Weekly update for February 7, 2025
Dear Columbia friends and families:
It has been another great week at CES. We were excited earlier today to officially welcome the newest Columbia Cougar, our new Administrative Assistant, Ms. Lucy Santa Cruz. Today is her first day in the main office, see below for more details!
This coming Monday, February 10th, is a 3-hour early release day. You should have received an email confirming your preference for having your student dismiss at 1:05pm or 4:05pm. Please call the main office with any questions you may have about the 3-hour early dismissal for this coming Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday of next week, progress reports will be coming home in Tuesday Folders. As always, please continue communicating with your child's teacher for any questions you may have about their academic progress.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
 |
|
Welcome Lucy Santa Cruz!
Lucy Santa Cruz is a versatile and passionate individual with a background in administrative support, training manual creation, helping lead teams, and Environmental Science. A proud graduate of George Mason University, Lucy earned her B.S. in Environmental Science after completing her K-12 education within FCPS. She is a team player who often wears multiple hats and thrives on helping wherever needed. Lucy is motivated by purpose, consistency, and family.
Lucy has experience working in both field work and office work. She has worked in diverse settings, including Maryland State Parks and Engineering and Software based companies, before working in FCPS for the Document Management Records Center. Outside of work, Lucy enjoys journaling, designing stickers, participating in a pool league, and spending quality time in nature with her dog, Hugo.
She is excited to join the Cougar family and contribute to the community!
|
 |
Columbia Receives FCPS School Communications Awards!
Columbia's outstanding social media presence has earned them the FCPS 2024 Best in Social Media award! The school was recognized at the FCPS School Communicators Conference for their visually stunning and engaging content on Instagram and Facebook. The award highlights the school's thoughtful approach to showcasing their #SmallSchoolBigHeart community, positive school culture, and student learning. Congratulations to School-Based Technology Specialist and social media curator, Shannon Dumont, for this well-deserved recognition!
PTA News & Notes
Staff Soup Lunch - Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who donated items and made goodies for the staff's soup lunch Monday. The teachers and staff felt the love from our families. Thank you for making this year's event special!
Key Dates
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:
-
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.
-
Mad Science Shows: Don't miss the exciting demonstrations by Mad Science!
-
Show 1 (5:45 PM - 6:20 PM): Families with last names A-J
-
Show 2 (6:30 PM - 7:10 PM): Families with last names K-Z
Events in the Community
-
Book Drive and Family Literacy Fair - February 8
- 30,000 FREE BOOKS for Families and Educators!
-
Saturday, Feb. 8 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Lorton Community Center & Library 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079
-
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.
-
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
|
