FCPS

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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

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

Weekly update for December 6, 2024

 

Dear CES friends and families:

 

We have had another great week at Columbia! On Monday, the wonderful PTA provided a Holiday Sweet Shoppe for CES faculty and staff. We were so appreciative and grateful to have a warm welcome back to school after the Thanksgiving break. Thank you to the PTA for taking such great care of the adults at CES. #SmallSchoolBigHeart

 

On Wednesday of this week, our 5th graders went on a field trip to visit the U.S. Capitol. Many of us, myself included, often take for granted how close we are to historically important landmarks that are only a short drive away. Students learned about the legislative branch of government and tied their hands-on tour and experience with social studies standards in the classroom. 

 

Finally, earlier today our 1st graders had a terrific time vising the Lego Discovery Center in Springfield as they learned through hands-on experiments about force and motion in science.

 

Next week, our monthly PTA meeting has been canceled. We will meet again in January. Looking forward to seeing you and your family at our annual Donuts with Grown-ups event on Thursday/Friday of next week. See below for more details.

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

  Donuts with Grown-Ups

 

It’s almost time for Donuts with Grown-Ups! Families are invited to come enjoy donuts, coffee, and conversation with their children. The event will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with A-L and Friday, December 13th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with M-Z. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 10th by returning the Donuts with Grown-Ups sign up form to your child's teacher or emailing your child’s teacher. We are asking for donations by grade level. Suggested donations: K-3rd: Donuts; 4th & 5th: individually packaged drinks (i.e., juice boxes, small bottles of water).

  PTA News & Notes

Holiday Sweet Shop

A huge thank you to everyone who baked and brought items in for the holiday sweet shop. The teachers felt the love from our parent community. THANK YOU!

 

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.

 

  Federal Impact Aid Form reminder!

 

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

 

THANK YOU from the staff to the PTA and all those who donated to the Holiday Sweet Shoppe for staff this week!!!

  Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale High School Cafeteria.

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage. 

  Specials Spotlight P.E. with Mr. Kain

In P.E., students are working on gymnastics, dribbling, and nutrition.  Students in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade are currently learning animal walks, balances, and rolls.  Later in the quarter, they will learn how to dribble a basketball, the five food groups, and healthy food options in each group.  Third grade, fourth grade, and fifth grade students are currently working on designing their own gymnastics routines.  Later in the quarter, students will learn about muscles, bones, macronutrients, and recommended daily allowance (RDA).  Third grade will work on basketball skills.  Fourth and fifth grade students will use their basketball skills to design their own playbook and use it in a game. 

  🐾Save the Date 🐾 Donuts with Grownups - Last Names A-L

December 12

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names M-Z

December 13

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

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 Nov. 26, 2024

 

Dear CES friends and families,

 

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and partnership throughout the first part of this school year. Your dedication to our students and the school community makes such a positive impact, and we truly appreciate everything you do.

 

Whether it's volunteering, attending events, or simply supporting your child’s learning journey at home, your involvement is invaluable. Together, we continue to create an environment where Columbia's students grow, learn, and thrive.

 

As a friendly reminder, today will be the last day of school this week in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week and we'll see all of our Cougars back at school on Monday, December 2.

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

Hello Columbia Families:

This is a reminder that the deadline for all students in grades 2-5 to apply for full-time (formerly referred to as level IV) advanced academic services to begin at the start of the 25-26 school year is Sunday, December 15. This is a county provided date, there are not exceptions or extensions. Please plan ahead!

To initiate the screening process, please submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form through email to Michelle Sansone [email protected] no later than December 15th or submit a hard copy to the front office by 4:30 pm on Friday, December 13th.  Please feel free to contact Michelle anytime with questions about the referral process.

Book Fair Success!

Thank you so much for all of your support of the Columbia Book Fair! Your purchases support the library and special programs for your students. Our Online Book Store will remain open throughout the year at: https://www.bookwormcentral.com/school-online-store.php Purchases made at this store will support Columbia Elementary!

🐾Save the Date 🐾   Holidays - Thanksgiving Break

November 27 - November 29

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names A-L

December 12

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names M-Z

December 13

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

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

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Weekly update for Nov. 22, 2024

 

Dear Columbia friends and families,

 

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express sincere gratitude for your partnership at home. When teachers and parents work together to support children’s success, it benefits everyone involved. We are truly thankful for your continued support of this small school, with a big heart.

