Hearst Family Update
February 6, 2022
Principal's Message
Good afternoon, Owls,
The midpoint of the school year gives us an opportunity to step back, reflect on, and analyze where we've come this year and where we're going. The middle of year (MOY) academic data collected thus far shows that as a school, we are making progress toward our school goals. This, in combination with our student, staff, and family survey data from Term 1, let us know that as challenging as the year has been in so many ways, on the whole, Owls big and small are viewing the year in a positive light. That's certainly something to celebrate and I hope that you can and do celebrate this.
The data we collect can also help us think about what we want to continue from the first part of the year and what we may consider changing for the second half of the year and next year. To ensure that we can address the needs of all students, staff, and families, we are asking that all groups complete Term 2 surveys by February 16 (link for family survey here). This survey data, in conjunction with our final MOY data, will guide revisions to our Comprehensive School Plan (CSP) for the remainder of the school year as well as guide our SY22-23 budget development process.
On the topic of the SY22-23 budget, we learned Friday that initial budget allocations are schedule to be released this coming week and due sometime in the next 2-3 weeks (date TBD), so as you reflect on what's going well and what could be improved at Hearst this year and next year, please be sure to share your ideas via the family survey and/or with your LSAT representative.
Thank you for your continued support and I hope that you're having a great weekend,
Jen
About Us
Email: attendance@hearstes.org
Website: www.hearstes.org
Location: 3950 37th Street Northwest, Washington, DC, United States
Phone: (202) 282-0106
Facebook: facebook.com/hearstes
Twitter: @hearstes
News and Announcements from Hearst
Upcoming Key Dates
- February 9 - LSAT Meeting, 4:30-5:30; PTA Meeting, 5:00pm
- February 16 - LSAT Meeting, 4:30-5:30
- February 21-25 - Mid-Winter Break (no school for students and teachers)
Quick Updates
- K-5 reports cards are scheduled to be published by DCPS in Aspen on Monday, February 7. We'll also be mailing home copies of the report cards this week. Middle of Year (MOY) assessment results will not be available until 2/18 and thus will not be included with report cards. The MOY assessment results will be sent home in back packs the week of 2/28.
- As a reminder, all PK3 and PK4 students must upload negative test results here: https://securelink-dc.powerappsportals.us/en-US/sta/ in order to be allowed in the building Monday morning. It is strongly suggested but not required for K students to upload their results as well. Per DCPS, if a family chooses not to test (opts out), they then must quarantine for 10 days. If they continue to not test, they must continue to quarantine for 10 more days with each test not taken and submitted. While we appreciate the extra vigilance from some families in both uploading and emailing their child's test results, there is no need to email staff with results unless we reach out to you asking for them.
- Reminder: Because PK students are now participating in weekly rapid testing, they will no longer participate in asymptomatic testing at school.
- Reminder: Individuals who were positive for Covid 19 should not participate in asymptomatic PCR testing within 90 days of the initial infection, as the virus may continue to be detected within the body. However, if someone was positive for Covid 19 does participate in asymptomatic testing, DC Health is requesting that we submit a DC Health consult so they can investigate further and confirm whether the positive results are a new exposure and new infection. The individual would need to quarantine until that determination is made by DC Health. Because of this, if your child tested positive in the past 90 days and you haven't already done so, please email kestaganer.johnson@k12.dc.gov, noting the date they tested positive and when they would be able to resume asymptomatic testing. Doing so will ensure that we do not pull your child for asymptomatic testing during their 90-day period.
Hearst Yearbooks on Sale
Yearbooks are on sale for pre-order! The early bird special is $25 until the end of March. After that, each book is $30. The yearbooks will arrive near the end of the school year. Please do not pay for shipping; click the free shipping to the school! The Hearst yearbook contains portraits of each homeroom class and some candid photos from the year. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Boyle and Ms. Schiers at ashley.boyle@k12.dc.gov and sarah.schiers@k12.dc.gov
Every year we sell out of yearbooks; don't let it happen to you. Reserve your copy today!
https://freedphotography.simplephoto.com/prepay/44607122?code=HEARST22YBEB
CODE: HEARST22YBEB
FAQs from Families
A: We'd certainly like to eventually replace the tents in the back with similar tents as were purchased by DCPS. The challenge as we see it is that the rain this week was blowing sideways from multiple directions as the wind shifted, which means to keep kids dry the tents in front and back would need to have sides and tents with sides means restricted air flow under the tents. Alternatively, we could crowd kids into the middle of the tents to avoid the sideways rain but that's not ideal either while they are unmasked. Hence the decision to eat indoors, spaced, with air filters running. Additionally, when it's not raining sideways during the winter, having no tents in the back is preferred as the direct sun warms the back patio area slightly so that it's tolerable to eat outside. That being said, having tents in the back when the warmer weather starts will be helpful to provide shade.
