Family Newsletter

Dear Hyde-Addison ES Families,

DC CAPE testing for our 3rd–5th grade students begins next week. As we prepare, please help us set our students up for success by ensuring they get plenty of rest each night, arrive to school on time, and have breakfast, either before arriving or by coming on time for school breakfast. Most importantly, we ask for your partnership in encouraging our students to stay focused, feel confident, and do their very best each day. We believe in them all!

2026-2027 Enrollment Update

DCPS Goal for May 1st: 60%

Hyde-Addison ES Enrollment as of April 24th: 66.8% (We met the May 1st goal!)

DCPS Goal for June 1st: 90%

As always, please feel free to email hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov with any school specific inquiries.

Warmest regards,
Dr. Calvin Hooks, Principal
Hyde-Addison Elementary School

Our team will be stationed outside on the playground during the re-enrollment event this Saturday, April 25th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We’ll be available to assist families with the re-enrollment process, answer any questions, and provide additional support as needed.

You also have the option to re-enroll your child online. If you have any questions or need assistance with the process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.

Hyde- Addison students will take the ELA DC CAPE on Tuesday, April 28-Thursday, April 30 and the MATH DC CAPE on Tuesday, May 5- Thursday, May 7.

We suggest the following tips to help prepare your student for DC CAPE:

• Help your child get a full night’s sleep so they feel rested and ready to learn.
• Make sure they eat a hearty breakfast or have them arrive at school by 8:10 to enjoy breakfast at school.
• Ensure they arrive to school on time (8:35am), so they can begin the day calmly and confidently.
• Offer a quick reminder to do their best – encouragement goes a long way!

On time arrival to school is critical to testing!

When students arrive late on testing days, they are unable to join their class for the scheduled assessment. During CAPE, any student who arrives after testing has begun will wait in the main office until the testing block is finished. Make‑up testing will occur later in the week during regular instructional time.

To encourage strong attendance, every student who arrives on time each day of testing will be entered into a daily raffle for a fun prize. Please help us set students up for success by ensuring they attend school and arrive on time throughout the testing window.

Each spring, thoughtful consideration is given to the placement of students into classes for the upcoming school year. The instructional staff and administration dedicate significant time and effort to creating well-balanced classes that provide students with meaningful opportunities for academic and social growth. When structuring classes, we adhere to a clear set of guidelines. Students are placed into intentionally diverse, heterogeneous groups, taking into account the following factors:

• Gender and racial balance
• A full range of aptitudes, achievement levels, and learning styles, across the classes, at each grade level, and within each class
• An equitable number of students in each class, within a grade level, as applicable

Upon consideration of these factors, the team forms student class groupings and makes every effort to align pupil and teacher personalities and instructional styles. Understandably, these decisions are informed by the teachers’ observations throughout the academic year. While we welcome and review additional input regarding your child’s individual learning needs, including your feedback, such information will be considered within the context of the guidelines outlined above.

With this understanding, if you have re-enrolled and still wish to submit a personal request concerning your child only (please refrain from cohort or grouping requests), you may do so between April 24, 2026 and May 15, 2026 using the link below.

Please note that all final placement decisions are made by the school administration.

Welcome to "Hyde & Shine"—a section of our family newsletter dedicated to celebrating the amazing accomplishments of our students and the moments that make them proud!

Each May the PTA holds elections for Executive Board members for the following school year. We encourage anyone interested in stepping up and joining our dynamic group of volunteers to reach out! All parents or guardians of a student currently enrolled in the school are eligible. A full list of offices and their descriptions can be found in the current bylaws here.

While we welcome nominations for all positions, we are particularly looking for volunteers who are willing to serve as VP for Events, VP for Room Parents, and Secretary. Please click here to complete the nominations form or email pta.hydeaddison@gmail.com by Sunday, May 3 if you'd like to nominate yourself or another parent/guardian for any of these roles! Elections will run online for approximately one week beginning on or around May 8.

In honor of National Public School Volunteer Week, we wanted to take a minute and recognize the parents and caregivers who make our community thrive. Whether you're serving as a room parent or PTA committee member, chaperoning a field trip or supporting a classroom activity, helping in the library, working on the garden, or giving your time in a one-off capacity at a PTA or school hosted event this year, your collective efforts are an amazing reflection of the care and dedication that make Hyde-Addison so special.

Every act of involvement—big or small—helps make Hyde-Addison the welcoming, connected community our children deserve.

Jazz After Dark – Everything You Need to Know – Please Read!

Silent Auction (LIVE NOW!)