 

I would also like to send along a friendly reminder that next week will only be a two-day school week, with school in session on Monday and Tuesday. Thanksgiving holiday will run from Wednesday, November 27th -  Friday, November 29th. 

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal 

Columbia Elementary School

 

  Donuts with Grown-Ups coming soon

It’s almost time for Donuts with Grown-Ups! Families are invited to come enjoy donuts, coffee, and conversation with their children. The event will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with A-L and Friday, December 13th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with M-Z. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 10th by returning the Donuts with Grown-Ups sign up form to your child's teacher or emailing your child’s teacher. We are asking for donations by grade level. Suggested donations: K-3rd: Donuts; 4th & 5th: individually packaged drinks (i.e., juice boxes, small bottles of water).

  PTA News & Notes

 

Holiday Sweet Shop

Please join us in thanking our wonderful Columbia teachers by donating to the upcoming “Holiday Sweet Shoppe” the Monday we are back from Thanksgiving (December 2nd). You can sign up to bake or bring a treat HERE.

 

Fall Direct Donation Campaign

The goal for our Fall direct donation campaign is to raise $2300 for a typing program for students (for three years). The campaign will begin November 21st and end on December 18th. Please consider donating through one of the ways below. Thank you!

• 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

Together in Education/Harris Teeter Partnership

Together in Education is a program where Harris Teeter shoppers can link their account to Columbia Elementary School and the school will receive funds. You can link your card online HERE or visit the customer service counter at your local Harris Teeter and tell them that you would like to link your account. Columbia Elementary School’s code is 4295.

 

Join the PTA

Join us! We would like to invite you to join the PTA to become part of a collaborative community supporting events benefiting Columbia’s students, teachers and families. The PTA fundraises for school projects and provides volunteer support for beloved events such as BINGOween, the read-a-thon and other fun events throughout the year. You can join HERE and would love if you would consider sponsoring a teacher’s membership if you can. We welcome questions, please let us know if you would like to get more involved by emailing [email protected].

 

Upcoming Events

• Family night out – Five Guys (11/27)
• Holiday Sweet Shoppe (12/2)

  Handwashing Reminder!

As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, it's important to remind our students, staff, and families about the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These simple practices can significantly reduce the spread of germs, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when gatherings and travel increase.

Key Reminders:

• Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.  
• Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water are not readily available, provide access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind students to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly in a wastebasket and wash their hands.
• Avoid Touching Face: Discourage students from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. 

Hand Washing Prevents The Spread of the Flu 

Your Health Is In Your Hands with the Help from a Shark

  Holiday Support for CES Families

We are doing a grocery gift card drive for winter break! If you can participate, please donate $25 gift cards to Aldi or Giant and turn into the front office. We would love to reach our goal of collecting 50 gift cards! Please reach out to our counselor, Jenna Robinson Julian, with any questions. [email protected]

See below for ongoing food assistance:

• https://annandalechurch.com/foodministry
• https://www.stmatthewsumc.org/mission

  Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices. 

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us. 

Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

• Spanish:Los Resultados del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional Estarán Pronto Disponibles

Una de las maneras en que FCPS apoya el bienestar mental de todos los estudiantes es a través del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional (SEL). En octubre, estudiantes de los grados 3º a 12º tomaron este cuestionario, que proporciona información acerca de sus habilidades como lograr metas, manejar emociones, construir relaciones con adultos y compañeros, y tomar buenas decisiones. 

El cuestionario también ayuda a los estudiantes a evaluar los esfuerzos de su comunidad escolar para que se sientan valorados, incluidos y apoyados. Los datos del cuestionario se utilizan para crear aprendizaje, experiencias y entornos que permitan a los alumnos alcanzar el éxito.

A principios de diciembre, las familias podrán ver los resultados del Cuestionario SEL en SIS ParentVUE. Para las familias que no tienen una cuenta activa ParentVUE, los resultados serán enviados por correo.

Para más información sobre el examen por favor visite la página web del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social-Emocional (SEL). Si necesita ayuda para entender los resultados de su hijo o ideas para apoyarlo en casa, consulte la Guía para Familias o póngase en contacto con la escuela de su hijo.

Registrarse en ParentVUE

Aprenda a activar su cuenta ParentVUE, para que pueda acceder fácilmente a los resultados de su hijo y a otra información útil.

  🐾Save the Date 🐾   Holidays - Thanksgiving Break

November 27 - November 29

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names A-L

December 12

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names M-Z

December 13

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

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

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  November PTA Meeting tonight - Virtually at 7pm

 

This is a friendly reminder that the November PTA meeting will be held virtually only this month, at the link below, starting at 7pm this evening. 

 

Join the CES PTA Zoom Meeting

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

Meeting ID: 919 0387 3132

One tap mobile

+13092053325,,91903873132# US

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 Nov. 15, 2024

 

Dear Columbia friends and families,

 

It has been another great week here at CES and it's hard to believe we are half-way through the month of November. Please remember that this upcoming Monday is 3-hour early release day and we will have dismissal at 1:05pm.

 

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

PTA News & Notes

Holiday Sweet Shop

Please join us in thanking our wonderful Columbia teachers by donating to the upcoming “Holiday Sweet Shoppe” the Monday we are back from Thanksgiving (December 2nd). You can sign up to bake or bring a treat HERE.

 

PTA Meetings

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, November 19h at 7 PM and it will ONLY be held virtually through Zoom (info below). All participants will be entered into a raffle for a book fair gift card which will be drawn at the end of the meeting.  

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

Meeting ID: 919 0387 3132

Upcoming Events

• PTA meeting (11/19)
• Family night out – Five Guys (11/27)

 

The Book Fair Starts Monday!

Our Book Fair will be open from November 18 to November 22. I hope to see you there!

If you are able to volunteer to help at our Book Fair please see the Sign Up Genius for available days and times. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA9A623A7FBC25-53030194-book 

Check out our Book Fair Page HERE for all the details:

• Dates  
• Special Family Times, including after school hours on Monday and Thursday!

Our Book Fair will be cash free this year. Please use the following links to learn how to set up an eWallet or eGift Card for your child.

• eWallet, a cash-free way for your child to shop at the book fair https://www.bookwormcentral.com/ewallet.php 
• eGift Card, the perfect gift for students, teachers or friends, redeemable at the book fair or our online bookstore 

https://www.bookwormcentral.com/gift_card/ 

Thank you for supporting our school and encouraging your child's love of reading!  

Happy Reading,

Maura Papas

  FLE (Family Life Education) Updates

Dear Parents/Guardians of Columbia Students:

Students in grades K-5 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) through their classroom teacher. Students in Kindergarten through grade 3 receive instruction in an emotional and social health unit. Students in grades 4-5 receive instruction in a human growth and development unit and an emotional and social health unit. For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed grade-level program descriptions https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/subject-area/family-life-education-fle#:~:text=Instruction%20promotes%20parental%20involvement%2C%20fosters,at%20a%20particular%20grade%20level.

In addition, grade level-specific curriculum lessons are available for review in multiple locations.

• Online in Schoology - includes lessons and media titles that FCPS has streaming rights for.  Any additional media or book titles that are not streamed are available at your child’s school library.
• Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS).
• Your child’s school.  Please contact the school to schedule a time to review lessons and/or media.
• City of Fairfax Regional Library – lessons only.  Media is not available.

You are invited to attend an evening opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons and to talk with school staff about the program.  The meeting will be held on November 19 at 6:30 pm on Zoom. All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time.

Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child participate in FLE instruction may choose to opt their child out of any or all of the lessons. If you would like to opt your child out of one or more lessons, opt-out forms for students in general education classes are available in the Parent Digital Consent (PDC). A paper opt-out form is being used for students in special education and using the modified FLE lessons for the 2024-25 school year. Modified opt-out forms can be found at, https://www.fcps.edu/academics/curriculum/subject-area/family-life-education-fle/fle-opt-out-request-forms  Should you opt your child out and then later decide you want your child included in FLE instruction, you must notify your child’s school principal or assistant principal in writing before instruction begins.

An alternative non-FLE health instructional program is provided for students who do not take part in FLE instruction, and every effort is made to foster understanding and respect for family choices and to avoid peer pressure for or against participation in the program.

Instruction occurs at various times during the school year.  Please contact your child’s teacher for specific dates of FLE instruction. We look forward to working as your partner in providing information that will help your child make healthy choices related to the exciting changes and new challenges, he/she will be facing in the next few years.

 

Donuts with Grown-Ups returns to CES

It’s almost time for Donuts with Grown-Ups! Families are invited to come enjoy donuts, coffee, and conversation with their children. The event will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with A-L and Friday, December 13th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with M-Z. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 10th by returning the Donuts with Grown-Ups sign up form to your child's teacher or emailing your child’s teacher. We are asking for donations by grade level.

