Announcements
Friendly First Day Reminders


We can't wait to see you on the first day of school! Here are a few tips to help you plan your day!
  • The front parking lot is closed to traffic between 8:15-9:00 a.m. and 3:15-4:00 p.m.
  • Please do not park on the school side of Dogwood Road except east of the Dogwood campus.
  • Morning drop-off will begin at 8:30 a.m. when the school door opens and staff is present to receive students. Therefore, the car line will not begin to move until 8:30.
  • Parents are welcome to walk their child in on the first day of school.
  • Afternoon car line begins moving at 3:45 p.m.
  • Make sure your child knows how they are getting home on Monday (e.g. car line, bus, front door walker or back door walker).
  • Car line riders may want to write their car line numbers in sharpie on their hand so they remember it!
Morning Drop Off and Carline

Get your playlist and your patience ready! Car line is just around the corner (and down the street, and around the bend)! The start of school means it's time for a few friendly reminders about car line. 

Please remember that car line will be long and slow for the first few weeks of school as parents and students acclimate. So put in your favorite tunes and enjoy the time with your kiddos before drop off and the quiet time before pick up! 

Here are some car line reminders and tips to help things move as efficiently as possible. 


My School Bucks/School Supplies

The MySchoolbucks store will close TONIGHT, August 11, at MIDNIGHT.
Listed below are the items available for purchase:
  • Chair bags (2nd & 3rd only)
  • Agenda books (4th & 5th)
  • Music Recorders (4th & 5th only)
  • Communication Folder (all grades). *If you purchased a prepack school box, this is not needed*
  • Spirit Shirts (all students)
  • Class T-shirts (all students)
  • Instructional Fee (all students)
  • Gifted Math supplement (3rd-5th gifted students only)
A few things to keep in mind when ordering:
  • All items ordered through MySchoolBucks or at Meet the Teacher will be delivered to the students at school once the shipment is received.
  • New GMSD students must be registered in order to purchase items at My School Bucks.
  • Don't forget to make sure that your confirm your order and receive a receive a receipt via email.
If you did not pre-order your school supplies through Kidz School Box, you can find your class supply list below.  
(Please note that the 3rd grade list is current for this year, even though the date is incorrect)
2019-2020 Dogwood Supply Lists
New Cross Country Course!

Thanks to the hard work of Kate and Duane McKenna, we are happy to announce that DES now has a cross-country course on campus!

The course starts at the front of the school, next to the drive that goes to the back of the school.  On the grass next to the road, there is spray paint on the grass that says "xc start".  This is also the finish line.  There are orange flags and spray paint markings along the course; please be courteous and do not move/remove these flags.  The course is 1.2 miles long.  

If you have questions, or would like to run the course with the DES cross country team during practice, please contact  Kate McKenna.
Treasures for Teachers

Since 2015, the Germantown Education Foundation (GEF) has partnered with the Knowledge Tree on a groundbreaking program called Treasure for Teachers.  Your $100 gift allows the GEF to purchase gift cards from the Knowledge Tree.  In return, the Knowledge Tree is graciously giving back to our teachers by adding $20 to each gift card.  To learn more, or make a donation, please visit  Treasures for Teachers .
    Box Tops for Education
Germantown Legends

Germantown Legends 'REC' Soccer registration continues for the Fall season continues.
  • 'Team' practices begin the week of August 19
  • Small-sided Game Festival (SoccerFEST) will take place on Saturday, August 24
  • REC matches begin Saturday, September 7
For more info, visit the Legends website.
For questions, send an  email to the Legends.

Houston/Germantown Lacrosse Club

The Houston Lacrosse Club's Boys' and Girls' Fall Ball Program is about to begin! Students are invited to engage in the most exciting and fastest growing sport in the U.S.  This program is geared towards players (both experienced and beginners) who attend public school in Germantown and is not intended to conflict with their participation in any other sport.   

Players should bring full gear (stick, mouthpiece, helmets(boys)/goggles(girls), and cleats) and water to each practice. Each player is required to be a U.S. Lacrosse member. Memberships are available at www.uslacrosse.com . 

