Through various resources and programs, the PTA aims to inspire and encourage student participation in art education. From organizing workshops and art shows to providing materials and funding for special projects, our PTA is dedicated to nurturing creativity and imagination in every child.
All CES students are encouraged to participate in the CES PTA Reflections Art Contest. The theme for 2024-25 is "Accepting Imperfection." Students should use the theme as inspiration for their creative submissions to this year's Reflection program.
The CES PTA is accepting entries in the following categories:
Visual Arts
Photography
Music Composition
Literature / Creative Writing
Each session of after-school programs will include a variety of art-related classes for which students can register, including classes in the visual and performing arts. LEARN MORE...
The PTA is committed to helping families support their child's development of literacy skills and encourage a love of reading through access to books, particularly those that reflect the diversity of our world.
Studies show...
Just like going for a jog exercises your cardiovascular system, reading regularly improves memory function by giving your brain a good workout.
Reading books about different people, places, and experiences is critical to healthy child development and should be a priority, particularly in early literacy.
A parent's understanding of each element at play in their child's school reading life will support their personal growth, and their advocacy can serve the greater student community.
Celebrate the power of reading and learning together as a family this November during Family Literacy Month! This special month is a time to emphasize the importance of literacy within our homes and communities. By engaging in reading activities, sharing stories, and exploring the world of books as a family, we can instill a lifelong love for learning in our children. Join us in celebrating Family Literacy Month by participating in our exciting events and activities designed to promote literacy and strengthen family bonds through the joy of reading. Let's make November a month filled with stories, imagination, and the magic of words!
The PTA is committed to igniting a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) among our students. Through a range of resources and programs, we strive to inspire and cultivate student participation in STEM activities. From organizing hands-on workshops and competitions to supporting school initiatives, our PTA is dedicated to preparing students for the future.
Each session of after-school programs will include a variety of STEM-related classes for which students can register, including classes in computer science. LEARN MORE...
The PTA is committed to improving the overall health and well-being of students and families across the country because we know living a healthy lifestyle is a key component to our students' ability to thrive.
The PTA offers educational resources and engagement opportunities that empower students and families to make better-informed healthy decisions for a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy earth.
After-School Programs
Each session of after-school programs will include a class that promote physical activity for which students can register.
Resources for Parents
Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, Parents: Talking to Your Kids About Weight
STOP Obesity Alliance, Weight In: Talking to your children about weight and health
Specific nutrition requirements and official guidance from the USDA
When our minds are healthy and strong, we are more resilient to life's challenges, able to use healthy coping methods, have better relationships, maintain our overall health and well-being, and prevent chronic illnesses. Nearly four in five young people have unmet mental health needs, and as many as one in five live with mental illness. However, despite research that shows that physical and mental health are connected, we often don't prioritize our mental health in the same way that we prioritize our physical health. The PTA believes that if parents and caregivers have the right knowledge and tools, mental health can become an everyday priority.
The PTA Healthy Minds Program helps families support the mental health needs of students and families. Healthy Minds gives families the knowledge and tools to better understand mental health issues and adopt practices to help families thrive.
Resources for Parents
Getting Your Child Mental health Support and Accommodations in School
Healthy Minds Toolkit
Find Mental Health Support from National Organizations
Warmlines (Mental Health America): Talk to someone who can provide support during hard times.
Find a Mental Health Support Group (Mental Health America): Find support groups in your area.
Behavior Health Treatment Locator (SAMHSA): Locate treatment facilities in the U.S. for substance use/addiction and/or mental health problems.
Self-Help Clearinghouse (National Mental Health Consumers): Connect to self-help and advocacy resources.
Mental Health Resources for Underrepresented Communities (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention): Find national resources for suicide prevention focused on supporting individuals in minority communities, reviewed for accuracy, mental health and community context, and ease of use by AFSP.
Mental Health Support by Topic: If you are seeking more specific mental health support, these organizations can help.
Did you know that Centreville Elementary School is one of only two FCPS schools to be named a U.S. Department of Education 2017 Green Ribbon School for its sustainability efforts? It is also the first elementary school to receive a 4th and permanent green ECO Flag from the National Wildlife Federation and was named a Top Ten Green School by the NWF in 2015. Read more about CES's commitment to sustainability and the environment here.
The PTA is committed to helping CES families prioritize a Healthy Earth. It can be difficult to sort through all of the information about climate change and what each of us can be doing with our families and within our communities to play our part.
The PTA has collected a variety of resources you can use to understand the truth about the climate crisis and to also know what you can do in your daily lives and as part of the broader community to be part of the solution.
The PTA gets involved with school activities and programs that promote and support sustainability and the environment, including:
Walk, Bike, & Roll to School Day. Vehicles emit a variety of air pollutants, resulting in increases in ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter such as particles of dust, soot, smoke, dirt, and liquid droplets. When children lace up their sneakers instead of riding in a car, they help reduce the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles.
Additionally, walking/rolling and/or riding a bike to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Each October CES participates in Walk & Roll to School Day to enable and encourage more children to walk, bike, or roll to school safely.
Green Team. The school's environmental efforts are led by our student/teacher Green Team. Students learn about the problems our Earth faces so that they can create informed solutions. The Green Team gives students and staff the opportunity to share their passion for the environment by taking the lead in making positive change happen. The PTA provides financial support to the Green Team each year to help support their efforts.
Farmers Market. Centreville Elementary School has a partnership with Piney Meadow Farm to bring a weekly Farmers Market to the school each Wednesday at 4:00pm. The farmers market is changing the conversations families are having about food and nutrition and is a unique way for families to have access to healthy foods at a low cost.
Resources for Parents
The PTA is committed to fostering a safe, responsible, and respectful online environment for all. In today's digital age, where technology shapes our daily interactions and influences our children's lives, understanding the importance of digital citizenship is more critical than ever. Join us as we delve into the significance of digital citizenship and explore the ways in which we can empower families to navigate the digital world with integrity and mindfulness.
Each October, Common Sense leads Digital Citizenship Week, an annual campaign to promote a healthy, balanced, and positive approach to media and tech use among young people. Check out the resources below.
Make Screen Time Safe and Positive
Use these planners to inspire conversations about tech use as a family.
Entertainment and tech have the potential to spark meaningful conversations. And tech planners are a great way for kids to have a shared understanding of how your family makes the most out of entertainment and tech time.
Kids and Tech: How Much is Too Much?
Are you wondering if your family is reinforcing healthy screen time habits? Reflect (and talk with a partner) about these questions:
1. Is my child...
Using high-quality and age-appropriate content?
Having fun and learning when they use tech?
Getting enough sleep and staying healthy - both physically and emotionally?
Connecting socially with family and friends?
Showing an interest in school and pursuing their hobbies?
2. Based on how you answered the questions above, are there any changes you'd like to make related to your child's screen habits? If yes, what changes do you want to try?
Video: Kids and Tech: How Much is Too Much?
Explore ways to establish healthy screen habits and help children manage their entertainment and tech time.
Help Kids Balance Their Media Lives
These simple practices can help you children balance their screen time.
Be a Role Model: 4 Ways to Balance Screen Time Around Children
Kids learn how to use technology by watching their parents and caregivers, so model healthy habits early.
Kids and Tech: When to Get a Phone
Are you wondering whether your child is ready for their own phone? Reflect (and talk with a partner) about these questions:
1. How does my child show they're ready for a phone?
2. How will I introduce and help my child manage their phone?
3. What potential problems might come up and how will I address them?
Video: Kids and Tech: When to Get a Phone
Learn some factors to consider when it's time to give kids their first phone and ways to help them use phones safely.
What Should I Teach My Child About Safe Online Behavior
Talk with your kids about your expectations for online behavior and communication.
What Are the Basic Safety Rules for Cell Phones?
Get together as a family and discuss some of the essential rules for safe and responsible phone use.