Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️

  •  2026-2027 Family Input Form 💭

  • SCA Officers for the 2026-2027 School Year ⚖️
  • Poplar Tree Field Day 2026 🎉
  • Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game🔥🧊
• PTA News:
  
  • Block Party - June 5 🎉
  • Before School Running Club 🏃‍➡️
  • Join the PTA Board for the 26-27 School Year!
• Community News:
  

  • Summer Art Program - EIFTA👨‍🎨

  • CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

  • Chantilly Math Competition ➗

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

We finished up our second week of SOL testing this week with math. Next week, our 5th grade will take their Science SOL. This year, families can see SOLs in Parent Vue just a few days after the assessment is complete!

As we close in on the end of the school year there are so many fun events happening - music concerts, block party, Fire vs. Ice. We are excited to see our community come together and share school spirit!

As a reminder, next Wednesday, May 20 is our final 3 Hour Early Release of the school year. Look for a confirmation Talking Points message on Monday regarding the plan for your child.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

2026-2027 Family Input Form 💭

As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we are asking for your input. We value our partnership between home and school and appreciate your thoughts on your child's learning needs.  

If you feel that there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, please complete this  optional Family Input Form  by  Friday, May 22.

This system is not intended for families to request specific teachers. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.

SCA Officers for the 2026-2027 School Year ⚖️

The application for rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders to run for an SCA Officer position next year is now available through Schoology. Applications are due by midnight on May 19th. Information was shared with students this week.

Please reach out to Cat Grieco or Kelli Doyle if you have any questions.

Poplar Tree Field Day 🎉 Our Field Day will be Friday, May 22, 2026. **Rain Date: May 29, 2026

• Grades 3-4: 9:00 - 10:15
• Grades 5-6: 11:15-12:30
• Grades K-2: 1:15-2:30

We will need volunteers to make the day successful! All students will be trained in the events so you do not have to teach the games. Volunteers will help monitor safety and keep the station running smoothly.

Please sign up HERE if you'd like to volunteer!

For questions, reach out to our PE Staff!

Erin Loudin, [email protected]

Ashley Rosenfeld, [email protected]

Kirsten Birge, [email protected]

🔥Fire vs. Ice Game🧊

Our annual 6th grade Fire vs. Ice basketball game will be on Friday, May 29 at Chantilly High School! We are looking forward to some fun friendly competition while enjoying our PTES Spirit Squad, Pep Band, and DJ Crabcakes! 

PURCHASE TICKETS + PREORDER PIZZA

Entry to the event is $5 per person. Concessions will also be available. All proceeds from the event will go to the 6th grade class.

You can purchase tickets and pre-order pizza here.

Tickets will also be available at the door!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Fire vs. Ice cannot be successful without volunteers! We would love for non 6th grade families to volunteer as well so 6th grade parents can enjoy the game! Please consider signing up to volunteer HERE!

Save the Date and Volunteers Needed Block Party on June 5

The PTA-sponsored annual Block Party will be on June 5 from 6:30-8 p.m. at PTES. This is a free event for our whole school community - with games, activities, friends, and fun, as well as food and drinks for purchase.

We need your help to run the event! Without volunteers some activities may be cancelled. Student volunteers who need service hours are welcome!

Sign up to volunteer here!

Questions, ideas? Contact Kate Santoro at [email protected]

Before-School Running Club! 🏃‍➡️

It’s time to get your running and walking shoes on! We are continuing the before-school Running and Walking Club for all student grades 1-6. Club meetings are Thursdays from 7:45-8:20 AM on the basketball court. If a Kindergartener wants to join, please have a parent come and run or walk too. The club is in need of supplies, thus a $5 fee is requested. Grown-ups, bring your mug of coffee and socialize as you help cross off a Panther Paw for each lap run!

For more information and to register, visit https://www.poplartreepta.org/run .

Be part of an awesome team that will shape the PTA next year - nominations for the PTES PTA Board are open for the 2026-2027 school year!

All PTA members are invited to submit nominations for any positions, but we are especially looking for people interested in:

• President-Elect- Shadow next year's president to get ready for your reign as president in 27/28! This is a great way to get involved and learn more.
• VP of Hospitality- Do people always say you throw the best events? Use your creativity and provided budget to help us thank teachers and staff throughout the year with meals, Teacher Appreciation Week, and other recognition!
• Treasurer- With an eye to detail, you help ensure that our fundraising dollars are organized! If you secretly love to categorize expenses and create color-coded pie charts (and your sense of fiscal responsibility is rock-solid), you have what it takes to be our parent group treasurer.
• VP of Parent Involvement- Are you a people person who isn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger? We’re looking for a volunteer coordinator to recruit helpers for parent group programs and events and to help parents find the best way to plug in to our school community.
• VP of Communications- Are you a social media maven? Love sharing the latest news in creative ways? Bring those skills to this position to manage the website, social media accounts, and newsletter (NO technical expertise needed).

Check out the position descriptions on the PTA website:  http://tinyurl.com/PTESboard 

https://www.poplartreepta.org/positions

Questions about what it's like to be on the board? Email us! [email protected]

Summer Art Program E-IFTA 👨‍🎨 Is your child looking for opportunities to develop their art skills over the summer?

"E-IFTA is a vibrant weekly arts camp designed for elementary-aged students who love to sing, dance, act, and create! Each day, campers dive into four exciting classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, led by passionate FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging experiences. Watch your children’s imagination soar as they explore their creativity, make new friends, and discover the joy of artistic expression!" -FCPS

If you are interested in registering your child for E-IFTA, click on this link to find out more about registration!

CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

Chantilly High School is excited to offer their Summer Art Camp again this summer for rising 2nd - 6th graders! The cost of is $325 per week. Camp runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Camp Dates are:

• Mixed Media: June 29 - July 3
• Sculpture: July 6 - July 10

Sign up and register online!

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar?! 🔍

  •  2026-2027 Family Input Form 💭

  • SCA Officers for the 2026-2027 School Year ⚖️
  • Poplar Tree Field Day 2026 🎉
  • Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game🔥🧊
• PTA News:
  
  • Virtual PTA Meeting on May 11 💻
  • Before School Running Club 🏃‍➡️
  • Join the PTA Board for the 26-27 School Year!
• Community News:
  

  • Summer Art Program - EIFTA👨‍🎨

  • CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

  • Chantilly Math Competition ➗

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

This week, we enjoyed celebrating our teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. We want to extend a massive thank you to our amazing PTA and all the families who showered our staff with kindness, treats, and heartfelt notes. Our teachers pour their hearts into these classrooms every day, and seeing them celebrated by this community is truly awesome!

We survived our first week of SOL Testing! Almost all students took the Reading SOL on Wednesday, May 6! This was something new for us to try - and it turned out to be a great success because our staff came together to support each other and make it happen! Next week, most students will take the Math SOL on Wednesday, May 13. We'll finish up with the Science SOL on Tuesday, May 19. 

Happy Mother's Day to all our moms! We hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar visits one of our learning cottages to visit with some 5th grade band students! 🎺

2026-2027 Family Input Form 💭

As we look ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, we are asking for your input. We value our partnership between home and school and appreciate your thoughts on your child's learning needs.  

If you feel that there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, please complete this  optional Family Input Form  by  Friday, May 22.

This system is not intended for families to request specific teachers. Requests for specific teachers will not be honored.

SCA Officers for the 2026-2027 School Year ⚖️

The application for rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders to run for an SCA Officer position next year is now available through Schoology. Applications are due by midnight on May 19th. Information was shared with students this week.

Please reach out to Cat Grieco or Kelli Doyle if you have any questions.

Poplar Tree Field Day 🎉 Our Field Day will be Friday, May 22, 2026. **Rain Date: May 29, 2026

• Grades 3-4: 9:00 - 10:15
• Grades 5-6: 11:15-12:30
• Grades K-2: 1:15-2:30

We will need volunteers to make the day successful! All students will be trained in the events so you do not have to teach the games. Volunteers will help monitor safety and keep the station running smoothly.

Please sign up HERE if you'd like to volunteer!

For questions, reach out to our PE Staff!

Erin Loudin, [email protected]

Ashley Rosenfeld, [email protected]

Kirsten Birge, [email protected]

🔥Fire vs. Ice Game🧊 SAVE THE DATE!!!!!

Our annual 6th grade Fire vs. Ice basketball game will be on Friday, May 29 at Chantilly High School! We are looking forward to some fun friendly competition while enjoying our PTES Spirit Squad, Pep Band, and DJ Crabcakes! 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Fire vs. Ice cannot be successful without volunteers! We would love for non 6th grade families to volunteer as well so 6th grade parents can enjoy the game! Please consider signing up to volunteer HERE!

T-SHIRT ORDERS:

All those participating in Fire vs. Ice, please purchase a Fire vs. Ice T-Shirt HERE! Please purchase your shirt by Monday, May 11!

Not participating, but still want a T-shirt?! You are welcome to purchase as well! 

Shirt colors will be:

• 🔥 Team Fire: Orange
• 🧊 Team Ice: Blue
• 🩷 Spirit Squad: Pink
• ⚫ Staff/Coaches: Black

Stay tuned next week for ticket purchases and food pre-orders!PTA Meeting Monday, May 11

Join us for a virtual PTA meeting via this ZOOM link on May 11 at 6:00 p.m. We'll discuss board nominations for the next school year. Plus hear the latest updates from the PTA and school leadership!

Before-School Running Club! 🏃‍➡️

It’s time to get your running and walking shoes on! We are continuing the before-school Running and Walking Club for all student grades 1-6. Club meetings are Thursdays from 7:45-8:20 AM on the basketball court. If a Kindergartener wants to join, please have a parent come and run or walk too. The club is in need of supplies, thus a $5 fee is requested. Grown-ups, bring your mug of coffee and socialize as you help cross off a Panther Paw for each lap run!

For more information and to register, visit https://www.poplartreepta.org/run .

Be part of an awesome team that will shape the PTA next year - nominations for the PTES PTA Board are open for the 2026-2027 school year!

All PTA members are invited to submit nominations for any positions, but we are especially looking for people interested in:

• President-Elect- Shadow next year's president to get ready for your reign as president in 27/28! This is a great way to get involved and learn more.
• VP of Hospitality- Do people always say you throw the best events? Use your creativity and provided budget to help us thank teachers and staff throughout the year with meals, Teacher Appreciation Week, and other recognition!
• Treasurer- With an eye to detail, you help ensure that our fundraising dollars are organized! If you secretly love to categorize expenses and create color-coded pie charts (and your sense of fiscal responsibility is rock-solid), you have what it takes to be our parent group treasurer.
• VP of Parent Involvement- Are you a people person who isn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger? We’re looking for a volunteer coordinator to recruit helpers for parent group programs and events and to help parents find the best way to plug in to our school community.
• VP of Communications- Are you a social media maven? Love sharing the latest news in creative ways? Bring those skills to this position to manage the website, social media accounts, and newsletter (NO technical expertise needed).

