PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: October 10, 2025

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PUMA PRESS – School News & Information: October 10, 2025


Important Dates

  • October 13: Indigenous People' Day (Student Holiday) 
  • October 15: Three Hours Early Release at 1 p.m.
  • October 20: Diwali (Holiday) 
  • October 21-27: NGAT Testing 2nd Grade & 3-6th Retakes 
  • October 24: Coffee with Principals, 9:30AM Cafeteria 
  • October 30: Trunk or Treat, 5:30PM CPES Parking Lot 
  • October 31: Annual Kindergarten Character Book Parade, 9:30AM 
  • October 31: First Quarter Ends, Two-Hour Early Dismissal 2:00PM
  • November 3: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday) 
  • November 4: Teacher Workday (Student Holiday) 
  • November 5: AAP Parent Meeting 6:00PM Library 
  • November 11: Veterans Day (Holiday)
  • November 14: Coffee with Principals, 9:30AM Cafeteria
  • November 19: Three Hours Early Release at 1 p.m.
  • November 20: Thanksgiving Luncheon (More information to come)
  • November 26-28: Thanksgiving Holiday  

Fairfax County Public Schools 2025-2026 Standard School Year Calendar


Message from the Principal

Dear Powell Puma Families-

We’ve had a wonderful start to October! Classrooms are full of energy and engagement as students dive deeper into their learning, and it’s been a joy to see the sense of community growing stronger each week. As we move into this new week together, we take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and learn.

This Monday, we recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities across the Americas. This day invites us to reflect on the history, resilience, and enduring presence of Native peoples while reaffirming our commitment to respect, inclusion, and learning from diverse voices.

At Colin Powell Elementary, we value opportunities for our students to learn about and appreciate the many cultures that make up our world. We encourage families to take time to explore stories, art, and resources that highlight Indigenous voices and perspectives together.

As we celebrate the diversity within our school and beyond, let’s continue to remind our students what it means to put K.I.D.S. First — to be Kind, Inclusive, Diligent, and Safe in all that they do. Whether they’re working with classmates, playing at recess, or helping a friend, these values guide us in creating a community where everyone feels respected and supported.

Warmly,

Catherine Han, Principal


Month at a Glance

october

Coffee with the Principals

On October 24th, we will have another “Coffee with the Principals”. This session will take place at 9:30am, and it will be about understanding your child’s progress. The principals hope you will be able to join them that day!

coffee

Outstanding Fairfax County Public School Employee

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Colin Powell Elementary Outstanding Employee in one of the categories, please complete the nomination through this Google Form link. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees.

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The Google Form link has more information and requirements regarding the criteria for each of these awards. Please keep in mind, if the person you nominate gets chosen to represent our school, you must be willing to complete a detailed nomination packet and recommendation.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, October 22, at 4:30PM. 

If you have any questions, please contact our award liaison, Caryn Baptiste.


Kindergarten Character Day Parade

Families we hope you can join us for our annual Kindergarten Character Day Parade, Friday Oct 31st. The parade will start promptly at 9:30AM. We will walk around the outside of the school building, bring your camera and we hope to see you there.


Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) News & Notes

Mark Your Calendars!

Elementary School Fall Newsletter

Colin Powell Elementary School offers students a continuum of services to meet their needs.   Please look at our Fall Newsletter to learn more about AAP services.   The link will take you to our Parent Schoology site which is a great resource for information.

Mark Your Calendars!

October 15th is the Referral Deadline for NEW TO COUNTY students in grades 3-6 for full-time AAP screening.

Please email me, kmbach@fcps.edu, if you have questions.   There is also information conveniently linked in the parent Schoology course.

Wednesday, November 5th @ 6PM:  AAP Parent Meeting in the Colin Powell ES Library

This meeting is focused on the full-time AAP screening process for the upcoming winter/spring screening window.   If you have a current 2nd-6th grader and want to learn more, please consider attending.