•  Suggested donations
  • K-3rd: Donuts
  • 4th & 5th: individually packaged drinks (i.e., juice boxes, small bottles of water).

  Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, November 18, 6:30-8 p.m., at Glasgow Middle School Cafeteria. You can also attend Thursday, December 12, 6:45-8:15 p.m., at Annandale High School Cafeteria. 

Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available. 

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

• Spanish: Reunión Comunitaria de Revisión de Límites

Las reuniones comunitarias sobre la Revisión de Límites de FCPS se llevarán a cabo en cada una de las seis regiones de la división. Le animamos a asistir a la reunión en nuestra región, que tendrá lugar el Lunes, 18 de noviembre, 6:30-8 p.m., en la cafetería de la Escuela Intermedia de Glasgow. Tambien puedes ir Jueves, 12 de diciembre, 6:45-8:15 p.m., en la Cafetería de la Escuela Secundaria de Annandale.

Por favor, inscríbase con antelación haciendo clic en la fecha. Habrá servicio de interpretación. 

Si no puede asistir en esta fecha, consulte la lista completa de reuniones en el sitio web de la Revisión integral de límites escolares.

 

  Professional Development for Teachers

 

Annandale Community:

We are excited to share the success of our recent math professional development sessions, held across the Annandale Pyramid of teachers. This collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to aligning and enhancing math instruction from kindergarten through 12th grade, ensuring every student benefits from innovative, inclusive approaches to learning.

The sessions were made even more memorable by a visit from Superintendent Reid, who observed one of the workshops at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. She highlighted the visit in her "Weekly Reflections" newsletter, sharing her appreciation for our teachers’ dedication: "It was inspiring to see second grade teachers from across the pyramid collaborating on the upcoming math unit, sharing strategies, and adapting resources specifically to support our multilingual learners." Her words energize us to continue this vital work in supporting our diverse learners.

 

Here’s a look at the event highlights and outcomes:

Annandale Pyramid Elementary Schools: The recent Annandale Pyramid Elementary Math Professional Development session, held across various schools, brought together K-5 teachers for focused workshops tailored to each grade level. The sessions began with an overview of goals and shared resources, emphasizing adaptations for multilingual learners. Teachers then practiced effective scaffolding techniques in small groups and rehearsed lesson plans, with peer feedback to refine their approaches. These collaborative efforts aimed to enhance support for multilingual students and foster consistent instructional strategies across schools.

Annandale Pyramid Secondary Schools (Grades 6-12): Teachers from Annandale High School, Poe Middle School, and Holmes Middle School worked closely to share best practices to support our diverse group of students. They explored ways to address students’ needs through teacher-led small groups and used pictorial anchor charts to strengthen students' mathematical language. Content teams identified specific upcoming lessons where they plan to apply these strategies. This collaborative work highlights our commitment to building community across our schools and supporting our unified vision:

In the Annandale Pyramid, mathematics teaching and learning focuses on developing an understanding of concepts and procedures through problem-solving, reasoning, and discourse.

Thank you for your continued support as we foster a collaborative learning community in the Annandale Pyramid. Together, we are making strides toward a brighter future for all our students.

 

The Annandale Pyramid Principals:

Ingrid Badia (Annandale Terrace ES), Keesha Jackson-Muir (Braddock ES), Elizabeth Williams (Bren Mar Park ES), Michael Astudillo (Columbia ES), Felicia Usher (Weyanoke ES), Chad McRae (North Springfield ES), Serena Giron (Holmes MS), Jason Pannutti (Poe MS), and Shawn DeRose (Annandale HS)

CES Thanksgiving Luncheon

We hope to see you at Columbia’s Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 21st!

The price is $4.75 for any adults and non-school aged children. To pay for an adult or child’s meal, please add additional funds to your child's mySchoolBucks lunch account. 

On the day of the luncheon, you must bring a valid ID with you to sign in at the office. Parents will have the option to shop at the book fair during their child’s lunch block!

Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule

10:45 - 11:15: Kindergarten & EAC Lunch

11:30 - 12:00: 1st Grade Lunch

12:00 - 12:30: 2nd Grade Lunch

12:10 - 12:40: 4th Grade Lunch

12:40 - 1:10: 5th Grade Lunch

12:45 - 1:15: 3rd Grade Lunch

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

November 18

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting - Virtual on Zoom

November 19

 

Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 21

 

Holidays - Thanksgiving Break

November 27 - November 29

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names A-L

December 12

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names M-Z

December 13

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

November 17

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

Columbia SCA representatives celebrating World Kindness Day!

