Jerry Lee Faine Elementary School

Dothan City Schools is bringing reading, learning, and summer fun directly into the community with the launch of the district’s brand new Backyard Summer Reading Program, the first program of its kind for DCS.

The Backyard Summer Reading Program is designed to keep students engaged throughout the summer through read-alouds, interactive games, hands-on activities, literacy enrichment, free books for students to take home, and free meals for children 18 and under. Meals are first-come, first-served.

District and school leaders will lead read-alouds for students and families, giving them the opportunity to connect with school principals and district leadership in a fun, relaxed, and family-friendly environment ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.

“This program is about creating memorable and educational experiences for our students, encouraging a love for learning, and bringing families together in a positive way throughout the summer,” said Superintendent Dr. Garrick Askew. “We are excited to take learning beyond the classroom and right into our own backyards.”

The Backyard Summer Reading Program will take place at the following locations:

• Wednesday, June 3, 2026 | 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Jamison Village, 705 N. Lena Street

• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Crawford Village, 602 S. Lena St.

• Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Crimson Ridge, 105 Booker St.

Dothan City Schools invites families to come out, enjoy a free meal, and join Dothan City Schools for an afternoon of reading, learning, and summer fun.

Want to know which principals and administrators will be at each event? Visit the News & Announcements section on our website homepage to view the full schedule.

REMINDER!

All Dothan City Schools will dismiss early on Thursday, May 21, 2026, for the last day of school for the 2025 - 2026 school year. Below are the staggered early dismissal times for all schools:

11:30 a.m.
• All Elementary Schools
• Head Start (Transportation will not be provided for Head Start on early dismissal days.)
• Dothan City Early Education Center

11:45 a.m.
• Carver 9th Grade Academy

12:00 p.m.
• Dothan High School

12:15 p.m.
• Dothan 6th Grade Center
• Dothan Preparatory Academy
• Dothan City Virtual School
• Pass Academy

For questions or additional information, please contact your child’s school.

Safe to say movie night was a success! HUGE thank you to our PTO for setting up such a great night for our wolf pups 💛❤️

Take a look at our Book Blast Treasure Chest winner! 🎉📚

A huge congratulations to Gionnah Culver from Pre-K for being our lucky Treasure Chest winner! ✨ She was all smiles after discovering her special surprise, and we loved getting to celebrate such an exciting moment with her!

We think it’s safe to say the treasure chest magic was real! 🏴‍☠️💎 Keep reading, dreaming, and shining bright, Gionna

Bus 71 understood the assignment this year! 🚌👏

Congratulations to Faine Elementary’s Bus of the Year and to their driver, Mr. Jamey Green, for keeping things rolling all year long. To celebrate, Bus 71 students were surprised with pizza before dismissal today! 🍕⭐

Part 3💛

Part 2 ❤️

Today, we proudly celebrated our 1st–4th grade students during our Awards Ceremonies! 🎉🏅

Students were recognized for their hard work, academic achievements, leadership, growth, and positive character throughout the school year. We are so proud of all they have accomplished! 🌟

Our students also did an amazing job performing songs during the ceremonies! 🎶 Their performances added such a special touch to the celebration, and they truly shined on stage.

We were also honored to have Grandma’s family join us today as we recognized and honored her memory. She touched so many lives, and we are grateful to have shared this special moment with her loved ones. ❤️

A special thank you to our teachers, staff, and families for supporting our students every step of the way. Congratulations to all of our award recipients and performers — keep up the great work! ❤️💛

Today’s unexpected theme: cheetah print 🐆✨

Bran’Daya, Mrs. Nikki, Mrs. Rodrigues, and Miss. Monk had a completely unplanned matching moment today—and it was too good not to share. Just a little extra fun sprinkled into the school day!

We are so proud of Zion Griffin for leading the prayer before our Kindergarten Graduation ceremony. 🎓🙏

Zion did an amazing job and showed such confidence, poise, and leadership in front of everyone. He helped make the day even more special, and we are thankful for the wonderful example he set for our students and families.

Great job, Zion! ❤️💛