Dogwood Digest 02/23/2024

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.


Cover Photo 02.22.24

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

💻 Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Please note that passwords should be more than 12 characters long. If you have an existing account and your password is shorter, please update it when you log in.


Attendance2

When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whether the days missed are due to illness, truancy or for any other reason, the end result for the student is the same — learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, but we want to work with you to help minimize the number of days your student is absent from school.

Missed Days Add Up Quickly!

  • Just a few missed days a month adds up to several school weeks missed in a year.

  • Both excused and unexcused absences can make it more difficult for your child to keep up with other students, especially in math and reading.

  • Kindergarten and first grade are critical for your child. Missing school during these early years makes it more difficult for children to learn in later years and they often have trouble reading by the end of third grade.



College Fair

👩‍🏫 Help Students Achieve Their Dreams. Teach for FCPS!

Save the date! Attend FCPS’ instructional job fair on Saturday, February 24, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. Network and take advantage of interview opportunities with representatives from various FCPS schools. Employment offers may be extended during the fair. Register today.


Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget Focused on Educational Excellence and Competitive Compensation

At the last School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that focuses on excellence and providing students an equitable education in an inclusive and respectful environment, where access, opportunity, and achievement are available to all. 

The budget also prioritizes competitive compensation to attract and retain a world-class workforce. 

The FY 2025 Proposed Budget totals $3.8 billion, an increase of $301.8 million, or 8.6%, over the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. Key highlights include:

  • Supporting students academically by maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students. 
  • Retaining and attracting world-class educators with a 6% market scale adjustment.
  • Strengthening student well-being outside of the classroom with expanded athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.
  • Continuing initiatives including expansion of inclusive preschool, adoption of green initiatives, and funding assistant director of student activities positions previously funded with ESSER III.

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at the end of FY 2024.  

The School Board is scheduled to adopt the Advertised Budget on Thursday, February 22. Read more about the proposed budget. Keep up with FCPS’ budget development process.

Pictures of students arranged in a half circle around the FCPS logo - budget

Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


FCPS News

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

  • Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget
  • Register for Superintendent Community Conversations
  • Kindergarten Registration

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.


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.

Hands

calendar reminder graphic

 

March 5: School Planning Day, No School For Students

March 21: College Fair 5:30-7:00 Langston Hughes

March 22: End of Quarter 3

March 25-29: Spring Break (FCPS Schools Closed)

April 1-2: Teacher Workday/Staff Development Day, No School For Students