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Dear Columbia Friends and Families,
Thank you for your patience, support, and understanding today as we successfully navigated this unexpected power outage. I want to applaud the staff and students of Columbia ES for their flexibility, quick thinking, and teamwork. Families, thank you for your patience! I'm truly an extra proud principal today.
As we approach the final three days of school next week, I want to take a moment to thank the incredible Columbia ES community for your unwavering support again this school year. It has been another wonderful year of growth and achievement at CES, and our success is a direct reflection of our partnership with you.
On the last day of school, Wednesday, June 17th, we will dismiss at 2:05 PM. To celebrate a major milestone, we will host our traditional "clap out" for our departing 5th graders. If you would like to help us bid a fond farewell to our 5th Grade Cougars, please join us outside of Door 1 at 2:00 PM as they walk the hallways of Columbia ES one final time. To ensure a safe and streamlined dismissal for all students, please note that families can gather exclusively outdoors for this event. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our campus secure.
I hope you have a wonderful final weekend of the 2025–2026 school year!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
Important updates from the clinic
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than the student dismissal time on the last day of school. Medication left in the health room after that time will be destroyed. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student. If your student will be enrolled in a summer program sponsored by Fairfax County Public Schools, the existing medication authorization form(s) may be used for the summer program, but you will need to pick up the medication on the last day of school and deliver the medication and completed forms to the summer learning site on the first day of the summer program. Please let the health room know if you would like a copy of the form(s).
 Battle of the Books!
A big Columbia shoutout to Kerry Ames, our librarian, and Snejana Alt, special education teacher, for their leadership, creativity, and above-and-beyond effort in planning and organizing our Battle of the Books event on Wednesday morning.
Fourth and fifth graders who participated selected books from a list of ten titles, read closely, and competed in teams to demonstrate their knowledge of the books. This event celebrated a love of reading, brought books to life through discussion and teamwork, and created a joyful opportunity for our students to shine.
Thank you, Ms. Ames and Ms. Alt, for making this special experience possible. We are grateful for your dedication and hope to continue this wonderful tradition next year!
Libraries, books, and fun go hand-in-hand, and we can't think of any other way to celebrate summer reading! Join us at our FREE Summer Reading Festival at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA) on Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
At this outdoor event, families will enjoy:
- Games and Crafts
- Petting Zoo
- Face Painting
- Bounce House
- Photo Booth
- Popcorn and Cotton Candy
- Food Trucks
- And more!
 3rd Grade "informance" success
Last week, all 3rd graders participated in a "Temples and Toombs" musical performance for younger students as they informed their peers about all their learning during the Ancient Egypt unit. The students did a wonderful job not only singing and dancing, but sharing important facts and historical accounts that shape our culture today. Congrats and kudos to Ms. Bolden and all the 3rd grade teachers for their leadership!
 Benchmark Buddies!
Our K-5 students celebrated the end of another wonderful unit in Benchmark. The students pictured went above and beyond by completing three of their take-home calendar activities. To celebrate, we spent some time outside drawing, with sidewalk chalk, pictures of what we are looking forward to this summer. This was our last celebration of the 25-26 school year. Thank you to all students and families for extending your learning by completing additional activities each Unit. We hope to continue the success next year!
Now Hiring: Substitute Teachers and Substitute Instructional Assistants for the 2026–2027 School Year for Columbia ES: Apply Now
The FCPS Substitute Office is seeking individuals in the Columbia community who can provide continuity of instructional teaching as a substitute teacher and/or substitute instructional assistant during the school year.
The position offers:
✔ Flexible schedule ✔ Make a difference in your local community ✔ Great for people with a passion for teaching/assisting students
Join our team and support student learning!
Apply today! For details, visit the FCPS Substitute Employment Website. When applying, search “Substitute” and select the Annandale pyramid posting.
 1st Grade Market Day
Earlier this week, 1st grade students were able to share their learning with parents and community members during our annual Market Day activity. Students made goods to sell to consumers, learned money concepts and economic basics, all while working on public speaking skills and communication skills.
Thank you to the 1st grade team of teachers for their planning, dedication to bringing the curriculum to life, and creating such a wonderful family engagement activity!
Save the date!
June 15 - Kindergarten Promotion, 10am
June 16 - 5th Grade Promotion, 9:30am
June 17 - Last Day of School, dismissal at 2:05pm
Have a great summer!
August 20th - Open House for the 26-27 SY
August 22nd - Kindergarten Playdate
August 24th - First Day of School
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