, will attend a Pizza Party.

• Students re-enrolled by May 1st, will be eligible to attend the 7th grade cookout.

• Students re-enrolled by June 1st, will receive a MacFarland t-shirt.

To successfully complete the re-enrollment process you will need to complete the three steps listed below:

• Complete the DCPS enrollment packet. The enrollment packet for school year 2026-2027 can be completed online through the Aspen Parent Portal starting on March 27th, when it will go live at https://aspen.dcps.dc.gov/aspen-login/go. Please note that to complete enrollment online you must have access to the Aspen Parent Portal so please make sure you are able to log in prior to enrollment opening! Please let us know if you need help accessing your account.

• Provide valid proof of DC residency and health forms (prior to the first day of the new school year if due). Documents can be turned in to the main office or can be attached to the enrollment packet online.

• Submit the completed enrollment packet and proof of DC residency to the school. Submission can be done online or in person in the main office.

If you need help completing the enrollment process, you can sign up for an appointment through the link below:

• Select a Date & Time - Calendly

We will also be available for walk in assistance during the regular school hours on a first come first serve basis and will hold extended office hours in the morning, afterschool, and on select Saturdays. Please see schedule below:

• Extended Office Hours

  • ​Monday - Thursday starting at 7:15 AM

  • Afterschool everyday until 5:00 PM

• Saturday Enrollment Schedule​

• May 2nd, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• May 9th, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the main office (202) 671-6033 or email macfarlandmsenroll@k12.dc.gov.

Thank you,

MacFarland Enrollment Team

Saludos a las familias de MacFarland,

El periodo de inscripción comenzo el viernes 27 de marzo para el año escolar 2026-2027, nos entusiasma la perspectiva de seguir brindándole a su Mustang la oportunidad de aprender y crecer con nosotros!

Tenemos fantásticos incentivos preparados para los alumnos actuales de 6º y 7º grado que completen el proceso de reinscripción (folleto adjunto).

Incentivos para alumnos de sexto grado:

• El primer grupo asesor que logre el 100% de reinscripción ganará un desayuno de Chick-fil-A.

• El segundo grupo asesor que logre el 100% de reinscripciones gana una fiesta de donas.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 3 de abril podrán vestir de manera informal durante el resto del año.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 10 de abril recibirán recreo adicional y podrán vestirse de forma más formal. cerrado todos los lunes y viernes.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 24 de abril participarán en una merienda con helado.

• Estudiantes reinscritos antes del 1 de mayo , Asistiré a la barbacoa de Carter Barron.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 1 de junio recibirán una camiseta de MacFarland.

Incentivos para alumnos de septimo grado:

• El primer grupo asesor que logre el 100% de reinscripción ganará un desayuno de Chick-fil-A.

• El segundo grupo asesor que logre el 100% de reinscripciones ganará una fiesta de donas.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 3 de abril podrán vestir de manera informal todos los viernes restantes una vez que se hayan reinscrito.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 10 de abril asistirán a una fiesta de helados.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 24 de abril asistirán a una fiesta de pizza..

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 1 de mayo podrán asistir a la barbacoa de séptimo grado.

• Los estudiantes que se reinscriban antes del 1 de junio recibirán una camiseta de MacFarland.

Para completar con éxito el proceso de reinscripción, deberá seguir los tres pasos que se indican a continuación:

• Complete el formulario de inscripción de las Escuelas Públicas del Distrito de Columbia (DCPS). El formulario de inscripción para el año escolar 2026-2027 se puede completar en línea a través del Portal para Padres de Aspen a partir del 27 de marzo, fecha en que estará disponible en https://aspen.dcps.dc.gov/aspen-login/go. Tenga en cuenta que para completar la inscripción en línea debe tener acceso al Portal para Padres de Aspen, así que asegúrese de poder iniciar sesión antes de que se abra el período de inscripción. Si necesita ayuda para acceder a su cuenta, no dude en contactarnos.

• Proporcione un comprobante válido de residencia en DC y formularios de salud (antes del primer día del nuevo año escolar, si corresponde). Los documentos se pueden entregar en la oficina principal o adjuntarse al paquete de inscripción en línea.

• Envíe el paquete de inscripción completo y el comprobante de residencia en DC a la escuela. Puede entregarlo en línea o en persona en la oficina principal.

Si necesita ayuda para completar el proceso de inscripción, puede solicitar una cita a través del siguiente enlace:

• Seleccione una fecha y hora - Calendly

También estaremos disponibles para brindar asistencia sin cita previa durante el horario escolar habitual, por orden de llegada, y tendremos horario de oficina extendido por la mañana, después de clases y algunos sábados . Consulte el horario a continuación:

• Horario de oficina ampliado

  • De lunes a jueves a partir de las 7:15 a. m.

