FCPS

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Weekly update for March 28, 2025

 

Dear Columbia friends and families:

 

Today marks the final school day for the 3rd quarter of the 24-25 School Year. We are so proud of the growth we have seen academically, behaviorally, and socially in classrooms, in the hallways, around the building and in the Annandale greater community. Parents, please know that we are continously grateful for your partnership and support at home. We are looking forward to continued success as we finish the 24-25 SY on a strong note!

 

As a gentle reminder, Monday of next week will be a holiday, and Tuesday of next week will be a teacher workday. Students will return to Columbia on Wednesday, April 2nd. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  PTA News & Notes

 

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher appreciation week will be held April 28 - May 2nd this year. Please consider helping us thank the teachers for all they do for our students. Here is a sign-up genius for snacks that week, or if you would prefer to donate to the staff lunch you can do that here. Thank you in advance for helping us give back to our wonderful staff!

 

Save the Date – Field Day

Please save Friday, June 6th for field day. We need volunteers to make this fun annual event happen for our kids. Please hold the date and additional information will be forthcoming.

 

Online Spirit wear Store is Live

Students, family and staff can now order spirit wear all year long. You can click HERE to order your gear.  

 

Upcoming

Teacher Appreciation Week (4/28 - 5/2)

Field day (6/6)

Upcoming Spirit Week, mark your calendars!

• Monday, April 21 - wear blue for Watershed Day
• Tuesday, April 22 -wear green for Earth Day
• Wednesday, April 23 - wear white for Zero Waste Day
• Thursday, April 24 - wear red for Climate Change Day
• Friday, April 25 - wear a nature print for Wildlife Day

2025 Family Heritage Night!

 

Mark Your Calendars for Family Heritage Night!

 

Who:  All CES families and staff

What:  Come celebrate an evening of fun as we share one another’s cultural foods and heritage. 

When:  Thursday, April 24 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM

Where:   Columbia Elementary School

Bring:  Chairs or a blanket for a picnic!

RSVP:  Using the flyer (paper or QR code is available)

 

More ways you can support our Heritage Night:

• Bring a dish to share with 10-15 people
• Dress in attire representative of your culture
• Contribute an artifact to the cultural artifact exhibit

 

See flyers below or QR code to sign up:

  Art to Remember - Thank you!

Columbia Families, thank you for all your support with our Art to Remember fundraiser! It has been a huge success, and your child will be so excited to see their awesome artwork printed on mugs, t-shirts and more! Orders will be delivered the week we return from Spring Break. If you missed out, no worries--orders can still be placed online at https://arttoremember.com/school/z2phtl, but will need to be shipped to your home. Thank you again for your support of our CES Art Program!

☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County! 

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on [Insert date and location] from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

🐾Save the Date 🐾

March 31: Holiday

April 1: Student Holiday

April 1: Rising Kindergarten Orientation at 3pm

April 3: Annandale Pyramid Art Show

April 10: 5th Grade Cougar Chorus Concert

April 14 - 18: Spring Break

April 21: 3 Hour Early Release - Dismissal at 1:05 p.m.

April 21: Spirit Day - Wear Blue for Watershed Day

April 22: Spirit Day - Wear Green for Earth Day

April 23: Spirit Day - Wear White for Zero Waste Day

April 24: Family Heritage Night

April 24: Spirit Day - Wear Red for Climate Change Day

April 25: Wear a Nature Print for Wildlife Day

April 28 - May 2: Teacher Appreciation Week

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

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Weekly update for March 21, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families,

 

This has been another exciting week at Columbia! Yesterday, our 4th graders enjoyed an annual tradition of attending Jamestown, Virginia, in support of their social studies curriculum. Students were able to experience history coming to life through their tour of the Powhatan Village, Shipyard, Fort, and the indoor museum in historic Jamestown. Thank you to the 4th grade team for their hard work and detailed planning efforts around this exciting field trip!

 

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the 4th quarter of this school year. As we approach the end of the 3rd quarter of school, which is next Friday, I want to send a friendly reminder that there will be no school on Monday, March 31st and Tuesday, April 1st. The first day of the 4th quarter of school will be Wednesday, April 2nd. 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

  PTA News & Notes

 

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher appreciation week will be held April 28 - May 2nd this year. Please consider helping us thank the teachers for all they do for our students. Here is a sign-up genius for snacks that week, or if you would prefer to donate to the staff lunch you can do that here. Thank you in advance for helping us give back to our wonderful staff!

 

Save the Date – Field Day

Please save Friday, June 6th for field day. We need volunteers to make this fun annual event happen for our kids. Please hold the date and additional information will be forthcoming.

 

Online Spirit wear Store is Live

Students, family and staff can now order spirit wear all year long. You can click HERE to order your gear.  

 

Upcoming

3/26 Family Night Out – Jets Pizza: Order HERE - code Columbia Elementary

  Art to Remember - Final Reminder!

 

Our Art to Remember Fundraiser ends next Tuesday, March 25! Thank you to everyone who has already placed their order. Orders can be placed online at https://arttoremember.com/school/Z2PHTL. These products make great gifts and your child’s code can be shared with extended family and friends. Orders should arrive after Spring Break. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Art teacher, Michelle McKenna [email protected].

 

Nuestra recaudación de fondos de “Arte de Recuerdo”, finaliza el próximo Martes 25 de Marzo. Agradecemos a todos los que ya hicieron su pedido. Puedes hacer tus pedidos en línea en el siguiente link https://arttoremember.com/school/Z2PHTL. Estos artículos son regalos fantásticos y puedes compartir el código de tu hijo con familiares y amigos. Todos los pedidos deberán llegar después de las vacaciones de primavera. Si tienes alguna pregunta, por favor contacte a nuestra profesora de Arte, Michelle McKenna [email protected].

 

  Career Day 2025 - Mark your calendars!

 

On Tuesday, June 3rd, we will be hosting our annual College & Career Fair for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders!  

We are looking for volunteers to talk to our students about college/technical training programs, military options, and careers.  If you are willing to visit our school to share your personal experiences, please complete the form below. We will reach out to you about your participation. Thank you! https://forms.gle/m4NHkPe9oEPh7GtY9

 

 

We had a great time getting to know members of the Fairfax County Police Department earlier this week during lunches on Tuesday! The FCPD Lunch Buddy Program is a community engagement initiative where our officers visit schools to have lunch with students, providing a fun and relaxed way to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the young members of our community. Thank you to the FCPD for all you do!

 

Typing Club Success: 4,000+ Lessons and Counting!

Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students have been actively engaged in Typing Club, the online keyboarding program made possible by our wonderful PTA. We're seeing excellent progress as they build their proficiency in this essential digital skill. Since launching Typing Club in early March, our 3rd-5th grade students have completed an impressive 4,062 lessons! These grade levels are focusing on developing both speed and accuracy. We look forward to seeing the continued growth of our students' keyboarding skills!  Reach out to your child's teacher or Mrs. Dumont if you need support logging in to your child's account at home.

