Dowling Newsletter - February 12, 2026

Reminder: There is no school on Friday, Feb. 13 for family-teacher conferences and Monday, Feb.16 for Presidents Day. Tuesday, Feb. 17 is also a non-school day for professional development. School calendars can be found here: dowling.mpschools.org/about/calendar 

Input Needed for 26-27 Dowling School Budget

The Site Council and the Staff Budget Committee have begun working on the budget for the upcoming 26-27 school year and would like caregiver input on priorities for the coming school year.

Please share your thoughts: https://forms.gle/q5tX3ojzgQgrYHnF9. 

The survey will close on February 17th. 

Conferences Food Drive

Dowling families! We are collecting non-perishable food items to help support our families most impacted by current circumstances. 

Please bring non-perishable food items with you to conferences on Friday!  You can give your items to teachers or leave the bin that will be located just outside the school office.

Here are some suggestions/frequent needs:

Dried beans – pinto, black, red, garbanzos
Lentils
Rice
Spaghetti
Vegetable oil
Sugar
Coffee
Canned Tomatoes
Maseca
Cereals
Crackers
Canned beans
Water
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Dish Soap
Household Items
Bathroom Items
Sanitary Items
Treats for kids to spread some extra love and joy (small toys, small art/craft kits, etc., candies)
Paper grocery bags

If you aren’t attending conferences, but still want to participate, please feel free to send non-perishables in with kiddos after the break to give to their teachers, and we will also have a bin in the main office and will continue to collect items for the foreseeable future.

If you would rather donate funds, you can do so here:givebutter.com/community2026

Much love and appreciation to each of you for all of the ways you are showing up to support community.

Quarter Two Report Cards - Repeat

You are now able to access your student’s report card through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.  If you have not activated your account, please contact the main office for your unique account activation code (GUID). Report cards can also be printed and sent home with your student, upon request.

Summer Scholars 

Registration for Summer Scholars is now open! Please explore the options by visiting www.mpschools.org/academics/extended-learning/summer-scholars. Please feel free to reach out to the office with any questions. 

From Minneapolis Kids

Minneapolis Kids Summer Program - Friday, February 13th at 7 am

SY 2026-27 Before and After School Care - Friday, April 17th at 7 am for CURRENT FAMILIES; Friday, April 24th at 7 am for NEW FAMILIES 

SY 2026-27 Minneapolis Kids Jr - Registration currently open for families seeking a full-day school year childcare for 4 year old students.

Questions? Reach out to Maya Christensen, Program Coordinator

maya.christensen@mpls.k12.mn.us 

Community Education - Afterschool Youth Enrichment

Afterschool News: 

Session 3 (last session) is March 16 - May 13

Afterschool Flyer will be available next Wednesday, coming home in the weekly folders. 

Registration begins ONLINE on Tuesday, February 17th (non-school day) at 6PM

Last session we saw a high demand for our class offerings. We have a limited capacity due to space in the cafeteria, in the building, and staff available to work after school. Please sign up right away for the classes you want and if there is a waitlist please join. Some classes can be added or class sessions made larger. I will move students off the waitlist as soon as I can, based on the order of sign up and if the student is not enrolled in another class. Preference will not be given to siblings enrolled or amount of payment. I will close the waitlist when there is no more chance to add a section or make the class larger.

Note: Students enrolled in Musical Theater (Mondays), Chess and Strategy Games (Wednesdays) and morning Service Learning (Tuesdays) will stay enrolled for Session 3. If your student would like to join that class, join the waiting list and I will admit students where space is available. 

Prices of classes: 

Sliding Scale Fee: To ensure that our high-quality enrichment classes are accessible to all families, Minneapolis Community Ed offers fees on a sliding scale. When paying online, the “Class Fee” represents the amount to cover all costs associated with the class such as: snack, admin support, partnership fees etc. The rates above “Class Fee” allow us to scholarship students at lower rates. Please select the price that works best for your family.

Extended Learning classes (ALC) are taught by licensed teachers, incorporate academic state standards, and are free to all participants.

Minneapolis Public Schools Summer Opportunities 

• Community Education Summer-long camps & Super Summer registration open Sunday, February 22, at 5 p.m. Weekly and summer-long programs on Mondays-Thursdays begin June 22.  
• Common Ground Nature Camp at Dowling, seven weeks p.27 LINK 
• American Indian Scholars at Seward, seven weeks p.28 LINK
• Líderes Bilingües at Whittier, seven weeks p.30 LINK
• Check out the Summer Brochure HERE for all the options. 
• Call the number on each page or 612-668-4444, Nicole Melendez, to get help navigating all the choices. 

Reach out with questions, Nicole Melendez, program coordinator 

nicole.melendez@mpls.k12.mn.us    612-668-4444 , se habla espanol 

Dowling Wishlist

Please check out the Dowling wishlist. We’d be very grateful for any donations!