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Dear Dragons,
Dogwood is proud to celebrate Black History! Throughout the month, our students will engage in meaningful activities that highlight the achievements, contributions, and voices of Black leaders, past and present. Together, we honor the rich history, culture, and resilience that continue to shape our world. Please look below to see pictures of our Dogwood’s dream art in the main foyer to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Dogwood ES is our rich diversity. Ramadan, a significant time for our Muslim families, begins at the end of the month. If your family observes this holy month and you have specific requests for your child, please complete the form coming home with your preferences. To maintain a supportive and consistent school environment, students with accommodations will follow them throughout Ramadan unless a parent contacts us to make a change.
Our PTA is up and running. Please join us for the next PTA meeting on Wednesday, Feb 19th at 6:30 PM in the school library. We look forward to working together.
Thank you for your partnership,
Kate Beckner
Proud Principal
We are thrilled to share that Ms. Johnson and Ms. McShane have received the PEACE Dragon Award for the month of January, as nominated by their peers, in recognition of their exceptional dedication and steadfast commitment to both our students and their families.
Through their thoughtful approach, strong commitment to understanding each student, and active participation in the school community, Ms. Johnson and Ms. McShane are making a lasting impact.
Let's come together to celebrate Ms. Johnson and Ms. McShane for this well-earned acknowledgment. Their kindness, dedication, and ability to build meaningful connections with students and families perfectly reflect the heart of what makes our school a truly remarkable place!
Dogwood PTA Meeting
Join us for our next general PTA meeting on Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM in our library. We hope to see you there!
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 follow the same dismissal plan as the previous early release (December) unless we are notified of any changes.
If there are any changes to how your children will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible no later than February 19th. No changes can be made after this date. Also, if you are unsure what their December plan was please reach out to your child’s teacher.
Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation or if you child is new to Dogwood.
Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.
💕 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
2/13- 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!
🧸 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.
Read Across America Celebration
An award-winning author and former Reston resident, Kwame Alexander, will be celebrating Read Across America and the Tenth Anniversary of Crossover on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:30PM at Langston Hughes Middle School! There will be something for everyone including special guests, food, fun, giveaways, and books!
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
FCPS Proposed Budget Progress
The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.
The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.
Breaking Down the Budget
More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff.
Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. FCPS must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.
The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.
🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.
Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.
Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.
🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.
Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.
Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)
FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.
Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit
The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.
At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.
Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.
✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Proposed Budget Progress
- Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
- Black History Month Event
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 13: 100th Day of School
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February 17: George Washington’s Birthday: School Holiday
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February 19: PTA Meeting 6:30 PM Dogwood Library
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February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM
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