🐾Save the Date 🐾

March 26: PTA Family Night Out - Jets Pizza

March 31: Holiday

April 1: Student Holiday

April 1: Rising Kindergarten Orientation at 3pm

April 3: Annandale Pyramid Art Show

April 10: 5th Grade Cougar Chorus Concert

April 14 - 18: Spring Break

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

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Weekly update for March 14, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families:

 

Happy Pi Day! National π Day is celebrated today, March 14 (3/14) around the world, which is also Albert Einstein's birthday. Pi is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159. If you would like to learn more about resources to share with your students about this math concept, please let us know.

 

I am excited to share about a new partnership we have formed with the Fairfax County Police Department. They have a community engagement initiative named the "Lunch Buddy Program" and they have agreed to spend time with us at Columbia ES! Starting next week, officers will visit schools to have lunch with students, providing a fun and relaxed way to build positive relationships between law enforcement and the young members of our community. It’s a great way for students to interact with officers outside of emergencies, fostering trust, mentorship, and a sense of community. I hope our students enjoy getting to know the people behind the badges, and that they get to learn about giving back to their community. Please reach out to me directly with any questions you may have.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School  

  PTA Meeting

Our next meeting is this coming Tuesday, March 18th in the library. There will be a zoom link for those who would like to join virtually. We will be discussing Teacher Appreciation Week. April 28- May 2. Please join us.

 

PTA Wish List 

We have a spring full of events ahead of us. Please see our wish list that includes things such as concession stand supplies, bookmarks for Read-a-thon, paper bags for school use, and items to stock the teachers lounge. Items do not have to be purchased from Amazon. Feel free to purchase elsewhere and drop it off in the front office. Thank you!

 

Online Spirit wear Store is Live

Students, family and staff can now order spirit wear all year long. You can click HERE to order your gear.  

 

Upcoming

3/26 Family Night Out – Jets Pizza: Order HERE

 

  Art to Remember Fundraiser

 

Don’t forget about our Art to Remember fundraiser that is going on now through March 25th! Orders can be placed online at https://arttoremember.com/school/Z2PHTL. You can purchase personalized gifts customized with your child’s art and many for less than $15. Also feel free to share your child’s code with extended family and friends. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Art teacher, Michelle McKenna [email protected].

 

No olvides nuestra recaudación de fondos “Arte de Recuerdo” que está en marcha hasta el 25 de Marzo. Los pedidos pueden ser hechos en línea en  https://arttoremember.com/school/Z2PHTL.

Puedes comprar regalos personalizados con el arte de tu hijo(a); y muchas opciones por menos de $15. También, siéntete libre de compartir el código de tu hijo con familiares y amigos.

Si tienes alguna pregunta, por favor contacte a nuestra profesora de Arte, Michelle McKenna [email protected].

  Ms. Wondmagegne Published in National Mathematics Journal!

We are delighted to share that Ms. Mhret Wondmagegne, our 2nd grade teacher, has co-authored an article published in the March 2025 issue of Mathematics Teacher: Learning & Teaching PK–12, a publication of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). This is a significant accomplishment, and we congratulate Ms. Wondmagegne on this honor! Read all about her accomplishment on the Columbia website!

  Specials Spotlight FLES & STEAM with Srta. Alba

During the third quarter, students had a chance to use Ozobots for the first time this year! They incorporated both coding and the Spanish language. The topics for Kindergarten, first graders and second graders have been animals and they have enjoyed talking about them and learning the movements that go along with each one! In third grade, students have learned about definite and indefinite articles in Spanish.  In fourth grade, students learned about 3D shapes and made an impossible cube using keva planks.  Fifth graders learned about force and motion and did a ball run to demonstrate their learning.

  🐾Save the Date 🐾

March 18: PTA Meeting

March 26: PTA Family Night Out - Jets Pizza

March 31: Holiday

April 1: Student Holiday

April 1: Rising Kindergarten Orientation at 3pm

April 10: 5th Grade Cougar Chorus Concert

April 14 - 18: Spring Break

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

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Weekly update for March 7, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families:

 

It has been another exciting week at Columbia ES. 3rd quarter interims went home on Tuesday, 1st graders went on an exciting and engaging field trip to the National Building Museum on Thursday, and we tallied up the results and identified the winners of our recent Read-a-thon (more details to come!) earlier today. Speaking of which, I wanted to share a huge THANK YOU to the wonderful PTA for their efforts in leading the annual Read-a-thon last week. We love seeing the kids dive into good books!

 

As we move our clocks backward an hour this weekend, please consider giving your student(s) a little extra support in the morning to arrive on time to school next week until we are all adjusted to the change. Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  PTA News and Notes

 

PTA Meeting

Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 18th in the library. There will be a zoom link for those who would like to join virtually. We will be discussing Teacher Appreciation Week. April 28- May 2. Please join us.

 

After School Soccer

PSA soccer after school sign-up is open. More inforemation can be found HERE

 

PTA Wish List 

We have a spring full of events ahead of us. Please see our wish list that includes things such as concession stand supplies, paper bags for school use, and items to stock the teachers lounge. Items do not have to be purchased from Amazon. Feel free to purchase elsewhere and drop it off in the front office. Thank you!

 

Online Spirit wear Store is Live

Students, family and staff can now order spirit wear all year long. You can click HERE to order your gear.  

Upcoming

3/26 Family Night Out – Jets Pizza

Monday is a 3 Hour Early Release!

This coming Monday, March 10th, is a 3-hour early release day. You should have received an email confirming your preference for having your student dismiss at 1:05pm or 4:05pm. Please call the main office with any questions you may have about the 3-hour early dismissal for this coming Monday afternoon or email Mrs. Dumont at [email protected].

  Congratulations Ms. Chapman and Ms. Hiltabidle! FCPS Lexia Leaders for Quarter 2!

We're bursting with joy to announce that two of our amazing teachers, Ms. Chapman and Ms. Hiltabidle, have been recognized for their outstanding work in promoting literacy! They've both been named Lexia Leaders for Quarter 2, a special recognition from Lexia Learning, that celebrates their dedication and expertise in using this innovative program, as they foster a love of literacy. Read all about Ms. Chapman and Ms. Hiltabidle's recognition! 

 

Specialist Spotlight Art with Mrs. Mckenna

Did you know that March is Youth Art Month? Help celebrate your CES artist by purchasing their artwork printed on some of the many cool items offered through our Art to Remember fundraiser. Order forms will be sent home next week. Purchases should be made online at https://arttoremember.com/school/z2phtl and orders are due by March 25th. Below are some of the fun things that are happening in the art room this quarter.

