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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
October 16, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
- Early Release Mondays Letter
- AAP Full Time Screening Parent Information Night
- Viking Math Corner
- What’s happening in P.E.?
- Fairfax County Youth Survey Parent Notice
- Technology at Home
- Outstanding Staff Nominations
- FCPS Cares
- Positivity Project at Virginia Run
- VRES Scholastic Book Fair
- Veterans Day Collage
- Attention Parents of 4th Graders - Veterans Day Concert
- PTA Social Vice President Needed
- Join the VRES PTA
- Virginia Run Fall Fun Night is this Friday!
- PTA Fall Fun Night Volunteers and Donations
- Donut Drive-Thru Pick-up Reminder
- No Fuss Fundraiser!
- SCA Service Project
- Card My Yard
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- Westfield HS DECA Shoe Drive
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
1. Early Release Monday Letters
Today every student will bring a GREEN 3 Hour Early Release Monday letter home in his/her Wednesday Envelope. The responses you provide on this letter will set a default dismissal plan for your student(s) for the remaining 3 Hour Early Release Mondays this year. All letters are due back to homeroom teachers by Friday, October 18th. Any future changes to your child’s dismissal on a 3 Hour Early Release Monday must be communicated to the main office (703-988-8900) by the Thursday prior.
3 Hour Early Release Mondays:
- October 28th
- December 9thF
- February 24th
- March 17th
- April 28th
- May 19th
Brian van de Graaff and ABC 7 came to Virginia Run to report live and talk to students about weather!
2. AAP Full Time Screening Parent Information Night
AAP (Advanced Academic Program) Full Time Screening Parent Information Night
Please join us on Tuesday, October 29 from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, in the VRES Library, to find out more about the winter screening process for full time placement in the Advanced Academic Program.
This information is targeted for families with 2nd – 6th grade students.
Ms. Wade, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, will share information about the screening process and the required components.
The winter referral deadline for level IV referral forms is December 15th 2024.
More information and referral forms can be found here.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
3. Viking Math Corner
For families with young children:
Math is Everywhere! Talking to Your Children about Mathematics
Join the FCPS Elementary Math Team on Friday, October 18, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 AM to discuss ways to engage your children in mathematics. During our time together we will highlight books, games, and other materials that assist you in talking about mathematics with your child throughout the day. Teaching math to your children doesn’t have to be intimidating. This webinar will provide concrete examples for caregivers with ideas to spark math joy.
Register Online
4. What’s happening in P.E.?
Mr. Rose and Ms. Arreaza run the Pacer with Mrs. DelGrosso's class!
This week we worked on our cardiorespiratory endurance by completing the first PACER test of the year. You may have seen your child bring home a sheet of paper to show how many laps they completed! Each grade had the opportunity to run and get the best score they could get. When they had a second physical education class of the week, the students were encouraged to beat their previous score! EVERYONE SHOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR OWN PACER SCORE!
Here are the top boy and girl scores for each grade level!
K: Boy: Axel A. - 45, Girl: Quin A. - 43
1st Grade: Boy: Easton P. - 55, Girl: Samantha S. - 43
2nd Grade: Boy: Dash M. - 72, Girl: Teagan C. - 45
3rd Grade: Boy: Cavin G.- 87, Girl: Samantha L. - 72
4th Grade: Boy: Lucas C. - 83, Ramsey F. - 83, Madsen S.- 83, Girl: Gloria W. - 64
5th Grade: Boy: Chris S. - 97, Girl: Elliot W. - 69
6th Grade: Boy: Tyler G. - 103, Girl: Avonlea G. - 86
Admin: Ms. Arreaza
5. Fairfax County Youth Survey Parent Notice
Parents or guardians of students in grade 6:
The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people.
The Youth Survey is conducted electronically during school hours, during one class period, and is offered in eight languages. It is completely anonymous, and responses cannot be traced back to your child's personal information or linked to a computer, e-mail address, or other electronic identifiers. No personally identifiable information or IP addresses are recorded. Survey responses are stored in a secure server which is compliant with federal data security standards. To further protect students' anonymity, the responses are read and analyzed only by the researchers and summarized in a report with no personal identifiers. All results are presented at a group, or aggregate, level.
This survey will be administered in your child’s homeroom classroom on November 15, 2024, during a time of day determined by your child's teacher. A copy of the survey is available to parents and/or guardians online at on https://www.fcps.edu/system/files/forms/2024-10/youth-survey-grade-6.pdf .
