Dear Powell Parents & Guardians,

 

I hope that you and your family are doing well.  We miss seeing our Powell Panthers each day.  By now, your teacher has been in touch with most of you.  Students have been engaged in the optional, supplemental online learning.   Our teachers, support staff, and admin team have been very busy preparing for our online remote learning launch.  We have had virtual staff meetings, virtual grade level meetings and PLTs, and many ongoing emails and phone calls supporting each other.  

 

We are ready for the launch on Monday 04/13/20!  To prepare for the launch and better prepare yourself for online learning, please review the helpful Powell Remote Learning Schedule document.  The document contains helpful links to navigate the online learning environment, schedules for each grade level, Google classroom codes for Specialists, and other helpful information.  Your child's teacher may also be sharing helpful information with you on Google Classroom.

 

Powell Remote Learning Schedule

 

While we wish that we could all be together at school, we are grateful that this online time together is the next best thing.  Students will have the opportunity to continue their learning with essential standards that have been identified by the WCPSS academics department.  I encourage you to keep your children actively engaged in learning during this time of online learning. 

 

We understand that this is a new adventure that none of us have ever experienced before.  Our teachers, administrators and staff are here for you!  We understand that you may be juggling working from home, while assisting your children with learning activities and everyday living.  There may be times when it is difficult.  To that concern, we offer grace and flexibility as we begin this new style of learning.  We hope that you will extend the same grace and flexibility with us as the teachers and staff learn to navigate these unsailed seas.  Together, we will get through this!

 

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.  Enjoy the last few days of the Spring Break staycation.

 

I wish you well!!

 

Curtis Brower
Principal

 

Parents,

 

We know these are uncertain times for our nation, state, community, and schools.  COVID-19 can be a scary topic for our students.  We have a very supportive Student Support Team who are always available to speak to our students and staff, in times of need.

 

School Counselor - Robin Edwards
School Social Worker - Cathy Mullins
School Psyscholigst - Stacey Rose

 

Thank you to each of them for their ongoing support to our school family.    

 

You can help your children at home as well.  The National Association of School Psychologists and National Association of School Nurses have created a document for your guidance.  Please take a moment to review the COVID-19_parent_handout_NASP_NASN_2-20_FINAL.pdf to help you in this time.

 

I also encourage you to read the DISTRICT UPDATE TO COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) - MARCH 13, 2020 for additional information and updates.

 

I wish each family well during this time!

 

Curtis M. Brower
Principal

Pieces of Gold

KUDOS to the Powell Dance Ensemble who performed last week in the 38th annual Pieces of Gold.  They nailed it!  It was a spectacular performance.  To view the Powell performance, click here.  (Time marker 2 Hours, 50 min, 00 sec.  It will begin as a black screen while the MC speaks) The full recorded Pieces of Gold Live Stream can be viewed here.  

 

Teacher Workday

Tomorrow, Monday, 03/09/20 is a teacher workday.  No School for students.

 

Magnet Track Meet

On Tuesday, 03/10/20, our Track elective will be participating in the WCPSS Magnet Track meet at Southeast Raleigh High School.  They have worked very hard with Coach Rhodes and we know that they are bringing home blue ribbons.  Powell Track Team, we wish you well!

 

Class Pictures & Spring Pictures

Class & Individual Spring Pictures are this Wednesday, 03/11/20.  All students will participate in the class picture.  Students will have their individual pictures taken, only if they prepay.  Packets were sent home a few weeks ago.  If you need an additional one, please contact your teacher.  

 

4th Grade Performance Task Assessment - 03/12/20

 

Bagels with Brower

Join us this Friday, 03/13/20, for our next Bagels with Brower.   Our Student Services Support Team, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Mullins, & Mrs. Rose, will be sharing how they support our students and teachers at Powell.  We hope you can join us on Friday.

 

Instructional Facilitator

I am excited to announce that we have a new Instructional Facilitator.  Welcome, Sidney Fox!  Ms. Fox is not a new face at Powell.  She has served as our AIG teacher for a number of years.  I am excited about the support Ms. Fox will provide to our teachers.  She has previous experience serving as a WCPSS Math Coach, as well as a Professional Development presenter.  Ms. Fox will continue to serve as our Testing Coordinator.  If you have questions pertaining to assessments or the testing schedule, please contact her.  We have also recommended an AIG teacher and will announce the teacher’s name once they begin later this week.

 

Pancake Breakfast

The PTA Family Pancake Breakfast has been postponed until March 19^th.  We just received notification that the new device staff rollout event is scheduled for March 16^th.  While we are saddened to move the date of the pancake breakfast, our staff is ecstatic that we are all receiving a new laptop.