Check out the position descriptions on the PTA website:  http://tinyurl.com/PTESboard 

https://www.poplartreepta.org/positions

Questions about what it's like to be on the board? Email us! [email protected]

Summer Art Program E-IFTA 👨‍🎨 Is your child looking for opportunities to develop their art skills over the summer?

"E-IFTA is a vibrant weekly arts camp designed for elementary-aged students who love to sing, dance, act, and create! Each day, campers dive into four exciting classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts, led by passionate FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging experiences. Watch your children’s imagination soar as they explore their creativity, make new friends, and discover the joy of artistic expression!" -FCPS

If you are interested in registering your child for E-IFTA, click on this link to find out more about registration!

CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

Chantilly High School is excited to offer their Summer Art Camp again this summer for rising 2nd - 6th graders! The cost of is $325 per week. Camp runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Camp Dates are:

• Mixed Media: June 29 - July 3
• Sculpture: July 6 - July 10

Sign up and register online!

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

astIn this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar?! 🔍
  • Poplar Tree Field Day 2026 🎉
  • Paw Tech Squad featured in the news! 💻
  • Fire vs. Ice T-Shirts 🔥🧊
• PTA News:
  
  • Last Day for Online Auction! 🦉
  • Before School Running Club 🏃‍➡️
  • May 2 Parent Night Out - iCode in Clifton 🎮
  • Join the PTA Board for the 26-27 School Year!
• Community News:
  

  • CHS Drama Presents The Mad Hatters Tea Party🎩

  • CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

Thank you for your support during Month of the Military Child. Our military-connected students face unique challenges with bravery and grace, and your participation in our "Purple Up!" events sent a clear message: every child in our community is seen, valued, and supported. Thank you especially to art teacher Andrea Williams for leading this cause and working with our Student Ambassadors along the way!

Next week is a significant one on our calendar for two different reasons.

1. Teacher Appreciation Week!Our educators are the heartbeat of this building. They pour their energy, creativity, and love into our classrooms every single day. We encourage you to take a moment next week to send a quick note or have your child share a favorite memory with their teacher. A little gratitude goes a long way!
2. The Start of SOL TestingWe also begin our Standards of Learning (SOL) testing next week. While we want our students to work hard and show what they know, we want to share an important reminder for both our students and parents:

An SOL score is just one single data point. It is one measure of what a student has learned this year, but it is far from the only one.

We measure success in so many other ways that a standardized test simply cannot capture:

• The kindnessthey show to a friend on the playground. ❤️

• The creativitythey express in art and music.🎨

• The growthin their confidence and communication. 🗣️

• The problem-solving skillsthey use to navigate daily challenges.🧠

We are already so proud of the progress every student has made since August. Please help us keep the atmosphere light and positive—ensure they get plenty of sleep, a good breakfast, and a big hug before heading out the door!

Thank you for being partners in your child’s education! Have a wonderful weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar visits Ms. Williams and some of our Student Ambassadors to learn more about what the program is all about as we wrap up a week of celebrating military children! 💜

Poplar Tree Field Day 🎉 Our Field Day will be Friday, May 22, 2026. **Rain Date: May 29, 2026

• Grades 3-4: 9:00 - 10:15
• Grades 5-6: 11:15-12:30
• Grades K-2: 1:15-2:30

We will need volunteers to make the day successful! All students will be trained in the events so you do not have to teach the games. Volunteers will help monitor safety and keep the station running smoothly.

Please sign up HERE if you'd like to volunteer!

For questions, reach out to our PE Staff!

Erin Loudin, [email protected]

Ashley Rosenfeld, [email protected]

Kirsten Birge, [email protected]

Tech Squad in the Spotlight!📺

We have some incredibly exciting news to share with our school community. Our very own Paw Tech Squadwas recently featured on our local news station!

We are so proud to see these talented students recognized for their hard work, technical skills, and dedication to helping our school run smoothly every single day. Whether they are troubleshooting classroom devices,  helping peers navigate new software, or learning about how technology helps students of all needs, these students truly embody the spirit of leadership and service!

Watch the Feature Here!

🔥Fire vs. Ice T-Shirts🧊

Our annual 6th grade Fire vs. Ice basketball game will be on Friday, May 29 at Chantilly High School! We are looking forward to some fun friendly competition while enjoying our PTES Spirit Squad, Pep Band, and DJ Crabcakes! 

All those participating in Fire vs. Ice, please purchase a Fire vs. Ice T-Shirt HERE! Not participating, but still want a T-shirt?! You are welcome to purchase as well!

Shirt colors will be:

• 🔥 Team Fire: Orange
• 🧊 Team Ice: Blue
• 🩷 Spirit Squad: Pink
• ⚫ Staff/Coaches: Black

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more details on the evening and ways to purchase tickets! THANK YOU!!

Last Day for Online Auction! 🦉

Today’s the last day to bid on this year’s incredible auction items!! The auction closes at 9pm TONIGHT so get your bids in and help make our auction a success!

Place your bids HERE!

Before-School Running Club! 🏃‍➡️

It’s time to get your running and walking shoes on! We are continuing the before-school Running and Walking Club for all student grades 1-6. Club meetings are Thursdays from 7:45-8:20 AM on the basketball court. If a Kindergartener wants to join, please have a parent come and run or walk too. The club is in need of supplies, thus a $5 fee is requested. Grown-ups, bring your mug of coffee and socialize as you help cross off a Panther Paw for each lap run!

For more information and to register, visit https://www.poplartreepta.org/run .

May 2nd Parent Night Out iCode in Clifton 🎮

Take a break after a long week while the kids have a blast with friends at one of iCode's epic Game Nights!

• May 2nd, 6 - 8:30pm; $35 per Child
• Grades K - 6 welcome
• Pizza & drink included!
• Clifton iCode: 5754 Union Mill, Clifton

Register HERE!

Proceeds benefit the Poplar Tree ES PTA!

Be part of an awesome team that will shape the PTA next year - nominations for the PTES PTA Board are open for the 2026-2027 school year!

All PTA members are invited to submit nominations for any positions, but we are especially looking for people interested in:

• President-Elect- Shadow next year's president to get ready for your reign as president in 27/28! This is a great way to get involved and learn more.
• VP of Hospitality- Do people always say you throw the best events? Use your creativity and provided budget to help us thank teachers and staff throughout the year with meals, Teacher Appreciation Week, and other recognition!
• Treasurer- With an eye to detail, you help ensure that our fundraising dollars are organized! If you secretly love to categorize expenses and create color-coded pie charts (and your sense of fiscal responsibility is rock-solid), you have what it takes to be our parent group treasurer.
• VP of Parent Involvement- Are you a people person who isn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger? We’re looking for a volunteer coordinator to recruit helpers for parent group programs and events and to help parents find the best way to plug in to our school community.
• VP of Communications- Are you a social media maven? Love sharing the latest news in creative ways? Bring those skills to this position to manage the website, social media accounts, and newsletter (NO technical expertise needed).

Check out the position descriptions on the PTA website:  http://tinyurl.com/PTESboard and https://www.poplartreepta.org/positions

Questions about what it's like to be on the board? Email us! [email protected]

Chantilly High School Theatre Presents Mad Hatter's Tea Party  🎩

Performances: May 1  - 7pm, May 2 - 2pm & 7pm, May 3 - 2pm

Join us on a zany adventure that is full of laughter for the entire family! In a modern day twist of the beloved classic, join Alice as she loses herself in her books and struggles to find any excitement at school.

All that changes when she magically ends up in Wonderland trying to help the Mad Hatter throw the perfect "Merry Unbirthday Party" for the Queen of Hearts! Join Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the White Rabbit, the Cheshire Cat and all of your favorite characters as they learn the true meaning of friendship and bravery!

Purchase tickets at  chantillydrama.org

CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

Chantilly High School is excited to offer their Summer Art Camp again this summer for rising 2nd - 6th graders! The cost of is $325 per week. Camp runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Camp Dates are:

• Mixed Media: June 29 - July 3
• Sculpture: July 6 - July 10

Sign up and register online!

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar?! 🔍
  • Military Child Spirit Week💜
  • Poplar Tree Music T-Shirts 🎶
  • SEL Screener Results Now Available! ❤️
• PTA News:
  • Online Auction Starts TODAY! 🤚
  • Before School Running Club
  • May 2 Parent Night Out - iCode in Clifton 🎮
  • Join the PTA Board for the 26-27 School Year!
• Community News:
  

  • CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

  • Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

We made it through another week here at Poplar Tree! This week, in celebration of Earth Day, our 4th graders got to help plant a new pollinator garden behind the school! The students, who learn about plants native to Virginia in 4th grade, truly enjoyed this process. If you come by the school anytime soon, make sure to visit the garden and read more about each of the plants!

Have a great weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar goes outside to see the new pollinator garden that our students planted this week! 🌱

Military Child Spirit Week💜

Poplar Tree has had an incredible Month of the Military child. We Rocked our purple for Purple Up day, presented important facts about military families on the news show, and began our new Student Ambassador program! Let's end April strong with a Spirit Weekthat reminds us of those important families in our PTES community! 

The Spirit Week will be during the week of April 27!

• 💗 Monday - Comfy & Cozy:When you are in a military family, you create comfort wherever you are. Wear your comfiest clothes so you can start your week with a calm mindset.
• 🪖 Tuesday - Camo Day:Wear camo or colors in support of a specific military branch!
• ✈️ Wednesday - World Traveler:Military Families are global travelers, and can live in many different places throughout their lives. Wear clothing that shows a place you have traveled to or want to visit someday!
• ⚽🎨Thursday - Rock your Hobby:Military-connected children can have many interesting hobbies to keep them busy. Wear or share your favorite hobbies today!
• 🐾 Friday - Poplar Tree Gear:No matter where you are from or how you got here, we are all Poplar Tree Panthers! Rock your School Spirit Today!

Poplar Tree Music T-Shirt Sale 🎶

Like shirts? Like music? Buy a Poplar Tree Music t-shirt! Now open to all Poplar Tree families - adults and kids! A portion of the proceeds goes directly to support our music program consisting of band, strings, chorus and general music. Orders are due by April 24th.

Link to order form: https://tinyurl.com/ptesmusicshirt .

Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available!

Students in grades 3-6 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher or our school counselor or school social worker with any questions!

Beth Mertens
School Counselor
Grades k, 1, 5 & 6

Carrie Clark
School Social Worker
Grades 2, 3, & 4

  Online Auction Starts TODAY!

The day has arrived! The PTES PTA Online Auction goes LIVE TODAY at 6pm! Looking for a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift? Something for end-of-school year teacher appreciation? A birthday, or just some ideas for family fun? Check out this year’s incredible items and awesome teacher experiences…there is something for everyone, even a SIGNED TAYLOR SWIFT PHOTO for that special Swiftie in your life!!!

Create your Bidding Owl account now HERE make your bids!!

