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To read this newsletter in other languages, please visit our website.
Para leer este boletín en otros idiomas, visite nuestro sitio web.
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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
February 2, 2024
Our newsletters will now be sent every week on Fridays.
IN THIS ISSUE
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Principal Message
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National School Counseling Week February 5th-9th
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Social and Emotional Learning Screener
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Report Cards
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Parent Volunteers Needed for Food Pantry Delivery
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Candygrams
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VRES Kindness Week
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Clubs and Candid Picture Day
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Yearbook Photos
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February Technology Advice
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Lost & Found
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Immersion Registration
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Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
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Lightspeed Software
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Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
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Virginia Run/FCPS Inclement Weather Plan
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The Positivity Project at Virginia Run Elementary
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Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
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Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
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Virginia Run Children’s Consignment Sale
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Important Upcoming Dates
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Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
1. Principal Message
Dear Virginia Run Elementary School Community,
My name is Dave Gerstner and I hope this message finds you in the best of spirits! With genuine excitement and a deep sense of honor, I step into the role of the sixth principal in the esteemed history of Virginia Run Elementary School. The opportunity to join this remarkable school community fills me with joy and anticipation!
My journey in education spans two fulfilling decades within Fairfax County Public Schools. I began as a teacher and instructional assessment coach at Franklin Middle School, followed by leadership experiences as the assistant principal at both Daniels Run Elementary and Floris Elementary. For the past six school years, I took immense pride serving as the principal at Fairfax Villa Elementary.
I was very interested in this role for many reasons, however the main reason is that I have already established foundational relationships with the Virginia Run students, staff, and families as I am an athletic coach, and a resident of this great community. I also had the honor of serving the Meadows of Chantilly families as a teacher, assessment coach, and after school program monitor when those students fed into Franklin Middle School. I am looking forward to reestablishing these relationships.
As an instructional leader, I believe that every school is a family that should be able to collaborate together, reflect together, and work to positively impact each and every student emotionally, socially and academically. While there have been several experiences in my career that have prepared me to assume this role, what has driven me to this moment are three core commitments that go hand in hand with our Region 5 goals:
- To provide high quality tier 1 instruction in all classrooms
- To develop high-functioning collaborative teams
- To create a caring community culture
I am genuinely excited about the coming years and the endless possibilities ahead. Together, let's build upon the rich legacy of Virginia Run Elementary School and create an environment where our children thrive and flourish. I eagerly anticipate meeting and working with each of you as we embark on this incredible journey together.
Warm regards,
Dave Gerstner
Principal
Virginia Run Elementary School
Ms. Morsch’s 3rd grade class works independently and together to assess their prior knowledge of fractions before the unit is taught. By doing so, Mrs. Morsch can determine appropriate academic support as well as needed extensions of knowledge for individual students.
2. National School Counseling Week February 5th-9th
Please help us celebrate our amazing school counselors in the upcoming weeks! Our theme this year is “Virginia Run Counselors are all Heart ♥” We would love for our students and families to send notes to their counselor to thank them for their service to our school and community!
National School Counseling Week 2024, “School Counseling: Standards-Based, Student-Focused,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 5–9, 2024, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career!
3. Social and Emotional Learning Screener
Hello families,
The Spring Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-6 during the window of Feb 26th - March 15th. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. More information is available about the SEL Screener by accessing this link:
https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener
If you have any questions, please reach out to our SEL Screener Lead, Jenna DeKeuster at jldekeuster@fcps.edu.
Mrs. Reeser's kindergarten class is using UFLI lessons and magnetic letters to practice hearing, building, and blending sounds in words. This is a great way for students to get practice while Mrs. Reeser gathers anecdotal data on student learning.
4. Report Cards
Report cards will go home in the Wednesday folders on Wednesday, February 7th. Parents can see report cards in ParentVue on Monday, February 5th at 6 am.
5. Parent Volunteers Needed for Food Pantry Delivery
The VRES Student Council and PTA have partnered up to collect and deliver the leftover unopened school lunch items (milks, yogurts, cheese sticks, bananas, chips, etc.) to our local food pantry at Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Our students are already doing their part by filling the cafeteria fridge each week. But to make this program a success, we need a parent volunteer, one per week, to pick up and deliver the food to WFCM. Learn more and sign-up for a shift (or more!) at VRES Food Pantry Delivery 2023-2024. Each shift takes about one hour, and clear instructions will be emailed to you once you sign up. Thank you for helping VRES keep good food out of landfills and to serve our community in this way again!
6. Candygrams for Sale!
The SCA will be sponsoring February candygrams again this year. Check your Wednesday envelopes for the candygram order form. You can order a candygram to be delivered to a teacher, staff member, friend or classmate. The last day to turn in your candygram orders will be Thursday, February 8th.
Virginia Run SCA Candygrams - English
Virginia Run SCA Candygrams - Spanish
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7. VRES Kindness Week
VRES is showing off our big hearts. Help us with these acts of kindness February 12 - 16.