• Kindergarteners have been learning to be architects and using their imaginations to create some fantasy lands.
• 1st graders are working on a paper weaving about the different generations of their family and will be starting some architecture projects soon.
• In 2nd grade students are learning about animal habitats and creating a 3-D habitat for their ceramic animal sculptures.
• Our 3rd graders have been busy painting about memories of a day at the park and will be starting a fiber art weaving project.
• 4th graders have been working hard on their memento stitchery projects and will be starting a Virginia landscape painting soon.
• In 5thgrade students have created some amazing face jugs and will next be exploring printmaking and radial symmetry. 

I appreciate the amazing students and families we have here at CES and thank you for sharing your children with me. Please reach out if you have any questions or comments about your child’s art education. Fondly, Mrs. McKenna

Specialist Spotlight Library with Ms. Papas

During the third quarter, students are discovering how to explore topics that interest them by using library resources. Soon, we'll kick off Book Madness, where students can read new books and vote for their favorites. Just like basketball's March Madness, we will eventually choose one favorite book as the winner!

This quarter, Kindergarteners are learning about non-fiction books and how to find books on various topics that are of interest. 

First graders are exploring biographies, learning that these are non-fiction books about famous people. The person may still be living or may not be, and biographies can cover their entire life or just a specific part. Students now know where to find the Biography section in the library and that these books are organized by the last name of the person, not the author.

Second graders are getting ready for a research project by learning how to use our online catalog and databases. They feel confident logging into Destiny Discover and searching for books in our library. They have also learned how to place books on hold!

Third graders are becoming Collaborators, focusing on how to work together while researching and sharing information.

Meanwhile, Fourth and Fifth graders are using information to build their Creative and Critical Thinking skills by refining their work and asking questions to explore ideas.

🐾Save the Date 🐾 3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

March 10

 

PTA Meeting

March 18

 

PTA Family Night Out - Jets Pizza

March 26

 

Holiday

March 31

 

Student Holiday

April 1

 

Rising Kindergarten Orientation

April 1

 

5th Grade Cougar Chorus Concert

April 10

 

Spring Break

April 14 - 18

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

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Weekly update for February 28, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families:

 

It is hard to believe that next week will be the first week of March! As we hopefully trend towards warmer weather, please note that we will be looking to clean up our Lost & Found section in the cafeteria. If you believe your child might have an item from the last couple of months in the Lost & Found area, please reach out to us in the main office and plan to retrieve it soon before we make space for other items. 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

 

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

  2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

• Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
• Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

• Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
• Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process. 

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

🐾Save the Date 🐾 3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

March 10

 

PTA Meeting

March 18

 

Holiday

March 31

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for February 21, 2025

Dear CES friends and families:

 

We were so excited to see so much engagement, learning, and fun with families, staff, and guests at this year's Columbia STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) Night. A special THANK YOU goes out to Mrs. Dumont and all the staff on the Technology committee for doing a wonderful job planning, organizing, and leading this effort. 

 

I am also excited to share that After-School Club programming, for the Spring Season, is back! This spring, we will be offering Soccer Club on Wednesday afternoons and STEAM Club on Thursday afternoons. See flyers below for more details and register soon.

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  PTA News & Notes

2025 Read-a-Thon

We are excited for the upcoming Read-a-thon that will take place February 24th – March 2nd. Our goal is to get students reading everyday for at least 30 minutes. Prizes will include gift certificates to the spring book fair and pizza party for the class that reads the most minutes.

 

What Parents and Guardians can do to help:

• Please encourage your child/children to read independently for AT LEAST 30 MINUTES each day or more!  Families reading aloud to younger children will count toward their goal. Older siblings can read aloud to younger ones and both can record the minutes. Students can call grandparents and read aloud to them. 
• Contact your teacher and ask if you can come in to be a guest reader.
• Remind your child to enter his/her minutes into the reading log AND to bring it to school on March 11th. Paper logs will be distributed next week.

PTA Wish List 

We have a spring full of events ahead of us. Please see our wish list that includes things such as concession stand supplies, bookmarks for Read-a-thon, paper bags for school use, and items to stock the teachers lounge. Items do not have to be purchased from Amazon. Feel free to purchase elsewhere and drop it off in the front office. Thank you!

 

Online Spirit wear Store is Live

Students, family and staff can now order spirit wear all year long. See more information below along with a direct link.

Upcoming 

2/26     Family Night Out Dominos Pizza

 

FCPS Region6 CARES Award Winner

Earlier this week, we celebrated 5th Grade teacher, Ms. Laura Steib, as she was recognized as the FCPS Region 6 CARES of the Month winner. A Columbia parent submitted her name, including a recent story of what makes her such a wonderful educator. We took time to celebrate Ms. Steib during a staff breakfast on Wednesday morning, where she was presented with a recognition certificate and enamel pin. We are so thankful for all the wonderful, caring, and talented adults who work at Columbia ES. Additionally, thank you to all the families who support these wonderful teachers to be their very best. #SmallSchoolBigHeart

  Attendance Matters

 

Regular attendance is crucial for the academic success of all students. Studies have repeatedly proven that students with better attendance records perform better in school and are more likely to graduate high school on time. When scheduling trips or potential extended days out of the area, please remember to carefully review FCPS calendars and make plans to limit days away from school. 

Did you know?

• Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing 10% (or about 2 days per month) can make it harder to learn to read.
• Attending school even if your student arrives late is valuable for their academic success.

If you need support, or even just to talk with someone to brainstorm ideas, in helping your student attend school on time and regularly, please reach out to your child's teacher or our school's wonderful counselor, Ms. Jenna Julian.  [email protected]

Specials Spotlight Music with Mrs. Eggleton

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders continue practicing steady beats with body percussion and instruments while celebrating Groundhog’s Day, 100 Days of School and Valentine’s Day. We have shared movement using a circle, line and partner dance, while using scarves and candy canes.  We learned about a musician named Trombone Shorty, who performed at this year's Super Bowl pregame show. We love performing with instruments while reading a book.  

3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are exploring the relationship between music and math, listening to and describing music using music terms and identifying the form of the music.  We are revising and refining our performance in singing and playing instruments.  Students are using their ideas to make the compositions their own.  Our music students are very creative and work well as a group. We learned about a musician named Trombone Shorty, who performed at this year's Super Bowl pregame show.

In March we will celebrate “Music in Our Schools Month” The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children-and to remind everyone that school is where all children should have access to music.

  STEAM Night Feedback Form

Thank you for joining us at STEAM night! We appreciate your feedback and ideas for future events. Please complete the optional feedback survey about last night's event!

  Columbia Spirit Gear available online!

Click on the image below to see new, and favorite, styles and items:

🐾Save the Date 🐾 PTA Sponsored Read-a-Thon

February 24 - 28

 

Family Night Out Dominos Pizza

February 26

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

March 10

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

STEAM Night is tomorrow night!

