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Dear Dragons,
This year, we continue to focus on increasing the regular attendance of all of our students. To maintain expectations from the state, we need to keep a chronic absence rate of less than 10%. Our current chronic absenteeism rate is 12.6%
What does it mean to be chronically absent?
A student is considered chronically absent when they have missed 10% or more of the total school days. This means that in a 180-day school year, students must miss fewer than 18 days for the school year.
How can I help ensure my child is not chronically absent?
Please limit absences outside of the times your child is sick. Plan for family trips around school breaks, and ensure your child attends school, even on shorter days.
As always, I am grateful for your partnership.
Sincerely,
Principal Beckner
 Another incredible week in the books! 📚 We're so proud of our students, whether they were marching with Dogwood spirit in the South Lakes High School parade, earning that well-deserved attendance reward for Ms. Yanes' class, or taking the plunge with the "First Friend" initiative. Together we grow! 🌱
Important Dates
October
Oct. 20: Diwali (No School)
Oct. 20 - 24: Digital Citizenship Week
Oct. 29: 3 Hour Early Release
Oct. 30: Trunk or Treat (4:30 - 5:30 pm)
Oct. 31: 2 Hour Early Release/End of Quarter 1
November
Nov. 3: School Planning Day (No School)
Nov. 4: Teacher Workday (No School)
Nov. 11: Veteran's Day (No School)
Nov. 12: 3 Hour Early Release
Nov. 13: Learning Under the Stars
Nov. 13: PTA Meeting (6 pm)
Nov. 14: Picture Day Retakes
Nov. 26 - 28: Thanksgiving Holiday (No School)
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When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school and your child’s teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell the school staff why and for how long.
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Trunk or Treat
Dogwood Elementary students are invited to join us for a spooktacular evening of fun! Wear your favorite (school-appropriate) costume and trick-or-treat your way through our decorated trunks in the school parking lot. Our teachers can’t wait to show off their creative displays and hand out treats — one per student — while spreading some trunk or treat cheer!
Event Details:
When: October 30
Time: 4:30–5:30 PM
Who: Dogwood Elementary students only
Where: Dogwood’s Parking Lot
Students must be accompanied by an adult. We can’t wait to see you all there!
As a reminder, costumes are not allowed to be worn during the school day on Thursday, Oct 30 or Friday, Oct 31.
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Celebrating Digital Citizenship and School Spirit!
Get ready for a week of learning, fun, and great spirit! Next week, October 21–24, is both Digital Citizenship Week and our special Spirit Week—a perfect chance to learn how to be smart, kind, and safe online while showing off your school pride.
Check out how we'll be celebrating each day:
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Tuesday, 10/21: Be an Inquirer Online! Show your school spirit by wearing your Dogwood Spiritwear!
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Wednesday, 10/22: Kindness is Contagious! Wear a shirt with a positive message to spread good vibes both in person and online.
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Thursday, 10/23: We All Belong! Grab a friend (or two!) for Twin/Triplet Day—celebrating inclusion and community.
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Friday, 10/24: Use Your Superpowers for Good! Dress up in a superhero shirt, cape, or create your own Digital Hero to show how you use technology responsibly!
We can't wait to see everyone participate!
Socktober
At the heart of being an IB school is taking ACTION. As a school, throughout October, we are going to come together to participate in SOCKTOBER. Socktober is a movement to help the homeless in your local community. As a school, we will be collecting NEW socks and monetary donations (to then buy socks/winter items) for local shelters. The following types and sizes of socks will help:
- Men's Socks - sizes M, L, XL - white cotton, quarter/crew/mid-calf
- Men's Socks - sizes M, L, XL - wool, crew/ mid-calf
- Women's Socks - sizes S, M, L, XL - white cotton, ankle/quarter/crew
- Women's Socks - sizes S, M, L, XL - wool, crew/mid-calf
- Kids' Socks - sizes toddler and larger
Our goal as a school is to donate 800 pairs of NEW socks. Please help us reach our goal!
Elementary Language Arts Grades
You might notice that your student's progress report grades in English language arts (ELA) look a little different. This is happening because we've brought in a new curriculum and new ways to check on learning (assessments), and there are new state guidelines called the VDOE Standards of Learning.
FCPS is raising the bar and setting high goals! We are teaching and grading students on the big skills they need by the very end of the school year. Think of it like going on a journey. It’s challenging at first, but on your journey, you learn your way — and maybe even a few shortcuts!
First quarter grades may seem lower than usual as students work hard to reach grade-level mastery.
Please know that this is a positive, expected part of the learning journey. We are here to support every student as they grow and achieve. We are celebrating the effort and growth toward these new, higher standards!
Learn more about this change in ELA grading and reporting.
🩹 Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
How AI Is Shaping Teaching and Learning
Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI, a conversation with division leadership, which will take place Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Attend to:
- Learn about the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
- Explore how AI can support FCPS student achievement and workforce readiness.
- Engage in a thought-provoking panel and keynotes.
- Help shape the future of innovation at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Agenda details will be shared with registered participants in the coming weeks. Contact DITEvents@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS Ombuds Office: Your Go-To Guide for the School System
Do you have a question or concern about Fairfax County Public Schools, but you don’t know where to find the answer? Dawn Clements wants you to know you can ask her! Dawn’s mission as the FCPS Ombuds is to make it easier to understand the school system and help build trust within the community. In honor of Ombuds Day, learn more about Dawn Clements and the Ombuds Office.
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