Important Update for Dowagiac Union Schools Families
We are currently awaiting confirmation from the City that the waterline repairs have been completed.
We hope to provide an update by 10:00 PM this evening, if additional information becomes available. If no further announcement is made tonight, families should plan for school to be in session tomorrow as scheduled.
Please be aware that a boil water advisory is currently in effect. As a precaution, we will encourage families to send bottled water with their students tomorrow. Bottled water will also be available at all school buildings to ensure students and staff have access to safe drinking water.
Should the repairs not be completed and school need to be canceled, a “snow day” announcement will be communicated between 5:30-5:45 AM through our normal district communication channels.
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we work through this situation. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this.
We are currently awaiting confirmation from the City that the waterline repairs have been completed.
We hope to provide an update by 10:00 PM this evening, if additional information becomes available. If no further announcement is made tonight, families should plan for school to be in session tomorrow as scheduled.
Please be aware that a boil water advisory is currently in effect. As a precaution, we will encourage families to send bottled water with their students tomorrow. Bottled water will also be available at all school buildings to ensure students and staff have access to safe drinking water.
Should the repairs not be completed and school need to be canceled, a “snow day” announcement will be communicated between 5:30-5:45 AM through our normal district communication channels.
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and flexibility as we work through this situation. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority.
Thank you for your patience as we navigate this.
Due to unforeseen issues with the City of Dowagiac's water system, Dowagiac Union Schools will be conducting an emergency early dismissal today, Monday, October 26, 2026.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority.
Dismissal Information:
High School and Middle School Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM.
Elementary Students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM.
Bus transportation will operate accordingly.
Families are encouraged to make any necessary arrangements for their students.
We apologize for the short notice and appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Dowagiac Union Schools
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority.
Dismissal Information:
High School and Middle School Students will be dismissed at 11:30 AM.
Elementary Students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM.
Bus transportation will operate accordingly.
Families are encouraged to make any necessary arrangements for their students.
We apologize for the short notice and appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unexpected situation.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Dowagiac Union Schools


It's time to hit the court! Registration for the 2026 Dowagiac Chieftain Boys Youth Basketball season is officially open!
Boys in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join the fun, build their skills, learn teamwork, and make memories on the court!
🏀 Registration Deadline: November 6, 2026
🏀 Cost: $40 for the first child | $30 for siblings
🏀 Practices Begin: Week of November 9
🏀 Games Begin: November 15 (Sunday games for 5 weeks)
📍 In-Person Registration Opportunities:
October 27 & 29 | 5:30–7:15 PM at Dowagiac Youth Football Field
October 31 | Pumpkin Bowl at Chris Taylor Alumni Field
For additional information and updates, follow Dowagiac Boys Basketball on Facebook.
🧡🖤 Let's fill the court!
Boys in 1st through 6th grade are invited to join the fun, build their skills, learn teamwork, and make memories on the court!
🏀 Registration Deadline: November 6, 2026
🏀 Cost: $40 for the first child | $30 for siblings
🏀 Practices Begin: Week of November 9
🏀 Games Begin: November 15 (Sunday games for 5 weeks)
📍 In-Person Registration Opportunities:
October 27 & 29 | 5:30–7:15 PM at Dowagiac Youth Football Field
October 31 | Pumpkin Bowl at Chris Taylor Alumni Field
For additional information and updates, follow Dowagiac Boys Basketball on Facebook.
🧡🖤 Let's fill the court!


School Bus Safety Starts with YOU!
Every school day, our dedicated bus drivers go above and beyond to ensure our students arrive at school and return home safely!
As we recognize the importance of School Bus Safety, we want to remind our community that keeping students safe is a responsibility we all share.
🚦 A few important reminders:
Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights.
Slow down and stay alert in school zones and near bus stops.
Never pass a stopped school bus when students are loading or unloading and its red lights are flashing.
Be patient and give our buses plenty of space.
🧡To our incredible bus drivers: THANK YOU for your early mornings, long afternoons, patience, dedication, and the care you show our students each and every day. You are an essential part of our Chieftain family, and we appreciate all that you do!
Let's work together to keep our students safe, one bus stop at a time!
Every school day, our dedicated bus drivers go above and beyond to ensure our students arrive at school and return home safely!
As we recognize the importance of School Bus Safety, we want to remind our community that keeping students safe is a responsibility we all share.
🚦 A few important reminders:
Always stop for school buses with flashing red lights.
Slow down and stay alert in school zones and near bus stops.
Never pass a stopped school bus when students are loading or unloading and its red lights are flashing.
Be patient and give our buses plenty of space.
🧡To our incredible bus drivers: THANK YOU for your early mornings, long afternoons, patience, dedication, and the care you show our students each and every day. You are an essential part of our Chieftain family, and we appreciate all that you do!
Let's work together to keep our students safe, one bus stop at a time!

📌 Check out Nurse Dorman's October newsletter for important tips and reminders!

The Board of Education will hold its Regular Board Meeting, on October 19th, 2026 in the PAC at Dowagiac Middle School at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
🍎🍽️ What's Cooking, Chieftains?
Check out the October Newsletter from Deb Cahill, General Manager of Food Service for Dowagiac Union Schools, to see what's cooking in our cafeterias and learn more about what's going on behind the scenes to keep our Chieftains fueled and ready to learn!
Check out the October Newsletter from Deb Cahill, General Manager of Food Service for Dowagiac Union Schools, to see what's cooking in our cafeterias and learn more about what's going on behind the scenes to keep our Chieftains fueled and ready to learn!