While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the survey, please complete the opt-out form that was sent home with your student this week. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal, you do not need to complete the paper copy of the opt-out form.
6. Technology at Home
We are excited to share that our school website is a valuable resource that can significantly enhance your child's learning experience both in and out of the classroom. With a wealth of educational materials, interactive tools, and important announcements, our website offers a convenient way to stay connected to your child's academic progress.
You can find our Tech Tools at https://virginiarunes.fcps.edu/resources/tech-tools.
7. Outstanding Staff Nominations
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a VRES employee, please use this form to submit your nominations. You may nominate one employee per category.
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one or more of the criteria for that award category.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Wednesday, October 30th at 4:00 PM.
Virginia Run Teacher List 2024-2025
If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Coulter at [email protected].
8. 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!
submit your story
Mr. Gerstner reading to 1st Grade students in Ms. Marshall's class!
9. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week, our school will focus on the character strength of Integrity. Integrity means being honest, truthful, and genuine.
Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. People with integrity tell the truth and align their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They have the courage to stick to their beliefs, even if it means not following the crowd. Integrity is closely related to honesty and authenticity.
Integrity is essential for personal growth and well-being. When your thoughts, feelings, and actions are in harmony, you can grow and achieve your goals. Being authentic and genuine makes you more likable and trusted by others, improving your relationships.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families.
10. VRES Scholastic Book Fair
Our Virginia Run Scholastic Book Fair will run Tuesday, October 15th until Monday, October 21st at 11:30am. Join us for Family Shopping Night on October 18th from 5:30-7:30!
Students can shop during their regular library day/time. Cash, credit, and checks (payable to Virginia Run ES, not Scholastic) accepted.
Cashless eWallet recommended. There’s no tax on book fair purchases.
eWallet set up and more information about the book fair is at our VRES Scholastic Book Fair webpage.
Please consider helping to make this book fair successful by volunteering if you can.
Hope to see you there!
11. Veterans Day Collage
Every year at Virginia Run, the 4th graders put on a Veterans Day assembly to honor our Veterans from every branch of the military. As a way of honoring our Veterans from the Virginia Run community Ms. Berg, Ms. Adkins and Ms. Tuben will be putting together a collage of pictures of Veterans, past and present, to display from November 6 – November 15. This collage will be on display on the wall near the cafeteria. Feel free to email Ms. Berg ([email protected]) a picture of a Veteran from your family. If you have several Veterans in your family, we welcome multiple pictures. Please be sure to include who the Veteran is in your family (grandpa, aunt, etc.) and their full name and rank. This is for ALL Veterans past and present. If you have a relative who did not return home from their service, please know that we plan to honor these servicemen and women in May for Memorial Day. Please submit all photos by Monday, October 28, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Berg. Thank you!
**Please note that if you have submitted photos in previous years, they will be on display so there is no need to resubmit.
12. Attention Parents of 4th Graders - Veterans Day Concert
Veterans Day is on November 11, 2024. The 4th grader's Veterans Day Concert will be on Friday, November 8th. This program will showcase the entire 4th grade singing in unity to honor the armed forces and our veterans. There will be two performances in the cafeteria on November 8th at 9:45 am and 2:45 pm. Parents are invited to attend the 2:45 pm performance however, if you cannot make that one you are welcome to attend the 9:45 am performance.
Attire for students for both concerts is casual with a patriotic or red, white, and/or blue theme.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Walk & Roll to School Day. We had over 100 students participating in this year’s event!
13. PTA Social Vice President Needed
The PTA Board needs a Social Vice President! Our current Social VP, Cara Priester, accepted a position as 6th grade teacher at VRES beginning this year. Congratulations Cara! We are thrilled to have her as a teacher, but sad to see her take the step of vacating her PTA Board seat. Thank you for all you did in this role last year!
We’re looking for an individual who thrives on celebrating others! We’re so lucky to have such an amazing staff and we want to ensure that they are recognized. The role of the Social VP is to oversee volunteers and committees to organize social events for our school community and to recognize our teachers and staff in various ways throughout the school year.
If you’re interested in joining our PTA Board, or if you have any questions, please contact Cara Priester at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!
