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 Dear Columbia Friends and Families,
I hope you are having a wonderful, relaxing summer!
Our incredible custodial team is working tirelessly to ensure our building is pristine, welcoming, and ready for our students' return. Additionally, several of our staff members are already back on campus collaborating on innovative plans for a remarkable 2026-2027 school year, with the rest of our dedicated team returning in August.
In early August, families will recieve a welcome back to school letter in the mail and via email. This letter will have important information for arrival/departure procedures, breakfast/lunch logistics, and much more. Stay tuned for details!
As you enjoy these remaining weeks of summer, I encourage you to keep celebrating your child’s literacy journey. Reading together is one of the most impactful ways to foster a love of learning and sustain academic growth. As a reminder, below is a link to summer reading activities for you and your family!
https://columbiaes.fcps.edu/features/keep-your-childs-reading-skills-strong-summer
Finally, here is a link to our website for this year's school supply list!
https://columbiaes.fcps.edu/academics/school-supply-lists
Have a wonderful weekend!
Take care,
Mike Astudillo
Proud Principal
Columbia Elementary School
ParentVUE and StudentVUE updates
Sign-in Changes Beginning July 28
Beginning July 28, FCPS will ask parents and students to install the new ParentVUE and StudentVUE apps. The current (classic) apps will remain available for approximately six months to support the transition. During this time, the classic apps will keep prompting users to upgrade to the new apps.
The new login screen for both apps will display User Name and Password fields, with a Login FCPS SSO button below them. Using the Login FCPS SSO provides a more secure sign-in experience.
Students will continue to use their existing FCPS username and password.
Please share the following resources with families for instructions on installing the new apps and details about the updated login experience:
Support: Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
New Student ID Cards
New Student ID Cards Coming This Fall
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
All students at our school will need to wear their student ID cards throughout the school day. We will be handing out the new student ID cards the first few weeks of school. More details will be shared soon.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County with economic and educational risk factors.
- The pre-K program prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and parents/guardians of children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. However, space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first come, first served basis. Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail (printable application), or in person at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042. If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Programas para Pre-K y de Atención Integral para la Primera Infancia
Los programas para Pre-K y de Atención Integral para la Primera Infancia proveen experiencias educativas tempranas de alta calidad a niños que califiquen para ellos, que enfrenten factores de riesgos económicos y educacionales, que estén entre las edades de 6 semanas a 4 años, y que vivan en el Condado de Fairfax.
- Los programas para Pre-K priorizan aquellos solicitantes de 4 años de edad, pero también acepta solicitudes para niños que cumplan 3 años antes del 30 de septiembre del mismo año.
- Los programas de Atención Integral para la Primera Infancia están ubicados en tres escuelas primarias; Clearview, Crestwood y Dogwood, y acepta solicitudes de cupo desde el embarazo y hasta los 2 años de edad.
Animamos a las familias a solicitar cupos lo más pronto posible; el espacio es limitado y se otorga basado en el nivel de necesidad, no en el orden de llegada.
Las solicitudes se aceptan de forma online, por email, por correo, o en persona en la oficina del programa en la dirección 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
Si tiene preguntas acerca del proceso de solicitud o sobre el estatus del suyo, por favor llame en inglés al 703-208-7900, o en español al 703-208-7901.
National Night Out - August 4, 2026
Tuesday, August 4th Annandale will celebrate National Night Out from 6-9 pm at the Annandale Shopping Center on Columbia Pike at Gallows Road. This is a night to promote community involvement in crime prevention and neighborhood camaraderie. Bring the family and meet our first responders, enjoy free food, games, raffles, and giveaways. Everything is FREE.
Save the date!
Annandale Parade - Oct. 24, 2026
THIS YEAR CELEBRATE THE 76TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ANNANDALE PARADE!
Marching along with the Columbia Elementary School community down Columbia Pike beginning at the historic church and the Annandale Shopping Center near Gallows Road, thousands of participants from Clowns, Storybook Characters, and Marching Bands to Antique & Military Cars, Fire Trucks, Civic Organizations, Scouts, and beautifully costumed International Dancers will parade before the residents of Greater Annandale.
Sponsored by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce, this seventy-six-year-old tradition only gets bigger and better every year.
Mark your calendar, participate or bring the family to view this Annandale Tradition. Children are invited to wear their Halloween Costumes & bring their goodie bags, to cheer the participants, and to marvel at the exhibits.
For more information: www.annandalechamber.com
 Welcome back to School Activites:
Annual Open House - Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 3pm - 4pm
Kindergarten Playdate - Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 10am
First Day of School - Monday, August 24, 2026
We can't wait to see you!
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