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Dear Dogwood Families,

The first day of school is almost here, and we cannot wait to welcome our Dragons back! As we prepare for an amazing year together, there are a few simple things families can begin doing now to help children feel ready, confident, and excited for school.

School days are busy! Children learn best when they arrive rested and ready to engage. Now is a great time to begin easing back into a school-night bedtime routine. Try moving bedtime a little earlier each night, returning to consistent wake-up times, and creating a calming routine before bed. A predictable evening and morning routine can make those first days of school feel much easier.

At Dogwood, we want every child to feel that they belong. Before school begins, talk with your child about the power of their words and actions. Simple reminders such as, “We speak to others with kindness,” “We can be friends with people who are different from us,” and “Everyone deserves to feel included” help reinforce the community we are building together.

You might even ask: “What could you do if you notice someone sitting or playing alone?” or “What can you say when someone has an idea that is different from yours?”

Our differences are part of what makes our Dogwood community so special, and we want our Dragons to be curious about one another, celebrate those differences, and make sure

Most importantly, help your child look forward to school! Talk about seeing friends, meeting their teacher, learning new things, reading great books, trying something challenging, and discovering all that this new year will bring.

Instead of asking, “Are you nervous about school?” try questions like:

“What are you most excited about?”

“What is something new you hope to learn?”

“Who are you excited to see?”

“What is one way you can help someone have a great first day?”

We are preparing classrooms, planning wonderful learning experiences, and getting ready to welcome our Dragons with open arms. We cannot wait to see their smiling faces and begin another incredible year together.

Thank you for partnering with us to help every child arrive rested, ready, kind, and excited to learn.

We are so excited to welcome you back, Dragons! ❤️

Principal Beckner

Important Dates

August

August 18th - Popsicles on the Playground for Kindergarten from 3:00 - 4:30

August 20th - Popsicles on the Playground for Grades 1st-6th from 3:00 - 4:30

August 21st - Open House 

     -PreK - 10:00 - 11:30

     -K - 6 - 12:30 - 2:30 (see schedule below)

August 24th - First Day of School for Kindergarten - 6th grade

August 27th - First Day of School for PreK students

September

September 1st - PTA Information Session (See information below)

September 4th - Student Holiday (No School)

September 7th - Student Holiday (No School)

September 14th - 18th - Hispanic Heritage Week

September 21st - Student Holiday (No School)

September 24th - Back to School Picnic

September 30th - 3 Hour Early Release (Information coming soon)

Stay Tuned!

Strong school-home communication keeps our community connected. To stay up to date on crucial information and upcoming dates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and check our website regularly!

Back-to-School Checklist

We’re Eager to Welcome You Back to School!

As summer winds down, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Use the following list to help make sure your child is ready! 

☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE

Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar at [email/phone number] if you need an activation code. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

Update Your Contact Information

Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) by clicking “My Account” and reviewing the “Online Verification/Update.” On that form, you can also update immunization records, health information, and emergency contacts. 

☑️ Update Immunizations and Records

Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. 

When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website.

☑️ Learn About School Meals

Families need to provide their children with money to purchase meals at school or send them with a packed lunch. Alternatively, families may apply to receive free and reduced-price meal benefits, pending approval.

☑️ Bookmark the School Year Calendar

Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:

• Days marked blue with an “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
• Days marked orange with an “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
• Days marked as TW, SD, and SP and in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.

Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.

Bus Route Information Coming August 14!

Keep an eye on your inbox on Friday, August 14. Our Transportation Department will send out official bus route details, pickup/drop-off times, and stop locations directly to families.

If you have updated your address recently or have specific accessibility needs, please ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentVUE before the 14th.

Don’t miss your chance to get your Dogwood Dragon Spirit Wear!

Please come by the PTA table at any of next week’s back-to-school events to buy a Dogwood t-shirt! 

We have a NEW shirt for this year, and many sizes of last year’s shirt are still available. 

Shirts are priced low at $10 for kids and $15 for adults so everyone can be ready to show their spirit all year long. Shirts are great for when kiddos are asked to wear green for field trips, spirit days, and assemblies. 

While you are at the table, please be sure to ask any questions you have about the PTA. We are kicking off our third year as a PTA and need members and parent help to support our students and staff. 

PTA Info Session

Mark your calendar for the first PTA meeting of the year. Tuesday, Sept. 1st at 6 pm at Dogwood Library (+virtual option).

At this meeting, you will:

• Meet and greet current members of PTA.

• Learn why we started a PTA two years ago and some of our goals to support Dogwood students and staff.

• Learn about some of the events happening this year. 

• Learn some of the small and big ways you can get involved.

Join us in the Dogwood school library Tuesday, Sept. 1st at 6 pm.

Virtual option: Join with Google Meet meet.google.com/hwj-tsqd-quw

Join by phone ‪(US) +1 316-789-6631‬ PIN: ‪483 336 880‬#

Many Permission Forms Now Available Online

Families can now easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. This online tool can be accessed using your SIS ParentVUE account and parents can easily opt in or opt out their child from a variety of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, tutoring services, and how student information is managed. 

Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. 

If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, contact our school’s Registrar, Erin Silvan ~ ensilvan@fcps.edu, for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage. 

Be First-Day Ready

The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start. 

Also find out what will be new this school year.

Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology

A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.

Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information.

All Your FCPS Links in One Spot

There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub! 

Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.

Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store..

New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System

FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses.

Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families.

Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy

The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. 

We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed. 

Visit the