Dogwood Digest 05/08/2024

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Dear Dragons, 

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we wanted to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to our amazing teachers. Seriously, they're absolute rockstars! They're the ones who make learning fun, inspire our kids, and help them grow in so many ways. We couldn't do it without them. And hey, big thanks to all of you for partnering with us on this journey. Your support means the world. Oh, and let's not forget those delicious treats you've been spoiling our staff with—they're a hit! Your kindness doesn't go unnoticed. Here's to celebrating our awesome teachers and the incredible job they do every day. Cheers!

We've had such a blast lately. Our teachers were rocking those Kentucky Derby-style big hats like pros as we celebrated the races over the weekend.  Yep, we totally brought the Derby vibe right to our school. But that's not all—our admin staff turned jockeys for some seriously hilarious horse races. We had Black Stallion, Yellow Jacket, and Buttercup racing their hearts out, and let me tell you, it was a close call! Black Stallion just nosed ahead for the win, but honestly, they were all winners with the amount of laughter and fun we had. It's moments like these that make our school community so special. Here's to more good times ahead!

On another note, SOLs are full swing and our students are working hard to show their knowledge. Please review the calendar below and ensure your student is present and rested for school on the day of their tests. 

With much appreciation, 

Kate Beckner, Proud Principal

05.08.2024

Ways for Our Dragons to Celebrate Our Wonderful Dogwood Teachers & Staff!

Teacher Appreciation

Class Input 2024-25

As we move into the last months of school, it is time to begin preparing to plan for the 2024-25 school year. If you feel that there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, please complete this optional Parent Input Form by Friday, May 10th. Please remember that we do not take requests for specific teachers as we base our decisions on individual student strengths and instructional needs. This valuable information will also be shared with next year’s teacher.

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Stuff the Bus

SOL - Standards of Learning 2024 

(Grades 3-6th)

Our Standards of Learning (SOL) have begun! Please do all that you can to avoid any non-emergency time off during the SOL testing dates. Please help support our Dragons in getting a good night's rest and being on time to school in order to do their best! 

SOL Testing

💪 Let's Finish the School Year Strong!

Student attendance at school is important all year long, up to the last day of school. Attendance has an effect on student performance and on school accreditation. See how to:

  • Check your child’s attendance record.
  • Help your student stay engaged at school.
  • Report future absences.
  • Understand the FCPS school calendar.

Learn more about attendance resources.

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Resources for Newly Registered Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
  • Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
  • Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact [family liaison’s name], our family liaison, at [email and phone number].  

There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible! 

Register Your Children Online

Online registration is available for new and returning (re-enrolling) FCPS families! Apply today to help us plan for the 2024-25 school year.


☀️ Save the Date for FCPS’ Summer Extravaganza

Don’t miss a day of family fun and learning at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! 

Stop by Woodson High School on Saturday, June 1, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., where students will be able to take part in engaging educational activities designed to spark curiosity and inspire growth. 

Representatives from local businesses, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Fairfax County Park Authority are participating in the Summer Extravaganza. Community organizations, such as Neighborhood Community Services, will be at the event as well. All will have learning activities, tips, and helpful information for families. Enjoy face painting, food, music, a moon bounce, a petting zoo, storytime, and student performances — all at no cost!

Visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage for more details and register to attend. Registration is not required, but it's helpful for planning purposes.


Tutor.com Teacher-Referred Tutoring

Through Schoology®, all FCPS students have 24/7 access to no-cost, year-round, on-demand, 1-to-1 tutoring services through Tutor.com.

A new Teacher-Referred Tutoring program feature provides targeted support and extends student learning. Teachers can now refer students for tutoring, with their specific needs already identified. Students can get extra support — on their own schedule — and reinforce their in-class learning.

Caregivers can guide students to access expert tutoring, homework help, and writing support by clicking on the Tutor.com icon in their Schoology portal—anytime, anywhere.

Plus, look for teachers’ tutoring session referrals on the Tutor.com homepage.


📞 FCPS Ombuds Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, visit their webpage, or submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

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

  • FCPS Summer Extravaganza
  • Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
  • No-Cost Virtual Therapy for High School Students

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


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.

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May 6-10: Teacher Appreciation Week 

May 7: 5th & 6th Grade Reading SOL Assessment 

May 9: 3rd & 4th Grade Reading SOL Assessment 

May 10: Class Placement Input Form Due Date 

May 14: 6th & 7th Grade Math SOL Assessment 

May 16: 4th & 5th Grade Math SOL Assessment 

May 19: Dogwood Color Run (More information to follow)

May 21: 3rd Grade Math SOL Assessment 

May 22: 5th Grade Science SOL Assessment 

May 23: Multicultural Night 5:30 

May 27: Memorial Day, Holiday (FCPS Schools Closed)

May 30: Dogwood Staff vs. Student Basketball Game (More information to follow)

June 3: Field Day at Dogwood! 

June 12: 6th Grade Promotion Celebration

June 12: Last Day of School for Students (2 Hour Early Dismissal)