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Dear Dragon Families,
As we recognize Veterans Day, we want to thank the veterans in our Dogwood community and beyond for their service and sacrifice. We are grateful for the courage and dedication of all who have served, and we honor the many ways they have helped protect our country and our freedoms. Please join us in sharing our appreciation with the veterans in your family and community.
We also want to give a heartfelt shout-out to our PTA. Their time, care, and hard work help make our school events welcoming and memorable for students and families. We are grateful for everything they do to support Dogwood.
Our PTA would love to welcome more volunteers for future events. Whether you can help for an hour, lend a hand with planning, or pitch in on event day, your support makes a difference. Please consider getting involved and connecting with the PTA to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Thank you to our veterans, our PTA, and all the families who help make Dogwood such a caring community.
With pride,
Kate Principal,
Dogwood Elementary School
Important Dates
November
November 14th- Dogwood Soccer Classico 9:00-11:30pm
November 18th- 3-Hour Early Release- 12:35pm Dismissal
November 19th- Thanksgiving Lunch- see information below
November 25th- 27th- Thanksgiving Holiday- No School
News from your PTA
The next PTA meeting will be a general membership/open to all meeting and is virtual only - Monday, December 7th at 6pm - Please join us! Link to join: meet.google.com/vqt-vtvk-pzo
Winterfest is coming!
Winterfest (12/3-12/5) is a secular celebration of winter fun hosted by the Reston Association. There are several fun activities including ice sculptures, marshmallow roasting and an enchanted forest made of trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses, schools and organizations. The Enchanted Forest brings thousands of families together to enjoy winter magic. After Winterfest, the trees and decorations are donated to local families.
Dogwood PTA Tree
Dogwood PTA will be sponsoring a tree in the enchanted forest. We would love the tree to celebrate the diversity at Dogwood! Please consider donating an ornament that celebrates:
🌎 Culture & Diversity — a country, tradition, or heritage
📚 Education — books, pencils, school supplies, or learning
🎨 Creativity — a handmade ornament created by your family
🐉 Dogwood Spirit — our students, teachers, or school community
❤️ Community — kindness, inclusion, family, and friendship
Don't overthink it, construction paper ornaments or something fancier, we want it all! Please drop ornaments and decorations off in the front office by December 1st so we can get them to our tree!
FREE Trees For Interested Dogwood Families!
After the Winterfest event, the 7ft tall pre-lit artificial evergreen trees are donated to the community. This year, Dogwood will receive 15 trees for families in need! If you would like a tree please fill out this form, names will be drawn on Saturday, November, 28th and families can pick up their tree December 7th or 8th.
GLOW DANCE! Friday, December 11, 6-8pm
Entrance is FREE! We will have a DJ, glow items, and dinner for sale. Don't miss the Dance Off! Each grade will show off their skills learned in physical education classes the weeks following.
Stay tuned for more information and volunteer opportunities!
AAP News
This is a very busy time of year for AAP news! If you are interested in referring your child for Full-Time AAP services, please read the information below.
Full Time AAP Referral Forms & Deadline
The deadline for Full-Time AAP referrals is Tuesday, December 15th. This deadline is firm, and there are no exceptions. To access the forms, you can click here and scroll down to Full Time AAP Referral Form. Additionally, here is a link to a Referral Checklist that will connect you to the Referral Form, the Parent/Guardian Questionnaire and other information about optional work samples. Referral documents may be submitted in any language and in paper or electronic form.
AAP Informational Videos
The AAP Office has several informational videos available in English and Spanish to help families learn more about Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services and the Full-Time AAP identification process.
Videos are available on the FCPS AAP website under Program Overview → Presentations: Learn About Advanced Academic Programs and Services.
Direct Video Links:
Questions? Come to AART Office Hours!
Mrs. Dyment, AART, is happy to support families with questions about the Full-Time screening process.
She has created a schedule below of office hours for families who would like to connect by Zoom.
Thursday, Nov. 19th (9:00-10:00)
Thursday, Dec 10th (2:30-3:30)
Please click here to access the Zoom Link.
You can also reach out to her through email at midyment@fcps.edu or Talking Points.
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.
School Start Times Survey Headed Your Way
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the goal of implementing healthy school start times that are budget neutral, where possible, and minimize impacts on staff. Your feedback remains an important part of this conversation.
At a School Board work session on November 10, staff presented recommendations for K-12 school start times. They also shared that a survey is being sent to families and staff on Tuesday, November 17.
The survey will close on Tuesday, December 1. The School Board plans to review the results in December and take action later that month. Learn more about the K-12 School Start Times project.
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.
Regulation Updated to Prohibit Operation of E-Bikes/E-Scooters on School Property
To promote safety on school property, particularly during arrival and dismissal when cars, school buses, pedestrians, bicycles, and other traffic converge, FCPS Regulation 8610 has been updated to address motorized and electric-powered devices on school property.
Motorized and electric-powered devices — electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), hoverboards, motorized skateboards, mopeds, Segways, and similar devices — may not be operated on school property.Individuals traveling to and from school on either traditional or electric bikes, scooters, etc. should dismount them when reaching the school property line before walking them and parking them in their designated area. When leaving school, they should be walked to the school property line before being used and not ridden until they are off school property.
This regulation does not apply to wheelchairs or other mobility devices which are being used as mobility aids or as disability-related accommodations. Read more details in section 10c of FCPS Regulation 8610.
Register to Volunteer at Dogwood Elementary School
Through Volunteer FCPS, individuals can register and search for volunteer opportunities. All volunteers need to register in Volunteer FCPS.
Visit Volunteer FCPS to view volunteering and mentorship opportunities:
- Click on “Schools” to register with a specific school.
- Click on “Programs” to register as a general volunteer with the county or with the MentorWorks program, which matches individuals with students to meet regularly throughout the year.
Register and complete a short volunteer orientation. If you’ve registered previously, there’s no need to register again, but please log in to your Volunteer FCPS account to see if you have any open tasks to complete before signing up for new opportunities this school year.
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.
View Student Supports in SIS ParentVUE
All FCPS schools use a framework called Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student gets the help they need to learn.
Through MTSS, school teams provide high-quality instruction for all students, along with additional time, support, and interventions based on individual needs. Families are important partners in this process, and they will receive information about their child’s learning, needs, and progress.
Families can view their child’s intervention plans and progress in SIS ParentVUE. Progress updates are available quarterly, in alignment with report card due dates.
See directions for logging in to your SIS ParentVUE account to access MTSS information. Learn more about MTSS in FCPS.
Help Your Child Succeed at School
Just a few missed days of school here and there can add up. Lost learning time is an issue in every grade, from kindergarten to high school. Below are some ways to support your child:
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- Help your child maintain routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Check in with them to see if they feel connected, included, and able to take part in learning at school. If challenges are affecting their school day, contact their teachers or counselors to discuss support.
- Follow their assignments and grades in Schoology and ParentVUE. Reach out to teachers for help if necessary, and make sure teachers know how to contact you.
- Encourage meaningful after-school activities, including sports and clubs.
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, talk to your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies. for making up missed work. But remember, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that goes on in the classroom.
If you need to submit an absence, visit our attendance page:
https://dogwoodes.fcps.edu/about/attendance-reporting
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:
- Honoring Veterans
- E-Bike Regulation
- School Start Times Survey Coming Soon
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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