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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette
Read Across America Week
February 27 - March 2
Read Across America Day was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading. Learn more about Equitable Access to Literacy in this video.
See all of the exciting events we have planned for next week below!
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School Board Approves 2023-24 School Year Calendar
The Fairfax County School Board approved a calendar for the 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26 school years at their February 9 meeting. Learn more about the approved calendar.
The first day of the 2023-24 school year will be Monday, August 21, and the last day will be Wednesday, June 12.
Developing a school year calendar is a balancing act, involving multiple factors that must be considered. Community input is one of those factors, and we appreciate our community for being involved in the calendar development process.
Our Salad Bar returns on March 6th
We are excited to announce that our Salad Bar is coming back on Monday, March 6, 2023. We will be implementing the “Real Food for Kids” Salad Bar. All students will select their fruits and vegetables for lunch from the salad bar, and then they may complete their lunch by choosing either the salad bar protein and grains or the hot entrée listed on the menu for that day. Students will “practice” salad bar etiquette and new procedures for the lunch line before the salad bar opens. We are excited that our students will have so many fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from daily!
Watch this video for more information. Student Salad Bar Introduction Video
to enable closed-captioning to view PRC YouTube videos in other languages.
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2023-24 Kindergarten and New Student Registration
Kindergarten Registration for the 2023-2024 school year is open! FCPS is conducting its annual Survey of Preschool Children. The survey will be sent home to all families and can also be found here. If you have a child eligible for Kindergarten this August (rising Kindergarten students need to be 5 years old before September 30, 2023), please complete the form and return it to our office by March 31st. If you have no need for the form, please check with your neighbors who may have children eligible for kindergarten and share this form with them.
Information pertaining to registration, including eligibility and forms is outlined on our student registration page on our school website
All registrations are done by appointment only. Appointments are open now and continue throughout the summer. Questions? Please contact our registrar, Alma Catin, 703-541-3600, ancatin@fcps.edu
Bus Delay Notification System
Access the notification system here !
Techstravaganza
Thomas Jefferson is hosting a Techstravaganza, a free STEM activity fair that provides fun, hands-on labs and demonstrations for K-8 students. The 19th annual Techstravaganza will be held on May 13, 2023 from 10 AM to 4 PM at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA. Admission is free, food will be for sale.
More information about the event can be found here: http://tjtechstrav.org/
FCPS CARES
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, 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 at Gunston Elementary. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
Spring Picture Day - March 8, 2023
 https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/shop/login/?ac=0037294SG
Spotlight on Trauma & Coping
February and a time when the recognition and promotion of the resilience and contributions of African Americans is celebrated. Historical trauma is critical to understanding black mental health. African Americans have always thrived through the connection of family. There is an intersection between trauma, coping, and substance misuse. Studies show that about 61% of adults have had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE) according to the CDC. Childhood trauma manifests in many ways and when carried into adulthood, it can create a cycle of adverse experiences that affect future generations.
Trauma prevention and intervention strategies are more important than ever post-COVID. During the height of the pandemic there were heightened feelings of unsafety, struggles with increased time spent in stressful family environments. Earlier ACEs studies highlighted traumatic events in the household as primary factors leading to future substance abuse, misuse, and lack of feeling safe and secure. Current ACEs studies have expanded the categories of traumatic events to include experiences such as exposure to racism, discrimination, and historical trauma. Effective coping skills or a brilliant strategy increases levels of resilience and feelings of wellbeing.
Coping strategies include:
- Developing healthy relationships (internal and external support)
- Teaching self-regulation skills
- Encouragement
- Increasing self-esteem
- Promoting independence and strength
- Modeling healthy behavior when dealing with difficult situations
- Early intervention and mental health care
Resources:
Why Historical Trauma is Critical to Understanding Black Mental Health
Addressing Childhood Trauma Starts with Family Support
Violence Prevention
ACEs and Minorities
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
Helpful Links
February 27 Heritage of Literacy Night (6:00pm-8:00pm)
February 27 - March 2 Read Across America Week
March 1: Gunston's Annual Dance Extravaganza
March 2: Two-Hour Early Release
March 3: School Planning Day (no students)
March 8: Spring Pictures
March 16: Panera Fundraiser (4:00-8:00pm)
April 3 - 7: Spring Break for all students and staff
April 13: Two-Hour Early Release/End of 3rd Quarter
April 14: Teacher Workday. No school for students
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PTA News & Information
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Join the PTA Board for the 2023 - 2024 School Year
Looking for ways to become more active in our school community? Join the PTA Board! Terms are one year and open positions include President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Reach out to ptagunston@gmail.com to express your interest and find out more!
Restaurant Night Fundraiser at Panera March 16th
Fundraising Opportunity
Shop at www.minted.com and raise funds for our PTA!
Just our unique code FUNDRAISEGUNSTON and you’ll get 20 percent off and Minted will donate 15 percent back to us!
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