Family Newsletter
May 23, 2025
A Note From Dr. Hooks
Dear Hyde-Addison ES Families,
There will be no school on Monday, in recognition of Memorial Day. We look forward to seeing all students on Tuesday morning.
Enrollment
We made the DCPS May Benchmark of 90%.
As of this afternoon, our enrollment stands at 91.8%. The DCPS benchmark for June 18th is 100%.
Rising 2nd grade student enrollment needs the most support. (Current 1st grade)
As we have continued extending waitlist offers to ensure full and timely enrollment, please be mindful that completing re-enrollment at this time is critical to supporting the maintenance of optimal class sizes. Additional information is provided in the newsletter.
Homeroom Preferences (For Re-enrolled Families)
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 here by May 23, 2025. Please note that all final placement decisions are made by the school administration.
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
Get Ready for Spirit Week! (June 2nd - June 6th)
We’re excited to celebrate Spirit Week during the week of K-5 Field Day! Each day will have a fun theme to help us show our school spirit and build community. Please see the flyer below for daily dress-up themes and activities.
Optional: Wear Field Day Team Colors – Thursday, June 5th
Students are encouraged to show team spirit by wearing their grade-level team colors!
Kindergarten
- Hassan- Purple
- Holmes - Orange
- Kenegy - Green
1st Grade
Nelson – Red
O'Rourke – Yellow
Cooke-Nesme – Black
2nd Grade
Viltz – Blue
Spada – White
Romano – Green
3rd Grade
Keating – Orange
Washington – Purple
Gupta – Green
4th Grade
Walter – Red
Cates – Yellow
Lee – Orange
5th Grade
Spikes – Blue
Roth – Green
LSAT Elections
Please click here to cast your vote for which parent/family representatives will serve on the LSAT for SY25-26. More details about what the LSAT is will be available when you click on the link.
Elections are open now through 8:00am on May 29th.
Hyde-Addison PTA Gardening Project
The Hyde-Addison PTA extends a heartfelt thank you to all of the families who generously volunteered their time or contributed funds to our gardening project. This effort wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible school spirit and sense of community that define Hyde-Addison. Some of our core values —curiosity, kindness and perseverance— were on full display this weekend and we’re so proud to have made a meaningful impact on our garden space while helping pollinators and our environment as a whole. If you haven’t seen the results yet, check out the PTA Instagram! There’s still time to donate to our ongoing gardening efforts here.
Please join the PTA on Friday, June 6th for Happy Hour at Tai Chi Bubble Tea!
Hyde will be taking over the downstairs area from 3:30-5:30pm, where attendees can enjoy the full food menu and drink specials. This is THE PLACE to gather with members of the Hyde community ahead of the Finding Nemo Musical!
Can’t make Happy Hour!? Please consider stopping by after Finding Nemo for dinner and drinks, or takeout. 20% of all pre-tax sales will benefit the PTA!
PREVIOUS UPDATES
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light the Night Campaign
Hyde-Addison families,
Our school is participating in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Light the Night campaign, a program that helps raise critical funds for blood cancer patients. Did you know that leukemia is the #1 most diagnosed form of childhood cancer? LLS is the world’s largest nonprofit fighting blood cancer and is working to change this statistic through The Dare to Dream Project, which seeks to accelerate treatments with fewer harmful side effects.
By participating in Light the Night, our school is forming grade level teams to raise money for LLS. Students are encouraged to register for our school team at the link below. Students who register online will receive a personal fundraising page to easily ask their family and friends to support their efforts to raise money for LLS.
We invite you to join our school as we fundraise from May 5th – May 30th to help end blood cancers. More information about Light the Night to come in the Fall!
BRING LIGHT TO THE DARKNESS OF CANCER:
DC Light the Night
October 18th, 2025
The National Mall
SIGN UP WITH OUR SCHOOL HERE: https://pages.lls.org/ltn/nca/WashDC25/hydeaddisonelementaryschool
On the above page, find the appropriate grade level and click “Join” to create a fundraising page for you and/or your child!
Student Support Team Newsletter
Message to Hyde-Addison families about sibling phase-in feeder rights
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.
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.
SY25-26 Re-Enrollment Information and Resources
Ensure Your Access to the Aspen Parent Portal
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.
Why Re-Enroll Early?
Secure your spot and help us keep class sizes small!
Hyde-Addison must meet DCPS enrollment targets and benchmarks set by the district. When current families delay re-enrollment, the school offers spots to waitlisted students to meet these targets. As a result, late re-enrollments may lead to larger class sizes than expected. Re-enroll now to help us plan effectively and maintain our ideal class sizes!
For additional details regarding re-enrollment, please refer to the link below.
What if we are NOT planning to attend Hyde-Addison next year?
We understand that for various reasons, not all students will re-enroll for Hyde-Addison ES next year. Our aim is always to be supportive of families as they make the best choice for their child and family, and to support with any transitions. If your child is not coming back next year, please fill out this short form to let us know! We will also use this information to remove you from the regular reminders to re-enroll.
Community Events & Resources
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.
Attention 5th Grade Families
Morning Tours of Hardy Middle School Available-
Are you interested in learning more about Hardy Middle School, touring the school and speaking with our administrative team? Please contact Ms. Wilson (Jacqueline.Wilson3@k12.dc.gov) in the front office about scheduling a morning tour.