Before-School Running Club! 🏃‍➡️

It’s time to get your running and walking shoes on! We are continuing the before-school Running and Walking Club for all student grades 1-6. Club meetings are Thursdays from 7:45-8:20 AM on the basketball court. If a Kindergartener wants to join, please have a parent come and run or walk too. The club is in need of supplies, thus a $5 fee is requested. Grown-ups, bring your mug of coffee and socialize as you help cross off a Panther Paw for each lap run!

For more information and to register, visit https://www.poplartreepta.org/run .

May 2nd Parent Night Out iCode in Clifton 🎮

Take a break after a long week while the kids have a blast with friends at one of iCode's epic Game Nights!

• May 2nd, 6 - 8:30pm; $35 per Child
• Grades K - 6 welcome
• Pizza & drink included!
• Clifton iCode: 5754 Union Mill, Clifton

Register HERE!

Proceeds benefit the Poplar Tree ES PTA!

Be part of an awesome team that will shape the PTA next year - nominations for the PTES PTA Board are open for the 2026-2027 school year!

All PTA members are invited to submit nominations for any positions, but we are especially looking for people interested in:

• President-Elect- Shadow next year's president to get ready for your reign as president in 27/28! This is a great way to get involved and learn more.
• VP of Hospitality- Do people always say you throw the best events? Use your creativity and provided budget to help us thank teachers and staff throughout the year with meals, Teacher Appreciation Week, and other recognition!
• Treasurer- With an eye to detail, you help ensure that our fundraising dollars are organized! If you secretly love to categorize expenses and create color-coded pie charts (and your sense of fiscal responsibility is rock-solid), you have what it takes to be our parent group treasurer.
• VP of Parent Involvement- Are you a people person who isn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger? We’re looking for a volunteer coordinator to recruit helpers for parent group programs and events and to help parents find the best way to plug in to our school community.
• VP of Communications- Are you a social media maven? Love sharing the latest news in creative ways? Bring those skills to this position to manage the website, social media accounts, and newsletter (NO technical expertise needed).

Check out the position descriptions on the PTA website:  http://tinyurl.com/PTESboard and https://www.poplartreepta.org/positions

Questions about what it's like to be on the board? Email us! [email protected]

CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

Chantilly High School is excited to offer their Summer Art Camp again this summer for rising 2nd - 6th graders! The cost of is $325 per week. Camp runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Camp Dates are:

• Mixed Media: June 29 - July 3
• Sculpture: July 6 - July 10

Sign up and register online!

Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

Python & Robot Builders

Join us for an exciting 5-day STEM summer camp focused on Python programming and hands-on robotics! Students will build, code, and control robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Dates: July 13 - 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Chantilly High School
Eligibility: Rising 4th - 7th graders
Cost: $300 (financial assistance is available)

This immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lasting interest in STEM.

Register here at:  https://www.frc612.org/summer-camp-2026

Feel free to contact  [email protected]  for any questions or concerns.

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar?! 🔍
  • SCA Spirit Day- Vacation Day! ✈️
  • Military Child Spirit Week💜
  • Order Books for the Upcoming Author Visit 📚
  • Poplar Tree Music T-Shirts 🎶
  • AAP Spring Newsletter 🧠
• PTA News:
  
  • Join the PTA Board for the 26-27 School Year!
  • Coming Soon: Poplar Tree Online Auction! 🤚
  • Pupatella Fundraiser April 20th! 🍕

  • Fun Land Spirit Night Tuesday, April 21st! 🎉

  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  

  • CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

  • Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

  • Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

We wanted to highlight the Chantilly Pyramid Art show that occurred last week. On Thursday, April 9, many of our Panthers' artwork was featured in the Art Show! It was such a joy to see all their creativity displayed throughout the hallways. We want to thank Ms. Williams and Ms. Pierce on all their hard work getting all the artwork prepared as well as instilling a love of Art in our Panthers!

To see more pictures of the event, check out our Facebook post here !

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar visits the kitchen in our cafeteria! 🍽️

SCA Spirit Day- Vacation Day! ✈️

On Friday, April 24th, dress for your favorite vacation! We can't wait to see where you would love to travel to!

Military Child Spirit Week💜

Poplar Tree has had an incredible Month of the Military child. We Rocked our purple for Purple Up day, presented important facts about military families on the news show, and began our new Student Ambassador program! Let's end April strong with a Spirit Weekthat reminds us of those important families in our PTES community! 

The Spirit Week will be during the week of April 27!

• 💗 Monday - Comfy & Cozy:When you are in a military family, you create comfort wherever you are. Wear your comfiest clothes so you can start your week with a calm mindset.
• 🪖 Tuesday - Camo Day:Wear camo or colors in support of a specific military branch!
• ✈️ Wednesday - World Traveler:Military Families are global travelers, and can live in many different places throughout their lives. Wear clothing that shows a place you have traveled to or want to visit someday!
• ⚽🎨Thursday - Rock your Hobby:Military-connected children can have many interesting hobbies to keep them busy. Wear or share your favorite hobbies today!
• 🐾 Friday - Poplar Tree Gear:No matter where you are from or how you got here, we are all Poplar Tree Panthers! Rock your School Spirit Today!

Order Books for the Upcoming Author Visit 📚

Josh Funk, author of the popular Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast picture book series will visit Poplar Tree students in grades K-6 on Wednesday, April 22 and books are available to purchase for signing! Scrawl Books will deliver all book orders to Poplar Tree before the author visit free of charge.

• To order, visit: https://www.scrawlbooks.com/author-pages/josh-funk .
• Choose the books you would like to purchase then select the School Author Visit option under shipping.
• Scroll down to Deliver to School and select Poplar Tree from dropdown box to receive free delivery.
• Write your student's teacher, name, and how you would like your book personalized by the author in the Personalization field.
• Deadline to order is Friday, April 17.

A huge thanks to the Poplar Tree PTA for making this visit possible!Poplar Tree Music T-Shirt Sale 🎶

Like shirts? Like music? Buy a Poplar Tree Music t-shirt! Now open to all Poplar Tree families - adults and kids! A portion of the proceeds goes directly to support our music program consisting of band, strings, chorus and general music. Orders are due by April 24th.

Link to order form: https://tinyurl.com/ptesmusicshirt .

Click here to see the Advanced Academics Spring Newsletter!

Be part of an awesome team that will shape the PTA next year - nominations for the PTES PTA Board are open for the 2026-2027 school year!

All PTA members are invited to submit nominations for any positions, but we are especially looking for people interested in:

• President-Elect- Shadow next year's president to get ready for your reign as president in 27/28! This is a great way to get involved and learn more.
• VP of Hospitality- Do people always say you throw the best events? Use your creativity and provided budget to help us thank teachers and staff throughout the year with meals, Teacher Appreciation Week, and other recognition!
• Treasurer- With an eye to detail, you help ensure that our fundraising dollars are organized! If you secretly love to categorize expenses and create color-coded pie charts (and your sense of fiscal responsibility is rock-solid), you have what it takes to be our parent group treasurer.
• VP of Parent Involvement- Are you a people person who isn’t afraid to strike up a conversation with a stranger? We’re looking for a volunteer coordinator to recruit helpers for parent group programs and events and to help parents find the best way to plug in to our school community.
• VP of Communications- Are you a social media maven? Love sharing the latest news in creative ways? Bring those skills to this position to manage the website, social media accounts, and newsletter (NO technical expertise needed).

Check out the position descriptions on the PTA website:  http://tinyurl.com/PTESboard and https://www.poplartreepta.org/positions

Questions about what it's like to be on the board? Email us! [email protected]

Coming Soon: Poplar Tree Online Auction!!!

The Poplar Tree Online Auction will be open April 24-May 1 with another collection of AMAZING items, experiences, gift cards, and fabulous teacher activities!! Your support of the auction allows the PTA to support funding various school needs such as music and art programs, classroom materials, library author visits, software technology, field trip transportation, staff appreciation, and so much more.

Create your Bidding Owl account now HERE to start planning your bids!!

Pupatella Fundraiser April 20th!

Join us at Pupatella on Monday, April 20th to support Poplar Tree Elementary School PTA!

Visit Pupatella at 13619 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly on April 20 and let the server know you’re supporting the fundraiser to ensure that 20% of the group’s net sales are donated.

Ordering online? Use code GIVEBACKin the “Promo” field at checkout. Orders placed on http://Pupatella.com for pickup or delivery will also count toward the fundraiser!

Fun Land Spirit Night Rescheduled for Tuesday, April 21st!

Meet up with friends on April 21st for an awesome deal at Fun Land that also supports Poplar Tree! For $20, you get an unlimited attractions pass, along with a $10 arcade card. You can use your three hours anytime between 4-9 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door (no pre-sales) and please say you are with Poplar Tree Elementary!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

CHS Summer Art Camp 🎨

Chantilly High School is excited to offer their Summer Art Camp again this summer for rising 2nd - 6th graders! The cost of is $325 per week. Camp runs from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Camp Dates are:

• Mixed Media: June 29 - July 3
• Sculpture: July 6 - July 10

Sign up and register online!

Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

Python & Robot Builders

Join us for an exciting 5-day STEM summer camp focused on Python programming and hands-on robotics! Students will build, code, and control robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Dates: July 13 - 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Chantilly High School
Eligibility: Rising 4th - 7th graders
Cost: $300 (financial assistance is available)

This immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lasting interest in STEM.

Register here at:  https://www.frc612.org/summer-camp-2026

Feel free to contact  [email protected]  for any questions or concerns.

Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Chantilly Girls Basketball is happy to announce our camp dates for Summer 2026. Come be a part of the best girls basketball camp in Northern Virginia!

There will be two sessions. Cost is $220 per session or $400 for both!

• Session 1: July 6-10
• Session 2: July 20-24

Register HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar?! 🔍
  • Order Books for the Upcoming Author Visit 📚
  • April is the Month of the Military Child 💜
  • Poplar Tree Music T-Shirts 🎶
• PTA News:
  
  • PTA Meeting - April 13 💻
  • Coming Soon: Poplar Tree Online Auction! 🤚
  • Pupatella Fundraiser April 20th! 🍕

  • Fun Land Spirit Night Tuesday, April 21st! 🎉

  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  

  • Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

  • Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

One of the highlights of our week was meeting our Future Panthers at Kindergarten Orientation! The students got to play on the playground, visit the library, and even get on a school bus! We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2039 next fall!

We hope to see many of you next week at the Virtual PTA meeting on Monday evening and at the Science Fair on Wednesday! 

Enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar captures a Future Panther signing up for Kindergarten!

Order Books for the Upcoming Author Visit 📚

Josh Funk, author of the popular Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast picture book series will visit Poplar Tree students in grades K-6 on Wednesday, April 22 and books are available to purchase for signing! Scrawl Books will deliver all book orders to Poplar Tree before the author visit free of charge.

