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Dear Dogwood Dragon Families,
This week, we celebrate National School Counselor Appreciation! Our counselors work tirelessly to support our students' social-emotional well-being, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication.
I’m excited to introduce Emily Hudenburg, a proud South Lakes High School graduate! She attended JMU and joined Dogwood this year, bringing a deep passion for ensuring every student feels confident and supported. Her warmth and enthusiasm are truly felt throughout our school community.
We are also thrilled to recently welcome Jim Franklin, an experienced FCPS counselor, who joined our team this week. He will be supporting Dogwood part-time while also working at Fox Mill ES. His expertise and commitment to student success make him a wonderful addition to our school.
Please join me in thanking Ms. Hudenburg and Mr. Franklin for their hard work, kindness, and compassion. We are so fortunate to have them as part of our Dogwood family!
Exciting news—Dogwood is putting on its first-ever musical! Thanks to a grant from NextStop Theatre, our students will have the opportunity to perform The Jungle Book. This incredible program is fully funded, opening the doors for more students to experience the magic of theater. Spots are still available, so consider this after-school activity for your child!
Next week, we come together to celebrate history, love, and community through Spirit Week. It’s a wonderful time to unite in strength, share our joy, and dream of what’s possible. Be sure to check out the details below and encourage your child to participate!
As always, our Dogwood community is filled with kindness and care. Thank you for your continued support in making our school such a special place to learn and grow.
With gratitude,
Kate Beckner
Proud Principal
💕 A Picture-Perfect Valentine’s Surprise! 📸💌
Parents, we’ve got something sweet for you! Each student will be bringing home a special package of personalized Valentines, featuring their adorable school photo on one side and a Valentine message to a friend on the other.
If you’d like to keep this precious set, simply send $12 in the envelope provided within the package to school. Not interested? No worries—just return the package, no heartbreak involved!
These valentines are way cuter than the ones from the store—because they come with your kiddo’s smiling face! We love and appreciate your support for this fundraiser!
❤️🖤 Celebrating Love & Leaders SPIRIT WEEK! 💛💚
Honoring Black History, spreading kindness, and dreaming big—because love and leadership shape our world!
Spirit Week Days
2/10- Monday: Colors of Culture - Wear Red, Green, Yellow, or Black- Kick off the week by wearing the colors of Black History Month!
2/11- Tuesday: Future Leaders - Dress for Success- Dress like what you want to be when you grow up—because you can be a future leader, too!
2/12- Wednesday: Dream Big! - Pajama Day- Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream by wearing PJs! Dream big, rest up, and remember that your dreams matter!
2/13- Thursday: Stronger Together -Dogwood Day- Show school pride and unity by wearing Dogwood gear or school colors to show we are stronger together!
2/14- Friday: Kindness Counts - Wear Hearts, Pink or Red- Show love and kindness by wearing hearts or Valentine’s colors. Give a compliment or kind note to someone!
WIDA ACCESS for ELLS
The WIDA test is a state assessment that measures your child’s progress in learning English. It helps determine the support they need and ensures they receive the right resources to succeed.
Please do your best to make sure your child is present on testing days. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and arriving on time can make a big difference!
Testing days vary based on grade level and student accommodations. Reach out to your child’s teacher for the exact date your child will be tested.
Thank you for your support in helping your child do their best!
Exciting New After-School Opportunity for Grades 3-6!
There are still spaces left!!
Here’s what you need to know:
🌟 What: Students will be coached in acting, singing, dancing, and character development.
🌟 Who: Open to all 3rd-6th graders—no experience needed!
🌟 Cost: Absolutely FREE for families!
🌟 When: Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45–5:25 PM~ First rehearsal is Monday, February 10.
🌟 Transportation: Bus transportation will be provided for students who are usually bus riders.
📄 How to Register:
- A registration form was sent home. Contact the office if you need another one.
- If you'd like to register now, fill out the Google form here: bit.ly/StarsonStageatDogwood.
🙋♂️ We Need Parent Volunteers!There are many ways you can help! If you’re interested in helping with this program, please complete our Parent Volunteer form:Parent Volunteer Sign Up
Three Hour Early Release- February 24th
Our next early release will be on Monday, February 24th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. All students will go home at the usual time and by the usual mode of transportation unless we are notified of a change. We will follow the same schedule per the December schedule.
If there are any changes to how your child will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s classroom teacher by Wednesday, January 19th.
Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation.
Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.
Proposed Budget Presented to School Board
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation.
As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.”
The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.
🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Kindergarten Orientation, save the date for April 24th at 4:30 PM at Dogwood ES. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Erin Silvan ensilvan@fcps.edu our school registrar. 💻 Try Online Registration
Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process.
When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.
🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards
First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.
Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.
Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.
Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students 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, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FY 2026 Proposed Budget
- Student-Driven Lunch Menus
- Inclusion Awards Nominations
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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February 12: 100th Day of School
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February 17: George Washington’s Birthday: School Holiday
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February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM
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