Weekly update for October 31, 2024
Dear CES friends and families,
It is hard to believe that today is the last day of the 1st quarter. Our Cougars have worked very hard since our school year began in August to learn the procedures, routines, and expectations of their homeroom class, their specials class as well as how to navigate the entire school community. They have also completed many beginning of the year assessments to guide the work we do during our school-wide reading and math intervention blocks to ensure that we are supporting all Cougars by name and by need. Looking forward to a wonderful 2nd quarter of school!
We would like to thank the PTA for hosting another successful Bingo-ween event last Friday evening for the CES community. Led by our PTA president, Sylvie Nguyen-Fawley, the event was well attended, spirited, and a ton of fun! I would also like to send along a special thank you to all the CES teachers, families, and friends who joined the Annandale Chamber of Commerce parade. This truly is a small school, with a big heart!
As a reminder, we have a 2-hour early release this afternoon with dismissal at 2:05pm. Also, there is no school tomorrow, Monday or Tuesday due to holidays and teacher workdays. We will see all of our Cougars back at school on Wednesday, November 6th.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
Complete Form for Upcoming 3-Hour Early Release Days
To ensure a smooth and safe dismissal for all students on upcoming 3-Hour Early Release days, please complete the following survey by November 12th: https://forms.gle/pmHiU2EDAk1wk3cv9
This survey will allow you to indicate your child's dismissal plan for all upcoming early release dates. You will receive a confirmation email the week before each early release day to remind you of your child's dismissal plan.
3-Hour Early Release Dates:
- November 18th
- February 10th
- March 10th
- April 21st
- May 12th
Need to make a change after submitting the form? Please email Shea Hestmark (skhestmark@fcps.edu) and Shannon Dumont (sldumont@fcps.edu) with any dismissal changes.
Important Note for PM SACC Students: If your child attends PM SACC, please connect with Laura Couch regarding dismissal changes. PM SACC students do not need to complete this form.
Mark Your Calendars for the Fall Book Fair! Volunteers Needed!
Our Book Fair will be open from November 18 to November 22. I hope to see you there! If you are interested in volunteering at the Book Fair, please email Maura Papas at mopapas@fcps.edu.
Check out our Book Fair Page HERE for all the details:
- Dates
- Special Family Times
Our Book Fair will be cash free this year. Please use the following links to learn how to set up an eWallet or eGift Card for your child.
- eWallet, a cash-free way for your child to shop at the book fair https://www.bookwormcentral.com/ewallet.php
- eGift Card, the perfect gift for students, teachers or friends, redeemable at the book fair or our online bookstore
https://www.bookwormcentral.com/gift_card/
Thank you for supporting our school and encouraging your child's love of reading!
Happy Reading,
Maura Papas, Librarian
PTA News & Notes
BINGOween - Thank you!
It was great to see everyone on Friday at BINGOween. Thank you to all who volunteered and to the wonderful teachers and staff who offered such fun raffle prizes and called the BINGO games. The evening was so much fun and we could not have done it without you. We also want to thank Patient First and all of our sponsors. We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Halloween!
Join the PTA
Join us! We 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.
Join us for CES Thanksgiving Luncheon
We are pleased to invite you to Columbia’s Thanksgiving Luncheon on Tuesday, November 21st!
The Thanksgiving meal includes roast turkey with dressing, green beans, fresh fruit, milk, whipped potatoes with gravy, and pumpkin bread. Vegetarian offerings include chickenless bites or power packs.
The price is $4.75 for any adults and non-school aged children. To pay for an adult or child’s meal, please add additional funds to your child's mySchoolBucks lunch account.
On the day of the luncheon, you must bring a valid ID with you to sign in at the office. Parents will have the option to shop at the book fair during their child’s lunch block!
Thanksgiving Luncheon Schedule
10:45 - 11:15: Kindergarten & EAC Lunch
11:15 - 11:45: 3rd Grade Lunch
11:30 - 12:00: 1st Grade Lunch
12:00 - 12:30: 2nd Grade Lunch
12:10 - 12:40: 4th Grade Lunch
12:40 - 1:10: 5th Grade Lunch
Specials Spotlight
FLES & STEAM with Srta. Alba
Hola familias de CES! It has been a great start in FLES/STEAM this quarter. Kindergarten has been working on colors, numbers 1-10, and the alphabet. First graders and second graders are getting ready to do syllables, so that they’ll be able to read in Spanish! In third grade, students have learned about insects and what they see in a garden. In fourth grade, students have learned about nature and bodies of water in Spanish. Lastly, fifth grade students are working on places in the community and created a building that they would want to see in their community. Many designed their own version of a skyscraper using KEVA planks!
PTA Cougar Cafe success!
Earlier this week, staff at Columbia were treated to a delicious spread of treats and coffee by the wonderful PTA. Teachers were grateful, elated and well caffeinated as a result! On behalf of the extraordinary adults who work hard every day in the building, we would like to send along a sincere note of appreciation to Elena Eddy, Giuliana Villamil, and all the wonderful parents who supported this greatly appreciated treat! Check out pictures from the Cougar Cafe Coffee Bar on Instagram!
🐾Save the Date 🐾
Student Holiday - Diwali
November 1
Student Holiday
November 4
Student Holiday
November 5
Holiday - Veterans Day
November 11
3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal
November 18
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting
November 19
Thanksgiving Luncheon
November 21
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