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PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: September 11, 2026

Important Dates

• September 15th- Back to School Night PAC- 2nd Grade 5:30 PM (more information to come)
• September 17th- Back to School Night 3rd-6th Grade 5:30 PM (more information to come)
• September 21st- Holiday Yom Kippur

Fairfax County Public Schools 2026-2027 Standard School Year Calendar

Message from the Principal

Dear Powell Puma Families,

We have officially wrapped up our third week of school, and it has been wonderful to see our students settling into their routines, building relationships, and diving deeper into learning. Each week, our classrooms are feeling more like communities as students grow in their independence, confidence, and connection to one another.

Today marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We pause to remember and honor the lives lost, the families and communities forever impacted, and the first responders and others who demonstrated extraordinary courage and service that day and in the days that followed.

As we move through September, we also want to recognize several important upcoming observances and celebrations within our Powell community. Hispanic Heritage Month begins September 15, providing an opportunity to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on September 11 and continues through September 13, and we wish a sweet and happy new year to our families who celebrate.

Thank you, families, for your continued partnership as we build a strong start to the school year. We are excited for all that is ahead as we continue working together as One Powell — K.I.D.S. First!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Catherine Han
Principal

FCPS Cares

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!

CPES Events By The Month

AUGUST - FEBRUARY

MARCH - JUNE

♫ CPES Chorus Registration for grades 5-6 is open through September 11!

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

Library News!

Fall Family Book Club is ready to kick off! Join us to read Charlottes Web by E.B. White together from the end of September through October. When we finish the book we will have a family event November 12th to celebrate reading the book. Each Family that joins the club will receive a copy of the book and weekly reading guides via talking points. We have 45 spots this year. We would love to have you join us for this fun social reading activity! Use this form to sign up by September 18th.

Superintendent Community Conversations

Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:

• Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
• Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
• Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
• Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
• Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
• Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 

Reporting Discrimination or Harassment

FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible. 

SR&R

Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30

The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.

Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.  

Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.

Cellphones and Personal Devices

Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement. 

Strategic Plan

Schools Build Belonging so Students Can ThriveWhat does belonging look like in our school? At [SCHOOL], we are creating inclusive, supportive environments where every student feels known, valued, and connected — the second goal of the Strategic Plan. From mentoring to cross-grade collaboration, when students feel safe and supported, they can truly thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice at FCPS.

Attendance

Importance of Strong Attendance HabitsSeptember is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:

• Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
• Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
• Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
• Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
• Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.

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.

Student ID/Bus Tracking

Stay in the Know With Here Comes the BusEven though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system. 

FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.

Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.

FCPS App

What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App! 🍕

The FCPS mobile app makes it easy to view daily breakfast and lunch menus for any school in FCPS — no login required. Find out more about the app’s features. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. 

Flu Vaccine

The Importance of the Flu Vaccine

As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the health and well-being of our students continues to be one of our priorities. Staying up to date with your child's flu vaccination helps:

• Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
• Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
• Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.

Upcoming Flu Shot Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will be taking place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary.

Special Education Family Conference

Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students 

Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School. 

Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. 

The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.

Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

• • Review and Sign the SR&R
  • Your Child Belongs at School
  • What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App

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