Wolf P.A.C.K. Weekly Student Edition #12

Posted Date: 11/01/26 (05:00 PM)

View Original Post

Wolf P.A.C.K. Weekly Student Edition

Sunday newsletter

November 1, 2026

Weekly Principal Message

📣 Families and Wolf Pack Students! Here's What's Happening This Week:

Happy Sunday, Wolf Pack families!

Welcome to a very short week at Dogwood. We welcome students back to the Pack on Wednesday, November 3rd.

This past Howl Harvest was a great success thanks to our amazing PTA partners who provided donations, snacks, and supplies! Thank you so much for all you do!

Please be sure to vote for the Howl Harvest Pumpkin Decorating Contest (click on the flyer below to cast your vote for the House with the best design/decorations).

Higher Achievement will take place this Wednesday, and Extended Day programming will resume on Thursday.

This coming Saturday, join us on November 7th for Dads and Hoops, sponsored by our PTA! Play Mario Kart, Madden 26 and/or 2 on 2 on 2 basketball 🏀 🎮 🕹 (Click the flyer below to sign up).

Teachers will begin sharing their booking links on ParentSquare for Parent-Teacher Conferences on Nov. 12th from 4:30-6:30 pm.

Keep showing up on time, each day, wolves! Each month, we will raffle off prizes for students with excellent attendance (absent 1 day or less).

In solidarity,

Dr. Latrese Younger

Principal, Dogwood Middle School

Cell: 804-389-3813

A birthday greeting graphic with light blue balloons, confetti, and the text 'Happy Birthday Dr. Wright'.

PTA Corner

A promotional flyer for Dogwood Middle School PTA's 'Dads in Schools Program: Hoops & Headsets' event featuring a basketball and game controller.

Contact executiveboard@dogwoodmspta.org with questions. All meetings take place at 6:30 pm.

Virtual PTA Meeting Link

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/ydj-fcxu-fni

Or dial: +1 904-580-9093 PIN: 630502112

More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/ydj-fcxu-fni?pin=8971924680452

Oct. 15th meeting is in person during the 1st Showcase!

Join the PTA 🎈

PTA website: dogwoodms.givebacks.com/

PTA email address: executiveboard@dogwoodmspta.org

PTA President: Mom Kelly Miller

Benefits of Joining the PTA

By joining the PTA you are supporting educational programs, organizing events, and enhancing our school environment.

You can make a meaningful impact and connect with other caregivers who share your commitment to our children's success.

Support our students and show your Dogwood pride.

It's fun!

Join Community Rewards to Support the Wolf Pack🏪

Earn money for your community organization when you use your loyalty card.

Link your Kroger Card!

Weekly Schedules and Calendars

Lunch Times (7th grade student's have been told their specific lunch)

11:43 - 1:40

Lunches

6th + ½ 7th - 11:50 - 12:15

8th + ½ 7th - 1:15 - 1:40

Dogwood Daily Bell Schedule

House Huddle Schedule

House Cheers Schedule

Dogwood 26-27 School Calendar

Breakfast & Lunch Menus by Week

Important Upcoming Dates📆

November 2026

2-Wellness Day (No school)

3-Election Day (No school)

9-Diwali Day (No school)

10- Italian Ice Attendance Incentive

12-Parent-teacher conferences

13- House Cheers

24- Howlz Huddles

25-27- Thanksgiving Break (No school)

🐺Time to Howl!

Teacher/Staff of the Month-Parents, Students, and Staff Invited to Vote✅

Nominate someone from the WOLF PACK who exemplifies our PACK expectations on the 30th of each month.

Congratulations to Mr. Troy Kershaw, 8th grade ELA teacher, nominated by Makayla Jalal for the month of September!

Thanks for being our Leader of the Pack!

School Improvement Action Plan

Dogwood Middle School is designated a federally identified Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school. Our School's required Evidence and Analysis of Progress are updated mid-month after Alpha Leadership meetings. Here is the most recent update.

This document from New Jersey provides a clear overview of evidence based interventions (EBIs). Below are the selected EBIs for our school used to support learners and improve student outcomes in our federal designated areas according to ESSA. Our EBIs have high efficacy and are proven to raise achievement.

All departments, to include our Electives team, have received an overview and/or initial training on EBI implementation, as we are ALL IN.

*************************

Mathematics: Teach students how to use visual representations.

Reading: Part 3B. Consistently provide students with opportunities to ask and answer questions to better understand the text they read.

Our school is also a Title 1 school. See our Title 1 Family Engagement Letter to families here.

💡 Reminders and Updates

Click the flyer below to apply

Fall Sports 🍃

WINTER ATHLETICS PRACTICE INFORMATION

Swimming

Coach: Ms. Edward Blackwell

Practice: Mondays

Time: Pick up at 2pm from Dogwood (practice ends at 4:45 and parents may pick students up from The Salvation Army Boys Club or await their return to Dogwood at 5pm).

Email: eblackwell@rvaschools.net

Cheerleading

Coaches: Tiara Harris (Ms. T) and Dejia Graham

Practice: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday

Time: 3:30–5:00 PM

Email: tharri17@rvaschools.net & Dgraham@rvaschools.net

Please note: Practice and game schedules are subject to change due to weather, emergencies, school activities, transportation, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Any changes will be communicated as soon as possible via ParentSquare and team chats via the Band app.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES

The following documents are included for review and use:

Middle School Athletic Handbook
DMS Student-Athletic Contract
Athlete Demerit Form/Wolf Way Disciplinary Actions
Off-Campus Practice Permission Slip
Fall Sports Schedules
Coaches and Athletic Information

Demerit Sheet

DMS Middle School Student-Athlete Contract

Off-Campus Practice Permission Slip

Middle School Athletic Handbook

RPS Sports Calendar Link

Important: Each student-athlete is required to return all applicable forms with a parent/guardian signature.

Here are the video and slide deck from the virtual parent meeting.

Email Coach T Harris at tharri17@rvaschools.net with any sports/athletic related questions.

RESOURCES FOR YOUR STUDENT🤗

1) Extended Day tutoring has begun for students in need of additional support after school to be successful. Extended Day takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-5:00pm and both meals and transportation are provided. Have your student return this slip to the main office. A button is also below for downloading the form.

2) Keep Your Child On Track in Middle and High School: Pay Attention to Attendance (Attendance Works)

3) Strengthening Math Skills at Home

4)Strengthening Reading Skills at Home

5) Canvas Support for Students

VDOE Family Support Link