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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 Parents,
Bienvenido de nuevo! I hope you all had a wonderful spring break filled with relaxation and quality time with your loved ones. As we transition back into our school routine, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your cooperation and support in my absence.
During the past two weeks, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in intensive Spanish classes in Guatemala. Your understanding and collaboration with our assistant principals and office staff made this experience possible. Thank you for your patience and assistance. If you are fluent in Spanish, I encourage you to greet me with a "hi" and allow me the chance to practice. However, necesitas hablar muy despacio!
At Dogwood ES, we take pride in being a community school that fosters a warm and welcoming environment for all. Effective communication is key to building lasting relationships with our community members. Our partnership with parents is invaluable, and together, we can ensure our students thrive academically and socially.
As we embark on the fourth quarter of the school year, I am amazed at how quickly time has flown by. We will soon begin SOL testing, an important assessment tool that helps us gauge student progress and identify areas for improvement. When the time comes, it will be crucial to convey to our children the importance of doing their best. Adequate rest and preparation are essential for success, so please ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and is ready to tackle the tests with confidence.
More information regarding SOL testing schedules and preparation will be provided in the coming days. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.
Warm regards,
Kate Beckner
Principal, Dogwood ES
Dogwood Town Hall
Dogwood TSI Town Hall April 11, 2024 at 6 pm
The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) recently released the schools that have been identified as being in need of support, based on Virginia’s federal accountability system under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Dogwood Elementary School is on this list.
These designations are based on a complex set of factors. Our school was identified as being in need of support in Reading for Students with Disabilities and chronic absenteeism. I would like to invite you to a community meeting to explain more about what this designation means, how we have been addressing these gaps, and what additional efforts will be put into place to support students.
Please join us on April 11, 2024 from 6 pm. - 7 pm. in the school’s cafeteria.
FCPS has a strong strategic plan that focuses resources and support to ensure that each and every student develops foundational academic skills, curiosity, and a joy for learning necessary for success in pre-K through 12th grade.
Working together, we can ensure that each and every student at Dogwood Elementary School is prepared for a future yet to be imagined. I hope to see you on April 11.
 We are so happy to have our Dogwood Dragons back in the school building. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong. Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.
🖍️ It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Our school typically conducts kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring on May 2nd 4:30-6:00 pm. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us plan, so that we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
Prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms. We are happy to support families with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For more information in other languages, visit FCPS’ Kindergarten Registration webpage.
Action April
At the heart of being an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School is agency and empowering our students to take action. Throughout the month of April, we will engage in Action April in which our students will be presented with different ways to take action every day. Our students will also reflect and share ways that they took action and how it made them feel.
Please ask your child, “How did you take action today? How did it make you feel?”
☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.
Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.
SOL - Standards of Learning 2024 -Grades 3-6th
As we approach the month of May we want families to have the tentative dates for our Standards of Learning Assessments that pertain to grade 3rd-6th. If any changes are made to the date this information will be communicated to families as soon as possible. Please do all that you can to avoid any non-emergency time off during the SOL testing dates. We are publishing the dates early so we can all plan accordingly!
Apply for PreK & Early Head Start
FCPS PreK and Early Head Start programs provide a quality preschool experience with comprehensive services at no cost to qualifying families who reside in Fairfax County. Your family may qualify for PreK or Early Head Start if you:
- have a child who will be age 3 or 4 by September 30,
- receive free or reduced-price school meals, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Social Security Income, and/or homeless per definition of the McKinney Vento Act, or
- receive resources such as from a shelter and/or the FCPS homeless liaison office.
Though families may qualify, spaces are limited and selection is based on need, not “first come, first serve”, with PreK priority given to 4 year olds. The application process begins January 1st for the upcoming school year. However it is important for all families to apply as soon as possible.
Early Head Start is for children 0-2 years of age and pregnant women who live in the Reston, Herndon and Springfield areas.
Note: The application eligibility, selection and enrollment process is managed centrally at the Office of Early Childhood Curriculum and Grant Management located in Falls Church; not at schools. If you a have question about the application process or status please call the main English Line: 703-208-7900 or Spanish Line: 703-208-7901.
All form and additional documentation can be found using this link- Apply for PreK and Early Head Start | Fairfax County Public Schools (fcps.edu)
Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) School Health Services Internal Survey
The Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) employs school health aides and public health nurses who provide school health services to the students in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). To determine the quality of these services, a survey has been developed by the FCHD to be shared with all parents or guardians of FCPS students. Parents/guardians will be asked for feedback on the level of satisfaction with School Health services provided to the school community. The survey will be distributed electronically via FCPS This Week. The survey window is April 15 - April 26, 2024.Survey link: www.redcap.link/FCHDSchoolHealthSurvey.
Survey results will provide a basis for quality improvement of School Health services. The data-driven process is in alignment with the FCPS Strategic planning process, and the survey results will contribute positively to the FCPS Strategic Plan that reflects a shared consensus among stakeholders.
🤧 Updated COVID Recommendations
In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.
The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended.
New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved.
Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities.
Should I Send My Child to School?
Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school.
Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.
 Eid al-Fitr (Half-O Day, Holiday)
In Islam, Eid-al-Fitr is a three day festival to mark the end of Ramadan. Muslims dress in new clothes, give charity, and pray in congregation. Eid is celebrated with the exchange of presents and delicious food with family and friends. Read more at Britannica.com.
Tuesday, April 9, has been designated as a half-O day. Half-O days are full school days, but important events will not be held after school on those days. Wednesday, April 10, is an FCPS holiday and all schools and offices will be closed. See the complete School Year Calendar.
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:
- Updated COVID Recommendations
- Last Chance to Take the Family Engagement Survey!
- April Webinars and Events for Families
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
April- Kindergarten Registration Month- Please register all students who will be age 5
April 1-2nd: Teacher Workday/Staff Development Day, No School For Students
April 10: Eid al Fitr, Holiday (FCPS Schools Closed)
April 11: Dogwood Town Hall 6:00pm- Cafeteria
April 13: Dogwoods Bike Rodeo/ Bike Swap 10:00 am-12:00 pm
May 2: Kindergarten Orientation 4:30-6:00 PM
May 7: 5th & 6th Grade Reading SOL Assessment
May 9: 3rd & Grade Reading SOL Assessment
May 14: 6th & 7th Grade Math SOL Assessment
May 16: 4th & 5th Grade Math SOL Assessment
May 21: 3rd Grade Math SOL Assessment
May 22: 5th Grade Science SOL Assessment
May 19: Dogwood Color Run (More information to follow)
May 27: Memorial Day, Holiday (FCPS Schools Closed)
May 30: Dogwood Staff vs. Student Basketball Game (More information to follow)
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