December 19, 2025

 

Message from the Principal

Justus Gage Food Drive: Thank you to everyone who participated in our food drive this week.  Your small act of kindness and generosity will go a long way in helping our community.  

Winter Weather and Indoor/Outdoor recess:  As a reminder, our students will be outside for lunch recess unless the temperature with the windchill is below ten degrees.  Please make sure that we are sending our students to school with appropriate winter clothes.

WINTER MUSIC PROGRAM REMINDER: Our winter program is always a highlight of our school year and I was very disappointed that I was unable to attend.  I heard that our special chorus and k-2 students performance was nothing short of amazing.    I can't wait to watch the recorded version.

KINDNESS: Thank you for partnering with us as we attempt to strengthen a culture of kindness among our students, staff, and community.   Please continue to encourage your student(s) to “Be Kind”!   

SCHOOL NURSE MESSAGE: 

We are seeing an increased number of cases of head lice in our buildings as well as across the Southwest Michigan area.  With the number of cases increasing, please check your child’s hair frequently for nits and live bugs.  If your child is found to have head lice, please begin treatment immediately.  Head lice treatment is very time consuming and can be expensive, but if the head lice and all of the nits are not removed from the hair as well as anything that comes in contact with the hair the cycle will start over in your home.

There are resources for head lice treatment in the main office if you need assistance.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 269-782-4420 ext. 1218 or sdorman@dowagiacschools.org.

Suzanne Dorman RN, MSN

District School Nurse

WINTER IS HERE:   It is time to drag out those HATS, BOOTS, WINTER COAT, GLOVES and SNOW PANTS.  Please put your students name in each item so that they don't get mixed up with other students having the same color item.

NO POKEMON or ANY KIND of TRADING CARDS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL!! Please remind your students that no Pokemon or any trading cards are allowed at school. Thanks for working together in keeping everyone's trading cards at home.

ST. FRANCIS OUTREACH FOOD PANTRY: The food pantry at the Catholic Church in Dowagiac on Oak Street is open every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. No necessary forms to complete.

DISMISSAL TIME REMINDER: Please remember to park Northbound on James St., Eastbound on Wayne St. and Southbound on Oak St. when you are picking up your child. GSRP and Kindergarten parents are to use the parking lot which is accessible off of James Street and then please exit onto Wayne St. Thanks for working together in keeping everyone safe.

 

Schedule of Events

December 22- January 2 - Winter Break/No School

January 5 - School Resumes

January 9 - 1/2 Day K-12, PM Records Day, End of 1st Semester K-5

January 16 - District Spelling Bee

January 19 - No School, MLK Day, Staff Professional Development, Regular Board Mtg.

Building Highlights

Canned Food Drive

Helpful Information

Reminders

OUTSIDE LUNCHES:    The district does not allow outside lunches to be delivered to school for students.

SICK CHILD:  Please call the office and report that you are keeping your child home due to illness. The Cass Van Buren Health Department requires schools to report illnesses every week.


FLIP FLOPS & SANDALS:  Please do not send your student to school with flip flops or sandals.  Tennis shoes are best for this time of year.

Building Information

dafdf

Principal:

Bryan Henry

bhenry@dowagaicschools.org

Phone: (269) 782-4460

Fax: (269) 782-4461

sdsd

Secretary:

Carol Primley

cprimpley@dowagiacschools.org

Phone: (269) 782-4460

Fax: (269) 782-4461

Drop Off Time: 8:27 a.m.

Breakfast: 8:27 a.m.-8:41 a.m.

Building Times: 8:41 a.m.-3:37 p.m.

Half Day Dismissal: 11:56 a.m.

Phone: 269-782-4460

Social Media

Justus Gage Website:

https://www.dowagiacschools.org/o/jges

Justus Gage Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/JustusGageElementary/

Lunch Menu:

https://dowagiacschools.nutrislice.com/menu

District Website:

https://www.dowagiacschools.org/

District Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/dowagiacschools/

GO CHIEFTAINS!