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Dear Dragons,
Last week we celebrated our Family Liaisons at FCPS Excellence Awards! Our Family Liaisons won in the category of Collaboration and Partnerships due to all of their hard work to meet our family needs. Some of their highlights were collaborating with the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at South Gate and churches to teach English classes, collaborating with organizations for donations of clothes, shoes, and coats, collaborating with the Reston Association for summer swim lessons and getting students into camps and of course their hard work in fighting food instability. There are actually many more to add to this list. Our liaisons do a tremendous job. Join us in celebrating Carmen Fonseca Londono, Andy Sigle and Susie Livingood on a job well done.
We are nearing our second 3 hour early release on Monday Oct. 28th. 100% of students must be accounted for. Please be proactive and communicate with their teacher about your child staying at school until 3:35 PM or going home at 12:35 PM. We are asking for no changes the day of the Early Release. Please support us by communicating your plan with the teacher.
With much appreciation,
Kate Beckner
Three Hour Early
Our next early release is on Monday, October 28th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. Classroom teachers will be sending home a sheet and TalkingPoints to confirm how your child will be getting home and at what time. We ask that no changes be made after Friday, October 25th. The following information will be shared with families, please let you child’s classroom teacher know as soon as possible.
- My child will leave at 12:35 PM. Please indicate how they will get home. If they are a bus rider, include the bus number.
- My child will remain at school for regular dismissal at 3:35 PM. Please indicate how they will get home. If they are a bus rider, include the bus number.
Many Permission Forms Now Available Online
Families can now easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent (PDC) system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account and parents can easily opt in or opt out their child from a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, tutoring services, and how student information is managed.
Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system.
If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact our SIA, Erin Silvan, ensilvan@fcps.edu, for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. After you have created a ParentVUE account, please wait 24 hours before logging into the PDC.
Learning from Home
Reminder: We’re hosting our Learning with Laptops at Home information session for parents of 2nd-6th graders who would like their child to bring their laptop to and from school. During this session you will learn about, and sign consent to, our Family & Student Device Responsible Use Guidelines. If you plan to attend, please fill out THIS GOOGLE FORM. If you have any questions you can contact Ms. Kara Armstrong at karmstrong@fcps.edu or Ms. Carmen Fonseca Londono at cgfonsecalong@fcps.edu.
Our next session will be on October 17th from 8-8:20 AM in the library. Please remember to check into the office first. We look forward to seeing you at one of our sessions this month.
 At the heart of being an IB school is taking ACTION. As a school, throughout the month of October we are going to come together to participate in SOCKTOBER. Socktober is a movement to help the homeless in your local community. As a school we will be collecting NEW socks and monetary donations (to then buy socks) for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Embry Rucker needs the following types and sizes of socks:
- Men's Socks - sizes M, L, XL - white cotton, quarter/ crew/ mid-calf
- Men's Socks - sizes M, L, XL - wool, crew/ mid-calf
- Women's Socks - sizes S, M, L, XL - white cotton, ankle/ quarter/ crew
- Women's Socks - sizes S, M, L, XL - wool, crew/ mid-calf
- Kids' Socks - sizes toddler and larger
Our goal as a school is to donate 1,000 pairs of NEW socks. Please help us reach our goal!
September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans year-round, and the celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor these diverse and important stories.
FCPS Social Studies has published resources in a new Hispanic & Latin American Heritage 180 Doc, to support K-12 social studies teachers seeking guidance and meaningful learning experiences for students this month. This document will support teachers and students in learning Hispanic & Latin American perspectives, contributions, and cultures.
Further resources for National Hispanic Heritage Month are available for teachers across content areas as part of the FCPS Multiple Perspectives Hub. Teachers and school leaders will find resources for classroom learning experiences across content areas and grade levels.
Digital Citizenship Week ~ October 15-18
This year’s Digital Citizenship Week focuses on supporting student’s mental and physical health in relation to technology use. Along with learning how to be a Digital Citizen, students will have another spirit week! Check out our spirit days below and support your child in participating in our Digital Citizenship Spirit week!
Wednesday- Inclusive ~ Sports Day!
Wear your favorite sports gear to show how we team up for digital citizenship!
