Hello CPA. Families,

As we move into this season of gratitude, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of you. Thank you for your partnership, your encouragement, and the many ways you support your children and our school community each day.

We encourage you to take a moment this week to share your own expressions of gratitude with your child, your family, and others in our community. A simple word of thanks can truly brighten someone’s day.

Thank you as well to all who voted in last week’s survey — we appreciate your voice and engagement. Please find details below about our upcoming Honor Roll Awards Assembly.

Wishing you and your family a warm and restful holiday season

N. Lattimore.

Before you go, the Middle School Reimagining Workgroup is seeking student input to better understand how students feel and experience their school day, classes, activities, and overall middle school environment. The purpose of the student focus group is to gain insight into students’ perspectives on what contributes to a meaningful and supportive middle school experience. Their feedback will help us strengthen programs, supports, and opportunities for all students in the future.

Please administer the brief Middle School Experience Survey to all students during the week of November 24–25.

Reimagined Parent Survey Letter: Click Here

Reimagined Student Survey Link: https://bit.ly/middleschoolreimagined

Reimagined Student Survey QRCode: Click Here

Monday, November 24

Third Grade- Howard B Owens Science Center

AVID Team Meeting- 7:30am

Canned Food Drive Ends

CPA Cheer Team Practice (6-8)

6th ELA, 7th Math, & 8th Science CP

K-5 DANCE with Ms. Taylor

Musical Practice, 5th Soccer

No K-5 Reading Club

CPA Basketball @ Gwynn Park

Tues. Nov. 25

Uniform Free Day. (Fall Colors)

Sixth Grade- Howard B Owens Science Center

Turkey Bowl

Good News Club

Lego Club Canceled

All CPA Teacher Led Clubs- Canceled (Chorus, Art, Drama, Dance, Tutoring,etc)

Wed. Nov.26-28,2025

Thanksgiving Break

Up Next:

Dec. 4-17- Holiday Bazaar (Student May Purchase Gifts For Families)

Dec. 9- Second-Fifth Honor Roll Assembly

Dec. 10- Sixth-Eighth Honor Roll Assembly

Dec. 18- Classroom Winter Break Parties

Dec. 19- Early Dismissal (12:15pm)

Get ready for an incredible upgrade! PGCPS is thrilled to announce = a brand new, robust online tutoring platform: Brainfuse! This exciting partnership offers students FREE, on-demand online tutoring in a vast array of subjects. Imagine connecting with live tutors, getting instant homework help, and accessing powerful study tools anytime, anywhere – all at your fingertips! Dive in and explore the amazing benefits Brainfuse has to offer!

Bell to Bell, No Cell – Updated Expectations

Due to increased social media activity, student hallway conversations, and digital distractions during the school day, Colin Powell Academy is updating our cell phone expectations.

Beginning immediately:

Students must keep cell phones secured inside their lockers or backpacks for the school day.
Cell phones are not permitted during lunch.
Any phone collected can be retrieved from the Security Office at dismissal.

Why This Matters

Research continues to show that:

Students need adult support to build healthy digital habits, especially as many apps are intentionally designed to be addictive while children’s self-regulation skills are still developing.
Phones are not inherently good or bad—what matters is how and when they are used.
Excessive or poorly timed phone use can interfere with focus, sleep, exercise, social interactions, and overall well-being.

Our goal is not just restriction—it is helping students build balanced, healthy digital habits that will support them both inside and outside of school.

How CPA Families Can Help

We encourage families to talk with their children about:

When phone habits get in the way of concentrating
Whether screen time interferes with sleep or other healthy behaviors
How to use technology in ways that support—not hinder—learning and relationships

PGCPS Grading & Reporting-Early Childhood through Grade 5

PGCPS Grading and Reporting for Middle Schools Grade 6 through Grade 8

CPA Student Absence Note/Nota de ausencia del estudiante

Vision
At Colin L. Powell Academy, we inspire K–8 students to be visionary leaders and critical thinkers. Our empowered teachers use innovative, data-driven instruction to nurture curiosity, creativity, resilience, and each learner’s full potential.

Mission
Our mission is to empower PreK–8th grade students to think critically, lead boldly, and achieve their full potential through innovative, engaging, and data-driven learning.

Core Values

L – Leadership
We cultivate students to take initiative, make thoughtful decisions, and positively influence their communities.

E – Excellence
We strive for academic and personal excellence in everything we do, holding ourselves and our students to high expectations.

A – Accountability
We take responsibility for our actions, learning, and growth—individually and collectively.

D – Determination
We encourage perseverance and resilience, empowering students to overcome challenges and reach their goals.

The Call

NOV. 24-28, 2025

Hello CPA. Families,

Hello CPA. Families,

Middle School Survey Middle School Survey

TV MEDIA -Create & Collaborate Field Trip TV MEDIA -Create & Collaborate Field Trip

Celebrating The Season At CPA Celebrating The Season At CPA

Students Connect Through Clever Students Connect Through Clever

CPA COMMUNITY CPA COMMUNITY

We Are Colin Powell Academy We Are Colin Powell Academy