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RAVEN REPORT
Even though this week was short- it was definitely packed! Last Wednesday we came together for our faculty meeting and talked about how our collective ownership is showing up currently and we can lean into this to help us embrace our data as a school and as we prepare for SOL session which is closely upon us. This week we saw some amazing high-leverage moves, which are small shifts in instruction our teachers are trying. Above you see Kate Cordell, in ELA 7 teacher, in a small group, modeling and using an anchor chart! Such great instructional practices in action and the kind of instruction that meets the needs of our students.
We ended this week with a very well-attended Parent Coffee that focused on how to talk to your teen. As a mom of a teen and as someone who interacts with teens everyday, that learning was very helpful for me in reminding me how our students’ brains are working and how the way they talk to them matters. Finally, I want to thank you all for a smooth WIDA testing season. We had over 450 students test and we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support.
Follow us on Social Media: To see the latest from Poe MS follow us on Instagram at @poeravensfcps!
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Important Dates |
2/23: Student Experience Survey in advisory class (postponed)
2/24: Finance Park Field Trip (2/23 postponed due to weather)
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Raving Ravens |
On Friday we hosted our annual Spelling Bee. We have such talented students here at Poe. Our winner was Binta Bayo. We are so proud of her and all of those who competed in this competition!
FRED Cards: Here’s what people are saying about our amazing staff. Below are some of the highlights from the recent FRED Cards that were submitted. The person’s name is who is being highlighted followed by what was said about them by a colleague. I will continue to highlight them in each Raven Report so keep them coming!
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Daneille Kuo: “You are such an amazing ESOL Chair. Thank you so much for supporting MTSS - it's beyond helpful to have you on the team. I'm so grateful for you!”
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Afshan Christy: “I appreciate your willingness to support me and the students as well as your willingness to collaborate with me. Thanks for making us a "team!"
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Lexi Mullohand: “Thank you for being awesome! You are truly a model of patience and perseverance. We are extremely lucky to have you at Poe. Your calmness is such an asset when it comes to our students.”
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Important Information |
Attendance March Madness at Poe Middle School: To continue to work on our chronic absenteeism rate, we are holding a March Madness Attendance Competition! Here are the details:
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Community Teams will compete for the lowest percentage of absences for all students in each team
- Absence rates are calculated based on percentage of students on each team (as opposed to number of students) to make the competition fair
- Each week, the team in the lead will earn a small prize (they will be called to the cafeteria at the beginning of Advisory on Mondays). Teams in the lead will be announced on the morning announcements each week.
- There will be a large prize at the end of the competition after Spring Break (they will be called to the cafeteria at the beginning of Advisory that day)
- On the first Friday of the competition (March 6), students will take an attendance pledge in Advisory
- We will also have a spirit week March 2-6 to build momentum with the completion:
Meal Kits for Fasting Students: From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
- Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
- Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
- Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
Student Experience Survey 2/23- Postponed: I want to share with you that Poe Middle School will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey in late February/early March. This survey will help the school division gather valuable feedback from students and improve the overall school experience. It aligns with the Strategic Plan’s equity commitments, which include a focus on elevating student voice and experiences. Our school will administer the survey on February 23 during advisory . All students, except those who have been opted out, will receive the survey link. If you would like your child to opt-out of this survey, please email Tyler Miller at tmiller@fcps.edu.
Black History Month-Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence: Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available.
Register Today With Volunteer FCPS: Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Poe Middle School. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.
At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
New Visitor Management System: We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry.
For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check in at the front office.
But now there is also an app, which can make check-ins even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check in at school.
If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!
Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs: Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school.
The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School.
Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.
An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance.
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Activities |
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students: Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps: Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.
Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!
Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Summer Camps at Annandale HS: Registration has opened for Summer Camps at Annandale High School this summer. For those who sign up in January they will be offered the Early Bird Rate of $120 to the Olympics Camp. The Early Bird offer only applies to Olympics camp. Register Here for summer camps:
https://bit.ly/AHSCAMP26
Olympics Camp - Rising 2nd-9th Graders - June 22-26th 8:30am-3pm ($150): Campers will have fun playing a variety of sports including basketball, kickball, volleyball, soccer, and touch football. They will participate in fun contests and win medals! Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. For questions about Olympics Camp, please reach out to Christopher Bagot.
Boys & Girls Basketball - Rising 3rd-9th Graders - July 20-24th 9am-3pm ($250): Campers will spend each day focused on developing their basketball skills. They will also receive a t-shirt and a chance to win trophies. Campers can bring their lunch or purchase lunch at camp. Hours are 9am to 3pm. We accept early pickups at 8am. For questions about Basketball Camp please reach out to Jerome McAvoy and Chelsea Harrison
Baseball Skills Camp- Aug 10-14 5pm-7pm ($100, or $25 a day)
This camp is designed for 3rd - 9th graders and will be held on the baseball field at Annandale High. Focus will be on preparation for fall season and overall skill development. Camp will be conducted by Annandale High School Coaches and current college baseball players. Camp will run from 5pm-7pm. Question reach out to head baseball coach and camp director Kevin Rudd
News from the PTSA
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