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September 4th- Holiday Labor Day Break
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September 7th- Holiday Labor Day Break
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September 8th- AAP Parent Info Night
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September 15th- Back to School Night PAC- 2nd Grade 5:30 PM (more information to come)
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September 17th- Back to School Night 3rd-6th Grade 5:30 PM (more information to come)
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September 21st- Holiday Yom Kippur
Fairfax County Public Schools 2026-2027 Standard School Year Calendar
Good afternoon Powell Puma Families,
We had another wonderful week at Powell! As we wrap up our second week of school, it has been exciting to see our students settling into routines, building relationships, and diving deeper into learning. Our classrooms and hallways continue to be filled with energy, curiosity, and so many examples of our Pumas showing what it means to put K.I.D.S. First!
As a reminder, we are heading into a four-day weekend. There will be no school Friday, September 4 through Monday, September 7, and we look forward to welcoming our Pumas back on Tuesday, September 8.
We hope all of our Powell families enjoy the extended weekend and have an opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend time together. Thank you for helping us make the start of this school year such a positive one. We can’t wait for another great week ahead!
Warmly,
Catherine Han
Principal
When can families visit for lunch?
- Families are welcome to join your child during their lunch time to celebrate your child's birthday or half- birthday. Please select one. 🎉
- If the child’s birthday falls on a weekend or holiday, special guests can celebrate lunch with them one day the following week when we are back in school.
- We invite two (2) special guests (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.) to join their child for lunch at school on their birthday.
- We will be welcoming families to join their child for lunch to celebrate their special day starting on September 22nd. This will allow our students to learn cafeteria routines and expectations during the first month of school.
- Lunch is an impertive time for your child to learn social skills, connect with friends and develop independence at school.
Important Reminders:
✅ Parents/guardians welcome after the first month of school
✅ Lunch drop-offs are still allowed — place on the outside table by the main office, label with their teacher and students name.
✅ Email your child’s teacher by 9:30 AM if dropping off lunch
✅ Make sure your child knows to pick it up
Thank you for helping us keep lunch times safe, smooth, and special!
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Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. Encourage your community to show our staff that their hard work is appreciated! |
Join Chorus at https://tinyurl.com/CPESChorus
- Please complete the online registration.
- Rehearsals begin September 17!
Chorus teachers (grades 5-6): Ms. Estavia Rowe emrowe@fcps.edu and Ms. Eliza Tebo ejtebo@fcps.edu
September 8th - Parent Information Night (Overview of AAP) – 6pm in the Library
This first AAP Parent Night is for parents of students new to the county or who want to learn more about the Advanced Academic Program.
We will provide an overview of what AAP is and the continuum of services offered at our school and in FCPS.
September 30th – One-Time Retest Request Deadline
Students in grades 3-6 are allotted a one-time retest option for their ability testing. To request a retest, please email Mrs. Bach, kmbach@fcps.edu, with the following information:
- Student’s full name
- Grade Level
- Student ID
- Homeroom Teacher
- Your request, “I’d like my child to use their one-time retest option this fall.”
Mrs. Bach will email a confirmation of your request.
October 6th – Parent Information Night (Full-Time AAP Screening) – 6pm in the Library
This AAP Parent Night is for parents of students in grades 2-6 who are interested in learning more about the full-time AAP screening and identification process.
October 15th – Full-Time AAP Screening Referral Deadline, New to the County, Grades 3-6
December 15th – Full-Time AAP Screening Referral Deadline, Grades 2-6
**You may find information about AAP on the Parent Schoology Page.**
We are offering 10 exciting classes for this Fall’s Afterschool Programs through Baroody. Classes fill quickly, so register early!
- Registration Opened
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Registration Closes: September 20th
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Classes Begin: September 29th
Through Volunteer FCPS, individuals can register and search for volunteer opportunities across the school division. All volunteers need to register in Volunteer FCPS. This includes FCPS staff who volunteer at their child’s school, work as student mentors, or help in any unpaid capacity in the school system. However, staff who wish to volunteer at the school where they work do not need to register.
Visit Volunteer FCPS to view volunteering and mentorship opportunities.
- Click on “Schools” to register with a specific school.
- Click on “Programs” to register as a general volunteer with the county or with the MentorWorks program, which matches individuals with students to meet regularly throughout the year.
Register and complete a short volunteer orientation.
If you’ve registered previously, no need to register again. But visit Volunteer FCPS to sign up for opportunities of interest!
our 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 will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
The FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success.See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Get to Know Our School Health Staff Our school nurse at Colin Powell is Kaitlyn Hubbard. Contact them at 571-522-6010 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
Your Child’s Presence at School MattersThe beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free
Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:
- Personal laptops and tablets.
- Smartphones and smartwatches.
- Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at [main office number]. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family ConferenceThe Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in https://www.fcps.edu/news/fcps-week-september-2-2026, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
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- Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
- Weather Safety
- Attendance Resources for Families
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