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Dear Dragons,
As we approach the end of 2024, there is so much for us to celebrate! From academic achievements to extracurricular successes, our school community has truly excelled this year.
Our dedicated teachers have worked tirelessly to implement the new comprehensive Language Arts Curriculum, Benchmark. This intensive and fast-paced program is designed to challenge and elevate all students in their reading abilities.
We’ve also expanded our extracurricular offerings, including Math Club, sports clubs, ITZART, our first Science Olympiad competition, and after-school academic interventions. A significant milestone this year was the re-establishment of our chartered PTA and the nomination of our new PTA board—the first since before COVID.
As an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Dogwood ES continues to lead the way in fostering deeper thinking and inquiry-based learning. This year, we also piloted Student-Led Conferences, where students guided the conversation about their progress and abilities in the classroom. These conferences were powerful, meaningful experiences for both students and caregivers, and we look forward to building on their success in the future.
We are excited for all that 2025 will bring and the opportunities it holds for our students and community.
Wishing you and your families peace, joy, and rest over the winter break. Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Kate Beckner
Proud Principal
Dogwood Winter Cheer
🎄✨ Let’s spread some holiday cheer, Dragons! ✨🎄
Join us for the final 2 Days of Winter Cheer at Dogwood. Each day has its own festive theme—check them out below and get ready to dress up. Participation is optional for all staff and students, but we can’t wait to see your cheerful outfits light up our school! 🎁❄️
Congratulations to our Outstanding Employee Award Recipients at Dogwood ES
Congratulations to our Dogwood Elementary School's Outstanding Employee Award Recipients. Our staff members below will be submitted for the next round in the awards process! Thank you for the nominations!
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Outstanding Teacher: Jason Ericson (Physical Education Teacher )
- Outstanding Professional Employee: Elise Warden (Instructional Coach)
Free Math Tutoring at Reston Community Center
Reston Community Center is offering FREE math tutoring in 2025 at RCC Hunters Woods. Registration open on Dec 1st. Don't delay signing up your children. This program was sold out in the fall sessions. For each age group, there are two sessions, one that runs roughly January to March and a second one that runs April to May. You can sign up for one or both.
Follow the links below to sign up!
Grades 3-5
Mondays, January 27-March 24, 4:30-6:00 PM
Mondays, April 17-May 19, 4:30-6:00 PM
Grades 6-8
Tuesdays, January 28-March 25, 4:30-6:00 PM
Tuesdays, April 8- May 20, 4:30 PM- 6:00 PM
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 23 to Monday, January 6, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
A Charlie Brown Christmas presented by South Lakes High School
South Lakes students will be having a performance on December 19th and 20th at 7:00 PM for families. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but it is a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus' help to learn the meaning of Christmas. Join us in this special performance.
Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter
The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:
- Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
- SEL Screener Results
- New Accessibility Resources
- Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
- Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
- VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
- Executive Functioning Webinars
- Early Literacy Resources
- ESY and Assessment Webinar
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options
Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter.
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ST Math Family Night
MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.
To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community.
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⛄Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review
If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.
View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
- Join Our Teacher Team!
- Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates
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
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December 23- January 3: Winter Break; No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.
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January 6: School Reopens at 8:35am
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January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday; school closed
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January 30: Chuck E’ Cheese in Herndon 3:00-9:00 PM
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