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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
May 2, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
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SOL Spring Schedule
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The Positivity Project at Virginia Run Elementary
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Teacher Appreciation Week
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Health Room Notice
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Class Photos
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Parent Volunteers Needed for Food Pantry Delivery
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Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
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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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Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
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Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day!
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2024 Summer P.E. Sports Camp
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Westfield High School Theatre
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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 Reminders: No School for Students Friday
Friday, May 3, is Orthodox Good Friday and a teacher workday. Orthodox Christians commemorate Good Friday, also known as “Great Friday” to remember the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. There will be no school for students that day. See the complete school year calendar.
1. 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:
4th Grade:
5th Grade:
- Math SOL May 15th
- Science SOL May 22nd
6th Grade:
2. Positivity Project
May 6 - May 10: Leadership
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Leadership. Leadership means you value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best.
Leadership can be both formal and informal. It is concerned with getting others to do what needs to be done while maintaining group morale to ensure readiness to act in the future. This character strength’s focus is on the personal qualities of leaders rather than the practice of leadership. These qualities include the ability to understand others and inspire them toward a common goal, the capacity to mitigate conflict and mold consensus, and the desire to lead other people.
For individuals, leadership is a way to achieve what you know is important, as groups of people invariably achieve more than individuals. If you want to achieve your vision for the future, you need to inspire others to join you. As an individual’s ability to lead develops, so does that person’s confidence and sense of self-efficacy.
To practice and encourage the character strength of leadership 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.
Young Scholars visit the Virginia Tech Think-a-Bit lab to learn about engineering and invent code based creations.
3. Teacher Appreciation Week
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is May 6-10. This year's theme is "You make a WORLD of difference with everything you do!"
Monday, May 6 - The PTA will be treating teachers and staff to all-natural, handcrafted popsicles from King of Pops.
Students can draw a picture, make a card, or write a letter to their teachers. Parents might also consider writing a note to teachers to show their gratitude. Please remember your child's "specials" teachers as well - PE, music, art, AAP, ESOL, etc.
Tuesday, May 7 - The PTA will be giving staff members a small gift and will be sponsoring an estimation station for a chance to win a Target gift card.
Wednesday, May 8 - The PTA, Administration, and Office Staff will be hosting a staff cookout for lunch. We need your help to provide side dishes and desserts. Please use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044EAFAF2CA6F94-49266619-teacher
Students can wear their teacher's favorite color to brighten their day! Room parents will contact parents to let them know teachers' favorite colors.
Thursday, May 9 - The PTA will be treating staff to a soft pretzel treat from Auntie Anne's.
Friday, May 10 - The PTA and Administration will be visiting teachers in their classrooms to deliver snacks.
Students can bring in school supplies their teacher needs or consider contributing to their teacher's Amazon Wishlist. Room parents will contact parents with more information.
The ideas listed above are optional. If families have other ways they would like to show their appreciation, please feel free!
If you have any questions about Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, please contact your room parent or Cara Priester at cara.priester@gmail.com.
4. Health Room Notice
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 2:00 pm, student dismissal time, on the last day of school, June 12. Medication left in the health room after that time will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student.
Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school.
5. Class Photos
Due to the class photos not being taken on the original picture day, Barksdale has offered to refund parents that pre-paid for a class photo. If you pre-paid for a class photo before March 21st, and would like to request a refund, please call Barksdale Photography customer service at 1-800-220-7667 and mention Sarah Carle, our Barksdale Photography representative, OR email your child's name and teacher to service@barksdalephoto.com.
The class photos were taken on April 19th, and all students will receive a free class photo this year.
6. Parent Volunteers Needed for Food Pantry Delivery
There are a few spots open to sign up to deliver the leftover unopened school lunch items (milks, yogurts, cheese sticks, bananas, chips, etc.) to our local food pantry at Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. 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!
7. 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
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
Welcome NEW Virginia Run Vikings! You are invited to bring your families and come to Virginia Run July 31st, for a tour of the school and to informally meet new friends. The kindergarten session will be from 9:00 am to 10:00 am and the grades 1 - 6 session will be from 10:00 am - 11:00 am. This event will include a bus ride around the neighborhood and a school tour by our very own staff members and administrators, followed by popsicles on the playground. Come out to meet new friends before the first day of school!
 11. Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day!
Join us on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 to celebrate Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day! Walk, Bike & Roll to school day is a great way for students to get more physical activity before school and reach their goal of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Bike & Roll to School Day Flyer-English
Bike & Roll to School Day Flyer - Spanish
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. Westfield High School Theatre
Westfield High School Theatre Presents Freaky Friday, A New Musical
May 2, 3, 4 at 7 pm and May 4 at 2 pm (Mother--Daughter Matinee)
Musical is appropriate for all ages.
When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. Freaky Friday, a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.
Our matinee performance will feature various mother-daughter themed events including a dress like your mother, dress like your daughter fashion show, pre-show & intermission shout-outs to your mom or daughter, and a photo booth!
We are also hosting a FREE theatre workshop for 4th - 8th graders on the next teacher workday - May 3rd from 2 - 4 pm at Westfield.
All information can be found at www.westfieldtheatre.com.
14. 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%.
As of May 1st, Virginia Run is ranked 2.9% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 12.1%. 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
15. Important Upcoming Dates
5/3: Student Holiday
5/8: Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day
5/9: Science Quest, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
5/14: PTA Meeting at the Virginia Run Library, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
5/23: Spring Chorus Concert, 7:00 pm
5/27: Student Holiday
6/5: Art Walk, Virginia Run, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
6/5: Band Concert, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
6/6: Strings Concert, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
6/7: Field Day, Grades K-2 & 6
6/10: Field Day, Grades 3-6
6/11: 6th Grade Celebration
6/12: 6th Grade Promotion, 9:30 am
6/12: Last Day of School - 2hr Early Release
16. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
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