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Dear Dogwood Families,

It is hard to believe we are entering our final week of the 2025-2026 school year! As we reflect on the year behind us, our hearts are full of pride and gratitude. It has been an incredible year of learning, growth, achievement, and community, and we are so thankful to have shared it with each of you.

These last few weeks of school are always filled with special traditions, celebrations, and memorable moments. Last week, we were thrilled to welcome many of our former Dragons back to Dogwood for their Graduation Walk before the South Lakes High School graduation ceremony. This is one of our most treasured traditions. Seeing these young adults return to the halls where their educational journeys began is both inspiring and emotional. Their smiles, confidence, and excitement for the future remind us of the lasting impact of our school community and all that lies ahead for our current students.

Today, our campus was filled with laughter, cheers, and excitement as we celebrated Field Day! Students enjoyed a variety of games, relays, and team activities that encouraged sportsmanship, collaboration, and fun. Whether they were racing, cheering on their classmates, or cooling off with a well-earned popsicle, our Dragons made the most of this special day. The joy on their faces was a wonderful reminder that some of the best school memories are made outside the classroom.

Later this week, we look forward to celebrating our 6th graders as they reach an important milestone at our 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony. We are incredibly proud of this class and all they have accomplished during their time at Dogwood. While Ms. Beckner will be out of state celebrating her own daughter's graduation, our wonderful assistant principals, Ms. Skerker and Ms. Bell, along with Ms. Holliday, will be there to honor and celebrate our students and their families.

The celebrations continue next week with one of the most significant events in the IB Primary Years Programme: Exhibition! Exhibition represents the culmination of our students' elementary school experience and provides an opportunity for them to showcase their learning, passions, research, and action. Through this process, students investigate real-world issues, think critically, collaborate with peers, and develop solutions that can make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Our 6th graders have worked incredibly hard, and we cannot wait for them to share their learning with you. We warmly invite all members of our Dogwood community to attend Exhibition and experience firsthand the creativity, knowledge, and leadership of our remarkable students. Their presentations are always inspiring and serve as a powerful reflection of the IB learner attributes we strive to develop.

As we close out another wonderful year, thank you for your partnership, support, and trust. Together, we have created a school community where students thrive, relationships matter, and every child is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

Let's enjoy this final week together and celebrate all that our Dragons have accomplished!

With gratitude and Dragon pride,

Kate Beckner

Principal

Dogwood Elementary School

Important Dates June 12: 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony 9:15am June 15 and 16: PYP Exhibition June 17: Last Day of School for Students- 2 Hour Early Release, 1:35pm dismissal