A Message from your Principal
Dear Poe Families and Caregivers,
I hope this finds you well and in good health and spirits. I can’t believe that March is already here! Time certainly flies by when you’re busy. Although time seems to never slow down, I hope we can always cherish the moments and unique stages of our children’s lives and academic careers. Each of our students will be checking in on their individual goals and updating them as needed during advisory period. Please be sure to ask your child what goal they are considering for the second half of the school year.
It was amazing to see our 6th graders having a blast at Thomas Jefferson High School Science as they experienced the many elements that make TJ such a unique school. We’ll continue to provide all students with a safe learning environment with access and opportunity to all the wonderful opportunities our school system and area have to offer.
I want to take the time to reiterate my bottom line as Principal at Poe Middle School. My goal is to ensure the safety and security of your children each day while experiencing a world class education. At times, a very small percentage of our students make mistakes and decide to bring vapes and illegal substances into the building. Although this is rare, it is certainly not welcome and is met with swift disciplinary action, along with a referral to our FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor.
I share this with you as I am aware of some parental concerns around these matters and I am assuring you that I maintain a safe and drug free school. Most recently we’ve experienced vandalism is our restrooms causing us to tighten up our procedures for restroom monitoring and usage. Your child may have shared that our restrooms have been locked down with exception of 6th and 8th grades. All students must use those restrooms with an adult present outside to monitor and manage traffic. Our school is fully monitored inside and out with cameras, and patrolled by safety officers, administration, and our SRO daily. We’re in touch with our students and know each of them by name and need. I am asking for your help in keeping our school safe by speaking with your child about the dangers of drugs and the harmful effects it can have on their bodies.
Additionally, FCPS has a zero-bullying policy in place, and has no place at Poe Middle School. There is always an adult nearby when a student needs help. We’re all in this together and I will always be transparent with you, as I have a deep and caring love for the Poe Community. It takes a village to raise our children and we will continue to partner with you to ensure each of our students reach their full potential in a safe and secure learning environment. The Poe community is strong, proud, and resilient. I’m looking forward to successful second semester.
With Gratitude,
Mr. Pannutti
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Mark Your Calendar
Mar 17 - Parent Coffee 9:30-10:30 am - Ravens Nest
Apr 3-7 - Holiday (No School)
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YEARBOOK
The website to order yearbooks is now live!!
The price is only $26
If you would like to order a yearbook online, here’s the link:
YBPay.com
The school code is:14427323
If you want to pay in person, students can bring cash or checks to Mr. Weinshenker in room 114. Make checks out to “Poe Middle School”
Last year, yearbooks sold out and pre-ordering is your student’s only guarantee to get one.
College Partnership Program
8th Grade Students & Families!
Is your child interested in going to college and getting support with helping them get there? The College Partnership Program (also known as CPP) can help with that.
CPP is…
- an enrichment program that supports students in grades 9-12 as they explore, apply to and enroll in college
- designed to support students who are from populations that are historically underrepresented on college campuses
- includes: monthly meetings on topics like applying to college , scholarships, SAT prep , college visits, summer overnight experiences on college campus and more
If you are interested in having your child learn more about this program and how to apply please encourage them to complete the CPP Info Session survey found on Schoology by the morning of Tuesday, February 28th. This will allow them to attend a CPP information session being held on Thursday, March 1st.
Applications for CPP are due March 10th and students can access them by clicking here
To explore more about CPP CLICK HERE
Any questions please feel free to reach out to Ms. Carrie 8th grade counselor or Mrs. Mourning, Poe CPP liaison.
Interested in Volleyball?
We are excited to announce that the Annandale High School Girls Volleyball Coach will be joining us on the following dates:
Monday, March 6th @ 3:30
Monday, March 13th @ 3:30
No skill is required, please see Mr. Harsh if you have any questions.
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Language Translation on FCPS Websites
In a continued effort to prioritize access for our diverse communities, FCPS is launching a language translation feature that will be available on every division and school webpage. The feature has been added to the header at the top of the page and will scroll with the user as they navigate the page. Learn more about our new translation feature.
Homework Help
Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? Tutor.com is open to FCPS students in all grades, on-demand, 24/7, at no cost to families. Learn more.
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2023-2024 Course Selections
Beginning early February and throughout the month of May, Poe school counselors will review course selection Google forms, gather teacher feedback, meet with students for academic advising sessions, and enter selections into SIS. Students are encouraged to select courses based on teacher recommendations, progress in current courses, academic strengths, and personal interests. The 2023-2024 Course Descriptions and Guide are now available on the Poe Middle School website here.
