Yowell Elementary School

Even though their field trip was canceled because of the weather, Mrs. S. Nicholson’s Firsties turned today into an unforgettable adventure right in their classroom!
The amazing chaperones stepped in to lead hands-on science fun and story time. They created lava lamps, watched rice “dance,” made sunsets in a bag, and even saw rain fall inside a jar. They also crafted colorful butterflies and had a blast competing in Minute to Win It games.
So many smiles. So many giggles. Days like this remind us—being 6 or 7 really is the best! 💛

about 2 hours ago, Yowell Elementary School

Young boy smiling at a classroom desk while another child holds up a plastic bag with a yellow liquid mixture during a hands-on science activity.

tudent with glasses leans sideways at a desk to closely observe a clear cup with a cloudy liquid while other children and teachers work in the background.

Student tilts a black container to their eye as if looking through it during a classroom experiment, with desks and supplies behind them.

Glass jar filled with clear liquid topped with white foam and dark blue dye dripping downward, demonstrating a science experiment.

Teacher and student wearing lab coats stand behind a table with jars, cups, and liquids, preparing to demonstrate a science activity.

Two students at separate desks use red cups to move or stack white cotton balls as part of a classroom activity.

Teacher in a lab coat smiles while holding a bottle of liquid next to a student, both standing behind a table set up for a science demonstration.

Student in a lab coat stirs a green liquid in a cup while a teacher stands nearby observing.

Adult and child sit together smiling and holding a book titled “How to Babysit a Grandma.”

Large group of students pose together in a classroom holding small craft projects, smiling for a group photo in front of a decorated bulletin board.

We had a wonderful couple of visits from the Virginia Cooperative Extension here at Yowell! 🎉

They spent time with our students sharing the importance of healthy eating and even brought along some delicious, easy-to-make snacks for everyone to enjoy. Our students loved getting to taste and learn about nutritious options that are simple enough to make at home.

Thank you to the Virginia Cooperative Extension for supporting our school community and helping our students build healthy habits that will last a lifetime!

Want to try these tasty snacks at home? Here are the recipes we enjoyed:
🥣 Banana Pudding in a Bag
🥤 Green Smoothie
🍓 Berry Jams Party Bites
🍨 Yogurt Fruit Crunch

Give them a try and let us know your favorite! 💚

1 day ago, Yowell Elementary School

Banana Pudding in a Bag (Recipe Flyer) Alt text: “Flyer titled ‘Eat Smart • Move More: Banana Pudding in a Bag.’ Includes a 5-minute recipe using banana, applesauce, yogurt, and granola. Directions show mixing ingredients in a resealable bag and squeezing into bowls. Nutrition facts and tips are displayed, along with an image of bananas and pudding.”

Green Smoothie (Recipe Flyer) Alt text: “Flyer titled ‘Eat Smart • Move More: Green Smoothie.’ A 5–10 minute recipe with spinach, orange juice, bananas, and berries. Directions describe blending ingredients in stages. Includes nutrition facts, tips about ingredient substitutions, and an image of a green smoothie with bananas and spinach.”

Berry Jams Party Bites (Recipe Flyer) Alt text: “Flyer titled ‘Eat Smart • Move More: Berry Jams Party Bites.’ A quick recipe using an English muffin, apple butter, peanut butter, and fruit. Directions show toasting and topping the muffin. Includes nutrition facts, tips for substitutions, and an image of fruit-topped muffin halves.”

Yogurt Fruit Crunch (Recipe Flyer) Alt text: “Flyer titled ‘Eat Smart • Move More: Yogurt Fruit Crunch.’ A 10-minute recipe with fruit, yogurt, and granola. Step-by-step images show layering fruit, yogurt, and granola in a bowl. Includes nutrition facts and a photo of the finished parfait.”

On Friday, our entire school had a special opportunity to gather in the gym for an exciting STEM moment—candling our 60 eggs! 🐣

Thanks to the generosity of our local 4-H program, students were able to observe the development inside each egg and learn more about the incubation process. There was so much curiosity and excitement as students watched closely, asked questions, and made predictions about what they could see.

Experiences like this bring science to life in a meaningful way, connecting our students to real-world learning and our local community. We are so grateful to 4-H for helping make this hands-on learning experience possible!

2 days ago, Yowell Elementary School

A student gently reaches out to touch a small chicken being held by an adult in a gymnasium. The adult supports the bird while the student observes closely.

A student smiles while reaching toward a chicken being held securely by an adult. The interaction takes place in a gymnasium setting.