 

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 

Powell Center for Play and Ingenuity Magnet Elementary School has been named a National Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.  We are very proud of this accomplishment.  

 

Bus Driver Appreciation Week

North Carolina LOVES the BUS!  This week, February 10 - 14, 2020, Powell students will be showing appreciation to our bus drivers and contracted transportation.  The following are suggested ways that you can show your appreciation.

Monday - Bring a note to your driver 

Tuesday - Bring a flower to your driver 

Wednesday - Bring a candy gift to your driver 

Thursday - Bring some other sweet treat 

Friday - Student choice 

 

PTA Board Meeting

The next PTA Board Meeting is on 02/10/20 at 6:30 PM in the Powell Media Center.  All are welcome!

 

One Book, One School, One Community & Artist in Residence - Shana Tucker

This week, 02/10 - 02/14/20, our 3rd grade students will be collaborating with Artist in Residence, Shana Tucker.  At Powell Elementary, “One Book, One School, One Community” is our favorite annual school wide collaboration. For this project, one book is selected for the entire student body to read and study. Over the year, the book study takes on many forms. Classroom teachers teach the book in alignment with curricular goals and objectives. Students collaborate across grade levels and often work with arts specialists toc create classroom projects and presentations. 

 

This year we have chosen Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton and have focused learning on environmental stewardship and the importance of protecting the honeybee. Through the help of the United Arts Council’s School Project Grant we were able to invite musician Shana Tucker to collaborate on the project. Shana Tucker will spend this week working with the entire third grade and orchestra students, composing and creating original music centered around the chosen book.

 

Report Card Distribution

2nd Quarter report cards will be sent home in Tuesday folders, tomorrow, 02/11/20.

 

Kindergarten Field Trip - Museum of Natural Sciences - 02/13/20

 

Presidents Day Holiday - No School for staff or students - 02/17/20

 

Teacher Workday - No School for students - 02/18/20

 

Yearbook Recognition and Business Ads

Recognition ads allow you to have a personal message and photos of your child printed in the yearbook. The cost is $25 for a single ad and $50 for a double ad.  Business Ads are also available for purchase! Business Ads help get your business name out to the school community AND help offset the cost of the yearbook for the students. Your business name, phone number and address (physical or website) will be printed in the yearbook. Ads cost $25.  Please reach out to Rachel Angelcyk, our Yearbook coordinator, with any questions or samples of ads!

 

Powell Yearbook

Powell Yearbooks are on sale now!  To reserver yours, purchase online for $18 before February 21st.  You may order online or in person. You may always send cash or check made out to Powell PTA in a sealed envelope to your students teacher. A receipt will be sent back home in your child's folder.  If you want to feature your child in the yearbook, email in any photos of him/her in school related activities to powellptayearbook@gmail.com.  

 

Pictures

What makes a great yearbook? Pictures and lots of them. If you have taken pictures throughout the year, the yearbook staff really wants them. Email the photos to powellptayearbook@gmail.com.

 

WAKE Up and Read Campaign

This is the last week for the 2020 WAKE Up and Read campaign.  Bring your gently used or new books and place them in the box in the lobby by Friday of this week.  Even if you don’t have children’s books, you can purchase items to support the drive, including through the WAKE Up and Read Amazon, Barnes, and Noble, or Quail Ridge Books wish lists.  Donations are also welcome and may be made online through the Wake Ed Partnership.  Thanks for your support!

 

Kindergarten Registration

It’s time to register for Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year.  A child must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year to attend kindergarten. Visit the WCPSS Kindergarten Page to learn more about the requirements for registration.

 

Inclement Weather Reminders

As we begin the wintery portion of our school year, I want to share a few reminders regarding inclement weather days.  When WCPSS operates on a 2 or 3 Hour Delay, Powell does not serve breakfast.  In addition, the Early Care program opens 2 or 3 hours late.  School lunch is served everyday, regardless of a delay or Early Dismissal.  In the event of an Early Dismissal because of inclement weather, all afternoon and evening activities, including After School Care are cancelled for that day.

 

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal

 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! 

 

Powell Center for Play and Ingenuity Magnet Elementary School has been named a National Magnet School of Distinction by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools.  We are very proud of this accomplishment.  

 

To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme. Thanks to the efforts of our teachers, staff, administration, students, parents, and community, we are achieving great success!  To learn more about the national merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu 

 

Domain Showcase

Thank you to the many family members who attended our Domain Showcase this past Friday.  The students were very excited to share their learning from our 1st semester domains.  If you were unable to attend, be sure to ask your children about their learning from their 1st domain.