• 110 items: travel, camps, dining, “teacher time,” experiences & more
• Open to everyone—share with friends and family
• Closes Saturday, April 25th at 9:30 PM
• Bid here: https://hae.schoolauction.net/jazzafterdark/catalog

Live Auction Highlight (In-Person Only)
Start planning your bidding strategy for tomorrow night—these items will only be available at the gala:

1. 4-night / 5-day Deep Creek Stay at “Black Swan” – $5,000
2. TV News Reporter for the Day – back by popular demand – PRICELESS!
3. 6-night / 7-day Dewey Beach house – $3,000
4. NYC Getaway (2 Acela round trip tix+ $500 hotel voucher+ 4 ARTECHOUSE tix) – $1,800
5. Private in-home wine tasting for 6 people with the Fiola Mare Sommelier – $1,500

Consider teaming up with friends and coming in with a plan!

Tickets

• Final call—very limited tickets remaining
• Secure yours here: https://hae.schoolauction.net/jazzafterdark/register/ticket_sales

Volunteers Needed

• We still need help with setup, during the event, and cleanup
• Sign up on Konstella here: https://www.konstella.com/app/school/5f3ec103b63aaba471bba1f9/signups/69c58ca11fba942af6caa2b8
  

Tombola (Wine Pull) – Buy Tix Ahead

• $5 per ticket or 5 for $20
• Match your ticket to a bottle and it’s yours
• Purchase here: 1 for $5: https://hae.schoolauction.net/jazzafterdark/catalog?id=39
  5 for $20: https://hae.schoolauction.net/jazzafterdark/catalog?id=114

Heads or Tails Raffle – New This Year – Buy Tix Ahead

• $20 per person
• Played at the start of the Live Auction
• Winner receives four front row tickets to the Hyde-Addison musical, Disney’s The Lion King Kids: Friday, May 29 at 5:30 PM | School Auditorium
• Purchase here: https://hae.schoolauction.net/jazzafterdark/catalog?id=115

Thank you for supporting Hyde-Addison and for all the enthusiasm leading up to the gala. We can’t wait to celebrate with you tomorrow night!

Last year was the most historic season in Howard’s 54 year history featuring the first outright MEAC regular season championship since 1986-87, first MEAC Tournament title & NCAA appearance since 1992, and a nationally recognized team social justice project centered on Black Maternal Health advocacy.

Last summer, the team had over 230 campers come through our 4 sessions of camp. This year, the team is excited to unveil the new Burr Gymnasium practice facility with 14 hoops spread across 3 courts which will greatly expand and enhance the camp experience.

If you are interested in enrolling, all registration can be done at www.howarduniversitybasketballschool.com.

Dates and age ranges are below:

• Elite Camp 1: June 13-14 (ages 14-19; boys only)
• Skills Camp 1: June 22-26 (ages 6-18; boys and girls)
• Skills Camp 2: July 20-24 (ages 6-14; boys and girls)
• Elite Camp 2: August 2-3 (ages 14-19; boys only)

Active Play wants to gauge interest in expanding the Spanish aftercare option for SY 26-27--possibly up to 5 days a week. Some existing and incoming families whose kids have attended Spanish pre-k are interested in finding ways to support language maintenance at our school. The PTA working with Active Play to assess these 3 vendors: Isabella & Ferdinand, Communikids, and Spanish123. Please fill out this quick survey to give your input on your interest and experience with these vendors: https://forms.gle/9gX6SHhkWFgiST7E8

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions!

Below you will find the 2026 Chancellor’s Family Notification Letter regarding state-mandated assessments. This letter includes a message from Chancellor Ferebee about mandated assessments, the DCPS assessment windows, and links to helpful resources for families.

Hi Families,

Great news—Champions Back-to-School Enrollment opens Tuesday, March 24! 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!

Hyde Families,

Registration for our final "summer" enrichment season opens this Monday at 9:00 AM! To assist with your planning, you can explore the full catalog, detailed course descriptions, and the registration link directly on our website here.

Key Dates & Information:

• Registration Opens: Monday, March 9th at 9:00 AM
• Cancellation Notices: We will notify parents of any class cancellations by April 10th.
• Registration Closes: Friday, April 17th

Please note that registration will remain open throughout Spring Break. However, classes with insufficient enrollment will be canceled the week prior, so we strongly encourage you to register early to secure a spot in your preferred programs. If you have any questions, need assistance with registration, or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help! Thank you and we look forward to having your child join us this summer!

Sincerely,

Active Play

Details

• August 4th-6th, from 8:30am-12:30pm
• Summer Bridge enrollment opens March 27th, and your student MUST be signed up to participate
• Hardy Bridge Sign Up

Hardy Summer Math and ELA assignments are linked below. Hardy Middle School asks that students complete these assignments prior to the start of the school year, as they will help inform course placements.

