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Dear Dragons,
This stretch of snow and ice has truly been a challenge for all of us. I hope you and your families have been able to stay warm and safe at home, and if you did get outside, I hope it was for a sledding adventure.
As we look ahead, we do not yet know what next week will bring. The ice remains thick, many sidewalks are still not cleared, and parking is limited. Street parking is unavailable due to snow plows, so please take extra caution when coming to school and allow yourself and your family additional time.
Even though it may take more patience, layers, and planning to get here, school remains very important. Please make every effort to have your children attend on any day school is in session. Each day of learning builds on the last, and absences can create gaps in your child’s academic understanding. If getting to school is a barrier, please reach out to me at kabeckner@fcps.edu or contact the front office at 703-262-3100. We may be able to help.
Students bring their computers home daily, and consistent homework supports continued growth. For students who are still learning English, please prioritize Summit K12. Students also have access to Lexia and ST Math, which support reading and math development. Most importantly, reading together or having your child read every night is the most powerful way to support success in school. Strong readers are more confident learners across all subjects.
Remember! We are having a grade-wide competition for our English Learners who are competing to have the highest growth in Summit K12!! Whichever grade has the highest amount completed will win a reward for their whole grade level!! Good luck.
Next week is expected to be bitterly cold, so please be sure to bundle your children warmly before sending them out. As always, let us know what you may need. We are here to support you.
With deep appreciation for your partnership,
Principal Beckner
 Stay warm and enjoy the extra downtime—school is officially out for a snow week! Whether you’re hitting the hills for some sledding or staying cozy with a hot drink, make the most of this winter wonderland. See you all when the drifts clear! ❄️☕️
Important Dates
February
Feb. 9: PTA Chick-fil-A Night Fundraiser
Feb. 10: PreK Parents As Partners at 2 pm
Feb. 12: Stars on Stage Performance at 6 pm
Feb. 16: President's Day (No School)
Feb. 17: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
Feb. 18: 3 Hour Early Release - Students dismissed at 12:35
Feb. 19: PTA Meeting at 6 pm in the library
Meal Kits Available for Students
In an effort to support students who may be experiencing food insecurity while our schools are closed during planned student holidays, Fairfax County Public Schools Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) is providing meal kits at specific schools for students. Meal kits will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, January 30.
Children do not need to be present to pick up the kits, which will contain a meal and a healthy snack. No proof of eligibility or identification is required.
View pickup locations for meal kits.
PreK Parents as Partners Event
We are thrilled to invite all of our PreK families to the rescheduled Parents as Partners event on February 10th from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM in the school library! This special gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our team and learn valuable strategies to support your child’s early learning journey. Your involvement is a key ingredient in your child's success, and we look forward to building this strong foundation together. We are so excited to see everyone there for an afternoon of collaboration and community!
Early Release
Wednesday, February 18th
The Early Release Wednesdays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early eight times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release on Wednesdays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Wednesdays throughout the school year:
· February 18
· March 18
· April 22
· May 13
Student Experience Survey
Next month, Dogwood will be administering the Student Experience Survey to all students in grades 3-12. It will help the school division better understand students’ experiences in our schools. It will take between 30-45 minutes and will be completed during school hours within the February 23 - March 6 survey window. If you would like to view the survey, please visit the Student Experience Survey webpage.
If you do not want your child to participate in the survey, you may opt them out using the online form on the Student Experience Survey webpage or by completing the opt-out form sent home in Thursday folders. You only need to complete the opt-out form by Friday, February 13, if you do not want your child to participate in the Student Experience Survey.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to make improvements in FCPS schools. If you have questions about the Student Experience Survey, please contact research@fcps.edu.
It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!
Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the 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, in the spring. Eligible children can be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.
If your child will attend our school, please gather the necessary documents and complete the registration forms as soon as possible.
FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, please visit the FCPS Registration webpage.
FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance
The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff 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 answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit the ombuds webpage, where you may submit a question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.
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