 

2nd Semester Domains Begin - 02/03/2020

 

3rd Quarter Electives Begin - 02/04/2020

 

School Counselor Week

February 3rd - 7th is school counselor week.  We are very thankful to have such a dedicated School Counselor, Mrs. Robin Edwards.  To learn more about how the school counselor supports our staff and our students, attend Bagels with Brower this Friday.

 

Bagels with Brower

Join us on Friday, February 7th at 8:45 AM for our next Bagels with Brower.  Our Student Services Support Team, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Mullins, & Mrs. Rose, will be sharing how they support our students and teachers at Powell.

 

Farewell Mrs. Harrington

It is with mixed emotions that we share that Mrs. Denise Harrington is moving on to the next chapter in her career.  This past Friday was her last day at Powell.  She is transfering to the WCPSS Title 1 Department as a Coordinating Teacher, supporting schools.  We are sad to see her go, but very happy for her with this career move.  I know our school community will miss her.  We are moving quickly to fill the Instructional Facilitator position.  We wish you well, Mrs. Harrington!

  

Bus Driver Appreciation Week

North Carolina LOVES the BUS!  Next week, February 10 - 14, 2020, Powell students will be showing appreciation to our bus drivers and contracted transportation.  The following are suggested ways that you can show your appreciation.

Monday - Bring a note to your driver 

Tuesday - Bring a flower to your driver 

Wednesday - Bring a candy gift to your driver 

Thursday - Bring some other sweet treat 

Friday - Student choice 

 

Powell Yearbook

Powell Yearbooks are on sale now!  To reserver yours, purchase online for $18 before February 21st.  You may order online or in person. You may always send cash or check made out to Powell PTA in a sealed envelope to your students teacher. A receipt will be sent back home in your child's folder.  If you want to feature your child in the yearbook, email in any photos of him/her in school related activities to powellptayearbook@gmail.com.  

Yearbook Recognition and Business Ads

Recognition ads allow you to have a personal message and photos of your child printed in the yearbook. The cost is $25 for a single ad and $50 for a double ad.  Business Ads are also available for purchase! Business Ads help get your business name out to the school community AND help offset the cost of the yearbook for the students. Your business name, phone number and address (physical or website) will be printed in the yearbook. Ads cost $25.  Please reach out to Rachel Angelcyk, our Yearbook coordinator, with any questions or samples of ads!.

Yearbook Pictures

What makes a great yearbook? Pictures and lots of them. If you have taken pictures throughout the year, the yearbook staff really wants them. Email the photos to powellptayearbook@gmail.com.

 

Powell School Events Calendar

Are you linked up to our Powell School Events Calendar?  If not, we encourage you to subscribe to our calendar to keep up to date with events happening at Powell.  

Public Address in iCal format: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/powelles%40wcpss.net/public/basic.ics 

Public URL to view calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=powelles%40wcpss.net&ctz=America%2FNew_York 

 

 

WAKE Up and Read Campaign

The 2020 WAKE Up and Read campaign will run from January 6^th through February 15^th. It was launched in 2012 to address one of the most critical junctures to lifelong success, reading on grade-level by 3rd grade.  This unique community coalition includes education, civic, philanthropic, and business leaders from across Wake County, all working together to help every child develop the necessary skills for success in school and beyond. Our shared goal is to ensure that more children have the tools and resources they need to become lifelong readers and learners.  Powell is a drop off site for WAKE Up and Read.  Bring your gently used or new books and place them in the box in the lobby.   Even if you don’t have children’s books, you can purchase items to support the drive, including through the WAKE Up and Read Amazon, Barnes, and Noble, or Quail Ridge Books wish lists.  Donations are also welcome and may be made online through the Wake Ed Partnership.  Thanks for your support!

 

Kindergarten Registration

It’s time to register for Kindergarten for the 2020-2021 school year.  A child must be 5 years old on or before August 31 of the current school year to attend kindergarten. Visit the WCPSS Kindergarten Page to learn more about the requirements for registration.

 

Inclement Weather Reminders

As we begin the wintery portion of our school year, I want to share a few reminders regarding inclement weather days.  When WCPSS operates on a 2 or 3 Hour Delay, Powell does not serve breakfast.  In addition, the Early Care program opens 2 or 3 hours late.  School lunch is served everyday, regardless of a delay or Early Dismissal.  In the event of an Early Dismissal because of inclement weather, all afternoon and evening activities, including After School Care are cancelled for that day.

 

Have a great week!

 

Curtis M. Brower

Principal