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Dear Dogwood Families,
I hope you're enjoying these warm fall days! Our students have been loving the clear skies and sunshine during recess. As we prepare for the cooler weather ahead, please remember to label your child’s jacket with their name, as many tend to leave them behind on the playground or around the school. This will help us return them to the right owner. If your child needs a coat, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school, your child’s teacher, or our family liaisons, and we will be happy to assist.
Next week brings some schedule changes. On Monday, we will have a 3-hour early release, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. On Wednesday, October 30th, we’re excited for our Trunk or Treat event, starting at 4:30 PM. On Thursday, there will be a 2-hour early release at 1:35 PM, and there will be no school on Friday, November 1st, 4th or 5th. Please communicate with your child’s teacher to ensure all students are dismissed safely during this busy week. The FCPS county calendar is Here.
For Trunk or Treat, we expect hundreds of students to participate! If you’re able, please consider donating candy to support our teachers in making this event special. You or your child can drop donations off at the front office.
Thank you for your continued support!
With gratitude,
Kate Beckner
Proud Principal
Congratulations to Ms. Calles and Ms. Pitarque-Heishman for receiving the PEACE Dragon this month from their colleagues!
Ms. Alicia Pitarque-Heishman was nominated for her exceptional ability to connect with families and provide unwavering support. She fosters meaningful relationships with our community, demonstrating kindness, patience, and compassion towards staff, students, and families alike. Her dedication ensures that everyone at Dogwood feels supported.
Ms. Calles was recognized for her seamless transition into the role of kindergarten instructional assistant. She takes charge with confidence, working wonderfully with students and showing genuine care for their needs. Her commitment to ensuring every child receives the support they require truly makes her deserving of the PEACE Dragon.
Thank you both for your outstanding contributions!
Three Hour Early Release
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.
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.
Remember our first session is tomorrow, October 24th 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.
Dogwood Color Days
It’s time to turn our wardrobes into a rainbow! Please refer to the calendar below as we continue Dogwood color days. Let’s dress in the designated color each day to help our kindergarteners become color experts.
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.
Dogwood Trunk or Treat
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.
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.
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
Additional Clinic Date on October 29th for Free Immunizations for All FCPS Students Aged 18 and Younger
Safeway Pharmacy will be hosting an additional clinic date where they will be providing immunizations at no cost for all FCPS students, age 18 and younger! Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment and provide consent for their student(s).
The immunization clinics are being held at Frost Middle School on:
- Monday, October 28, 3 to 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 29, 3 to 7 p.m.
Students under the age of 19, with a scheduled appointment and parental consent, must be accompanied by their parent, guardian, or another adult over the age of 19.
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 in order to provide consent. Students ages 19 and older may access free immunizations at their MS/HS immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) or through other community resources
Parents may learn more about this Safeway Pharmacy and other immunization resources and FCPS school-required immunizations.
The county deadline for submitting the AAP Full-Time family referral is Sunday, December 15th.
This is a county set deadline, and late entries will not be accepted. Parents are encouraged to turn in their forms and supporting documents early to ensure that they are formatted appropriately for the screening portfolio. The AAP Full Time Parent Referral form can be found at the bottom of the AAP In FCPS website. All portfolios should be submitted to Lauren Williams at lgwilliams2@fcps.edu.
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click on a date below to register:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Family Orientation
- Community Conversations
- Immunization Clinics
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 26: Dogwood Clasico 9:00- 1:30 PM
October 28: 3 Hours Early Release Monday Grades K-6. Dismissal: 12:35 PM
October 30: Dogwood Trunk or Treat 4:30 PM Parking Lot
October 31: 2 Hour Early Release, End of First Quarter Dismissal: 1:25
November 1: All Schools & Offices Closed, Diwali
November 4: No School for Students, Teacher Workday
November 5: No School for Students, Teacher Workday
November 11: All Schools & Offices Closed, Veteran’s Day
November 14: Learning Under the Stars 5:00-6:30 PM
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