May 8, 2026

Message from the Principal

As we move closer to the end of the school year, our students have successfully completed one round of i-Ready testing, with one more to go! We are proud of the hard work and growth our students continue to show.

Along with finishing strong academically, we are also looking forward to many exciting field trips and end-of-year activities. These special opportunities are a privilege, and we ask families to help remind students that positive behavior, respectful choices, and following school expectations are important in order to participate. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to finish the year on a positive note!

 
 
 

2026-27 School Year Elementary Planning

 

Message from the Nurse

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

 

Schedule of Events  

May 13: Young Writers Day

May 15: 5th Grade Field trip to Nitro Zone

May 17: High School Graduation

May 18: Board Meeting, DMS @ 6:00

May 20: 3rd grade Field trip to Kalamazoo Planetarium 

May 21: Kinder- 2nd grade Field trip to Hidden Pointe

May 22: 3rd Grade Poetry Day

May 22: 5th grade DMS visit

May 25: NO SCHOOL

May 26: Field Day

May 28: 1/2 Day

May 29: 1/2 Day, LAST DAY, Awards assembly at 10:00

 
 

The Sister Lakes Student of the Month for April is Faith McDonald.  Faith is a 5th Grade student in Ms. K’s class and was selected as Student of the Month by Mrs. Eckman, Ms. Olson, Ms. Tavolacci and Mrs. Schibley.

Faith is known for her kindness towards everyone and always putting forth her best effort.  She beams positive energy and is always willing to help.  Easy going, personable, attentive and honest are words that describe her. In addition, Faith is always respectful and cooperative.  She is a model citizen in every class and a great kid.

Faith’s family consists of her mom, dad, Matt, Nama, Cooper and Finley.  They live on a farm with many animals.  Her favorite animals at home are horses.

 
 
 
 
 

We appreciate all that Ms. Tavolacci does to encourage creativity and self-expression in our students. Through engaging lessons and hands-on projects, students are given opportunities to explore their talents, build confidence, and take pride in their work. The care and effort put into creating a welcoming and creative classroom environment make a positive impact on our school.

 

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.

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Community Happenings

 

 Please see the link below for Destination Dowagiac, which contains a lot of events and information for families.

https://digitaledition.pub/wc/greater-dowagiac-chamber-of-commerce/destination-dowagiac/2026/

 

Helpful Links!

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Transportation Website: https://www.dowagiacschools.org/page/transportation

Transportation App: My Ride K-12

Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/my-ride-k-12/id6443848115?platform=iphone

Microsoft App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tylertech.myridek12&hl=en_US

 
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Building Information

Principal:

Alicia Stout

astout@dowagaicschools.org

Secretary:

Felicia Cooper

fcooper@dowagaicschools.org

Drop Off Time: 8:45 a.m.

Breakfast: 8:45 a.m.-8:57 a.m.

Building Times: 8:57 a.m.-3:53 p.m.

Half Day Dismissal: 12:05 p.m.

Building Office Phone: 269-782-4468

Social Media

Sister Lakes Website:

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

Sister Lakes Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/SisterLakesElementary/

Lunch Menu:

https://dowagiacschools.nutrislice.com/menu

District Website:

https://www.dowagiacschools.org/

District Facebook:

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

GO CHIEFTAINS!