  • Actividades extraescolares todos los días hasta las 17:00.

• Horario de inscripción del sábado

• 2 de mayo, de 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• 9 de mayo, de 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, llame a la oficina principal al (202) 671-6033 o envíe un correo electrónico a macfarlandmsenroll@k12.dc.gov.

Gracias,

Equipo de Inscripción de MacFarland

6.3 – No afterschool clubs/activities – final Faculty Meeting

6.4 – Spring Concert and Science Fair at MacFarland

6.5 – 8th Grade Day of Service

6.9 – PTO Meeting – 6:00pm

6.9 – 8th Grade King’s Dominion Trip

6.10 – 8th Grade Awards Ceremony

6.11 – 8th Grade Dance

6.17 – 8th Grade Promotion

6.18 – Last Day of School

Afterschool Activities Conclude on Friday, 6.12 – Please note as the following week we have multiple events, trips and the last day of school our last day for afterschool activities and clubs will be Friday, June 12th.

Parent Resource/Opportunity for June – I thought this was an interesting resource to listen to with Mustangs as career exploration (especially for 8th graders) is a them that they begin to consider – note I have not listened to or screened all of these: Audio Interviews with U.S. Workers - In this article in Social Education, Andrew Decker provides links to a series of Library of Congress audio interviews with Americans in a wide variety of jobs, among them:

• Luann Miller, grocery story cashier in Seattle, Washington
• Barbara Miller Byrd, circus owner, Hugo, Oklahoma
• Roberta Washington, architect, New York City
• Henrietta Ivey, home health care provider, Detroit, Michigan
• Dolores Fortuna, professional potter, Galena, Illinois
• Thomas Sink, circus clown, Mead, Oklahoma

These interviews, 6-9 minutes long, are excerpts from longer talks about why each person got into this job and what it was like on a day-to-day basis. “Using the America Works Podcast and Occupational Folklife Project to Personalize Economics in the Classroom” by Andrea Decker in Social Education, March/April 2026 (Vol. 90, #2, pp. 67-71)

Reference – Wellness Team Members – please reach out if you believe your Mustang (or another Mustang) would benefit from additional support.

6th Grade – Ms. Kent, School Psychologist –Christina.Kent@k12.dc.gov

6th Grade – Ms. Castro, Counselor - Liana.Castro@k12.dc.gov

7th Grade – Ms. Raphael, Social Worker - Alexandra.Raphael@k12.dc.gov

7th Grade – Ms. Sargent, Counselor - Leslie.Sargent@k12.dc.gov

8th Grade – Ms. Raifsnider, Social Worker - Jennifer.Raifsnider@k12.dc.gov

8th Grade – Ms. Thompson, Counselor - Kelly.Thompson@k12.dc.gov

PTO Liaisons have been coordinated to support each grade level and grade level families. You can expect to see them at PTO meetings and connect with them if need be. For 25-26 SY the staff liaisons are:

- 6th Grade – Jessica Gibian – jessica.gibian@k12.dc.gov

- 7th Grade – Fadwa Hussein – fadwa.hussein@k12.dc.gov

- 8th Grade – Sarah Riggen – sarah.riggen@k12.dc.gov

In addition, the family Grade Level Liaisons for this year are:

• 6th Grade – Anita Rechler and Julie Gallo – rechlera@gmail.com, julie.schwenk@gmail.com

• 7th Grade – Patrique Smellie – pacamp01@gmail.com

• 8th Grade – Nidia Dence – nidia.dence@gmail.com

A huge thanks to all of our liaisons for this year, and a reminder to all families: be sure to join the PTO’s WhatsApp or email list if you haven’t already (see info at the bottom of this message)!

Shout Outs and Celebrations: Please check out a few shout outs to MacFarland community members who are embracing our belief that we are one MacFarland!

Shout out to Ms. Martinez who taught science and then PE to our 7th graders alongside Coach Green when the team was shorthanded on Wednesday! This was just one example of our self-contained team making it happened this week! Thank you to the team for their flexibility to support our students with the highest need and one another – Ms. Barrett, Mr. Richardson, Ms. Greene, Mr. Green, Dr. Lee, Ms. Richardson, Mr. March and Ms. Terry-Frye who have been making it work all week long despite being shorthanded multiple days this week!

Shout out to Ms. Leonor and team for coordinating student participation in the Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture Exam last Friday! The students below all came in and did their best on this challenging exam – we are expecting strong results! Thank you Ms. Leonor for the coordination and leadership and to these students for taking the test: Evely Alarcon, Osa Appleforsberg, Ashle Contreras, Joseph Dence, Edwin Diaz, Livinia Filardo, Josiah Flores Avila, Yecson Fuentes, Alana Hrivnak, Rafael Idris, Kesly Lopez, Mariela Mijango, Daniel Maradiaga Benitez, Kevin Martinez, Angel Palacios Hernandez, Thomas Palomeque, Darlyn Pineda Orellana, Yanelis Ponce flores, Amelie Torres, Marlon Villegas, Nora Wilensky!