• To order, visit: https://www.scrawlbooks.com/author-pages/josh-funk .
• Choose the books you would like to purchase then select the School Author Visit option under shipping.
• Scroll down to Deliver to School and select Poplar Tree from dropdown box to receive free delivery.
• Write your student's teacher, name, and how you would like your book personalized by the author in the Personalization field.
• Deadline to order is Friday, April 17.

A huge thanks to the Poplar Tree PTA for making this visit possible!Celebrate our Military Children!

April is officially Month of the Military Child, where we celebrate the incredible resilience and strength of our students from military families! This month recognizes the unique challenges military children face—from frequent moves and new schools to the bravery they show when a parent is deployed. They are an essential part of our community, and they inspire us all!

💜April 15 is Purple Up Day!💜

To show our support, we are asking all students and staff to wear purpleon Wednesday, April 15. Why purple?It’s the color that symbolizes all branches of the military combined—a blend of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red, and Navy blue. Let’s turn our hallways into a sea of purple to let our military kids know we see them, we appreciate them, and we are so glad they are part of our school family!

Poplar Tree Music T-Shirt Sale 🎶

Like shirts? Like music? Buy a Poplar Tree Music t-shirt! Now open to all Poplar Tree families - adults and kids! A portion of the proceeds goes directly to support our music program consisting of band, strings, chorus and general music. Orders are due by April 24th.

Link to order form: https://tinyurl.com/ptesmusicshirt .

PTA Meeting on April 13

Join us for a virtual PTA meeting via this ZOOM link on April 13 at 6:00 p.m. Hear the latest updates from the PTA and school leadership!

Coming Soon: Poplar Tree Online Auction!!! Mark your calendars!!

The Poplar Tree Online Auction will be open April 24-May 1 with another collection of AMAZING items, experiences, gift cards, and fabulous teacher activities!! Your support of the auction allows the PTA to support funding various school needs such as music and art programs, classroom materials, library author visits, software technology, field trip transportation, staff appreciation, and so much more.

Be on the lookout for information soon on how to create your Bidding Owl account to start planning your bids!

Pupatella Fundraiser April 20th!

Join us at Pupatella on Monday, April 20th to support Poplar Tree Elementary School PTA!

Visit Pupatella at 13619 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway in Chantilly on April 20 and let the server know you’re supporting the fundraiser to ensure that 20% of the group’s net sales are donated.

Ordering online? Use code GIVEBACKin the “Promo” field at checkout. Orders placed on http://Pupatella.com for pickup or delivery will also count toward the fundraiser!

Fun Land Spirit Night Rescheduled for Tuesday, April 21st!

Meet up with friends on April 21st for an awesome deal at Fun Land that also supports Poplar Tree! For $20, you get an unlimited attractions pass, along with a $10 arcade card. You can use your three hours anytime between 4-9 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door (no pre-sales) and please say you are with Poplar Tree Elementary!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

Python & Robot Builders

Join us for an exciting 5-day STEM summer camp focused on Python programming and hands-on robotics! Students will build, code, and control robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Dates: July 13 - 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Chantilly High School
Eligibility: Rising 4th - 7th graders
Cost: $300 (financial assistance is available)

This immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lasting interest in STEM.

Register here at:  https://www.frc612.org/summer-camp-2026

Feel free to contact  [email protected]  for any questions or concerns.

Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Chantilly Girls Basketball is happy to announce our camp dates for Summer 2026. Come be a part of the best girls basketball camp in Northern Virginia!

There will be two sessions. Cost is $220 per session or $400 for both!

• Session 1: July 6-10
• Session 2: July 20-24

Register HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar?! 🔍
  • Poplar Tree Music T-Shirts 🎶
  • March Music Madness - The Winning Song!🍀

  • Chantilly Pyramid Art Show 🎨

  • SOL Testing Dates 📅
• PTA News:
  
  • Science & Technology 🔎
  • Online Auction: Call for Community Donations! 💰
  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  

  • Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

  • Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

It's hard to believe that Spring Break is already here and that once we return we only have two and a half months left of school! As a reminder, Monday April 7 is a teacher workday and Friday, April 10 is a School Planning Day. We will only see our students Tuesday - Thursday of that week!

Recently, some members of the communications team in FCPS came to Poplar Tree to learn more about our Paw Tech Squad . They interviewed staff and students from the squad and an article is now featured on the FCPS website. You can see the article by clicking here .

In case you didn't know, our Paw Tech Squad is an opportunity for students in Grades 4-6 to learn more about technology while also being ambassadors that teach both students and staff how we can use technology in meaningful ways.  Their motto is "How Can We Help You?" We are so proud of our students who choose to be a part of the Tech Squad and all they do to help others! 

We hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and fun Spring Break. See you in April!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar talks with some 2nd graders who have been busy creating weather report videos! 🎤🎥

Poplar Tree Music T-Shirt Sale 🎶

Like shirts? Like music? Buy a Poplar Tree Music t-shirt! Now open to all Poplar Tree families - adults and kids! A portion of the proceeds goes directly to support our music program consisting of band, strings, chorus and general music. Orders are due by April 24th.

Link to order form: https://tinyurl.com/ptesmusicshirt .

The Finalists!

March Music Madness🍀

Our Finalists in our March Music Madness Fun were:

THEN: Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson 

(recommended by Ms. Grieco)

verus

NOW: Thunder by Imagine Dragons (NOW)

(recommended by Ms. Nuckols)

The winning song was...

Thunder!

Want the playlist? Use this link: March Music Madness Spotify Playlist

Chantilly Pyramid Art Show 🎨

This year’s Chantilly Pyramid Art Show is on Thursday, April 9th, from 6-8 PM at Chantilly High School.

This fun-filled event celebrates artists in our community from elementary school through high school age! Selected artworks from 9 different schools (including Poplar Tree) will be on display for families to explore, interact with, and celebrate! There will be fun activities like face painting, crafts, photo booths, and more to keep the whole family entertained! You don’t even need to worry about dinner! There will be 3 food trucks (DC Pizza, Hangry Panda, and Paradise Ice Cream) ready and waiting upon your arrival!

Come out and support the arts on April 9th and enjoy this fabulous community event with us! We look forward to seeing you there!

SOL Testing Dates📅

SOL tests are the main part of the  Virginia Assessment Program for grades 3-8 and are administered each spring. SOL tests are used to fulfill state and federal testing requirements in reading and writing, mathematics, and science. 

This year we are trying something new and testing all students in Grades 3-6 on the same day for Reading and the same day for Math. Students who need to test in a small group or one on one setting may test on a different day, and we will inform those families about this closer to the actual date.

See below for this year's SOL Testing schedule. Please refrain from scheduling appointments on these days and ensure your child comes to school!

• 📝 5th Grade Integrated Reading and Writing: Wednesday, March 18
• 📚 3rd - 6th Grade Reading: Wednesday, May 6
• ➗ 3rd - 6th Grade Math (including Algebra): Wednesday, May 13
• 🔬 5th Grade Science: Tuesday, May 19

More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools . The  Grade Level Tests webpage  outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade.

If you have questions, contact your child's teacher or our School Testing Coordinators  Leslie Leisey , School Based Technology Specialist and  Amy Alley , Assistant Principal.

Science & Engineering Expo 🔎

Sponsored by the PTA, Poplar Tree’s Science and Engineering Expo will return on April 15 at 7 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for each student to create a STEM-related project that captures their interest. All students will get the chance to present their project, and each participant will receive a certificate recognizing their efforts and participation.

Please register your student by April 8at https://bit.ly/PTESscience . If your child is working with another student, both children need to submit a registration form.

Learn more on our PTA website HERE !

Online Auction Call for community donations!💰

The annual PTES PTA Auction will be held from April 24-May 1! If you or anyone you know has an item/service you'd like to donate to be auctioned off, please send an email to [email protected] .Previous donations have included artwork, vacation home rentals, household items, home repair services, and gift cards just to name a few!

Thank you for all your support to make the 2026 auction a success!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

Chantilly Robotics STEM Summer Camp 🤖

Python & Robot Builders

Join us for an exciting 5-day STEM summer camp focused on Python programming and hands-on robotics! Students will build, code, and control robots while developing problem-solving and teamwork skills.

Dates: July 13 - 17, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Chantilly High School
Eligibility: Rising 4th - 7th graders
Cost: $300 (financial assistance is available)

This immersive experience is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lasting interest in STEM.

Register here at:  https://www.frc612.org/summer-camp-2026

Feel free to contact  [email protected]  for any questions or concerns.

Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Chantilly Girls Basketball is happy to announce our camp dates for Summer 2026. Come be a part of the best girls basketball camp in Northern Virginia!

There will be two sessions. Cost is $220 per session or $400 for both!

• Session 1: July 6-10
• Session 2: July 20-24

Register HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Make Up Club Photos 📸

  • Local Fire Company Fundraiser 🚒

  • March Music Madness Current Standings!🍀

  • Chantilly Pyramid Art Show 🎨

  • SOL Testing Dates 📅
• PTA News:
  
  • Backyard Grill Spirit Night 🎉
  • Science & Technology 🔎
  • Online Auction: Call for Community Donations! 💰
  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  • Spring Break STEM Opportunities 🤖👨🏽‍💻
  • Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

First, we want to wish a very Happy Eidto all of our families celebrating today! We hope your day is filled with joy, reflection, and wonderful time spent with loved ones. Eid Mubarak!

As we move into Spring, we also want to take a moment to share some important Kiss & Ridereminders. Our number one priority is the safety of every student, staff member, and family member. To keep things running smoothly and safely, please remember these three things:

• 🛑 Safety First:  Please remain in your vehicle and allow your child to exit only when you have reached the designated drop-off zone. Keep an eye out for our staff and safety patrols who are there to guide the way!

• ⏳ Practice Patience:We know your time is valuable and mornings can be a whirlwind. However, traffic flow depends on everyone following the same line. Please avoid passing other cars or using non-designated areas to drop off your child(ren). A few extra minutes in line ensures a secure start to the day for everyone.

• ❤️ Lead with Kindness:A smile, a wave, or a "thank you" goes a long way! Our staff and patrols are out there in all kinds of weather to support your children. Let’s model the same kindness and respect we teach our students inside the classroom.

Enjoy the nice weather this weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Local Fire Company Fundraiser 🚒

Our SCA Vice President is organizing a fundraiser where all proceeds will be going to our local fire department. Bring in any coins or cash the week of March 23rd and place it in your House bin! Thank you for supporting this cause!

Make Up Club Photos! 📸

Our Club Photos that were cancelled due to the 3 hour early release on Monday, March 16 have been rescheduled for this week!

• Patrol photos will be taken on Wednesday, March 25. 
• Band, String, Chorus, News Crew, Tech Squad, PE Pals, Green Team, and SCA photos will be taken on Thursday, March 26.

If your child has a shirt(s) for these clubs, please be sure they have them with them on the day of their photo!

THANK YOU!

Current Standings in our Music Bracket!

