We have had many students that are out of school for various illnesses and I wanted to remind parents about our illness policy which states that children should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of any fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Motrin.  I also want to remind parents that it is important for you to contact the school to notify us that your child is ill.  The school is required by the public health law to report illness numbers to the local health department each week and the information we report is gathered from what parents report to the school.  It is very helpful for our report if you can provide us with a basic idea of what type of illness your child is experiencing.  Also if your child is seen at a physician office please bring in a written excuse from their office to document their illness.  

Just a reminder, any medication that must be administered at school must have a completed medication authorization form completed by a physician.  Medication must be brought to school by a parent/guardian with the authorization form completed. This form can be obtained in the office along with the Dowagiac Union School Medication Policy. 

Also reminding you as we are still in the cold months,  your children will be wearing coats and hats so with those we find the number of students with head lice to be increasing.  Please remember to check your child’s hair frequently during these times.  If you notice any signs of head lice please begin the treatment process immediately.  This process is very time consuming, but in order to keep the head lice from returning the entire process must be completed.  If you would like information about the treatment of head lice please feel free to contact me at 269-782-4420 ext. 1218 or sdorman@dowagiacschools.org with any questions or concerns.

Suzanne Dorman RN, MSN

School Nurse

Dowagiac Union Schools

Dowagiac Union Schools would love to hear your thoughts about our Title 1 programs. We would appreciate your feedback!

Sadly, our area knows all too well the toll severe weather can take on a community.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟱-𝟮𝟭 𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸.

The State of Michigan has put together a number of resources to help you and your loved ones plan for a severe weather emergency. You can access them at the portal below.

As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗼 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟴, 𝗮𝘁 𝟭 𝗣𝗠. Dowagiac sirens will activate for a full warning cycle, which will last approximately five minutes. After the warning cycle is completed ,the all-clear alarm will sound for approximately two minutes.

We'll post reminders when we get closer to that date. For now, review the materials and make sure you have a plan to stay safe in severe weather.

March 17: 3rd & 4th grades to Lansing- Capitol Building field trip

March 19: Spring Music Program (grades 3-5 and Special Chorus) 7:00 @ DMS

March 27: NO SCHOOL 

March 30- April 3: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

April 6: School Resumes

Luke is a 6-year-old Kindergarten student in Mrs. Liebetrau’s class. He enjoys playing outside to get fresh air with his dog and playing with Pokémon cards. When he grows up, he wants to be a scientist. Luke’s favorite subject in school is making new friends, and his favorite food is shrimp. 

Mrs. Liebetrau says:
“Miss Abby and I chose Luke as our Student of the Month because he is a very responsible, helpful, loving, and hard-working student who always tries his best. Luke is very kind and considerate to everyone around him. He always finds ways to encourage his peers and give lots of hugs. He has proven to me, as well as to Sister Lakes Elementary, that he is a Chieftain Hero. I truly enjoy having Luke in my classroom and have had the pleasure of watching him grow as a Kindergartner. I am so proud of him!”

We would like to recognize Mrs. Quinn, one of our wonderful kindergarten teachers. She does an incredible job creating a warm, welcoming classroom where our youngest learners feel safe, supported, and excited to come to school each day. Mrs. Quinn works hard to build strong foundations in both academics and social skills, and her patience, creativity, and kindness truly make a difference for her students.

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.

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