Dorothy Hamm Middle School PTSA
PHOENIX POST
Monday, January 31st, 2022
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming DHMS Dates
  • Monday, January 31st - NO SCHOOL (Grade Preparation Day)
  • Wednesday, February 2nd - DHMS Historical Commemoration
  • Thursday, February 3rd - Yorktown and Washington-Liberty Visit DHMS 8th Graders
  • Wednesday, February 9th - Early Release (11:54am Dismissal)
  • Thursday, February 10th - DHMS Gifted Screening and Identification Presentation, 6:30pm (MS Teams)
  • Tuesday, February 15th - DHMS PTSA Meeting, 7:00pm
  • Monday, February 21st - NO SCHOOL (Presidents Day)
  • Friday, March 4th - NO SCHOOL (Conferences)

Visit the online DHMS Master Calendar for the complete 2021-22 calendar of dates.
DHMS PTSA News & Announcements
DHMS Academic Planning for Rising 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students

Rising DHMS 6th, 7th & 8th grade students and families, if you missed the DHMS Virtual Academic Planning Night on Thursday, January 27th, you may visit dorothyhamm.apsva.us/counseling/ms-academic-planning/ for the recordings of each of the grade level sessions as well as the presentations, so that you may learn more from DHMS counselors about course information, electives options, and graduation requirements.

For additional information, see the APS Middle School Program of Studies 2022-23.
DHMS Historical Commemoration
Wednesday, February 2nd

Our DHMS Broadcast TA has been working with Dr. Glenn on the anniversary of DHMS' historical commemoration on February 2nd as well as Black History Month and No Place for Hate. We're excited to collaborate with her!

This week, our show will feature:
  • an interview with Michael Jones, one of the students who integrated Stratford Junior High
  • a segment on the Halls Hill neighborhood
  • a video about the history of February 2, 1959 and ways in which we've incorporated that history into our building (the mural on the 1st floor and the commemorative walkway)

For the rest of Black History Month, each of the groups in our TA will focus on a historically black neighborhood in Arlington. Links to all shows can be found here.
Save the Date! DHMS Gifted Screening and Identification Presentation
Thursday, February 10th 6:30pm 

Join our Resource Teacher for the Gifted, Regina Boyd, as she presents the process for gifted screening and identification at DHMS. Learn more about how your student can be referred, informal and formal screening, and the projected timeline. This meeting will be held virtually, and a link will be sent out on the morning of February 10. We hope that you will join us!
Mark Your Calendar: DHMS PTSA Meeting
Tuesday, February 15th 7:00pm

Come join us for our first DHMS PTSA meeting of 2022! We’ll meet virtually on Tuesday, February 15 @ 7pm as we learn about efforts to keep our school safe and healthy, opportunities for parents to volunteer, and upcoming school events!


Did you make joining the DHMS PTSA part of your New Year’s resolution?! Click here for membership details.
Teacher & Staff Breakfast Delivery: Parent Volunteers Needed! 

We're joining forces with our DHMS Leadership Team to serve our teachers and staff breakfast on Friday, February 18 @ 7:15 - 7:45am. Please join us at the school to deliver food to classrooms and offices on campus. No cooking or shopping required!


We are looking for up to 10 parent volunteers. Please meet in the main office at 7:15am. All parent volunteers must have a current approved volunteer application on file. You may complete yours here.
Virtual Dorothy Hamm MS Science Fair

Thank you to all of the DHMS students who participated in the Virtual DHMS Science Fair this week, and to all of the judges who helped to make it a success!

The results of the science fair competition will be communicated to the Dorothy Hamm community within a week after the judging window closes. Finalists have the opportunity to compete in the regional science fair. Information on the regional science fair requirements will be sent home with finalists with instructions on how to proceed.

All students had the opportunity to attend a Science Fair Gallery Walk during their science classes on Wednesday, January 26th-Friday, January 28th to investigate the projects completed by our students. Boards were sent home with students Friday after school or can be picked up from their teachers this week. Please email Mrs. Kennedy if you have any questions.
No Place for Hate Program at DHMS

The No Place for Hate® program is an organizing framework for K-12 schools committed to creating sustainable change that leads to improved school climate developed by the Education Department of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). Participating schools are able to incorporate ADL’s anti-bias and anti-bullying resources with their existing programming to form one powerful message that all students have a place to belong. The goal of No Place for Hate® is to inspire a national movement led by students and educators who are committed to using the power of positive peer influence to build inclusive and safe schools in which all students can thrive.