Shout out to Ms. Drummond who led the way overall in students demonstrating reading growth per our central office partners and a big shout out to our students who made the most gains this year – the group below was celebrated on Wednesday by Abby W. and our Dreambox partners with certificates and some gifts. Great job to our students and staff!!! Alisson Alvarado Miranda, Sage Robinson, Steven Flores-Sanchez, Englis Berrios and Jaslyn Angelique Torres-Avelar made the most growth in the school!

The first of many shout outs to Ms. Lee and Team 8 who coordinated our first EOY 8th grade activity today with the BBQ at Carter Barron! It sounds like the kids and staff had a great time and got a chance to start closing the year out in joy and unity. Thank you as well to the team who stayed back and supported students who were unable to attend. Looking forward to more close out events by Ms. Lee and Team 8!

The MacFarland PTO is excited to host two bands in front of the school during Petworth Porchfest (Saturday, May 30, 4-6pm). Bring your chairs and come out to support our great community! The PTO will be selling food and drinks.

Here’s the line up:

- 4pm: The Ring Tones. Teenage brass from MacFarland Middle School alumni.

- 5pm: Night & Day Company (NDC). A powerhouse collective of session musicians from the DMV area, delivering high-energy, horn-heavy performances of funk, punk, and rock favorites from the 1960s through today (featuring Mr. Ring).

Day Eight’s spoken word poetry show, Bright Before Us Like a Flame, was a big hit for us this February during Black History Month and our partners here have shared they have a free school summer writing camp, featuring the performers and director of the show. Here is the information:

• Day Eight’s FREE, youth development and youth leadership focused, summer camp at the Shepherd Park Library supports youth to complete independent and group creative projects. Each week includes a poet writer in residence, this summer including Amuche Nwafor, Pi-Anir - the show's performers - along with Rebecca Bishophall, and Brandon Douglas. The camp co-director is Regie Cabico (director of Bright Before Us.) Thank you for letting any parents/students know that might be interested. The link for more information and registration is: https://dayeight.org/registration-open-for-day-eights-middle-school-summer-writing-camp/ and a flier is attached. We’re looking forward to a great summer at camp!

Youth Sports For All (YSFA), a Go Play program, offers free after-school and summer sports programs for DC youth in grades K-8, especially those with limited access to enrichment opportunities. Families can sign up for upcoming seasons and give kids a chance to grow through play, building confidence, making friends, and staying active in a supportive environment.

Registration and program details: https://www.goplaydc.org/ysfaspringregistration
Questions? Contact our team at ysfa@goplaydc.org or 202-679-3432.

Youth Sports For All (YSFA), un programa de Go Play, ofrece programas deportivos gratuitos después de la escuela y en verano para jóvenes de DC en los grados K-8, especialmente para familias con acceso limitado a oportunidades recreativas. Las familias pueden inscribirse en las próximas temporadas para que los niños disfruten del deporte, desarrollen confianza, hagan nuevos amigos y se mantengan activos en un ambiente de apoyo.

Enlace de inscripción y detalles del programa: https://www.goplaydc.org/ysfaspringregistration

¿Preguntas? Contacta con nuestro equipo en ysfa@goplaydc.org o 202-679-3432.

The Brightwood Family Success Center is pleased to share updates on our upcoming events and services.

Upcoming Events:

- June Food Distribution: Our next distribution is June 18th, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Please register in advance at: https://forms.gle/ivnyJcWdJWjycq34A

- Wellness Wednesday Bingo: Wednesday, June 24th, 1-3 PM. Join us for an exciting afternoon of Bingo Games! Get your dabbers ready for fun and the thrill of winning!

Please register in advance at: https://forms.gle/fw79WikMF32znxko9

- Kids, Cops and Karaoke: Friday, June 5th, 2026 Join us before school ends and start your weekend with music, community, and good vibes!

Please register in advance at: https://forms.gle/UMyjrH68GLqTZei6A

- Streaming Summer Camp Announcement: Summer camp opportunities have arrived! Registration opens on June 1st for our Streaming Summer Camp orientations. Please see the flyer for more info.

Available Resources:

- Computer Lab: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

- Clothing Closet: Offering spring and summer clothing.

- Employment Assistance: Support with resume writing, mock interviews, and "Dress for Success" preparation.

- Service Navigation: Referrals to community services via our comprehensive database.

- LIHEAP Applications: Assistance with completing online applications.