March Music Madness🍀 Current Standings

We are almost down to our final FOUR songs for March Music Madness!

From the THEN division we have:

• Since You've Been Gone by Kelly Clarkson 
• Who Let The Songs Out by Baha Men.

In the NOW division, we have:

• Thunder by Imagine Dragons
• Monday, we'll find out who will be the last song in the Final Four!

Will our winning song be from THEN or NOW!?

Who’s on your winning bracket!?

Want the playlist? Use this link: March Music Madness Spotify Playlist

Chantilly Pyramid Art Show 🎨

This year’s Chantilly Pyramid Art Show is on Thursday, April 9th, from 6-8 PM at Chantilly High School.

This fun-filled event celebrates artists in our community from elementary school through high school age! Selected artworks from 9 different schools (including Poplar Tree) will be on display for families to explore, interact with, and celebrate! There will be fun activities like face painting, crafts, photo booths, and more to keep the whole family entertained! You don’t even need to worry about dinner! There will be 3 food trucks (DC Pizza, Hangry Panda, and Paradise Ice Cream) ready and waiting upon your arrival!

Come out and support the arts on April 9th and enjoy this fabulous community event with us! We look forward to seeing you there!

SOL Testing Dates 📅

SOL tests are the main part of the  Virginia Assessment Program for grades 3-8 and are administered each spring. SOL tests are used to fulfill state and federal testing requirements in reading and writing, mathematics, and science. 

This year we are trying something new and testing all students in Grades 3-6 on the same day for Reading and the same day for Math. Students who need to test in a small group or one on one setting may test on a different day, and we will inform those families about this closer to the actual date.

See below for this year's SOL Testing schedule. Please refrain from scheduling appointments on these days and ensure your child comes to school!

• 📝 5th Grade Integrated Reading and Writing: Wednesday, March 18
• 📚 3rd - 6th Grade Reading: Wednesday, May 6
• ➗ 3rd - 6th Grade Math (including Algebra): Wednesday, May 13
• 🔬 5th Grade Science: Tuesday, May 19

More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools . The  Grade Level Tests webpage  outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade.

If you have questions, contact your child's teacher or our School Testing Coordinators  Leslie Leisey , School Based Technology Specialist and  Amy Alley , Assistant Principal.

Backyard Grill Spirit Night! 🍔

Poplar Tree PTA is having a spirit night on March 25th at Backyard Grill! The restaurant will be donating 15% of sales to our PTA. They are open 11am - midnight and located at 13999 Metrotech Dr. See you there!

Science & Engineering Expo 🔎

Sponsored by the PTA, Poplar Tree’s Science and Engineering Expo will return on April 15 at 7 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for each student to create a STEM-related project that captures their interest. All students will get the chance to present their project, and each participant will receive a certificate recognizing their efforts and participation.

Please register your student by April 8at https://bit.ly/PTESscience . If your child is working with another student, both children need to submit a registration form.

Learn more on our PTA website HERE !

Online Auction Call for community donations!💰

The annual PTES PTA Auction will be held from April 24-May 1! If you or anyone you know has an item/service you'd like to donate to be auctioned off, please send an email to [email protected] .Previous donations have included artwork, vacation home rentals, household items, home repair services, and gift cards just to name a few!

Thank you for all your support to make the 2026 auction a success!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

The Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation in Chantilly, VA is offering FREE Spring Break Sessions for 3rd-6th grade students. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• 🤖 Tuesday, March 31
  • Edison Robots
  • 3rd - 5th Grade
  • Register HERE
• 🤖 Wednesday, April 1
  • Edison Robots
  • 4th - 6th Grade
  • Register HERE
• 👨🏽‍💻 Thursday, April 2
  • Coding & Programming
  • 6th - 8th Grade
  • Register HERE

Sessions will be held at the CASTLE location: 14840 Conference Center Dr, Suite 150, Chantilly, VA 20151. It will run from 9:30AM - 1:30PM.Students will need transportation to and from the location and to bring a lunch/snack. 

Learn more about the VT-ARC HERE !

Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Chantilly Girls Basketball is happy to announce our camp dates for Summer 2026. Come be a part of the best girls basketball camp in Northern Virginia!

There will be two sessions. Cost is $220 per session or $400 for both!

• Session 1: July 6-10
• Session 2: July 20-24

Register HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • SOL Testing Dates 📅
  • Panther Mascot Highlight Video! 🐾
  • March Music Madness Current Standings!🍀

  • Chantilly Pyramid Art Show 🎨

  • Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game 🏀🔥🧊
  • Family Engagement Survey 📝
• PTA News:
  
  • Fun Land Spirit Night 🎉
  • Science & Technology 🔎
  • Online Auction: Call for Community Donations! 💰
  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  • Spring Break STEM Opportunities 🤖👨🏽‍💻
  • Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

The weather was certainly interesting this week! We got a lovely taste of spring/summer and then enjoyed some snow showers yesterday! 

Last Friday, we LOVED seeing so many of our student's talents SHINING on the big stage! Dancing, singing, playing instruments, break dancing, and karate were only SOME of the talents we witnessed! Even some of our staff members shared their dancing abilities! (If you haven't seen it, check it out on Facebook HERE !) Thank you to our PTA and especially Usa Cramer who organized this fun community event!

Next week is only a 4 day week as Friday is Eid and therefore a staff and student holiday. We will have our club and candid photos taken on Monday and on Wednesday, our 5th graders will be taking their Integrated Reading and Writing Assessment (IRW). We are hoping for warmer and sunnier days ahead!

Have a fantastic weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

SOL Testing Dates 📅

SOL tests are the main part of the  Virginia Assessment Program for grades 3-8 and are administered each spring. SOL tests are used to fulfill state and federal testing requirements in reading and writing, mathematics, and science. 

This year we are trying something new and testing all students in Grades 3-6 on the same day for Reading and the same day for Math. Students who need to test in a small group or one on one setting may test on a different day, and we will inform those families about this closer to the actual date.

See below for this year's SOL Testing schedule. Please refrain from scheduling appointments on these days and ensure your child comes to school!

• 📝 5th Grade Integrated Reading and Writing: Wednesday, March 18
• 📚 3rd - 6th Grade Reading: Wednesday, May 6
• ➗ 3rd - 6th Grade Math (including Algebra): Wednesday, May 13
• 🔬 5th Grade Science: Tuesday, May 19

More information about these assessments can be found on the webpage: SOL Tests in Elementary and Middle Schools . The  Grade Level Tests webpage  outlines the division testing schedule for required assessments at each grade.

If you have questions, contact your child's teacher or our School Testing Coordinators  Leslie Leisey , School Based Technology Specialist and  Amy Alley , Assistant Principal.

Panther Mascot Highlight Video! 🐾

As we have shared before, we now have a new Panther mascot! PoG the Panther is the new mascot that represents our school! See the description for PoG below - who was created by Ms. Kollmer's 4th grade class.

"POG is Poplar Tree Elementary’s friendly panther guide, created to help students live the Portrait of a Graduate every day. With a bright smile, a puzzle-piece shirt symbolizing how every learner fits into our community, and a pencil ready for creative thinking, POG leads Panthers with positivity and purpose. Whether encouraging teamwork, celebrating resilience, or modeling communication, POG shows the way—every day, the Panther way!"

Learn more about the process for our new Panther Mascot Creation in THIS VIDEO created by FCPS! We love that it highlights our students and teachers voices, the use of AI in a safe environment, and eventually even taking the AI generated image to an actual graphic design! 

Current Standings in our Music Bracket!

March Music Madness🍀 Current Standings

Have your children told you about our "THEN vs. NOW" Music in our Schools Month Tournament?!! From retro anthems to modern bops, our Panthers are narrowing down the field to find the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)!

Will it be from THEN or NOW! Who’s on your winning bracket?

Want the playlist? Use this link: March Music Madness Spotify Playlist

Chantilly Pyramid Art Show 🎨

This year’s Chantilly Pyramid Art Show is on Thursday, April 9th, from 6-8 PM at Chantilly High School.

This fun-filled event celebrates artists in our community from elementary school through high school age! Selected artworks from 9 different schools (including Poplar Tree) will be on display for families to explore, interact with, and celebrate! There will be fun activities like face painting, crafts, photo booths, and more to keep the whole family entertained! You don’t even need to worry about dinner! There will be 3 food trucks (DC Pizza, Hangry Panda, and Paradise Ice Cream) ready and waiting upon your arrival!

Come out and support the arts on April 9th and enjoy this fabulous community event with us! We look forward to seeing you there!

Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game🏀 🔥SAVE THE DATE!🧊 Our annual 6th grade Fire vs. Ice Basketball game is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at Chantilly High School!

During this game, 6th grade students will play each other as well as staff members in basketball, our pep band will perform, and we will have a Spirit Squad cheering everyone on! This is a fun community event and a highlight for our 6th grade students especially!

• 🏀 6th graderswho want to play in the games, help announce, create decorations, or volunteer, please complete THIS FORM by Friday, March 13. 
• 📣Any student from Kindergarten through 6th grade who wants to be on our Spirit Squad (led by Ms. Grieco), please complete THIS FORM by Friday, March 13. 

Any questions regarding the Fire vs. Ice event, please email [email protected] . 

Family Engagement Survey📝

FCPS will administer our third Family Engagement Survey from  Monday, March 9 to  Monday, March 23. The survey is designed to gather data for Strategic Plan Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, and Community Partnerships; and to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools and community. 

The survey will also be used to measure our current success with family engagement and allow us to deepen that engagement and continue building trust while empowering families to support their students’ success. Data may impact School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP) strategies aligned to specific goals and metrics.

• Family engagement is a shared responsibility between home and school. Families and schools are co-creators in preparing students for success. 
• FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey will help the school division better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. 
• The survey provides a key opportunity to hear the family perspectives and voices and receive their feedback on their family’s engagement experience within FCPS. 
• This work aligns with the FCPS 2023-30 Strategic Plan and will help us implement our work on Pillar B: Vibrant Home, School, & Community Partnerships.
• Survey topics include:
• Welcoming environment
• Communication
• Student success
• Advocacy 
• Family and school partnerships
• Community partnerships
• This survey will also gather compliance data for FCPS’ Title I and Title III federal grants, Early Childhood federal grant applications, and monitoring for family engagement. 
• The survey, which will be open March 9-23, will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
• The survey will be emailed from Fairfax County Public Schools.
• All responses will be confidential. No personally identifiable information will be shared with school or district staff. 
• Survey results will be used to develop a plan to improve family and school partnerships throughout the division to support student success.

Fun Land Spirit Night 3/16! 🎉

Meet up with friends on March 16 for an awesome deal at Fun Land that also supports Poplar Tree! For $20, you get an unlimited attractions pass, along with a $10 arcade card. You can use your three hours anytime between 4-9 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door (no pre-sales) and please say you are with Poplar Tree Elementary!

