Gunston Gazette 03-12-2020



COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information:

As we all know, Coronavirus is an evolving situation. Here at Gunston ES, we are taking the following measures to make sure students and staff stay healthy:

  1. Our teachers are consistently reminding our students to wash their hands, cover their mouths when they yawn/cough/sneeze, avoid touching  their faces, and to stay home if they are sick.
  2. We have added posters, provided by FCPS,  throughout our building that remind us of practices that promote good health.
  3. The majority of classrooms have sinks that are being used as handwashing stations. In addition, students have access to sinks for handwashing in student bathrooms.
  4. The wonderful Gunston ES custodial team continues to follow enhanced instructions for keeping our school clean and disinfected as per FCPS protocols.
  5. Gunston ES is following all FCPS protocols and keeping informed of/enacting all enhanced safety expectations as specified by FCPS.

Our Superintendent has been sending emails to the entire community through News You Choose. In addition, his messages along with other important information are preserved on this website:  https://www.fcps.edu/news/coronavirus-update.

Lastly, the phone number for the Fairfax County Health Department is 703-267-3511. All citizens are encouraged to use this number should you have questions in addition to medical advice you may need from your doctors.

Kristen Rucinski

Acting Principal

Gunston Elementary


Dance Extravaganza POSTPONED

Based on anticipated low community turnout, Gunston Elementary has decided to reschedule our Dance Extravaganza that was scheduled for Friday, March 13, 2020.  We realize that this may be a disappointment and we will work to reschedule this event at a time when we expect better attendance.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.


Kindergarten & New Registration

2020 - 2021 School Year

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094CABAE23A2F58-20192020

Children residing in our boundaries who will turn 5 years old on or before September 30, 2020, as well as students in grades 1-6 transferring from Private/Home Schools or moving into our boundaries prior to the start of the new school year may visit our website and select an appointment to register. Appointments are open now and continue throughout the summer. 

All information pertaining to registration, including eligibility and forms is outlined in the Sign-Up Genius.  See link above.



stem

STEM Night & Science Fair

Thursday, March 26th

 

The Gunston Science Fair and STEM Night will be held on March 26th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  It is going to be a great event so make sure to mark your calendars!   


upcoming events

Save these Dates!

                 (remember to keep an eye on our websites)

Gunston Elementary website

Gunston PTA website

  • March 19 - PTA meeting & SOL presentation
  • March 23 & 24 -  Restaurant Nights - Olympians 
  • March 26- STEM Night and Science Fair
  • April 2 - Kindergarten Orientation (4:00 pm-6:00 pm)
  • April 13 - Kindergarten Registration (9:00 am - 3:00 pm)


pta

PTA News & Information


Read-A-Thon Ends Sunday 3/15!

Our Read-A-Thon fundraiser and reading challenge will end this Sunday.  Please log your minutes and have donations received by then.  Written reading logs must be turned into the office first thing Monday.  Don't forget the six week 2 benchmarks - 240, 300, and 400 minutes read and $100, $125, and $150 raised to receive raffle tickets for the week 2 raffle to win an Amazon Kindle Fire and $25 Amazon gift card!

Restaurant Days at Olympians - March 23 & 24

Mark your calendars for PTA's next restaurant event!  Olympians family restaurant in Alexandria will be hosting a two day, all day, restaurant fundraiser!  Carry out as well as dine in counts.  Please plan to visit to help raise funds for our PTA.


2020-2021 PTA Officers Needed

Our PTA is seeking nominations for President, Vice President, and Secretary for next year’s PTA Board.  Without a Board, PTA will not be able to offer all of the events and opportunities that it provides to support our Eagles and enhance their elementary school experience.  If you’re interested in serving, please reach out to ptagunston@gmail.com.


health

Health & Wellness

Tip of the Week

Happy Sleep Awareness Week 2020! March 8-14. 

This annual event begins at the start of Daylight Saving Time when most Americans lose an hour of sleep. The change to Daylight Saving Time reminds us to make beneficial changes in our sleep routines to improve our sleep health. 

The average U.S. adult feels tired during the day at least three out of seven days each week. More than a quarter of us feel tired five to seven days a week per SleepFoundation.org.   

Many people who are tired during the week experience some unpleasant side effects such as headaches, irritability, feeling unwell, difficulty focusing, and lack of performing at work. 

Getting enough sleep is key to a good night's rest. For adults between the ages of 18 and 64, we recommend seven to nine hours per night

  • Preschoolers should get 10-13 hours of sleep
  • School age children: 9-11 hours
  • Teenagers: 8-10 hours

Here are some measures you can take to ensure a better night's rest:

            -maintain a comfortable bedroom temperature

            -minimize exposure to noise and natural light while you sleep

            -avoid caffeine or alcohol before bedtime.

comfortable mattress, supportive pillow, and breathable sheets also go a long way.

 

Retrieved from https://www.sleepfoundation.org/press-release/sleep-awareness-week-2020


PTA Meeting - March 19

Our next PTA meeting will be held at 6pm in the cafeteria.  Dinner will be provided and we will have a presentation about SOL testing.  Whether your student is facing SOLs this year or in the coming years, please join us to learn more about this important subject!