Poe Family Newsletter August 21, 2022

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! I hope each of you found some joy this summer with friends and family. I know there is excitement and even anxiety about the start of the school year. I am here to say that we are excited to receive your wonderful children as we ensure that each student is met with open arms and a tremendous amount of care and love. My family and I spent the month of July in Peru, backpacking the country, and seeing the beauty of the Andes, tribes of the Amazon, and the vast desert coast of Ica and Paracas. As we traveled the country, I couldn’t help but think of all the wonderful opportunities that arise when you step outside of yourself and take risks. That’s what I want for our students this year. I want them to see the possibilities, build their self-confidence and help them to continue to become more curious about the world around them in a safe space where they can learn and thrive.

Our school motto this year is “It Takes a Village”. You have our word that we will collaborate at high levels in the school community to ensure all students’ needs are being met and that we lean into their strengths and interests as stepping stones to learning new information. I guarantee that our teachers, school counselors, and administration will partner with you to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where all students thrive.

I promise to communicate important information and changes as they occur. In that vein, I would like to share some key changes in the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities this year.

FCPS SR&R Updates

1. Cell Phones are off and away for the day. This means that cell phones must be kept in backpacks and not visible between 7:15am and 2:15pm each day. Teachers may allow students to use cell phones in class if the device serves as an educational tool, however, student laptops will meet most technological needs. Students may use cell phones in the case of emergencies. The office phone and classroom phones are also available if they need to reach you during school hours.
2. Head coverings are only allowed for religious purposes and hoodies must be taken down upon entering the school.

Please help us to communicate these expectations to your students to alleviate any confusion and ensure we get off to a positive start to the school year.

We are all in this together as it takes a village to raise and educate each and every child. I look forward to seeing your children and you throughout the school year as we maximize each students’ potential at Poe Middle School together.

With Gratitude,

Jason Pannutti

Principal

First day of school!

The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year will be Monday, August 22. See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.

Be Wise, Immunize! Required Vaccines for 2022-23 School Year

Vaccinations are required for public school entry and help keep students protected from serious diseases. Many children missed their well check-ups and their recommended childhood vaccinations over recent years because of disruptions from COVID-19. It is critical to catch up now to keep children healthy and ready for school. Check with your students’ health care providers now to make sure they are up to date on their vaccines.

Appointments are required for most vaccination clinics. Don’t wait until the last minute when you might not be able to find an appointment. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a schedule of clinics or schedule with your family’s health care provider.

Remember to request documentation of your child’s immunizations to provide to their school. More information on immunization requirements and the necessary documentation is available online.