Family Newsletter
March 14, 2025
A Note From Dr. Hooks
Dear Hyde-Addison ES Families,
Thank you to all of the families who engaged in parent teacher conferences. Your collaboration is appreciated. I am hopeful that our students had an opportunity to rest, reset or rejuvenate over their extended weekend, in a way that helped them center themselves as we prepare for a few more weeks of instruction, prior to spring break. Help us go into spring strong, present and ready to learn.
As always, please feel free to email hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov, with any school specific inquiries.
Kindest Regards,
Dr. Calvin Hooks, Principal
Hyde-Addison Elementary School
NEWS & UPDATES
Ensure Your Access to the Aspen Parent Portal
As we prepare for enrollment season, we want to ensure all families can access the Aspen Parent Portal. Please take a moment to confirm your access by following the steps below.
How to Log On
Your initial log-in information for the Parent Portal will come via email. If you haven’t received your username and password, please email hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov to make sure that we have your correct email address and have granted you Parent Portal access in the system.
User Guides
Instructional Videos
These instructional videos will guide you through the ins and outs of the Aspen Parent Portal.
Future Chef Event – March 28 at Whittier Elementary
Whittier Elementary School will host a Future Chef event, which will take place on March 28. They are still eagerly awaiting student registrations and encourage participation in this exciting opportunity.
The idea behind this event is to educate kids on healthy eating habits. Too often, we hear about children not making the right choices when it comes to their nutrition, but eating healthy should be fun! That’s why they are inviting students to submit recipes to complete the plate with their favorite main dish.
Judging Criteria:
- Originality
- Kid-Friendly
- Ease of Preparation
- Healthy Attributes
- Plate Presentation
- Taste
- Student Chef Presentation to Judges
Event Timeline:
- A distinguished panel of administrators will evaluate the submitted recipes and select finalists from each school.
- Selected finalists will be formally invited to a Culinary Competition Cook-Off on March 28 at Whittier Elementary, at a time to be confirmed.
All finalists will receive a framed plaque and will have the opportunity to showcase their culinary talents. Local press will be present to capture the students’ creations, and parents and teachers will be able to view and taste the final dishes during the event reception.
Please note:
🚗 Transportation will not be provided on March 28. Participants must be dropped off and picked up at Whittier Elementary School.
👨🍳 Each group of kids will have a kitchen staff member assigned to ensure safety and proper food preparation practices.
As an added bonus, this competition is one of 15 local competitions organized by Sodexo across the country in March. The winning recipe from each event will move on to a national competition in April, where students will have the chance to win exciting prizes!
Attached you will find the flyer and the recipe submission forms for students.
The Hyde Addison PTA presents- Havana Nights Gala: 50 days until Takeoff!
The Hyde Addison PTA presents ✨ Havana Nights Gala ✨
📅 May 3rd, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
⏳ Prices go up April 1st!
🎟️ TICKETS ON SALE NOW! To purchase tickets, visit: Hyde-Addison 2025 Gala
🪩Do you enjoy planning events that benefit a GREAT cause? 🪩
Join us at our next Gala Committee Meeting on Friday March 21st at noon.
🎉 CALL FOR AUCTION ITEMS 🎉
Help make our Havana Nights Gala a night to remember! We’re seeking donations in the following categories:
Sporting or Theater Tickets
Vacation Homes
Unique Experiences
Food & Beverage
Fitness & Adventure
Classes, Tours & Passes
🌸 PTA Spring Parent-Hosted Parties 🌸 ON SALE NOW!!!!!!!!
It's here! Hyde Addison parents and families! We're thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of Parent-Hosted Parties for this spring season.
For the Kids Tickets
-
Muay Thai Class (All Grades) April 12th at 12:30 PM at Beta Academy Cost $15 per kid get tickets: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/5cw3dn8dhm1j
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Spring Celebration of Colors (All Grades) May 10th at 3 PM at Volta Park Cost $15 per kid. get tickets: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/73srkt5z7l77
-
4th Grade Family Hike May 18th at 2 PM Cost $15 per kid get tickets: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/2p5ury26lk8s
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Roller Skate Night (All Grades) March 22nd at 7 PM Jelleff Rec Center Cost $15 per kid get tickets:
-
3rd Grade Board Game Party June 1st at 1 PM Labyrinth Game Store Cost $15 per kid get tickets: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/2e7zz6pkpd1c
For the Parents
-
Orange Theory Class - April 6th at 12 PM Georgetown Cost $20 per adult get tickets: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/9n09j2c7lcm
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Parent Golf Simulator Night Out April 5th at 8 PM 5iron Cost $25 per adult get tickets: https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/454o3ezecuue
Hyde Addison Family Night at the Spirit Women's Soccer Game! ⚽
Join us for a fun evening of soccer as we cheer on the Washington Spirit Women's Soccer Team! The Hyde Addison PTA invites all families to attend this exciting Family Night at Audi Field.
