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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,
As we approach the end of Black History Month, let's celebrate the rich tapestry of our shared history and acknowledge that Black history is an integral part of the broader narrative we all contribute to. The stories of resilience, achievement, and cultural contributions are not confined to a single month but are interwoven into the fabric of our collective past, present, and future. Embracing diversity is crucial for fostering tolerance and understanding among our children. By recognizing the importance of Black history year-round, we strengthen our commitment to a more inclusive and harmonious community. Let's continue to teach our children that every race and ethnicity contributes to the beautiful mosaic of our shared human experience.
This past weekend I had the honor to observe one of our students, Hannah Smith, in Mrs. Walter’s 3rd grade class, who performed in her Black history celebration at Abundant Life Christian Ministries in Glen Dale, Md. She read a poem by Maya Angelou. She read it with grace and passion. I will leave you with that poem now.
Still I Rise
By Maya Angelou
You may write me down in history
With you bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I’ll rise.
Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.
Just like moons and suns,
With the certainly of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I’ll rise.
Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops,
Weakened by my soulful cries?
Does my hautiness offend you?
Don’t you take it awful hard
‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines
Diggin’ in my own backyard.
You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I’ll rise.
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Thank you for the continued partnership.
Kate Beckner, Proud Principal
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March 5 Presidential Primary
The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election.
Therefore, March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. As outlined in Regulation 4421, School Planning Days are directed by school-based Administrators in order to devote time to school improvement efforts, including collaboration around data, common assessments, responsive instruction, etc.
Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as on other professional work days.
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🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Parents/guardians have a huge influence on students when it comes to attendance. Attending school regularly helps students feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help students do well in high school, college, and at work.
School Year Routines
- Maintain regular bedtime and morning routines to help your child develop a habit of on-time attendance.
- Talk to your child about why going to school everyday is important unless they are sick.
- Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick.
- If your child seems reluctant to go to school, find out why and talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make him feel comfortable and excited about learning. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
- When possible, avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
Reach out to your child’s teacher or school counselor if you are experiencing tough times such as unstable housing, transportation or health problems.
Help us celebrate…
Read Around the World Week!
You’re invited to come read with your child in their classroom on Friday, March 8. See the chart above to check the time to join your child in their classroom. Feel free to bring in one of your favorite children’s books or have your child choose one from the classroom library.
Leading up to that day we will also have a spirit week! Check out our flyer above. Reach out to your child's teacher if you have any questions.
Family Engagement Survey to Open March 3rd
FCPS is partnering with independent research firm K12 Insight to administer a Family Engagement Survey, which will be open from Sunday, March 3, to Friday, March 22. Your feedback is critical in helping FCPS to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs throughout the district. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers will receive the survey link via email from K12 Insight. A public link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys will be available in our front office. Please stay tuned for more information.
🧸 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:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- 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.
Dogwood will be hosting a Kindergarten Orientation Event for all families that will have a kindergarten for the 2024-25 school year. Please plan to attend to learn more about Kindergarten on May 2nd from 4:30-6:00 pm.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Upcoming Webinars and Events for Families
- How Students Benefit from CTE Courses
- Supreme Court Decision Regarding TJHSST
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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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. |
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
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