Dogwood Digest 12/15/2023

For a translated version of this newsletter, please click HERE. Next click on the language icon in the upper left corner to choose your preferred language.

Para obtener una versión traducida de este mensaje, haga clic AQUI. Luego, haga clic en el icono IDIOMA en la esquina superior izquierda para elegir su idioma preferido.


Dear Dragons, 

We had a jam-packed couple of weeks. We had our first clothing drive where families could pick up what they needed, for free. We had tons of spirit days to ensure lots of cheer as we got closer to winter break. Dr. Reid, FCPS Superintendent, came to Dogwood to celebrate ITZART, our program where local students in middle and high school teach piano, strings and visual arts to our students in an after school program. We also had choral and strings concerts! Whew! We are all ready for a break.

If you are celebrating a holiday this season, I wish you all the happiness in the festivities. I hope all of you get some rest, relaxation, and a little fun during these next two weeks. We will return to school on January 2, 2024. Happy New Year to all!!!

Offices will be closed until our return to school. 

Have a wonderful winter break!

Kate Beckner, Principal, Dogwood ES

Dogwood

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Dogwood’s Outstanding Employees!

Each year teachers, leaders and support staff are nominated for awards and acknowledgement. Dogwood Elementary School has nominated two teachers. A BIG Congratulations to: 

  • Outstanding Teacher: Megan Jacques (ESOL Teacher & 5th Grade Teacher)
  • Outstanding New Teacher: Cedric Price (Fourth Grade Teacher)

These two teachers have shown excellence in meeting our students’ needs. We are so proud to have them now move forward to the pyramid level.


Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit our winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 


😷 Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests 

Residential households are eligible to receive free at-home COVID-19 test kits. If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on September 25, you may place two orders now.


❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and plan for childcare if needed.


🍲 Food Insecurity Resources for Families

Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services. If you have any additional questions, our parent liaisons at Dogwood are available to assist.


Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1. Main office will be closed and re-open January 2nd. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. See the complete school year calendar. Please take note that our next Dogwood Digest will be sent upon our return on January 2nd, 2024.


Math Week

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 8 - January 12. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

If you prefer to have an abbreviated way to share district news, consider sharing the language below in your newsletter. Please edit the list of topics to best fit the needs of your community.

FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Winter Resources for Families
  • Academy Open Houses
  • Virtual Math Week Coming Soon! 

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  



FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • How FCPS Announces Weather Closings
  • Keeping Your Child Warm
  • Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.


FCPS Cares

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Dogwood.


Hands

Social Media: Follow @Dogwood.Fairfax on Facebook

Email Updates: Sign up for Dogwood News You Choose to receive weekly updates

On the web: Check out the Dogwood website and FCPS website for updates.


Upcoming Dates

December 5th: Annual Winter Concert 6:00pm 

December 6th: Dogwood Free Clothing Drive- 3:45-5:30 pm Main Foyer

December 6th: Glow Walk 5:30-7:00 pm

December 18th- January 1st- Winter Holiday Break 

January 2nd- School Reopens from Winter Holiday Break 

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