Bulldog Bulletin: Issue 5

Dear Parents,

Thank you for joining us for another awesome Community Day! It was so much fun getting to see everyone come together for a great fall event.

As we embark on Quarter 2, we want to provide you with some helpful tips to ensure your child's continued success in middle school.

• Encourage Regular Study Habits: A consistent study schedule can make a significant difference. Help your child find a quiet, distraction-free space to complete homework.

• Stay Organized: A well-organized planner or notebook can help students keep track of assignments, due dates, and upcoming tests. Students may also need support organizing their inbox. Take a few minutes each month to work with students to delete unnecessary emails in their scps.net accounts!

• Engage in Technology Use: Promote healthy media and tech use. A great tool to s upport family engagement can be found here.

• Communicate with Teachers: Regular communication with your child's teachers can help identify any challenges early on. Encourage students to ask questions and seek help when needed.

• Prioritize Sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for concentration and learning. Make sure your child gets enough rest each night.

• Encourage Healthy Eating: A balanced diet provides the energy needed for learning.

If you are interested in joining the Superintendent's Advisory Committtee as a Parent Representative of Dixon-Smith, please email Mr. Bathke at bathkeam@staffordschools.net.

Parents selected for this committee should not be employeed by Stafford County Public Schools and should be willing to commit to the following dates and locations. Meeting Schedule (Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and will be in person):

• September 17 (North Stafford HS)

• October 15 (Colonial Forge HS)

• November 19 (Mountain View HS)

• February 18 (Brooke Point HS)

• March 18 (Stafford HS)

• April 15 (School Board Chambers)

This is a busy time of year and this newsletter is full of helpful information to get you what you need in the next two weeks. See below for directions to take the school improvement survey, register for conferences and keep up to date on all the latest happenings here at Dixon-Smith.

October 10 End of Quarter 1

October 11 Staff Workday

October 14 Parent/Teacher Conference Day

October 16 Unity Day - Wear Orange!

October 18/19 All-County Chorus

October 21-23 Girls Basketball Tryouts - Don't Forget a 24-25 Sports Physical must be on record!

October 24 & 25 A Midsummer Nights Dream Drama Production 7 PM - see flyer below!

November 8 PTO Dances (see below for details)

November 12 Veteran's Day Recognition Breakfast sign up below!

November 12 Fall Chorus Concert 7:00 @SHS

October is Bullying Prevention month. Bullying can impact a student's education, physical and emotional health, and their safety and well-being. Learn how you can help prevent bullying at https://www.pacer.org/bullying/. Join us in showing Unity by wearing orange October 16!

We will be cleaning out the Lost and Found at the end of Quarter 1. Please take a look here to see if you find anything familiar!