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April 2016
From your Principal…..
Mrs. Betty Pettiford
Dear Dogwood Elementary Families,
We hope that you are enjoying the first days of April, as well as Daylight Savings
Time. The longer days come just in time for baseball games, basketball, hop scotch
and other outdoor events. Teachers and students have just returned from Spring
break, re-energized as we push forward to the end of the school year. The third
marking period ends, April 8th and school closes 3 hours early. Report cards for the
third quarter will be distributed on Thursday, April 21st. Please take time to
review this report card with your child, and if you have any questions, we encourage
you to schedule a conference with your child’s teacher. The fourth marking period
will be very exciting with field days, class trips, spelling bee, class picnics, and
closing exercises.
Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraisers throughout the year.
Please mark your calendar for the following activities: Wednesday, April 20th is the
annual Variety Show; and will begin promptly at 7:00. It is always exciting to watch
the talent our students possess. More information will be forthcoming. April 22nd
is Kindergarten Round-up; please schedule an appointment if you have a child
turning 5 on or after September 1, 2016. April 29th is 5th grade Career Day. We
look forward to seeing you and your family at our school events.
We are waiting to find out the official last day of school. We will let you know the
date as soon as we find out since it impacts our end of the year activities.
“The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size,
But by the depth of the commitment to make a difference
In the lives of others,” - D. Hollis
Parent Corner The PARCC exam provides an opportunity to better prepare students for the next step of their
academic career at each grade level of their K-12 journey. While no single test can give a
complete picture of achievement, the PARCC exam will provide more accurate information
about how each child is performing against the Maryland College and Career Ready standards.
This information will help teachers and parents determine if students require remediation or
more advanced instruction earlier in their schooling, ensuring that they graduate from high
school fully prepared for the demands of college and/or careers. For more information about the
PARCC exam and other statewide assessments, please visit:
http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/parcc/index.html
http://www.parcconline.org/
http://parcc.pearson.com/practice/english/
http://parcc.pearson.com/practice-tests/math/
http://marylandpublicschools.org/msde/programs/parcc/parents/ http://marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/programs/parcc/docs/Top10Testing.pdf
Visit your local library for various literary activities and free resources.
OUR LENDING LIBRARY IS OPEN!! Please visit Parent Services or contact Mrs.
Jones at [email protected] for more details.
Utilize BCPS’s Parent University for numerous academic resources. Please visit
http://www.bcps.org/parentu/academics/.
Log into BCPS One under BCPS Digital Content for additional websites and resources.
If you need access to BCPS One, please contact Mr. Connelly at [email protected].
JOIN THE DOGWOOD PARENTS LISTSERVE!!!
*Please email Mrs. Jones at [email protected]. Please include your name, student’s
name, grade level, and email address.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Facebook: Dogwood Elementary School BCPS
Twitter: @Dogwood_ES
Mark Your Calendars
Apr. 6th: The Importance of Reading Aloud (6:00pm-7:00pm)
Dinner provided with proper RSVP. Please submit RSVP forms or email
Mrs. Jones at [email protected] to RSVP for this event
Apr. 7th: Zoo Mobile (Pre-K only)
Apr. 8th: 3Hr Early Dismissal (End of 3rd Marking Period) School closes 3hrs early for students
Apr. 11th: April PTA Meeting (6:00pm)
Your voice matters. Come out and support!
Apr. 14th: STEM Fair (6:30pm-8:00pm)
Apr. 19th: Teach Me Behaviorally Like You Teach Me Academically (Part I from 6:00pm-8:00pm)
Dinner provided with proper RSVP. Please submit RSVP forms or email
Mrs. Jones at [email protected] to RSVP for this event
Apr. 20th : Dogwood Variety Show (7:00pm)
Please contact Mrs. Fleishell for information on this event
Apr. 21th: BCPS Report Card Distribution
Apr. 22nd: PTA Bowties & Bagel (8:30am-9:30am) For Dogwood Dads, Granddads, Godfathers, Mentors and Father Figures.
For more information, please contact the Dogwood PTA at
Apr. 25th: Media in the 21st Century & Its Impact on Students’ Academic Achievement (6:00pm-8:00pm)
Explore the world of media and how to use it as a teaching tool! Dinner
provided with proper RSVP. Please submit RSVP forms or email Mrs.
