Gunston Gazette


Gunston Gazette

collage 4 15

languages

Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette



Were you unable to attend the SOL information session?

No worries!  You may listen to the recording here.


autism heart

Autism Acceptance Month

During Autism Awareness Month, which is recognized in April, the Autism Society of America promotes its “Celebrate Differences” Campaign.  This year, the Autism Society is formally shifting references of Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month. They are doing so to promote change, have a greater understanding and acceptance of people with autism and encourage a kinder, more inclusive community.

Stay Tuned for more information on how we will celebrate Autism Acceptance Month this year.


pic day

Picture Day - Virtual Students (only)

Monday April 26th 

Pictures will be taken from 12:00pm -6:00pm

Please click this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A094CABAE23A2F58-virtual to sign up for your child’s picture time!

 


Picture Day - In Person Students (only)

Wednesday, April 28th & Thursday, April 29th

Details to follow.


purple

April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize and thank children from military families for their contributions and sacrifices.

This year “Purple Up!” Day will be celebrated at Gunston Elementary on Wednesday, April 21st. Wear purple to show your support and appreciation for the service of our military connected students.

Share Your Story

All month long feel free to share a FlipGrid of how being a military child makes you special

Email Military Family Photos to be highlighted in our WGES news program please send to Lisa Schroeder lmschroeder@fcps.edu .


Month of the Military Child Spirit Week

military spirit

Vision and Hearing Screenings 

for Students Attending Virtually during 2020-2021 School Year

Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction has granted a waiver of the statutory requirement for vision and hearing screenings that allows parents to “opt out” of screenings under the following conditions:

  • Virtual Attendance Only. The student attends school on an entirely virtual basis during the 2020-2021 school year;
  • Parental Opt-Out. A parent declines vision and hearing screening services in writing and submits such writing to the student’s school; and
  • Notice of Screening Benefits. Prior to declining, the parent has been informed of the benefits of vision and hearing screens for a student’s health and wellbeing.

If your student will attend school on a full-time, virtual basis during the current school year, you may decline screening services by signing and returning this form as set forth below.

Parents of students attending virtually may opt-out by completing and returning the Vision and Hearing Screening Opt-Out Form


Rising 7th Grade Tdap Immunization Requirement

Virginia Law requires that all students entering seventh grade receive a booster dose of the Tdap vaccine prior to the beginning of school. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw), diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) and is usually given around the age of eleven.

For your child to begin 7th grade you will need to submit one of the following documents before the first day of school.  It is recommended that all paperwork be submitted to our registrar, Lourdes Presnell, at LCPresnell@fcps.edu  by July 31, 2021.

Acceptable documentation can be one of the following:

  1. A copy of your child’s immunization record showing the Tdap vaccine.
  2. A note on a healthcare provider’s letterhead stating the date the Tdap vaccine was given.
  3. A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
  4. A notarized Religious Exemption Form which is available online at: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/certificate_religious_exemption.pdf    

The Tdap booster is available from your child’s healthcare provider or the Fairfax County Health Department. The Health Department Clinic locations and hours are available online at: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/clinics or by calling 703-246-2411. Please note that students receiving immunizations at the Health Department must be accompanied by an adult and should bring their immunization records with them.

Seventh grade students will not be allowed to begin school in August 2021 without submitting proper documentation.


Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)

Visit the website to read updated information

  • Regardless of currently receiving FCPS Grab & Go meals, eligible students must qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
    • To receive the benefits apply here.
  • Qualifying students will receive P-EBT benefits through the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Households that previously received P-EBT will have new benefits automatically added to their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) EBT or P-EBT card.
    • Benefits Expansion - The P-EBT program has been extended through the end of 2020-2021 academic school year. Retroactive benefits for October through January will be issued to eligible remote and hybrid students.
    • Eligibility Expansion - Households with students attending public schools under a hybrid modality are now eligible to receive P-EBT benefits. Previously, P-EBT benefits were only available to students who were learning remotely for five consecutive days. The P-EBT program will now issue benefits to students whose schools are open and operating under both approved modalities (hybrid and remote). School districts have communicated information directly to eligible households. If you are unsure if your child is eligible for P-EBT benefits, please review our Frequently Asked Questions.
  • If you are newly eligible, a P-EBT card will be mailed to you or funds will be added to your SNAP EBT card.

 For questions, please contact Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800. 


lightbulb

Spring School-Based AAP Services Newsletter

Newsletter Link 


stem

STEM Night is coming!

This year, we will be hosting STEM Night over two evenings; Wednesday, May 19th for primary students and Thursday, May 20th for upper grade students.  This virtual event will be held from 6:00-8:00 and will incorporate elements from STEM.   Mark your calendars!


stay connected

Kindergarten Registration

We’re excited to welcome our newest Eagles to Gunston!

Register early to stay updated with what’s happening at Gunston.

 *Staffing for next school year is supported by early registration*

Click this link to access registration information https://gunstones.fcps.edu/new-student-registration

Please remember: Sign up with News You Choose located at the bottom of the page at Gunston Elementary website. https://gunstones.fcps.edu

 

banner

Calling all Preschoolers

Do you have or know someone who has a preschool age child at home? If so take a minute to complete this survey from Fairfax County to help us prepare for the upcoming school year.  Survey of Preschool Children