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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
March 22, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
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Important Announcement for VRES Families!
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SOL Spring Schedule
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The Positivity Project at Virginia Run Elementary
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Parent Input Form for 2024-25 Class Placement
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Kindergarten and New Student Registration
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Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
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Volleyball Game - Virginia Run vs. Cub Run!
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Pizza and Chicken Sandwich Pre-order for Volleyball Game
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Virginia Run ES 9th Annual Viking Dash
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Yearbook Photos Needed
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Yearbooks are on Sale!
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2024 Summer P.E. Sports Camp
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Family Engagement Survey - Last Chance!
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Box Tops for Education
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School Lunch Menu Options
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Chronic Absenteeism - State Board SOA Decision
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Important Upcoming Dates
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Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
🌷Calendar Reminder: Spring Break
Monday, March 25, to Friday, March 29 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed.
We wish our students, teachers, and school-based staff a happy and restful spring break!
🗓️ Quarter End/Teacher Workday
Friday, March 22, is the end of the third quarter. Monday, April 1, and Tuesday, April 2, are school planning and teacher workdays, respectively. There will be no school for students on these days. See the school year calendar.
1. Important Announcement for VRES Families! 📸
UPDATED Phone Number for Barksdale: 1-800-220-7667
Good afternoon, Virginia Run Elementary School Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We wanted to provide an update regarding spring pictures:
While spring individual pictures were a success, we regret to inform you that class photos were not taken as planned. However, we are working diligently to reschedule class photos, and more information will be shared with you soon.
For parents who have already ordered a class photo or a package including a class photo, rest assured that you will still receive it once the class photos have been taken.
If you did not order a class photo but would like to have one, we have good news! You can call Barksdale at 1-800-220-7667 to place an order for a class photo at no additional cost to you.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work to ensure that every student has the opportunity to capture these special moments. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school office.
2. SOL Spring Schedule
Please see below for the Virginia spring SOL (Standards of Learning) schedule. A passing score is anything between 400-600. Any student who does not pass the SOL and scores in the range of 375-399 will have the opportunity to retake the Math, Reading, and Science SOL. Retakes will be held from May 28th to 31st. If you do not want your child to retake an SOL, please reach out to your teacher via email to let them know.
3rd Grade:
- Reading SOL May 1st
- Math SOL May 16th
4th Grade:
- Reading SOL May 1st
- Math SOL May 16th
5th Grade:
- Integrated Reading Writing SOL April 18th
- Reading SOL May 2nd
- Math SOL May 15th
- Science SOL May 22nd
6th Grade:
- Reading SOL May 2nd
- Math SOL May 15th
3. The Positivity Project
Weekly character strength for April 1-5:
 After spring break our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Humor. Humor means you like to laugh and bring smiles to other people.
Humor is a sense of playfulness and lightness. It is a way of looking at and describing the world that brings laughter to people. A person with the strength of humor is skilled at seeing the funny side of things, bringing smiles and laughter to others, and identifying and communicating the absurdities in life. People with this strength don’t specifically need to be joke tellers, although many are.
Humor plays an important role in helping groups of people rise above difficult circumstances and boost morale. It removes us from our present difficulties by easing tension and making life more fun. This is why athletic teams often need a jokester to help them get through tough losses and early morning fitness sessions. On a larger societal level, humor often helps downtrodden groups to find cohesion and strength. This is why Simon Wiesenthal said, “Humor is the weapon of unarmed people: it helps people who are oppressed smile at the situation that pains them.”
To practice and encourage the character strength of humor with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Ms. Roberts’ Kindergarten class is learning Irish Dancing in Mr. Tyler’s Music class.
4. Parent Input Form for 2024-25 Class Placement
With the end of the year quickly approaching, we are already looking ahead to next school year. While we look at class placements for the coming year, we want you to be aware of the process. We place students in classrooms based on numerous criteria. Students are grouped so that classrooms are heterogeneous, having a balance of boys and girls, a balance of academic performance and ability, and groups that will allow for the greatest support from our resource teachers.
Classroom teachers will have input into the recommendations for next year, as will our counselors and specialists. Our staff has been told that we will not take requests for particular teachers because we base our placement on instructional criteria and individual student strengths and needs. It is unfair to give special consideration to some parents when it would be impossible to grant requests from all parents. Please be aware also that grade level assignments for staff sometimes change, due to late enrollments or other changes. Staff assignments are determined at the end of the summer. Our staff has been directed not to give out information about placement prior to that time to avoid disappointing parents and students when changes are made.
In addition, we also value parent input. If you feel there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, you may submit your input by clicking on this Parent Input Google Form. The parent input forms are due by May 17, 2024. We value and consider your insight into your child’s learning needs. Taken together with teacher input, your feedback informs class placements.
5. Kindergarten and New Student Registration
Calling All New Vikings!
Virginia law requires that all children who will be 5 years old on or before September 30, 2024, must be enrolled in kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. If you do not wish your child to attend school until the following year, you must notify the school in writing.