To learn more or to get involved with No Place for Hate® at Dorothy Hamm Middle School, please read the letter to parents and/ or contact the No Place for Hate Coordinator and DHMS Equity & Excellence Coordinator, Dr. Glenn in room 118 or email her at  kamyka.glenn@apsva.us. With your help, we will make our school community a safe and welcoming space for all. 
APS High School Academic Planning Nights and Key Dates

Families with high school students and rising 9th graders, mark your calendar for these upcoming high school events:
  • Yorktown Academic Information Night (Rising 9th Grade) - Teams Link (Recording)
  • Wakefield Academic Information Night - Held Tuesday, January 25th
  • Wednesday, February 2nd - Washington-Liberty’s Academic Planning Night
  • Thursday, February 3rd - Yorktown and Washington-Liberty visit DHMS to present to 8th Graders

For information on APS high school options and transfers, click here. Please contact Erin Pennington, DHMS 8th Grade School Counselor, if you have questions.
Order Your 2021-22 DHMS Yearbook

Click below to order your 2021-22 DHMS Yearbook! Contact DHMS Yearbook Advisor, Abbey Gwydir, with any questions.
Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge

Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge! Remember to keep collecting your plastic bags and other acceptable items* to drop off at one of the locations below so that DHMS can earn the chance to win a cash prize and Trex composite bench!

When you are collecting or dropping off your plastic bags, we encourage you to snap a picture and post it on Twitter with the hashtag #TrexRecyclingChallenge and #Recycle2Win to help us earn a chance to win!
DHMS Drop-off Locations:
  • 2115 N. Quinn Street
  • 3500 21st Ave North
  • 4324 17th Street North
*Click here for the list of acceptable items. Please contact green@dhmsptsa.org with questions. Thank you for your help to reduce waste!
Dorothy Hamm MS Library Volunteers

Want to volunteer in the DHMS Library? Please complete your APS Volunteer Application and then sign up for hours here. We welcome volunteers for a couple hours each day. Volunteer hours are from 8am to 2pm. Please enter the hours you will be volunteering when you sign up, and email Ms. Tsai with any questions.
APS & Community News
Vaccine Verification as Test-to-Stay Program Launch Nears

APS will begin to collect voluntary student vaccine information in anticipation of launching the Test-to-Stay program, to reduce disruption to students’ learning. Families are encouraged to complete student vaccine verification by uploading their documentation and completing the online questionnaire. Access the portal here. Please ensure you enter an “S” before your student’s ID number to ensure that their record is updated appropriately. Families who need support can contact the APS COVID Response Team at covid@apsva.us.
APS All Stars: Highlighting the Best of APS

APS has a new way to recognize our outstanding staff all year long! These individuals demonstrate excellence in collaboration, equity, inclusivity, integrity, innovation and stewardship. They are the individuals who help students succeed, make positive contributions in our schools, and go above and beyond to serve their students, families and colleagues. Recipients of the APS All Star award will be highlighted each month on our website and social media channels. Staff can be nominated by colleagues or anyone in our community. Nominate an APS All Star today!
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Scheduling

Arlington County’s Public Health Division is offering FREE COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 5 years and older. Visit the Arlington County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Scheduling website for complete details, including clinic locations and hours.

  • Schedule an Appointment through VAMS
  • If you need ADA accommodations or require assistance scheduling an appointment, call 703-228-7999. 
  • Please note: Children ages 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive their free COVID-19 vaccine.
DHMS PTSA Reminders
DHMS Basics: Office: 703.228.2910 / Clinic: 703.228.2940 / Attendance: 703.228.2911
​​​Get Involved: Join the PTSA / PTSA Directory / PTSA Meetings / Volunteer
Engage With APS: APS Engage / Online Form / Open Office Hours / Meetings / Agendas​​
The DHMS PTSA Phoenix Post is a weekly newsletter that informs the DHMS community about DHMS, PTSA, and relevant APS and community news. Please send any newsletter submissions to newsletter@dhmsptsa.org by Thursday at 10am for inclusion in the following Monday's Phoenix Post.