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Dear Dragons,
I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Spring Break! We've been enjoying some beautiful weather lately, and I’m loving the chance to walk to work again. If you see me out and about, feel free to give a wave or a friendly honk!
A huge shoutout to our AMAZING PTA! They've organized so many fun and meaningful events that have not only lifted our spirits but also raised valuable funds for our school. We are excited to also announce our new Dogwood PTA Facebook Page! Like the page today to stay connected!
Coming up this Thursday, April 24, from 5–8 PM at the Fox Mill Baskin Robbins, some of our incredible teachers will be scooping ice cream for our students. Stop by, grab a scoop, and support our school—every purchase helps make Dogwood an even better place to learn and grow!
This Saturday, April 26, we’re inviting you to join us for a Garden Clean-Up Day at Dogwood, starting at 9 AM. Led by parent Vanessa Shields and PTA board member Britt Williams, this effort is part of a thoughtful plan to enhance our school grounds and reflect the beautiful diversity of our community. The goal is to transform our garden into a vibrant, outdoor classroom. Please consider lending a hand—and don’t forget to register, as lunch will be provided!
A quick reminder about the importance of attendance: The average number of absences for students is between 3–7 days per year. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a number of students who have missed more than 10% of the school year, which classifies them as chronically absent. Missing just two days per month can significantly impact academic progress and increase the risk of falling behind or even dropping out. If your child is experiencing challenges with attendance, please reach out to Ms. Seck so we can work together to find solutions, provide support, and help your student stay on track.
Thank you for being such a supportive part of our school community!
We’re excited to announce that Ms. Jacques and Ms. Arroyo have been honored with the PEACE Dragon Award for March, a recognition given by their colleagues for their outstanding dedication and unwavering support of our students and their families.
Their compassionate approach, deep commitment to truly understanding each student, and active involvement in our school community have left a meaningful and lasting impression.
Join us in celebrating Ms. Jacques and Ms. Arroyo for this well-deserved recognition! Their warmth, dedication, and ability to foster strong connections embody the very spirit of what makes our school so special.
Register your Dogwood Dragon for Kindergarten
Please join us this Thursday, April 24th from 4:30-6:30 PM for Dogwood kindergarten registration.
**Please note, families are encouraged to register their child as soon as possible for kindergarten. This date accommodates families after typical office hours to register their child.**
🏫 Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten
We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence.
Stuff the Bus
Dogwood Action April
At the heart of being an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School is agency and empowering our students to take action. Throughout the month of April, we will engage in Action April in which our students will be presented with different ways to take action every day. Our students will also reflect and share ways that they took action and how it made them feel.
Please ask your child, “How did you take action today? How did it make you feel?”
Spirit Night at Baskin Robbins!
📅 Date: Thursday, April 24th
⏰ Time: 5:00 - 8:00 PM
📍 Location: Baskin Robbins – Franklin Farm, Herndon 13344 Franklin Farms Rd
Let’s make this spirit night a sweet success!
SOL Testing Schedule
If you have a student in grades 3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th , don’t forget to mark your calendar for this year’s SOL Assessments.
Theatre 4 Kids Foundation
Theatre 4 Kids Foundation has partnered with South Lakes High School to provide an exciting opportunity for elementary students interested in the performing arts! We are offering 40 free tickets to South Lakes High School's performance of Once Upon a Mattress on April 30th at 7:00 PM. Additional tickets are also available for purchase on the South Lakes Theatre website https://www.slakestheatre.com/ . Not only is this a great way for the students to get more acquainted with their future school, it is also a perfect introduction to the theatre program at South Lakes High School inspiring students to take a theatre class or be a part of productions in their future school years.
This offer is sponsored by the non-profit organization, Theatre 4 Kids Foundation, run by FCPS high school students with a mission to inspire the next generation of performers, artists, and technicians by providing unforgettable performing arts experiences for students and their families. More information can be found at our website: theatre4kids.org, or email us at theatre4kidsfoundation@gmail.com!
If you are interested, please click to complete the Google Form https://forms.gle/6CyUepYdJMMSeZgd9 to apply for tickets! Tickets are limited and run out fast!
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
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School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
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FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed.
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Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may reach out to our wonderful family liaison, Carmen Fonseca Londono cgfonsecalon@fcps.edu and Andy Sigle awsigle@fcps.edu
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!
🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Drivers have begun to receive warnings. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. They should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Celebrating Our Successes
- FCPS Resources for Families
- Budget Update
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
Fairfax County Public Schools 2024-2025 Standard School Year Calendar
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April 24: Kindergarten Orientation at 4:30-6:30.
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April 25: Stuff the Bus Event (SLHS Food Pantry donations)
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April 26: Dogwood Cleanup Day 9:00 AM
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April 28: Three Hour Early Release Dismissal 12:35 PM
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April 29: Class Photos
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May 1: Dogwood Multicultural Night at 5:30-7:30
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May 4: Dogwood Color Run at 10:00
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May 5- 9: Teacher Appreciation Week
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May 6- 21: Standards of Learning (SOL) Grades 3- 6th
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May 19: Three Hour Early Release Dismissal 12:35 PM
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May 29: 6th Grade Basketball Game at 5:30-7:30
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June 2: Field Day
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June 3: Strings and Band Concert at 6:00 Gym
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June 5th & 6th: PYP Exhibition (PYPX)
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June 11: 6th Grade Promotion at 9:00 Gym
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June 11: Last Day of School Early Release 1:35 PM
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