A large group of students sits on a gym floor facing a stage, watching a projected image of an egg being candled on a screen under a “Yowell Elementary” sign.

An adult holds a small chicken while a young student points toward it, observing closely during a hands-on learning activity in the gym.

A student wearing a red, white, and blue dress gently touches a chicken held by an adult, engaging in a supervised, hands-on learning experience.

Students sit on the gym floor watching a live demonstration of egg candling projected onto a large screen on stage.

A close-up view shows students seated on the floor, focused on a projected image of an egg being candled, highlighting details inside the egg.

This morning, Mrs. Sodano’s class visited Mrs. Dugger’s STEM Lab for an exciting and challenging breakout experience! Students worked collaboratively, using so much of what they’ve learned throughout the year to solve clues, think critically, and unlock each step of the challenge.

Their mission? To successfully “break out” and release the Declaration of Independence before the British invasion! Through teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving, students pieced everything together and completed their mission just in time—celebrating by “signing” the Declaration themselves.

It was incredible to see their knowledge come to life in such a fun, hands-on way. Great work, everyone!

5 days ago, Yowell Elementary School

Students work together at a table in a classroom, focusing on a locked box and printed clues. One student leans in closely while using a combination lock as others observe and assist.

Two students collaborate at a desk, using a key and lock to open a small black box while reviewing written instructions and materials spread across the table. Other classmates sit and watch in the background.

A small group of students gathers around a table, reading clues and manipulating locks on a black box as part of a classroom breakout activity. Additional students work in groups at tables behind them.

Four students stand around a table, working together to solve a lock puzzle using printed clues and materials. A classroom wall behind them displays STEM and “4 Cs” posters emphasizing critical thinking and collaboration.

Two students sit side by side at a classroom table, working together to read a textbook and review printed materials. One student points to a page while the other follows along, as additional groups collaborate at tables in the background.

Congratulations to our incredible Culpeper County Public Schools staff members celebrating 5, 10, 15 and 25 years of service. You are the heart of our schools. The ones who show up early, stay late, and give your best even when no one is watching. Because of you, students feel seen, supported, and safe. Because of you, families trust us. Because of you, our community grows stronger. Thank you for every year, every effort, and every ounce of heart you’ve shared with CCPS.

5 days ago, Terra Ward

Collage of five images of people with gold stars and text labels. Years served: 5, 5, 5, 5, 10, 10.

A celebratory collage featuring seven staff members, each shown in individual Polaroid‑style frames. Each person is holding a gift or recognition item while standing in indoor school settings such as classrooms, offices, or libraries. Gold and white stars decorate the background. The frames are labeled with their years of service: several read “10 years,” one reads “15 years,” and one reads “25 years.” The overall design highlights staff members being honored for their long‑term dedication and service.

REMINDER: SOL testing next week

5 days ago, Terra Ward

A decorative announcement with a white background and scattered blue star confetti along the bottom and left side. A gold glitter star in the top left corner reads “Don’t Forget!”. The heading in light blue cursive says “SOL test dates.” Below it, black text lists the testing schedule: — April 28: Reading 4th & 5th — April 29: Reading 3rd — May 5: Math 4th & 5th — May 6: Math 3rd — May 8: Virginia Studies 4th — Science 5th

These ladies not only handle the important, everyday tasks that ensure a quality school day but they are also known as the following: band-aid distributor, triage nurse, master of the copy machine, lunch count fixer, money handler, bus change coordinator, parent phone-call traffic control, substitute teacher wrangler, calendar keeper, package receiver, attendance detective, and building-wide problem solver. We couldn't do what we do everyday without them

6 days ago, Terra Ward

A celebratory graphic featuring a photo of three women standing outside a brick building with windows and greenery behind them. Colorful floral illustrations frame the image. At the top, text reads “Happy Administrative Professionals Week.” Below the photo, a pink ribbon banner says “Yowell Elementary School.” Additional text underneath thanks the three women for their patience, problem‑solving, smiles, and the heart they bring to the school, ending with “We’re lucky to have you!”

And just like that, Mrs. Gibson's 5th grade Study Skills Group has come to an end!

From cleaning out and organizing our folders and desks, to sharpening test-taking strategies, building realistic self-care plans, and discovering new ways to study, this group has been all about growth and confidence. Students celebrated their achievements with cotton candy flavored popsicles.

7 days ago, Yowell Elementary School

A group of four elementary-aged students sitting around a table in a classroom, smiling and holding up red, white, and blue popsicles; papers, pencils, and wrappers are on the table, with coats and bags hanging on the wall behind them.