 

As a friendly reminder, the annual Columbia STEAM Night will be held tomorrow, Thursday, February 20th at Columbia Elementary School.

 

5:30pm - Doors Open

 

5:30pm - 7:00pm - Exhibit Hall Open

 

5:45pm - 6:20pm - Mad Science Show for families with last names A-J

 

6:30pm - 7:05pm - Mad Science Show for families with last names K-Z

 

7:05pm - Event concludes

 

See you there!

 

 

 

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for February 14, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families,

 

Even with some weather related interruptions, we had another great week at Columbia! Our Kindergarten students celebrated the 100th day of school in style and they look and sound 100 days wiser!

I hope that everyone enjoys the three-day holiday weekend this weekend and is looking forward to the annual Columbia STEAM NIGHT next week, which is being held on Thursday, February 20th. 

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  PTA News & Notes

PTA Meeting

Please join us for the PTA’s February meeting, Tuesday at 7 PM, in the library. For those who would like to join virtually the zoom link is below.  

Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91903873132  ; Meeting ID: 919 0387 3132

 

PTA Wishlist 

We have a spring full of events ahead of us. Please see our wishlist that includes things such as concession stand supplies, bookmarks for Read-a-thon, paper bags for school use, and items to stock the teachers lounge. Items do not have to be purchased from Amazon. Feel free to purchase elsewhere and drop it off in the front office. Thank you! tOffice. 

 

Online Spiritwear Store is Live

Students, family and staff can now order spiritwear all year long. Here is the link to the spirit shop: ONLINE SPIRITWEAR

 

2025 Read-a-Thon

We are excited for the upcoming Read-a-thon that will take place February 24 - 28. Our goal is to get students reading everyday for at least 30 minutes. Prizes will include gift certificates to the spring book fair and pizza party for the class that reads the most minutes.

 

What Parents and Guardians can do to help:

• Please encourage your child/children to read independently for AT LEAST 30 MINUTES each day or more!  Families reading aloud to younger children will count toward their goal. Older siblings can read aloud to younger ones and both can record the minutes. Students can call grandparents and read aloud to them.  
• Contact your teacher and ask if you can come in to be a guest reader.
• Remind your child to enter his/her minutes into the reading log AND to bring it to school on March 11th. Paper logs will be distributed next week.

Upcoming Dates

2/20     STEAM Night

2/26     Family Night Out Dominos Pizza

Protect Yourself & Your Community From the Flu

 

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department. 

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:    

• Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

 

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

 

¡Es el Momento de Inscribirse para el Kindergarten!

Asistir al kindergarten ofrece a los niños la oportunidad de aprender y practicar las habilidades sociales, emocionales, de resolución de problemas y de autorregulación esenciales que usarán durante toda su vida. Las escuelas públicas del Condado de Fairfax normalmente llevan a cabo eventos de inscripción para kindergarten-incluyendo orientación-en la primavera durante Lunes o Abril. Los niños elegibles también pueden inscribirse durante el verano, pero inscribir a su hijo temprano ayuda a las escuelas a prepararse y asegurarse de que tengan a mano los maestros y recursos que necesitan el primer día de clases. 

Después de determinar a qué escuela asistirá su hijo, las familias deben prepararse para la inscripción reuniendo documentos y completando formularios, los detalles se pueden encontrar en la página web de inscripción de kindergarten de FCPS. FCPS ofrece apoyo y recursos para todas las familias para ayudar con la inscripción y la transición al kindergarten. Para apoyo en otros idiomas, visite la página web de inscripción de kindergarten.

Specialist Spotlight P.E. with Mr. Kain

The third quarter will include lessons on nutrition, biomechanics, volleyball, and dance.  For the nutrition unit, grades 3-5 will learn about macronutrients and calculating Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).  Grades K-2 will learn the difference between healthy and unhealthy choices within each food group. For the biomechanics unit, grades 3-5 students will learn about bones and muscles.  Students in grades K-2 will participate in relays to help them locate the brain, heart, and lungs.   For the volleyball unit, students in grades 3-5 will learn how to forearm pass/bump, set, serve, and will play modified games.  Grades K-2 will practice keeping a balloon in the air and will practice volleyball moves with the balloon.   For the dance unit, students in grades 3-5 will design their own dances and students in grades K-2 will learn basic moves to a beat.

See you on Thursday, February 20th at STEAM Night!

 

Get ready for an evening of exploration and discovery at our annual STEAM Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Exciting Activities Await:

• Interactive Exhibits: Explore booths featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The exhibit hall will be open 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
  • Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
  • Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z

 

🐾Save the Date 🐾 STEAM Night

February 20

 

PTA Sponsored Read-a-Thon

February 24 - 28

 

Family Night Out Dominos Pizza

February 26

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

March 10

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

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Special Update for Feb. 11, 2025 All Columbia students dismissed at 1:05pm this afternoon

 

Dear Columbia friends and families,

 

As you may already be aware, all schools in FCPS will close three-hours early today because of the expected inclement weather that will be moving in our area throughout the afternoon/evening today.

 

Today, Columbia ES will dismiss at 1:05 PM.

 

To ensure the safety of our students, families, staff members at Columbia ES, and our dedicated bus drivers and daycare drivers, it is imperative that everyone leaves school on-time.

 

If your child is a car rider and you will not be able to pick them up at 1:05 PM, then we ask you find someone your child is familiar with; and listed on their emergency care, who can do so on your behalf. 

 

Thank you for partnering with us to ensure the safety of each and every member of the Columbia family today. We hope that everyone is safe and enjoys the snow!

 

 

 

Queridos amigos y familiares de Columbia ES,

 

Como ya sabrán, todas las escuelas en FCPS cerrarán tres horas antes hoy debido al mal tiempo esperado que se moverá en nuestra área durante la tarde/noche de hoy.

 

Hoy, Columbia ES saldrá a la 1:05 p.m.

 

Para garantizar la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes, familias, miembros del personal de Columbia ES y nuestros dedicados conductores de autobuses y de guarderías, es imperativo que todos salgan de la escuela a tiempo.

 

Si su hijo viaja en automóvil y no podrá recogerlo a la 1:05 p. m., le pedimos que busque a alguien con quien su hijo esté familiarizado; y enumerados en su atención de emergencia, que pueden hacerlo en su nombre.

 

Gracias por asociarse con nosotros para garantizar la seguridad de todos y cada uno de los miembros de la familia Columbia hoy. ¡Esperamos que todos estén seguros y disfruten de la nieve!

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for February 7, 2025

 

Dear Columbia friends and families:

 

It has been another great week at CES. We were excited earlier today to officially welcome the newest Columbia Cougar, our new Administrative Assistant, Ms. Lucy Santa Cruz. Today is her first day in the main office, see below for more details!