Event Details:
- Date: June 8th
- Time: 4:00 PM
- Location: Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Tickets:
- $40 per ticket
- The first 10 kid tickets sold will be able to watch the player warm-ups from the pitch before the game!
How to Purchase Tickets:
- To purchase tickets - https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/3b1ksnftpr7i
- Financial assistance is available - please contact us at pta.hydeaddison@gmail.com
NEXT PTA general body meeting
Mark your calendars for the next PTA General Body Meeting focusing on the theme "Tech and My Child" on Monday, March 17 at 7pm on Zoom. RSVP at this link and we will see you there!
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83470671928?pwd=eDBNQmRHenZiNFlUYXVhYTY0SmJ2QT09
PREVIOUS UPDATES
Panorama survey is open February 24 to March 28!
DCPS wants to hear from our families! The survey helps the district measure progress on our vision that every student is succeeding academically, connected to school, and prepared for what’s next. Help Hyde-Addison reach 100% completion. Please click on the link below to take the survey.
Updated DCPS Calendar (Snow Days)
The DCPS SY24-25 Calendar has been modified to accommodate closures for inclement weather. The last day for DCPS students will now be Wednesday, June 18 and the last day for teachers will now be Friday, June 20.
Attendance & Punctuality During DC CAPE Testing (Grades 3-5)
As we approach DC CAPE testing, we want to emphasize the importance of your child being present and on time each day. Please take note of the scheduled testing dates below:
Science Testing (5th Grade): April 8 - April 11
ELA/MATH (Grades 3, 4, & 5): April 29 - May 6
Make-Up Exams: April 29 - May 16 (as needed)
To support your child’s success, please ensure they get plenty of rest, arrive on time, and are prepared to do their best. Thank you in advance for your support!
Spring Strategic Plan Engagement Sessions
The OSSE DC School Report Card
“The 2024 DC School Report Card is built on OSSE’s amended ESSA State Plan, which increases the school accountability system’s emphasis on student growth and marginalized student groups. OSSE has calculated a summative score for each school, as required by USED and the District’s ESSA State Plan. To determine a school’s summative score, OSSE calculates metric scores for each student group, combines student group scores into single metric scores, and then calculates the school-level summative score (up to 100 points). The student groups included are students with disabilities, students who are economically disadvantaged, English learners, and racial/ethnic groups.”
Data points include Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, Student Attendance, Early Childhood Environment, English Language “Proficiency”, and Enrollment.
Based on the Office of the State Superintendent of Education's DC School Report Card Accountability Scores (2024)…
Hyde-Addison ES was ranked #1 for all DCPS Elementary Schools.
Hyde-Addison ES was ranked #1 for all DCPS Elementary, Middle and High Schools.
Hyde-Addison ES was ranked #1 for all DCPS and Public Charter Schools in Washington, DC.
You can read more about how OSSE calculates summative scores at OSSE Data Discovery.
Hyde & Shine!
Welcome to "Hyde & Shine"—a new section of our family newsletter dedicated to celebrating the amazing accomplishments of our students and the school moments that make them proud!
Students can share their accomplishments by dropping a note in the "Hyde & Shine" boxes located in the front office. There are two boxes: one for Pre-K–1st grade and another for 2nd–5th grade. We can’t wait to celebrate their shining moments! ✨
Student Support Team Monthly Newsletter
Community Events & Resources
Attention 5th Grade Families
Hardy's Summer Bridge Program for Incoming Hardy 6th graders:
Mark your calendars, this year's Summer Bridge program for incoming 6th graders will occur August 5-7th. More details will be shared later this spring on Hardy's website HERE. We look forward to welcoming our new Hardy Hawks!