For general club information and to register online, visit www.houstonlax.net.  Registration is on the first page of the website.  
Falcon Footlights

Do you want to build a snowman?  Falcon Footlights Booster Club brings a production of Frozen Jr to the Farmington Elementary Stage this fall!  Auditions are open to DES, FES, FHES and HMS students from 1st through 8th grade.  Audition workshops will be hosted at FES August 13th and 14th.  

Reserve your spot  for an audition time. 

Auditions will take place August 25th.  More information can be found on the Falcon Footlights Booster Club Facebook page.
REACH Before and After Care

REACH before and after school care is provided by the City of Germantown Parks and Recreation Department.  Please visit their site to register or obtain additional information.
 
 
For questions about the REACH program, please email sblackwell@germantown-TN.gov.


PTO Announcements
PTO Membership and Donation Drives
Battle of the PTOs!

Come out to support Dogwood Elementary's Parent Teacher Organization on Saturday, August 24th as they cheer on your Memphis Redbirds!  The Redbirds are taking on the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals) and there will be a Terminix Fireworks Show following the game.  For just $17, you can receive the following:
  • 1 reserved Field Box seat
  • 1 hot dog and soft drink voucher
  • 1 Redbirds hat
For each ticket purchased, $4 will go to support Dogwood Elementary! The PTO that raises the most money will be awarded a ceremonial first pitch and if they sell 250 or more tickets they will participate in a check presentation on the field!   Purchase Deadline:  Aug 22nd @ 11:59pm.



Stay up to date with the PTO!

Please visit the Dogwood PTO website to learn more about the PTO, our events, and ways you can get involved! The PTO Guidebook can also be found here!

If you are a parent of a Dogwood student, you can also request to join the  Dogwood PTO Facebook Page to keep up to date with PTO and school events.   Be sure to answer the membership question to gain access, as it is a closed group for parents only. 
Mabel's Labels

Looking for an easy way to avoid your child's possessions ending up in the Lost and Found?  Check out  Mabel's Labels Fundraising, enter Dogwood Elementary School PTO, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the DES PTO!


Events
New Parent Reception

New Parents are invited to join us in the cafeteria for a presentation from our Dogwood administration, faculty and PTO at 5:15 pm on Thursday, August 15th.  We welcome you to the Dogwood family!  (Kindergarten Curriculum Night is held in your child's classroom immediately following the reception.)

Contact Carie Alley with questions.
Kindergarten Meet and Greet

Kindergarten Families are invited to meet their new classmates on Saturday, August 17th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Dogwood Park.  Face painting, Mempops ($4 each), and a bounce house is just some of the fun in store for your family!  A special Class of 2032 picture with Daisy the Dolphin is planned for 11:00 am.

Contact Carie Alley with questions.


Curriculum Night

Save the date for our upcoming Curriculum Nights! Your Curriculum Night will be held in your child's classroom. We ask that only adults attend Curriculum Night.

Thursday, August 15 Kindergarten Curriculum Night 6:15 - 7:15 PM
Monday, August 19 Grade 2 - Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Monday, August 19 Grade 1 - Curriculum Night 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 20 Grade 3 - Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Tuesday, August 20 Grade 4 - Curriculum Night 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 PreK Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 Grade 5 - Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 Special Education and Gifted Curriculum Night 6:00 PM

Meet Our New Teachers!
Mrs. Nelson

My name is Katie Nelson, and I am so excited to be teaching 3rd grade math and science here at Dogwood this year! I will be entering my 15th year of teaching, and I have a true passion for playing a role in helping all children succeed. I am so happy to serve in the Germantown community, and I can't wait to see what this year has in store. Go Dolphins!
Mrs. Adkinson

Hello! My name is Natalie Adkinson and I'm so excited to join the GMSD family! This is my 11th year as a school counselor but my first as an elementary counselor. In the past, I've spent ten years as a high school counselor and 4.5 as a mental health therapist. I have a bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Auburn University and a Masters degree from The University of Alabama at Birmingham in Community Agency Counseli ng. I spent the past year as a substitute teacher at Dogwood and Farmington and re-discovered my passion for working with elementary aged kids. This year, I will be splitting my time as a School Counselor between Dogwood and Farmington Elementary Schools. 
My family and I relocated to Germantown from Birmingham, Alabama last year right before school began. My husband and I have a six year old son who will be in first grade at Farmington Elementary School and an eleven year old daughter who will be in sixth grade at Houston Middle School.