 

This coming Monday, February 10th, is a 3-hour early release day. You should have received an email confirming your preference for having your student dismiss at 1:05pm or 4:05pm. Please call the main office with any questions you may have about the 3-hour early dismissal for this coming Monday afternoon. 

 

On Tuesday of next week, progress reports will be coming home in Tuesday Folders. As always, please continue communicating with your child's teacher for any questions you may have about their academic progress. 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

Welcome Lucy Santa Cruz!

Lucy Santa Cruz is a versatile and passionate individual with a background in administrative support, training manual creation, helping lead teams, and Environmental Science. A proud graduate of George Mason University, Lucy earned her B.S. in Environmental Science after completing her K-12 education within FCPS. She is a team player who often wears multiple hats and thrives on helping wherever needed. Lucy is motivated by purpose, consistency, and family.

 

Lucy has experience working in both field work and office work. She has worked in diverse settings, including Maryland State Parks and Engineering and Software based companies, before working in FCPS for the Document Management Records Center. Outside of work, Lucy enjoys journaling, designing stickers, participating in a pool league, and spending quality time in nature with her dog, Hugo.

She is excited to join the Cougar family and contribute to the community!

 

Columbia Receives FCPS School Communications Awards!

Columbia's outstanding social media presence has earned them the FCPS 2024 Best in Social Media award! The school was recognized at the FCPS School Communicators Conference for their visually stunning and engaging content on Instagram and Facebook. The award highlights the school's thoughtful approach to showcasing their #SmallSchoolBigHeart community, positive school culture, and student learning. Congratulations to School-Based Technology Specialist and social media curator, Shannon Dumont, for this well-deserved recognition!

• Learn more about Columbia's award and the other eight schools recognized at this year's conference.

PTA News & Notes

 

Staff Soup Lunch - Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who donated items and made goodies for the staff's soup lunch Monday. The teachers and staff felt the love from our families. Thank you for making this year's event special!

 

Key Dates

2/20   STEAM Night 

2/26   Family Night Out (Dominos)    

 

Annual STEAM Night at CES Thursday, February 20th 

 

Get ready for an evening of exploration and discovery at our annual STEAM Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Exciting Activities Await:

• Interactive Exhibits: Explore booths featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The exhibit hall will be open 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
  • Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
  • Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z

Events in the Community

• Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair - February 8
  • 30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Educators!

  • Saturday, Feb. 8 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lorton Community Center & Library 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079

  • Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! Parents and guardians are welcome to choose up to 10 free books per child for home libraries, with a 30-book maximum limit per family.

  • For more information, please contact David Walrod: [email protected], 703-451-6840

🐾Save the Date 🐾 3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

  Holiday

February 17

  Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

March 10

  View the 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for January 31, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families:

 

It is hard to believe, but we have now started the 3rd quarter of this school year. Your students are hard at work communicating, collaborating, thinking critically, and reflecting on their learning as we start this quarter with a strong first step. 

 

I would like to send a huge THANK YOU to the wonderful CES PTA. They are leading the effort on Monday in providing the annual Soup Luncheon for the staff at CES. We are continuously grateful for the support of all families in this wonderful community. We appreciate you! #SmallSchoolBigHeart

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

  PTA News & Notes

 

Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch – This Monday, February 3rd!

There is still time to volunteer for a Columbia teacher and staff favorite! This Monday, February 3rd is the annual soup lunch. Get those favorite soup or salad recipes out and let’s show the staff how much we appreciate them. You can sign up HERE to contribute. Thank you! 

 

Partnership with Papa Johns

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Papa Johns in Annandale. You can now order pizza ANY THURSDAY from 11AM – 11PM for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10 PM). Families will receive 40 percent off their entire order and 10 percent of their order goes to the PTA. This opportunity will last until the end of the school year. Online code “CES4010” - this code will also be accepted by phone in case of issues with the website.

 

Key Dates

2/3     Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch

2/20   STEAM Night 

2/26   Family Night Out (Dominos)    

 

Annual STEAM Night at CES Thursday, February 20th 

 

Get ready for an evening of exploration and discovery at our annual STEAM Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Exciting Activities Await:

• Interactive Exhibits: Explore booths featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The exhibit hall will be open 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
  • Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
  • Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z

If you are interested in supporting or volunteering STEAM Night, please contact Shannon Dumont at [email protected].

News from the Library Overdue Notices

The library will be sending out overdue notices in the next week. Kindergarten through second grade will receive paper notices, while third through fifth grade will find their notices in their school email accounts.

Please encourage your children to return library books so others can enjoy them. If you're having trouble finding a book or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Papas at [email protected].

  🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards

First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education. 

Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.

Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.

 

  Events in the Community

• Holmes MS Family Rec Night - January 31st
  • You're invited to Holmes MS first-ever Family Rec Night! Join for this FREE event on Friday, January 31st, from 5 - 8 p.m.  Register now! You can expect an evening of fun and community: enjoy  recreational activities in the gym, connect with fellow families and staff, and enjoy dinner on us. We'll have activities to promote healthy habits and a workshop for parents on reading strategies for home, attendance, and digital tools like SIS. For more information, view the Holmes MS website.
• Pyramid Schools Night for Annandale Boys Basketball - February 4th
  • Annandale Boys Basketball will be hosting Pyramid Schools Night on February 4, vs Lewis @ 7:30pm at Annandale High School Main Gymnasium.
  • The Columbia ES students of the Annandale High School Pyramid will receive free admission when accompanied with a paying adult in attendance.
  • For more info contact Coach McAvoy at [email protected].  Instagram - annandaleboysball
• Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair - February 8
  • 30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Educators!

  • Saturday, Feb. 8 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lorton Community Center & Library 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079

  • Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! Parents and guardians are welcome to choose up to 10 free books per child for home libraries, with a 30-book maximum limit per family.

  • For more information, please contact David Walrod: [email protected], 703-451-6840

🐾Save the Date 🐾 3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

  Holiday

February 17

  Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

March 10

View the 2024-2025 FCPS School Calendar

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Friendly reminder! Columbia ES fundraiser at Taco Bamba

Today - Wednesday, January 29th

 

January's Family Night out is TODAY and TONIGHT at Taco Bamba (6259 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312).

 

The fundraiser runs from 9 am - 9 pm. 

 

Columbia will receive 20% of the sales from the day. Please mention Columbia Elementary School when ordering at the counter or use promo code GIVE20 when ordering on the website. Gift cards can be purchased online.

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for January 24, 2025

 

Dear CES friends and families,

 

Even with the cold temperatures and delayed openings, we have had another exciting week at Columbia! On Thursday, Mr. Andres Jimenez, Mason District supervisor for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, visited with students to share about his role in our local government. Students and staff were excited to interact with him and share questions and concerns about everyday life in Fairfax County.

 

Thank you, to everyone at home, for continuing to send your student(s) to school with winter weather clothing. The forecast for next week is a bit warmer, but as we return to having recess outdoors, it is important that students are still dressed warmly for the elements.

