FCPS

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Mentee Event

MentorWorks at Dogwood recently hosted an exciting visit from Eric Energy, a high-energy science show that brought hands-on learning and fun to MentorWorks mentees! With music, laughter, and interactive experiments, Eric captivated the audience, making science both entertaining and educational.

Mentees had the chance to participate in fascinating demonstrations, witnessing the wonders of air pressure, and chemical reactions in action. The upbeat atmosphere encouraged collaboration and curiosity, sparking excitement about STEM in a way that felt more like a show-stopping performance than a typical science lesson.

Eric Energy’s dynamic approach made complex concepts easy to understand, leaving mentees engaged, inspired, and eager to learn more. It was a fantastic experience that reminded everyone that science is not just in textbooks—it’s all around us, ready to be explored! Thank you, Eric Energy, for bringing your passion for science to Dogwood! 

Special Visitor 

Ms. Cool's class was delighted to spend time with one of the visiting Therapy Dogs. Joy was a wonderful surprise for our first graders, bringing smiles and excitement to the day. The students had the opportunity to learn more about Therapy Dogs and enjoy watching Joy perform some fun and impressive tricks. It was a memorable experience that left everyone feeling happy and inspired!

Dogwood Color Run Fun

We are excited to invite you to our annual Color Run, scheduled for Sunday, May 4th! This fun and vibrant event is a wonderful way for families and students to come together and celebrate our school community.

Important Dates:

• Forms Due: Please return your Color Run forms by Thursday, May 2nd in order to receive a race day shirt.
• Shirt Pick-Up: Shirts can be picked up on race day from 10:00 AM to 10:50 AM at the back of the school.
• Race Time: The Color Run will begin promptly at 11:00 AM.

If you did not return a form by May 2nd, don't worry! You can still join in the fun, but please remember to bring your own white t-shirt and sunglasses.

We can’t wait to see everyone there, so be sure to sign up and get ready for a colorful and exciting day! 

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?” 

Register your Dragon for Kindergarten 

Please join us on 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.**

Time to get your child registered! 

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. 

Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

 

 

 

   

 

 

Stuff the Bus Dogwood Chick Fil A’ Fundraiser

Join us for a Dogwood Chick-fil-A Fundraiser! Enjoy a delicious dinner with your family and support our Dogwood Dragons. Just mention the spirit night when placing your order on April 7th from 4:00-7:00 PM at the Sunset Hills Chick-fil-A location. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our school, so come out and make it a night to remember!

Children’s Science Lab Center Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students.  All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

 

🌷 April 14-18 is spring break. Our office will be open. There will be no typical school, except for Spring Sprouts and Blooming Readers which are by invite only. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar. 

Purple Up Day 

Purple Up Day has been rescheduled for April 9, 2025. This special day is dedicated to celebrating and honoring our military-connected students, and we encourage all schools and families to participate!

To show your support, you can order an FCPS Purple Up! T-shirt through the Custom Ink link below. 

Custom Ink link. 

Thank you for your continued support as we come together to recognize the unique contributions of our military-connected students. We look forward to celebrating with you on April 9!

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak. 

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

• communication
• fine and/or gross motor skills
• self-help skills
• problem solving 
• attention skills

Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30). 

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.

✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Student Achievements
• Art in Our Schools Month
• Celebrating Students Setting Positive Examples

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

• March 28: Quarter End, Eid al- Fitr, and Student Holiday
• April 1: Student Holiday & Teacher Workday 
• April 7: Dogwood Chick Fil A’ Fundraiser 4:00-7:00 PM
• April 9: 5th & 6th Grade Chorus Spring Concert 5:30 PM
• April 14-18: Spring Break: No school for most. Spring Sprouts and Blooming Readers will be on campus. 
• April 25: Stuff the Bus Event 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons, 

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who dined at Chick-fil-A last night to support our PTA and school! I grabbed my meal to-go but was thrilled to see so many familiar faces. We are incredibly grateful to our PTA for their dedication to raising funds and creating more opportunities for our students. Chick-fil-A continues to be a monthly fundraising partner, so we hope you’ll consider incorporating it into your meal plans.

On Tuesday, March 18, our 3rd graders participated in Link Up: The Orchestra Swings! with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. Dogwood students shined as principled communicators, singing, dancing, and playing the recorder to jazz classics like Duke Ellington’s Duke’s Place and It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). Even our teachers joined in on the fun!

Special thanks to Ms. Crumrine and Ms. Shrimpton for preparing students during general music classes. In addition, all 3rd-grade students created artwork inspired by Juba by Florence Price, guided by Ms. Riddle and Ms. Johnson. The following students had their artwork displayed during the Fairfax Symphony’s performance of Juba: Alison Portillo Alaya, Margaux Blundell, Imani Carter, Ingrid Fernandez Diaz, Cielo Gonzalez Lemus, Mohammad Hussaini, Gabriel Jovel Gutierrez, Juliana Martinez Sanchez, Bella Torres, and Genesis Villalta Meza. Congratulations!

This morning, bright and early, our 4th graders departed for Jamestown on chartered buses—beating me to school by 6:00 AM and all smiles! This trip is a significant expense, and we are so grateful for the support that made it more affordable. Special thanks to Ms. Waksman for securing a $500 grant from Stohlman Subaru and to our community for supporting our Chuck E. Cheese fundraiser. It truly takes a village!

Finally, a reminder that our PTA is hosting a general meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 19, at 6:30 PM in the library. These meetings take place on the third Wednesday of every month, and we hope to see you there!

With great appreciation, 

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

🙋Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is April 14th-April 18th. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Monday, April 21st when our school doors open at 8:35 AM.

Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong! Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

Time to get your child registered! 

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. 

Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account.

📆 4th Quarter Testing Is Here!

The 4th quarter includes several important assessments, and we need your help! Please make sure your child is present, on time, and ready to learn on testing days. Spring iReady testing begins in April. Check with your child’s teacher on exact dates.

Standards Of Learning (SOL) Assessments begin in May. Check out the testing schedule:.

Coates Elementary School Boundary Study Community Meetings - Update

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is conducting a division-wide review of school boundaries, with the first round of community meetings that were held between mid-November and mid-December 2024, followed by virtual sessions in January and February 2025.

