Viking Voice 12/7/22

To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.

Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.

يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى.


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

 

December 7, 2022


Dear VRES Families,

I hope you and your families enjoyed the Thanksgiving holidays.  It was wonderful to slow down and enjoy quality time with family and friends!

As we enter the season of giving, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all of you.  Because of you, 148 toys and 32 gift cards were collected during this year’s toy drive to support our neediest families. My heart is overflowing with gratitude from the ongoing support we receive from this generous community.  In addition, thank you to the parents and PTA for treating our amazing staff to a special breakfast and a gift for the holidays! Who doesn’t like Chick fil a? This was a special treat that was treasured by everyone.

I shared the State of VRES address with our PTA last night. Thank you to the families who were able to join us for this presentation.  In case you weren’t present but want to see the slides, I have attached them here for your review.  I’m pleased to share that our students continue to respond well (academically, socially and behaviorally) to the interventions and supports we have put in place since COVID. 

The holidays are approaching and winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made

FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).

FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.  Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather. If you need assistance with supplying your child a coat, please contact our school counselor, Jenna DeKeuster at jldekeuster@fcps.edu.  

During the winter break, the school office will be closed.  I look forward to spending quality time with my family, traveling, and getting some much-needed rest.

I hope you all enjoy the holidays as well as time with family and friends. I look forward to seeing our Vikings and families in the new year. #Weare1VRES!

Best wishes,

Ms. Bumbrey

 


Upcoming Student Holidays

The following dates are student holidays. There will be no school on these days.

Winter Break - Monday, December 19, 2022 - Monday, January 2, 2023

*School offices are closed on the dates above.

**Classes resume on January 3, 2023

 


Picture Retake Day

Picture Retake Day will be on Thursday, December 8, 2022. For a no charge retake, return the entire package to the photographer on retake day. For first time photos, payment is due on picture day. For online orders, please use the link below and order code 0038736AR

https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/shop/login/?ac=0038736AR

Picture Retake Day December 2022 Flyer

 


Student Monitor Needed at VRES

  • VRES is seeking a Student Monitor who is available to support in the cafeteria and at recess Monday - Friday, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
  • Interested?  Please contact our Assistant Principal, Kelli Lundregan, at kalundregan@fcps.edu.

 


Save the date for Viking Family Night

Viking Family Night will be held on January 24th, 2023 from 6:30 - 7:45 pm. This K-6 event will focus on Math, Literacy and Social/Emotional learning. More information will be shared in January, so stay tuned!

 


Reminder:  Window for AAP Full-Time (level IV) Referrals Ends December 15, 2022

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time advanced academic programs (level IV AAP services) may submit the AAP Level IV Referral Form to Brittany Wade at bwade@fcps.edu  no later than December 15

The window to submit an AAP Level IV Referral Form is the first day of school through December 15, annually.  Forms for full-time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Level IV services can be accepted. 

Submitting a referral form for AAP Level IV will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of professionals from various schools review materials to determine eligibility for level IV placement.  Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Brittany Wade at bwade@fpcs.edu  

Referrals for AAP Levels II-III (part-time services) are screened at the local school. 

For more information, there are parent presentations available on the FCPS AAP website (under “Presentations”) that contain information similar to our fall parent information meetings at Virginia Run ES.

 


6th Grade's Wreaths Across America Fundraiser

Please consider sponsoring a wreath through the 6th grade's Wreaths Across America fundraising page. With your tax deductible donation, you will help honor and remember our fallen heroes, as well as support the 6th grade end-of-year celebration. Thank you for your support!

 


Mental Health, Coping & Addiction

One in four Americans suffers from a mental illness. Almost 3 in 5 people with mental illness will receive no treatment or medication. In 2019, an estimated 47.6 million adults (19% of the country) had a mental illness, but only 43% received any kind of mental health care (Johns Hopkins). There are many reasons why a person may turn to drugs or alcohol initially, including using these mind-altering substances as a coping mechanism for stress, difficult emotions, physical ailments, and other issues. Drugs and alcohol can provide a temporary respite from reality and everyday life. They can enhance pleasure and decrease inhibitions and anxiety.  Drug use can be an unhealthy coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms are habits formed over time that serve to help a person manage situations or stress levels. Not all coping mechanisms are maladaptive or destructive; however, addiction is both.

Before using drugs as a coping strategy here are some recommendations for a healthier mindset. The goal is to identify the “void” or issue and work towards healing. In the meantime, experts recommend diet and exercise as great places to start. See your Primary Care Physician and a therapist if needed. Quality sleep is also a major factor in a healthy mind. Surround yourself with good people and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.

Resources:

Substance Use Disorder info

FCPS Social Work

For further Information & support:

Stacey King, MSW

Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist

Email: saking@fcps.edu

 


Tutor.com is open to all FCPS Students

Does your child need homework help or feedback on their writing? How about a practice quiz to get ready for a test? Tutor.com is open to FCPS students in all grades, on-demand, 24/7, at no cost to families. Learn more.

¿Necesita su hijo(a) ayuda con los deberes o comentarios sobre su escritura? ¿Qué tal una prueba de práctica para prepararse para un examen? Tutor.com está abierto a los estudiantes de FCPS en todos los grados, bajo demanda, 24/7, sin costo alguno para las familias. Aprenda más.

 


Free Conversational English Classes!

Chantilly Bible Church is offering free conversational English classes on Monday nights from 7:30 - 9:00 pm, January 16 - April 3, 2023. 

Chantilly Bible Church
4390 Pleasant Valley Road, Chantilly
www.chantillybible.org/english