 

As a reminder, next Tuesday is the last day of the 2nd quarter of school. There will be no school for students on Wednesday, January 29th, as teachers will be working on grading assessments, finalizing progress reports, and completing professional development and required training.

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  PTA News & Notes

Family Night Out - Wednesday, January 29th

January's Family Night out will be at Taco Bamba (6259 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312). The fundraiser runs from 9 am - 9 pm.  Columbia will receive 20% of the sales from the day. Please mention Columbia Elementary School when ordering at the counter or use promo code GIVE20 when ordering on the website. Gift cards can be purchased online.

 

Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch – Monday February 3rd

Please consider volunteering for a Columbia teacher and staff favorite! Monday, February 3rd is the annual soup lunch. Get those favorite soup or salad recipes out and let’s show the staff how much we appreciate them. You can sign up HERE to contribute. Thank you! 

Partnership with Papa Johns

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Papa Johns in Annandale. You can now order pizza ANY THURSDAY from 11AM – 11PM for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10 PM). Families will receive 40 percent off their entire order and 10 percent of their order goes to the PTA. This opportunity will last until the end of the school year. Online code “CES4010” - this code will also be accepted by phone in case of issues with the website.

Upcoming Dates

Family night out – Taco Bamba 1/29

Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch 2/3

 

💧 3rd Grade Explores Water Treatment!

Earlier this school year, 3rd graders had a fascinating field trip to the Fairfax Water facility in Lorton! They learned all about how water is cleaned and delivered to our homes. Read more about their trip on our website!

  New Typing Program for Columbia ES Students

 

We're incredibly grateful to our amazing PTA for funding a three year subscription to TypingClub for grades 3-5! This fantastic online program helps students develop essential keyboarding skills in a fun and engaging way.

TypingClub provides interactive lessons, personalized learning paths, and gamified challenges to help students improve their typing speed and accuracy. It's a valuable tool that will benefit our students in all subjects, from writing assignments to online research. Learn more about Typing Club on their website.

We'll be rolling out TypingClub to classrooms soon! Stay tuned for more information about how your child can access this program both at school and at home. 

Annual STEAM Night at CES Thursday, February 20th 

 

Get ready for an evening of exploration and discovery at our annual STEAM Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Exciting Activities Await:

• Interactive Exhibits: Explore booths featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The exhibit hall will be open 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
  • Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
  • Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z

 

You're invited to Holmes MS first-ever Family Rec Night! Join for this FREE event on Friday, January 31st, from 5 - 8 p.m.  Register now by clicking here. You can expect an evening of fun and community: enjoy  recreational activities in the gym, connect with fellow families and staff, and enjoy dinner on us. We'll have activities to promote healthy habits and a workshop for parents on reading strategies for home, attendance, and digital tools like SIS. For more information, view the Holmes MS website.

                                                                

PYRAMID SCHOOLS NIGHT FOR ANNANDALE BOYS BASKETBALL

Annandale Boys Basketball will be hosting Pyramid Schools Night on February 4, 2025, vs Lewis @ 7:30pm at Annandale High School Main Gymnasium.

The following students of the Annandale High School Pyramid will receive free admission when accompanied with a paying adult in attendance.   

• Annandale Terrace Elementary School
• Braddock Elementary School
• Bren Mar Park Elementary School
• Columbia Elementary School
• North Springfield Elementary School
• Weyanoke Elementary School

We look to see you in attendance to witness the Boys Basketball Program and encourage you to be part of this experience. 

GO ATOMS!

For more info contact Coach McAvoy at [email protected].  Instagram - annandaleboysball

  🐾Save the Date 🐾

 

Student Holiday

January 29

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

  Holiday

February 17

  Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Update for PTA Meeting this evening

 

We hope you will join us tonight for our first meeting in 2025. Due to the extreme cold weather, the monthly PTA meeting scheduled for tonight will be VIRTUAL ONLY (Zoom information below).

Below, please find a couple reminders and the agenda for our meeting this evening.

• Family Night Out at Taco Bamba on January 29 (6259 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312). The fundraiser runs from 9 am - 9 pm. Columbia will receive 20% of the sales from the day. Please mention Columbia Elementary School when ordering at the counter or use promo code GIVE20 when ordering on the website. Gift cards can be purchased online.
• Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch – Monday February 3rd - Volunteers needed for a Columbia teacher and staff favorite! Monday, February 3rd is the annual soup lunch. Get those favorite soup or salad recipes out and let’s show the staff how much we appreciate them. You can sign up HERE to contribute. Thank you! https://columbiapta.givebacks.com/public/uploads/330ba911-1419-4ec8-8f9b-5e0526d93182

 

CES PTA Meeting Agenda

• Welcome
• Approval of Minutes (see Attached)
• SCA Officers Report
• Principal’s Report
• President’s Report
• Treasurer’s Report
• Fundraising Report
• New Business
• PTA Member Raffle

Information to participate virtually (Please be patient with the virtual option hybrid meeting as technology is not always on our side.):

Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91903873132

Meeting ID: 919 0387 3132

One tap mobile

+13092053325,,91903873132# US

Feel free to send us any questions or comments to [email protected].

Sincerely,

The PTA Board

Sylvie Nguyen-Fawley, President

Jenny Cline, VP Communications

Stephanie Cruse, Treasurer

Katie Clary, Secretary

Helpful Links:

PTA Store: https://columbiapta.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for January 17, 2025

 

Dear Columbia friends and families,

 

It has been another great week at CES, including a special visitor on Wednesday morning. Dr. Ricardy Anderson, Mason District Representative for the Fairfax County School Board, visited with 2nd graders as they learned about authentic and practical examples from government related to their language arts unit of study. We were honored to have Dr. Anderson spend time with us and are thankful to Ms. Nevin and Ms. Wondmagegne for coordinating a successful and engaging learning event!

 

Also this week, several students were accompanied by Mrs. Eggleton (see below) as they participated in the annual Annandale Pyramid Chorus Concert. Congratulations to Mrs. Eggleton and the talented students who represented Columbia with pride and skill on a high school stage!

 

As a reminder, please continue to send your student(s) with increased winter weather clothing (hats, gloves, heavy coats) each day to school as the temperatures are forecasted to be even colder next week. 

 

As we will have a holiday on Monday for Martin Luther King, Jr. day, we look forward to seeing students back here at school on Tuesday, January 21st. 

