Poe Family Newsletter May 18, 2026

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RAVEN REPORT

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This week we finished our first round of SOL testing. We had a wonderful participation rate and are ready for our next phase which is remediation and retakes for all those who did not pass. This week 8th graders who did not pass Science SOL will retake that exam. This week is the last week of after-school clubs and activities and next Thursday, May 28 will be the last day of after-school buses for the school year. I hope you all enjoy a nice long weekend and I will not be sending out a community newsletter next week.

 

Follow us on Social Media: To see the latest from Poe MS follow us on Instagram at @poeravensfcps! 


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Important Dates

5/19: Chic-Fil-A Spirit Day

5/20 & 5/21: Science 8 SOL retake 

5/21: Last day of after-school clubs/activities

5/25- No School- Memorial Day

5/26: No School - Teacher Workday

5/27: No School - Eid Al-Adha

5/28: Last day of afterschool buses

5/30: SOL Bootcamp (Retake Only)

6/1:  Reading SOL Retakes

6/2: Math SOL Retakes


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Raving Ravens

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I had the pleasure of watching our track and field students participate this weekend at Oakton HS. Our kids were amazing and we had some students qualify for the championship on May 30 at Robinson Secondary School. Many thanks to all of those who came out to support the team and to our amazing coaches Ms. Waxler, Ms. Hughes, and Ms. Copley for all their support! Go Ravens!

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!

  • Denise Hook: “I appreciate the knowledge and lens you bring when considering the needs of our neurodivergent students. You are so great at explaining complex information to families during IEPs. Thank you for always being available when I come by with questions. We're lucky to have you!” 
  • Tina Rogers: “Thank you for creating a comfortable testing environment for the English SOL. Our students appreciated it, and so do we.”
  • Pelin Belendir: “Thank you for being such an awesome proctor for the English SOL. I was so nervous and having you there was such a relief. “

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Activities

Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas: Join Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.  Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.  For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

Mason Arts 250 Theater Event on June 20 at Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia : We are seeking original short-form scripts or recitations of historical narratives applicable to the event (e.g., a reading from Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” or “The Declaration of Independence”, etc.) for this special afternoon of one-act performances, poetry, and music commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Pieces may be memorized or presented as table reads, and should not exceed 12 minutes. All students, faculty, and community members in Fairfax County are welcome and encouraged to submit for consideration.

Mason Arts 250" commemoration of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: We are announcing a poetry contest for both students and adults.  The call is for poems of 30 lines - so almost anyone can and should apply. There is a small award for winners and chances to perform the poems in public and several of the Mason Arts 250 events happening in June

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Volleyball Camp: Thomas Jefferson HS is hosting an end of year volleyball camp. More information is below and here’s the link to register. 


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Important Information

Welcome Dr. Yannos Misitzis! Dr. Misitzis (Dr. Yannos as he prefers) will be joining us starting on May 18 through the end of the school year as an acting administrator. He is a proud FCPS graduate and first-generation Greek American in his 17th year with the county. Having served as a Special Educator, STEAM/Science Resource Teacher, and Dean of Students, he is excited to bring his diverse experiences to his role as Acting Assistant Principal at Poe. Yannos holds a Master’s in Psychology from Boston University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Virginia Tech. His work is driven by a commitment to restorative and culturally responsive teaching practices, with a focus on developing ethical, global, and resilient citizens. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two children. 

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New Cellphone Policy Starts July 1: On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cellphone possession and use, to align the FCPS cellphone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools in the Commonwealth must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.

This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, student cellphones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day — thus, no cellphones from bell to bell. 

High school students will no longer be able to use cellphones and personal devices during lunchtime. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage

Other SR&R Changes for the 2026-27 School Year

Visit the FCPS website or the School Board agenda to learn about additional updates, including:

  • Added guidance and procedures for in-school and out-of-school suspensions and discipline investigations, including supports for students with disabilities and multilingual learners. 
  • Expanded guidance and standardized disciplinary procedures (“Universal Grade Matrices”) related to harassment, hate speech, discriminatory behavior, and Title IX reporting requirements.
  • Responses to incidents involving intimate images, fighting, physical aggression, object throwing, and drug policy violations.

Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation: All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.

Additionally, our students can ride Metrobus for free. Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

Bus Discount Program for Adults: Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.

Finish the School Year With Strong Attendance! As we enter the final weeks of the school year, Fairfax County Public Schools appreciates your continued partnership in supporting your child’s success. Regular attendance plays an important role in helping students stay engaged in learning, maintain connections with their teachers and peers, and finish the school year strong. 

Attending school consistently also helps students build valuable habits such as responsibility, perseverance, and daily routines that support success both in and out of the classroom.

If your child needs to miss school, please remember to report the absence. Full-day absences can be reported in ParentVUE. Families may also report absences by calling the school attendance line or emailing the school-designated attendance address.

If your child is experiencing challenges that are affecting attendance, we are here to help. Please contact your child’s school so staff can partner with you to provide support and resources. Learn more about attendance resources


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News from the PTSA

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Chic-Fil-A Spirit Day: Join us at Chic-Fil-A on May 19. Say the word ravens or use it when ordering online and proceeds will go to Poe Middle School!

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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. 

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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