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Dear CES Friends and Families,
It was an exciting week of learning at Columbia! On Thursday, our fifth graders enjoyed a wonderful field trip to the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. Experiences like these bring classroom learning to life, and we are especially grateful to our PTA, whose generous support helps make these meaningful opportunities possible for our students!
Speaking of our amazing PTA, their biggest event of the year, Bingoween, is coming up next Friday, October 23! We encourage all families to join the fun and support the PTA, which gives so much back to our students and school. Please see below for information about purchasing tickets in advance, volunteering, and participating in this exciting event.
As a reminder, students are welcome to wear costumes to school on Friday, October 23, but masks and costume props are not permitted during the school day. Students are welcome to bring those accessories to Bingoween that evening!
Finally, the Annandale Chamber of Commerce Parade takes place on Saturday, October 24, and everyone is invited to join in this wonderful community tradition! See below for additional details.
Thank you for your continued partnership in making Columbia the small school, with a big heart. Have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
PTA News & Notes
We can't wait to see you next week at BINGOWEEN! Below please find everything you ever wanted to know about this event.
A Beginner's Guide to Bingoween - 5:30 - 8 pm (10/23)
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What is Bingoween? Bingoween is one of the biggest and most fun events of the year - expect costumes, fun with friends, and BINGO! There will be raffles, a silent auction, a concession stand, and plenty of prizes.
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When is Bingoween? Friday, October 23. 5:30 - 8 pm.
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What should I bring for Bingoween? We STRONGLY encourage you to pre-order BINGO cards, raffle tickets, and pizza before the event, so you can avoid those pesky, long lines. Pre-orders can be made here until Monday, October 19. We also recommend bringing a picnic blanket or chairs, a highlighter or other writing utensil to mark your bingo cards, and a flashlight since it will get dark during the event.
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What concessions will be available? We will have Paisano's cheese and pepperoni pizza, drinks, chips, and candy available for purchase. For pizza, you can avoid the lines by pre-ordering here, ordering by Monday, October 19.
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I would love to help out! How can I contribute? We cannot hold fun events like Bingoween without your help! If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up through our Bingoween Sign-up Genius. For items to donate see our the PTA's Bingoween Amazon Wishlist.
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What items are up for bid at the silent auction? We have a wonderful selection for you to bid on this year, including:
- Tickets to Capital One Hall
- Tickets to Signature Theater
- A gift certificate to Tea with Mrs. B
- A gift certificate to Bluemont Vineyards & Great Country Farms
- 1 year online piano lessons
- Kendra Scott and Gorjana jewelry
- And much, more more!!!
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What is the timing of the event? Pre-order pick-up is 5:30 - 6 pm. This is also a great time to check out the silent auction and raffle items. Bingo games will start at 6 pm with a few breaks in between games to select raffle winners. Silent auction winners will be announced near the end of the event.
Annandale Parade – 9:30 am (10/24)
The fun continues the morning after Bingoween! Show your Columbia spirit by wearing your red or spiritwear and walking with us in the Annandale Parade. Let’s show the community our school pride!
 Outstanding Employee Nominations – 2026–2027
Know an amazing Columbia Cougar? Is there a Columbia Elementary staff member who goes above and beyond to make our school a special place for students and families? Help us recognize and celebrate their outstanding contributions!
Families are invited to nominate any Columbia Elementary employee, including teachers, administrators, custodians, cafeteria staff, and other dedicated team members who make a difference in our school community.
Nomination Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026
Submit a Nomination: CLICK HERE to nominate
It only takes a few minutes to recognize someone who makes a lasting impact on our students!
Go Cougars!
 Nominaciones de Empleados Destacados – Año Escolar 2026–2027
¿Conoce a un Cougar extraordinario? ¿Hay algún miembro del personal de la Escuela Primaria Columbia que hace un esfuerzo adicional para que nuestra escuela sea un lugar especial para los estudiantes y sus familias? ¡Ayúdenos a reconocer y celebrar sus valiosas contribuciones!
Invitamos a las familias a nominar a cualquier empleado de Columbia, incluyendo maestros, administradores, personal de limpieza, personal de la cafetería y otros miembros de nuestro dedicado equipo que marcan una diferencia positiva en nuestra comunidad escolar.
Fecha límite para enviar nominaciones: viernes, 30 de octubre de 2026
Envíe su nominación: CLICK HERE to nominate
¡Solo toma unos minutos reconocer a alguien que deja una huella positiva y duradera en nuestros estudiantes!
¡Vamos, Cougars!
Advanced Academic Programs Information and Deadlines
Columbia Families: For current families of students in grades 2-5, a full-time AAP referral can be submitted by December 15, 2026 for families that are interested in referring their child for the full-time program. This is a county deadline, and referrals cannot be accepted after that date. Referral forms are available online or reach out to Michelle Sansone, AART, for information. Parents may submit two work samples from home as part of the referral packet. Referrals can be emailed to Michelle Sansone or hand delivered to the Columbia School office to her attention.
For further information and support with this process, please feel free to reach out to Michelle Sansone at mfsansone@fcps.edu anytime. Thank you for partnering with us to support your children.
Save the Date!
October 23 - Bingo-ween & students can wear costumes to school!
October 24 - Annandale Chamber of Commerce parade
October 30 - End of 1st Quarter, dismissal is at 2:05pm
November 2 & 3 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, no school for students
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