PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: September 18, 2026

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PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: September 18, 2026


Important Dates

  • September 21st- Holiday Yom Kippur
  • October 6th - AAP parent info Night 
  • October 12th - Indigenous People's day - Student Holiday
  • October 21st- 3hr Early Release - Dismissed at 1 pm 

Fairfax County Public Schools 2026-2027 Standard School Year Calendar


Message from the Principal

Good afternoon Powell Puma Families, 

We had another wonderful week at Powell! It was especially great to see so many of our families at Back to School Night. Thank you for taking the time to join us, connect with your child’s teachers, and learn more about the exciting learning ahead this year. We truly value the partnership between our families and school community.

Monday, September 21, is a holiday for Yom Kippur, and schools and offices will be closed. Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year and is observed by many through prayer, reflection, and fasting. To all in our Jewish community who are observing, may you have an easy and meaningful fast.

We hope all of our Powell families enjoy the long weekend. Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Catherine Han
Principal


FCPS Cares

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!


Twice Exceptional Students

Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are both gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities. 

Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS

For more information, please contact Kathleen Bach at 571-522-6000


Centreville High School Music Department Tag Day

The Centreville High School Music Department Tag Day is this Saturday, September 19, 2026! Our Band, Choral, and Orchestra students will be knocking on doors asking for your support for the CVHS Music Department. Your tax-deductible donation funds uniforms, instruments, equipment, and guest instructors. You can donate by following the QR code in the flyer, using the TinyURL, sending in a check to the address, or handing it to the teen who comes by your neighborhood. Thank you for supporting the CVHS Music Department!

CVHS

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:

Registration is not required, but it helps with planning. 


SEL Screener (grades 3-6):

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Colin Powell ES students in grades 3-6 will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring. 

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out, please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.


Strategic Plan

Our Focus on Academic Growth and ExcellenceThe FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice


Attendance

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.

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.


Immunization Events

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take 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. Additional immunization resources are also available. 


Spirit Night - “Dine for Dollars” (ALL week at Lazy Dog)

Take a break from cooking dinner this week! “Dine for Dollars” at Lazy Dog has started at the Fair Oaks Mall location. 15% of the total bill will be donated back to CPES PTA. Don’t forget to mention the fundraiser at the end of ordering. We look forward to seeing you there!

**If you are ordering online, please enter the code “01FAIRFAX” at checkout.**

Lazy dog

Participate in our upcoming Powell Elem Fun Run!

It’s time! You can sign up your student for our Powell Elem Fun Run! Our goal is to raise $30,000 for cafeteria tables, field trips, assemblies and other school/student resources. Signing up is easy and comes with a fun prize for your student! PLUS any student registered before Kickoff will be entered into a raffle to earn a squishy toy! There will be 10 winners! 

⭐️ Sign Up On MyBooster.com  ⭐️

Thank you for being a part of our Powell Elementary community and helping us make a difference for our students. We are grateful for your support! Follow our social pages for fun progress updates in the coming weeks.

Our school is working toward a BIG goal and Great Wolf Lodge wants to celebrate with us! Registered families will have the chance to earn some awesome rewards. Log in to mybooster.com today and share your student’s donation page with your whole pack. Just for receiving their first donation, students can earn their very own Wolf Ears!

Key Dates to Remember: