Greetings Powell Families,

 

Nutcracker Production: The resilient dance, drama and orchestra students of Powell Elementary are proud to virtually present a treasured Powell tradition for our community, The Nutcracker. While it may look a little different this year, we are excited that we were able to come together to create this piece of work, in a time when we are required to be apart. This collaboration features students from the K/1 drama, K-5 dance, and 4/5 orchestra electives. Thank you to all that came together to make it happen. A special thank you to Oak City Productions for donating their video editing talents to Powell Elementary. Enjoy the show! 

 

School Social Worker Appreciation Week: This week, March 1st - 5th, we celebrate our Powell Social Worker, Mrs. Cathy Mullins. We appreciate Mrs. Mullins for all that she does for our school, students, and families.  School Social Workers are trained and licensed professionals that provide a link between the home, school and community through support services that positively impact the development of the whole child. Mrs. Mullins engages the school, family, teachers and/or community in a problem-solving process to promote positive change and eliminate barriers to learning. She receives referrals from the community, parents, school staff and students when students display poor attendance, failing grades, effects of family crisis and/or emotional and behavioral concerns. 

 

Mrs. Mullins can support parents by helping parents understand their child’s developmental and educational needs; providing access to school and community resources; helping navigate special education services; obtaining mental health services; and providing services for homeless families and students placed in foster care. Please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Mullins, should you need support.

 

Read Across America Week: This week is Read Across America Week.  While in the past, the celebration has been centered around Dr. Seuss and his books, the focus is now on celebrating diverse authors and illustrators, with monthly themes throughout the year.  We are kicking off the celebration this week with a fun spirit week.

Monday - Tip a hat to reading Hat Day

Tuesday - Read my shirt day

Wednesday - Get comfy in your PJs and read day

Thursday - Dress as your favorite book character

Friday - Read & Represent your cultural background 

 

Join the reading fun by engaging in a StoryWalk.  StoryWalks combine reading and spending time outdoors by placing pages from a story along a path. As you walk, you read the story. This month’s book selections focus on Cultivating Kindness, the March theme for Read Across America. You can find one StoryWalk starting near the Main Office, and the other on the playground side of the school. Also included are play and ingenuity activities that go along with stories. They’ll be up all month long - enjoy!

 

Single-Subject Acceleration (SSA) Nomination Window: SSA Nomination Window is Open Feb 22-March 22, 2021.  SSA allows students to skip a grade level of content in either English Language Arts or Mathematics.  All students (K-5) are eligible to test in one subject.  To learn more about SSA, please visit this website.  Ms. Poisson will also share information about SSA during Bagels with Brower on March 5 at 1:00pm.

 

Bagels with Brower: Our next Bagels with Brower is this Friday, 03/05/21, at 1:00 PM.  Join us to get school updates and learn more about SSA.  A Google Meet Code: https://meet.google.com/dgo-mkkd-bns 

 

Apply Before April 30 for Pre-Kindergarten for the 2021-22 School Year: WCPSS offers a free, high quality pre-kindergarten program for children who will be 4 years old by August 31. Students spend the full day at school with their classmates learning skills appropriate for their age through exploration and discovery. The goal is to prepare children to enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed. Applications must be submitted by April 30. Learn more and apply today.

 

Substitutes:  One of the primary drivers in reopening schools is having sufficient substitutes to cover classes when a teacher has to be out of school.  If you’d like to assist in filling this need, please go to wcpss.net/subs for further information.  Please also contact Dr. Brower and Mrs. Frazer if you are interested in substituting at Powell.

 

School Picture Day: Our Lifetouch School Picture Day has been rescheduled to Monday, March 8th.  All in-person students will take their picture in the morning.  Students in the Virtual Academy, as well as 4th & 5th graders learning remotely that week will have the opportunity to sign up for a time slot during the afternoon.  Be on the lookout for a sign-up coming soon!

 

Wake Up and Read Campaign: We are wrapping up the Wake Up and Read Campaign.  Drop any last minute book donations off at Powell this week.  Mrs. Gill will be submitting our donations on Friday.  Thank you for your support with this campaign.

