Poe Family Newsletter April 27, 2026

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RAVEN REPORT

Another action-packed week at Poe Middle School! We celebrated our administrative assistants and all they do for Poe- we even tried filling in for them so they could enjoy a nice uninterrupted lunch, and we probably did more damage than help :) This week we also celebrated our students who got the A/B Honor Roll and we had over 300 students receive this honor! On Thursday, Fox News did a piece about our 8th graders learning about financial literacy and our very own Stephanie Valle was featured! Once I have the clip I will share it with everyone. And this week was our spring musical Peter Pan and it was truly magical. Thank you to all of you who support Raven Theater, Ms. Belendir, Ms. Ummen-Miller, Ms. Poll, and Ms. Maldonado and for all of you who came out to watch our students.

This weekend was also quite eventful with our Track and Field team competing and showing everyone how great our students are at Poe MS. And this weekend we also had our first SOL Bootcamp with over 40 students participating. As we prepare for our first SOL this Wednesday, please make sure to encourage your students to do their very best and to come prepared: laptop, charger, on time, and alert! Thank you all for all you do to support our students each and every day- your care shows!

Follow us on Social Media: To see the latest from Poe MS follow us on Instagram at @poeravensfcps!

Important Dates

4/29, 4/30: Band Concert (7:00-8:00pm)

4/29: Reading 8 SOL /iReady & SOL prep 6th & 7th graders(different bell schedule)

4/30: TPAC Meeting 7:00-8:30 in Library (more information below)

5/1: Rising 6th Grade Visit (Round 2) 9:30-11:00am

5/1: Turnpike Classic Holmes vs. Poe BB @ Holmes

5/2: SOL Bootcamp- Science 8 SOL/Reading 6 & 7 9:00-12:00

5/ 6: Reading 6 & 7 SOL/Science 8 SOL (different bell schedule)

5/13: Math SOLs (different bell schedule)

5/13: Parent Advisory Meeting 5:00-6:00 Library

5/15: Parent Coffee 9:00-10:00 Raven’s Nest

Raving Ravens

HLM Reflections:

As we begin to finish up our high leverage moves, I’d like to take some time to share the impact these moves have had on individuals and their instruction. Here is an example that I’d like to highlight:

“ How has your teaching changed so far as a result of the environmental scan observations & feedback?”

“I am also focusing more on student talk rather than teacher talk. I have noticed that when expectations are clear and language supports are visible, students are more confident and engaged.”

FRED Cards: Here’s what people are saying about our amazing staff. Below are some of the highlights from the recent FRED Cards that were submitted. The person’s name is who is being highlighted followed by what was said about them by a colleague. I will continue to highlight them in each Raven Report so keep them coming!

Zineb Salih: “Thank you for bringing your energy, in every Rational Numbers block, for your sweet students! I love that you brought cookies in to teach fractions. You are consistent, firm, and yet also so caring! Your scores show how well the students respond to you.”
Randa Mayassi: “Thank you for welcoming me into your classroom and trusting me to work. I am grateful to experience what it is to work with your amazing students!”
Jesus Medina: “Thank you for being willing to support the team with your knowledge, your positive attitude and problem solving mindset. On the lighter days or on the tough days you are level-headed and reassuring for your team. Thank you for your optimism."

Activities

AHS Class of 2026 Bingo Night: Join the class of 2026 and Annandale High School PTSA for Bingo Night at Annandale High School at 6pm. For more information see the flyer below.

Turnpike Classic Basketball Event: We are excited to share an upcoming opportunity for our students to participate in the Turnpike Classic Basketball Event between Poe Middle School and Holmes Middle School.

The event will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Holmes Middle School (6525 Montrose St., Alexandria, VA 22312) and will feature a boys basketball game and a girls basketball game between student teams from each school. Students currently in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade at Poe Middle School will have the opportunity to try out for the Poe team that will compete in this event.

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students; Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps: Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open for these programs through Friday, June 5.

Institute for the Arts (IFTA) is a two-week camp for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 60 classes in art, dance, music, and theater. Rising freshmen have the option to take Health and PE 9 through IFTA as well!