Attention 5th Grade Parents! We need your help!

8 days ago, Terra Ward

Un volante escolar dirigido a los padres de estudiantes de quinto grado de Yowell Elementary, fechado en marzo de 2026. Informa que se está creando una presentación de diapositivas para honrar a los estudiantes que terminan quinto grado y solicita que las familias envíen una foto de su hijo o hija cuando era bebé o pequeño antes del 30 de abril. Las fotos pueden enviarse por correo electrónico a la Sra. Dugger (kdugger@ccpsweb.org) o entregarse en persona para escanearlas, incluyendo el nombre del estudiante y el maestro. En la parte inferior aparecen dos ilustraciones de bebés sonrientes y el texto “SAY CHEESE!”.

A school flyer addressed to parents of Yowell Elementary fifth‑grade students, dated March 2026. It explains that the school is creating a slideshow to honor fifth‑grade graduates and asks families to submit a baby or young‑child photo of their student by April 30. Photos may be emailed to Mrs. Dugger at kdugger@ccpsweb.org or sent in to be scanned, with the student’s name and teacher included. At the bottom are two cartoon baby illustrations and the phrase “SAY CHEESE!”

From research to sidewalk science! Last week, students in Miss Marples' class reviewed the planets, then created a life-sized chalk solar system complete with fun facts. 🚀🪐

9 days ago, Yowell Elementary School

Students kneel on the sidewalk drawing and labeling planets with chalk, adding details and fun facts as part of a hands-on solar system lesson.

Children spread out along a curb outside the school, each drawing a planet in chalk and writing a fact, continuing a classroom activity about the solar system.

Elementary students work together on a sidewalk, using chalk to draw a large planet and write facts after researching the solar system in class.

Groups of students create chalk drawings of planets inside large circles on the sidewalk, with research papers nearby, combining science learning with outdoor art.

Sidewalk outside a school building covered in colorful chalk drawings of the planets arranged in order like the solar system, created by students during an outdoor science activity.

If your student(s) is choosing the DANCE, please send the form and exact cash or check on or before May 1st.

9 days ago, Terra Ward

A colorful flyer for the “Someone Special Dance” at Yowell Elementary. The background features bright yellow, pink, and purple decorations, including a hanging disco ball, stars, and abstract shapes. The text announces the event on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. There are blank lines for student name, teacher, grade, and total amount due. The entry fee is $10 per person, with an option to contact the school to pay by credit card. A note explains that the fee includes a DJ, snacks and sweets, a craft, and a photo booth. The flyer ends with the message: “Bring your someone special and have a fancy night together.”

Un volante colorido que anuncia el “Baile con Alguien Especial” en Yowell Elementary. El diseño tiene un fondo brillante con tonos amarillos, rosados y morados, decorado con un disco de espejos colgante, estrellas y formas abstractas festivas. El texto indica que el evento será el viernes 8 de mayo de 2026, de 5:30 a 7:00 p.m. Incluye espacios en blanco para escribir el nombre del estudiante, maestro y grado, así como el monto total a pagar. El costo es de $10 por persona, con la opción de contactar a la escuela para pagar con tarjeta de crédito. También menciona que la entrada incluye DJ, refrigerios y dulces, manualidades y una cabina de fotos. El volante termina con el mensaje: “Traiga a su ‘alguien especial’ y disfruten una noche elegante juntos.”

In addition to the myriad of prizes that we already for BINGO night, we also have this prize board filled with donations to community businesses. There are so many local businesses in Culpeper that have contributed to this event and we are so grateful! Thank you to everyone that donated.

12 days ago, Terra Ward

Thank you to Eppard Orthodontics for donating to our raffle! In this stylish basket is an electric toothbrush and waterpik as well as some whitening tray!

12 days ago, Terra Ward

A woven basket contains dental care products arranged as a gift set. Inside is a boxed Waterpik water flosser, an Oral-B Pro 1000 rechargeable electric toothbrush, and a green mouth guard in its packaging. The items are neatly placed together, suggesting a practical oral hygiene-themed gift basket.

Thank you to Ventura studio for this amazing basket of goodies! Inside this bag is a $50 gift certificate to Ventura Hair Studio, matches, soap, heatless curling set, lip balm, and other amazing products!

