Virginia Run Weekly Message 1/15/24
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School Hours: 9:15 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday School building opens for students at 9:00 AM Office: 703-988-8900 Attendance: 703-988-8989
January 15, 2025
🗓️ Calendar Reminders Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Inauguration (Holiday)Schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday and the Presidential Inauguration.
Quarter End/Lunar New Year/Teacher WorkdayTuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter.
Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students.
See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.
IN THIS ISSUE
-
Westfield Pyramid Kindness T-Shirts
- Outstanding Professional Employee
- Power of Words Assembly
- Outdoor Recess Reminder
- FCPS Math Week
- Viking Shop
- FCPS Cares
- Positivity Project
- Get 2 Green Parent Volunteers Needed
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- PTA Updates
- Winter Club Registration is Open!
- VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!
- PTA Fundraisers
- Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
1. Westfield Pyramid Kindness T-Shirts
Westfield Pyramid Schools are committed to promoting kindness, empathy, and inclusion. Schools will celebrate Kindness Week in February and we invite all students and staff in the Westfield Pyramid to wear their “We Choose Kindness” shirts signifying a personal commitment to choosing kindness. We are offering short-sleeve shirts and hooded sweatshirts in black with white and pink ink. Why pink?
The color is based on an anti-bullying campaign started by Travis Price and David Shepherd, who took a stand for a fellow student who was bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school.
Order forms are due by TODAY, Wednesday, January 15th and items will be delivered to your child’s classroom by February 7. If you would like to purchase, please complete the form that was sent home in the Wednesday folder (OR order online by using the QR Code below or on the form) and return to Jenna DeKeuster (School Counselor) with checks made out to Virginia Run PTA. We will not be accepting any payment after January 15th.
Westfield Pyramid Kindness Shirts Order Form 2025
2. Outstanding Professional Employee
We are thrilled to announce that Madina Niaz Smith, our Technology Support Specialist for both Virginia Run Elementary and Cub Run Elementary, has been selected as the Westfield Pyramid Outstanding Professional Employee. This is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, dedication, and positive impact on our school community. Congratulations!
3. Power of Words AssemblyDear Families,
At Virginia Run, we strive to provide an educational environment where all feel welcomed, safe, and supported to learn. Part of our commitment is to provide our students with meaningful learning opportunities that allow them to continue to grow as ethical and global citizens. This year, we have planned some grade-level assemblies focused on the power of our words.
On January 21 and February 3, we will hold an assembly with our 3rd -6th grade students. During the assembly, we will review the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) rules and talk with students about knowing the power of words and how they can impact others. As for grade K-2 students, they will receive these lessons during their counseling visits with Mrs. DeKeuster and Mrs. Wyllie.
We look forward to an impactful assembly and lessons with our students to make Virginia Run Elementary a more welcoming and culturally responsive environment for all.
Sincerely,
Dave Gerstner, Principal
Manuel D. Gomez Portillo, Region 5 Educational Specialist
4. Outdoor Recess Reminder – Stay Warm and Ready!
As the temperatures continue to drop, we want to remind everyone that all Virginia Run students have recess outdoors every day unless there is extreme weather. Outdoor play is a vital part of our students’ daily routine, providing them with an opportunity to be active, enjoy fresh air, and recharge for the remainder of their school day.
To ensure your child is comfortable and ready to enjoy recess, please remember to send them to school dressed for the cold weather. This includes:
- Warm coats
- Gloves or mittens
- Hats
- Boots if they plan on playing on snow covered surfaces
- Other appropriate outdoor attire
Layering is always a good idea, and labeling items can help us reunite misplaced gear with its owner. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe and ready for the colder months ahead. Stay warm!
5. FCPS Math Week
If you haven’t already, please consider logging in to the website this week to play some math games and read stories as a family. All content will be available for free in English and Spanish. The games and stories feature several countries including Lesotho, Madagascar, Ghana, and China. To access the games, families will be able to simply click on the day of the week and find their child's grade and language. Our goal is for FCPS to experience 3,000,000 minutes of math outside of the school day.
6. Viking Shop
Our SCA run school store, the Viking Shop is now open! Students can come between 9:00 - 9:10 AM every Tuesday (grades K-2), Wednesday (3rd & 4th) and Thursday (5th & 6th) to purchase pencils, notepads, erasers, croc charms or other goodies. All items are between .25 cents and $2.00. Cash only. Proceeds support the school SCA and help purchase school equipment, as needed.
7. Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees, specifically at Virginia Run!
8. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
Prudence is about doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. It's a way of thinking ahead, setting goals, making plans, and having the discipline to follow through. It’s more about using your head than your heart.
Prudence helps with managing yourself effectively. Whether aiming for a sports record, getting good grades, or saving for something special, you need to plan ahead and stay focused. Even with a plan, you must resist temptations that might distract you. Prudence gives you the wisdom to use the right strengths at the right time to achieve your goals.
9. Get 2 Green Parent Volunteers Needed
Do you have a green thumb? Are you willing to work with students on our Get 2 Green team at Virginia Run? Ms. Berg and Ms. Roberts are looking for 3-4 parent volunteers who are interested in taking care of our Virginia Run Garden.
Please reach out to Ms. Berg. [email protected], if you are interested.
10. Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Students and staff greatly appreciate the support we receive from the PTA. All parents are encouraged to join the PTA and help make the 2024-2025 school year successful for all students.
PTA Board for 2024-2025:
President: Christina Minogue
Treasurer: Matthew Reklau
Secretary: Laura McAndrews
VP of Fundraising: Amanda Prindle
VP of Education: Kimberly Wilson
VP of Social: Cara Priester
To stay informed regarding all upcoming PTA activities, visit the PTA website at https://vrespta.ptboard.com/.
If you would like to reach the Board, please email [email protected].
11. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
2/11 – General Meeting
3/11 – General Meeting
4/8 – General Meeting
5/13- General Meeting
12. PTA Updates
Hello from the PTA. We are now in 2025 and ready for the year to be filled with events and to make more memories. We would like to take this time to let you know what the PTA has done so far this year (see below for link). We appreciate the volunteers and those who have joined the PTA. We are always looking for ways to raise funds for the students and staff at VRES. If you haven't joined the PTA, please consider joining today. We also offer a no fuss fundraiser. Both links are on the flyer below. Your donations of time and funds are greatly appreciated!
13. Winter Club Registration is Open!
The PTA has lined up a bunch of fun enrichment clubs! This flyer will be updated as we add more clubs for the winter season.
We've got something for everyone! Sports Spectacular, Arts and Crafts Club, Digital Arts, Cooking Club, Acting Out, LEGO Club and a few more!
Click here for club overviews and to access registration!
If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Wilson at [email protected].
14. VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!
Calling for photos for this year's VRES yearbook! Please send photos from school events since the beginning of the year:
-Welcome Walk
-Back to School Popsicle Party
-First Day of School
-2nd Grade Book Character Parade
-Trunk or Treat
-Fall Fest
-All Concerts (Band, Strings, Chorus, Veteran's Day)
-Field Trips
-Thanksgiving luncheon
-Any candids and any other events that I missed above!
Please send photos via email to Kelly Long at [email protected].
15. PTA Fundraisers
- No Fuss Fundraiser!
Would you like to support the VRES PTA, but not have to fuss with any fundraising events this year, guilt-free?! Then this fundraiser is for you! Use the QR code on the flyer that was sent home in the Wednesday folder to support Virginia Run!
-
Card My Yard
Support our school by using Card My Yard Centreville! Our school receives $10 for each order. You will save $10 too. Use the code VRESCVILLE10 when ordering.
- Garden for Wildlife
Support VRES PTA by ordering native plants from the Gardening for Wildlife by the National Wildlife Federation to support pollinators in your yard! 🐝
VRES PTA earns 15% on every sale!
Buy sets of plants pre-created or make your own set!
Pre-order now and plants will ship at the time that is appropriate for your region!
This fundraiser helps us, the environment, and local wildlife. Buy native plants!
The butterflies will thank you! 🦋
Visit Garden for Wildlife to order today!
PTA Board - Garden for Wildlife Fundraiser
16. Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026Curriculum Night
Students and parents are invited to learn about the 7th and 8th grade curriculum offered at Stone MS on Wednesday, February 5th at 6:00 pm.
Curriculum night will include:
*Electives Fair in the gym and classrooms *Optional sessions for parents of Multi-lingual Learners, Special Education, and Advanced Academic students.
This is a parent only event.
Elementary Visits
Stone MS counselors will visit our feeder elementary schools to present course selection information to 6th graders on the following days:
February 10: London Towne ES & Bull Run ES
February 11: Virginia Run ES
February 12: Deer Park ES & Non-Feeders
February 13: Cub Run ES
All academic advising information, forms, and timelines are available on our website: https://stonems.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising
Tour of Stone (Students only)
All 6th grade students will take a field trip to Stone MS on February 6th. Our program will feature:
*Pep Rally to include student performances to showcase our programs. *Student Panel where students hear from their peer about Stone MS *Student Tour of the building, led by our Stone leadership students.
Counseling Team
Counselors assigned alphabetically by student's last name:
Ms. Katie Marrefi A-G
Mr. Armando Garcia H-O
Ms. Marissa Luper P-Z
Ms. Tami Brumett, Director of Student Services
Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025 - 2026 Flyer
17. Important Upcoming Dates
1/20: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday
1/28: End of Quarter 2
1/29: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
2/17: Washington’s Birthday and President’s Day- Student Holiday
2/24: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/17: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/28: End of Quarter 3
3/31: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday
4/1: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
4/14-4/18: Spring Break- Student Holiday
4/28: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/19: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/26: Memorial Day- Student Holiday
6/9: Westfield High School Graduation at 9:30 AM
6/11: Virginia Run ES 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony at 9:30AM
6/11: Last Day of School- 2 Hour Student Release at 2:00 PM
View the calendar online here: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-2025-standard-school-year-calendar.pdf
18. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Virginia Run Contacts Page
- 2024-2025 School Year
- Sign up for News You Choose
- Join the Virginia Run PTA
- Visit the Virginia Run Website
- Substitute Teaching Opportunities
- Monitor your student's academics with a SIS Parent Account
- Recognize an FCPS Employee at FCPS Cares
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
- Virginia Run Parent Handbook
19. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
15450 Martins Hundred Dr, Centreville, VA 20120 | Main Office: 703.988-8900