Hardy's Math and ELA Reading Summer Assignments for incoming 6th graders:
All incoming and current Hardy students will need to complete Summer Math and ELA reading assignments each year. Principal Westover and her team will be sharing these assignments soon, in hopes that it will give students enough time to complete them before school begins. Updates and work will be posted HERE .
Hardy Spring Musical- Matilda:
We would love for our future Hardy Hawks to attend this year's production of Matilda. Show dates are listed below and tickets will be available for purchase soon. You don't want to miss it!
- Friday, April 4th (evening show)
- Saturday, April 5th (afternoon and evening show)
Champions Aftercare Enrollment is Open for SY24-25
If you need help or have questions, email: ch002523@discoverchampions.com
To enroll your child in Champions aftercare for SY24-25:
Create a parent portal [STEP 1]
a. Your parent portal will give you access to billing, scheduling and many more things that will assist you.
Link: https://connect.klcschoolpartnerships.com/
Fill out the attached Enrollment Packets [STEP 2]
Ensure to have your REQUESTED SCHEDULE completed.
Ensure you fill out all 3 OSSE forms.
Ensure you fill out a separate form for each of your students.
Ensure there is contact information for primary and secondary payer (email and number).
Ensure you are putting your child/children grade on the enrollment form.
When finished please email a copy to CH002523@DISCOVERCHAMPIONS.COM.
Techstravaganza
Tomorrow’s Women in Science and Technology (TWIST), a student organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST), promotes STEM education through its annual flagship outreach event, Techstravaganza. We warmly invite your students to attend this exciting event!
Techstravaganza is a free, public, hands-on STEM activity fair for elementary and middle school students in Northern Virginia. In previous years, we've hosted more than 4,500 students and 70 labs presenting STEM activities. Our exhibitors range from TJHSST clubs and our own TWIST volunteers to organizations like NASA SCaN, Art of Problem Solving, George Mason University, American Society of Naval Engineers, and the National Air and Space Museum. This year, we will be holding the 21st annual Techstravaganza on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10 AM to 4 PM at TJHSST.
Admission is free, food will be for sale, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school. Here is our registration link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav25, and attached are flyers in English and Spanish that can be used to advertise this event. We would appreciate you sharing this with families in a newsletter or your school's social media. Please let us know if translating the flyer into other languages will help.
More information about the event can be found on our website at tjpartnershipfund.org/techstravaganza/. Thank you so much, and please let us know if you have any questions!
Girls in Gear; Nonprofit Bike Program for Girls (includes free bikes and helmets)
Girls in Gear, a nonprofit, volunteer-led program that teaches confidence-building through bike riding for girls 5+. Our no-questions-asked scholarship policy (which includes bikes and helmets) means that everyone can ride with us. Please see the flyer for additional information.
Camp Arena Stage
Camp Arena Stage is a multi-arts day camp located in Georgetown where community and art make magic. Campers, ages 8-15, choose their own schedules from a long list of activities in theater, music, visual arts, dance, filmmaking, and writing. Campers learn from professional artists and educators to explore, discover and create art.
Ages: 8-15 as of July 1, 2025
Dates:
3-Week Session: July 7 - July 25
Hours: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Georgetown Visitation
1524 35th Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
*Campers bring their lunch each day.
Details: arenastage.org/camp
Questions: Please email camp@arenastage.org
Full and partial scholarships available. Apply by March 21, 2023.
Ty Grace Kids Basketball Day Camp at Howard University’s Burr Gymnasium
On behalf of Coach Ty Grace, we are excited to invite young athletes ages 6-13 to the Ty Grace Kids Basketball Day Camp at Howard University’s Burr Gymnasium! This camp offers a fun, engaging, and instructional environment where children can learn basketball fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
🏀 Kids Day Camp Details
📅 Dates: June 16-20, 2025
⏰ Time: 9 AM - 4 PM (Check-in: 8:30 AM)
📍 Location: Howard University - Burr Gymnasium
👧👦 Ages Welcome: 6-13 years (Boys & Girls)
💰 Cost: $250
🔹 Before & After Care Available
🕗 8-9 AM & 4-5 PM – $10 per day
This camp is perfect for beginner and intermediate players looking to build basketball skills in a fun and structured environment with experienced coaches.
📢 REGISTER TODAY!
Visit tygraceeliteexperiencecamps.totalcamps.com to secure your child’s spot.
For additional questions, please contact:
📧 Brian Davis – brian.davis@howard.edu
📧 Margaree King-Richard – margaree.king-richa@howard.edu
We look forward to providing a fun and exciting basketball experience for your young athletes!
PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS
🎉 PTA CALL FOR AUCTION ITEMS 🎉
Help make our Havana Nights Gala a night to remember! We’re seeking donations in the following categories:
Sporting or Theater Tickets
Vacation Homes
Unique Experiences
Food & Beverage
Fitness & Adventure
Classes, Tours & Passes
Please reach out to the PTA via Konstella or email pta.hydeaddison@gmail.com if you are able to donate.
We Appreciate Our Gala Sponsors!
Thank you to Active Play and Little Folks School for their Silver Sponsorship! Their support of our school means so much!
Thank you to Curiosity Stream for their Silver Sponsorship! Their support of our school means so much!
Thank you to Washington Center for Dentistry for their Silver Sponsorship! Their support of our school means so much!
Thank you to Palisades Dental Health for their Silver Sponsorship! Their support of our school means so much!
Are you interested in sponsorship opportunities? More info here!
Sponsor Spotlight! The Hyde-Addison PTA is grateful to CommuniKids for their Silver Sponsorship of our 2025 Gala!
Thank you to CommuniKids for their Silver Sponsorship! Their support of our school means so much! Please see the information below about their summer camp.
🌟 Adventure Awaits This Summer! 🌟
Join our "Around the World" Summer Camp for endless fun!
Full language immersion in Spanish, French, or Mandarin
🎨 Exciting indoor activities & 🌳 plenty of outdoor adventures
Don’t miss out on this unforgettable summer! Join us for 1 week or all 8—designed for kids 18 months–6 years (varies by location).
Register here today to save your spot! 🌍
Download Konstella!
If you're new to Hyde or haven't already, download Konstella, a virtual platform for Hyde-Addison families. It’s our way of creating a virtual directory so you can connect with other families, including those in your child(ren)’s class(es) once school starts, ask for recommendations, volunteer for one time activities or on an ongoing basis, and keep up to date on events and activities happening at school! We also have social groups for each grade level in addition to each DC ward. Click here for more info including how to join Konstella.
Connect to Your Classrooms in Konstella!
If you haven’t already, we hope you’ll take a minute to update your Konstella settings and add your child(ren) to their classroom(s) in Konstella. Click the Gear icon to access your account settings, then go to “Your Children” to update. If you have any problems, please reach out to the PTA via Konstella or email pta.hydeaddison@gmail.com. More Konstella tips are in the attached flyer.
RESOURCES AND REMINDERS
Family Newsletter Features
When you receive the family newsletter by email on Fridays, as well as most other school-wide correspondence, you have the option to click and view the newsletter in a web browser. Viewing the newsletter in a web browser enables automatic translation into over 20 languages as well as provides the option for increased visibility with high-contrast settings and increased font sizes.
Family Newsletters will continue to be archived on the Hyde-Addison website (https://hydeaddisondc.org/home) throughout the year for your reference.
Volunteer in Our Schools
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.
Absences
Please be reminded to email hyde.addison@k12.dc.gov to inform the team of your child's absence, in order for it to be excused. If your child has a communicable illness, like strep throat, RSV, pink eye, or lice, please also include that information.
Dismissal
Medications and Allergies
If your child needs to take medication or requires medical treatment during school hours, please have your medical provider complete the appropriate forms – there’s 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 Policy
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. (Classroom teachers cannot excuse absences.)
Prioritizing Attendance: DCPS Calendar for Planning
Attendance is a priority of DCPS and Hyde-Addison, as we know regular school attendance is integral to student success. Please find the DCPS calendar, linked here or at the dcps.dc.gov website, so that your family can plan events and vacations accordingly.
SY24-25 Student Meal Prices and Payment Information
https://dcps.dc.gov/page/meal-prices-and-payment
NEW! Visit dcps.nutrislice.com/ for interactive menu page including allergens and interactive nutrition information!
DCPS SY25-26 Feeder, Middle School, and High School Booklets
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.
KEY DATES
April 7: End of Term / Half-Day PD & Half-Day Records Day / No School for Students
April 14-April 18: Spring Break / No School for Students or Teachers
May 26: Holiday for Students, Teachers, and Staff
June 18: Last Day of School
LSAT Meetings: First Tuesday of every month @ 4pm
Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force Meetings: Last Friday of every month @ 4pm