Dowling Newsletter - May 22, 2026

Reminder: No school May 25-27

As a reminder, there will be no school on the following days:

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 26 - professional development

Wednesday, May 27 - Eid al-Adha

From the Principal

As we begin to wind down the school year, we are noticing that many of our students have excitement and some students have worries for the summer. Many of our students enjoy the structure that the school day brings, so a change of routine can be a bit worrisome. Other students are excited and have a lot of energy this time of year. Please keep reminding your students of our Dowling Standards: Show Respect, Make Good Decisions, and Solve Problems. Thank you!

Dilly Dally Day (A Silly Field Day) is coming on June 5. We need volunteers and seeking donations. Link here 

From the Library Media Center

Book Returns

All library books are due back on Friday, May 29th.   I will be sending notices home after that time.   Please encourage your student to search and find any overdue books.  If a book is lost or damaged, it is easiest to replace the missing book with a new or like-new copy of the same title.  If that is not possible, please replace the book with a new or like-new book of equal value, or a check to Dowling School or cash for the book amount listed on the notice.  Please contact me with questions, or if replacing a book is a hardship.

Summer Reading Fun!

I have shared information about free Summer Reading programs with students.  You can access this info here.  It is also available through my Clever page.  Students will bring home a flyer with this information as well.  Enjoy the many wonderful reading resources in our area!

Transportation Reminder

If you have not done so already, please fill out the “Save your Seat” request form for next year.  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

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 two 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 Park & Recreation Music and Movies event series

South High Music Boosters

Minneapolis Kids

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

Dowling PTO

Dowling Carnival is Thursday, May 28 from 4:30-7:00pm. Volunteers needed!

This is one of Dowling’s biggest community events of the year, and we’d love your help bringing it to life. With more than 50 volunteer spots to fill, even one short shift makes a huge difference.

Volunteer sign-up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0B44A9A62CA7FD0-64270037-dowling

Join us for bounce houses, adaptable games and crafts, giant bubbles, screen printing, pizza, popcorn, freezies, and a fun evening celebrating the end of the school year with the Dowling community. We’re hoping to create one of those memorable spring evenings kids will talk about long after the school year ends.

A few special opportunities to help:

• Face painters needed! This is one of the most popular carnival activities every year, and we are especially looking for volunteers willing to help with face painting. Responsible middle and high school students are welcome!
• Creative volunteers for craft activities. Have an idea you’re excited about? We’d love to support it! We have a small materials budget available and are looking for simple, fun activities led by parents, caregivers, grandparents, older siblings, artists, makers, and creative community members.
• Lend giant bubble equipment or yard games. To reduce waste and keep things community-powered, we’d love to borrow a handful of kid-friendly yard games or giant bubble wands/equipment for the evening. If you’re able to help, please email chair@dowlingpto.org
• Free book exchange donations. Please bring your gently used kids’ books directly to the carnival for students and families to enjoy and take home.

A few fun things to know before you come:

• Bring your own shirt, tote bag, or other fabric item for our free Dowling screen printing activity!
• All Dowling students will receive one free slice of Parkway Pizza, and additional discounted slices will be available for families (other options available for a variety of dietary needs).

Events like this only happen because families pitch in together. Whether you volunteer, loan equipment, donate books, help run an activity, or simply come enjoy the evening, thank you for helping make Dowling such a special community.

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!