Family Newsletter February 14

Return to School

Poe MS students who have elected to attend school in-person two days a week will return to school on the following schedule: 

• February 16 - Students in Special Programs
• Week of March 2 - 8th Grade
• Week of March 9 - 6th & 7th Grades

Health Screening Commitment form.  This form can be submitted electronically through in ParentVUE (PVUE)

Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month and a time when the country highlights and celebrates the accomplishments of Black Americans. Click here for a message from our Superintendent, Dr. Brabrand. 

Additionally, Poe Middle students will engaging in curriculum and activities about this important topic in several of their classes.  The Fairfax COunty Public LIbrary is also hosting virtual events! Teen Art Contest

February 16 (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) Make & Take Craft: Paper Quilt

February 17  (7:00 pm - 7:30 pm) Harlem Renaissance & Black Arts Movement

February 20 (11:00 am - 12:00 pm ) Author Greg Manora: Raising Ivy

February 20 (1:00 pm - 2:00 pm ) Freedom and Dance for All

February 22 (2:30 pm - 3:15 pm) Kwame Alexander Virtual Visit 

February 23 (4:00 pm - 6:00 pm) Teen Mic Night 

2021-2022 Course Selections:

Planning for the 2021-2022 school year has begun. Beginning this week and throughout the month of March, Poe school counselors will review course selection google forms and meet with students for academic advising sessions. Students are encouraged to select courses based on teacher feedback, progress in current courses, academic strengths, and personal interests.  During this time, they will discuss the student’s course selections and answer any questions they may have.  The 2021-2022 Course Descriptions and Guide are now available on the Poe Middle School website here.

World Language Credit Exam

WHAT IS IT?: Current 7th and 8th graders can take the World Language Exam, which is a test that determines how well you read, write and understand a language other than English. You can earn 1 or 2 HIGH SCHOOL CREDITS toward graduation requirements just by passing this exam!!

TO PASS THE EXAM, STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO: 

• Read and understand exam directions in your native language
• Write a 3-paragraph essay in your native language
• Write the essay using complete sentences and correct grammar
• Use past, present and future verb tense  
• Include a variety of vocabulary

WHAT LANGUAGES ARE OFFERED?: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Greek, Hebrew, Portuguese, Turkish, Amharic, ASL, Bengali, Farsi, Hindi, Nepali, Pashto, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tamil, Telugu, Tigrinya, Twi, Urdu, Vietnamese.

WHEN SHOULD I TAKE IT?: Students can only take the exam in a certain language twice. If you feel confident in your reading and writing skills now, you should sign up to take the exam. If you want to wait until high school, that is okay too!

HOW DO I SIGN UP?: Students who are interested should sign up using the google form link found here. Once you have signed up, your student’s counselor will get in touch with you to schedule your exam. All world language exams will take place in March!

College Programs 

FCPS offers several programs to prepare students for the academic rigors of college coursework, help students navigate the college application process, and provide enrichment experiences to build resilience. 

AVID Program Information 

College Partnership Program (Applications due March 19)

If you have questions or want assistance with the application, please contact Hana Kim, 7th grade counselor, at hkim1@fcps.edu or 703-813-3865.

Return to School Podcasts

Listen to these Podcasts  to hear timely, important information related to school news. The goal of every podcast is to help families access key resources and understand how to best support their children’s education.   En Pocas Palabras FCPS will bring you something new to discover.  We are a community. Together, we are stronger!

Listen on: 

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify 

Anchor

Poe Library

The Poe Library has added hundreds of new books to our graphic novel, humor, and world language collections. Be the first to read them. Simply go to Destiny, login, search your favorite genre and place your hold(s).

Your books will be ready for pick-up or delivery via the Poe Book Bus on February 22, 2021. Happy Reading!

Check out our new clubs!  If you are  interested, please sign up here  or email (pgharsh@fcpsschools.net)

Access to After-School Schedule

Poe Spirit Wear!

The Poe PTSA is very excited to announce that Poe merchandise is now available. The sale will only last for two weeks, so place your orders as soon as possible. If you need a paper order form or have any questions, please call Ms. Ramirez at 703-813-3801.     Order Poe Spirit Wear

No Cost Grab and Go

Meals for all students

Updated bus schedule 

Breakfast and lunch meals are offered Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00am to 12:30pm at no-cost to any student. Meals for Saturday and Sunday, as well as snacks and dinners, are offered at sites and on bus routes every Friday.

Meal Kits that include seven days of breakfast and lunch are also available on Wednesdays at several schools in the Annandale area including:

• Columbia ES -- 6720 Alpine Dr.
• Woodburn ES -- 3401 Hemlock Dr.
• Sleepy Hollow ES -- 3333 Sleepy Hollow Rd.
• Belvedere ES -- 6540 Columbia Pike

More information is available online, or by calling the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.

If your family needs additional food assistance, please call Ms. Ramirez at 703-813-3801. More resources are available!

Save the Date

February

February 15 - Presidents’ Day - Holiday

February 16 - New Bell Schedule (7:30-2:00)

February 16 - Return to School for Special Programs

February 22 - Book Bus Deliveries & Pick-Up

 February 26 - TJHSST Applications Due at 4:00 pm

March

Week of March 2 - 8th Grade in-person students at Poe return to school

March 4 - Orientation for 6th Grade in-person Students (2:30-5:00pm)

March 8 - Book Bus Deliveries & Pick-Up

Week of March 9 - 6th/7th Grade in-person students at Poe return to school

March 19 - CCP Applications Due (more info on CPP)