Weekly update for August 29, 2024
Dear Columbia friends and families,
As we look forward to the Labor Day Holiday weekend, we would like to take a moment to thank you for a wonderful opening to the 24-25 School Year. Your support and partnership at home is vital to the success of this small school, with a big heart. If you haven't already, and as we get geared up for the month of September, please consider joining the PTA and supporting the many events, activities, and fundraisers at Columbia this school year.
As you review the important dates below, keep in mind that we have a four-day weekend this weekend and we will see students back at CES on Tuesday, September 3rd.
Our annual Back to School Night is also fast approaching. We will have two sessions on the evening of September 5th with K-2 grade families starting at 5pm and 3-5 grade families starting at 6pm.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
Early Release Mondays
The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:
- **September 16
- **October 21
- November 18
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/giyAtCBoSU8S8FCC8 for each of your children who are enrolled at Columbia Elementary. Thank you to those of you that have already completed this form!
The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 16, 2024 and October 21, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
**Bus transportation will run at 1:05pm for students leaving 3-hours early, and also at 4:05pm for students staying for the afternoon, for the first two Mondays. At that point, FCPS transportation services will decide if buses will continue to be run at both times for remaining early release Mondays.
As we iron out the details for planning around these days, please don't hesitate to contact Mr. Astudillo directly at mastudillo1@fcps.edu.
PTA News and Notes
Join the PTA
We are excited about this school year and 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 columbiapta@gmail.com
PTA meetings will be the third Tuesday of each month and our first meeting will be September 17th at 7 PM in the library, a virtual option will be available for those unable to join in person closer to the date.
Spirit Wear
We are pleased to announce that the Columbia spirit wear sales have begun. There are some fun new options to choose from. You can shop HERE. Flyers will also be sent home in next week’s Tuesday folders and the shop will be open through Thursday, September 12th.
Fall Picnic
Join us for the annual fall picnic on the school playground September 19th from 6-8 PM. Bring your own picnic or concessions will be available. Additional details to come.
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.
Key Dates
- PTA meeting at 7 PM (9/17)
- Fall picnic 6-8 PM (9/19)
- Family night out – Dominos (9/25)'
2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities
FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R.
Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Monday, September 30.
You can submit questions online regarding the SR&R.
2024 Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes
El folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS explica las expectativas para el comportamiento del estudiante y las respuestas de los adultos para mejorar la seguridad escolar y crear un ambiente escolar justo, equitativo y de apoyo. Lea la carta de la Superintendente Dra. Michelle Reid a las familias sobre el SR&R.
Los padres/cuidadores deben hablar con sus hijos sobre las expectativas para este año escolar. También, por favor ingrese á SIS ParentVUE y firme para confirmar su revisión del SR&R, o firme y devuelva la hoja de firma que se encuentran en la página 3 del folleto de SR&R a la escuela de su hijo antes del Lunes, 30 de Septiembre.
After-School Clubs - Registrations start soon!
Fall after-school club registration is almost here! There will be four clubs offered this Fall. Basketball and Soccer Club will be organized by the Players Sports Academy. Run Club and STEAM Club will be hosted by Columbia teachers and staff. Additional information will be sent home in Tuesday Folders. Programs will run the weeks of September 23-November 22.
Contact columbiapta@gmail.com if you have any questions.
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Starting Conversations with Kids
Kids Mental Health Foundation's article on Starting Conversations with Kids is a great resource for parents and caregivers who want to learn more about starting conversations with children about mental health. It emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and comfortable space for kids to express themselves, and offers tips for both casual check-ins and difficult conversations. The article also provides resources and a helpful video for further support.
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🐾Save the Date 🐾
Student Holiday (Labor Day Break)
August 30
Student Holiday (Labor Day Break)
September 2
Back to School Night
September 5
Fall Picture Day
September 10
Three-Hour Early Release
September 16
PTA Meeting
September 17
PTA Event - Fall Picnic
September 19
Student Holiday (Rosh Hashanah)
October 3
Student Holiday (Indigenous Peoples' Day)
October 14
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