Hardy's Math and ELA Summer Assignments for incoming 6th graders:
Hardy's rising 6th grade students will need to complete Summer Math and ELA reading assignments prior to the start of the school year. The summer ELA Reading assignments have been posted. Please note that rising 6th grade Math assignments will be posted in May. All information on summer work can be found HERE.
Hardy Enrollment for SY 25/26 Opens March 28th
Enrollment for the new school year will begin on March 28th. Please consider enrolling your student/s by the end of April. The sooner you enroll, the earlier your child can choose their elective classes for next school year. More information can be found HERE
Consider joining the Hardy PTO
We would love to have you join us next school year. There are plenty of ways to contribute, for even the most time-constrained parents. The PTO is a critical resource for the teachers, staff, students and parents, and the more involvement we have, the better we can deliver on our mission. Check out our page on Hardy's website HERE and reach out to us at pto@hardymspto.org to learn more about what we do and how you can help!
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!
Save the Date: Hardy's 5K- May 17th @ Fletchers Cove- All are welcome
We would love for you and your family to come out and run/walk with our Hardy Hawks. More information will be posted on the Hardy website soon.
Sign up to receive Hardy's Squawk PTO Newsletter
The "Hardy Squawk" is a bi-weekly email newsletter from the Hardy PTO. It is a great resource for families and we recommend that you sign up so you can receive information on PTO/school and community events throughout the school year. Click HERE today.
Cardinal Basketball Academy Boys and Girls Summer Camps at Catholic University.
Our camps are open to all students in grades K through 8. Additionally, we would love to give back to the Washington DC community this year by offering a 50% off discount to any family who reaches out from a Washington DC K-8 Public or Private School to register for one or more of our camps.
Our annual camps are a fantastic way for rising basketball stars to learn the fundamentals and joy of the game, while also taking advantage of the opportunity to interact with, and be instructed by players and coaches from our nationally ranked men's and women's basketball teams here at Catholic University! Now any K-8 student in Washington DC can enjoy our basketball camp experience for just $147.50!
Please see the attached flyer for additional information.
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.
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!
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.
PTA ANNOUNCEMENTS
PTA General Body Meeting – Final One of the Year!
Join us for our last PTA General Body Meeting of the school year on June 2nd at 7:00 PM. We’ll reflect on the year, look ahead to what’s next, and share valuable resources to help keep your kids engaged over the summer.
Don’t miss this important wrap-up and opportunity to stay connected. See you there!
Celebrate Pride with Hyde at the Georgetown Neighborhood Library Children’s Rainbow Festival!
🌈 Meet up with families from Hyde and the surrounding neighborhood for a parade around the block followed by a Festival behind the library. Kids aged 0-18 and their families and friends are welcome to attend! Feel free to wear your Hyde gear, fun costumes, and rainbow wear!
SUMMERFEST is back!
JOIN US in celebrating the end of a wonderful school year! After school on JUNE 13TH, we will turn our playground into a block party complete with food, games, crafts, and more! We hope to see you there!
To sponsor a Summerfest activity, click here! Want to help with party planning or setup? You can find the Summerfest Planning Committee and Volunteer Sign-ups on Konstella!
CAST YOUR VOTE NOW THROUGH MAY 25 FOR THE PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD
We invite families of Hyde-Addison Elementary School to cast your vote for nine officer positions for the 2025-26 school year at https://forms.gle/CvGqntNN9efAEqov8. You can view candidate statements and descriptions for the positions at the top of the ballot form. We're still looking for a Treasurer and hope you’ll nominate yourself or another parent or guardian in the write-in field on the ballot.
Voting will run from Friday, May 9 until the end of the day on Sunday, May 25 and the results will be shared the week of May 26. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Our Havana Nights Gala was a success thanks to the generous support of Hyde families, our sponsors, and generous donors! We are still tallying the final details but the gala and silent auction raised approximately $35,000 to support Hyde-Addison! We are thrilled to be able to support our school with these funds raised but even more heartened at the strengthening of our community through these efforts. The final total will be reported at the final PTA meeting of the year on June 2nd PTA at 7pm. THANK YOU!
Parents, don't forget- Spring parent-hosted parties are coming up, and they are packed with excitement!
Spring Celebration of Colors -
Inspired by the vibrant Holi festival, this all-grades celebration will be a dazzling explosion of fun. Kids will get to toss pouches full of colorful powder, creating a swirling masterpiece of laughter and delight.
Date: May 18th Time: 3PM Where: Volta Park Cost: $15 per kid
Important: Please wear white to make the colors stand out. grab your tickets here
3rd Grade Board Game Party -
Where kids will enjoy age-appropriate games with classmates
Date: June 1st Tim: 1PM Location: Labyrinth Game Store Cost: $15 per child
Important: This is a drop-off event, so parents can relax while the kids dive into an afternoon gameplay. grab your tickets here
⚽ Hyde Addison Family Soccer Night with the Washington Spirit ⚽
Join the Hyde Addison families on June 8th as we rally behind the Washington Spirit, soaking in the stadium atmosphere and cheering on some of the best in the game. It’s a night of community, camaraderie, and soccer excitement.
Don’t miss this joyful event! Reserve your tickets by May 24 at
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
May 26: Holiday, No School for Students, Teachers, and Staff
June 18: Last Day of School for Students
LSAT Meetings: First Tuesday of every month @ 4pm
Equity and Anti-Racism Task Force Meetings: Last Friday of every month @ 4pm