 

Jump Rope for Heart: Did you miss the Jump Rope for Heart Live event last week?  Great news, Coach Rhodes is hosting another live event this Wednesday.  Check your child’s Google Classroom Stream for a link to the live event on Wednesday.  You can also join the Jump Rope For Heart Google Classroom (Classroom Code is:  ZAXKMMZ) during the week to view the Introduction video and learn how to raise funds for a good cause.

 

Live Meet Times on Wednesday, March 3rd: 

• PreK, K, and 1st - 9:30-9:45
• 2nd and 3rd - 10:00-10:15
• 4th and 5th - 10:30-10:45

 

Dr. Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

 

District Calendar Changes: Last week, the WCPSS BOE approved an updated District Calendar for the Second Semester.  Please review the new calendar as changes were made to previously scheduled asynchronous days.

 

Girls on the Run: GIRLS ON THE RUN for grades 3 - 8, is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls of all abilities. Whether it’s safely meeting in small teams or connecting virtually, their trained coaches are ready to help girls grow! Girls on the Run teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games.  This virtual program is being offered directly through Girls on the Run and will not be held at Powell this school year.  Register today for the spring season.

 

Jump Rope for Heart Event - This week, Powell will participate in Jump Rope For Heart. We are excited to continue this annual tradition.  Please encourage your children to log in to the Jump Rope For Heart Google Classroom (Classroom Code is:  ZAXKMMZ) during the week to view the Introduction video and learn how to raise funds for a good cause. There will also be age appropriate jumping skills videos posted as well.  Additionally, students are asked to join the Live Meets with Coach Rhodes next Wednesday, February 24, to have some jumping fun! 

Live Meet Times on Wednesday February 24th: 

• PreK, K, and 1st - 9:30-9:45
• 2nd and 3rd - 10:00-10:15
• 4th and 5th - 10:30-10:45

 

“Comics are Fun” Artist in Residence - This week our 5th Grade students will enjoy time with David McDonald’s “Comics are Fun” Artist in Residence.  Students are introduced to cartoon art and comics/graphic novels and artist’s career path to cartooning using PowerPoint.  Students will examine the graphic and text tools used by cartoonists to tell stories in comic format, and under the guidance of “Mr. Dave”, they design and develop their own original characters and then complete a full-page black & white comics project for display.  I can’t wait to see what they design.  Watch for a display of their creations being Tweeted this week.

 

Asynchronous Learning Day: This Wednesday, 02/24/21, is our next asynchronous day.  Students should log in and check their Google Classroom for their asynchronous activities.  There will be no live instruction on asynchronous days.

 

Virtual Academy Material Pick Up: During the asynchronous day on 02/24/21 from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM, we will be distributing mid quarter 3 materials to Virtual Academy students. The distribution will be in the bus loop.

 

School Improvement Team Meeting: Our next School Improvement Team meeting will be on 02/24/21 at 10:00 AM.

 

Substitutes:  One of the primary drivers in reopening schools is having sufficient substitutes to cover classes when a teacher has to be out of school.  If you’d like to assist in filling this need, please go to wcpss.net/subs for further information.  Please also contact Dr. Brower and Mrs. Frazer if you are interested in substituting at Powell.

 

School Picture Day: Our Lifetouch School Picture Day has been rescheduled to Monday, March 8th.  All in-person students will take their picture in the morning.  Students in the Virtual Academy, as well as 4th & 5th graders learning remotely that week will have the opportunity to sign up for a time slot during the afternoon.  Be on the lookout for a sign-up coming soon!

 

Wake Up and Read Campaign: This is the LAST WEEK for Wake Up and Read donations.   WAKE Up and Read is a community coalition made up of 30+ committed organizations working together toward one common goal — improving childhood literacy.  This year is OUR BIGGEST DRIVE YET… January 23rd-February 28th we aim to collect 200,000 books for children in Wake County.  Powell ES is a collection site. Drop your book donations in the bin in the Breezeway.  Find other collection sites here.