However, the Coates Elementary School boundary study is a separate effort to address capacity challenges at the school. On February 20, 2025, the Fairfax County School Board received recommendations for the study’s scope. A final decision on the scope of the Boundary Study is expected at the March 13, 2025, School Board meeting. Schools included in the recommended boundary scope:

Herndon Pyramid

• Aldrin ES 
• Armstrong ES
• Clearview ES
• Dranesville ES
• Herndon ES
• Hutchison ES

 South Lakes Pyramid

• Dogwood ES
• Fox Mill ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• Lake Anne ES
• Terraset ES

Chantilly Pyramid

• Lees Corner ES
• Oak Hill ES

 Westfield

• Coates ES 

• Floris ES 
• McNair ES 
• McNair Upper ES

AAP Level IV Center Boundaries

• Clearview ES
• Forest Edge ES
• Hunters Woods ES
• McNair Upper ES
• Oak Hill ES
• Sunrise Valley ES

Once the scope of the boundary study is approved by the School Board, FCPS staff will develop possible program and/or boundary change scenarios within the approved scope. These scenarios will be shared with the community, and opportunities for public input will be available through in-person and virtual meetings on: 

• Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Virtual via Zoom – Register here. For the virtual meeting, registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
• Monday, April 7, 2025 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. In person - Coates Elementary School - Cafeteria 

Each meeting will offer the same presentation and opportunity for community feedback, with language interpretation available. Families and community members can review the proposed changes and share their input.

Stay informed by visiting the Coates Elementary School Boundary Study, where you can also sign up for the mailing list to receive updates.

For any questions, please fill out this form. Your engagement in this process is important!

🛑 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”). 

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. 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 information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 
• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Spring Break🌷

April 14-18 is spring break. Our office will be open. There will be no typical school, except for Spring Sprouts and Blooming Readers which are by invite only. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Second Annual Food Show
• Cameras on School Bus Stop Arms
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Explained

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

• March 19: PTA Meeting 6:30 PM Dogwood Library 
• March 28: Quarter End, Eid al- Fitr, and Student Holiday
• April 1: Student Holiday & Teacher Workday 
• April 14-18: Spring Break: No school for most. Spring Sprouts and Blooming Readers will be on campus. 

 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Three Hour Early Release- March 17th

Our next early release will be on Monday, March 17th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. All students will go home at the usual time and by the usual mode of transportation unless we are notified of a change. We will follow the same schedule per the February schedule. 

If there are any changes to how your child will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s classroom teacher by Wednesday, March 12th.

Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation.

Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.

Read Across America Day

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Let's continue to  ignite a love for reading and show off that incredible Dogwood spirit! We can't wait to see all the creative ways our students celebrate the magic of literacy for the rest of this week.

Wednesday- Wear your favorite PJs and snuggle up with a good book

Thursday- Wear a shirt that spreads a positive message

Friday- Wear your Dogwood gear or the color green 

Dogwood Chick Fil A’ Fundraiser

Join us for a Dogwood Chick-fil-A Fundraiser! Enjoy a delicious dinner with your family and support our Dogwood Dragons. Just mention the spirit night when placing your order on March 18th from 4:00-8:00 PM at the Sunset Hills Chick-fil-A location. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our school, so come out and make it a night to remember!

📝 Testing Updates

Coming HomeThis Week for families without ParentVueBe on the lookout! In your child’s Thursday Folder, you’ll find score reports from the following assessments:

• Winter VALLSS Assessment (Grades K–3)
• Winter iReady Math and Reading Assessments (Grades 1–6)

If you have ParentVUE, you can also view your child’s testing reports there.Thank you for signing up for ParentVUE—it gives you access to all your child’s academic information, including attendance, grades, and assessment results.

If you’re a parent or guardian who does not yet have access to ParentVUE, please reach out to Erin Silvan, our Student Information Assistant, by emailing [email protected] or calling the school front office. We’re happy to help you get connected!

For translations or more information about these assessments, visit: 🔹 VALLSS Information: www.fcps.edu/node/50319 🔹 iReady Information: www.fcps.edu/node/35282

📆 4th Quarter Testing Is Here!

The 4th quarter includes several important assessments, and we need your help! Please make sure your child is present, on time, and ready to learn on testing days. Spring iReady testing begins in April. Check with your child’s teacher on exact dates.

Standards Of Learning (SOL) Assessments begin in May. Check out the testing schedule:.

 

📌 5th Grade Families – SOL Notification

In April, 5th graders will take their first SOL assessment: Integrated Reading & Writing. You’ll find a notification letter inside a manila envelope coming home this week. This letter outlines all of the upcoming SOL tests your child will take.

Included on the letter is a retake permission form. If you do not have access to ParentVUE, please complete this paper form to indicate:

✔️ Yes, I give permission for my child to retake one or more assessments ❌ No, I do not want my child to retake the assessments You can also choose to allow retakes for specific tests only.

If you do have ParentVue you can indicate your choice there.

📨 Please return the completed form by April 2nd in the envelope provided.

Thank you for your continued support in helping your child succeed!

Exciting Summer Camp Opportunities at South Lakes High School!

Registration is now open for a variety of sports camps for kids ages 7 and up! Explore the wide range of activities available to keep your child active and engaged this summer.

For more details on the different sports and to register, please visit the link below:

South Lakes High School Summer Camps

Hughes Middle School Book Fair Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education 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 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our 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).

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings. 

 

April 14-18 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• A Strong Academic Foundation
• 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
• New Breakfast Options

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

• March 17: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM Dismissal 
• March 18: Dogwood Chick Fil A’ Fundraiser 4:00-8:00 PM
• March 28: Quarter End, Eid al- Fitr, and Student Holiday
• April 1: Student Holiday & Teacher Workday 
• April 14-18: Spring Break: School Closed

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons, 

Thank you to all the Dogwood families and students who attended Pastries with Parents & Kids last week! We had a wonderful turnout and hope you left with valuable strategies and resources to support literacy at home. A big thank you to our reading teachers and parent liaisons for making this event possible!

At Dogwood, we believe that reading is one of the most important skills your child can develop. It helps to spark imagination, build vocabulary, and improve understanding, which is why we want to encourage you to make reading and discussing books an enjoyable part of your daily routine at home.

Here are a few simple ways to support your child’s literacy development:

Read Together: Set aside time each day to read with your child. Whether it’s a storybook, comic, or even a magazine, sharing a book together makes reading a fun and meaningful activity.

Ask Questions: After reading, ask your child questions to spark conversation. For example:

• "What do you think will happen next?"
• "Why do you think the character made that choice?"
• "What was your favorite part of the story?"

This helps develop critical thinking and encourages your child to share their thoughts and ideas.

Explore New Topics: Let your child explore different kinds of books. Whether they love animals, space, or adventure stories, the more topics they explore, the more they’ll grow as readers and thinkers.

By nurturing a love for reading and conversation at home, you’re giving your child the tools to become a lifelong learner. Thank you for supporting your child’s literacy journey.

Your continuous partnership and support in your child's education is invaluable. Please reach out if there is any way that we can assist your child at this time.

Thank you,

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

Three Hour Early Release- March 17th

Our next early release will be on Monday, March 17th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. All students will go home at the usual time and by the usual mode of transportation unless we are notified of a change. We will follow the same schedule per the February schedule. 

If there are any changes to how your child will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s classroom teacher by Wednesday, March 12th.

Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation.

Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.

Dogwood Cafe Hostess Hiring

Dogwood is hiring for a dining room assistant in which they assist students during lunchtime. They will supervise student clean-up, keeps order and dismiss students to their teachers. The position is Monday- Friday 10:00- 2:00 PM hourly $13.11. 

Qualifications: Friendly, energetic and assertive in maintaining expectations of cafeteria behavior and loves working with students. 

Dogwood Yearbooks

Families, don't forget, yearbook sales are now live online!

• Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com
• Use school code 26477

Yearbooks are $18 till 04/30, after this date, prices will go to $20! Buy your yearbook online today! Yearbooks are also available for purchase by exact cash or check, please provide this to your child’s teacher. 

Read Across America Week

Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.

Let's ignite a love for reading and show off that incredible Dogwood spirit! We can't wait to see all the creative ways our students celebrate the magic of literacy next week March 10- 14th. 

Monday- Rock your rainbow colors to celebrate diverse stories

Tuesday- Get your brain in gear and wear your best workout gear 

Wednesday- Wear your favorite PJs and snuggle up with a good book

Thursday- Wear a shirt that spreads a positive message

Friday- Wear your Dogwood gear or the color green 

National School Social Work Week

March 3-7 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.

Our AMAZING school social worker is Alicia Pitarque-Heishman! She supports students and families at Dogwood Elementary School.  Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for her incredible dedication to the well-being and success of all of our students.

   

We are hopeful that students and families this week will take a moment to share their appreciation with Ms. Alicia Pitarque-Heishman by writing her a letter or drawing her a picture.  Your kind words and encouragement will undoubtedly mean a lot!!

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

Dogwood Elementary School will be hosting their Kindergarten Orientation event for families and rising kindergarteners on April 24th from 4:30- 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there! 

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! 

As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

Quarter End, Eid al-Fitr, and Student Holiday

Friday, March 28, is the last day of the third quarter. It is a full day of school for students. 

All FCPS schools and offices are closed on Monday, March 31, for Eid al-Fitr. Tuesday, April 1, is a student holiday and teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.

📖 Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation. 

The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time. 

Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that aligns with evidence-based literacy instruction. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards. 

Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
• Supporting Academic Growth 
• Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

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

• March 17: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM Dismissal 

• March 28: Quarter End, Eid al- Fitr, and Student Holiday

• April 1: Student Holiday & Teacher Workday 

 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons, 

What a wonderful first PTA movie event we had on Friday! With 180 attendees, it was a fantastic turnout, and our PTA did an incredible job preparing and organizing the event. I am so grateful for their hard work and dedication to Dogwood. It has been exciting to connect more deeply with parents, and we always welcome extra volunteers and new PTA members. Your involvement makes a difference—please consider supporting our school as we move forward!

Parent participation is a key factor in student success. When families reinforce concepts taught in school, students thrive. This Friday, we invite you to Pastries with Parents in the morning, where you can learn more about our literacy program and how to support your child’s reading journey. Plus, your child will be especially excited to be with you—because parents must be present for them to get a donut!

This week also marks the beginning of Ramadan. If your child observes and needs an accommodation, such as an alternative location at lunch or prayer time, please complete the Google form linked below. Additionally, for the first time, students who are fasting during the day can take home meal kits in the evening. More details are in the flyer below.

Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our Dogwood community. Your support, time, and dedication help make our school a place where all students can flourish. We look forward to seeing you soon—whether at Pastries with Parents, in the classroom, or at our next PTA event!

Together, we will.

Warmly,Kate

Pastries with Parents & Kids 

Join our reading teachers this Friday in the Dogwood Cafeteria for pastries and learning about our new literacy curriculum. We hope you can join us to learn more about different strategies to implement literacy at home.

Dogwood Yearbooks

Families, don't forget, yearbook sales are now live online!

• Go to www.yearbookordercenter.com
• Use school code 26477

Yearbooks are $16 till 2/28, after this date, prices will go to $18! Buy your yearbook online today! Yearbooks are also available for purchase by exact cash or check, please provide this to your child’s teacher.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

Dogwood Elementary School will be hosting their Kindergarten Orientation event for families and rising kindergarteners on April 24th from 4:30- 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there! 

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Eating Disorder Parent Information

The Code of Virginia, 22.1-273.2 requires schools provide, on an annual basis, parents/guardians educational information regarding eating disorders for students in grades five through twelve.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA 2023), Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. In the United States, 28.8 million Americans will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their lives. There is no single cause of an eating disorder. Rather, it is a complex combination of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that converge and set off an individual’s predisposed genetic vulnerability.

In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a web page with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at Eating Disorders. 

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. 

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan. 

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters. 

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders 

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents/legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations: 

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
• Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
• A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent/guardian, at the parent’s/guardian’s sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements. 

Ramadan

Ramadan begins at sundown on Friday, February 28. This day is an evening-only observance day. There is school on these days, but certain activities that cannot be made up can not take place after school. See the complete school year calendar.Throughout the year, as we celebrate and recognize various cultural holidays and observances, families are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher regarding accommodations, including but not limited to those around lunch, prayer/meditation and silent reflection spaces and times, and instruction. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Middle School Start Times
• New Lunch Items
• Talking to Teens About Tough Topics

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

• February 28: Pastries with Parents & Students Dogwood Cafe 8:00 AM

• March 28: Quarter End, Eid al- Fitr, and Student Holiday

 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons, 

Our PTA is getting a good start! Please join other parents at the PTA meeting this Wednesday at 6:30, in the library. Their first event will be a movie night on Friday, February 21st at 6:00 PM. We will be watching Inside Out 2. There is no fee to join in watching the movie, but they will accept donations for the PTA and have snacks available for sale. Please come out and support Dogwood and the PTA. All funds are used for your child’s education experience. 

Thank you for your partnership. 

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

Congragulations to Mrs. Adam's fourth grade classroom for their strong attendance. They celebrated today with hot chocolate and games in the cafeteria. Way to go! 

Region 1 Winner- Outstanding Teacher

Congratulations to Mr. Jason Ericson, our Regional Winner for Outstanding Teacher! We’ll be cheering him on at the county awards ceremony and wishing him the best of luck. Mr. Ericson’s unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to the growth and success of our Dogwood Dragons inspire us all!

Coat Drive- Langston Hughes Middle School

You're invited to a special coat event at Langston Hughes Middle School on February 19th! We warmly welcome all elementary school families to come and pick up new coats between 4:00 and 6:00 PM at Door #10. Please see attached flyer for details.

Dogwood PTA Meeting

Join us for our next general PTA meeting this Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM in the library. We will send out the link so that you can join. We hope to see you there!

Three Hour Early Release- February 24th

Our next early release will be on Monday, February 24th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. All students will follow the same dismissal plan as the previous early release (December) unless we are notified of any changes.

If there are any changes to how your children will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible no later than February 19th. No changes can be made after this date. Also, if you are unsure what their December plan was please reach out to your child’s teacher. 

Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation or if  your child is new to Dogwood. 

Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

Dogwood Elementary School will be hosting their Kindergarten Orientation event for families and rising kindergarteners on April 24th from 4:30- 6:30 PM. We hope to see you there! 

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Read Across America Celebration 

An award-winning author and former Reston resident, Kwame Alexander, will be celebrating Read Across America and the Tenth Anniversary of Crossover on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:30PM at Langston Hughes Middle School!  There will be something for everyone including special guests, food, fun, giveaways, and books! 

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. 

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Flu Prevention
• Students Spread Joy
• Investing in our Classrooms

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

• February 19: Langston Hughes Coat Drive 4:00-6:00 PM 
• February 19: PTA Meeting 6:30 PM Dogwood Library 
• February 21: Movie Night! Inside out 2 @6PM
• February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons, 

Dogwood is proud to celebrate Black History! Throughout the month, our students will engage in meaningful activities that highlight the achievements, contributions, and voices of Black leaders, past and present. Together, we honor the rich history, culture, and resilience that continue to shape our world. Please look below to see pictures of our Dogwood’s dream art in the main foyer to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. 

One of the most beautiful aspects of Dogwood ES is our rich diversity. Ramadan, a significant time for our Muslim families, begins at the end of the month. If your family observes this holy month and you have specific requests for your child, please complete the form coming home with your preferences. To maintain a supportive and consistent school environment, students with accommodations will follow them throughout Ramadan unless a parent contacts us to make a change.

Our PTA is up and running. Please join us for the next PTA meeting on Wednesday, Feb 19th at 6:30 PM in the school library. We look forward to working together. 

Thank you for your partnership, 

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

January PEACE Dragon

 

We are thrilled to share that Ms. Johnson and Ms. McShane have received the PEACE Dragon Award for the month of January, as nominated by their peers, in recognition of their exceptional dedication and steadfast commitment to both our students and their families.

Through their thoughtful approach, strong commitment to understanding each student, and active participation in the school community, Ms. Johnson and Ms. McShane are making a lasting impact.

Let's come together to celebrate Ms. Johnson and Ms. McShane for this well-earned acknowledgment. Their kindness, dedication, and ability to build meaningful connections with students and families perfectly reflect the heart of what makes our school a truly remarkable place!

Dogwood PTA Meeting

Join us for our next general PTA meeting on Wednesday, February 19th at 6:30 PM in our library. We hope to see you there!

Three Hour Early Release- February 24th

Our next early release will be on Monday, February 24th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. All students will follow the same dismissal plan as the previous early release (December) unless we are notified of any changes.

If there are any changes to how your children will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s teacher as soon as possible no later than February 19th. No changes can be made after this date. Also, if you are unsure what their December plan was please reach out to your child’s teacher. 

Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation or if  you child is new to Dogwood. 

Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.

💕 A Picture-Perfect Valentine’s Surprise! 📸💌

Parents, we’ve got something sweet for you! Each student will be bringing home a special package of personalized Valentines, featuring their adorable school photo on one side and a Valentine message to a friend on the other.

If you’d like to keep this precious set, simply send $12 in the envelope provided within the package to school.   Not interested? No worries—just return the package, no heartbreak involved!

These valentines are way cuter than the ones from the store—because they come with your kiddo’s smiling face! We love and appreciate your support for this fundraiser!

❤️🖤 Celebrating Love & Leaders SPIRIT WEEK! 💛💚

Honoring Black History, spreading kindness, and dreaming big—because love and leadership shape our world!

Spirit Week Days

2/13- Thursday: Stronger Together -Dogwood Day- Show school pride and unity by wearing Dogwood gear or school colors to show we are stronger together!

2/14- Friday:  Kindness Counts - Wear Hearts, Pink or Red- Show love and kindness by wearing hearts or Valentine’s colors. Give a compliment or kind note to someone!

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Kindergarten Orientation, save the date for April 24th at 4:30 PM at Dogwood ES. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Erin Silvan [email protected] our school registrar. 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

Read Across America Celebration 

An award-winning author and former Reston resident, Kwame Alexander, will be celebrating Read Across America and the Tenth Anniversary of Crossover on Sunday, March 2nd at 2:30PM at Langston Hughes Middle School!  There will be something for everyone including special guests, food, fun, giveaways, and books! 

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE. 

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education. 

The School Board also held a public hearing on February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the proposed budget.

 

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the School Board will hold a work session on FCPS’ FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff.  

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. FCPS must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students. 

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information. 

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.  

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts. 

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.   

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community. 

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information. 

At the event, FCPS students will be invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities. 

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions. 

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Proposed Budget Progress
• Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
• Black History Month Event

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

• February 13: 100th Day of School
• February 17: George Washington’s Birthday: School Holiday
• February 19: PTA Meeting 6:30 PM Dogwood Library 
• February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM

 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dogwood Dragon Families,

This week, we celebrate National School Counselor Appreciation! Our counselors work tirelessly to support our students' social-emotional well-being, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication.

I’m excited to introduce Emily Hudenburg, a proud South Lakes High School graduate! She attended JMU and joined Dogwood this year, bringing a deep passion for ensuring every student feels confident and supported. Her warmth and enthusiasm are truly felt throughout our school community.

We are also thrilled to recently welcome Jim Franklin, an experienced FCPS counselor, who joined our team this week. He will be supporting Dogwood part-time while also working at Fox Mill ES. His expertise and commitment to student success make him a wonderful addition to our school.

Please join me in thanking Ms. Hudenburg and Mr. Franklin for their hard work, kindness, and compassion. We are so fortunate to have them as part of our Dogwood family!

Exciting news—Dogwood is putting on its first-ever musical! Thanks to a grant from NextStop Theatre, our students will have the opportunity to perform The Jungle Book. This incredible program is fully funded, opening the doors for more students to experience the magic of theater. Spots are still available, so consider this after-school activity for your child!

Next week, we come together to celebrate history, love, and community through Spirit Week. It’s a wonderful time to unite in strength, share our joy, and dream of what’s possible. Be sure to check out the details below and encourage your child to participate!

As always, our Dogwood community is filled with kindness and care. Thank you for your continued support in making our school such a special place to learn and grow.

With gratitude,

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

💕 A Picture-Perfect Valentine’s Surprise! 📸💌

Parents, we’ve got something sweet for you! Each student will be bringing home a special package of personalized Valentines, featuring their adorable school photo on one side and a Valentine message to a friend on the other.

If you’d like to keep this precious set, simply send $12 in the envelope provided within the package to school.   Not interested? No worries—just return the package, no heartbreak involved!

These valentines are way cuter than the ones from the store—because they come with your kiddo’s smiling face! We love and appreciate your support for this fundraiser!

