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Dear Dogwood Families,
We are excited to share that every child in our school had the opportunity to take part in a free Scholastic Book Fair! Thanks to the generosity of the NWFCU Foundation, each student received three books to take home and enjoy. We are deeply grateful for this wonderful gift and for the chance to help every child build a personal collection of books.
Reading is one of the most important skills children develop. It helps them grow their vocabulary, build knowledge, strengthen their focus, and understand the world around them. Reading also supports learning in every subject, because students use reading skills throughout the school day and beyond. Just as importantly, books can spark curiosity, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning.
Please make reading part of your child’s routine every night. Set aside time for your child to read independently, read aloud together, or take turns reading pages. Even a few minutes each day makes a difference. Ask your child about the book, listen as they share a favorite part, and celebrate their progress. Your encouragement sends a powerful message: reading matters, and you believe your child can grow as a reader.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning. We hope these new books bring many joyful moments at home and inspire your child to keep reading every day.
Warmly,
Kate Beckner
Principal, Dogwood Elementary School
Important Dates
November
November 12th- Picture Re-Take Day
November 18th- 3-Hour Early Release- 12:35pm Dismissal
November 19th- Thanksgiving Lunch- more information coming soon!
November 25th- 27th- Thanksgiving Holiday
At the heart of being an IB school is taking ACTION. As a school, throughout the month of 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 600 pairs of NEW socks. Please help us reach our goal!
📸 Picture Retake Day – Thursday, November 12!
Picture Retake Day is coming up! If your child needs a retake or missed our original Picture Day, they will have the opportunity to have their picture taken on Thursday, November 12. If your child is having a retake and you have the original picture package, please send it in with them on retake day. Families can still place orders online at mylifetouch.com using Picture Day ID: EVTBX2SDQ. Orders will be sent home with students after retake day.
Questions? Visit lifetouch.com/support-us and select K-12 School Photography for assistance, or reach out to Kara Armstrong, our School Picture Day Coordinator.
Reminders from the PTA
The Dogwood Clasico soccer day is November 14th! Contact Emily Davis to sign up. While you are there, come say hello to the PTA and purchase hot chocolate and other snacks to support future events!
Call for volunteers: We need help! Please click here to volunteer at the Clasico
Save the date for our first ever Glow Dance (replacing the Glow Walk) the evening of Friday, December 11th. More details to follow!
Langston Hughes Middle School- Rising 7th Grade Curriculum Night
Families of rising seventh graders (current 6th graders) are invited to Langston Hughes Middle School’s Curriculum Night on Wednesday, December 9, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. (snow date: December 14). Optional early bird sessions from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. will cover the Advanced Academics Program, the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, AVID, Multilingual Learner services, and Special Education. This evening is an opportunity for families to explore core and elective courses, visit classrooms, tour the school, and learn about the after-school program. Families can also attend one of two information sessions, at 6:15 or 7:00 p.m., to meet Principal Dr. Mizell and learn about the transition to middle school, course sequencing, and curriculum. Visit the LHMS Academic Advising website for course overviews, videos, and transition information.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
SIS ParentVUE Quarterly Outage
SIS ParentVUE will be unavailable to students and parents during end-of-quarter updates through Monday, November 9, at 9 a.m.
Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.
For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, view ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.
November Is National Family Engagement Month
Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at HomeSocial-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Participate in a Family Cafe workshop to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the SEL Screener results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on:
Click on the date to register. Find additional details on the FCPS Family Academy page.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as a tutor. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant as a resource to families.
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, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS News
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FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- State of Our Schools Event
- Family Engagement Opportunities
- SIS Quarterly Outage
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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