|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Dear Dogwood Families,
I am writing to you today about something that sits at the very heart of your child’s success in school and in life: reading.
Reading is not just another subject. It is the foundation for every other subject. When students become strong readers, they gain confidence. They participate more fully in class. They understand math problems more clearly. They explore science and social studies with curiosity. Reading opens every door.
At school, our teachers work hard every single day to teach the skills students need to become proficient readers. We provide explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. We differentiate. We reteach. We support. But there is an important truth we must share openly: reading is a skill that requires consistent practice. Just like learning to play an instrument or becoming strong in a sport, children must practice reading regularly to improve.
This is where we need you.
There is a gap between learning a skill and mastering it. That gap can only be closed with practice in real books, every single day. Our instruction provides the foundation, but nightly reading at home builds the strength, stamina, and confidence students need to truly grow.
We are asking every family to commit to reading every night. Even 20 minutes makes a powerful difference. Read with your child. Listen to them read. Ask questions. Talk about the story. Make it a calm and consistent part of your evening routine.
For families who speak a language other than English at home, please know how valuable you are in this process. You do not have to read in English to support your child’s literacy development. Reading in your home language strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of books. Talk about stories. Ask your child to retell what they read in English. Discuss characters and ideas in the language that feels most natural to your family. Strong thinking in any language strengthens reading in every language.
We cannot do this alone. And you should not have to either.
When schools and families partner together, students thrive. When children see that the adults in their lives are united around reading, they understand that it matters. They rise to that expectation.
I am asking you to join us in making reading a daily priority. Let us close the practice gap together. Let us build confident, capable readers together. Let us ensure every child at Dogwood has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Thank you for your partnership, your commitment, and your belief in your child.
With gratitude,
Kate
Principal, Dogwood
From hands-on STEM robotics and independent creative projects to interactive small-group literacy and whole-class reflections, our students are thriving. Whether they are exploring phonics with teachers or building together at their desks, every moment is an opportunity for discovery and growth.🤖
Important Dates
March
March 12: Pastries with Parents (Math) at 8:00 am
March 18: 3 Hour Early Release - Students dismissed at 12:35
March 20: Student Holiday (No School)
March 27: Chuck E. Cheese Night (2nd Grade Fundraiser)
March 30 - April 3: Spring Break (No School for Students)
April
April 6: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
April 10: School Planning Day (No School for Students)
April 22: 3 Hour Early Release - Students dismissed at 12:35
Celebrating a World of Reading at Dogwood Elementary
Get ready to celebrate Read Across The World Week from March 2–6! Throughout the week, our students will explore diverse stories while participating in fun daily themes like wearing rainbow colors for Reading is Colorful on Tuesday and snuggling up in PJs for Reading is Cozy on Thursday. We are especially excited to see everyone showing their school spirit on Friday for Dragons Love Books Day by wearing green or their favorite Dogwood gear! These snapshots of learning and high attendance truly highlight our community's commitment to literacy and showing up ready to grow.
Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…
Do you know anyone with a Kindergarten student? Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open!
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 caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process. For more information, call Erin Silvan at 703-262-3100.
💻 Try Online Registration
Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.
Dogwood's Kindergarten Orientation is April 10th from 4:30 - 6:00 pm. We hope to see you there!
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
-
Tuesday, March 3, at Waples Mill Elementary School.
-
Tuesday, March 17, from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at Glen Forest Elementary School.
-
Monday, March 23, at Ravensworth Elementary School.
-
Monday, April 13, at Belle View Elementary School.
-
Monday, April 20, Westgate Elementary School.
-
Wednesday, April 22, at Crestwood Elementary School.
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Celebrating the Power of School Breakfast
Multiple studies show that school breakfasts are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school breakfast consume more fruit and fiber than their peers.
This National School Breakfast Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Would you like to know what’s for breakfast? Nutrition Services has printable menus available.
 Pre-K and Early Head Start 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 who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program 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).
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- The FCPS Budget
- School Safety
- Community Conversations
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Follow Us
|
