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 A week full of curiosity, collaboration, and community! Our students are working hard to build new skills and background knowledge every single day.
Important Dates
January
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)
Jan. 20: PTA Meeting at 6 pm in the library
Jan. 28: End of Quarter/2-Hour Early Release
Jan. 29: Staff Development Day (No School for Students)
Jan. 30: Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
February
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
Upcoming After-School Programming
We are excited to launch our next session of after-school clubs and intervention groups beginning Tuesday, January 20th! Programs will run from 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM every Tuesday and Thursday through March 5th. Forms were sent home with students on Thursday and Friday. Please check your child's bookbag for information. This cycle includes:
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After-School Intervention: Grades K–6 - invite only
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Math Olympiad: Grades 3–6
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Science Olympiad: Grades 3 & 4
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Robotics: Grades 4–6
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Summit K12: All Grades - invite only
Program Dates:
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January: 20, 22, 27
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February: 3, 5, 10, 12, 19, 24, 26
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March: 3, 5
A snack will be provided for all participating students. Please ensure your child is picked up promptly at 5:00 PM at the end of each session. We look forward to seeing our students grow and explore during this exciting cycle!
Early Release Wednesday- February 18, 2026
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.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. 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.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.
Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
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