I hope you have a wonderful three-day weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

Save the Date! Annual STEAM Night at CES Thursday, February 20th 

 

Get ready for an evening of exploration and discovery at our annual STEAM Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Exciting Activities Await:

• Interactive Exhibits: Explore booths featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The exhibit hall will be open 5:30 - 7 p.m.
• Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
  • Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
  • Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z

 

Next PTA Meeting - Hybrid

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 21 at 7 PM. We will meet in-person in the school library. For those who would like to participate virtually, please find the Zoom information below. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Zoom: Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting

Meeting ID: 919 0387 3132

One tap mobile: +13092053325,,91903873132# US

 

Family Night Out - Wednesday, January 29th

January's Family Night out will be at Taco Bamba (6259 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312). The fundraiser runs from 9 am - 9 pm.  Columbia will receive 20% of the sales from the day. Please mention Columbia Elementary School when ordering at the counter or use promo code GIVE 20 when ordering on the website. Gift cards can be purchased online.

 

Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch – Monday February 3rd

Volunteers needed for a Columbia teacher and staff favorite! Monday, February 3rd is the annual soup lunch. Get those favorite soup or salad recipes out and let’s show the staff how much we appreciate them. You can sign up HERE to contribute. Thank you!  

 

New Partnership with Papa Johns

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Papa Johns in Annandale. You can now order pizza ANY THURSDAY from 11AM – 11PM for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10 PM). Families will receive 40 percent off their entire order and 10 percent of their order goes to the PTA. This opportunity will last until the end of the school year. Online code “CES4010” - this code will also be accepted by phone in case of issues with the website.

 

Upcoming Dates

PTA meeting 1/21

Family night out – Taco Bamba 1/29

Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch 2/3

 

  Specials Spotlight STEAM & FLES with Srta. Alba

Feliz año nuevo! We are almost done with second quarter! Kindergarten has been working on shapes, seasons, and describing pumpkins. First graders and second graders have learned about the seasons and how to talk about the weather in Spanish! They also had a chance to use their laptops to create a snowman.  In third grade, the students have learned about the phases of the moon and interrogative words.  In fourth grade, the students have learned about geography and the water cycle in Spanish.  The fifth grade students learned about animals of the ocean and describing them in Spanish. We also did a fun activity using hour of code with music.  The students remixed their own beats using AI and coding.

 

Kindergarten students and their shape creations.

  Connect with Columbia's Community on Instagram!

Want to see what's happening at school? Follow the CES Instagram page for photos and videos of classroom fun, student activities, and exciting events. It's a great way to stay connected and see learning in action! 

  🐾Save the Date 🐾   Holiday

January 20

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

January 21

 

Student Holiday

January 29

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

  Holiday

February 17

  Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

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Weekly update for January 10, 2025

 

Dear Columbia friends and families:

 

Happy New Year! Well, it has been quite a week with snow days, freezing temps, and a long extended winter break...but we were so excited to be back at school today. We missed seeing students and families here in the building on a routine basis, and look forward to more consistency starting next week.

 

The weather forecast for next week includes cold temperatures. We want to make sure all of our students stay warm during outdoor recess. Please remember to send your child to school with a warm coat, hat, and gloves. If you have any gently used winter coats that your child has outgrown, please consider donating them to the school as we will make sure they go to students in need. Feel free to drop them off in the main office. 

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School 

  PTA News & Notes

 

Fall Direct Donation Campaign – Success!

THANK YOU to all who contributed to the Fall direct donation fundraiser. We were able to raise 100% of the funds needed to purchase the typing program! We are excited to see the students become speedy typists this year.

 

Family Night Out - Wednesday, January 29

January's Family Night out will be at Taco Bamba (6259 Little River Turnpike, Alexandria, VA 22312). The fundraiser runs from 9 am - 9 pm.  Columbia will receive 20% of the sales from the day. Please mention Columbia Elementary School when ordering at the counter or use promo code GIVE20 when ordering on the website. Gift cards can be purchased online.

 

Next PTA Meeting - Hybrid

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, January 21 at 7 PM. We will meet in-person in the school library. For those who would like to participate virtually, please find the Zoom information below. We look forward to seeing you!

Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/91903873132 Meeting ID: 919 0387 3132 One tap mobile: +13092053325,,91903873132# US

 

  A message from Ms. McKenna!

Does your child love to create artwork? The FCPL is having a Tiny Canvas Art Contest from January 13-February 28th.  Free supplies can be picked up at the public library starting Jan. 13th. Check out the link below for more information.

Library Research: Reading Adventures for Youth and Adults: Tiny Canvases - Ready to Paint?

  Annandale Pyramid Honors Choir Festival

You're invited to the annual Annandale Pyramid Honors Choir Festival, Thursday (1/16) at Annandale High School! The concert will begin at 7pm and will feature 5th graders from the elementary schools in our pyramid, singers from Holmes and Poe MS, as well as Annandale HS choirs.

 

We have 13 students from Columbia ES participating this year. You might see some former CES students too! In the past we've had a high turnout of attendees, so please take into consideration possible traffic congestion around the high school.

 

Specials Spotlight Library with Ms. Papas

Thank you to everyone who came to the CES Fall Book Fair and supported our school. I appreciate you helping to inspire a love of reading in your children. 

In all grades, we are starting to think about topics that interest us personally and how we can learn more about them. In the second quarter, students will focus on how to use library resources. 

Kindergarteners have been comparing different Gingerbread stories and will continue to explore folk tales this quarter. 

First graders have been discovering the importance of words and effective communication. Next, they will learn how to locate books in the library based on their interests and different types of books.

Second and third graders have been encouraged to expand their curiosity and learn how to find answers to their questions. They will be looking at features of non-fiction texts to help with their research. 

Fourth and fifth graders have been focusing on using information responsibly, learning how to credit their sources by creating a bibliography, and will keep practicing how to evaluate these sources.

🐾Save the Date 🐾   Holiday

January 20

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

January 21

 

Student Holiday

January 29

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

  Holiday

February 17

  Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for Dec. 20, 2024

 

Dear CES friends and families,

 

Wishing you and yours a wonderful winter break! During the next two weeks, the main office will have modified hours. Please email me at [email protected] with any questions you may have that require a response prior to students returning from break.

 

We will see all of our Cougars back here at school on Monday, January 6th, 2025. 

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

PTA News & Notes

 

The PTA would like to thank everyone for their support this year. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and we look forward to seeing you after the break.

 

Fall Direct Donation Campaign

We are a third of the way to our goal! With increasing reliance on technology in schools for learning, it's more important than ever for our elementary students to learn fundamental typing skills to increase their digital literacy. The wonderful CES staff have requested support for a typing curriculum designed to increase typing proficiency for students in grades 3-5. We are hoping to raise $2,300 to purchase the Edclub typing program for three years that will allow Columbia teachers the ability to provide broad access to the program for their students. The campaign is now live and will run through January 15th. Please consider a contribution, any amount helps. Thank you!

