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Dear Columbia ES Friends and Families:
As we wrap up a successful 2nd quarter of school, please make a note of the following important dates:
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Wednesday, Jan 28: Twin Day (Show your spirit!)
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Wednesday, Jan 28: End of Quarter & 2-Hour Early Dismissal
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Thursday & Friday (Jan 29-30): Student Holidays (Teacher Workdays)
With winter weather upon us, please stay informed by checking www.fcps.edu for official updates on potential closures or delays. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
PTA News & Notes
The Glow Run Fundraiser is Here!
As you have probably seen, this year Columbia is doing a Glow Run Fundraiser, from now until February 12th. This year, our goal is to raise $15,000 for field trips, field trip transportation, and technology and furninture upgrades. These funds directly support our students and help us provide engaging and memorable learning experiences free for all students at Columbia Elementary. With your help, we can take students to Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Lego Discovery Center, Colonial Williamsburg, Va, and more!
To learn more here are videos with details (English Video, Spanish Video). More information will be forthcoming. Thank you in advance for your support!
Teacher & Staff Soup Lunch – Monday, February 9th
Please consider volunteering for a Columbia teacher and staff favorite! Monday, February 9th is the annual soup lunch. Get those favorite soup or salad recipes out and let’s show the staff how much we appreciate them. You can sign up HERE to contribute. Thank you!
Family Night Out
Don’t want to cook dinner? Support Columbia and have pizza from Dominos on January 28th (Code: DN3)
Specialist Spotlight!
 General Music with Mrs. Eggleton for January 2026
Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders are practicing steady beats with body percussion and instruments. Singing seasonal songs and performing rhymes and poems with non-pitched percussion instruments. We love the triangles, hand drums, and maracas. Our composer for this quarter was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. We love keeping the steady beat to the “March” from the ballet “The Nutcracker” composed by Tchaikovsky.
3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are listening to and describing music using music terms and learning to identify traditional music symbols and terms. Our composer of the quarter was Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. 5th graders worked in small groups using movement words to perform with the “March” from The Nutcracker. Students showcased their composition and gave positive feedback to each group.
3rd graders began learning about the recorder, how to care for the instruments, how to hold the instruments correctly and how to produce a pleasing tone. So proud of these 3rd graders as they are learning the first three notes.
4th grade had the opportunity to go to the Kennedy Center to hear the National Symphony Orchestra. They enjoyed seeing and hearing a performance in person. 4th graders are also working on finishing their recorder belts.
Memories were made as we celebrated with our school-wide winter sing along.
As the second quarter comes to a close I would like to share that I will be leaving Columbia ES to relocate to Washington State. My last day will be Friday, January 30, 2026. I have been able to share music with students all around the US and Europe and I have been blessed to land at CES and share music and memories with our Columbia Cougars for almost 11 years. Thank you for sharing your students with me, Bingoweens, Picnics, back to school nights, chorus concerts, and so much more.
Keep a song in your heart and know I will miss you all.
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
Save the date!
January 28: End of 2nd Quarter & 2 Hour Early Release
January 29: Student Holiday
January 30: Student Holiday
February 3rd - 12th: Boosterthon Fundraiser!
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