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Three Hour Early Release- March 17th
Our next early release will be on Monday, March 17th, 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 February 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, March 12th.
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.
Read Across America Day
Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.
Let's continue to ignite a love for reading and show off that incredible Dogwood spirit! We can't wait to see all the creative ways our students celebrate the magic of literacy for the rest of this week.
Wednesday- Wear your favorite PJs and snuggle up with a good book
Thursday- Wear a shirt that spreads a positive message
Friday- Wear your Dogwood gear or the color green
Dogwood Chick Fil A’ Fundraiser
Join us for a Dogwood Chick-fil-A Fundraiser! Enjoy a delicious dinner with your family and support our Dogwood Dragons. Just mention the spirit night when placing your order on March 18th from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Sunset Hills Chick-fil-A location. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our school, so come out and make it a night to remember!
📝 Testing Updates
Coming HomeThis Week for families without ParentVueBe on the lookout! In your child’s Thursday Folder, you’ll find score reports from the following assessments:
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Winter VALLSS Assessment (Grades K–3)
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Winter iReady Math and Reading Assessments (Grades 1–6)
If you have ParentVUE, you can also view your child’s testing reports there.Thank you for signing up for ParentVUE—it gives you access to all your child’s academic information, including attendance, grades, and assessment results.
If you’re a parent or guardian who does not yet have access to ParentVUE, please reach out to Erin Silvan, our Student Information Assistant, by emailing ensilvan@fcps.edu or calling the school front office. We’re happy to help you get connected!
For translations or more information about these assessments, visit: 🔹 VALLSS Information: www.fcps.edu/node/50319 🔹 iReady Information: www.fcps.edu/node/35282
📆 4th Quarter Testing Is Here!
The 4th quarter includes several important assessments, and we need your help! Please make sure your child is present, on time, and ready to learn on testing days. Spring iReady testing begins in April. Check with your child’s teacher on exact dates.
Standards Of Learning (SOL) Assessments begin in May. Check out the testing schedule:.
📌 5th Grade Families – SOL Notification
In April, 5th graders will take their first SOL assessment: Integrated Reading & Writing. You’ll find a notification letter inside a manila envelope coming home this week. This letter outlines all of the upcoming SOL tests your child will take.
Included on the letter is a retake permission form. If you do not have access to ParentVUE, please complete this paper form to indicate:
✔️ Yes, I give permission for my child to retake one or more assessments ❌ No, I do not want my child to retake the assessments You can also choose to allow retakes for specific tests only.
If you do have ParentVue you can indicate your choice there.
📨 Please return the completed form by April 2nd in the envelope provided.
Thank you for your continued support in helping your child succeed!
Exciting Summer Camp Opportunities at South Lakes High School!
Registration is now open for a variety of sports camps for kids ages 7 and up! Explore the wide range of activities available to keep your child active and engaged this summer.
For more details on the different sports and to register, please visit the link below:
South Lakes High School Summer Camps
Hughes Middle School Book Fair
Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday
Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.
All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County.
Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.
💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget
The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.
April 14-18 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- A Strong Academic Foundation
- 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
- New Breakfast Options
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

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March 17: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM Dismissal
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March 18: Dogwood Chick Fil A’ Fundraiser 4:00-8:00 PM
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March 28: Quarter End, Eid al- Fitr, and Student Holiday
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April 1: Student Holiday & Teacher Workday
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April 14-18: Spring Break: School Closed
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