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 November 8, 2024

 

Dear Columbia friends and families,

 

We have had a strong start to the 2nd quarter of school. Earlier today, we celebrated the upcoming Veteran's Day holiday in a number of ways, including having guest speakers read books to our students about the important role that the military plays in our lives. Thank you to all the Veterans and active duty members who shared time with our Cougars today!

 

As you can see in pictures and articles below, many students have already attended their first field trip of the school year. As one of our School Improvement and Innovation Plan goals revolves around developing critical thinking skills, field trips can encourage students to think about a topic from multiple perspectives. Studies show that students who go on a variety of field trips have higher test scores and improved critical thinking skills overall. We are excited to offer these experiential learning opportunities throughout the year as we align them with curriculum standards. Thank you for your support for these impactful life-long learning experiences!

 

As a reminder, in honor of Veteran's Day, Monday will be a holiday with no school. We will see our Cougars back here on Tuesday, November 12th.

 

Have a wonderful three-day weekend!

 

Take care,

 

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

 

4th Grade Field Trip to the Kennedy Center

 

On Wednesday of this week, 4th grade students visited the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and enjoyed a special concert for them performed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Check out a number of pictures of the 4th grade students and team on our school's website!

 

  New Tables for the Art Room!

We're thrilled to announce a fantastic addition to our art room: beautiful new tables! Thanks to the incredible support of our school community during the Art to Remember fundraiser, we were able to purchase these wonderful workspaces for our budding artists.

• Read all about the new art room tables on our website!

  2nd Grade Field Trip to E.C. Lawrence Park

 

On Thursday of this week, 2nd Graders visited E.C. Lawrence Park Earlier this month, second grade visited Ellanor C. Lawrence Park to learn about Native American Life in Fairfax County. Students explored what life may have been like for Eastern Woodland Indians and the relationship they had with the land that is now Fairfax County. Take a look at the CES website for more pictures and details!

  Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

 

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

 

  Kindergarten Field Trip to Hidden Oaks Nature Center 

Earlier today, our Kindergarten students visited the Fairfax County Park Authority's Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale. Students interacted with live animal displays, exhibits, a pond, creeks, woodland trails, gardens, play areas, and a resource library and a rain garden. See the school website for more details!

  Volunteer at the Book Fair!

Our Book Fair will be open from November 18 to November 22. I hope to see you there!

If you are able to volunteer to help at our Book Fair please see the Sign Up Genius for available days and times. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4FA9A623A7FBC25-53030194-book 

Check out our Book Fair Page HERE for all the details:

• Dates  
• Special Family Times, including after school hours on Monday and Thursday!

Our Book Fair will be cash free this year. Please use the following links to learn how to set up an eWallet or eGift Card for your child.

• eWallet, a cash-free way for your child to shop at the book fair https://www.bookwormcentral.com/ewallet.php 
• eGift Card, the perfect gift for students, teachers or friends, redeemable at the book fair or our online bookstore 

https://www.bookwormcentral.com/gift_card/ 

Thank you for supporting our school and encouraging your child's love of reading!  

Happy Reading,

Maura Papas

  IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair

 

Parents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.

 

 

Invitation to CES Thanksgiving Luncheon

 

We are pleased to invite you to Columbia’s Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday, November 21st!

The Thanksgiving meal includes roast turkey with dressing, green beans, fresh fruit, milk, whipped potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin bread. Vegetarian offerings include chickenless bites or power packs.

The price is $4.75 for any adults and non-school aged children. To pay for an adult or child’s meal, please add additional funds to your child's mySchoolBucks lunch account. 

On the day of the luncheon, you must bring a valid ID with you to sign in at the office. Parents will have the option to shop at the book fair during their child’s lunch block!

Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule

10:45 - 11:15: Kindergarten & EAC Lunch

11:30 - 12:00: 1st Grade Lunch

12:00 - 12:30: 2nd Grade Lunch

12:10 - 12:40: 4th Grade Lunch

12:40 - 1:10: 5th Grade Lunch

12:45 - 1:15: 3rd Grade Lunch *updated time

 

  🐾Save the Date 🐾   Holiday - Veterans Day

November 11

 

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

November 18

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

November 19

 

Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 21

 

Holidays - Thanksgiving Break

November 27 - November 29

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names A-L

December 12

 

Donuts with Grownups - Last Names M-Z

December 13

 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting

November 17

 

Holidays - Winter Break

December 23 - January 5

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