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- October 2 : Yom Kippur (Student Holiday)
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October 13: Indigenous People' Day (Student Holiday)
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October 15: Three Hours Early Release at 1 p.m.
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October 20: Diwali (Holiday)
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October 31: Annual Kindergarten Character Book Parade, 9:30AM
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October 31: First Quarter Ends, Two-Hour Early Dismissal 2:00PM
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November 3: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)
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November 4: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday)
Fairfax County Public Schools 2025-2026 Standard School Year Calendar
Next week, we recognize Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is a day of reflection, atonement, and renewal. Out of respect for this important holiday, schools will be closed for students on October 2, 2025. Schools will resume on Friday, October 3, 2025. We wish peace and meaningful reflection to all who observe.
This past week, it was wonderful to see so many families join us for the Advanced Academics information meeting. Your engagement and partnership help us ensure that every child is challenged, supported, and inspired in their learning journey.
As we close out September, we want to share how proud we are of the way students have settled into the school year. Classrooms are full of energy and focus, and we are seeing students build friendships, routines, and a love for learning. We wish all of our families continued joy as the year unfolds and thank you for the many ways you support your children and our school community.
Warmly,
Catherine Han, Principal
Wednesday, October 1, will be an evening-only observance day for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism. There is school that day, but important events will not occur after school. Thursday, October 2, is a holiday and schools and offices will be closed. See the complete school year calendar.
Over the past week, we have noticed an increase in some concerning drop-off behaviors in our parking lot and Kiss and Ride area. Several students have been dropped off outside of designated areas and are walking through traffic unaccompanied by an adult. We have also observed cars driving onto the curb and dropping students off on the road at the bus entrance, creating a potentially dangerous situation for everyone.
The safety of our students is our top priority, and we need your help to ensure a smooth and secure arrival and dismissal process. We understand that mornings can be rushed, but following traffic laws and Kiss and Ride procedures is crucial for preventing accidents.
Please take a moment to review these important safety reminders:
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Use designated Kiss and Ride areas: Please do not drop off your children outside of the designated Kiss and Ride zone. This area is specifically designed to allow for safe and efficient student drop-off.
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Students must exit cars on the passenger side: For the safety of all children, students must exit cars in the Kiss and Ride line from the passenger side of the vehicle.
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Follow traffic flow: Please adhere to the designated traffic flow in the parking lot and Kiss and Ride area. This helps to prevent congestion and confusion.
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No drop-offs at the bus entrance: Children should not be dropped off on Leland Road. In addition, the bus entrance must be kept clear for school buses.
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No parking in areas marked with yellow lines: Parking or stopping in these areas, including for student pick-up or drop-off, is strictly prohibited. These areas must remain clear for visibility and safety.
We understand your desire to make the morning drop-off as quick as possible, but we urge you to prioritize safety. A few extra moments taken to follow the established procedures can make a significant difference in protecting our children.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our school community safe.
Families we hope you can join us for our annual Kindergarten Character Day Parade, Friday Oct 31st. The parade will start promptly at 9:30AM. We will walk around the outside of the school building, bring your camera and we hope to see you there.
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.
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 Tuesday, September 30.
First, I want to start by thanking you for signing up to be a volunteer at our school. At FCPS, parents are partners, and volunteering is one of the many ways parents can show up in meaningful ways for our students. We are also excited to begin welcoming parents to join their child during their lunch time on their birthday or half-birthdays.
As the school year continues, I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the expectations for all FCPS volunteers and visitors. Per the FCPS website, all FCPS volunteers and visitors are expected to do the following:
- Sign in and out using the Visitor Management System (VMS) at the school front office or vestibule. Sing-in as a volunteer.
- Wear an FCPS-issued identification sticker at all times.
- Maintain student confidentiality and avoid accessing confidential student or staff records.
- Refrain from taking any videos, photographs, or other images of FCPS students or student/ staff records.
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Head directly to your designated volunteer location or appointment, and return to the main office to sign out when you are finished. (For the safety and privacy of all students, we ask that parents and visitors not walk through the building or enter other classrooms outside of their scheduled purpose.)
- Follow all FCPS policies and regulations.
