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Dear Dragons,
As we embark on the new school year, I’m excited to kick off the PTA and start dreaming about what we will accomplish together! Please mark your calendars for the PTA interest meeting on September 11th at 6 PM in the library. We will also have our first charter meeting on October 2nd at 6 PM.
The homecoming parade is on Friday, September 13th, right after school. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras, and we are determined to show up in force! Please consider joining us—wear green, and we’ll provide the beads and masks. We’ll be dancing along the parade route to festive Mardi Gras music.
Please see the flier below for more details.
Hope to see you there!
Kate Beckner
Proud Principal
Early Release Monday’s
Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year with dismissal at 12:35 PM.
- September 23
- October 28
- November 25
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/Up8i1tJxVaKdJVaE7 for each of your children who are enrolled at Dogwood Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
Safety Drills
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill. Dogwood will be having their first lockdown drill on Tuesday, September 10th.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your students before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or community members have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
South Lakes Homecoming Parade
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This year’s annual Back to School Night will be held on the evening of Thursday, September 19th from 5:00-6:30 PM.
At Back to School Night, classroom teachers will share information with parents/guardians about grade level curriculum your child will be learning about this school year and specific grade level events such as field trips your child may attend this upcoming school year. You will also hear about the classroom practices and expectations your child’s teacher will employ this school year to support them.
This is a great opportunity to begin establishing your partnership with your child’s classroom teacher(s) to support their success this school year. It is important that parents/guardians plan to attend.
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1st Quarter Testing
Students in grades Pre-K to 6th grade will take academic screening assessments to measure growth as required to fulfill the Virginia Assessment Program (VAP), Virginia Literacy Act (VLA) and the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) requirements.
Based on academic screening results, some students may require a reading plan or math intervention plan. Some students may need additional diagnostic tests to help teachers determine specific areas for support. If you have questions about academic screening, growth, or diagnostic tests, you can visit The Academic Screening, Growth, and Diagnostic Tests webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academic-screening-growth-and-diagnostic-tests) contact your student’s teacher or the school's test coordinator, Kara Armstrong- karmstrong@fcps.edu.
Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Services at Dogwood Elementary (Session #1)
There will be an Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) parent information night for families on Wednesday, September 25th at 4:45 PM in the Dogwood Elementary Library. Fairfax County provides a continuum of services to meet the needs of students at a variety of levels.
Prior to joining, please watch this county prepared AAP Overview Video which outlines the continuum of services available to all students in FCPS. During the first parent information night we will share the specific AAP program supports that are provided at Dogwood Elementary.
Parent Information Night 2: Full-Time AAP Services Screening Information
Parents of students in second through sixth grade, who are interested in having their child screened for the full-time services will learn about the forms, documents, and deadlines for applications. This Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) parent information night will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at 4:45 PM in the Dogwood Elementary Library. We provide a brief question and answer session for families as well.
Note: AAP Level IV parent referrals are due on December 15, 2024. This is a county deadline, and late entries cannot be accepted.
Any questions please contact Lauren Williams lgwilliams2@fcps.edu
2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
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🙋 Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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Cell Phones Off, Learning On
Thank you for helping to support the FCPS cell phone policy by waiting to call or text your child about non-urgent matters until the school day is over. In case of an emergency, it is always best to contact the school’s front office to reach your child during class time 703-262-3100.
Visit the FCPS Cell Phone Policy webpage to read more about usage policies by grade level and to share your feedback on the current cell phone policy.
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☎️Family Information Phone Lines
Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.
📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Free Workshops for Families
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.
✨ 2023-30 Strategic Plan: Foundation of Four Pillars
While the five goals of FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan focus on student success, the four pillars describe what FCPS must do well to reach our goals for all students:
- The first focus of the pillars is on teaching and learning. We want to make sure each and every student has access to excellent and inclusive learning environments, and that instruction meets students’ individual needs.
- The second pillar focuses on our connection with families and our communities. We cannot do this work alone. Strong partnerships are key to our students’ success.
- The third pillar is centered on our hiring and maintaining a world class, diverse workforce. We want to make sure our incredible employees have what they need to help our students thrive.
- The fourth and final pillar centers on how we bring this all together. We remain focused on creating a culture of equity, excellence, and accountability where data guides our decisions.
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September 11 National Day of Service
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With the upcoming 23rd anniversary of September 11, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.
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All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into their Naviance account.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Understanding the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)
- School Safety Reminders
- Community Conversations with Dr. Reid
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
 2024-2025 Standard School Year Calendar
September 10: Practice Lockdown Drill
September 11: PTA Interest Meeting 6:00 PM
September 13: South Lakes Homecoming Parade & Game
September 19: Back to School Night 5:00 - 6:30 PM
September 23: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM https://forms.gle/Up8i1tJxVaKdJVaE7
September 25: AAP Parent Night 4:45- 6:00 Dogwood Library
October 3: All Schools Closed, Rosh Hashanah
October 4: No School for Students, Teacher Workday
October 14: No School for Students, Staff Development Day
October 16: AAP Parent Night 4:45- 6:00 Dogwood Library
October 28: 3 Hours Early Release Monday Grades K-2- Please complete form: https://forms.gle/bEmijZM4A1NH1Taj9
October 31: 2 Hour Early Release, End of First Quarter
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