12 days ago, Terra Ward

A collection of spa and self-care items is arranged on a table. The display includes a floral-patterned zippered bag, a black gift bag with tissue paper, and various skincare products. In front are wrapped bars of soap, a small jar (likely lip balm or salve), a pouch of bath soak, a reed diffuser with sticks, and two tubes of lotion or cream. The items are neatly organized, suggesting a gift set or relaxation-themed package.

Thank you to Embrace Home Loans for this raffle movie basket! This basket is filled with gummies, chocolate, popcorn, sunglasses and a $65 Fandango gift certificate.

12 days ago, Terra Ward

A white woven-pattern basket filled with assorted gift items sits on a table. Inside are orange gift bags, a box labeled “Fandango at Home” with a large “F,” packaged snacks, candy, and small treats wrapped in clear cellophane. Additional items, including a book and colorful packages, are tucked around the basket, creating a festive gift arrangement.

Earlier this week, Kindergarten students turned the gym into a living laboratory, coming face-to-face with some of nature's creatures: a black rat snake, an Eastern box turtle, and a common toad. Ms. Lockridge's class enjoyed the indoor discovery session, aimed at fostering early environmental stewardship. It allowed the students to observe these native species while learning essential lessons in wildlife safety and empathy.

12 days ago, Yowell Elementary School

A small toad sits on the gym floor near a ranger’s boot.

A park ranger stands in a gym speaking to students, gesturing while giving a presentation.

Three children stand together as one carefully touches a turtle while another holds a small toy, all watching closely.

A wider view shows a long line of students in a gym waiting to interact with the ranger and the snake.

Children line up to take turns touching a snake held by a park ranger, with a teacher smiling nearby.

A group of children sit on the gym floor watching a presentation, with some looking excited and engaged.

Three young girls gently touch a turtle being held by an adult during a classroom presentation in a gym.

A park ranger stands in a school gym holding a snake while young children sit on the floor watching attentively.

Next week is a CCPS district wide spirit week! Here are the assignments for each day!

12 days ago, Terra Ward

A patriotic red, white, and blue poster announcing “Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! CCPS Division‑Wide Spirit Week: April 20–24.” The poster lists themed dress‑up days with small illustrations. Monday: Red, White, or Blue Day, with shirts labeled Elementary (red), Middle (white), and High (blue). Tuesday: Time Traveler Tuesday, encouraging outfits from any era, shown with images of historical clothing. Wednesday: Hat Day, with pictures of different hats. Thursday: “Give Me Liberty or Give Me…” themed outfits such as book character, sports jersey, or pajamas, shown with matching icons. Friday: Patriotic Unity Day, encouraging red, white, and blue clothing and American symbols like the Statue of Liberty, flag, and eagle.

Thank you to Kearstin Brown of the Duckett Corbin Team of Re/Max Gateway for this gorgeous raffle basket! This basket is filled with different goodies to decorate your home! Come buy some raffle tickets Friday night at family bingo and this awesome basket could be yours!

13 days ago, Terra Ward

A green plastic basket filled with home‑themed gift items. Inside the basket are a small potted plant in a black‑and‑white geometric pot, a light blue wooden house‑shaped sign tied with twine, a rolled white towel, a gold soap dispenser, and a small decorative item with the word “Live.” Several brochures stand upright in the back. A label on the front reads: “Kearstin A Brown, Duckett & Corbin, RE/MAX Gateway — Turning Keys With Kearstin: Your Journey. My Commitment.”

Mrs. Thornhill’s class is learning about plants this week! They started off by planting pea seeds in their growing chamber. Then, they wrote about the different parts of a plant and the jobs that they do.

13 days ago, Yowell Elementary School

A student’s notebook page shows a colorful drawing of a flower with labeled parts (flower, leaf, stem, roots) and a sentence explaining that flowers attract bees.

A notebook page displays a drawing of a flower with labeled parts and a sentence explaining that roots help the flower stand.

A student drawing shows a flower under the sun and clouds with labeled parts and a sentence explaining that flowers attract birds and bees.

A notebook page features a labeled plant diagram (flower, leaf, stem, roots) with a sentence explaining that roots absorb water and hold the plant.

A colorful drawing of a flower with labeled parts and a sentence explaining that the sun makes food for the leaves.

group of young students sit around a classroom table smiling, with open notebooks showing plant drawings and a small container in the center.

Another group of students sit around a table with open notebooks displaying plant drawings, smiling at the camera in a classroom.

We would like to thank Culpeper Dental Associates for this generous donation for our Bingo night raffle! Pictured here is an electronic flosser and toothbrush. Join us Friday night to see if you can win!

14 days ago, Terra Ward