We have also looked into ground cover for the front and the best cover would need to be raised up from the ground itself otherwise water would run over it/pool in the same way it does on the grass and concrete. If folks have suggestions for ground cover that would fit this bill and also be easy for our teachers and staff to put out and store when not in use, please share those ideas.
Q: In addition, is there a way to prioritize Pre-K classes (given many Pre-K students’ vaccine ineligibility) sitting outside for lunch, if available outdoor seating is limited?
When the rain isn't blowing sideways and assuming the ground isn't completely wet, there is enough space for PK to eat under one tent in the front while the other grade levels who eat at the same time eat under separate tent.
As we've shared since the beginning of the school year, there are inevitably going to be times when kids need to eat indoors because of inclement weather. We've had two of those days this week and may have more as the year progresses. As a reminder, if you are a family member who does not want your child to eat indoors, you do have the option of signing out and picking up your child for their lunch/recess period. If you choose to do this, please call the main office at (202) 282-0106 when you've arrived at the school so that we can have your child ready for pick up faster for you.
Reminder: FAQs on KN95/KF94 Masks
Put together by the Hearst Public Health Group for Use By Hearst Elementary Families & Staff
Can I reuse these masks?
Yes! KN95 and KF94 masks can be worn multiple times - even up to 5 days/40 hours – unless they become wet, soiled, damaged, or harder to breathe through.
When reusing masks it is recommended that you alternate masks or keep 1-3 different masks in rotation instead of reusing the same one daily. Keep the used masks that are in rotation in a paper bag when they are “resting.” Do NOT wash these masks.
How do I properly fit my child’s mask?
Securing a tight fit is extremely important. You can have the best filtering mask material in the world, but if there are gaps where air can come in and out, you are breathing air that is not filtered. Please take 30 seconds before dropping your child off to adjust their mask properly. Don’t assume this is something your child’s teacher will do.
Masks must cover your child’s nose AND mouth. The mask should fit snugly and there should be no gaps where air can escape.
If your child can feel their breath coming out of the sides or their glasses fog up, you do not have an adequate fit.
Make sure you adjust the metal nose clips to secure a tight fit by shaping the metal to the shape of your child’s nose.
You may have to try several styles/brands before finding a good fit. In our experience, the KF94s seem to fit younger kids better (ages 4-9), while the KN95s can be used by older kids.
What’s the difference between an N95, KF94, and KN95?
All have similar filtration efficiency. KF94 is tested and approved by the Korean FDA. KN95 is the equivalent from China. N95 is approved by US NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health).
Because of the way masks are regulated in the U.S., there are no children’s N95 masks available or made in the U.S. This is why we are using KF94s and KN95s for children’s masks. If a mask is advertised as an FDA-approved N95 for children, this is a false claim.
Beware of buying masks off Amazon, as many of them are not legitimate, especially those labeled as KN95s.
What are some useful resources?
Our favorite masks include the Tiger Blue KF94s (https://behealthyusa.net/collections/blue-industry-1/products/blue-kf94-kf80-tiger-3d-masks-small-kid-size) and the Powecom KN95 Kids’ Masks (https://bonafidemasks.com/powecom-kn95-sm-respirator-mask-10-masks-per-pack/). Many masks are out of stock at the moment, but keep checking back.
The Mask Nerd Google Doc spreadsheet also lists other great KF94/KN95 kids’ masks: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i06OAItoOwIUaMjElr8mhh0Rw-it6WL-ODIQMZUOQxE/htmlview?usp=sharing&pru=AAABflU8eYc*CnowSzdnL8Qid_ZuB4HJGw
CDC’s Guide to Masks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html
Reminder: The Return of the Hearst Auction- Volunteers Needed!
Reminder: Asymptomatic Student Testing on Wednesdays
Starting the week of 11/8, our asymptomatic testing time will move to 9:45am on Wednesday. During a typical week, we will pull test a random sample of approximately 25% of students who have not opted out of testing. Knowing that some students in this group will not be able to produce a sample or their saliva sample will be rejected, this will allow us to ensure we are hitting the goal of testing 20% of our students each week. Know that we will attempt to test at least one student from each homeroom each week. Here are a few things to know about asymptomatic testing :
- Teachers will be provided with names of students to be tested and those students will be escorted by staff to our testing location.
- Because the test is a saliva test, students identified for testing cannot eat, drink, chew gum, or have on chapstick an hour before their testing window.