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The Raven's Nest
The Raven’s Nest is a FREE thrift store for Poe students and families. It is stocked with clothes, jackets, school supplies, books, and an abundance of other personal and household items. The Raven’s Nest is open to parents on Mondays and Thursdays from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. For more information you may call and leave a message at 703-813-3933 or email paramirez@yahoo.com.
Diaper Distribution
Diaper distribution: Do you need diapers for your younger children? Head over to the Annandale United Methodist Mission Center at 7901 Heritage Drive, Annandale, Virginia, 22003 on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Proof of address in the 22003 ZIP code is required.
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Multicultural and Language Resources for Families
FCPS’ Office of Family and School Partnerships would like to remind families of some of the many resources available to them:
- Bilingual community liaisons support student registrars by providing families with information about school and community services offered in Fairfax County. Liaisons are available to help families speaking Spanish, Korean, and Arabic. Once registered at a school, families can contact their family liaison for assistance.
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Early literacy programs are available to Fairfax County residents for parents of children up to 5 years old. These programs help prepare children for school and build confidence in parents as their child’s first teacher. They also help parents become active partners in their child’s education. Programs are available in African-Heritage, Arabic, Spanish, and Korean.
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Parent Information Phone Lines are available in eight languages for parents who speak languages other than English.
- A Multilingual Family Podcast is produced by the offices of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Family and School Partnerships, and Professional Learning and Equity. It covers important information for parents in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean.
- ESOL services are available in Fairfax County not only for students, but also for adults and families. Information on Spring classes will be posted in March 2023.
Visit the Family Engagement webpage for more resources.
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Eating Disorders Resources
Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental and physical illnesses that can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights. While no one knows for sure what causes eating disorders, a growing consensus suggests that it is a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Eating disorders are not fads or phases, and can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.
In collaboration with the Fairfax County Health Department, FCPS has developed a webpage with detailed information and resources to be provided to parents and guardians of Fairfax County Public Schools. This information may be found at the following link:
https://www.fcps.edu/node/37440
Become a member of the Poe PTSA!
The mission of the Poe PTSA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. We hold sessions with parent and teachers, and sponsor events throughout the year that support our amazing teachers and students, and raise funds for school activities such as the field day, teacher-student development grants, 8th grade dance, and much more!
Please become a member today and also consider volunteering to help at events during the year. We cannot do it without you!! You can visit the Poe PTSA website -- https://poeptsa.ptboard.com/home -- where you will find the membership form and easy online payment (under Forms & Payments), or simply use the QR code below. Paper forms are also available with the Poe Community Liaison.
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Drug Additives to Be Aware of: Xylazine“Tranq”
In our continuing efforts to educate the community, we have been tracking a new trend in the region known as Xylazine or Tranq. Tranq, a non-opioid tranquilizer, is often mixed with other drugs giving the user a fentanyl-like high for an extended period of time. Considering the rise in opioid-related overdoses, it is important to know about various additives such as fentanyl and tranq that can be mixed in, unbeknownst to the user. Xylazine is an animal tranquilizer which is not approved by the FDA for human consumption; it affects the central nervous system by suppressing breathing and slowing down vital functions in the body. Tranq has recently been detected in several fatal overdoses related to cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl in unsuspecting users. Narcan/Naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, will not reverse the overdose in a person who has taken Tranq thus resulting in potential death. Continued use has resulted in lesions, ulcers, and other health related issues resulting in loss of limbs from untreated abscesses.
While alarming, education is key to keep our communities safe. Here is some recent data showing the trend in our region. Xylazine was present in 19% of drug overdoses in Maryland in 2020 alone; with trends increasing in Pennsylvania by 26% and in Connecticut by 10%. In areas of higher populations Xylazine has been present in 1 of every 5 deaths that have been reported. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Xylazine was present in 64.3 % of deaths when it was detected. 38 states including the District of Columbia have seen a rise in “Tranq” in and around their communities.
For more information please, contact myself or the Student Safety & Wellness Office at (571) 423-4270. Be sure to follow us on Twitter at @FCPSSAPS.
Sources & Resources:
NIH: Xylazine
DEA: Xylazine
CDC: Xylazine
Overdoses in Philadelphia
FCPS Webinar: Everything You Need To Know About Opioids
For further Information & support
Charlisa Becklund ,MSW
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
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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.
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Digital Resources Approval for 2022-2023
By completing the digital form linked below, you provide permission for your child to use the FCPS-approved online tools listed below as part of an instructional program and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act requirements. (FERPA)
Please complete this form to meet the consent for Digital Use requirement. Additional information is available via the Poe website at poems.fcps.edu
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Wellness Resources
Emotional Wellness Resource
Healthy Minds Podcast: Purposeful Conversations
Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
Crisis Text: text NEEDHELP to 85511
Crisislink Regional Hotline: 703-527-4077
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-SUICIDE
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