Parking Lot Use

A reminder that until 3:30pm, the parking lot is only for those with Hearst parking permits.  These permits should be displayed on each vehicles rear view mirror. At drop off and pick up times, parents should not pull into the parking lot. Please know that this is for the safety of all members of the Hearst community. We've had several near misses where parents in vehicles have almost hit students and staff members and staff vehicles in the parking lot or driveway and want to ensure that everyone in the Hearst community remains safe in the new year.

Introducing Toniann Maniscalco

Please see the attached introductory letter from Ms. Maniscalco, our new math specialist, and join me in welcoming her to the Hearst community.  

Announcements from Central Office

PARCC Web Resources for Families

Please use the following web resources to support your ability to navigate your child’s PARCC results and understand how you can support your child at home. (1) OSSE PARCC video: http://osse.dc.gov/node/1127177; (2) OSSE PARCC Web Page:http://osse.dc.gov/parcc; (3) GreatKids DC Test Guide for Parents: http://www.washingtondctestguide.org ; (4) DCPS Parent Curriculum Guides: http://dcps.dc.gov/publication/parent-curriculum-guides; (5) DCPS PARCC letter: https://www.scribd.com/doc/287365279/Chancellor-Henderson-PARCC-Letter-to-DCPS-Families; (6) DCPS PARCC video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ253CklNsM.

Announcements from Outside Organizations

Winter 2016 Programs at the U.S. Botanic Garden Online registration is now available for Winter 2016 programs at the U.S. Botanic Garden. FREE Programs include: Snugglers Conservatory Garden Court January Snugglers: Thursdays, January 7, 14, 21 & 28 February Snugglers: Thursdays, February 4, 18 & 25 March Snugglers: Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Do you have a tiny treasure in a snuggly? Looking for ways to get out of the house and learn? Join us each Thursday for a 45-minute guided tour of the Conservatory. Each week will be a different exploration. This program is designed for parents and care providers who have a tiny one in a snuggly. Please note: Due to our narrow paths and the nature of this program, we cannot support strollers or older siblings. Children's Program: Night Adventure Conservatory Friday, January 15 OR Saturday, January 16, 2016 ∙  7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Ever wonder what it's like to be at the U.S. Botanic Garden late at night after the public and gardeners have gone home? A night adventure awaits you as you venture out on a flashlight tour of the Jungle, explore night-blooming flowers and night pollinators, experience the cool of the night desert, and participate in several hands-on plant science experiments. Please note: Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 12 and be accompanied by an adult. No adults may enroll without registered children. Parents must remain on site during the program. Teacher Training: How Plants Work for Elementary School Teachers Conservatory Classroom Thursday, January 21, 2016 ∙  4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Never have time to get to the U.S. Botanic Garden? Join Lee Coykendall, USBG Children's Program Specialist for a behind-the-scenes workshop and learn how to use the Garden as an extension of your classroom. This workshop is designed for elementary school teachers. NOTE: On Thursday, February 4th, Teacher Training: How Plants Work for Middle and High School Teachers.    Sprouts: February 2016 *Please note: Registration opens on Wednesday, January 6 at 10 a.m.* Conservatory Classroom Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24 ∙  10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Bring your preschooler (ages 3-5) to the U.S. Botanic Garden for plant-related fun. Each Wednesday session will have varied activities that may include a story, art activity, or walk in the Garden. Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participating children must be at least 3 years of age. Program in February is a repeat of January. NOTE: At the time of this blog post, Sprouts: January 2016 program is full. Registration for Sprouts: March 2016 opens on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 a.m. Seedlings: February 2016 *Please note: Registration opens on Wednesday, January 6 at 10 a.m.* Conservatory Classroom Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16, 23 ∙  10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Come learn just how amazing plants really are during our Seedlings class (ages 6-10). Each week will be a mix of hands-on investigations, planting projects, and science-based activities. Please note: Students must be at least 6 years of age and accompanied by an adult. Seedlings is designed for a more advanced level of plant science education. For the benefit of all participants, we request that only children ages 6 and up attend and share in class activities. Program in February is a repeat of January. NOTE: At the time of this blog post, Seedlings: January 2016 program is full. Registration for Seedlings: March 2016 opens on Wednesday, February 3 at 10 a.m. Special Event: For the Love of Chocolate Conservatory Classroom Saturday, February 13, 2016 ∙  2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Chocolate and love are inseparable. Dr. Adam Kavalier, co-founder of Undone Chocolate, a D.C. based craft chocolate maker, will walk us through the intricate relationship between chocolate, chemistry, and love. He will present the story of chocolate, describing where it comes from, how it is made, and the love chemicals it contains. The story starts with the cocoa bean and travels to the chocolate bar, and along the way there are several smells and flavors that will be shared, including a chocolate tasting from different regions around the world. Fitness Event: Practice with Love Yoga Gathering Conservatory West Gallery Saturday, February 20 & 27, 2016 ∙  10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ∙ FREE, NO pre-registration required! WithLoveDC is a movement to spread love, joy, and acceptance throughout the District. The Practice With Love classes aim to create an accessible space for all people to tune into their breath while enjoying the amazing spaces around our beautiful city. WithLoveDC is thrilled to bring their free yoga gatherings to the U.S. Botanic Garden; come flow with us! Please note: This program is first-come, first-served with limited space available. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own mats. Youth Workshop: Orchids in Focus Conservatory Classroom Sunday, March 13, 2016 ∙  1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ∙ FREE, pre-registration required! Interested in science and art? Join Lee for a hands-on workshop where students will dissect an orchid and using microscopes, bringing its parts into focus in order to understand just how orchids work. Using our Orchids in Focus exhibit for inspiration, students will then create original pieces of art. Please note: This workshop is designed for students between the ages of 12-16. Parents and care providers are welcome to attend, but are not required to do so. ***  Visit Programs and Events for a full listing of happenings.***  United States Botanic Garden 100 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20001 (202) 225-8333