Science & Engineering Expo 🔎

Sponsored by the PTA, Poplar Tree’s Science and Engineering Expo will return on April 15 at 7 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for each student to create a STEM-related project that captures their interest. All students will get the chance to present their project, and each participant will receive a certificate recognizing their efforts and participation.

Please register your student by April 8at https://bit.ly/PTESscience . If your child is working with another student, both children need to submit a registration form.

Learn more on our PTA website HERE !

Online Auction Call for community donations!💰

The annual PTES PTA Auction will be held from April 24-May 1! If you or anyone you know has an item/service you'd like to donate to be auctioned off, please send an email to [email protected] .Previous donations have included artwork, vacation home rentals, household items, home repair services, and gift cards just to name a few!

Thank you for all your support to make the 2026 auction a success!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

The Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation in Chantilly, VA is offering FREE Spring Break Sessions for 3rd-6th grade students. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• 🤖 Tuesday, March 31
  • Edison Robots
  • 3rd - 5th Grade
  • Register HERE
• 🤖 Wednesday, April 1
  • Edison Robots
  • 4th - 6th Grade
  • Register HERE
• 👨🏽‍💻 Thursday, April 2
  • Coding & Programming
  • 6th - 8th Grade
  • Register HERE

Sessions will be held at the CASTLE location: 14840 Conference Center Dr, Suite 150, Chantilly, VA 20151. It will run from 9:30AM - 1:30PM.Students will need transportation to and from the location and to bring a lunch/snack. 

Learn more about the VT-ARC HERE !

Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Chantilly Girls Basketball is happy to announce our camp dates for Summer 2026. Come be a part of the best girls basketball camp in Northern Virginia!

There will be two sessions. Cost is $220 per session or $400 for both!

• Session 1: July 6-10
• Session 2: July 20-24

Register HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar!?🔍
  • March Music Madness Current Standings!🍀
  • Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game 🏀🔥🧊
  • Visitor Management System✅
  • Ramadan Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️
• PTA News:
  
  • Spelling Bee Results 🐝
  • PTA Meeting 🐾
  • Fun Land Spirit Night 🎉
  • Science & Technology 🔎
  • Online Auction: Call for Community Donations! 💰
  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  • Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

What a fun week!

• 🎶Our Music in our Schools Month Tournament started this week and our classes have been voting for their favorite songs from "THEN" and "NOW."
• 🎮The Green House won the Mario Kart Coin Race and on Wednesday got to watch our staff members compete to find the Ultimate Mario Kart Champion! (Check out Facebook or Instagram to see who it was!) .
• ♻️Our Green Team met to discuss how our school is doing with recycling. Spoiler alert: we're doing great and also have more to learn!
• 🎤And TONIGHT, many of our students will perform in the Talent Show! We look forward to seeing all the talents showcased on stage starting at 6:00 pm!

We hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week, Ms. Andujar goes BEHIND THE SCENES to see what actually happens on our Good Morning Poplar Tree news show - where all the magic happens!! 🎤🎥

Current Standings in our Music Bracket!

March Music Madness🍀 Current Standings

Have your children told you about our "THEN vs. NOW" Music in our Schools Month Tournament?!! From retro anthems to modern bops, our Panthers are narrowing down the field to find the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)!

Will it be from THEN or NOW! Who’s on your winning bracket?

Want the playlist? Use this link: March Music Madness Spotify Playlist

Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game🏀 🔥SAVE THE DATE!🧊 Our annual 6th grade Fire vs. Ice Basketball game is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at Chantilly High School!

During this game, 6th grade students will play each other as well as staff members in basketball, our pep band will perform, and we will have a Spirit Squad cheering everyone on! This is a fun community event and a highlight for our 6th grade students especially!

• 🏀 6th graderswho want to play in the games, help announce, create decorations, or volunteer, please complete THIS FORM by Friday, March 13. 
• 📣Any student from Kindergarten through 6th grade who wants to be on our Spirit Squad (led by Ms. Grieco), please complete THIS FORM by Friday, March 13. 

Any questions regarding the Fire vs. Ice event, please email [email protected] . 

Visitor Management System✅

FCPS is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for school visitors. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry.

The check-in experience is similar to your previous experience, so remember to bring your driver’s license or other form of government ID every time you visit.

We also have a new express check-in feature where you can choose to download the RaptorSafe App at https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ and create a Raptor Passport to pre-verify your information before you visit. The app will generate a unique QR code for faster check-in.

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, ask our front office staff. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe! Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️

From  February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information: 

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day.  Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the  FCPS FNS website  by the deadlines:

• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Spelling Bee Results 🐝

 🎉 Congratulations to all the students who participated in this year’s Spelling Bee — everyone did an outstanding job! A special shout-out to our 3rd graders, who truly rocked it!

Congratulations to our winners:

• 1st Place: Abigail Yoon
• 2nd Place: Eyad Hajahmed
• 3rd Place: Ryan Cheng
• 4th Place: Shahryar Hussain

Abigail will represent Poplar Tree Elementary at the Fairfax County Regional Bee on March 22nd. The championship word was  Ballistics .

Thank you to our judges and families who helped make this event such a success! 🐝

PTA Meeting on March 9🐾

Join us for a virtual PTA meeting via this ZOOM link on March 9 at 6:00 p.m. Hear the latest updates from the PTA and school leadership!

Fun Land Spirit Night 3/16! 🎉

Meet up with friends on March 16 for an awesome deal at Fun Land that also supports Poplar Tree! For $20, you get an unlimited attractions pass, along with a $10 arcade card. You can use your three hours anytime between 4-9 p.m. Purchase tickets at the door (no pre-sales) and please say you are with Poplar Tree Elementary!

Science & Engineering Expo 🔎

Sponsored by the PTA, Poplar Tree’s Science and Engineering Expo will return on April 15 at 7 p.m. This is an exciting opportunity for each student to create a STEM-related project that captures their interest. All students will get the chance to present their project, and each participant will receive a certificate recognizing their efforts and participation.

Please register your student by April 8at https://bit.ly/PTESscience . If your child is working with another student, both children need to submit a registration form.

Learn more on our PTA website HERE !

Online Auction Call for community donations!💰

The annual PTES PTA Auction will be held from April 24-May 1! If you or anyone you know has an item/service you'd like to donate to be auctioned off, please send an email to [email protected] .Previous donations have included artwork, vacation home rentals, household items, home repair services, and gift cards just to name a few!

Thank you for all your support to make the 2026 auction a success!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

Chantilly Girls Basketball Camp 🏀

Chantilly Girls Basketball is happy to announce our camp dates for Summer 2026. Come be a part of the best girls basketball camp in Northern Virginia!

There will be two sessions. Cost is $220 per session or $400 for both!

• Session 1: July 6-10
• Session 2: July 20-24

Register HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar!?🔍
  • New Visitor Management System ✅
  • Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game 🏀🔥🧊
  • SEL Week 2026 🙂
  • Spring Picture Day - Volunteers STILL Needed! 📸
  • Yearbook Photo Submissions 📷
  • Prayer & Fasting for Ramadan ✨
  • Ramadan Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️
• PTA News:
  
  • Online Auction: Call for Community Donations! 💰
  • Mario Kart Coin Race - THANK YOU!!! 🪙
  • Join the PTA! ❤️

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

Our four day week was full of lots of fun! We're excited to see almost all of the snow melting and sure hope next week we are able to have a five day school week!!

We loved watching our students bring in their coins and bills for our Super Mario Coin Race! We can't wait to find out the house that gets to watch our staff members compete to be the Ultimate Mario Kart Champion!

Enjoy your weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week's video features Ms. Andujar visiting Spanish class learning OUTSIDE - sprinkled in with some technical difficulties along the way! 🌞

Visitor Management System✅

FCPS is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for school visitors. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry.

The check-in experience is similar to your previous experience, so remember to bring your driver’s license or other form of government ID every time you visit.

We also have a new express check-in feature where you can choose to download the RaptorSafe App at https://raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/ and create a Raptor Passport to pre-verify your information before you visit. The app will generate a unique QR code for faster check-in.

If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, ask our front office staff. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe!Fire vs. Ice Basketball Game🏀 🔥SAVE THE DATE!🧊 Our annual 6th grade Fire vs. Ice Basketball game is scheduled for Friday, May 29 at Chantilly High School!

During this game, 6th grade students will play each other as well as staff members in basketball, our pep band will perform, and we will have a Spirit Squad cheering everyone on! This is a fun community event and a highlight for our 6th grade students especially!

• 🏀 6th graderswho want to play in the games, help announce, create decorations, or volunteer, please complete THIS FORM by Friday, March 13. 
• 📣Any student from Kindergarten through 6th grade who wants to be on our Spirit Squad (led by Ms. Grieco), please complete THIS FORM by Friday, March 13. 

Any questions regarding the Fire vs. Ice event, please email [email protected] . 

SEL Week 2026 🙂

SEL Week is an international celebration that highlights the importance of Social Emotional Skills and how these skills prepare students for the future-helping them learn to make responsible decisions, build positive relationship skills and learn to manage their emotions.

As your child’s first teacher you can support Social Emotional Learning at home in a variety of ways! Take a look at the ideas for each competency listed below. For more information and Social Emotional Learning in FCPS, check out THIS LINK .

• 💪Self Awareness:Encourage Self- Awareness at home by having a conversation with your student about their strengths. Consider sharing some of your strengths now and when you were a student.
• 🎯Self-Management:Encourage Self- Management at home by talking about a goal you set for yourself and how you achieved it. Model Self-Management through your words e.g. “I’m feeling a little frustrated so I’m going to stop and take a few deep breaths.”
• 💗Social Awareness:Encourage Social Awareness at home by talking about empathy. Share a time that someone considered your thoughts or feelings or that you showed empathy for someone else with your student.
• 🤝Relationship Skills:Show your student positive Relationship Skills at home by helping someone in need, checking in with someone to let them know you care, or talking about how you handled a conflict or disagreement.
• 🧠Responsible Decision Making:Encourage Decision Making at home by talking about ways you have solved a problem. Have your student share a problem they are dealing with a help them think about next steps.

Spring Picture Day 📸

Spring Picture Day is scheduled for March 6th, 2026.

To order your pictures click HERE .

Volunteers Needed!🤚

We STILL need volunteers to help with picture day! Please sign up to volunteer HERE .

Photos needed for the Poplar Tree Yearbook! 📷

Grown-ups, do you have photos from school events such as the Panther Prowl, Book Fair, First Day, Pajama Dance, field trips, class parties, or other memorable occasions? Do you have photos of students participating in after-school clubs or performances? Submit them to the Poplar Tree Yearbook for the chance for your photos to be featured. Please make sure to include information such as the name of the event and tag students pictured (if possible). The deadline for submitting photos is Sunday, March 1st.

Submit photos HERE !

A Note about Ramadan for our Poplar Tree Families

Ramadan, one of the holiest times on the Islamic calendar, begins on February 18 at sundown. If your child needs an alternative space for lunch or prayer during this time, we will accommodate them. Please complete THIS FORM and we will make arrangements. Please note that students will be required to bring a quiet activity during this.

Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️

From  February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information: 

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day.  Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the  FCPS FNS website  by the deadlines:

• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

Online Auction Call for community donations!💰

The annual PTES PTA Auction will be held from April 24-May 1! If you or anyone you know has an item/service you'd like to donate to be auctioned off, please send an email to [email protected] . Previous donations have included artwork, vacation home rentals, household items, home repair services, and gift cards just to name a few!

Thank you for all your support to make the 2026 auction a success!

Mario Kart Coin Race!🪙 THANK YOU!!!

WOW! You showed up with your donations to the Coin Race Panthers! We will be announcing the grand total and the winning House on Monday on the Good Morning Poplar Tree news show! It certaintly was fun watching the kids suppot their own houses while sabotaging others! Way to go!

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar!?🔍
  • Lockdown Drill🔒
  • Spring Picture Day - Volunteers Needed! 📸
  • Prayer & Fasting for Ramadan ✨
  • Ramadan Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️
  • Talent Show 🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
  • Yearbook Photo Submissions 📷
  • STEM Club ⚙️
  • Middle School Transition Fair ↗️
• PTA News:
  
  • We Need YOU!!! 🫵
  • Mario Kart Coin Race! 🪙
  • Chick Fil A Spirit Night Rescheduled 🐔
  • Join the PTA! ❤️

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

Although this was a short week, we still had a lot of fun! We closed out our Olympic challenge with a fun schoolwide assembly where many of our staff "competed" in Olympic events! From speed skating to bobsledding - lots of fun was had by all! To see the lineup for the events, click HERE ! Check our social media for some fun photos and videos soon!

Next week we will have a 3-hour early release on Wednesday, February 25 . You will receive confirmation via Talking Points on Monday for how and when your child will be dismissed. Please be sure to let us know if there are any changes in your child's dismissal!

We hope everyone has a great weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week's video features Ms. Andujar introducing you to our new Visitor Management System! (Spoiler Alert - we're still working out the kinks so bear with us!!) 💻

  Lockdown Drill 🔒

Every school in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan in place. Keeping students and staff safe is a priority. We practice a number of safety drills throughout the school year, including lockdown drills which helps us know what to do if there is a potentially violent intruder inside the school or on school property.

Today, our school conducted a lockdown drill and teachers talked to students to prepare them for the drill.

We are very proud of our students today. They listened to directions and the drill was conducted in a calm and orderly fashion. Our students did a great job, and we encourage you to discuss the drill with them.  Additional guidance on discussions with your child about lockdown drills can be found in the  Parent/Guardian tip letter , as well as on the  frequently asked questions (FAQs)  page.

Our emergency preparedness plans have been developed in coordination with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security, local law enforcement, emergency management officials, and FCPS mental health professionals. The plans are regularly reviewed and updated and include procedures on how to respond to critical incidents such as fires, tornadoes, and other events. Students and staff regularly practice safety drills.

We will continue to keep you informed of safety and security measures in place at our school. If you have questions, please call or contact the school office. We appreciate your continued support in these matters.

Spring Picture Day 📸

Spring Picture Day is scheduled for March 6th, 2026.

To order your pictures click HERE .

Volunteers Needed!🤚

Please consider volunteering for picture day on March 6th. Sign up to volunteer HERE .

A Note about Ramadan for our Poplar Tree Families

Ramadan, one of the holiest times on the Islamic calendar, begins on February 18 at sundown. If your child needs an alternative space for lunch or prayer during this time, we will accommodate them. Please complete THIS FORM and we will make arrangements. Please note that students will be required to bring a quiet activity during this.

Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️

From  February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information: 

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day.  Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the  FCPS FNS website  by the deadlines:

• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
PTES Talent Show 2026 Sign Up For The Talent Show!

Come showcase your skills!!

• Every performer must complete the registration form by this Sunday, February 22nd. Register HERE!
• Any background music (cut down to 2 min. in length) is to be submitted to [email protected] by no later than February 22nd.
• Rehearsal will be held on Monday March 2nd directly after school, a parent/chaperone per act is required for rehearsal and for the night of the performance.
• The performance date is Friday March 6, 2026

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Photos needed for the Poplar Tree Yearbook! 📷

Grown-ups, do you have photos from school events such as the Panther Prowl, Book Fair, First Day, Pajama Dance, field trips, class parties, or other memorable occasions? Do you have photos of students participating in after-school clubs or performances? Submit them to the Poplar Tree Yearbook for the chance for your photos to be featured. Please make sure to include information such as the name of the event and tag students pictured (if possible). The deadline for submitting photos is Sunday, March 1st.

Submit photos HERE !

STEM CLUB⚙️ STEM CLUB spots available!!

Students from 3rd-6th grade will learn basics in technology, AI, coding, and other related subjects. The club is sponsored by Mr. Hsiao from Virginia Tech, and we use his program to help teach the students.

The club is first come, first serve! Register HERE !

Middle School Transition Fair ↗️ Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.

• March 4, 2026
• 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Road
• Falls Church, Virginia 22042

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. Ensuring postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as learn about short and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.

Click HERE to register.

We Need YOU!! 🫵

Each year our PTA Sponsors an Online Auction and Block Party. At this time, we do not have enough volunteers to make these events happen! Our Online Auction is a great money maker for the school and the Block Party is a very fun community event!

Please consider volunteering your time to support the PTA and our school!

Sign up to volunteer HERE !

(And check out the video below of some 1st graders encouraging you!)

Mario Kart Coin Race!🪙 Starts Monday, February 23!

• 📅 WHEN:
  • Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27
• ☑️ RULES:
  • Houses competes against each other to earn the most points!
  • Students bring in money each morning before classes start.
  • Put COINS in your own house jar for POSITIVEpoints.
  • Put BILLS in other house jars for NEGATIVEpoints.
• 🎮 PRIZE:
  • The house with the most points will win an opportunity to watch staff members compete against each other in Mario Kart! 🎮

Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 🐔 Rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 24th!

Come support the Poplar Tree Elementary PTA! A portion of the evening's sales will be donated. Make sure to mention Spirit Night when ordering.

If placing an order online: please enter the code: PANTHERS.

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar!?🔍
  • Prayer & Fasting for Ramadan ✨
  • Ramadan Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️
  • Lockdown Drill🔒
  • Talent Show 🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
  • Yearbook Photo Submissions 📷
  • Screenagers Online Film Viewing 💻📱
  • Spring Picture Day 📸
  • STEM Club ⚙️
  • Student Experience Survey 📝
  • Middle School Transition Fair ↗️
• PTA News:
  
  • We Need YOU!!! 🫵
  • Vote on Spring After-School Classes 🗳️
  • Mario Kart Coin Race! 🪙
  • Chick Fil A Spirit Night Rescheduled 🐔
  • Join the PTA! ❤️

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

We loved seeing all the Olympic Spirit this week! Our students really went for the GOLD as they dressed up in the various themes. Check out Facebook and Instagram to see photos from each Spirit Day!

During this time classes have also been participating in our Read Like a Champion Olympic "Reading Events" in order to earn gold medals. Some of these challenges include reading while laying under you desk, reading a non-fiction book to learn Olympic facts, or reading with a buddy! Next Friday, we'll have an assembly to celebrate all the hard work the students have been doing during these reading events!

As a reminder, Monday, February 16 is a holiday for staff and students and Tuesday, February 17 is a teacher workday for staff. The Main Office will be closed from 9:30 am – 11:30 am so our office staff can attend an event.

Enjoy the long weekend!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week's video features Ms. Andujar visiting our Main Office Staff! ☎️

A Note about Ramadan for our Poplar Tree Families

Ramadan, one of the holiest times on the Islamic calendar, begins on February 18 at sundown. If your child needs an alternative space for lunch or prayer during this time, we will accommodate them. Please complete THIS FORM and we will make arrangements. Please note that students will be required to bring a quiet activity during this.

Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️

From  February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information: 

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day.  Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the  FCPS FNS website  by the deadlines:

• February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

  Lockdown Drill 🔒

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for all of us. We have a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan for our school that is reviewed and updated regularly. Our plan includes procedures on how to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Students and staff regularly practice these drills every school year. We also practice lockdown drills.

A new Virginia Law ( 22.1-137.2 ) requires schools to notify parents at least 24 hours before a school practices a lockdown drill.  We will have a lockdown drill on Friday, February 20. We are required to practice lockdown drills two times a year. FCPS lockdown drills do not include any type of active shooter scenario training, they are instruction and classroom based.

Additional information on our lockdown drill program to include parent tips and FAQs can be found on the  Emergency Planning and Crisis Response  web page. After reviewing this content, you should discuss the value of these safety drills with your child.

Keeping our school safe and secure for all students and staff involves the participation of the entire school community, and we thank you for your help to keep our school safe. 

🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
PTES Talent Show 2026 Sign Up For The Talent Show!

Come showcase your skills!!

• Every performer must complete the registration form by February 22nd. Register HERE!
• Any background music (cut down to 2 min. in length) is to be submitted to [email protected] by no later than February 22nd.
• Rehearsal will be held on Monday March 2nd directly after school, a parent/chaperone per act is required for rehearsal and for the night of the performance.
• The performance date is Friday March 6, 2026

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Photos needed for the Poplar Tree Yearbook! 📷

Grown-ups, do you have photos from school events such as the Panther Prowl, Book Fair, First Day, Pajama Dance, field trips, class parties, or other memorable occasions? Do you have photos of students participating in after-school clubs or performances? Submit them to the Poplar Tree Yearbook for the chance for your photos to be featured. Please make sure to include information such as the name of the event and tag students pictured (if possible). The deadline for submitting photos is Sunday, March 1st.

Submit photos HERE !

Screenagers📱 Online Film Viewing

From February 1-15, we invite you to watch the award-winning documentary,  Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age - Elementary School Age Edition.  This film explores the impact of screen time on children and teens, offering practical solutions and strategies for parents and educators to navigate the digital world together. In today's technology-driven environment, understanding how to foster healthy screen habits is more important than ever. If you missed our in-person screening last year, this is a great chance to view this documentary.

Starting Feb. 1, click here for access:  https://www.thescreenagersproject.com/online-screening/poplar-tree-elementary-school

Spring Picture Day 📸

Spring Picture Day is scheduled for March 6th, 2026.

To order your pictures click HERE .

STEM CLUB⚙️ STEM CLUB spots available!!

Students from 3rd-6th grade will learn basics in technology, AI, coding, and other related subjects. The club is sponsored by Mr. Hsiao from Virginia Tech, and we use his program to help teach the students.

The club is first come, first serve! Register HERE !

Middle School Transition Fair ↗️ Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.

• March 4, 2026
• 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Road
• Falls Church, Virginia 22042

Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!

It’s never too early or too late to start preparing for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult. Ensuring postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, as well as learn about short and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, postsecondary education considerations, Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post school success.