Families of kids who are tested will receive notification that their child was tested and information on how to access the online portal where they will be able to view results. Your child may indicate that they were pulled for testing but they were not given a letter with online portal log in information. If this is the case, this means that your child did not produce enough saliva to fill the test tube. Please reach out to Ms. Johnson (kestaganer.johnson@k12.dc.gov) with any questions and/or if you would like to opt your child out of asymptomatic testing. If you wish to opt-out your student from receiving any COVID-19 test at school, you must complete the available at osse.dc.gov/page/school-based-covid-19-testing and email it to the school at kestaganer.johnson@k12.dc.gov.
The website to access results is: https://shieldt3k12.pointnclick.com/ and our Agency Code is: HearstES and the website . As a parent, you should be able to enable notifications be sent to you if a testing result is available for your child.
We believe that the email you use to register on site has to be the primary contact's email used to enroll your child. You will also have to wait at least 12 hours until after the student was tested for the agency code to work.
News and Announcements from DCPS
Launching the New Assessment Guide for Families
Ready for Pre-K! Sessions Hosted By Dr. Traci Baxley (2/16, 3/16 & 4/20)
Share Your Feedback on the Elementary Student Report Card by Friday, February 18
Reminder: DCIAA Athletics - Closed Athletic Events (No Spectators)
Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases across the city and region, spectators will not be permitted at athletic programming at schools. We recognize that this is disappointing news for families and supporters. The health and safety of our students remains our highest priority. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
DCPS Athletics
News and Announcements From Other Organizations
Bowser Administration Offering Mid-Winter Break Camp for DC Families
The Bowser Administration and the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) have opened registration for the DPR Mid-Winter Break Camp, which will run Tuesday, February 22, 2022, through Friday, February 25, 2022, during DC Public Schools (DCPS) mid-winter break (Monday, February 21 is Presidents Day).
“As we do many times throughout the DCPS school year, we are proud to again open our recreation centers for camps and provide a safe and fun environment for children while out of school,” said DPR Director Delano Hunter.
Mid-Winter Break Camp is a full-day option for parents of youth ages 3-5 years old and 6-12 years old at recreation centers across the District. The camp offers a blend of enrichment activities, sports, and arts and crafts. In addition to Mid-Winter Break Camp, DPR offers camps during DCPS Winter Break and Spring Break and three DPR Fun Days during the 2021-22 school year.
DPR 2022 Mid-Winter Break Camp sites:
Wee Mid-Winter Break Camp (Ages 3-5)
- Arthur Capper Recreation Center, 1000 5th Street SE
- Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street NE
- Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center, 700 Yuma Street SE
- Fort Davis Recreation Center, 1400 41st Street SE
- Palisades Recreation Center, 5200 Sherier Place NW
- Raymond Recreation Center, 3725 10th Street NW
- Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street NE
- Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE
Mid-Winter Break Camp (Ages 6-12)
- Arthur Capper Recreation Center, 1000 5th Street SE
- Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street NE
- Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center, 700 Yuma Street SE
- Fort Davis Recreation Center, 1400 41st Street SE
- Jelleff Recreation Center, 3265 S Street NW
- Palisades Recreation Center, 5200 Sherier Place NW
- Raymond Recreation Center, 3725 10th Street NW
- Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street NE
- Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue NE
To register, visit dpr.dc.gov/page/mid-winter-camp. For more information about DPR camps, visit dpr.dc.gov/page/about-camps.
Reminder: Next W3EdNet Meeting: Mon., Feb. 7 at 7pm via Zoom -- Council Chair Phil Mendelson
The next meeting of the Ward 3 Education Network (W3EdNet) is on Monday, February 7 at 7pm via Zoom (link below).
We are very happy to host Council Chair Phil Mendelson, who will share his vision for education in the city and take questions.
Register in advance for this meeting here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Upcoming meetings:
- Monday, March 7 at 7pm, Budget roundtable -- Each school is requested to send a representative to discuss common budget issues across feeder schools (Zoom link)
- Monday, April 4 at 7pm, Topic/Guest TBD (Zoom link)
- Monday, May 9 at 7pm, Topic/Guest TBD (Zoom link)
- Monday, June 6 at 7pm, Topic/Guest TBD (Zoom link)
We look forward to seeing you there.
Melody, Karin, and Brian
******************************************************************
The Ward 3 Education Network (W3EdNet) is a group made up of PTO Board and LSAT members as well as other interested community members. We aim to work together to support schools in the local High School feeder pattern, host community events of common interest, and advocate for better schools across the city.
Website: https://www.w3ednet.com/
Twitter: @W3EdNet