 

Meal Benefits & Title 1 Funding: Meal Benefit applications are due this week by 02/26/21 to assist with Title 1 Funding.  Did you know that Powell is a Title 1 program funded school?  What does this mean...Powell receives Title 1 funding if 45% of our students are eligible for Free & Reduced Meals. Title 1 funding is based on the % of students eligible for Free & Reduced meals on March 1st the previous school year.  Currently, our % for this school year is 43%.  Many families may have not submitted an application this year, as meals are free for every student.  Yes, meals will still be free for all students through June 2021 BUT we still need you to complete a meal benefits application TODAY so our school can be eligible for Title 1 funding next school year.

 

Dr. Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

 

This Wednesday, February 17th, we welcome back our in-person Plan B students.  All Pre-K - 3rd Grade Plan B students will return for daily in-person instruction.  4th & 5th Grade Plan B students will continue rotating into the building in cohorts, beginning with Cohort 2 on February 17th.  We look forward to seeing students “live and in-person” again.  All teacher transitions previously shared will take place when students return to in-person instruction on February 17th.

 

Calendar Out Day: Tomorrow, 02/15/21 is a Calendar Out Day.  No School for Staff or Students

 

Teacher Workday: Tuesday,02/16/21 is a Teacher Workday.  No School for Students.

 

Quarter 3 Interims Go Home: 02/19/21

 

Substitutes:  One of the primary drivers in reopening schools is having sufficient substitutes to cover classes when a teacher has to be out of school.  If you’d like to assist in filling this need, please go to wcpss.net/subs for further information.  Please also contact Dr. Brower and Mrs. Frazer if you are interested in substituting at Powell.

 

School Picture Day: Our Lifetouch School Picture Day has been rescheduled to Monday, March 8th.  All in-person students will take their picture in the morning.  Students in the Virtual Academy, as well as 4th & 5th graders learning remotely that week will have the opportunity to sign up for a time slot during the afternoon.  Be on the lookout for a sign-up coming soon!

 

Wake Up and Read Campaign: WAKE Up and Read is a community coalition made up of 30+ committed organizations working together toward one common goal — improving childhood literacy.  This year is OUR BIGGEST DRIVE YET… January 23rd-February 28th we aim to collect 200,000 books for children in Wake County.  Powell ES is a collection site. Drop your book donations in the bin in the Breezeway.  Find other collection sites here.

 

Meal Benefits & Title 1 Funding: Did you know that Powell is a Title 1 program funded school?  What does this mean...Powell receives Title 1 funding if 45% of our students are eligible for Free & Reduced Meals. Title 1 funding is based on the % of students eligible for Free & Reduced meals on March 1st the previous school year.  Currently, our % for this school year is 43%.  Many families may have not submitted an application this year, as meals are free for every student.  Yes, meals will still be free for all students through June 2021 BUT we still need you to complete a meal benefits application TODAY so our school can be eligible for Title 1 funding next school year.

 

For every student that turns in the free and reduced lunch application and qualifies, our school receives Title 1 federal funds that benefit the students and teachers at our school. The funds provide additional teachers and staff for our school which means more services for ALL students, especially students that are struggling in reading or math. These funds also are used for materials and supplies for all students and teachers. Title 1 funds are valuable resources that teachers can use to improve student achievement. 

 

Information about applying for Meal Benefits for the 2020-21 school year can be found at www.wcpss.net/Page/1849. Help our school continue to receive this funding by completing an application online at MySchoolApps.com. Paper applications can be requested by calling 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920.

Dr. Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

 

The WCPSS BOE announced Tuesday that Plan B students will return to in-person instruction beginning the week of February 15th, which will be February 17th for our school.   All Pre-K - 3rd Grade Plan B students will return for daily in-person instruction.  4th & 5th Grade Plan B students will continue rotating into the building in cohorts, beginning with Cohort 2 on February 17th.  We look forward to seeing students “live and in-person” again.  All teacher transitions previously shared will take place when students return to in-person instruction on February 17th.

 

IStation Middle of Year Assessment: Thank you to our families for assisting students in completing the Middle of Year (MOY) Istation assessment.  83% of our students completed the assessment.  Benchmark assessments are very important pieces of data as our teachers use this data to guide instructional decisions.  Remember, all students complete an ISIP assessment every month.  Please make certain that your child completes these important assessments.  