Mr. Smith

Tony Smith is a native Memphian. After graduating from Craigmont High School, he obtained degrees from the University of Miami (FL) and the University of Memphis. He is an active freelance bass player throughout the Midsouth. Mr. Smith is entering his 9th year of teaching and recently completed Suzuki Book 1 Bass Teacher Training. He lives in Midtown with his two dogs.
Ms. Eddy

Hello! My name is Kayla Eddy and I will be an art teacher at both Dogwood and Farmington Elementary School. My goal is to teach creative skills that will foster students' personal expression, expand and reinforce their cognitive abilities, and build their appreciation of themselves, others, and the world around them. I graduated from the University of Memphis with a BFA in Art Education. This will be my first year teaching, and I am excited to be a part of this community!
Mrs. Wilson

I have been been working at a speech language pathologist for six years. I started out working within schools and transitioned to a private clinic when I moved to Memphis two years ago. I have been married to my husband, Rob, for four years, and we have one "fur" baby named Muddy. I am excited to join the Dogwood team! I love working with kids and collaborating with teachers and parents to best support the children I work with.
Ms. Barber

Hi. I am Michelle Barber. I am the General Education Co-Teacher for the Pre-School. This is my sixth year at Dogwood. I have many years of experience working with students from PreK-3 to Grade 5. I am a graduate of Jackson State University and Crichton College. I am certified to teach Grades 1-8 with an added early childhood endorsement. I look forward to a great year of learning.
Mrs. Morris

My name is Mrs. Morris and I am thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at Dogwood this year! 

I was born and raised in the West Tennessee area. I graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2018! I student taught at Dogwood and then spent some time in the RTI room as an interventionist. This summer I got married to my high school sweetheart, Jake! In my spare time, I enjoy reading, playing with our golden-doodle Jaime, and spending time with my friends and family. 

This year is going to be an explosion of learning both for the students and myself! I am so excited!
You Don't Want to Miss...
Upcoming Events
Thursday, August 8- Friday September 6 PTO Membership Drive and Family Donation Drive
Monday, August 12
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
8:45 AM-3:45 PM
August 12-16 Kindergarten Phase in Week 8:45 AM-3:45 PM
Thursday, August 15 New Parent Reception (cafeteria) and Kindergarten Curriculum Night (your child's classroom) 5:15-7:15 PM
Saturday, August 17 Kindergarten Meet and Greet at Dogwood Park 10-12 AM
Monday, August 19 Grade 2 Curriculum Night  5:00 PM
Monday, August 19 Grade 1 Curriculum Night 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 20 General PTO Meeting 9:00 AM
Tuesday, August 20 Grade 3 Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Tuesday, August 20 Grade 4 Curriculum Night 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 20 Marco's Pizza Spirit Night
Thursday, August 22 PreK Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 Grade 5 Curriculum Night 5:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 Special Education and Gifted Curriculum Night 6:00 PM
Thursday, August 22 Grade 5 Washington D.C. trip meeting  6:00 PM
Saturday, August 24 Memphis Redbirds "Battle of the PTOs" 6:35 PM



Dogwood Calendars

There are several ways to keep up to date with all Dogwood events.  You can subscribe to the  Google Calendar or the  iPhone Calendar, and have all events downloaded directly to your phone and updated throughout the year.  Prefer everything on paper?  You can purchase a print 12 month calendar featuring artwork by Dogwood students for only $5.00 on  My School Bucks.


Dogwood Elementary PTO | (901) 756-2310 |   Email | Website

Germantown Municipal School District provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, handicap/disability, sex, genetics or age.
STAY CONNECTED: