|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Dear Columbia Friends and Families,
We are off to a fantastic start to the 2026–2027 school year! Already, our students are demonstrating tremendous dedication as they learn and revisit the daily routines and systems that lay the foundation for their success at CES.
One new routine this school year will be specifically for bus riders, starting in a couple of weeks when they will be required to have their new ID badge when boarding buses. See below for more information.
Each Friday afternoon, I will share this community newsletter to keep you informed about upcoming events and to celebrate our students’ continued growth and accomplishments. If you ever have questions or need additional information about any of the updates shared, please do not hesitate to reach out via the school's main phone number (703-916-2500) or email at mastudillo1@fcps.edu
I am thrilled to partner with you for another year of excellence. Together, we have an exciting year of learning, growth, and connection ahead at “the small school, with a big heart.”
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
 Back to School Night and Fall Picture Day!
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Two Sessions, pick one:
Session 1 - 5:30pm - 6:15pm
Session 2 - 6:15pm - 7:00pm
We look forward to seeing families at this important annual event. When you arrive, you will head straight to your child's classroom. Teachers will be walking students down to the GYM for the final part of the evening.
In an effort to provide flexiblity and optoins for parents, there will be two sessions provided again this year, with the same content during each session.
Please feel free to attend either session, whichever one works best for you.
FALL PICTURES
Teachers will be sharing an online sign up form for parents to fill out to order school pictures. The pictures will be taken next Wednesday, September 2nd, throughout the school year. Another copy of the online form is shared below as well.
PTA News & Notes
Join the CES PTA!
Registration to join the CES PTA for the 2026-2027 school year is open! Membership must be renewed annually. The CES PTA helps support the school by covering costs for field trips, hosting teacher appreciation events, and organizing events such as the Fall Picnic, Bingoween, and Field Day. Join online HERE!
Interested in volunteering? Let us know!
Volunteering takes all forms! Columbia depends on parent volunteers to host successful events throughout the year benefiting students and teachers. Please fill out this form if you are interested in helping out. No experience needed.
New year, new gear! CES's new online Spiritwear Store is Live
Students, family and staff can now order new spiritwear for the new school year. You can click HERE to order your gear.
Upcoming events
September 2: Back to School Night
September 16:
- Spirit Day at Chik-fil-a: use “cougars” at checkout or online. Available all day.
- Next PTA meeting - virtual via Zoom. Click here to JOIN
September 25: Fall Picnic
Meet Ms. Warren, Columbia’s School Counselor
Hello Columbia families! My name is Allison Warren, and I am excited to join the Columbia Elementary community as a school counselor. I have spent more than 20 years working with children and families, including many years as an elementary school counselor. One of my favorite parts of being a counselor is getting to know students and helping them feel happy, confident, connected, and successful at school. I work with students through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual support and partner closely with teachers and families. I believe every child deserves to have people at school who know them, believe in them, and help them grow. I look forward to getting to know your children and partnering with you throughout the school year!
 Student ID Cards for Columbia ES Bus Riders
We will begin distributing student ID cards after the labor day holiday weekend to all our students who ride the school bus or use FCPS transportation services.
ID cards will be worn and brought to the bus each day. Only students who use FCPS transportation services will be provided with a student ID card at this time.
We ask for your patience! Bus drivers will be checking in students and may need some extra time at each bus stop while they do this. The transportation team will be working hard to minimize any potential delays.
Learn more about the bus navigation and student ID cards.
Advanced Academics Info Meetings
Save the Date!
September 2nd: Fall Pictures throughout the school day
September 2nd: Back to School Night - 5:30pm or 6:15pm (your choice!)
September 4th-7th: Labor Day Holiday Weekend
September 21st: Holiday, no school
September 25th: Fall Picnic
|
