Dorothy Hamm Middle School PTSA
PHOENIX POST
Monday, September 13th, 2021
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming DHMS Dates
  • Tuesday, September 14th - Bring your Parent to Back to School Night, 6:30-8:30pm
  • Thursday, September 16th - No School (Yom Kippur)
  • Tuesday, September 21st - DHMS PTSA Meeting, 7:00pm
  • Wednesday, September 22nd - DHMS Dines Out: Pupatella Pizza, 3:00-9:00pm
  • Friday, September 24th & Monday, September 27th - DHMS School Picture Days
  • Wednesday, September 29th - Early Release Day (11:54am)
  • Monday, October 11th - No School (Columbus Day)

Download the DHMS PTSA Important Events 2021-22 calendar for all 2021-22 dates, and visit the online DHMS Master Calendar for the latest updates.
DHMS Driveway Party!
Around 500 DHMS students, teachers, administrators, parents, and families enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at the Back to School Driveway Party! We are looking forward to more opportunities to celebrate our school community. Thanks to everyone who attended, and a special thanks to Caroline Holt and Amy Erwin for planning and to all the parent volunteers!
Dorothy Hamm MS Backpack Mail
Check your student's backpack for a DHMS Annual Calendar, PTSA Membership Form, and Yearbook Flyer sent home on Friday, September 10th!
Bring Your Parent to Back to School Night
DHMS Back to School Night will be virtual this year. Your student will bring you “virtually” to all of their classes through Teams Meeting Links. Please hold the date – Tuesday, September 14th at 6:30pm – and reserve a space on the couch next to you for your kiddo!
DHMS Virtual Author Visit: Steve Sheinkin

DHMS will host a virtual author visit on Monday, September 20th at 1pm. Steve Sheinkin will discuss his books, including his latest work, Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown.

If you'd like to order Steve Sheinkin's books, please place your order by Thursday, September 16th using the links on the DHMS website: https://dorothyhamm.apsva.us/post/virtual-author-event/
DHMS PTSA Meeting - Tuesday, September 21st 7pm
Mark your calendar for our first DHMS PTSA Meeting of the school year, coming up on Tuesday, September 21st at 7:00pm! Join us via Zoom to hear the latest DHMS news from Ms. E. Smith, updates from the PTSA, and have a chance to get your questions answered. Stay tuned for the Zoom meeting link and agenda next week, and please contact DHMS PTSA President, Kristen Shattuck, with any questions.
DHMS Dines Out! Pupatella Pizza - September 22nd
Come join your fellow DHMS friends and families at Pupatellas (5104 Wilson Blvd) on Wednesday, September 22nd between 3:00-9:00pm! Pupatellas will donate 20% back to the DMHS PTSA. Please remember to mention DHMS before ordering, and click here for more details. We are looking forward to seeing you there! 
DHMS School Picture Days Are Coming Soon!
DHMS School Picture Days are Friday, September 24th and Monday, September 27th! Student photos will be taken during physical education classes. Please reference your child's schedule to determine which picture day applies for your child. Teachers will also be communicating schedules with students. For details on Jostens photo package options:

To order photos, visit jostenspix.com, sign up for a free account, and access your student's photos with event code FE183321. You can preview photos online before you order, choose your background, and add your student's name. Note: Personalized backgrounds use green screen technology. PLEASE discourage kids from wearing green clothing. Contact Patrice Brown, DHMS Picture Day Lead, with any questions.
Seeking DHMS PTSA Leads for 2021-22
The DHMS PTSA is seeking leads for the following open roles. A great way to get involved, meet fellow DHMS parents, and support our school!

  • Phoenix Fund: Do you work in development or events planning? DHMS could use your help! We are eager for leadership on our Phoenix Fund committee to help us raise funds to provide additional opportunities for our students, teachers, and school community.
  • Reflections Contest Lead: We need you! We are looking for a young arts' enthusiast who can help us promote the work of DHMS artists in this year's Reflections contest. Once you manage the process for our students, you pass off the results to the county level and take a bow! This project runs through early November and involves collecting submissions, organizing judging, submitting district entries, and recognizing participants. Without a school-level Reflections coordinator, DHMS students will not be permitted to submit entries. Help us celebrate our young artists!

More ways to help! Here are other open DHMS PTSA roles to consider:
  • PTSA Hospitality (all year; 1-2 volunteers)
  • Science Fair/STEM Lead (one event in January 2022; 1-2 volunteers)
  • Teacher & Staff Appreciation (all year; 1-2 more volunteers)

Please contact Kristen Shattuck, DHMS PTSA President, if you are interested or have any questions. Thank you for your support!
Phoenix Rise Again to Collect Plastic Film! 
The DHMS PTSA is looking forward to participating in the Trex Plastic Film Recycling Challenge again this year! We need one or two more families who are willing to host a plastic film collection box. We would list your address as a drop off location. Boxes, supplies and support will be provided. For more info, please email green@dhmsptsa.org.

DHMS Families: Click here for the items to start collecting, and stay tuned for drop off locations and dates!
DHMS PTSA Back to School Checklist
Join the Dorothy Hamm MS PTSA
DHMS PTSA members must renew each year (beginning July 1st) in order to vote on PTSA matters and join our community. DHMS PSTA annual dues are $10 per adult member, and $5 per student. Sponsorships are also available.

Also, please consider a donation to the DHMS PTSA Phoenix Fund to support DHMS students, teachers and staff. Thank you for your support!
DHMS PTSA Back to School Family Survey
We are excited to kick off the 2021-22 school year. The DHMS PTSA is eager for your feedback on communications and programming. Please complete this brief survey to help us make this the best school year yet!
APS Annual Online Verification Process

Remember to complete the APS Annual Online Verification Process (AOVP) in ParentVUE. You will be required to complete your AOVP before you are able to access any available features in ParentVUE, including class schedules and transportation routes. 

Connect with DHMS Families! Opt into the DHMS PTSA Directory: As part of the AOVP process: For each of your APS students, under PTA Student Directory - Opt In, select ‘Yes, Please provide my student/family information’ to be included in the online DHMS PTSA Directory.
DHMS Student Opportunities
DHMS PTSA Buddy Program

Entering middle school is exciting and can also be nerve-racking at the same time! We are looking for a few (ok, hopefully, more than a few!) current students to buddy up with some new-to-DHMS students. Student buddies will get an opportunity to hang out together during Back-to-School week as well as throughout the school year. Current students can show their new DHMS student buddies their favorite parts of the school, provide tips on managing multiple classes and teachers, and what's good for lunch for a start. Everyone involved is also encouraged to come up with fun ideas of their own both buddies might enjoy! 

*Additional slots added!* Click below to sign up your student to serve as a current DHMS student buddy or if you would like a buddy for your new-to-DHMS student:


Contact DHMS VP Community, Danusha Chandy, with any questions.
2021-22 Dorothy Hamm MS Sports

Middle School sports for the 2021-22 school year are starting, with tryouts and practices for the fall season beginning this week! There are a variety of sports, including: Ultimate Frisbee, Girls/Boys Soccer, Tennis, Cheerleading, Girls/Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Swim, Dive and Track and Field.

If your DHMS student intends to try out they will need a completed physical form on file with Unika Dabney, our Activities Coordinator. Take a look at the Sports Page on the DHMS Website for more information.
2021-22 National PTA Reflections Contest
This year's theme is "I Will Change the World By..."

Calling all student artists! Submissions for this year's Reflections contest are now open! Visit the National PTA Reflections website to learn more, and email Kristen Shattuck if you are interested. Students may submit entries in any (or all) of the categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, or Visual Arts. Parents: we are still looking for a Reflections chairperson! Please contact Kristen Shattuck to help us promote our wonderful DHMS student artists!
APS & Community News
COVID-19 Testing Starts This Week

APS provides FREE COVID-19 testing (symptomatic and asymptomatic) in-school for students, with parent/guardian consent, and staff. Walk-up testing is also available after school hours.

DHMS is scheduled for testing on Wednesdays from 7:30-9:30am. Click here for the complete schedule now posted online, along with more details on how the testing is conducted. Opt in today for weekly testing or sign up for a test following symptoms or exposure. Visit apsva.us/covid-testing for additional information.
Mark Your Calendar: Parent Support Groups
Arlington Department of Human Services

Hey there DHMS parents! It is so good to have your children back with us….in person…for this school year. I want to tell you about a great set of workshops that the Arlington Department of Human Services is offering this fall. They are guaranteed to be good! They provide all kinds of support and information that assist parents in doing the work of caring for their children…making the role of Parent a little more fun and much more effective. If you are interested in participating in one of their offerings, simply connect by clicking on one of the links found below.
Happy start to a wonderful new school year!
Christine Katcher, DHMS School Social Worker

Parent Support Group Schedule (Click title to register)
Food Security in the Fall & Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month. Take a look at the latest Food Insecurity in Arlington newsletter from the Arlington County Government with information about resources for families and ways you can help: Food Insecurity in Arlington Newsletter (9/9/21)
Community Need: Backpacks for Older APS Students

APS needs about 100 backpacks for older students. If you would like to donate a new or like-new backpack in solid colors, such as black, gray, or navy blue, please contact Danusha Chandy for drop-off information. We also have an Amazon wish list: Amazon Wish List: Backpacks for Older APS Students. Feel free to purchase a backpack through the wishlist, and we'll deliver it to the Syphax Center.
APS Volunteer Application Process

Thank you to everyone who volunteers in our schools. As part of our vaccination requirement for staff, COVID-19 vaccinations are now also required for those who want to volunteer in our schools. For those who were already approved to volunteer, you should have received a notice via email to renew your application and provide verification of your vaccination status. You can fill out the application online and find additional information regarding volunteering on the APS website.
APS News & Updates
Watch the Arlington School Board Meeting (9/9/21) for the latest updates from APS Superintendent, Dr. Duran, and the School Board, including the Superintendent's Announcements and Updates (9/9/21) and Start of School Update (9/9/21).

For more information from APS health and safety for the return to school and the latest guidelines, please visit:
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.