January 16, 2026

Message from the Principal

Michigan weather certainly keeps us on our toes! With temperatures changing quickly, please remember to send your child to school each day dressed for the weather, including coats, hats, gloves, and boots. Outdoor recess is an important part of our day whenever possible.

We are also seeing an increase in seasonal illnesses. Thank you for helping keep our school community healthy by encouraging good handwashing, making sure students get plenty of rest, and keeping children home if they are not feeling well. We appreciate your partnership in keeping everyone safe, warm, and healthy during this unpredictable season!

i-Ready Diagnostic Reminder

Our students did a fantastic job completing their first i-Ready diagnostic! They showed focus, perseverance, and worked very hard, and we are proud of their efforts. We have one more diagnostic to complete next week. Thank you for helping students come to school well-rested and ready to do their best as we finish this important assessment.

Important Message from the School Nurse

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

Schedule of Events

January 19: No School, Staff PD

January 21/22: I-Ready Math Testing

January 26: American Heart Association Assembly

January 26: PTO meeting @ 4:00, School Library

January 29: Lockdown Drill

Student of the Month

Congratulations to the Sister Lakes Student of the Month for December, Calvin Mitchell!

Calvin is the son of Kristi and Ryan Mitchell. He has two younger siblings, Josie and Cooper. Calvin is an 8-year-old second-grade student in Mrs. Alsup’s class. He is very athletic and enjoys playing basketball, baseball, soccer, and football. When he grows up, he wants to be a dinosaur archaeologist.

Mrs. Alsup says:
“I chose Calvin as our December Student of the Month because he is a very responsible and hard-working student who always tries his best. Calvin is very kind to everyone around him and always finds ways to encourage his peers.

Mrs. Hohl's EL students will begin WIDA testing In February. Please see the letters below for more information. If you have any questions, please contact the school office at 269-782-4468.

We are so grateful for our incredible EL/Migrant Paraprofessional and translator/interpreter, Mrs. Andrade. She plays a vital role in supporting our students and families, ensuring clear communication. Her willingness to step in, help wherever needed, and support both students and staff does not go unnoticed. We truly appreciate her dedication, flexibility, and the care she brings to our school community each day.

ATTENDANCE:

It is very important that students are in school everyday, but the school realizes that there are some reasons for excused absences. Please make sure to call the office and let us know when your student is going to be absent or the school will be calling you. When a student returns to school after any period of absence, please send a note stating the reason for the absences.

*If your student(s) is running late, please bring them to the office and sign them in.

*If you need to pick up your child early for any reason please call the office 269-782-4468.

Printable 2025-26 Calendar

Given the increase in illnesses, this serves as a friendly reminder about the importance of proper handwashing.