Click HERE to register.

We Need YOU!! 🫵

Each year our PTA Sponsors an Online Auction and Block Party. At this time, we do not have enough volunteers to make these events happen! Our Online Auction is a great money maker for the school and the Block Party is a very fun community event!

Please consider volunteering your time to support the PTA and our school!

Sign up to volunteer HERE !

(And check out the video below of some 1st graders encouraging you!)

Mario Kart Coin Race!🪙 Start gathering your coins for our upcoming House vs. House Coin Race!

• 📅 WHEN:
  • Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27
• ☑️ RULES:
  • Each house competes against other houses to earn the most points.
  • Students bring in coins each morning before classes start.
  • Put them in your own house jar for POSITIVEpoints.
  • Put them in other house jars for NEGATIVEpoints.
• 🎮 PRIZE:
  • The house with the most points will win a Mario Gaming party with the principals!!

Vote🗳️ Spring After-School Classes

The PTA would like to hear your opinion about after-school classes. Take this quick one-question poll to share what classes you'd most like to see for our spring after-school session. 

Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 🐔 Rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 24th!

Come support the Poplar Tree Elementary PTA! A portion of the evening's sales will be donated. Make sure to mention Spirit Night when ordering.

If placing an order online: please enter the code: PANTHERS.

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

Read Like a Champion Spirit WeekIn this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar!?🔍
  • Read Like a Champion Spirit Week 📖🏅
  • Screenagers Online Film Viewing 💻📱
  • Spring Picture Day 📸
  • Talent Show 🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
  • Ramadan Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️
  • Student Experience Survey 📝
  • STEM Club ⚙️
• PTA News:
  
  • Valentine's Day Parent Night Out! 💕
  • Mario Kart Coin Race! 🪙
  • Chick Fil A Spirit Night Rescheduled 🐔
  • Join the PTA! ❤️

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

What an interesting week here at Poplar Tree! With no school Monday and two-hour delays each day, we certainly had to be goal directed and resilient as we navigated this different schedule! The big question is - will we ever have outdoor recess again!?!

We hope to see our students each day next week on time. Have a great weekend - and stay warm!

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week's video features Ms. Andujar visiting the fabulous people who work in our clinic, Ms. Luong and Ms. Paul! 🩹

Read Like a Champion Spirit Week 📖🏅

Get excited about the Winter Olympics and our Olympic Reading Challenge! We'll kick off our challenge with a Spirit Week - NEXT WEEK February 9 - 13.

• ❤️🤍💙 Monday - GO USA!
  • Wear Red, White, & Blue to support the USA.
• 🧣🧤 Tuesday - Winter Wearables
  • Get out your hats, gloves, scarves, ski goggles and dress in your winter gear.
• 🏒🏂 Wednesday - Support Your Sports
  • Dress in your favorite sports jersey and gear.
• 🌟 Thursday - Shine On!
  • Wear your glittery-est and sparkly-est things to shine like an Olympic medal!
• ❤️💙🧡💚 Friday - We Are Family
  • Wear your house t-shirt to show you are a part of your team.

Screenagers📱 Online Film Viewing

From February 1-15, we invite you to watch the award-winning documentary,  Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age - Elementary School Age Edition.  This film explores the impact of screen time on children and teens, offering practical solutions and strategies for parents and educators to navigate the digital world together. In today's technology-driven environment, understanding how to foster healthy screen habits is more important than ever. If you missed our in-person screening last year, this is a great chance to view this documentary.

Starting Feb. 1, click here for access:  https://www.thescreenagersproject.com/online-screening/poplar-tree-elementary-school

Spring Picture Day 📸

Spring Picture Day is scheduled for March 6th, 2026.

To order your pictures click HERE .

🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
PTES Talent Show 2026 Sign Up For The Talent Show!

Come showcase your skills!!

• Every performer must complete the registration form by February 22nd. Register HERE!
• Any background music ( cut down to 2 min. in length) is to be submitted to [email protected] by no later than February 22nd.
• Rehearsal will be held on Monday March 2nd directly after school, a parent/ chaperone per act is required for rehearsal and for the night of the performance.
• The performance date is Friday March 6, 2026

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Student Fasting Meal Kits 🍽️

From  February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Important Meal Kit Information: 

• Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
• Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
• Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
• Kits are distributed at the end of the school day.  Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.

Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the  FCPS FNS website  by the deadlines:

• February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
• February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
• February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
• March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
• March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026

Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.

STEM CLUB⚙️ STEM CLUB spots available!!

Students from 3rd-6th grade will learn basics in technology, AI, coding, and other related subjects. The club is sponsored by Mr. Hsiao from Virginia Tech, and we use his program to help teach the students.

The club is first come, first serve! Register HERE !

Student Experience Survey 📝

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey . This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link .

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan , which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

Valentine's Parent Night Out!💕

Kwon's Champion School Fairfax is hosting Poplar Tree Elementary School for a Parent Night Out fundraiser on Saturday, February 14 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Ages 5-12 are welcome and cost is $30 per child, with siblings just an additional $15.

To register your child click HERE .

Mario Kart Coin Race!🪙 Start gathering your coins for our upcoming House vs. House Coin Race!

• 📅 WHEN:
  • Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27
• ☑️ RULES:
  • Each house competes against other houses to earn the most points.
  • Students bring in coins each morning before classes start.
  • Put them in your own house jar for POSITIVEpoints.
  • Put them in other house jars for NEGATIVEpoints.
• 🎮 PRIZE:
  • The house with the most points will win a Mario Gaming party with the principals!!

Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 🐔 Rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 24th!

Come support the Poplar Tree Elementary PTA! A portion of the evening's sales will be donated. Make sure to mention Spirit Night when ordering.

If placing an order online: please enter the code: PANTHERS.

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page .

In this Paw Print:

• School News:
  • Principal's Message 🗣️
  • Where in the School is Ms. Andujar!?🔍
  • Screenagers Online Film Viewing 💻📱
  • Student Experience Survey 📝
  • SCA Lolligrams🍭
  • 5th & 6th Grade Pajama Dance 🪩
  • Talent Show 🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
• PTA News:
  
  • Valentine's Day Parent Night Out! 💕
  • Mario Kart Coin Race! 🪙
  • Chick Fil A Spirit Night Rescheduled 🐔
  • Sign-up for the Spelling Bee🐝
  • Join the PTA! ❤️
• Community News:
  • Unified Basketball Tournament 🏀

Dear Poplar Tree Families,

What a week! We hope everyone has stayed warm during these frigid days and is able to now leave their homes safely! We are certainly grateful for our custodial team at Poplar Tree who has worked hard to clear the sidewalks and parking lots so we can be ready to welcome the students back to school next week. 

We loved seeing pictures of many of our Panthers at home enjoying their snow days! You can see some of these images below, and also on our social media channels - Facebook and Instagram . 

Hope everyone has an awesome weekend and fingers crossed for no more snow anytime soon! 

Sue Andujar, Principal

Amy Alley, Assistant Principal

Poplar Tree students having fun in the snow at home during our snow days!

Where in the school is Ms. Andujar!?

This week's video features Ms. Andujar showing off the clean sidewalks and parking lots at Poplar Tree thanks to our hard working custodial staff! ❤️

Screenagers📱 Online Film Viewing

From February 1-15, we invite you to watch the award-winning documentary,  Screenagers: Growing Up in the Digital Age - Elementary School Age Edition.  This film explores the impact of screen time on children and teens, offering practical solutions and strategies for parents and educators to navigate the digital world together. In today's technology-driven environment, understanding how to foster healthy screen habits is more important than ever. If you missed our in-person screening last year, this is a great chance to view this documentary.

Starting Feb. 1, click here for access:  https://www.thescreenagersproject.com/online-screening/poplar-tree-elementary-school

 SCA Lolligrams! 🍭

The SCA will be selling Lolligrams for $0.50 in the lobby the week of February 2nd. They will be delivered to students and staff on Friday, February 13th. Students can receive multiple Lolligrams, and a maximum of 3 lollipops.

Thanks for your support!

5th & 6th Grade Pajama Dance 🪩

Our 6th grade class is sponsoring a Pajama Dance Party on Friday, February 6 for current 5th & 6th graders. The event costs $10 and snacks and beverages will be available for purchase. Registration is required! 

Click HERE to register and pay.

(There will be chaperones so this is a drop off event. Stay tuned for a sign up to volunteer!)

We look forward to a fun evening of dancing in our PJs to some excellent tunes!🎹🎻🩰🎸🤹
PTES Talent Show 2026 Sign Up For The Talent Show!

Come showcase your skills!!

• Every performer must complete the registration form by February 22nd. Register HERE!
• Any background music ( cut down to 2 min. in length) is to be submitted to [email protected] by no later than February 22nd.
• Rehearsal will be held on Monday March 2nd directly after school, a parent/ chaperone per act is required for rehearsal and for the night of the performance.
• The performance date is Friday March 6, 2026

Questions? Email: [email protected]

Student Experience Survey 📝

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey . This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link .

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan , which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.

Valentine's Parent Night Out!💕

Kwon's Champion School Fairfax is hosting Poplar Tree Elementary School for a Parent Night Out fundraiser on Saturday, February 14 from 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm. Ages 5-12 are welcome and cost is $30 per child, with siblings just an additional $15.

To register your child click HERE .

Mario Kart Coin Race!🪙 Start gathering your coins for our upcoming House vs. House Coin Race!

• 📅 WHEN:
  • Monday, February 23 - Friday, February 27
• ☑️ RULES:
  • Each house competes against other houses to earn the most points.
  • Students bring in coins each morning before classes start.
  • Put them in your own house jar for POSITIVEpoints.
  • Put them in other house jars for NEGATIVEpoints.
• 🎮 PRIZE:
  • The house with the most points will win a Mario Gaming party with the principals!!

Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 🐔 Rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 24th!

Come support the Poplar Tree Elementary PTA! A portion of the evening's sales will be donated. Make sure to mention Spirit Night when ordering.

If placing an order online: please enter the code: PANTHERS.

Spelling Bee🐝

The Poplar Tree PTA has been planning for a successful spelling bee program for 2025-2026. Poplar Tree is proud to offer students an opportunity to exhibit their proficiency in the art of spelling and, just as importantly, vocabulary. The school Spelling Bee Champion will advance to the Fairfax County regional competition. The regional winner will go to the Scripps National Spelling Bee representing Fairfax County. The registration deadline is 01/31/26.

If you are interested, please register HERE .

Join the PTA! ❤️ Please join the PTA to help support our school!!

If you haven't joined yet, please do so HERE !

Unified Basketball Tournament🏀

Chantilly is hosting their first Unified Basketball Tournament, January 31st from 1-5pm at Chantilly HS. Rock your purple, pack the stands, and make some noise for inclusion! Concessions and swag available for purchase.

13440 Melville Lane, Chantilly, VA 20151   |  Main Phone: 703.633.7400
Attendance: 703.633.7474 or  [email protected]
Website  |  Twitter