Hello, Powell Families!

 

Welcome back, Powell Families! We hope you had a restful, sun-filled spring break and found some time to recharge. We look forward to having our students’ energy back in the hallways as we head into the final stretch of the school year. We have a busy and exciting spring ahead; let’s make it a great return!

 

Monday, 4/6 Teacher Workday - No School for Students

2026–2027 Kindergarten Registration is Open! We are thrilled to begin welcoming our newest learners for the upcoming school year! If you have a child ready to start their educational journey, now is the time to enroll. Help us spread the word—please share this news with friends, neighbors, and any local families with eligible children.

• Start Here: Begin the process at wcpss.net.
• Questions? Reach out to Paula Bodette at pbodette@wcpss.net.

 

Help Us Grow Together: We want your child’s school experience to be as positive and beneficial as possible. To do that, we need your insight! Please take a few moments to provide thoughtful responses to our family survey, open from April 6 through May 15. Click here to share your feedback.

Campus Cleanup Sunday, 4/12 from 3:00–6:00 PM: Powell Campus needs your help! Join us as we work together to beautify our outdoor spaces. We’ll be spreading mulch, planting flowers, trimming bushes, and completing general campus cleanup. If you’re able, please bring gardening gloves, a pitchfork, and trimming shears. In the event of inclement weather, our make-up date will be Sunday, 4/26 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Please note that restroom facilities inside the school will not be available. Children are welcome to attend! Sign up here so we can plan accordingly:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4AAAAD22A3F49-63046208-campus If you have any questions, please contact PTA Yard Mob Chair, Rebecca Tucker, at rspedroza12@gmail.com

Funny Tummy Feelings (First Grade Families): First-grade families should have received a letter describing Funny Tummy Feelings, a program designed to teach children how to protect themselves from physical and sexual abuse. Through this program, students will learn:

• How to distinguish between pleasant and unpleasant emotions (“funny tummy feelings”)
• The difference between good and not-so-good secrets
• Which parts of their bodies are private
• When and how to say “no” effectively
• How to identify and seek out trusted, supportive adults (“special people”)

Funny Tummy Feelings presents important, age-appropriate concepts that help young students recognize unsafe situations and understand how to respond. Prevention and awareness are key tools in reducing the risk of abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 children will experience abuse or neglect. This program helps children recognize abuse, talk about it, and understand that it is never acceptable.

The Wake County Public School System has integrated Funny Tummy Feelings into its social-emotional learning curriculum for all first-grade students. As a result, all first-grade students in WCPSS schools receive this instruction, and many local private and charter schools have also adopted the program.

Lessons will be delivered by Student Services staff members and will take place in two parts on separate days during the month of April. If you do not want your child to participate, you must submit a written request to Principal Wooden, as outlined in the letter, prior to the first lesson scheduled for April 7, 2026. If you have questions, please contact School Psychologist Allison Suleski at asuleski@wcpss.net

Support Our Students: Field Trip Donations We want to ensure every student can participate in our upcoming field trips! Our PTA has created a special donation item on our Givebacks page. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of another student's trip, your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

 

Spring Book Fair: Get ready to browse! Our Spring Book Fair is just around the corner. Students will have the chance to preview the selection with their homeroom classes before sales officially begin.

• Fair Dates: April 10 – April 17, 2026
• How to Pay: In two weeks, you will be able to set up an eWallet for your child or make purchases online. Stay tuned for those links!
• We Need You! The Book Fair is only possible with the help of our amazing parent volunteers. Please keep an eye out for a sign-up sheet coming your way over the next two weeks.
• Questions? Please contact Dr. Leslie Thomson at lthomson@wcpss.net.

 

Powell Palooza: Powell Palooza is almost here! Mark your calendars for April 10th 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. 

Click here for more details on how to get involved! Questions? Contact Eve Prince, PTA President, powellptapresident@gmail.com

 

PTA Website: Families can explore the PTA website to stay up to date on PTA events and happenings. Visit www.powellpta.org

Cultural Observances and Celebrations for April:

Arab American Heritage Month: During the month of April, the Arab American Foundation formally recognizes the achievements of Arab Americans through the celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month (NAAHM). Across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate our community’s rich heritage and numerous contributions to society.

 

Have a great week!

Sierra Wooden, Principal

 

Upcoming Events (Subject to change):

4/6 Teacher Workday - No School For Students

4/6-5/15 Panorama Family Survey 

4/7 3-5 Only Assembly- Visiting Artist Number Drummer EOG Edition, 9:30-10:30 

4/7 Q4 Electives begin

4/10-4/17 Bookfair

4/10 5:00-7:30 PM PTA Palooza

4/12 3:00-6:00 PM Campus Cleanup

4/18 Science Olympiad Tournament (Sanford, NC)

4/21 9:30 Talent Show Rehearsal, 2:00 Assembly, 6:30 Evening Performance

4/25 8:00-4:00 First Lego League Competition- (Southeast Raleigh High School)

4/30 4th Grade Symphony Field Trip

Hello, Powell Families!