Jones at [email protected] to RSVP for this event
Apr. 26th: SCHOOLS CLOSED (Election Day)
Apr. 29th: Dogwood Career Day for 5th Grade (9:00am-11:30am)
PTA PAW PRINTS
Happy Spring Dogwood Family! We missed seeing our families for Fit
Friday in March but are hopeful that as the weather warms up, more
will come out to support future activities!
In March, a survey was sent out about the school’s current afterschool
program and what parents are looking for with regards to quality Before and After care at
Dogwood. The results of the survey and next steps will be discussed at our upcoming PTA
meeting on Monday, April 11, 2016.
Bowties and Bagels (formerly known as Donuts for Dads) will be held
on Friday, April 22, 2016 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 p.m. This event is open to all Father’s and Father
Figures/ Male role models in your child’s/ children’s life. More information for this event
will be forthcoming.
Please join the PTA in welcoming the newest member to our
Executive Board. During our March PTA meeting, Shawtay Stocks agreed to serve as our
new Reporting/ Corresponding Secretary! We are so grateful to have her on board
APRIL SAVE THE DATES…
Monday, April 16, 2016- General Body PTA Meeting @ 6:00 p.m.
Friday, April 22, 2016- Bowties and Bagels @ 8:30 a.m.- 9:30 a.m.
Kindergarten News
This month, the kindergarten
students are working very hard!
Throughout the month of April, the
students will continue working with
long vowel sounds, blends, and
digraphs.
In reading, we will cover the
following themes: My USA, Look to
the Sky, Growing Up and Good
Citizens. Each day, we continue to
develop our reading skills by
learning and applying various
reading strategies.
During the month of April, we are
working in Unit 6 of our
mathematics program: How Many Do
You Have?. The focus of this math
unit is combinations of numbers and
simple addition.
Helpful Reminders:
Conference Day is Monday, May
16. Please complete and return
the appointment signup sheets
for your child’s teacher as soon
as possible.
Please send in a snack for your
child DAILY.
Check your child’s communication
folder each day for important
information.
Due to the change in weather,
please send in a change of
clothes for your child that are
weather appropriate,
If your child is absent from
school, they must bring in an
excuse note when they return to
school.
Important Dates to Remember
April 8: Students will be dismissed
from school 3 hours early.
April 26-School closed
April 27-Kindergarten DIBELS day
April 29-Field trip Money due
DOGWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Kindergarten Round-Up
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KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP
The following documents must be presented at the time of registration:
1. Child’s Birth Certificate
2. Child’s Immunization
3. Proof of Residency – Your lease or deed and 3 current pieces of
mail with your name and address (ex. BGE bill, telephone bill,
etc.)
4. Parent Photo ID
5. Legal Custody Papers. (If applicable.)
If your student is currently enrolled in PreK at Dogwood
Elementary, you do not have to attend Kindergarten
Round-Up.
Please call the school at 410 887-6808 to schedule an
appointment for registration.
For: Children 5 Years Old on or before
September 1, 2016
Date: Friday, April 22, 2016
Location: Dogwood Elementary School
In 1st Grade News…
Math:
We have started Unit 6 in math, which focuses on addition, subtraction, and
the number system. In this unit students add numbers with two and three addends.
They work with combinations that equal 10 and explore relationships among those
combinations. We will be practicing addition and subtraction story problems and
the order of operations. Students will also be naming and comparing different
strategies used for solving problems such as counting all, counting on or back, and
using known-number combinations. Students also discuss how different tools such
as objects, the number line, and 100 chart can be used to model and solve
problems.
**Continue to work with your child on time to the hour and half hour on an analogue
clock.
Reading:
In English Language Arts we are finishing Unit 5: Figure it Out. In this unit
students explore the Essential Question, What can we learn from the world
around us? They will read and write about “How-To” books to figure out how to
make things in their world. They learn how ships and bridges are built, and about
famous inventors who figured out how to improve our daily lives with their clever
inventions. In the culminating event students will write an autobiography detailing
3-5 events from their lives. We will complete our final DIBELS Benchmark
assessment in the end of April.
**Please keep an eye out for information about a field trip to the zoo!
In 2nd Grade News…
It is officially springtime! We are excited to be seeing warmer
weather! Second graders have been busy and we are approaching the end of
the marking period. We are starting new units in reading and in math! Our new
Reading Unit is all about people making a difference in the world around them.
