Weekly update for April 19, 2024
Dear CES friends and families:
We had another exciting and action-packed week at Columbia! Our 2nd graders enjoyed a trip to the National Zoo, and our Kindergartners had a blast at Frying Pan Park, as we have continued to provide students with engaging and hands-on learning experiences to help them learn about the world around them.
Also this week, we enjoyed "Purple Up Day" on Wednesday in honor of the Month of the Military Child. CES Staff, parents, and children celebrated together with time to reflect on sacrifices made, appreciation shared, and support given to the military connected families who play such in important role in the Columbia community, and across our nation.
Next week, we are very much looking forward to Family Heritage Night on Thursday, April 25th! With over 20 different home languages spoken, and over 20 different birth countries, our diversity makes us the perfect learning ground for future leaders in our society. Please see below to RSVP for Family Heritage Night as we can't wait to share in the celebration of food, clothing, and pride for the many countries and nationalities that make this such a wonderfully diverse school.
Also next week, we are celebrating Earth Day with an Earth Spirit Week! See below for the colors for students to wear each day to join in the fun.
It's another great day to be a Columbia Cougar!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
PTA News & Notes
Spirit Wear
Order your spirit wear today! The Spring spirit wear drive will run through April 28th. There are items for the whole family in both youth and adult sizes. All purchases must be done online at the Columbia Elementary Spring 2024 website. All purchased items will be delivered to classrooms at the end of May.
Additionally, we are collecting Columbia spirit wear during April. If you would like to donate old shirts and sweatshirts, you can drop them in the red box located in the front office.
PTA Board Elections - Nominations open for 2024-2025 school year positions
The PTA Board will have 3 positions up for election for the 2024-2025 school year. There are people who have agreed to run for two of the positions thus far but we welcome anyone who wants to step forward for election to join those who already have.
- President (filling out the remaining year of a 2-year term)
- Vice President of Fundraising (2-year term)
- VP of Communications (2-year term).
If you are curious about any of these positions, please contact any of the Board members directly or email columbiapta@gmail.com. We will be voting on the candidates for these positions during the next general membership meeting on Tuesday, May 14.
Upcoming Events
- April 24th Family Night Out at Chipotle (code JKL98DG)
- April 25th Family Heritage Night
- April 30th Band and Strings concert
Staff Appreciation Week at Columbia ES!
April 29th - May 3rd
Columbia Elementary School’s Staff Appreciation Week is April 29 – May 3, 2024. We have planned some fun events! Please help celebrate the wonderful teachers, custodians and administrative staff at CES by volunteering or contributing. See links below:
Sign-Up Genius:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0A4EA8AD29A2F94-49062881-2024
Amazon Wishlist:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2BGDZMZMS65CI?ref_=wl_share
College and Career Readiness Week
Hello Columbia Community! We are looking for more volunteers to speak at our career fair on Thursday, June 6th from 9:30am-12pm in support of our College and Career Readiness week.
Please fill out this form if you are interested in being a speaker: https://forms.gle/CC1eAVH55wiS3qbH8
You may also reach out to our school counselor, Jenna Robinson, at jlrobinson1@fcps.edu with any questions or speaker suggestions! Thank you!
Important reminders for Kiss-N-Ride routines
As we are now in the 4th quarter of the school year, we would like to kindly remind parents to partner together with the school to ensure we have a safe, efficient, and productive Kiss-n-Ride lane each morning and afternoon at Columbia ES by following the procedures outlined above in the map that was shared back in August with all families. We have had a successful year overall, thank you for helping us finish strong and work together to keep kids safe!
Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon
FCPS students in grades 3-12 took the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener during March, providing updated information on skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported.
In late April, individual student SEL Screener results will be available for families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
Get more information about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact Ms. Robinson, our school counselor.
⭐Save the Date⭐
Earth Week Spirit Week
April 22-26
Family Night Out at Chipotle (code JKL98DG)
April 24
Family Heritage Night
April 25
Band and Strings Concert
April 30
Student Holiday
May 3
PTA Meeting
May 14
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