14. Join the VRES PTA
Join the VRES PTA TODAY! Your dues help fund PTA sponsored events, staff support, and school improvements. You will have access to the school directory, receive newsletters with information regarding events, yearbook pre-order sales, and more! Join by October 2nd to be entered into a raffle. The class with the most memberships wins a popsicle party!
To join, return the form that was sent home in the Wednesday folder with your payment.
PTA Membership Form 24-25 - English
PTA Membership Form 24-25 - Spanish
Mr. Gerstner along with PTA members and students were out at K&R having fun promoting the Fall Fest coming up this Friday!
15. Virginia Run Fall Fun Night is this Friday!
Save the Date! Virginia Run’s Fall Fun Night will be held on October 18th at VRES from 5:30 - 8:00 PM. Bring the whole family for an evening of Fall Fun Activities. See the schedule below.
5:30 - 8:00 - Fall Festival, Cafeteria, Gym, Lobby, Kiss ‘n Ride Loop
5:30 - 6:30 - Trunk or Treat, Bus Loop
5:30 - 7:30 - Book Fair, Library
Fall Fest 2024 Flyer
16. PTA Fall Fun Night Volunteers and Donations
We look forward to seeing students and their families at the annual VRES Fall Fun Night on October 18. This evening is a favorite of students, staff and families which includes Trunk or Treat, Fall Fest and the Scholastic Book Fair. To make the event a success the PTA relies on donations and volunteers. Please use the links below to view opportunities to support this event. Additionally, for those planning to partake in Trunk or Treat part of the evening, we kindly ask for a donation of one bag of candy or non-candy items per child participating. These donations, as well as donations towards the Fall Festival , may be dropped off in the designated area in the foyer.
Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA4AA2BA4FB6-51001139-fall#/
Donation Requests: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA4AA2BA4FB6-50994562-fall#/
17. Donut Drive-Thru Pick-up Reminder
Our Donut Drive-Thru pick-up is this Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM in the VRES Kiss ‘n Ride lane.
Questions? Email Heather Ervin at [email protected].
18. 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!
VRES No Fuss Fundraiser 24-25
19. SCA Service Project
The students in the SCA are partnering with the Fairfax Department of Family Services to gather new hygiene products for families in need. If you would like to help, students may bring in the items below from October 14 - October 25. Please consider various ages, genders, and cultural needs. Collection boxes will be in the lobby. Thank you for supporting our students as they demonstrate Ethical and Global Citizenship!
PK/K: Clorox wipes and toilet paper
1st: Shampoo and conditioner
2nd: Other hair products, brushes and combs
3rd: Chapstick and deodorant
4th: Lotion, soap, and body wash
5th: Toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes, and mouthwash
6th: Baby shampoo, wash, and wipes
20. 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.
Card My Yard Flyer - English
Card My Yard Flyer - Spanish
21. 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].
22. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
11/12 – General Meeting
2/11 – General Meeting
3/11 – General Meeting
4/8 – General Meeting
5/13- General Meeting
23. Westfield HS DECA Shoe Drive
Westfield High School’s DECA is partnering with funds2go to host a shoe collection fundraiser during October and November. Donated shoes should be gently used or new. The shoes collected will be sent to developing countries to help create job opportunities. Funds2go provides over 4,000 micro-entrepreneurs with shoes to serve as inventory for their small businesses. This collection of shoes helps these business owners support their families.
Donations can be dropped off at:
Bull Run Elementary
Virginia Run Elementary
Stone Middle School
Floris Elementary
Oakton High School
Westfield High School
Each school may have placed their drop-off bins in different locations around the school, so make sure to double check that you have the correct drop off location.
Please see the flyer for more information.
WHS DECA Shoe Drive Flyer
24. Important Upcoming Dates
10/15-10/21: VRES Book Fair
10/17: Picture Day
10/18: VRES Fall Festival
10/28: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
10/31: End of Quarter 1 - 2 Hour Student Release at 2:00 PM
11/1: Diwali- Student Holiday
11/4: School Planning Day- Student Holiday
11/5: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
11/11: Veterans Day- Student Holiday
11/21: Thanksgiving Lunch - All Grade Levels - Parents Invited
11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break- Student Holiday
12/9: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
12/11: Winter Chorus Concert
12/23-1/3: Winter Break- Student Holiday
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 PM0
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
25. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
26. 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
Attendance: 703.988-8989 | Web | Twitter