Students have been forming their own opinions and writing about how children
their age have made a big difference in the world. In Math, we are in Unit 6
which focuses heavily on adding two-digit numbers, counting coin amounts up
to $1.00, and will introduce adding 10 and 100 to 3-digit numbers. Please
continue to practice adding and subtracting with your child at home to support
them throughout this unit.
BCPSone is a great resource for math practice and to access more reading
materials through Reading Wonders.
Important Notes:
* Please dress your child for the weather. Flip-flops and other open toed shoes
are not permitted.
*If your child is sick, please make sure to send in a note so it is an excused
absence.
*If you need to change the way your child goes home, please remember to
send a note or call the school (410-887-6808).
LOOKING AHEAD:
FIELD TRIP INFORMATION FOR OUR MAY TRIP WILL BE SENT HOME IN THE
UPCOMING WEEKS!!
Thank you for all of your support,
The Second Grade Team
Ms. Regan- [email protected]
Ms. Silver- [email protected]
Ms. Talerico- [email protected]
Ms. Torrence- [email protected]
Mrs. Weil- [email protected]
In 3rd Grade News…
Happy Spring 3rd grade families! This month we will be finishing up our
Historical Perspectives Unit in Reading and moving on to our Novel
unit! We will be reading James and the Giant Peach as well as either The
Fantastic Mr. Fox or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory! These are great
books rich in skills to practice and lessons to learn! In Math we will be
continuing on with our Fractions Unit and moving on to our Operations
Unit. This unit will be based upon solving two step problems to better
prepare for PARCC. We will be teaching students how to really think
about the problem and choose which operation to use to solve the
problem at hand. We are also excited to introduce Safe Racer! In
Science we will be switching classes in the afternoon to build a car to
keep Eggburt safe from harm! Keep an eye out for a more detailed letter
to come home after spring break! As always, please continue to read
with your child for 20 minutes every night and practice those
multiplication facts!
Here’s What’s New from the 4th Grade Team…
STEM Fair: The students have been working hard on their STEM fair
projects and they are now ready to show them off! The STEM fair night
is Thursday, April 14th from 6:30-8:00 pm. Please stop by to see all of
the 5th and 4th grade STEM projects.
ELA: The students are completing the 4th reading unit of the year and
will be beginning the next unit. Please continue to read for 20 minutes at
home.
Math: The students are finishing up with the Fractions unit and will be
beginning Unit 5, Decimals in the next couple of weeks. Please continue
to practice all of the skills at home.
BCPSOne: All students and parents should have access to BCPS One.
Again, this is an online tool for students and parents. Parents can use this
tool to check the teacher’s gradebook. Please access this gradebook
weekly to monitor your child’s grades. Thanks for your continued
support!
End of the Year Field Trip: Parents, please be on the lookout for forms
regarding our end of the year field trip! We are still finalizing the details
but permission slips will be sent home in the next couple of weeks!
In 5th Grade News…
STEM FAIR Your child should be working feverishly to wrap up his/her scientific investigation for
the STEM FAIR. Every student in Fifth Grade is responsible for completing a STEM
FAIR project. STEM Night is April 14th from 6:30 – 8:00pm.
ACADEMIC RIGOR
The year is not over! We have so much to learn and do to get ready for 6th grade.
Please continue to emphasize good study habits and 100% completion of homework.
PARCC NEWS
PARCC will begin at Dogwood on May 2, 2016. I do not know the exact date for
fifth grade but it will occur between the 2nd and the 27th of May.
Philadelphia! Friday, June 10, 2016 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Permission Slips and Payment Due May 27
The PROJECTED COST: $50/person child or chaperone
Thank you to all parents who have already expressed interest in chaperoning.
Chaperone spaces will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, as so many
parents want to attend. Volunteer training can be done online at bcps.. Please note
that this is a walking tour and we will cover 4-6 miles over the course of the day.
Upcoming Year End Events
● Fifth Grade Farewell! Usually held on the last full day of school. We are waiting
for notification from our Superintendent, Dr. Dance and the Board of Education
regarding the last day of school. You will be notified immediately as soon as we are
aware of the date.
SUMMER SCHOOL for soon-to-be 6th graders will be held at middle schools. Invitations will
be sent home soon to students who would benefit from attending. Not only will there be
academics taught but also, the middle school experience of changing classes and scheduling
will be introduced. Please take advantage of this great opportunity.