❤️🖤 Celebrating Love & Leaders SPIRIT WEEK! 💛💚

Honoring Black History, spreading kindness, and dreaming big—because love and leadership shape our world!

Spirit Week Days

2/10- Monday: Colors of Culture - Wear Red, Green, Yellow, or Black- Kick off the week by wearing the colors of Black History Month!

2/11- Tuesday: Future Leaders - Dress for Success- Dress like what you want to be when you grow up—because you can be a future leader, too!

2/12- Wednesday: Dream Big! - Pajama Day- Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream by wearing PJs! Dream big, rest up, and remember that your dreams matter!

2/13- Thursday: Stronger Together -Dogwood Day- Show school pride and unity by wearing Dogwood gear or school colors to show we are stronger together!

2/14- Friday:  Kindness Counts - Wear Hearts, Pink or Red- Show love and kindness by wearing hearts or Valentine’s colors. Give a compliment or kind note to someone!

WIDA ACCESS for ELLS

The WIDA test is a state assessment that measures your child’s progress in learning English. It helps determine the support they need and ensures they receive the right resources to succeed.

Please do your best to make sure your child is present on testing days. A good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and arriving on time can make a big difference!

Testing days vary based on grade level and student accommodations. Reach out to your child’s teacher for the exact date your child will be tested.

Thank you for your support in helping your child do their best!

Exciting New After-School Opportunity for Grades 3-6!

There are still spaces left!!

Here’s what you need to know:

🌟 What: Students will be coached in acting, singing, dancing, and character development.

🌟 Who: Open to all 3rd-6th graders—no experience needed!

🌟 Cost: Absolutely FREE for families!

🌟 When: Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45–5:25 PM~ First rehearsal is Monday, February 10.                                                                                     

🌟 Transportation: Bus transportation will be provided for students who are usually bus riders.

📄 How to Register:

• A registration form was sent home. Contact the office if you need another one.
• If you'd like to register now, fill out the Google form here: bit.ly/StarsonStageatDogwood.

🙋‍♂️ We Need Parent Volunteers!There are many ways you can help! If you’re interested in helping with this program, please complete our Parent Volunteer form:Parent Volunteer Sign Up

Three Hour Early Release- February 24th

Our next early release will be on Monday, February 24th, with dismissal at 12:35 PM. All students will go home at the usual time and by the usual mode of transportation unless we are notified of a change. We will follow the same schedule per the December schedule. 

If there are any changes to how your child will go home or the time they will be picked up, please notify your child’s classroom teacher by Wednesday, January 19th.

Important: Only reach out to your child’s teacher if you are making changes to their pick-up time or transportation.

Please ensure your child is aware of how they will be going home on Early Release Monday’s.

Proposed Budget Presented to School Board

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid presented the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at the School Board meeting on Thursday, January 23. Watch a video of the presentation. 

As Dr. Reid noted in her January 24 letter to families, “The budget is fiscally responsible and invests in excellence — not just for FCPS, but for all of us in Fairfax County who want a strong community with successful young people, dedicated educators and support staff, and a thriving economy.” 

The proposed budget reflects the needs of and FCPS’ commitments to Fairfax County students, families, and community members. It focuses on competitive compensation, including a 7.0% salary increase for all staff to recruit and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students; investing in students who require additional support; and continuing multiyear initiatives such as inclusive preschool and safety and security updates.

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

1. Determine eligibility. 
2. Identify your local school. 
3. Gather documents. 
4. Fill out forms. 
5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for Kindergarten Orientation, save the date for April 24th at 4:30 PM at Dogwood ES. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Erin Silvan [email protected] our school registrar. 💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. 

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account. 

🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.  

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• FY 2026 Proposed Budget
• Student-Driven Lunch Menus
• Inclusion Awards Nominations

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

• February 12: 100th Day of School 

• February 17: George Washington’s Birthday: School Holiday 

• February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM

 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dogwood Dragons,

This week at Dogwood was truly special! We were honored to welcome Fatima Shah, a Dogwood alumna and author of Malcolm, It’s a Metaphor!, who visited our 3rd and 4th graders. Fatima, originally from Afghanistan, immigrated to the U.S. in the 1990s and once walked the same halls as our students. Her journey of perseverance and hard work resonated deeply with them, reinforcing the importance of chasing dreams. She currently has three books available on Amazon and is working on her fourth—be sure to check them out!

Looking ahead, don’t miss our Chuck E. Cheese fundraiser on Thursday, January 30th to support our 4th graders' trip to Jamestown! I’ll be picking up some extra tokens to take on any challengers, so bring your best game! Simply mention Dogwood at checkout, and 20% of the proceeds will go directly to our school.

Thank you for your continued support. 

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

Exciting New After-School Opportunity for Grades 3-6!

We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic new program for our students in grades 3-6: NextStop Theatre's Stars on Stage Program, featuring the musical Jungle Book!

Here’s what you need to know:🌟 What: Students will be coached in acting, singing, dancing, and character development.🌟 Who: Open to all 3rd-6th graders—no experience needed!🌟 Cost: Absolutely FREE for families!🌟 When: Rehearsals are on Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45–5:25 PM.🌟 Transportation: Bus transportation will be provided for students who are usually bus riders.

📄 How to Register:

• A registration form (see below) will be sent home in Thursday folders next week.
• If you'd like to register now, fill out the Google form here: bit.ly/StarsonStageatDogwood
• Registration forms are due Thursday, January 30.

🙋‍♂️ We Need Parent Volunteers!There are many ways you can help! If you’re interested in helping with this program, please complete our Parent Volunteer form:Parent Volunteer Sign Up

We can’t wait to see our Dogwood Dragons shine in this incredible program. Thank you to NextStop Theatre for bringing this exciting opportunity to our students!

Let’s make Jungle Book a roaring success!

Chuck e’ Cheese Night 

You’re invited to join 4th Grade for a field trip fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese on Thursday, January 30th from 3pm to 9pm. Say “I’m here for Dogwood!” or bring the flyer that will be sent in Thursday folders this week. This fundraiser will be supporting the 4th Grade students who go to Jamestown in March. 

Chuck E. Cheese is located at 2465 Centreville Rd Ste. J9, Herndon, VA 20171. 

Thank you and we hope to see you at Chuck E. Cheese on January 30th! 

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Andy Sigle [email protected] and Carmen Fonseca Londono [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care. 

Free Books for All! Saturday, February 8th Lorton, VA 🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6 meeting.

📍 Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings

If you have not been able to attend an FCPS Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:

• Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m. 
• Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m. 
• Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m. 

Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• SOL Score Reports
• Upcoming Budget Presentation
• Science Fair Judges Needed

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

• January 30: Chuck E’ Cheese in Herndon 3:00-9:00 PM
• February 17: George Washington’s Birthday: School Holiday 
• February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Good Afternoon, Dogwood Dragons,

This spring, we are thrilled that our 4th-grade students will have the opportunity to visit Jamestown! This trip provides a hands-on experience with history and brings learning to life in an unforgettable way. However, it is also a costly trip, and we want to ensure that every student can participate.

To help make this possible, we are hosting a Chuck E. Cheese Night on January 30th after school. This is a great chance to come together as a community, have fun, and support our 4th graders. I’ll be there with extra tokens, ready to take on students in a few friendly game competitions! We’d love to see you there.

If you’re unable to attend but would still like to help, you can sponsor a student by donating $20 to support their trip. Donations can be brought to the main office or sent in with your child—just include a note indicating that it’s for the 4th-grade trip.

I am so grateful to be part of this wonderful community, where we support one another 

Here are the fliers in several languages. They are also posted in the windows of the main office. 

English - Spanish - Amharic - Arabic - Urdu  - 

Please call the school at 703-262-3100 if you have any questions. 

With deep appreciation, 

Principal Beckner

Our Pre-K students were able to meet some of our local firemen last week and explore the firetruck. 

Dragons had fun representing their playoff team last Friday! Who do you think will be our next Super Bowl champ? 

Student Testing Updates 

WIDA ACCESS for ELLS~ TESTING BEGINS!

WIDA ACCESS for ELLs is an English language proficiency test measuring academic English skills. Families of ELL students received a Notification of Testing letter earlier this month. Testing begins this week and continues through March. Contact your child’s teacher for specific test dates.

To help your child prepare, ensure they get plenty of sleep and eat breakfast on test days. New to WIDA? Check your child’s Thursday folder this week for a flyer with more information or visit FCPS webpage, WIDA and WIDA Screener.

Student Assessment Summary Report

Under a VDOE directive, students enrolled in FCPS as of fall 2024 who took an SOL test by June 2024, will receive a report showing SOL results from tests taken leading up to the 2023-24 school year. Results are displayed using state percentile ranks (scaled scores are not included). For more details, visit the FCPS public webpage: Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary.

Reports will be sent home in English this week in Thursday folders for families without ParentVUE. If you have ParentVUE, you can view the report in your home language. 

To sign up for ParentVUE and access information about your child’s attendance, class performance, and assessment scores, visit our FCPS Webpage, ParentVUE Student Overview, or contact our SIA, Ms. Silvan, at [email protected].

Exciting New After-School Opportunity for Grades 3-6!

We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic new program for our students in grades 3-6: NextStop Theatre's Stars on Stage Program, featuring the musical Jungle Book!

Here’s what you need to know:🌟 What: Students will be coached in acting, singing, dancing, and character development.🌟 Who: Open to all 3rd-6th graders—no experience needed!🌟 Cost: Absolutely FREE for families!🌟 When: Rehearsals are on Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45–5:25 PM.🌟 Transportation: Bus transportation will be provided for students who are usually bus riders.

📄 How to Register:

• A registration form (see below) will be sent home in Thursday folders next week.
• If you'd like to register now, fill out the Google form here: bit.ly/StarsonStageatDogwood
• Registration forms are due Thursday, January 30.

🙋‍♂️ We Need Parent Volunteers!There are many ways you can help! If you’re interested in helping with this program, please complete our Parent Volunteer form:Parent Volunteer Sign Up

We can’t wait to see our Dogwood Dragons shine in this incredible program. Thank you to NextStop Theatre for bringing this exciting opportunity to our students!

Let’s make Jungle Book a roaring success!

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Andy Sigle [email protected] and Carmen Fonseca Londono [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care. 

Thank You Custodians! 

While a significant and integral part of our role is educating children, our primary role is keeping them safe as they travel to school, are in attendance at school, and when they depart from school. We are grateful for our amazing custodial team to ensure that the sidewalks and parking lots are always safe and passable for our entire Dogwood community. Please join us in extending a BIG THANK YOU to Mr. Chung, Ms. Herrera, Ms. Osegueda, Mr. Tawdoroys, Mr. Trinh. 

Chuck e’ Cheese Night 

You’re invited to join 4th Grade for a field trip fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese on Thursday, January 30th from 3pm to 9pm. Say “I’m here for Dogwood!” or bring the flyer that will be sent in Thursday folders this week. This fundraiser will be supporting the 4th Grade students who go to Jamestown in March. 

Chuck E. Cheese is located at 2465 Centreville Rd Ste. J9, Herndon, VA 20171. 

Thank you and we hope to see you at Chuck E. Cheese on January 30th! 

Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips. 

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Andy Sigle [email protected] and Carmen Fonseca Londono [email protected]. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care. 

Quarter End, Early Release, and Student Holiday

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. See the complete school year calendar.

Lunar New Year

FCPS has designated Lunar New Year as a religious and cultural observance day. Specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. This year, Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Dress Children Warmly
• Proposed Construction Projects
• Dual Language Immersion Lottery

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

• January 28: Last Day of 2nd Quarter 
• January 29: Lunar New Year: No school for students 
• January 30: Chuck E’ Cheese in Herndon 3:00-9:00 PM
• February 17: George Washington’s Birthday: School Holiday 
• February 24: Three Hour Early Release 12:35 PM

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Happy Birthday Dr. King!

Join us in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by celebrating dreams and service!

• Volunteer Opportunity- 2025 MLK Day of Service Projects: Spend time serving our community at the Southgate Community Center. You can register to attend via email or phone: Ha Brock, RA's Volunteer Reston Manager, at 703-435-7986 or [email protected].
• At-Home Connection- Dream Doves Initiative: Talk with your child about their dreams and help them complete their "Dream Dove." If they didn’t bring one home, no worries! The most important part is the conversation—take this chance to learn about your child’s hopes for the future.

 

Let’s honor Dr. King by coming together as a community and inspiring our students to dream big!

Exciting New After-School Opportunity for Grades 3-6!

We’re thrilled to announce a fantastic new program for our students in grades 3-6: NextStop Theatre's Stars on Stage Program, featuring the musical Jungle Book!

Here’s what you need to know:🌟

What: Students will be coached in acting, singing, dancing, and character development.🌟

Who: Open to all 3rd-6th graders—no experience needed!🌟

Cost: Absolutely FREE for families!🌟

When: Rehearsals are on Mondays and Thursdays, 3:45–5:25 PM.🌟

Transportation: Bus transportation will be provided for students who are usually bus riders.

📄 How to Register:

• A registration form (see below) will be sent home in Thursday folders next week.
• If you'd like to register now, fill out the Google form here: bit.ly/StarsonStageatDogwood
• Registration forms are due Thursday, January 30.

🙋‍♂️ We Need Parent Volunteers! There are many ways you can help! If you’re interested in helping with this program, please complete our Parent Volunteer form:Parent Volunteer Sign Up

We can’t wait to see our Dogwood Dragons shine in this incredible program. Thank you to NextStop Theatre for bringing this exciting opportunity to our students!

Let’s make Jungle Book a roaring success!

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons, 

Welcome back and Happy New Year!!!! We missed seeing all of you and we are glad to be back and together once again. 

This weekend is a 3 Day Weekend.

Ms. Adam’s classroom celebrates Inclusive Schools Week by making sweaters specific to them and illustrating what makes them unique.

PEACE Dragon

We are excited to announce that Ms. Escobar and Ms. Riddle have been awarded the PEACE Dragon for the month of December recognized by their colleagues for their outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to our students and families.

Ms. Riddle and Ms. Escobar’s thoughtful approach, dedication to getting to know each student, and active involvement in the school community truly make a difference.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Riddle and Ms. Escobar for this well-deserved recognition. Their compassion, hard work, and ability to foster positive connections with students and families embody the very essence of what makes our school such a special place!

Literacy Resources 

We believe families are key to developing literacy. This page has resources to help you encourage literacy at home. It also has info to help you partner with your student's teacher and school staff in supporting your student's literacy progress in reading and writing.

Pacing is the how and when teachers teach the standards. Each school division creates its own pacing found here using this link. These pacing overviews are examples of how and when teachers organize and teach the curriculum. They are organized by quarter and by week. All grades have begun their new units. Please check in with your students to inquire about what they are learning in their new unit. 

ST Math Family Math Week

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish. 

To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community. 

Gradebook Available Until End-of-Quarter

Based on community feedback from the first quarter closure, FCPS revisited the scheduled dates for closing the Gradebook and Report Card modules in the SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. 

Moving forward, the app will close in alignment with the actual quarter-end dates. This change will allow students and families to view their assignments and grades until the last day of the quarter. Gradebook will be closed for the second quarter from Tuesday, January 28, 4 p.m. to Tuesday, February 4, 6 a.m.

Access Your Child’s Grades Through SIS ParentVueLearn how your ParentVUE account allows you to easily access grade reports and other helpful information about your child. 

Chuck e’ Cheese Night

You’re invited to join 4th Grade for a field trip fundraiser at Chuck E. Cheese on Thursday, January 30th from 3pm to 9pm. Say “I’m here for Dogwood!” or bring the flyer that will be sent in Thursday folders this week. This fundraiser will be supporting the 4th Grade students who go to Jamestown in March. 

Chuck E. Cheese is located at 2465 Centreville Rd Ste. J9, Herndon, VA 20171. 

Thank you and we hope to see you at Chuck E. Cheese on January 30th! 

Friendly Reminder: FCPS Trust Policy Information For Families

As we navigate the months ahead, many families are experiencing anxiety and uncertainty due to the recent Presidential Election and ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policies. 

In 2022, the School Board adopted the Trust Policy, reaffirming its commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all students and their families. This policy aligns FCPS with Fairfax County’s Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy ensuring that students and families can access school division benefits and services without fear that their information will be disclosed to federal immigration officials.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.

2025 MLK Day of Service Projects | Saturday, Jan. 18 | 9 am – Noon 

Join friends and neighbors in honoring Dr. King’s legacy by serving your community. Volunteer Reston & RCC is partnering with the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate, Reston Association, Cornerstones and the Closet on community service projects. Below you will find information on various opportunities to volunteer. 

Project Site: ALL the projects below will take place at  Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate – 12125 Pinecrest Road, Reston, VA

All ages welcome, under 14 must be accompanied by an adult

Donated Toys with the Closet| 9am – Noon – Must be 14+

The Closet is a nonprofit thrift shop in the heart of historic downtown Herndon. The Closet donates clothing without charge to needy persons, after referral by an authorized social service agency, the homeless shelter, or by a sponsoring congregation. Most important to their mission is utilization of their profits for projects that will directly or indirectly benefit low income families.

Volunteers will help organize & sort toy items that have been donated to the Closet for resale.

Outdoor Litter Cleanup (weather permitting) ­ | 10 – 11am & 11am - Noon

Pruning, picking up litter and clearing debris in the natural areas, basketball court, pathways around Cathy Hudgins Community Center.  Gloves, grabbers and trash bags will be provided.

Organizing and Cleaning Community Kitchen| 10am - Noon | Must be 16+

The Southgate Community Center offers multicultural programs for families, adults, children, teens, seniors and individuals with disabilities. The programs and services are based on the needs and requests of the community as communicated through the Southgate Advisory Council. Most of the programs and services offered at Cathy Hudgins Community Center are free or fee based.

Volunteers will help organize the kitchen.

Bagged lunches with Cornerstones | 9am – 11am

Volunteers will help prepare bag lunches at the Community Center for the Embry Rucker Community Shelter or families participating in their Supportive Housing program.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions. 

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.

Be among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for FCPS’ Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year. 

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered. 

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and the DLI Program Registration webpage.

🖥️ Free Webinars and Events for Families

In January, the Family Resource Center (FRC) will host webinars for families on:

• Overcoming School Refusal and Resistance
• Virtual Meeting for Siblings of Children with Special Needs
• FCPS Math Week
• Supporting Your Child’s Executive Functioning Skills
• Depression in Teens
• Understanding Trauma in Your Child/Comprendiedo el Trauma en su Hijo (presented in Spanish)

Sign up for the FRC newsletter or visit their webinar webpage.

Upcoming Family Academy Events

You are an important part of your child's education! The FCPS Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. Browse Family Academy offerings.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received.  If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in one of the following virtual meetings:

• Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m. 

• Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m. 

• Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

• Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m. 

. 

Language interpretation will be available. 

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday

Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Quarter End, Early Release, and Student Holiday

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the quarter. See the complete school year calendar.

Lunar New Year

FCPS has designated Lunar New Year as a religious and cultural observance day. Specific events that cannot be made up will not be held on these observance days. This year, Lunar New Year falls at quarter end on Wednesday, January 29. The day will be a teacher work day and there will be no school for students.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
• Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
• Fall 2024 Sports Champions

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

• January 17: Playoffs Spiritt Day 
• January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday; school closed 
• January 28: Last Day of 2nd Quarter 
• January 29: Lunar New Year: No school for students 
• January 30: Chuck E' Cheese in Herndon 3:00-9:00 PM

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dogwood Families,

We hope you've been enjoying the extended break and the snow! We can’t wait to welcome all of our Dragons back soon.

Below is a message from our PTA. Please refer to the attached flyer for details on how you can become a member and get involved.

We look forward to seeing you all back at school!

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragons,

As we approach the end of 2024, there is so much for us to celebrate! From academic achievements to extracurricular successes, our school community has truly excelled this year.

Our dedicated teachers have worked tirelessly to implement the new comprehensive Language Arts Curriculum, Benchmark. This intensive and fast-paced program is designed to challenge and elevate all students in their reading abilities.