Thank you!

On April 25, the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies will host its 5th Annual Spring Block Party on 26th Street NW in Georgetown. This year’s event will feature the local indie-folk band, The Variables.

We would be delighted to see you there!

WHAT: Girls Spring Flag Football!

WHO: 3rd-5th grade girls – all skill levels

WHERE: Eliot Hine MS

WHEN: Sundays April 12th - May 17th from 2:30-4:00 pm.

COST: FREE if you use the code FREECHGIRLSFLAG

REGISTER HERE by Tuesday, April 7th!

Join the Hyde-Addison PTA and fellow Hyde families for youth night at Audi Field--a fun evening at a Washington Spirit soccer game — our Southwest Playdate of the season!

📅 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 6:30 PM Kickoff
📍 Audi Field – Section 115
100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC

Watch the Washington Spirit take on Seattle Reign while connecting with other Hyde families for a great night of professional soccer in DC.

🎟 Early Bird Tickets: $25 per person
• Early bird pricing available for the first 50 tickets sold
• After that, ticket prices may increase — buy early!

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/5cy7uy0r8qoa

⭐ Bonus for Kids:
The first 20 kids’ tickets purchased will receive access to a pre-game field experience starting at 5:00 PM.

Important Notes:
• Parking is not included
• Seats are together in Section 115

If your family needs financial assistance, please contact:
📧 hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov

The lost & found pile is already growing! Help keep track of water bottles, jackets, and more by labeling everything. Through Mabel’s Labels, you can purchase durable, waterproof labels in fun designs — and 20% of proceeds go directly to Hyde-Addison!

👉 Visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com, search for Hyde-Addison PTA (Washington), and start shopping.

We also have ongoing restaurant fundraisers each week at Georgetown favorites:
🍕 Manny & Olga’s Mondays (1641 Wisconsin Ave NW)
🍗 Wingo’s Wednesdays (3207 O Street NW)

✨ 25% of your order comes back to Hyde — just mention Hyde-Addison at checkout! No online delivery apps- in-person dining or takeout only!

For more information and a full catalog of our ongoing fundraisers, visit our website:https://hydeaddisonpta.org/ongoing-fundraisers. Thank you for supporting our school community!

With back-to-school around the corner, we have an easy way to help you avoid the lost & found and support our school at the same time!

Mabel's Labels are waterproof, dishwasher and washing machine-safe, durable, and come in a wide variety of sizes, colors and kid-favorite graphics. They're perfect for water bottles, lunchboxes, headphones, jackets and more!

Extra Perk! 20% of every purchase goes right back to Hyde-Addison to support our students and staff.

How to order:

1. Go to campaigns.mabelslabels.com.
2. Search for and select "Hyde-Addison PTA (Washington)"
3. Start shopping! It's that easy!

We’re excited to share that our Minted fundraiser is back! When you use code FUNDRAISEHYDEADDISON, you’ll save 20% on your order—and Minted will donate 10% back to the Hyde-Addison PTA.

This code works all year long, so whether you’re ordering holiday cards, change of address cards, baby announcements, graduation invitations or announcements or personalized gifts, every purchase gives back to our school!

Minted offers beautiful, high-quality designs, easy address collection, and free recipient address printing on envelopes, making any large send-out a breeze.

Thank you for considering supporting Hyde-Addison while checking a few things off your to-do list! Happy Shopping! --> https://www.minted.com

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.)

All students in grades Kindergarten–5 must have a signed permission form on file each school year in order to:

• Be dismissed to the Jelleff aftercare program

• Walk home

• Take public transportation home alone

• Leave with an underaged sibling

No student will be permitted to leave school alone or with an underaged sibling until the attached form is signed and returned to the main office or emailed to hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov.

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.

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.

Continuing this school year, Hyde-Addison’s cell phone policy will remain in effect. If families choose to send their child to school with a cell phone or other personal technology, it must be kept in the student’s backpack and turned off or set to airplane mode for the duration of the school day as referenced in the Family Handbook.

Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, a new DCPS policy will prohibit 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.

DCPS Student Cell Phone and Personal Electronic Device policy

To ensure students and families receive the appropriate technological support, DCPS IT and OCTO will provide dedicated assistance.

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

The Family Handbook for the 2025–2026 school year is attached below for your review. Please take a moment to read through it to familiarize yourself with important school policies and procedures.

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.

May 25: Holiday for Students, Teachers, and Staff

Jun 16: No School for Students or Teachers

Jun 18: Last Day for Students / End of Term

First Tuesday of Each Month: LSAT