Discover 10 Treasures at Dogwood That Make Us Shine So Bright!

Dogwood Elementary School serves students from Early Head Start through 6th grade. It holds the distinction of being the second elementary school in FCPS to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP). Our mission is to cultivate a globally-minded community, enriched by differences, engaged in inquiry, and empowered to take meaningful action to impact the world positively.

Award-Winning Family Liaisons

Dogwood's family liaisons, Andy Sigle, Susie Livingood, and Carmen Fonseca Londono, received the 2024 FCPS Excellence Award for their outstanding Collaboration and Partnership efforts. Their work, including partnerships that expanded opportunities for all families, has made a lasting impact.

Community Partnership with Subaru

Subaru partnered with Dogwood through Operation Warm and AdoptAClassroom initiatives:

• 500+ Coats: Stohlman Subaru and Kids R First provided warm winter coats to families through Operation Warm.
• Classroom Grants: Subaru sponsored 10 teachers with $500 grants to support their classroom initiatives.

Principal and Staff Give Back in Guatemala

Featured on USA9, Principal Kate Beckner and four Dogwood staff members—Kara Armstrong, Melissa Escobar, Bridget Hone, and Evie Rodriguez—traveled to Guatemala to build a home for a family through the From Houses to Homes organization. Watch their amazing story!

Chronic Absenteeism Reduced

During the 2023-24 school year, Dogwood significantly reduced chronic absenteeism, lowering the rate from 26% to under 10%.

ItzArt4You: Empowering Students through Art & Music

As featured on WTOP and WETA, ItzArt4You is an afterschool program at Dogwood Elementary, where local high school students volunteer to provide free music and art lessons for younger students. Learn more.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Dogwood ES is one of only two elementary schools in FCPS offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP promotes conceptual and inquiry-based learning and critical thinking. Dogwood students can continue with IB programs through middle and high school.

Giving Back to the Community

Dogwood takes action year-round to support the community:

• Socktober Event: In the fall, Dogwood students collected over 1,000 pairs of socks for a local shelter.
• Stuff the Bus Drive: In the spring, students collected hundreds of pounds of food for the South Lakes High School food pantry in conjunction with the other pyramid schools.

Community Art Mural Celebrating PEACE

Dogwood’s mission—Peace, Equity, Access, Connection, and Excellence(PEACE)—inspired the creation of a community art mural in partnership with the Reston Community Center. Richmond-based muralist Hamilton Glass brought the mural to life.

Academic Achievement in Standards of Learning (SOL) Scores

In 2023-2024, Dogwood achieved remarkable gains in SOL pass rates for students with disabilities, with a 11% increase in Reading and 8% increase in Math scores.

Student-Led Conferences Empowering Learners

Dogwood Elementary School has introduced Student-Led Conferences, where students demonstrate agency and ownership by reflecting on their learning, setting goals, and leading discussions about their achievements.

Dogwood Elementary School is where Peace, Equity, Access, Connection, and Excellence (PEACE) come to life daily. Guided by our vision, we strive to create a nurturing environment where all students are inspired to reach their fullest potential and contribute to a better, more harmonious world.