Gunston Gazette - March 22, 2024

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal


Gunston Gazette


kevins ernie

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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



in this issue

  • Principals' Message

  • Spring Break

  • Updated COVID Recommendations

  • SOL Dates

  • Family Summit

  • Women's History Month

  • Lexia Night

  • Spirit Wear!

  • Calendar Reminders


Principals' Message

Dear Families,

We are excited for the arrival of spring!   As we reflect on the past month, we are thrilled to celebrate the success of our recent events. Our STEM Night was a roaring success, showcasing the incredible projects of our budding scientists. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the community volunteers and staff who made this event possible. Your dedication to nurturing our students' curiosity is truly inspiring!  Another highlight of the month was our Career Fair, where our eagles had the opportunity to explore various professions firsthand. We extend our sincerest thanks to the members of our community who generously shared their expertise and passion for their careers. Witnessing our students' enthusiasm and inspiration was a testament to the impact of such events on their educational journey.

As we transition into spring break, we encourage all our eagle families to take this time to relax, recharge, and enjoy precious moments together. Whether it's a family getaway or simply spending quality time at home, we hope this break provides the perfect opportunity for rejuvenation and bonding.

Amidst the excitement, we also want to emphasize the importance of familiarizing ourselves with our digital use policy. As technology continues to play a significant role in education, it's crucial that we empower our students with the knowledge and understanding of responsible digital citizenship.  We are including a link to the FCPS Digital Citizenship page for additional resources and suggestions:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/digital-citizenship-internet-safety/digital-citizenship-families.  We encourage you to remind your students that school laptops are only for school assignments and not personal use.

Additionally, we recently discussed strategies to support our eagles as they prepare for the upcoming standards of learning assessments at the PTA meeting. Our third thru sixth grade students will begin taking SOL assessments the first week of May.  Teachers have been using strategies all year to help your child be successful on these online assessments.  Your involvement and partnership in your child's education are invaluable, and together, we can ensure their success. 

As we look ahead to the coming month, we are filled with anticipation for the enriching experiences and learning opportunities that await our eagles. We are excited to celebrate our military children in April, please stay tuned for details.  Let's continue to foster a nurturing environment where every eagle soars to new heights!

Wishing you all a wonderful spring break filled with joy, laughter, and cherished memories.

Warm regards,

Ms. Rucinski and Mrs. Opie


SpringBreak

Spring Break 

    March 25 - March 29

Schools and school offices will be closed.

We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break!

April 1 & 2 School Planning Days (no school for students)


Updated COVID Recommendations

In accordance with the updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory virus guidance, FCPS and the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) have updated school COVID-19 recommendations.

The COVID-19 isolation period of five days is no longer recommended

New respiratory virus guidance applies to respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Students who have symptoms of, test positive for, or have been diagnosed with a respiratory virus may return to school when the student is fever-free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication; AND the student’s symptoms have improved or resolved. 

Students should follow additional precautions as outlined per the CDC upon resumption of normal activities. 

Should I Send My Child to School?

Please refer to the chart on this attendance webpage if your child is experiencing symptoms or illnesses, and you are unsure if they should go to school. 

Thank you for helping keep our students and staff healthy.


SOL Dates

SOL Dates

Family Summit

Safe, Supported, and Included — the FCPS Family Summit 

The FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, April 20, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Marshall High School. The conference will cover topics that are helpful for all families, such as social-emotional resources, along with a specially curated online component to provide supports for students with disabilities and their families. 

Some of the topics include raising resilient, independent children; forming meaningful connections with children; addressing big emotions; and the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. The conference is being planned by several FCPS offices in collaboration with the Fairfax Alliance of Black School Educators, Black Women’s Educational Alliance - DC Chapter, Hispanic Educators Association, and Asian Educators Association. 

This year’s theme is Safe, Supported, and Included, which aligns with Goal 2 of the FCPS Strategic Plan. More details will be available after spring break. 


Women's History Month

Women's History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.


Lexia Night

Lexia Parent Night: How We Help Your Child Learn to Read

FCPS funds the use of Lexia for all elementary and middle schools as part of their literacy instruction. Lexia is a computer-based program that supplements classroom instruction to help students develop literacy skills. It also provides teachers with data to identify students who need additional support and the ability to know which specific concepts and skills to prioritize.Attend a virtual information night on Tuesday, April 9, to learn more about Lexia and how FCPS is integrating it into the classroom to support student growth. Participants will also get tips for supporting their students at home. Integrating Lexia into the literacy curriculum aligns with the Virginia Literacy Act, FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy, and FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3, which aims to have all students reading on level by the end of third grade. 

 


Spirit Wear Order

spirit wear order

calendar reminder graphic



Be Informed, Stay Involved!