Weekly update for January 31, 2025
Dear CES friends and families:
It is hard to believe, but we have now started the 3rd quarter of this school year. Your students are hard at work communicating, collaborating, thinking critically, and reflecting on their learning as we start this quarter with a strong first step.
I would like to send a huge THANK YOU to the wonderful CES PTA. They are leading the effort on Monday in providing the annual Soup Luncheon for the staff at CES. We are continuously grateful for the support of all families in this wonderful community. We appreciate you! #SmallSchoolBigHeart
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
PTA News & Notes
Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch – This Monday, February 3rd!
There is still time to volunteer for a Columbia teacher and staff favorite! This Monday, February 3rd is the annual soup lunch. Get those favorite soup or salad recipes out and let’s show the staff how much we appreciate them. You can sign up HERE to contribute. Thank you!
Partnership with Papa Johns
We are excited to announce a new partnership with Papa Johns in Annandale. You can now order pizza ANY THURSDAY from 11AM – 11PM for delivery or carryout (carryout until 10 PM). Families will receive 40 percent off their entire order and 10 percent of their order goes to the PTA. This opportunity will last until the end of the school year. Online code “CES4010” - this code will also be accepted by phone in case of issues with the website.
Key Dates
2/3 Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch
2/20 STEAM Night
2/26 Family Night Out (Dominos)
Annual STEAM Night at CES
Thursday, February 20th
Get ready for an evening of exploration and discovery at our annual STEAM Night! Join us on Thursday, February 20th, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Exciting Activities Await:
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Interactive Exhibits: Explore booths featuring hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The exhibit hall will be open 5:30 - 7 p.m.
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Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
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Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
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Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z
If you are interested in supporting or volunteering STEAM Night, please contact Shannon Dumont at sldumont@fcps.edu.
News from the Library
Overdue Notices
The library will be sending out overdue notices in the next week. Kindergarten through second grade will receive paper notices, while third through fifth grade will find their notices in their school email accounts.
Please encourage your children to return library books so others can enjoy them. If you're having trouble finding a book or have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Papas at mopapas@fcps.edu.
🏅 Advisory Committee for Students With Disabilities Seeks Nominations for First-Class Awards
First-Class Awards are presented each year to individuals who support, design, and/or implement inclusion activities that result in positive outcomes for students. The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the 2025 First-Class Awards. This is a great opportunity for the community to recognize and celebrate the inclusion efforts of educators, administrators, and students who demonstrate the inclusion of students with disabilities in all facets of education.
Nominees should model excellence in their role relative to special education, have a positive impact that benefits disabled and non-disabled students alike, and be committed to creating an inclusive environment and mindset.
Nominate an administrator, staff member, student, or community partner who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools. Nominations close Wednesday, February 19.
Events in the Community
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Holmes MS Family Rec Night - January 31st
- You're invited to Holmes MS first-ever Family Rec Night! Join for this FREE event on Friday, January 31st, from 5 - 8 p.m. Register now! You can expect an evening of fun and community: enjoy recreational activities in the gym, connect with fellow families and staff, and enjoy dinner on us. We'll have activities to promote healthy habits and a workshop for parents on reading strategies for home, attendance, and digital tools like SIS. For more information, view the Holmes MS website.
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Pyramid Schools Night for Annandale Boys Basketball - February 4th
- Annandale Boys Basketball will be hosting Pyramid Schools Night on February 4, vs Lewis @ 7:30pm at Annandale High School Main Gymnasium.
- The Columbia ES students of the Annandale High School Pyramid will receive free admission when accompanied with a paying adult in attendance.
- For more info contact Coach McAvoy at jjmcavoy@fcps.edu. Instagram - annandaleboysball
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Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair - February 8
- 30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Educators!
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Saturday, Feb. 8 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lorton Community Center & Library 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079
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Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early! Parents and guardians are welcome to choose up to 10 free books per child for home libraries, with a 30-book maximum limit per family.
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For more information, please contact David Walrod: dpwalrod@fcft.org, 703-451-6840
🐾Save the Date 🐾
3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal
February 10
Holiday
February 17
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Meeting
February 18
STEAM Night
February 20
3 Hour Early Release - 1:05 p.m. Dismissal
March 10
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