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October 20: Diwali (Holiday)
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October 21-27: NGAT Testing 2nd Grade & 3-6th Retakes
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October 30: Trunk or Treat, 5:30PM CPES Parking Lot
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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)
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November 5: AAP Parent Meeting 6:00PM Library
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November 11: Veterans Day (Holiday)
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November 14: Coffee with Principals, 9:30AM Cafeteria
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November 19: Three Hours Early Release at 1 p.m.
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November 20: Thanksgiving Luncheon (More information to come)
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November 26-28: Thanksgiving Holiday
Fairfax County Public Schools 2025-2026 Standard School Year Calendar
Dear Powell Families,
What a wonderful week it has been at Colin Powell Elementary! Our students have been busy exploring, creating, and learning together — and our classrooms have been full of positive energy and curiosity. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your children’s learning and growth.
This week, we also took time to recognize and celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. Diwali reminds us of the power of goodness, light, and hope — values that shine brightly within our Powell community. Many of our students shared their family traditions, from lighting diyas to enjoying sweets and time with loved ones. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to learn from one another and celebrate the many cultures that make our school such a special place.
✨ In honor of Diwali, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, October 20. We wish all of our families a peaceful and joyful long weekend, and to those celebrating, Happy Diwali! 🪔
Thank you for being such an important part of our Powell family. Together, we continue to build a community where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to shine.
Warmly,
Catherine Han, Principal
Monday, October 20, is a school holiday for Diwali and all schools and offices are closed.
Friday, October 31, is the last day of the first quarter, and a two-hour early release for students with dismissal at 2:00PM. Schools are closed for students on Monday, November 3, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 4, for a teacher workday. See the complete school year calendar.
It is with great pride and excitement that we share some incredible news:The Virginia Council on the Educational Opportunity for Military Children has officially recognized Colin Powell Elementary School as a recipient of the SY 2025–2026 Purple Star 3rd Award! 🎉
Earning the Purple Star designation for the third time is an extraordinary accomplishment — one that reflects our school’s deeply embedded culture of belonging, connection, and support for all students, especially our military-connected families. The Council noted the strong role our students play in building this inclusive community through our active peer-to-peer programs and welcoming practices.
Each of you contributes to this culture every day — through your empathy, consistency, and commitment to helping every child feel seen and supported. This recognition is truly a whole-school achievement, and one we can all take pride in!
You’ll soon see the new Purple Star logo displayed around our school to celebrate this honor. In addition, we will be receiving the official 3rd Award Purple Star coin — a nod to the military tradition of bestowing challenge coins to those who contribute to the mission.
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Colin Powell Elementary Outstanding Employee in one of the categories, please complete the nomination through this Google Form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees.
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The Google Form link has more information and requirements regarding the criteria for each of these awards. Please keep in mind, if the person you nominate gets chosen to represent our school, you must be willing to complete a detailed nomination packet and recommendation.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, October 22, at 4:30PM.
If you have any questions, please contact our award liaison, Caryn Baptiste.
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.
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!
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.
Veterans Day Program – Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Colin Powell’s Veterans Day Program will take place on Wednesday, November 12, this year. RSVPs are requested by Monday, November 3: https://tinyurl.com/VDayCPES. Please spread the word to all veterans in the Colin Powell community.
Students have been doing an amazing job reading and logging their minutes on their Read-A-Thon account. We want to celebrate your child’s success on Thursday, October 30th by having our very first Trunk-or-Treat! It will be a family-friendly event where students have the opportunity to go from trunk to trunk collecting all sorts of treats & goodies. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled evening, and don’t forget to invite your friends & families!
*Trunks Needed - We would love your help in making this event successful and memorable for everyone. If you would like to decorate your trunk, please sign up using the link below. Thank you!
Volunteer Sign Up - Decorate a Trunk
*Candy Needed - More information will be provided in next week’s Puma Press.
You might notice that your student's progress report grades in English language arts (ELA) look a little different. This is happening because we've brought in a new curriculum and new ways to check on learning (assessments), and there are new state guidelines called the VDOE Standards of Learning.
FCPS is raising the bar and setting high goals! We are teaching and grading students on the big skills they need by the very end of the school year. Think of it like going on a journey. It’s challenging at first, but on your journey, you learn your way — and maybe even a few shortcuts!
First quarter grades may seem lower than usual as students work hard to reach grade-level mastery.
Please know that this is a positive, expected part of the learning journey. We are here to support every student as they grow and achieve. We are celebrating the effort and growth toward these new, higher standards!
Learn more about this change in ELA grading and reporting.
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead.
Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?
If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. Read Superintendent Reid's October 1 letter regarding other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long.
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Immunization Events for FCPS Students
- How AI is Shaping Technology
- Blueprints for Success, How Bonds Build Communities
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