Thursday - Our School Community ~ School Pride Day
Wear your school colors to celebrate how you make a positive impact using technology at school!
Friday- Staying Safe Online ~ Hat Day!
Put on your thinking cap and reflect on proper technology use!
Check out these books that boost Digital Citizenship.
https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/11-great-books-to-boost-digital-citizenship
Dogwood Color Days
It’s time to turn our wardrobes into a rainbow! Please refer to the calendar below, let’s dress in the designated color each day to help our kindergarteners become color experts.
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Dogwood Clasico
We invite all of our Dogwood families to come to the second annual Dogwood Clasico on Saturday, October 26th from 9:00am to 1:30pm. Grades PreK-6 are all included. Come watch and cheer on your students as they play some soccer games.
Grades will be split up into groups to participate in the variety of activities on this day. PreK-K will be grouped together, 1-2 grouped together, 3-4 grouped together, and 5-6.
The following grades will be participating in specific activities- PreK-K will be about ball handling skills and other basic skills. 1-6 will play games with eight on each co-ed team. All grades are welcome to join! There will be music, food, and other games to play.
Reston/Great Falls will be there to support us and the students. We hope you can join us on this event.
If anyone is interested in volunteering and supporting the event, please complete the Dogwood Clasico Google Form. More information will be shared with our volunteer from Ms. Emily Davis- epdavis@fcps.edu If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Davis.
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Our annual Dogwood Trunk or Treat is fast approaching, we hope to see all of our families. We ask that if you are able to donate candy for staff to pass out to our Dragons, please drop off in the Main Office prior to Wednesday, October 30th. We appreciate any candy donations.
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Learning Under the Stars
Families if you have a student in Early Head Start- 2nd grade please join us for Learning Under the Stars on Thursday November 14th from 5-6:30. Come and enjoy a pizza snack with your child’s class as well as learn about some fun math and literacy games you can do at home to help support your child. There will also be booths from various community resources. Be on the look out for a flyer from your child’s teacher. We look forward to enjoying an evening of fun and learning together! If you have any questions regarding the event please contact Ms. Janelle Ali- jnali@fcps.edu.
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Outstanding Employee Awards!
Nominations are now open for the 24-25 Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Dogwood ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this: Google Form
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding Leader
- Outstanding Professional Employee
- Outstanding Operational Employee
You may nominate one or multiple employees at our school (one individual may only nominate one employee per category).
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this Outstanding Employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the eligibility and criteria for each of these awards.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 8th at 4:00pm. Any questions you may have we ask that you connect with Ms. Viviana Calderon vicalderon@fcps.edu
📖 Virtual Lexia Parent Information Night
Learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp at a parent information night. Discover how FCPS uses Lexia in classrooms to support students’ literacy growth. Presenters will also share tips for improving your child’s literacy. Sessions will take place:
- Tuesday, October 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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Thursday, December 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Register in advance. For more information, contact Theresa Lieteau.
Other Ways to Support Your Child’s Learning Needs
You are important in your child’s education. The Family Academy keeps a list of classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by Fairfax County Public Schools to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.
✨ Helping students read on level by the end of third grade is part of the FCPS Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence. One of the strategic plan pillars is vibrant home and school partnerships.
Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students
Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:
- Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.
Transportation options are available.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.
The Fairfax County Health Department will also provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Learn About Lexia for Literacy
- The Power of School Lunches
- Upcoming Community Conversations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Fairfax County Public Schools 2024-2025 Standard School Year Calendar
October 16: AAP Parent Night 4:45- 6:00 Dogwood Library & Wear your favorite sports gear
October 17: Wear your Dogwood spirt wear or green
October 18: Hat Day
October 26: Dogwood Clasico 9:00- 1:30 PM
October 28: 3 Hours Early Release Monday Grades K-6- Please complete form: https://forms.gle/bEmijZM4A1NH1Taj9
October 30: Dogwood Trunk or Treat 4:30 PM Parking Lot
October 31: 2 Hour Early Release, End of First Quarter
November 1: All Schools & Offices Closed, Diwali
November 5: No School for Students, Teacher Workday
November 11: All Schools & Offices Closed, Veteran’s Day
November 14: Learning Under the Stars (new date) 5:00-6:30 PM
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