Weekly update for Nov. 22, 2024

Dear Columbia friends and families,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to express sincere gratitude for your partnership at home. When teachers and parents work together to support children’s success, it benefits everyone involved. We are truly thankful for your continued support of this small school, with a big heart.

I would also like to send along a friendly reminder that next week will only be a two-day school week, with school in session on Monday and Tuesday. Thanksgiving holiday will run from Wednesday, November 27th - Friday, November 29th.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Take care,

Mike Astudillo

Proud Principal

Columbia Elementary School

Donuts with Grown-Ups coming soon

It’s almost time for Donuts with Grown-Ups! Families are invited to come enjoy donuts, coffee, and conversation with their children. The event will be held on Thursday, December 12th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with A-L and Friday, December 13th at 8:30am-9:00am for children with last names starting with M-Z. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 10th by returning the Donuts with Grown-Ups sign up form to your child's teacher or emailing your child’s teacher. We are asking for donations by grade level. Suggested donations: K-3rd: Donuts; 4th & 5th: individually packaged drinks (i.e., juice boxes, small bottles of water).

PTA News & Notes

Holiday Sweet Shop

Please join us in thanking our wonderful Columbia teachers by donating to the upcoming “Holiday Sweet Shoppe” the Monday we are back from Thanksgiving (December 2^nd). You can sign up to bake or bring a treat HERE.

Fall Direct Donation Campaign

The goal for our Fall direct donation campaign is to raise $2300 for a typing program for students (for three years). The campaign will begin November 21st and end on December 18th. Please consider donating through one of the ways below. Thank you!

Square: Click this link.
Zelle: Use Email Address columbiapta@gmail.com
Check: Please make check payable to Columbia PTA and mail to 6720 Alpine Drive, Annandale, VA 22003

Together in Education/Harris Teeter Partnership

Together in Education is a program where Harris Teeter shoppers can link their account to Columbia Elementary School and the school will receive funds. You can link your card online HERE or visit the customer service counter at your local Harris Teeter and tell them that you would like to link your account. Columbia Elementary School’s code is 4295.

Join the PTA

Join us! We would like to invite you to join the PTA to become part of a collaborative community supporting events benefiting Columbia’s students, teachers and families. The PTA fundraises for school projects and provides volunteer support for beloved events such as BINGOween, the read-a-thon and other fun events throughout the year. You can join HERE and would love if you would consider sponsoring a teacher’s membership if you can. We welcome questions, please let us know if you would like to get more involved by emailing columbiapta@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events

Family night out – Five Guys (11/27)
Holiday Sweet Shoppe (12/2)

Handwashing Reminder!

As we transition into the fall and winter seasons, it's important to remind our students, staff, and families about the importance of practicing good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These simple practices can significantly reduce the spread of germs, particularly during the upcoming holiday season when gatherings and travel increase.

Key Reminders:

Wash Hands Frequently: Encourage students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Use Hand Sanitizer: When soap and water are not readily available, provide access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Remind students to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues properly in a wastebasket and wash their hands.
Avoid Touching Face: Discourage students from touching their eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Hand Washing Prevents The Spread of the Flu

Your Health Is In Your Hands with the Help from a Shark

Holiday Support for CES Families

We are doing a grocery gift card drive for winter break! If you can participate, please donate $25 gift cards to Aldi or Giant and turn into the front office. We would love to reach our goal of collecting 50 gift cards! Please reach out to our counselor, Jenna Robinson Julian, with any questions. jlrobinson1@fcps.edu

See below for ongoing food assistance:

Social and Emotional Learning Screener

Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact us.

Register for ParentVUELearn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Spanish:Los Resultados del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional Estarán Pronto Disponibles

Una de las maneras en que FCPS apoya el bienestar mental de todos los estudiantes es a través del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social y Emocional (SEL). En octubre, estudiantes de los grados 3º a 12º tomaron este cuestionario, que proporciona información acerca de sus habilidades como lograr metas, manejar emociones, construir relaciones con adultos y compañeros, y tomar buenas decisiones.

El cuestionario también ayuda a los estudiantes a evaluar los esfuerzos de su comunidad escolar para que se sientan valorados, incluidos y apoyados. Los datos del cuestionario se utilizan para crear aprendizaje, experiencias y entornos que permitan a los alumnos alcanzar el éxito.

A principios de diciembre, las familias podrán ver los resultados del Cuestionario SEL en SIS ParentVUE. Para las familias que no tienen una cuenta activa ParentVUE, los resultados serán enviados por correo.

Para más información sobre el examen por favor visite la página web del Cuestionario de Aprendizaje Social-Emocional (SEL). Si necesita ayuda para entender los resultados de su hijo o ideas para apoyarlo en casa, consulte la Guía para Familias o póngase en contacto con la escuela de su hijo.

Registrarse en ParentVUE

Aprenda a activar su cuenta ParentVUE, para que pueda acceder fácilmente a los resultados de su hijo y a otra información útil.