Important Update: Youth Employment Work Permits
Effective October 2nd, 2026, the State of Michigan transitioned to a new online Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP).
Work permits will now be processed electronically through the state rather than through school offices.
If your student has a valid permit, this will remain in effect unless the student changes employers or worksites.
For more information or to begin the process, visit Michigan.gov/YEPP.
Effective October 2nd, 2026, the State of Michigan transitioned to a new online Youth Employment Permit Portal (YEPP).
Work permits will now be processed electronically through the state rather than through school offices.
If your student has a valid permit, this will remain in effect unless the student changes employers or worksites.
For more information or to begin the process, visit Michigan.gov/YEPP.

The Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on October 12th, 2026 in the Council Chambers at Dowagiac City Hall at 5:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
📸 CHIEFTAIN SPIRIT CAM !
We want to see your PINK! Whether you're decked out from head to toe or adding a little splash of pink to your Chieftain gear, snap a photo and drop it in the comments below! 👇🩷
Let's fill the stands AND the comments with Chieftain Spirit!
Also, don't forget to join us for the PINK OUT TAILGATE before the game at the High School 4:30-6:30! Come out, enjoy the festivities, and get ready for a great night of Chieftain football!
#GoChieftains
We want to see your PINK! Whether you're decked out from head to toe or adding a little splash of pink to your Chieftain gear, snap a photo and drop it in the comments below! 👇🩷
Let's fill the stands AND the comments with Chieftain Spirit!
Also, don't forget to join us for the PINK OUT TAILGATE before the game at the High School 4:30-6:30! Come out, enjoy the festivities, and get ready for a great night of Chieftain football!
#GoChieftains

Behind every great school is a team of dedicated leaders who go above and beyond — and our Assistant Principals are no exception!
From encouraging students and supporting our staff. They solve problems, celebrate successes, and keep our schools running smoothly, they truly do it ALL! 🙌
Today, we're giving a special CHIEFTAIN SHOUTOUT to our incredible Assistant Principals for the heart, dedication, and leadership they bring to Dowagiac Union Schools every single day!
🧡 We are ALL IN because of leaders like YOU! 🖤
Help us show them some love! Drop a 🧡 in the comments or share a shoutout to let them know how much they're appreciated!
From encouraging students and supporting our staff. They solve problems, celebrate successes, and keep our schools running smoothly, they truly do it ALL! 🙌
Today, we're giving a special CHIEFTAIN SHOUTOUT to our incredible Assistant Principals for the heart, dedication, and leadership they bring to Dowagiac Union Schools every single day!
🧡 We are ALL IN because of leaders like YOU! 🖤
Help us show them some love! Drop a 🧡 in the comments or share a shoutout to let them know how much they're appreciated!

🚌🧡 GET BEHIND THE WHEEL & JOIN THE CHIEFTAIN TEAM! 🖤🚌
Looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a difference in your community? Dowagiac Union Schools wants YOU!
Every school day starts with a smile, a friendly greeting, and a safe ride to school. Our bus drivers do more than drive — they help set the tone for a great day of learning! 🧡
⭐ Make a difference in students' lives
⭐ Become part of our Chieftain family
⭐ Help keep our students moving in the right direction!
📲 Interested in joining our team? Click the link below!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/DUSD/opening/113475
Looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can make a difference in your community? Dowagiac Union Schools wants YOU!
Every school day starts with a smile, a friendly greeting, and a safe ride to school. Our bus drivers do more than drive — they help set the tone for a great day of learning! 🧡
⭐ Make a difference in students' lives
⭐ Become part of our Chieftain family
⭐ Help keep our students moving in the right direction!
📲 Interested in joining our team? Click the link below!
https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/DUSD/opening/113475

🧡 October is National Principals Month! 🖤
This month, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible principals who lead our schools with dedication, heart, and Chieftain pride every single day!
From supporting students and staff to building strong school communities, our principals wear MANY hats—and their impact reaches far beyond the school day. We are grateful for their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to helping every student succeed.
Join us in giving a BIG THANK YOU to our amazing Dowagiac Union Schools principals!
Drop a 🧡 in the comments and help us show them some love during National Principals Month!
This month, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible principals who lead our schools with dedication, heart, and Chieftain pride every single day!
From supporting students and staff to building strong school communities, our principals wear MANY hats—and their impact reaches far beyond the school day. We are grateful for their leadership, encouragement, and commitment to helping every student succeed.
Join us in giving a BIG THANK YOU to our amazing Dowagiac Union Schools principals!
Drop a 🧡 in the comments and help us show them some love during National Principals Month!

Thank you for your patience, please see the newsletter for DUHS from 9/25/2026:
https://dowagiacschools.edurooms.com/newsletters/dowagiac-union-high-school/newsletters/duhs-9-25-26
The Board of Education will hold its Regular Board Meeting, on September 21st, 2026 in the PAC at Dowagiac Middle School at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
📣 REMINDER: NO SCHOOL! 📣
There will be NO SCHOOL this Friday, September 18th due to Staff Professional Development.
We hope our students and families enjoy the long weekend! 🧡🖤
#GoChieftains
There will be NO SCHOOL this Friday, September 18th due to Staff Professional Development.
We hope our students and families enjoy the long weekend! 🧡🖤
#GoChieftains

The Board of Education will hold a Special Meeting on September 14th, 2026 in the Council Chambers at Dowagiac City Hall at 5:00 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.
🚌 WHEELS UP—WE’RE HIRING! 🚌
Dowagiac Union Schools is looking for BUS DRIVERS to join our team! 🧡🖤
Dowagiac Union Schools is looking for BUS DRIVERS to join our team! 🧡🖤

Dowagiac Union School District is now accepting bids for snow plowing until 1:00 pm Tuesday, September 29th, 2026.

📰 Central Office Newsletter | September 4th , 2026
https://bit.ly/4zXXZtn
https://bit.ly/4zXXZtn