Monday, 2/12 - Kind Acts Monday - Complete your Kindness BINGO card throughout the week. Wear rainbow colors today.
Tuesday, 2/13 - Treat Yourself Tuesday - Be kind to yourself today. Take a mindful breath. Wear your comfy clothes today.
Wednesday, 2/14 - Get moving Wednesday - Get moving and play with someone new on the playground. Wear your athletic gear today.
Thursday, 2/15 - Thankful Thursday - Tip your hat to someone you are thankful for. Wear a hat today.
Friday, 2/16 - We choose kindness - Write a positive note or share a message of kindness with someone. Wear your Westfield Pyramid Kindness T-shirt/sweatshirt.
Kindness Week Flyer English and Spanish
8. Clubs and Candid Picture Day - Parent Volunteers Needed
Clubs and Candid Picture Day is on Thursday, February 28. PTA needs 3 volunteers to assist a Barksdale Photographer on that day from 9:15 - 12:30 pm in taking Yearbook Clubs and Candid photos. Your role will be to use the PA system in the front office to call students down to the picture area, help the photographer line kids up in height order, and generally help with the chaos that ensues with a consistent flow of students for photos. If available and interested, please contact Kelly Long at kalong928@yahoo.com or text 703-328-3518. Thank you in advance!!!
9. Yearbook Photos Needed
Please continue to send photos for yearbook of VRES events, field trips, and classroom activities (presentations, PJ day, etc) for yearbook! Photos will be collected through late March and can be emailed to Kelly Long at kalong928@yahoo.com.
10. February Technology Advice
This month, parents can learn more about ChatGPT, which is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool. Please consider reading the article to find out how this tool works and how to talk with your kids about it. Guide to ChatGPT The Spanish version can be found here.
Please also consider filling out this Google form and let us know how we can continue to support you at home with your child’s technology needs.
11. Lost & Found
Our lost and found is growing! Please remind your student to check the lost and found in the cafeteria for any lost items!
12. Immersion Registration
Dual Language Immersion Program Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.
A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.
Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.
13. Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Tuesday, March 5, 2024 through Friday, April 12, 2024. No late applications are accepted.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Information Nights:
- Bailey’s Upper, February 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (Virtual only)
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. (In-person)
- Snow date: February 26, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
- Bailey’s Primary, February 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
- Snow date: February 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
14. Lightspeed Software
As part of our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment for your children, we are excited to introduce a new tool that our 1st-6th grade teachers will utilize: Lightspeed Software.
Lightspeed Software is designed to empower both teachers and students in the digital learning landscape. One of its key features is the ability for teachers to actively monitor student activity on laptops from their computer screens, fostering an environment that encourages focus and on-task behavior while teachers work with students in small groups.
Here are some key benefits of Lightspeed Software:
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Enhanced Focus: With real-time monitoring capabilities, teachers can closely monitor students' laptop activities during class. This helps ensure students stay engaged with the lesson material and minimize distractions.
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Support for Individualized Learning: Lightspeed Software allows teachers to tailor their approach to individual student needs. Educators can provide personalized support by understanding how each student interacts with digital resources, ensuring that every student receives the attention and guidance they require. They can create groups and push out websites and tasks targeted to students’ needs, whether researching for a project or reviewing for a test.
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Silent Assistance Signals and Check-Ins: One of the unique features of Lightspeed Software is the ability for students to signal when they need assistance silently. This ensures that students feel comfortable seeking help without disrupting the class flow. Teachers can also send out polls, reminders, and check-ins for students as a class or individually.
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Restricting Access to the Web: Teachers can turn off or pause internet access and restrict students to specific sites during school hours. This, again, ensures students are focused on learning and minimizes distractions.
We understand the importance of balancing technology in education with maintaining a focused and secure learning environment. Lightspeed Software is designed with these considerations in mind, and it will contribute significantly to the overall success of our students.
We also want to inform you that students will only be monitored during school hours. The regular filters remain in place on school devices, but once they are home, teachers cannot monitor your students. As parents, we would like to encourage you to sign up for your own Lightspeed reports, which will allow you to see how your child is spending time on the computer during and after school hours.
15. Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
16. Virginia Run/FCPS Inclement Weather Plan
🔖Labeling Student Items
Now that the weather is getting colder, please make sure student’s first and last names are in jackets, sweatshirts, coats, hats, mittens, etc. When they inevitably get lost or forgotten somewhere, if we can find a name we will return the item to the student. Labeling these items helps to keep our Lost and Found collection to a minimum. Thanks for your help!
In the case of an emergency for a weather-related closing, delay, or early dismissal, the FCPS website will be updated first, and will automatically include an alert at the top of each page with the appropriate information (see sample alert below). This information will remain posted until normal operations have resumed, or you click "Close This Alert" to remove it. If you have closed the alert, a red exclamation mark will remain (highlighted by the red circle below) to indicate that the alert is still active.
 FCPS tries to make decisions in the evening, taking into account that parents need time to make proper arrangements. But when there is a lot of uncertainty, we wait to get the latest morning forecast. In that case, the superintendent makes the decision of whether to delay or close schools by approximately 4:30 a.m.
FCPS provides information about closings and delays in many ways including:
- Posted to www.fcps.edu.
- Posted to the FCPS Twitter and FCPS Facebook pages.
- Email and text messages sent to parents (using the parent contact information listed in the SIS parent record).
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Email sent to News You Choose subscribers of Delayed Openings and School Closings.
- Posted on FCPS cable Channel 21 (Cox Communications, Reston Comcast, and Verizon (channel 11) cable customers only).
- Area radio and television stations.
17. The Positivity Project at Virginia Run Elementary
“I can sum up positive psychology in just three words — other people matter. Period. Anything that builds relationships between and among people is going to make you happy.” -Dr. Chris Peterson
What is The Positivity Project?
The Positivity Project (P2) is an organization whose mission is to empower students to build positive relationships and become their best selves (NOTE: Watch the P2 founding story video here). Positive psychology’s 24 character strengths serve as its foundation. Ranging from bravery and perseverance to integrity and gratitude, the character strengths are classified and described in the 800-page book Character Strengths and Virtues. These strengths aren’t about ignoring the negative. Instead, they help us overcome life’s inevitable adversities.
To achieve its mission, P2 partners with Pre-K–12 schools and equips educators with the resources, training, and strategy to teach their students about character strengths and positive relationships. P2 is a school-wide endeavor grounded in the consistency of daily classroom instruction. P2 Partner Schools dedicate one week to each strength and students learn through daily 15-minute classroom lessons that are different for every grade level. These lessons help students understand character through definitions, examples, discussions, and exercises. P2’s model is holistic, incorporating students, educators, and parents through regular interaction with character strengths vocabulary and concepts.
What are the benefits of implementing The Positivity Project?
By consistently teaching students about the character strengths that people possess, they see themselves and other people based on the content of their character. This ability enhances their self-awareness and self-confidence, understanding and appreciation of others, and interpersonal relationships – which, in the long-term, will positively influence students across their lifespans. In the near team, it leads to more positive interactions and positive relationships within classrooms and schools — ultimately leading to a more positive school culture that supports teachers' ability to teach and students' ability to learn.
P2 evolves throughout a student’s entire school career. As students grow and understand character through instruction and experience, the strengths gain more meaning. They become a part of a student’s vocabulary and how they see themselves and the people around them — to include characters in books and movies.
P2 empowers students by acknowledging that the 24 character strengths are already part of who they are as people. It helps them realize that each and every one of them can tap into these strengths — and not just as students, but for the rest of their lives.
How can you help?
Family involvement is an integral part of student success, and we would love for you to take an active role in your student’s character strength education. P2 for Families provides an easy, accessible way to reiterate the character strengths vocabulary and have meaningful discussions about the importance of relationships at home. Additionally, you can follow P2 on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube to stay up to date on all things P2.
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18. 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
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19. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Children who show up for school regularly develop fundamental reading and math skills while building a habit of good attendance that will carry them into college and careers. Research shows that children who were chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade were far less likely to read proficiently at the end of 3rd grade.
20. Virginia Run Children's Consignment Sale
Saturday, March 9th 8:00 am – 1:30 pm
(½ price on selected items 12:30-1:30 pm)
Virginia Run Community Center, 15355 Wetherburn Court
Our Spring Children’s Consignment Sale will feature clothing, swimsuits, shoes, sandals, etc. in sizes infant to 16 in excellent condition.
We also have gently used maternity clothes, toys, baby equipment, bikes, books, puzzles, games, sports equipment, riding toys.
All are priced well below retail or resale shops!
A portion of proceeds support needs within our community including the VRES PTA.
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
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21. Important Upcoming Dates
2/5 - 2/9: National School Counseling Week
2/7: Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
2/8: 100th Day of School
2/8: Clubs/Candid Picture Day
2/10: Lunar New Year
2/14: Valentine's Day & Ash Wednesday
2/19: Student Holiday: Presidents Day
2/22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
2/23: Spirit Day - Crocs and Fun Socks
2/29: FLE Parent Info Night, 5:30 pm-6:30 pm
3/5: Student Holiday
3/21: Spring Picture Day
3/25-3/29: Spring Break
4/1: Teacher Workday - Student Holiday
4/2: Staff Development Day - Student Holiday
4/5: VRES vs Cub Run Volleyball Game, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
4/10: Student Holiday
4/26: Viking Dash, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm
5/3: Teacher Workday
5/8: Spring Chorus Concert, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
5/9: Science Quest, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
5/27: Student Holiday
6/4: Band Concert, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
6/6: Strings Concert, 7:00 pm-8:30 pm
6/11: 6th Grade Celebration
6/12: 6th Grade Promotion, 9:40 am
6/12: Last Day of School - 2hr Early Release
22. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
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