Donations can be submitted several ways:

• Givebacks: https://app.givebacks.gives/typingclub/Campaign/Details
• Square: Click this link.
• Zelle: Use Email Address [email protected]
• Check: Please make check payable to Columbia PTA and mail to 6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003

New Partnership with Papa Johns

Don't feel like cooking dinner? Is it Thursday? You can now order pizza ANY THURSDAY from 11AM – 11PM from Papa Johns in Annandale for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10 PM). Families will receive 40 percent off their entire order and 10 percent of their order goes to the PTA. This opportunity will last until the end of the school year. Online code “CES4010” - this code will also be accepted by phone in case of issues with the website.

 

🎉Columbia Awarded Educate Fairfax Grant! 🎉

 

Congratulations to Srta. Carly Alba for securing the "Building Bridges: Fostering STEAM and FLES Through LEGO® Education" grant from Educate Fairfax! Visit our website to learn more about this exciting project!  This generous grant will allow Srta. Alba to provide our students with even more enriching learning experiences in STEAM and FLES!

Specials Spotlight Art with Mrs. McKenna

 

Happy Holidays, CES Families! Things have been busy in the art room. Thank you to everyone who has recycled those bubble wrap mailers arriving at your home by donating them to the art room. Please keep sending them in!  For the start of the 2nd quarter your students have been working on their projects for our Art to Remember fundraiser. More information and order forms to purchase items with your child’s art on them will be sent home in March.

 

• Kindergarteners have been learning about different kinds of lines and patterns. In January we’ll be talking about our favorite animals and introducing architecture.
• 1st graders have been creating artworks about birds of Virginia and will be making a 3-D animal mask.
• In 2nd grade we’re creating a collage of a community celebration and will be starting some animal projects in late January.
• Our 3rd graders having been working on an abstracted collage of foods and creating artworks with symmetry. As part of the Emerging Visions program, we will have a field trip to an art gallery in February and then create our own artworks to possibly be included in an exhibition this June.
• 4th graders have been learning about abstraction in art. In January we will be starting a stitchery unit. I will be reaching out soon for volunteers who might be willing to help with stitchery.
• In 5thgrade we’ve been learning about typography and Zentangle designs and will be starting a fun ceramic project in January.

🐾Save the Date 🐾

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

 

Holiday

January 20

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

January 21

 

Student Holiday

January 29

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

PTA Family Night Out Tonight!

 

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Weekly update for Dec. 13, 2024

 

Dear CES friends and families:

 

It has been another great week at Columbia. I wanted to take a moment and share my sincere appreciation to the staff, students, and families that came together this week for our annual "Donuts with Grown-ups" event. It is always one of the highlights of the school year when we get to see so many families, staff, and students together here at school. Next week, which is the last week before winter break, we are looking forward to the Winter Spirit Week! Please see below for details to help your student join in the fun.

 

Have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

Full Time Advanced Academics Referral Deadline Reminder:

 

Parents/guardians of Columbia Elementary students in Grades 2-5 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Michelle Sansone [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024. 

 

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted. 

 

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing [email protected]. 

 

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall. 

 

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

PTA News & Notes

 

Fall Direct Donation Campaign

With increasing reliance on technology in schools for learning, it's more important than ever for our elementary students to learn fundamental typing skills to increase their digital literacy. The wonderful CES staff have requested support for a typing curriculum designed to increase typing proficiency for students in grades 3-5. The PTA is launching a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $2,300 to purchase the Edclub Typing Program for three years that will allow Columbia teachers the ability to provide broad access to the program for their students. The campaign is now live and will run through January 15th.

 Please join us and consider making a tax-deductible donation. Donations can be submitted several ways:

• Givebacks: https://app.givebacks.gives/typingclub/Campaign/Details
• Square: Click this link.
• Zelle: Use Email Address [email protected]
• Check: Please make check payable to Columbia PTA and mail to 6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003

New Partnership with Papa Johns

We are excited to announce a new partnership with Papa Johns in Annandale. You can now order pizza ANY THURSDAY from 11AM – 11PM for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10 PM). Families will receive 40 percent off their entire order and 10 percent of their order goes to the PTA. This opportunity will last until the end of the school year. Online code “CES4010” - this code will also be accepted by phone in case of issues with the website.

 

Upcoming Family Night Out

• December 18th at Chipotle (Landmark location from 4PM - 8PM) 

News from George Mason Regional Library

 

Winter Reading Program – “Bundle Up With Books” December 1, 2024 – January 1, 2025. Cozy up with a good book (or a lot of books) and earn a prize!

 

New Director - Eric Carzon has been appointed director of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL), effective Monday, Nov. 4. Carzon brings over 27 years of experience in library management, having most recently served as regional manager for Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)

 Columbia Elementary FCPS Honors Awards

Emma Kremer, Sarah Boudart, Mhret Wondmagegne

Columbia Elementary is proud to congratulate Sarah Boudart, Emma Kremer, and Mhret Wondmagegne who were nominated and selected for Columbia Elementary's 2024-2025 Outstanding Employee Awards, part of the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Program for 2024-2025 school year.

• Emma Kremer - Outstanding Teacher
  • Read all about Ms. Kremer
• Sarah Boudart - Outstanding Leader
  • Read all about Ms. Boudart
• Mhret Wondmagegne - Outstanding New Teacher
  • Read all about Miss Wondmagegne

Specials Spotlight Music with Mrs. Eggleton

 

Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders are practicing steady beats with body percussion and instruments. Singing seasonal songs and performing rhymes and poems with non-pitched percussion instruments. We love the triangles, hand drums, and maracas. Our composer for this quarter is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. We love keeping the steady beat to the “March” from the ballet “The Nutcracker” composed by Tchaikovsky. 

3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are listening to and describing music using music terms and learning to identify traditional music symbols and terms.  Our composer of the quarter is Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. We are working in small groups using movement words to perform with the “March” from The Nutcracker. Students will use scarves, ribbons and plastic candy canes to showcase their composition. 

4th grade had the opportunity to go to the Kennedy Center to hear the National Symphony Orchestra.  They enjoyed seeing and hearing a performance in person.

Memories will be made as we celebrate with our school-wide winter sing along. 

Next week, December 16 - 20 is a Winter Spirit Week!

• Monday - Rainbow Day!
  • Pre-K & Kindergarten: Red
  • 1st Grade: Yellow
  • 2nd Grade: Purple
  • 3rd Grade: Green
  • 4th Grade: Orange
  • 5th Grade: Blue
• Tuesday: Do You Want to Build a Snowman?
  • Wear snow day/frozen themed spirit wear. Dress up as a snowman! Wear white and add geometric shapes to create a snowman.
• Wednesday: Columbia Spirit Wear Day
• Thursday: Tacky Winter Sweater Day
• Friday: Pajama Day

🐾Save the Date 🐾

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

 

Holiday

January 20

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

January 21

 

Student Holiday

January 29

 

3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal

February 10

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

February 18

 

STEAM Night

February 20

6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003  | Main Office: 703-916-2500
Attendance: 703-916-2525 | Web | Twitter