Final summer update from CES!

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 08/21/2026 03:45 PM EDT

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First Day of School is on Monday!

Dear CES Families and Friends,

The staff at Columbia ES is excited and officially ready to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year!

It was wonderful seeing so many of you at school yesterday for our Open House. We look forward to welcoming our newest students to our annual kindergarten playdate tomorrow, Saturday, August 22nd, at 10:00 a.m. on the playground.

This upcoming Monday, August 24th, is a special milestone; the first day of 2026-2027 school year! Our doors will open at 9:05 a.m. on Monday morning. Our dedicated staff is thrilled to see the students and we look forward to another year of incredible growth and excellence at the small school, with a big heart.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Take care,

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

PTA News & Notes

Join the CES PTA!

Registration to join the CES PTA for the 2026-2027 school year is open! Membership must be renewed annually. The CES PTA helps support the school by covering costs for field trips, hosting teacher appreciation events, and organizing events such as the Fall Picnic, Bingoween, and Field Day. Join online HERE!

Also, the PTA graciously treated the CES staff to a delicious and wonderful luncheon earlier today as we put the finishing touches on getting prepared for the first day of school. Events and activities like these are what make the PTA truly a special group of community supporters. Thank you, PTA!

Buses & Delays

Please be patient and show grace to all of our FCPS employees as we want to ensure a successful first day, week, and year for all of our students and families. If a student’s bus is delayed, parents may access the Bus Delay Notification System or use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to receive the delayed bus report. Email messages will be sent to announce significant bus delays. Contact the Transportation Office at 703-249-7000 with any additional questions. For any concerns after 5:30 p.m., contact Safety and Security at 571-423-2000. To make sure you receive email messages about bus delays, update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE.

A Few Things to Check Before Monday

There is so much to look forward to as we do our final preparations for the start of a new school year! Here are some quick reminders for FCPS families before they head to school on Monday Morning.

Make sure your child’s MySchoolBucks account has funds if they plan to buy breakfast or lunch at school, or apply for free and reduced-price meals.
Customize your child’s internet activity on their FCPS-issued device by visiting the FCPS Lightspeed Parent Portal Guide.
Check your child’s school schedule in SIS ParentVUE. Remember to download the new SIS ParentVUE app before Monday.
If your child uses FCPS transportation services, including riding the school bus, be on the lookout for information from your child’s school about how they will provide you with a new student ID card.
Before the start of school, make sure to submit your child’s immunization documentation or Immunization Action Plan if you have an appointment scheduled to complete the immunizations required by the state of Virginia.
Review the What’s New webpage for additional changes FCPS is making for the 2026-27 school year.

🍴Apply Today for

Free & Reduced-Price Meals!

According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.

Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.

The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.

Meals for Students Available Through August 21No-cost meals will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, August 21, at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.

Save the Date!

August 24th - First day of school, doors open at 9:05am

September 2nd - Picture Day

September 2nd - Back to School Night

September 4th - 7th, No School, Labor Day Holiday Weekend

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