Dowling Newsletter - May 15, 2026

From the Principal

We are growing in our number of students and so is our staff! We are adding a first grade, fourth grade and .5 (part-time) Multi-lingual Teacher. Introducing our new staff!

Grade 1- Emily O-Brien. Emily is currently teaching grade 2 and has taught grade 1 at Pratt. Emily is familiar with our district curriculum and has also worked as an Instructional Lesson Plan Designer for Super Summer programs. Welcome Emily!

Grade 4- Antonio Ruiz. Antonio is currently a 5th grade teacher at Lakes International Language Academy teaching math, science and literacy. Antonio has also been a bilingual teacher, Language Specialist teacher as well as a basketball coach and tutor. 

.5 Multi-lingual- Erica Grand Pre. Erica is currently a multi-lingual teacher at Lake Harrie Lower School. Prior to that Erica worked at Green Central for 7 years. Erica has experience with teacher newcomer students (new to the country) as well as small group instruction and co-teaching.

I hope you will join me in welcoming these new staff next year. 

5th Grade Band Concert

On Wednesday, May 20 2:30 p.m. 5th grade students will perform and share what they have been learning this year in Band! Plus, each class will perform one African drumming piece they will be learning over the next few weeks with guest artists Jesse and Benita Buckner. I plan to record both performances for caregivers who cannot attend daytime concerts. Please reach out if you have questions. ~Ms. Allison allison.cramer@mpls.k12.mn.us

Transportation for Next School Year

All families should have received the “save your seat survey” on Wednesday, May 13th, for students entering grades 1st through 8th. Families with incoming kindergarteners will receive an email soon. 

If you need a change for your transportation, you will be asked to complete your request through the MyRide K12 app. If you need support or would prefer not to use the app, please contact Catherine in the main office, either by email: catherine.mcdonnell-forney@mpls.k12.mn.us or phone: (612) 668-4432

MyRide K12 directions

Change requests must be submitted by the end of the school year, June 10, to ensure your student has busing for the first day of school.

From the Health Office 

As we approach the end of the year, we’ll be starting to make plans for the medications we have for students in the Health Office.  Our LPN, Adrienne Bisping, will be reaching out in the next couple of weeks via Talking Points to make a plan for sending medications home.  Some medications (inhalers, epipens) can be sent home in students’ backpacks, but all other medications will need to be picked up by a parent/guardian.  Feel free to reach out with any questions - 612-668-4416 (Roxanne) or 612-668-4415 (Adrienne).

OVERNIGHT CAMP OPPORTUNITY!  Does your child have an asthma diagnosis?  Every summer, Camp Superkids provides a truly life-changing experience for kids ages 7-16 to learn about their asthma and to feel more confident in managing it.  MANY SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE to cover the cost of the camp and some insurances will also help to pay for camp.  More information here:

https://www.ymcanorth.org/adventure/posts/camp-superkids-camp-kids-asthma

Community Opportunities

Minneapolis Parks: Storytelling in Powderhorn Park

Minneapolis Parks: Youth Sports Fall Registration

Becketwood Retirement Community: Neighborhood Spring Fest 

Pangea World Theater: 2026 Summer Camps Grades 1-6

Minneapolis Kids - Reminder

Minneapolis Kids is CLOSED on Monday, May 25th, and Tuesday, May 26th.

Minneapolis Kids is open for non-school day care on Wednesday, May 27th. Please reach out to Maya if you are unsure if your child is enrolled on the May 27th non-school day.

SAVE THE DATE! Registration for SY 26-27 Non-School Days opens on August 14th at 7am.

Questions? Reach out to Maya Christensen, Program Coordinator.

Maya.christensen@mpls.k12.mn.us 

Dowling PTO

Dowling Carnival is coming Thursday, May 28 from 4:30-7 p.m.!

Join us for bounce houses, games, crafts, pizza, popcorn, freezies, and a fun evening with the Dowling community. We’re currently looking for a few volunteers to help bring the event to life, including:

• Face painters (responsible middle/high school students welcome!)
• Creative volunteers interested in leading a simple craft activity
• Musicians, performers, or entertainers
• Donations of gently used kids’ books for our free book exchange, please start gathering now!

Interested in helping? Please email chair@dowlingpto.org. More details and volunteer sign-ups coming soon. Thanks for helping make this a great night for Dowling students and families! 

PTO Election Results

Thank you to everyone who attended our recent PTO meeting and board elections. We’re excited to welcome and support our incoming PTO board members for the 2026-27 school year, and we’re grateful to all of the parents and caregivers who continue to help make the Dowling community so special. 

A huge thank you to our outgoing PTO board members for the time, care, and energy they’ve poured into the Dowling community. These roles involve countless volunteer hours behind the scenes, and our students, staff, and families benefit enormously from their dedication. We’re incredibly grateful for all they’ve done to help make Dowling such a special place. 

Fridays “Stay to Play on the Ramps”

4:05–5:00 p.m.

Join us after school to play and catch up with friends. Many thanks to parent volunteer Katie Murray for coordinating this event again!

Mutual Aid Update

We have learned through this experience that there is an ongoing need within our school community for periodic support. To that end, funds will continue to support families as needs arise, whether or not tied to a specific event.

We are so grateful to everyone who has provided support and continues to support our amazing community. Thank you!

Donate here

Sign up to Request or Offer Aid Here

Dowling Wishlist

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