If you have a child who will attend Virginia Run Elementary next year, please contact Betty Bancroft to register. This will allow accurate numbers for staffing and classes next year!
Register your child by:
For more information on registration requirements please visit https://www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration
General kindergarten information can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-school-academics-k-6/kindergarten
Please spread the word to your neighbors who will have children attending Virginia Run ES.
6. 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
4th Grade Students had the opportunity to participate in the 4-H 'Let's Grow Horticulture' program where they got to dissect flowers and see all the different parts of a flower up close!
7. Volleyball Game - Virginia Run vs. Cub Run!
The Virginia Run vs. Cub Run Volleyball Game will be held on Friday, April 5, 2024 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm in the Westfield High School Gym! Admission is FREE!
Dress in our school colors, wave your pom-poms and bring your homemade banners to cheer on your teachers and 6th grade friends as Virginia Run takes on Cub Rub in Volleyball!
Also featuring:
Virginia Run Cheerleaders
Victor Viking and the Mascot Dance-off
Pizza and Concessions (pre-order pizza starts at 6:30)
Pom-poms and spirit wear will be sold at the door while supplies last.
*** Children MUST be accompanied by an adult.
No child should be dropped off and left unsupervised. ***
Pizza and concessions will be provided by the 6th grade celebration committee.
Contact Heather Ervin at heyheatherrice@hotmail.com or Kelly Long at kalong928@yahoo.com with questions.
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8. Pizza and Chicken Sandwich Pre-order for Volleyball Game
Pizza and chicken sandwiches will be available for pre-order for the Virginia Run Volleyball Game at Westfield High School on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Order forms went went home in this week's Wednesday folder.
Paper forms are due by Friday, March 22nd. Online orders are due by Thursday, March 28th.
Drinks and Concessions will be sold the night of the event.
Proceeds will go to the 6th Grade Celebration.
Volleyball Food PreOrder Form 2024
9. Virginia Run ES 9th Annual Viking Dash
Don’t miss this exciting event!
Friday April 26th, 2024
6:00 - 7:30 pm, arrive by 5:45
Packet pick-up times:
- Thursday, April 25th, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
- Friday, April 26th, 5:30 - 6:00 pm
Viking Dash participants can walk, run or dance through the neighborhood streets on our 1.7-mile course – with shortcuts available!
Challenge yourself with a variety of (optional) fun obstacles concluding with a large inflatable obstacle slide.
Then enjoy our finish line party where participants will get a large slice of pizza, fresh fruit and a yummy frozen treat. Show your spirit by wearing your Viking Dash shirt and kick your heels up with our live DJ!
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All Viking Dash registrants receive:
⮚ Participation in all Viking Dash activities including
- The Obstacle Course
- The Inflatable Obstacle Slide
- The Finish Line Party
⮚ Viking Dash T-Shirt
⮚ Fresh fruit and slice of pizza
⮚ Yummy frozen treat
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Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in this school community event along with their children. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night with your family!
This is a rain or shine event. If necessary, we will move inside the school building.
To register online, volunteer to help with this event or for Frequently Asked Questions, visit https://vrespta.ptboard.com/.
The Viking Dash is a PTA sponsored event. All proceeds will benefit the Virginia Run PTA so that they may offer after school activities, field trip support, in-school educational events, teacher mini-grants, professional development, stipends and technology support.
Virginia Run was proud to successfully hold its 28th annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament this year for the 5th and 6th graders! Twenty-four different teams and over 66 students were able to participate and have fun during this tournament. Some highlights of the night included not only great teamwork and basketball skills, but also tremendous sportsmanship. We are super thankful for our referees that volunteered to help out; without them we would not have been able to carry on this great tradition. Here are some pictures of the event.
-Mr. Antoncic and Mr. Rosenfeld
3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Championship Teams: The Willy Wonkas and Tune Squad
Costume Winners!
10. Yearbook Photos Needed
Please continue to send photos for the yearbook of VRES events, field trips, and classroom activities (presentations, PJ day, etc) for the yearbook! Photos will be collected through late March and can be emailed to Kelly Long at kalong928@yahoo.com.
11. Yearbooks are on Sale!
Pre-order your 2023-2024 Virginia Run Elementary School Yearbook now to guarantee a copy when yearbooks are distributed in June. Paper flyers were sent home in the Wednesday folder with standard pricing. Any questions, please contact Kelly Long kalong928@yahoo.com.
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectJob
School code 5662224
12. 2024 Summer P.E. Sports Camp
Our 2024 Summer P.E. Sports Camp is Monday, June 24, 2024 - Thursday, June 27, 2024. This 4-day camp at Virginia Run ES will offer a variety of different sports and activities for students in all grades. This camp is open to all VRES students in grades K - 6.
Contact VRES P.E. Instructor, Scott Rosenfeld, if you have any questions: ssrosenfeld@fcps.edu
Cost: $120 per participant
Register and Pay Online:
https://vrespta.ptboard.com/formvw/form?store=4128&form=20
REGISTRATION IS DUE BY MAY 24TH!
