PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: November 15, 2024

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PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: November 15, 2024


Important Dates

  • Wednesday 27th - Friday 29th - Thanks Giving Break 

Message from the Principal

Powell families,
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the families who joined us for our Thanksgiving Luncheon this week. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and to have the opportunity to re-connect with our school community in this way. This luncheon marked the first time we've been able to gather in this way since the pandemic, and it was truly heartwarming to share a meal and conversation with our parents and students. We hope you enjoyed the delicious food, festive decorations, and friendly atmosphere!

Warmly,
Jamie Luerssen
Principal

thanks giving 2345

Every Day Counts at Powell ES!

puma

To ensure transparency and celebrate our progress, we will be sharing weekly attendance data in our newsletter. By highlighting this important information, we aim to keep our families informed and energized about our collective efforts to reduce absenteeism and prevent students from becoming chronically absent.

Chronic absenteeism is when a student has missed 10% or more of the school days in the school year. This includes all absences, regardless of whether they are excused and unexcused. Research shows that students who are chronically absent are at higher risk of falling behind and dropping out of school.

We care deeply about all of our students and aim for success for each student. Our partnership to support regular school attendance is critical to that success. Please follow the health policy and send your children to school every day.

November 15th Attendance Update: K-6

Number of students present EVERY DAY: 320 – That’s 37%

  • Number of students present all but 1 day: 177 – That’s 21%
  • Number of students NOT currently chronically absent: 778 – That’s 91%
  • Number of students currently chronically absent (missed 10% of the school days so far this year): 79  
  • Number of unexcused & travel related absences: 485

FCPS Cares

Want to show some love for your child's amazing teacher or staff member? Let's fill FCPS Cares with positive vibes! Submit your recognition today and let them know how much you appreciate their hard work.


Science Olympiad

Kudos to our PTA-sponsored Science Olympiad Participants

We are excited to share the outstanding achievements of our students this past weekend at the VASO competition. This event showcased not only their intellectual talent but also their unwavering dedication and passion for STEM. Throughout the competition, our students demonstrated remarkable focus, persistence, and teamwork. They poured countless hours into their preparation for the last two months, overcoming challenges and refining their skills to reach their best potential.

As the competition ended and during the ceremony, our team proudly raised the Colin Powell Flag high, symbolizing their hard work and the spirit of excellence they embody. It was a moment of great pride to see our students receive well-deserved recognition for their commitment to learning and innovation. Their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics was evident not only in their results but also in the dedication they displayed throughout the entire process. The rigorous preparation, problem-solving, and enthusiasm for STEM that these students demonstrated is an inspiring reminder of the power of hard work and perseverance.

Please join us in congratulating all of our winners and participants for their relentless commitment. Their efforts were truly reflected in their impressive performance, where they stood out among a large pool of participants. They have set a high standard for excellence, and we look forward to seeing them continue to shine in future endeavors!

Event  Rank Team
3rd Grade: Picture This 1 I)Irudhayarajan, Jenilia  (3rd Grade )
    II)Shin, Anna
    III)Mogali, Anjali
3rd Grade: Picture This 2 I)Kim, Ellie (3rd Grade)
    II)Gorelov, Elizabeth 
3rd Grade: Storm the Castle 5 I)Irudhayarajan, Jenilia (3rd Grade)
    II)Shin, Anna 
Forces 5 I)Aryan Raj Chilappagari (4th Grade)
Straw Egg Drop 5 I) Mogali, Anjali  (3rd Grade)
    II) Hashem, Jannat (5th Grade)
3rd Grade: Balloon Car 6 I)Kim, Ellie (3rd Grade)
    II)Balam, Owen
SO

Youseum!

Check out this week’s YOUseum display!  Thank you to the Prabhu family (Avni is in Ms. Buono’s 3rd grade class)  the Dhami family (Khaliss is in Ms. Gant-Andrew’s 6th grade class) and the Keshava family (Aaradh is in Ms. Faustino's class)  for providing such a beautiful display celebrating Diwali!  Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous occasion that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. This stunning display showcases the rich cultural heritage of India, featuring traditional outfits, captivating decorations, and informative books.  Pictured below are some staff members who dressed up for the occasion!  We encourage you to explore the display, ask questions, and learn more about this vibrant celebration.

Diwali2

Family Book Club

Yesterday we celebrated the success of our first Family Book Club. Thirty-eight families participated in the book club and 8 families joined us last night for treats and book trivia. We would love for you to join us in the Spring to read The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and family movie night when we finish the book! Look for more information in March.

book club

Book Fair!

Book fair

Help Needed for the Upcoming Book Fair!

The Book Fair is just around the corner, and we could use your help! We’re looking for volunteers to assist with a variety of tasks, including:

  • Setting up and packing up the fair
  • Book preview and sales support
  • Extra help during our author visit with Hena Khan on Wednesday, 12/11

If you’re available to help, please consider signing up for a time slot. Your support will make this event a success and help bring wonderful books to our community!

Thank you for your time and support!

Bookfair Sign Up Genius


Advanced Academic Program

Our full-time AAP screening window is open.   If you are a parent of a current 2nd-6th grader and feel your child consistently needs more challenging instruction and learning in all four core content areas, please submit a full-time referral file.   The deadline to submit all materials is December 15, 2024.

Referral files include:

  • Completed Full-Time AAP Referral Form (required)
  • Completed Parent/Guardian Questionnaire (optional but encouraged)
  • 2 pages total showcasing student work and academic potential (optional but encouraged)
    • 8 ½ x 11, single-sided
    • Nothing stapled, no 3-D examples, no video or audio files.
    • No more than 2 samples per page

Referral materials should be turned in altogether and may be delivered digitally in PDF or JPG format to kmbach@fcps.edu or hard copy to the front office.   This screening cycle is for possible eligibility for the 2025-2026 schoolyear.  Please note that all referrals are due by December 15th, no exceptions.