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 We made a massive splash of color at the Dogwood Elementary Color Run! Thank you to everyone who laced up their sneakers and walked, ran, and laughed their way through a rainbow of fun.🌈
May
May 20: Science SOL Test (Grade 5)
May 25: Student Holiday (No School)
May 26: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
May 27: Student Holiday (No School)
June
June 8: Field Day
June 15 and 16: PYP Exhibition
June 17: Last Day of School for Students
Enjoy an Extra-Long Weekend
There will be no school for students from Monday, May 25, through Wednesday, May 27.
Please note the schedule for these days:
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Monday, May 25: Student Holiday (No School)
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Tuesday, May 26: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
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Wednesday, May 27: Student Holiday (No School)
Join Us for Summer Learning at Dogwood!
We are excited to host our Summer Learning Programs right here at Dogwood from July 6th through July 24th! Our sessions will run daily from 8:55 AM to 12:55 PM, and bus transportation will be provided for students who normally ride the bus during the school year.
This summer, we are offering several specialized programs:
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Bridge to Kindergarten: Helping our newest learners build essential school routines.
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Explorers: Focusing on academic English development for 3rd–6th grade Multilingual Learners.
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SOAR: Providing core Math and Language Arts reinforcement for students in grades K–6.
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Young Scholars: Offering academic enrichment for students from historically underserved groups.
Action Required: Permission forms were sent home in student folders. Please check your child’s backpack and return the completed form as soon as possible to secure their spot. Electronic forms were sent out via talking points. We look forward to a summer of growth and discovery!
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Yearbooks
Yearbooks are now available to order! Capture the memories from this school year with a keepsake your child can look back on for years to come.
Yearbooks are $25 each. Order forms went home in Thursday's folders. Please be sure to send in your order as soon as possible so your child doesn’t miss out!
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Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Update
On Friday, May 8, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid provided an update on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Budget. FCPS receives the majority of its funding from the Fairfax County Government and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The Fairfax County Government recently adopted its FY 2027 Budget, and at the funding levels provided, there is currently a $28 million budget gap. In addition, the state budget has not been finalized. At last Thursday's School Board meeting, the superintendent proposed adjustments that would balance the FCPS budget.
Read Dr. Reid’s message to the community for more information on the budget process and budget priorities.
New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell.
High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year
Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:
- Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners.
- Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
- Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.
Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong.
Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.
If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.
If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 2027 Budget Updates
- New Cell Phone Policy
- Stay Up-to-Date with the Mobile App
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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