Dear MacFarland community, as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) tightens its stance on food support to families, MacFarland is seeing more pull on our food pantry that supports students and families year-round.

Most of the items that are typically used to support families have been depleted. If you have any unexpired, non-perishables in your pantries and cupboards, please think about supporting our families with these items. Protein meals (including beans, and other grains, canned fish/meat) are of value to our families. With every school break comes more stress for families; because we’re a school community that supports the whole child, this is our way of ensuring care beyond the walls of the school campus.

If you are able to support, you may drop off the non-perishable goods in the main office, so that we can sort, store, and support families immediately in need.

Thank you for all that you do to support our school community.

The Petworth Library will be closing for a building refresh project on December 12th and we will likely be closed for the remainder of the school year. For more information please visit the link below:

https://www.dclibrary.org/news/petworth-library-renovation

NEW ATTENDANCE EXCUSE NOTE PLATFORM: Families can now submit attendance excuse notes via the Aspen GO (Parent Portal). Step-by-step instructions attached below.

At DC Public Schools, we want every student to feel loved, challenged, and prepared to positively influence society and thrive in life. To reach this ambitious goal, every student needs to be in school every day. However, too many of the young people in our city are not coming to school every day.

The Office of the State Superintendent’s (OSSE) finds that one in four kids in DC are chronically absent from school – which means missing 10 percent or more of the school year. At some DCPS high schools, three out of four students are chronically absent.

DCPS believes that every day counts.

Students, families, and the community must be empowered to track our progress in helping every young person get to school. By being transparent about our challenges, our city can work together to reduce the barriers that too many students and families face.

Definitions

• Truancy: Measures the percent of students aged 5-17 who are considered truant. To be “truant” means that a student has 10 or more unexcused absences from school – with or without – parental knowledge, consent, or otherwise securing prior approval from the start of the school year.
• In-school Attendance: Measures the average percent of students who are attending school.
• Chronic Absence Rate: Measures the percent of students who miss 10 percent or more days in a school year from the start of the school year.
• Attendance Entry Rate: Measures the percent of classes for which a school has entered attendance.
• 60/40 rule: Students are considered legally absent for the day if they miss more than 40% of their classes.

Regular school attendance is critical for academic success. Our goal is to ensure that every student attends school regularly and on time. Daily presence in school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success, starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families can continue to play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school—excused or unexcused—they can fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days in a school year. Research shows that:

Children that are chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade. By 6th grade, chronic absence is a warning sign for students at risk of dropping out of school. By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

Questions/Concerns:

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ms. Claribel Salgado via email at claribel.salgado@k12.dc.gov or by phone at (202) 671-6033.

• https://dcps.nutrislice.com/menu/macfarland-middle-school

The allergy season is here and many individuals who suffer from frequent asthma attacks are beginning to feel the impact of the various allergens and irritants in the air. For students and families, we are sharingthis link to Children’s National -- https://www.childrensnational.org/get-care/departments/impact-dc-asthma-clinic -- as a resource for helping to manage your students’ asthma related-illnesses. If your child suffers from asthma, be sure to complete and submit the Asthma Action Plan and Medication Plan and Procedure to the Nurse. The Anaphylaxis Plan must be completed for acute allergy sufferers who need to be administered an Epi-pen. Also, if your child is on any medication during school hours—including over-the-counter medications—a Medication Plan and Procedure Form must be completed and submitted to the Nurse along with your child’s Medication Treatment Administration Form, signed by your child’s primary care physician. All these documents must be provided to the Nurse by parents, along with the medication/s your child is taking during school hours. Students are not permitted to self-carry or self-medicate. All the forms mentioned in this message are attached, for your convenience.

For Mental Health Support Resources in English and Spanish for Students, Parents, and Teachers. Topics include: Stress, Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Suicide and Self-Harm, Healthy Relationships, Social Media, and much more! -- Mary`s Center (maryscenter.org)

This school year, DCPS is partnering with Children’s National Hospital to support our students’ health and attendance through the Collaborative for Attendance Resources in Education and Health (CARE-H); CARE-H is now available in all DCPS schools. Through this program, parents or guardians can give permission to DCPS to securely share attendance information with their child’s doctor(s), nurse(s) and medical office staff. This information will help these healthcare professionals to provide special outreach and medical attention to children that might be missing school and their families. Information about this initiative can be found here.

POC: Andrea.Allen@k12.dc.gov

The MacFarland PTO has set up an email list for discussion and connection among current and enrolled MacFarland families. Any family member or guardian of a MacFarland student can join by either of these methods:

Attention families, anyone with a child that would like a Kids Ride Free SmartTrip Card can sign up for one in the main office. We will process and distribute on a rolling basis.