Following these expectations ensures that we can provide every one of our students with a safe and welcoming environment to learn and grow. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
Elementary School Fall Newsletter
Colin Powell Elementary School offers students a continuum of services to meet their needs. Please look at our Fall Newsletter to learn more about AAP services. The link will take you to our Parent Schoology site which is a great resource for information.
Mark Your Calendars!
September 30th is the deadline for parents to request a one-time retake of the FCPS ability test. (current 3rd-6th graders who already took an FCPS ability test)
All parents/guardians have a one-time retest option. If you would like to request a retest, please email Mrs. Bach at kmbach@fcps.edu to include your child’s full name, student ID, and a statement indicating you are exercising your one-time retest option.
October 15th is the Referral Deadline for NEW TO COUNTY students in grades 3-6 for full-time AAP screening.
Please email me, kmbach@fcps.edu, if you have questions. There is also information conveniently linked in the parent Schoology course.
Wednesday, November 5th @ 6PM: AAP Parent Meeting in the Colin Powell ES Library
This meeting is focused on the full-time AAP screening process for the upcoming winter/spring screening window. If you have a current 2nd-6th grader and want to learn more, please consider attending.
Join us for our Fall Family Book Club to read the bestselling novel in verse, Odder by Katherine Applegate. The publisher says (Odder is) Inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers, this poignant and humorous tale told in free verse examines bravery and healing through the eyes of one of nature’s most beloved and charming animals. We have 28 spots for families this season. Fill out the Family Book Club Form to join. Responses will be turned off when we reach our limit.
Today, Friday, September 26th, Centreville HS will be hosting their annual Homecoming Parade at 5:00 pm.
Some CPES SCA members and staff will be walking, and we’d love to see you cheering along the route. Check the map below and come show your spirit!
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of starting the middle school day at 8 a.m. or after. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.
Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. That feedback helped in developing two options for adjusting school start times. The options are designed to support student well-being, align with research, and balance transportation logistics.
We invite you to provide input on the two options by taking a short survey. This voluntary survey will close on Tuesday, September 30. Visit the FCPS website for more information on adjusting school start times.
Our new menu items debuting in September and October feature hearty homestyle favorites — including veggie chili, pictured above — and fresh global inspiration! Other new additions include:
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Breakfast: Cinnamon apple overnight oats, mini blueberry pancakes, French toast sticks, egg and cheese breakfast quesadillas and tacos, and turkey sausage and cheese bagels.
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Lunch: Teriyaki chicken stir-fry, teriyaki chickenless bites stir-fry, cheesy turkey pepperoni pasta, cheesy pasta with marinara sauce, deep dish pizza, and cheesy fiesta nachos.
Check our online menu to see when your child can try new recipes developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts, based on student feedback.
FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.
Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. A new School Start TImes Survey is open through Tuesday, September 30. It includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs. Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. Find more information about adjusting school start times.
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations are being held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
- Monday, September 29, at McNair Upper Elementary School. Register to attend.
- Friday, October 3, at Annandale Terrace Elementary School
- Friday, December 5, at Churchill Road Elementary School
- Tuesday, December 9, at Fairhill Elementary School
- Thursday, December 11, at Bull Run Elementary School
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.
Colin Powell STEM is inviting students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades to join the Math Olympiad program. This is a fantastic opportunity for students passionate about mathematics!
Key Details & Deadlines
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Category
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Information
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Eligibility
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Students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades only.
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Registration Deadline
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Friday, October 3rd, 5:00 PM EDT
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Available Spaces
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Limited to 35 spots. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early!
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Registration Link
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Colin Powell STEM (https://forms.gle/ox4ebwU3gPiE5qNW9)
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Program Logistics
Test Schedule
- The Olympiad involves five testsin total.
- Tests will be conducted at schoolonce a month. (4:30 PM -5:00 PM) Mostly on Mondays.
- The testing period runs from November through March.
Registration Fee
- The fee is flexible and will depend on the final enrollment count.
- The final cost will range between $20 – $30.
Preparation
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Sample questionswill be shared with registered students after the registration process is complete to help them prepare for the tests.
Important Policy
Cancellation Policy
To ensure fairness and manage logistics, please only register if your child's schedule allows them to attend the after-school tests once a month. Canceling after registration prevents another interested student from participating in the limited-space program.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Safety in Our Schools
- New Fall Food Items
- Driver’s Education from a Trusted Source
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