 

PTA Board Meeting: Our next PTA Board meeting is this Tuesday, 02/09/21 at 7:00 PM.  Watch for a link coming from the PTA.  

 

Calendar Out Day: Next Monday, 02/15/21 is a Calendar Out Day.  No School for Staff or Students

 

Teacher Workday: Next Tuesday,02/16/21 is a Teacher Workday.  No School for Students.

 

Wake Up and Read Campaign: WAKE Up and Read is a community coalition made up of 30+ committed organizations working together toward one common goal — improving childhood literacy.  This year is OUR BIGGEST DRIVE YET… January 23rd-February 28th we aim to collect 200,000 books for children in Wake County.  Powell ES is a collection site. Drop your book donations in the bin in the Breezeway.  Find other collection sites here.

 

Quarter 3 Instructional Supplies: If you have not received your Quarter 3 Instructional Supplies, please contact the school to arrange a time to pick them up ASAP. 

 

Dr. Curtis M. Brower

Principal

Greetings Powell Families,

 

National School Counselor Week: This week, 02/01/21 - 02/05/21, is National School Counselor Week.  We are very thankful for our amazing School Counselor, Mrs. Robin Edwards.  By serving as a leader and an advocate collaborating with other stakeholders, school counselors promote equity, access to opportunities, and rigorous educational experiences for all students.  Mrs. Edwards has a tremendous impact on our student’s success academically, socially, and behaviorally.  Mrs. Edwards is always available to be there for students and staff.  She plays a key role in supporting and advocating for students as she serves on our Intervention Team, School Improvement Team, Conscious Discipline Action Team, serves as our school 504 Plan Coordinator, and attends weekly grade level Professional Learning Teams (PLTs.) Thank you, Mrs. Edwards, for all that you do for our school community.  We appreciate you!

 

Asynchronous Learning Day: This Wednesday, 02/03/21 is our next asynchronous day.  Students should log in and check their Google Classroom for their asynchronous activities.  There will be no live instruction on asynchronous days.

 

Wake Up and Read Campaign: WAKE Up and Read is a community coalition made up of 30+ committed organizations working together toward one common goal — improving childhood literacy.  This year is OUR BIGGEST DRIVE YET… January 23rd-February 28th we aim to collect 200,000 books for children in Wake County.  Powell ES is a collection site. Drop your book donations in the bin in the Breezeway.  Find other collection sites here.

 

Meal Benefits Application: Parents, please consider applying for meal benefits by Feb 26. For every student that turns in the free and reduced lunch application and qualifies, the school receives federal funds that benefit the student and teachers at the school. These funds provide additional teachers and staff for the school which means more services for students, especially students that are struggling in reading or math. These funds also are used for materials and supplies for students and teachers. These are valuable resources that teachers can use to improve student achievement. Another important reason to apply is the direct benefit of receiving additional stimulus funds for families in the coming months. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin collecting free and reduced lunch data from us to determine the families that will receive Pandemic Electronic Benefits (P-EBT) that will be issued in the coming months. The P-EBT program helps families purchase food for children whose access to free and reduced priced meals at school has been impacted by COVID-19. If you do not apply and qualify for meal benefits, you will miss the opportunity to receive direct P-EBT funds for your family.

 

Yes, meals will still be free for all students through June 2021 but we still need you to complete a meal benefits application so our school can be eligible for this extra funding next year. Information about applying for Meal Benefits for the 2020-21 school year can be found at www.wcpss.net/Page/1849. Help our school continue to receive this funding by completing an application online at MySchoolApps.com. Paper applications can be requested by calling 919-588-3535 or 919-856-2920.

 

Family Survey: As we move into the second semester, we want to learn more about students' and families' experiences this year. Please take a few moments to complete our anonymous survey. Your feedback is essential as we work to improve teaching and learning for all students. The survey will close on Jan. 31 at 5 p.m.  If you had more than one child enrolled in WCPSS this past semester, you may complete this survey separately for each child.   Start the survey now. > English  Spanish

 

Quarter 3 Instructional Supplies: If you have not received your Quarter 3 Instructional Supplies, please contact the school to arrange a time to pick them up. 

 

Dr. Curtis M. Brower

Principal