Registration Questions? Contact Kimberly Wilson: kkohlenbush@gmail.com
P.E. Summer Camp 2024 Flyer
13. Family Engagement Survey - Ends Today!
Your voice matters!
Do you feel welcome at your child's school? Are you informed of your child's progress? Now is your chance to give feedback on your school's welcoming environment, communication, volunteer opportunities, and more.
Share your thoughts around important topics impacting your student’s success.
By participating in the Family Engagement Survey, parents/caregivers are making their voices heard. Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment
- Communication
- Student success
- Advocacy
- Family and school partnerships
- Community partnerships
Help us better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
TAKE THE SURVEY!
Visit the Family Engagement Survey webpage for more information.
14. Box Tops for Education
 Box Tops is a fast and easy way to support VRES! Our goal is to earn $1,000 through the Box Tops app this year!
Here’s how you can help us reach our goal:
15. School Lunch Menu Options
FCPS' Food and Nutrition Services team has been rolling out improvements to the menu that better reflect the diversity of our student body and focus on fresh, healthy food. Learn about FCPS’ new menu options.
See what is for breakfast and lunch at Virginia Run ES.
16. Chronic Absenteeism - State Board SOA Decision
Chronic Absenteeism - State Board SOA Decision
Last school year, the Virginia Board of Education decided to not suspend chronic absenteeism as part of school accreditation determinations. The Board’s rationale was a desire to send a strong message to schools, families, and students about the importance of regular attendance for student success. The Board decision means that schools with Level 3 (red) in any indicator—including chronic absenteeism—based on end-of-year data will receive “Accredited with Conditions” designation.
Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, regardless of reason. A student is determined to be chronically absent if the rate of their days absent divided by their total days in membership is greater than or equal to 10%.
For the 2023-24 school year, Virginia Run is ranked 1.3% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 13.7%. As we finish out the remainder of this school year, we will continue to update this percentage with you in hopes that we can join our Westfield pyramid schools for having an acceptable chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or lower. One of our Virginia Run School Innovation and Improvement Plan goals is to reduce Tier 2 & Tier 3 level chronic absenteeism from 16% (last year) to 10% or less in 2023-24.
REQUEST FOR PRE ARRANGED ABSENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FCPS Excused absences include the following reasons: illness, injury, funeral, legal obligations, medical procedures, religious observances, deployment-related absences, or family emergency.
If the reason for this prearranged absence is different from the above, please indicate the reason for the absence. Parents must plan to arrange for their child to complete make-up work, tests, or projects. If the student's planned absences exceed five school days, a parent conference may be required. The conference will include a review of the student's academic and absence record. Students who are absent 15 or more consecutive school days will be withdrawn from enrollment.
Virginia Run Elementary School is committed to providing our students with a high quality education. Academic success relies upon excellent school attendance. Children who come to school on time every day are building critical life skills they will use throughout the rest of their lives. Like strengthening a muscle, building positive attendance habits early on make a difference for our children today and for our adults of tomorrow. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Virginia Run is teaming up with the other 9 schools in the Westfield Pyramid in an effort to make sure all of our students are in school, on time, each day.
Did you know?
- Regular school attendance in grades preschool through grade 6 makes it more likely that your child will read on grade level.
- The 2024-25 school year calendar has been published and we highly recommend scheduling vacations around the school year calendar. We have pasted the link below for your convenience:
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-2025-standard-school-year-calendar.pdf
- Even excused absences interfere with learning.
- A pattern of absences (whether unexcused or excused) is one of the main reasons children have lower academic achievement.
- Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.
- Absences can mask deeper struggles. For example; absences may be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, he or she may be struggling with school work or peer relationships, or possibly facing a medical or mental health concern.
Support is available:
All staff members at Virginia Run ES are committed to supporting attendance. Additional resources can be found online at http://www.fcps.edu/attendance. We know that parents are the experts on their own child and our school team is here to partner and help solve attendance-related concerns. The school counselor, school social worker, psychologist, and family liaison are available:
Jenna DeKeuster, school counselor jldekeuster@fcps.edu
Rachel Wyllie, school counselor rlwyllie@fcps.edu
Stephanie Whittaker, social worker swwhittaker@fcps.edu
Jini Kapur, psychologist jkapur@fcps.edu
Carolina Chavez, Family Liaison cchavez@fcps.edu
17. Important Upcoming Dates
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, WHS, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
4/9: FCPS Religious & Cultural Observance-Eid al Fitr at sundown
4/10: Student Holiday
4/22: FCPS Religious & Cultural Observance-First evening of Passover at Sundown
4/23: FCPS Religious & Cultural Observance-Second evening of Passover
4/24: FCPS Religious & Cultural Observance-Theravada New Year
4/25: Packet Pick-up for Viking Dash, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
4/26: Viking Dash, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm; Packet Pick-up, 5:30 - 6:00 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
6/5: 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, 9:45 am
6/12: Last Day of School - 2hr Early Release
18. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
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