 

Campus Cleanup Sunday, 4/12 from 3:00–6:00 PM: Powell Campus needs your help! Join us as we work together to beautify our outdoor spaces. We’ll be spreading mulch, planting flowers, trimming bushes, and completing general campus cleanup. If you’re able, please bring gardening gloves, a pitchfork, and trimming shears. In the event of inclement weather, our make-up date will be Sunday, 4/26 from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. Please note that restroom facilities inside the school will not be available. Children are welcome to attend! Sign up here so we can plan accordingly:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4AAAAD22A3F49-63046208-campus If you have any questions, please contact PTA Yard Mob Chair, Rebecca Tucker, at rspedroza12@gmail.com

 

Funny Tummy Feelings (First Grade Families): First-grade families should have received a letter describing Funny Tummy Feelings, a program designed to teach children how to protect themselves from physical and sexual abuse. Through this program, students will learn:

• How to distinguish between pleasant and unpleasant emotions (“funny tummy feelings”)
• The difference between good and not-so-good secrets
• Which parts of their bodies are private
• When and how to say “no” effectively
• How to identify and seek out trusted, supportive adults (“special people”)

Funny Tummy Feelings presents important, age-appropriate concepts that help young students recognize unsafe situations and understand how to respond. Prevention and awareness are key tools in reducing the risk of abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 children will experience abuse or neglect. This program helps children recognize abuse, talk about it, and understand that it is never acceptable.

The Wake County Public School System has integrated Funny Tummy Feelings into its social-emotional learning curriculum for all first-grade students. As a result, all first-grade students in WCPSS schools receive this instruction, and many local private and charter schools have also adopted the program.

Lessons will be delivered by Student Services staff members and will take place in two parts on separate days during the month of April. If you do not want your child to participate, you must submit a written request to Principal Wooden, as outlined in the letter, prior to the first lesson scheduled for April 7, 2026. If you have questions, please contact School Psychologist Allison Suleski at asuleski@wcpss.net

 

District Wide Magnet Student Contest: We are excited to invite students to participate in the MAGNET MAKES ME: Voices & Visions Contest, a district wide celebration of student creativity and magnet learning experiences. Students are asked to create an original work that shares how their magnet experience has shaped who they are or who they hope to become. Submissions may be individual or group-based and can be entered in one of five categories:

• Applied Design & Innovation
• Musical Expression
• Performing Arts
• Visual & Media Arts
• Written & Spoken Word

Who can participate? All current WCPSS magnet and early college students

Deadline: March 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM

 

Each school’s top submission will be recognized, and district-level winners will receive additional recognition and be invited to a celebration in May. This is a wonderful way for students to reflect on their learning, express themselves creatively, and take pride in their magnet journey.  Students and families can find all of the contest information at  bit.ly/MagnetMakesMe.

Poster link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ib536GEGSCUvbGDkg8f4BepNNZauodD0/view 

Contact: Cris Laurens, claurens@wcpss.net

 

Support Our Students: Field Trip Donations We want to ensure every student can participate in our upcoming field trips! Our PTA has created a special donation item on our Givebacks page. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of another student's trip, your generosity would be greatly appreciated.

 

Spring Book Fair: Get ready to browse! Our Spring Book Fair is just around the corner. Students will have the chance to preview the selection with their homeroom classes before sales officially begin.

• Fair Dates: April 10 – April 17, 2026
• How to Pay: In two weeks, you will be able to set up an eWallet for your child or make purchases online. Stay tuned for those links!
• We Need You! The Book Fair is only possible with the help of our amazing parent volunteers. Please keep an eye out for a sign-up sheet coming your way over the next two weeks.
• Questions? Please contact Dr. Leslie Thomson at lthomson@wcpss.net.

 

Wake County Public Library Reading-Related Round-Up!: Reading doesn't stop at school! Join the Wake County Public Library for upcoming "Reading Related" events. (Double check the library calendars when planning):

• March 28, 2026, 10:30-11am: Family Storytime, Richard B. Harrison Community Library
• March 31, 2026, 4:30-5:15pm: K-5th Adventures, Women's History Month Honors Amelia Earhart, Oberlin Regional Library
• April 1, 2026, 4:30-5:15pm: K-5th Adventures, Women's History Month Honors Amelia Earhart, Oberlin Regional Library

 

Many more events are listed online!

 

Mark your calendars for WCPL pop-ups at Dix Park over the spring and summer, too! You'll be able to sign up for a library card, check out items, return borrowed materials, and join Family Storytime. The first pop-up is May 1, 2026, 10am-12pm. Find more dates and details here: https://dorotheadixpark.org/event/public-library-pop Contact: Dr. Leslie Thomson, lthomson@wcpss.net

 

Classroom Group Pictures: Group pictures are scheduled for March 26th and are on sale for $13.

1. Go to strawbridge.net
2. Click “Order Pictures & Yearbooks”
3. Enter the code FM471312 and click “Find” to order

 

Powell Palooza: Powell Palooza is almost here! Mark your calendars for April 10th 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM. 

Click here for more details on how to get involved! Questions? Contact Eve Prince, PTA President, powellptapresident@gmail.com

 

PTA Website: Families can explore the PTA website to stay up to date on PTA events and happenings. Visit www.powellpta.org

 

Cultural Observances and Celebrations for March:

Women's History Month: Women's History Month is an annual celebration observed during the month of March in recognition of the specific achievements women have made in a variety of fields and the broader contributions of women to the world.

 

Have a great week!

Sierra Wooden, Principal

 

Upcoming Events (Subject to change):

3/26 Career Day (Cancelled) 

3/26 Spring Picture Day

3/27 End of Quarter 3

3/30-4/3 Spring Break

4/6 Teacher Workday - No School for Students

4/9-4/17 Bookfair

4/10 5:00-7:30 PM Powell Palooza

4/18 Science Olympiad Tournament (Sanford, NC)

4/21 Talent Show Rehearsal 9:30, Assembly 2:00, Evening Performance, 6:30

4/25 Tentative First Lego League Competition- Location TBD 3-5 Coding World Domain

4/30 4th Grade Symphony Field Trip