Dahlgren School opened its doors to students and a new school year Aug. 17 during a welcome back event at Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren. Paul Craft, director of the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA), joined the school’s new principal, Dr. Veronica Rivera, and staff to greet students who each rang a ship’s bell as they entered the facility. Additionally, members of the installation’s Fire and Emergency Services, Security Forces and MWR staff were on hand to offer high fives and encouragement.
DoWEA, Dahlgren School and Navy leadership all emphasized the family environment that the small, close-knit school on a small installation provides students.
Craft – whose responsibility extends to 67,000 students and 160 Department of Defense Schools and affiliates – noted his own academic and personal growth at a small, rural school. “It’s amazing how you become family,” he said. “I love what we do here; I love the sense of community.”
Craft added that Dahlgren School will continue to serve the installation’s military families into the future. “We’re committed to being here to enable to sons and daughters of our warfighters.”
Rivera thanked parents for their trust, and the Dahlgren School staff for its “dedication, professionalism and compassion.” She encouraged students to set goals and work hard. “Know that you belong here.”
All personnel are advised that Dahlgren School and others are back in session, on and off the installation. Motorists must stop when school buses signal to do so, and use maximum caution around Dahlgren School, where Security Forces are enforcing the strict 15 mph speed limit.
| Date Taken: |
08.17.2026 |
| Date Posted: |
08.17.2026 15:03 |
| Story ID: |
572584 |
| Location: |
DAHLGREN, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: |
17 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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