Production Camp is a four-week summer theatre intensive for students in grades 6-11. Students in performance or technical theatre tracks rehearse, design, and build a musical in a collaborative atmosphere. The show is presented to the public at the end of camp.

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

VIP Camp is Almost Here!: We’re excited to announce that VIP Camp will be returning for another year for any rising 6th, 7th, and 8th graders (attending Glasgow MS, Holmes MS, Jackson MS, Kilmer MS Poe MS, or Thoreau MS) and will be held at Glasgow Middle School (4101 Fairfax Pkwy, Lincolnia, VA 22312)!

Registration Opens: March 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. (link will go live then)

Be sure to mark your calendars — spots may fill quickly!

For any questions, please contact Mr. Harsh (pgharsh@fcps.edu)

Important Information

SOL Saturday Bootcamps: Your child is invited to attend our Saturday SOL Review days beginning in April. The purpose is to help prepare our students for their upcoming SOL test in all content areas. Transportation will be provided along with breakfast. Please complete this form by selecting the dates your child will attend and whether you will need transportation.

Google form with Spanish/English

TPAC Meeting: Title I Parent Advisory Committee Meeting: Voices that Shape Our Future Join us for an engaging evening where your voice helps shape the future of our

schools!

Location: Poe Middle School 7000 Cindy Ln, Annandale, VA 22003

Date: April 30

Time: 7:00 PM

Synchronous Spanish interpretation will be available online and in person

Childcare and snacks will be provided

Join via Zoom: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99642589438

Join us for the April TPAC General Session as we draft our year-end report to the School Board. Continue shaping a more equitable future for FCPS students by sharing

your feedback and consider serving on the TPAC Executive Board. We hope to see you there!

Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar: The School Board voted to direct the : superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.

The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Spring testing season is here! Be sure to put testing dates on your family calendar so you don't forget. Check your email and school newsletters for dates and details. Here are some ways to prepare before a test: - Remind your child to get a good night's rest. - Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast. - Avoid scheduling appointments that would take your child out of school on a testing day. - Remind your child that electronic devices are not allowed in testing, unless required by 504 or IEP. Find out more about the tests at each grade level: https://bit.ly/FCPS-Grade-Tests

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments: Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.

FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately. Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.

It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify us as soon as possible.

Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.

Mason Arts 250 Theater Event on June 20 at Pozez JCC of Northern Virginia : We are seeking original short-form scripts or recitations of historical narratives applicable to the event (e.g., a reading from Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” or “The Declaration of Independence”, etc.) for this special afternoon of one-act performances, poetry, and music commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Pieces may be memorized or presented as table reads, and should not exceed 12 minutes. All students, faculty, and community members in Fairfax County are welcome and encouraged to submit for consideration.

To participate: Email Committee Chair Anthony Dauer at anthony.dauer@gmail.com with “Mason Arts 250 Theater Submission” in the Subject Line by Friday, May 8, 2026, to indicate your commitment. Final scripts are due June 1, 2026.

Mason Arts 250" commemoration of the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence: We are announcing a poetry contest for both students and adults. The call is for poems of 30 lines - so almost anyone can and should apply. There is a small award for winners and chances to perform the poems in public and several of the Mason Arts 250 events happening in June.

https://masondistrictpoetry.org/

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders: The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS Students: FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.

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.

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award: Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.

Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service! Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.

FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students: Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.

This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.

Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300.

What Your Student is Learning!

Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts: We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.

News from the PTSA

The PTSA is requesting donations for Teacher Appreciation Week. Please follow the links to the Signup Genius." I didn't get it made in enough time to include in this week's newsletter, but we can hopefully get it in front of people with eNotify.

Breakfast: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054FA5AD2FA5FD0-63769735-teacher

Lunch: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054FA5AD2FA5FD0-63769344-teacher

Gold Raven Families: Want to be a Gold Raven Family and get a raven with your name on it at the front of the school? Donate $20 to the PTSA! Every donation of $20 will get your family's name featured on our board of fame outside of the library. Donate today at the QR code below!