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RAVEN REPORT
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! We are so appreciative of everything our teachers do to support students at Poe MS, big and small, seen and unseen- the work they do every day makes a difference. And speaking of appreciation, I’m so grateful for a smooth first day of SOL testing. Everything ran smoothly and the next two sessions will be all hands on deck with all of our students testing at once. Finally we had another great turn out this week at our SOL Saturday bootcamp and for encouraging our students to attend. We will have our math bootcamp this Saturday and we already have over a hundred students signed up! If your student would like to attend this Saturday- please send them our way!
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/ 6: Reading 6 & 7 SOL/Science 8 SOL (different bell schedule)
5/9: Math SOL Bootcamp 9:00-12:00
5/13: Math SOLs (different bell schedule)
5/13: Parent Advisory Meeting 5:00-6:00 Library
5/15: Parent Coffee 9:00-10:00 Raven’s Nest
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Raving Ravens |
I had the opportunity to see our band students perform this week and I love seeing how talented our students are. Thank you to Mr. Gomez for all you do to help our students learn how to be musicians. On Friday night we had so much fun at the Turnpike Classic. It was wonderful seeing our families, students, and staff cheering our girls and boys basketball teams at Holmes MS. Thank you to the coaches: Mr. Camille, Mr. Lopez, Ms. Schwein, and Mr. Tamburo.
HLM Reflections:
As we begin to finish up our high leverage moves, I’d like to take some time to share the impact these moves have had on individuals and their instruction. Here is an example that I’d like to highlight:
“ How has your teaching changed so far as a result of the environmental scan observations & feedback?”
Math Reflection:
“Through my high-leverage move of small-group instruction and feedback, I have become more intentional about using ongoing formative assessment during whole-group lessons to identify students who need additional support. I ask questions to check for understanding so I can determine which students would benefit from targeted instruction in small groups. This approach helps me provide more focused support and better address students’ learning needs.”
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!
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Sophia Sozzi: “It is so great to have you back! I truly appreciate your collaborative spirit and willingness to always lend a hand especially in times of need. Thank you for helping teammates out across different contents. You are a rock star!
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Mike Hanpeter: “Thank you for how you've supported testing, High Impact Tutors, and Edu-tutor this year! Your speed and knowledge helped things to run smoothly!”
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Paria Assari: “Thank you for creating such thoughtful, organized SOL review materials for the team! Wowza! So much planning and preparation went into it all! It's very evident that you want to set your mathematicians up for success! “
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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.
https://masondistrictpoetry.org/
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Important Information |
SOL Saturday Bootcamps: Your child is invited to attend our Saturday SOL Review days beginning in April. The purpose is to help prepare our students for their upcoming SOL test in all content areas. Transportation will be provided along with breakfast. Please complete this form by selecting the dates your child will attend and whether you will need transportation.
Google form with Spanish/English
Family Information Phone Lines:FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
To participate: Email Committee Chair Anthony Dauer at anthony.dauer@gmail.com with “Mason Arts 250 Theater Submission” in the Subject Line by Friday, May 8, 2026, to indicate your commitment. Final scripts are due June 1, 2026.
Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services: Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Mental Health Resources: FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders: The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students: FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
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. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award: Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service! Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students: Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.
This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.
Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300.
News from the PTSA
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Teacher Appreciation Breakfast: Donations Needed, 5/7: The PTSA is looking for donations of items or time as we celebrate our teachers with a breakfast on 5/7. Please use this SignUpGenius to let us know what you will bring!
Urgent: New Officers Needed for 2026-27 School Year: All current officers are moving on, and without a President, Treasurer, and Secretary the PTSA will not exist next year. Please check out the position descriptions in English or Spanish. The application can be found here. Email poeptsa18@gmail.com with questions.
Gold Raven Families: Want to be a Gold Raven Family and get a raven with your name on it at the front of the school? Donate $20 to the PTSA! Every donation of $20 will get your family's name featured on our board of fame outside of the library. Donate today at the QR code below!
    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.
New Officers Needed for 2026-27 School Year: Interested in becoming a PTSA officer next year? We are looking for President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and various Committee Leads. Please check out the position descriptions in English or Spanish. The application can be found here and is due May 1.
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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