Dowling Newsletter - January 9, 2026

From the Principal

Thank you to our families and our community for all you are doing in these times to support our students and staff. Thank you for your flexibility with the cancellation of school due to the tragic incidents happening in the community. Our commitment at Dowling is to continue to provide a safe environment full of learning. Our staff had the opportunity to review our safety plans, and we look forward to the return of students on Monday.  

Safety Alert:

All visitors must buzz into the building using the button at the Parking Lot door or Main Door 1. Please do not hold the door for additional visitors. 

Morning Drop Off Alert:

Drivers- please slow down and be courteous while using the drop off lane. All cars should slowly proceed to an available spot near the curb. Students should exit the vehicle with the door closest to the building. 

Caregivers are not allowed to double park and have your student run through cars. This is very dangerous.

Dowling Open House and School Request

Dowling Open House

Please join us at the Dowling Open House for prospective kindergarteners on January 22nd from 4:30 to 6:00 PM to meet Dowling staff, ask questions, and participate in student - or self-led tours.

Tours

There are a few remaining tour dates before open enrollment closes on February 9th.  Sign up for a tour! Student ambassadors from Grade 5 will lead the tour. Our Principal, Ms. Page, will greet the tour at the beginning to share about Dowling.

School Finder Fair

Learn about your school options at the free School Finder Fair, January 10 from 10 am to 2 pm at Minneapolis College. Free parking, food, prizes, and fun! More information here: https://minneapolisschoolfinder.org/school-fair/

5th Grade Families - School Request 

The window to request your school for the first lottery closes on February 9th. Request your school today by visiting: https://exploremps.org/Schools/Steps

Help support the 5th grade trip to Wolf Ridge

Hello parents, we are raising money for Wolf Ridge by selling calendars and we are selling calendars for 20 dollars. The money is used to fund our trip to Wolf Ridge in May. It is a four hour drive one way and we do not want to sit on yellow buses for 8 hours total.

Thank you for reading this

By a fifth grade student

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1B_QVN0SNXcSJD4hxF7aWofnkNWBRTy9WYwrv09K_XK8/edit?usp=sharing

Dowling Wishlist

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

From Community Education (Youth Enrichment Afterschool) 

After school classes start on Monday, January 12. You should have received a green paper with your confirmed classes on Wednesday last week

If your student is riding the bus home from afterschool, please check MyRide app for stop location and stop time. If you do not have the app or do not see bus information, please reach out to me. 

Any questions, reach out to Nicole Melendez (612)668-4444 or nicole.melendez@mpls.k12.mn.us

Reminder that pickup starts at 5:45 PM

Community Opportunities

Philips Neighborhood Clinic: Pediatrics Night