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RAVEN REPORT
It was another action-packed week here at Poe MS! I was so grateful to see our talented students’ art work at the Annandale Pyramid Art Show early this week. So much amazing talent and a wonderful opportunity to interact with our community. Thank you to Ms. Kinsey and Ms. Wiseman for creating safe spaces for our kids to thrive! On Friday, we celebrated the diversity of our community at our annual Heritage Night. Parents, staff, and students shared food and music and celebrated what truly makes us special. Thank you to Ms. Belendir and Ms. Maldonado and the SGA for hosting such a fun event. Wish everyone a productive week and see you back on Wednesday!
Follow us on Social Media: To see the latest from Poe MS follow us on Instagram at @poeravensfcps!
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Important Dates |
4/21: Special Election Day (no school for students)
4/23, 4/24, 4/25: Raven Theater- Spring Musical
4/29, 4/30: Band Concert (7:00-8:00pm)
4/29: Reading 8 SOL (different bell schedule)
5/ 6: Reading 6 & 7 SOL/Science 8 SOL (different bell schedule)
5/13: Math SOLs (different bell schedule)
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Raving Ravens |
There’s so much to celebrate this week but I’d like to highlight that two of our students, Eleaonore Jorde and Zulekha Hussen made the Mixed Choir event in Richmond. Only 30 middle school students across the county were chosen to participate. Thank you so much to Ms. Poll and the music department for their continued support of our students!
HLM Reflections:
As we begin to finish up our high leverage moves, I’d like to take some time to share the impact these moves have had on individuals and their instruction. Here is an example that I’d like to highlight:
“ How has your teaching changed so far as a result of the environmental scan observations & feedback?”
Social Studies Reflection:
“I have become more intentional in the structure in which students respond to high order questions. Students are given tighter expectations and guidance regarding their critical thinking.”
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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Yuvany Salgado: “Thank you for literally sprinting to every need! I also appreciate how patient you are with our one student. You are a safe space for her. Thank you for all you do at Poe!”
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Tyler Drewes: “One thing I can count on when I see you is your smile and positive greeting. Thank you for welcoming me as a new staff member at Poe. Your kindness does not go unnoticed.”
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Tony Uccelinni: “Thank you Mr.U! Over the past few weeks you have been extremely flexible & being a true team player! Most recently participating in an IEP meeting at the last minute. Your ability to be a team player has been extremely beneficial to Poe!”
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Activities |
Turnpike Classic Basketball Event: We are excited to share an upcoming opportunity for our students to participate in the Turnpike Classic Basketball Event between Poe Middle School and Holmes Middle School.
The event will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Holmes Middle School (6525 Montrose St., Alexandria, VA 22312) and will feature a boys basketball game and a girls basketball game between student teams from each school. Students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Poe Middle School will have the opportunity to try out for the Poe team that will compete in this event.
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.
VIP Camp is Almost Here!: We’re excited to announce that VIP Camp will be returning for another year for any rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (attending Glasgow MS, Holmes MS, Jackson MS, Kilmer MS Poe MS, or Thoreau MS) and will be held at Glasgow Middle School (4101 Fairfax Pkwy, Lincolnia, VA 22312)!
Registration Opens: March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (link will go live then)
Be sure to mark your calendars — spots may fill quickly!
For any questions, please contact Mr. Harsh (pgharsh@fcps.edu)
Forest Hollow 5K & Fun Run:This family-friendly community event is helping raise funds to improve the Forest Hollow pool parking lot, a space where many neighborhood kids gather for swim team practices, summer programs, and community events. The event is designed to be fun and welcoming for all ages, and we expect many local families to attend.
Hillbrook Community Cleanup:
Join us on April 18 from 9am-12pm to clean up our community. To celebrate Earth Day we will be cleaning and refreshing our important community spaces and help keep these spaces safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
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Important Information |
SOL Saturday Bootcamps: Your child is invited to attend our Saturday SOL Review days beginning in April. The purpose is to help prepare our students for their upcoming SOL test in all content areas. Transportation will be provided along with breakfast. Please complete this form by selecting the dates your child will attend and whether you will need transportation.
Google form with Spanish/English
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid: As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
No-cost meals available for children on April 21 at select FCPS schools: While schools are closed for students for the special election, FCPS will provide free lunch and a snack for children 18 and younger from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at select locations. Meals must be eaten on-site, and enrichment activities will be offered. We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. See the list of meal locations: www.fcps.edu/food
April Statewide Election: No School for Students: There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on April 21 at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar: The School Board voted to direct the : superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
Spring testing season is here! Be sure to put testing dates on your family calendar so you don't forget. Check your email and school newsletters for dates and details. Here are some ways to prepare before a test: - Remind your child to get a good night's rest. - Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast. - Avoid scheduling appointments that would take your child out of school on a testing day. - Remind your child that electronic devices are not allowed in testing, unless required by 504 or IEP. Find out more about the tests at each grade level: https://bit.ly/FCPS-Grade-Tests
Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments: Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately. Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify us as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
What Your Student is Learning!
Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts: We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
- Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
News from the PTSA
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Gold Raven Families: Want to be a Gold Raven Family and get a raven with your name on it at the front of the school? Donate $20 to the PTSA! Every donation of $20 will get your family's name featured on our board of fame outside of the library. Donate today at the QR code below!
    Got Sneakers? The PTSA is partnering with Got Sneakers? to raise important dollars for the school! Bring in lightly used sneakers of any size and place them in the box in the library.
New Officers Needed for 2026-27 School Year: Interested in becoming a PTSA officer next year? We are looking for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and various Committee Leads. Please check out the position descriptions in English or Spanish. The application can be found here and is due May 1.
Membership Please join us! It will take you 3 minutes to get a membership if you scan the QR code below. Funds from memberships are essential for us to fund programs that expand opportunities for students, purchase spirit wear, and support the community-building activities that the school puts in place for our children.
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