Counselor’s Corner
The character trait of the month is:
Self Control
Having self Control means always taking the time to stop and think.
Students can show self control by staying in control over your words and
actions, staying focused in class, completing class work and homework,
and making smart choices.
Parents: Talk with your children about the value of self control and
taking the time to stop and think about our words and actions. Discuss
how our words and actions can affect ourselves and others.
Reminder: Please contact Mrs. Purcell if you would like to discuss
Villa Maria counseling services for your child!
What time is it? PARCC time!!
PARCC testing will begin in May!
Test Taking Tips to Remember:
1. Get a good night’s sleep! 2. Eat a nutritious breakfast! 3. Come to school on time! 4. Read all the directions carefully! 5. Read all the questions and answers! 6. Pace yourself! 7. Make your best guess! 8. Take your time! Don’t rush! 9. Go back and check your answers! 10. Take deep breaths!
From the Dogwood Health Suite
Seasonal allergies, sometimes called "hay fever" or seasonal allergic rhinitis, are allergy symptoms
that occur during certain times of the year, usually when outdoor molds release their spores, and
trees, grasses, and weeds release tiny pollen particles into the air. The immune systems of people
who are allergic to mold spores or pollen treat these particles (called allergens) as invaders and
release chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream to defend against them. It's the release
of these chemicals that causes allergy symptoms.
People can be allergic to one or more types of pollen or mold. The type someone is allergic
to determines when symptoms occur. For example, in the Mid-Atlantic States, tree
pollination is February through May, grass pollen runs from May through June, and weed
pollen is from August through October. Even children who have never had seasonal
allergies in years past can develop them.
Signs and Symptoms
If your child develops a "cold" at the same time every year, seasonal allergies might be to blame.
Allergy symptoms, which usually come on suddenly and last as long as a person is exposed to a
particular allergen, can include:
sneezing
itchy nose and/or throat
nasal congestion
clear, runny nose
coughing
These symptoms often come with itchy, watery, and/or red eyes, which is called allergic conjunctivitis.
Treatment
There is no real cure for seasonal allergies, but it is possible to relieve symptoms. Start by reducing or
eliminating exposure to allergens. During allergy season, keep windows closed, use air conditioning if
possible, and stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
Have your child wash hands or shower and change clothing after playing outside. And a child with
seasonal allergies should not mow the lawn (this tends to kick up pollen and mold spores).
If reducing exposure isn't possible or is ineffective, medicines can help ease allergy symptoms. These
may include decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal spray steroids. If symptoms cannot be
managed with medicines, the doctor may recommend taking your child to an allergist or immunologist
for regular allergy shots (immunotherapy), which can help desensitize kids to allergens.
Reviewed by: Nicole A. Green, MD: Kids Health
DOGWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Prekindergarten Screening
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PREKINDERGARTEN SCREENING FORM
Child’s Name __________________________________________________
First Last
Birth Date: _____________________ Sex: ______Male _____Female
Name of Parent(s)/Guardian(s):____________________________________
Address:________________________________ Zip Code:_____________
Phone #1:___________________ Phone #2: _________________
Was your child born in another country? _____Yes ______No
Is a language other than English spoken in the home? _____Yes ____No
If yes, what language? ____________________________
For Office Use Only Appointment Time:
DOGWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
For: Children 4 Years Old on or before September 1, 2016
Birth dates 9-2-2011 thru 9-1-2012
Date: Friday, May 6, 2016
Time: Return the tear-off to school and you will be
mailed a screening appointment time
Location: Dogwood Elementary School
Recreation Room
Kindergarten Round-Up
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KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP
The following documents must be presented at the time of registration:
1. Child’s Birth Certificate
2. Child’s Immunization
3. Proof of Residency – Your lease or deed and 3 current pieces of
mail with your name and address (ex. BGE bill, telephone bill,
etc.)
4. Parent Photo ID
5. Legal Custody Papers. (If applicable.)
If your student is currently enrolled in PreK at Dogwood
Elementary, you do not have to attend Kindergarten
Round-Up.
Please call the school at 410 887-6808 to schedule an
appointment for registration.
For: Children 5 Years Old on or before
September 1, 2016
Date: Friday, April 22, 2016
Location: Dogwood Elementary School