We’ve also expanded our extracurricular offerings, including Math Club, sports clubs, ITZART, our first Science Olympiad competition, and after-school academic interventions. A significant milestone this year was the re-establishment of our chartered PTA and the nomination of our new PTA board—the first since before COVID.

As an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme, Dogwood ES continues to lead the way in fostering deeper thinking and inquiry-based learning. This year, we also piloted Student-Led Conferences, where students guided the conversation about their progress and abilities in the classroom. These conferences were powerful, meaningful experiences for both students and caregivers, and we look forward to building on their success in the future.

We are excited for all that 2025 will bring and the opportunities it holds for our students and community.

Wishing you and your families peace, joy, and rest over the winter break. Happy Holidays and a very Happy New Year!

Sincerely, 

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

Dogwood Winter Cheer 

🎄✨ Let’s spread some holiday cheer, Dragons! ✨🎄

Join us for the final 2 Days of Winter Cheer at Dogwood. Each day has its own festive theme—check them out below and get ready to dress up. Participation is optional for all staff and students, but we can’t wait to see your cheerful outfits light up our school! 🎁❄️

Congratulations to our Outstanding Employee Award Recipients at Dogwood ES

Congratulations to our Dogwood Elementary School's Outstanding Employee Award Recipients. Our staff members below will be submitted for the next round in the awards process! Thank you for the nominations!

 

• Outstanding Teacher: Jason Ericson (Physical Education Teacher )

• Outstanding Professional Employee: Elise Warden (Instructional Coach)

Free Math Tutoring at Reston Community Center

Reston Community Center is offering FREE math tutoring in 2025 at RCC Hunters Woods. Registration open on Dec 1st. Don't delay signing up your children. This program was sold out in the fall sessions. For each age group, there are two sessions, one that runs roughly January to March and a second one that runs April to May. You can sign up for one or both. 

Follow the links below to sign up!

Grades 3-5

Mondays, January 27-March 24, 4:30-6:00 PM

Mondays,  April 17-May 19, 4:30-6:00 PM

Grades 6-8

Tuesdays, January 28-March 25, 4:30-6:00 PM

Tuesdays, April 8- May 20, 4:30 PM- 6:00 PM

 

We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. 

A big thank you to:

• 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
• 👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
• 👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
• 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.

If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance. 

There will be no school from Monday, December 23 to Monday, January 6, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6. 

Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.

A Charlie Brown Christmas presented by South Lakes High School

South Lakes students will be having a performance on December 19th and 20th at 7:00 PM for families. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but it is a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus' help to learn the meaning of Christmas. Join us in this special performance. 

Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

• Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
• Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
• SEL Screener Results
• New Accessibility Resources
• Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
• Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
• VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
• Executive Functioning Webinars
• Early Literacy Resources
• ESY and Assessment Webinar
• COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter. 

ST Math Family Night

MIND Research is hosting family math week January 13 - January 17, 2025. During that time, students are encouraged to log onto the FCPS Family Math website to engage in math activities with their families at home that include stories with mathematical concepts connected to a variety of different math games from around the world. All activities are available in English and Spanish.

To learn more about Family Math Nights, check out this video. We hope that all schools will help spread the word and work collaboratively to help us reach our goal of logging on for three million minutes as an FCPS community. 

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
• Join Our Teacher Team!
• Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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

• December 23- January 3: Winter Break; No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.
• January 6: School Reopens at 8:35am
• January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday; school closed 

• January 30: Chuck E’ Cheese in Herndon 3:00-9:00 PM 

 

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Dear Dragon Families,

It’s hard to believe that Winter Break is just a week away! We have a full schedule of concerts and festivities ahead, and we want to remind everyone that for all evening events, an adult must remain with each student. Please note that we do not have the same level of staffing for these events as we do during the school day, and it’s important to ensure that these events are safe and enjoyable for all participants.

We also held our first board meeting with your new PTA last night. If you haven’t already, please consider becoming a member, and keep an eye out for opportunities to partner, volunteer, or support our school in various ways. We’re thrilled to have the PTA back up and running, and we look forward to the continued partnership!

Lastly, if you need assistance providing your child with winter coats or other necessary items, please reach out to our family liaisons. They have supplies and resources available. You can contact Andy Sigle or Carmen Fonseca Londono directly at [email protected], or call the office at 703-262-3100.

Thank you for your continued support!

Kate Beckner

Proud Principal

Dogwood Winter Concert

Dogwood chorus presents our yearly winter concert being this evening, December 12th, 2024 at 5:30 PM in the Dogwood Gym. All chorus students should report to the gym by 5:10 PM wearing white tops, black bottoms, and black shoes. All chorus students must be accompanied by an adult who needs to remain at the school. Please join us for the glow walk after the concert. We hope to see you there!

Annual Dogwood Glow Walk

We hope all of our Dogwood Dragons are able to join us in our annual glow walk after the winter concert today, December 12th. There has been a change in time, the event will now take place from 6:00-7:30 PM. Hope to see you there. 

Level IV Referral Deadline

Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024.

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-6 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Lauren Williams, [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Lauren Williams, [email protected].

 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website. 

Band & Strings Winter Concert Dogwood Winter Cheer

🎄✨ Let’s spread some holiday cheer, Dragons! ✨🎄

Join us for 5 Days of Winter Cheer at Dogwood from December 16th to December 20th! Each day has its own festive theme—check them out below and get ready to dress up. Participation is optional for all staff and students, but we can’t wait to see your cheerful outfits light up our school! 🎁❄️

A Charlie Brown Christmas presented by South Lakes High School

South Lakes students will be having a performance on December 19th and 20th at 7:00 PM for families. When Charlie Brown complains about the overwhelming materialism that he sees amongst everyone during the Christmas season, Lucy suggests that he become director of the school Christmas pageant. Charlie Brown accepts, but it is a frustrating struggle. When an attempt to restore the proper spirit with a forlorn little fir Christmas tree fails, he needs Linus' help to learn the meaning of Christmas. Join us in this special performance. 

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered. Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county. 

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

Winter Break (Student Holiday)

As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 23, to Friday, January 3. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. See the complete school year calendar

 

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

• Family Academy Orientation
• Literacy Resources
• Winter Programs and Activities

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

• December 12: Chorus Concert 5:30 PM
• December 12: Dogwood Glow Walk 6:00- 7:30 PM 
• December 15: Full Time AAP Level IV Referral Deadline
• December 16: Band & Strings Winter Concert 6:00 PM Gym

• December 23- January 3: Winter Break; No School For Students. The school building and office will be closed during this timeframe.
• January 6: School Reopens at 8:35 AM 
• January 20: Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday; school closed

12300 Glade Drive Reston, VA 20191 | Main Office: 703-262-3100
Attendance: 703-262-3131 | Web | Twitter | Facebook