Dogwood Digest 05/09/2025

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Dear Dragons, this is a busy, yet wonderful time of year in schools. We have many celebrations!

Thank you to our PTA who has made this a beautiful Teacher Appreciation! We are so grateful for all of the love you’ve shown the whole staff. Thank you to all of you who have written or shown appreciation to the people who serve your students. Teaching is a unique profession. Teachers carry your children in their hearts, love like parents, stretch themselves thin trying to meet all the needs in the classroom and think of your children in their off time. It is a beautiful job and I am so grateful they feel loved for it. 

We had a BEAUTIFUL Multicultural Night last week as well. Our school is amazingly diverse and celebrating that diversity is my favorite night of the whole year. Thank you for coming out and participating. We had wonderful representation in our fashion show and I loved seeing all of the countries represented in the gym. We had a special guest, our muralist from Richmond, Va, Hamilton Glass drove up just to participate and sign his mural. It was wonderful to celebrate with him. 

This past weekend we had our annual Color Run and as always had a blast while getting in some movement and exercise! 

This is the season of SOLs our state tests. Please be sure to stay in contact with your teachers and on days of the SOLs please have your child get a good night's rest and to come to school on time. Late arrivals will need to test a different day. 

Thank you for always partnering with us,

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

Color Run

SOL Testing Schedule

SOLs Start Next Week! Check the schedule below and be sure your child is at school on time and ready to learn! If you have any questions about testing you can email our Student Testing Coordinator, Kara Armstrong, karmstrong@fcps.edu .

SOL Testing Schedule

Three Hour Early Release- March 19th

Our next early release will be on Monday, May 19th, 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 April 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, May 14th.

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.


Reston Food Pantry

Reston food pantry is open on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., including this coming Saturday, May 3rd.

We encourage students and their families to stop by the pantry if they are in need. 

Reston Food Pantry

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!

In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources


Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.


Dismissal Schedule for the Last Day of School

On the last day of school, Wednesday, June 11, school will be dismissed at 1:35 PM.


Pre-K Program Accepting Applications for Fall

The FCPS PreK Program serves 3 and 4 year old students with a high quality, full-day preschool program with no cost to families at 78 Fairfax County elementary schools. 

Students may qualify with a variety of economic or educational risk factors. Learn more about the Pre-K and Early Head Start Program by watching this video (English) or video (Spanish).

Spaces fill quickly, so complete an application online now or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish) for more information.


Excellence at a Crossroads: FCPS Budget Update

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will begin finalizing the budget on Tuesday, May 6. The current advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million.

Without new revenue, such as the meals tax (adding just $2-3 to an average dining bill for a family of four), FCPS will face significant cuts.

What Is at Risk?

Go to fcps.edu/crossroads to see examples of where FCPS exceeds minimum state standards.


☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Join the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School! During this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.

Learn about summer programs for children and resources from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and other fun activities. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


🌱 Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports to include medication assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and more. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov


📞 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff 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 answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Parent Information Line Available in Eight LanguagesParents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

  • FCPS Budget Update
  • Required Immunizations
  • Mental Health Resources

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


calendar reminder graphic

 

Fairfax County Public Schools 2024-2025 Standard School Year Calendar

  • May 5- 9: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 6- 21: Standards of Learning (SOL) Grades 3- 6th
  • May 15: Jungle Book Family Performance Cafeteria 6:00 PM
  • May 19: Three Hour Early Release Dismissal 12:35 PM
  • May 26: Memorial Day; school closed 
  • May 29: 6th Grade Basketball Game at 5:30-7:30
  • June 2: Field Day
  • June 3: Strings and Band Concert at 6:00 Gym
  • June 5th & 6th: PYP Exhibition (PYPX)
  • June 11: 6th Grade Promotion at 9:00 Gym 
  • June 11: Last Day of School Early Release 1:35 PM