Gunston Gazette - May 24, 2024

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal


Gunston Gazette


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languages

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



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Memorial Day Holiday

All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday. Learn about the history of Memorial Day. See the complete school year calendar.


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Test Results for Parents

Our students have taken a variety of assessments this month. Family score reports for most spring assessments will be centrally distributed to families through SIS ParentVUE, with central mailing ongoing for VKRP assessments. As a school, we have the responsibility to mail out those results to families without ParentVUE accounts. Please see the timeline for when these assessment results will be delivered.

  • iReady Grade 1-3 - expected in ParentVUE the week of 6/3 (non-ParentVUE delivery by the end of this year)
  • iReady Grade 4-6 - expected in ParentVUE the week of 6/24 (non-ParentVUE delivery before the start of next school year)
  • VKRP Grade PreK-K - expected central delivery via U.S. Mail the week of 7/8

 New SOL Growth Reports for Grade 3-8 Tests

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) test results, along with other student data, help demonstrate in which subjects or topics students may need additional academic support.

In order to help interpret SOL results for parents, the Virginia Department of Education has released new Standards of Learning Growth Parent Reports for families of students who took grade 3-8 SOL math and reading tests this spring. 

The Growth Parent Report ties together scores from fall and winter Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA) with the student’s current spring SOL results to show their trend in academic progress this year. 


Resources for Newly Registered Families

Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
  • Family Engagement Resources – FCPS works to connect, strengthen, and support our families, schools, and communities. 
  • Do You Know About Family Liaisons? – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may contact Kathryn Garcia at mkgarcia@fcps.edu   
  • There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible.  When the online enrollment is complete, please email Alma Catin at ancatin@fcps.edu or Lynn Warner at lawarner@fcps.edu and to let them know when you would like to schedule a registration appointment. 

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders

Immunizations are required for all students entering 7th and 12th grades this fall. Visit the FCPS immunization webpage to learn about the required vaccines.  Caregivers should ask their private healthcare provider or the health department to review their student's immunization record to ensure that their student has received these required immunizations. 

It is important to schedule immunizations early in the summer, as seventh-grade students must submit documentation of the Tdap and Meningococcal vaccines before they begin school in August. Twelfth-grade students must submit documentation of the Meningococcal vaccine. Get more information on all student immunization requirements.


Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance! 

It’s a busy time of year, and we know there are many priorities on families’ plates. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to remember to check your students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.


South County Summer Strings

Exciting news! SoCo Summer Strings is returning this summer! The camp will be hosted at South County Middle School from July 8-19, 8:30am-12:30pm, weekdays only. Camp is open to all rising 5th-9th grade students with at least one year of experience on the violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will participate in two large ensemble rehearsals, an instrument-specific technique class, and a sectional each day. You can find more information and registration for camp at www.schsorchestra.org/soco-summer-strings. Early registration is from March 1-June 9, so reserve your student’s spot soon!


puzzle hunt

Fairfax County is hosting its 1st Puzzle Hunt! 

When: Launches June 15, 2024

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been hard at work, creating an exhilarating adventure for puzzle solvers. We are thrilled to announce the Fairfax County Puzzle Hunt, a unique community event that will take you on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County.

Starting this summer, solve one puzzle or do them all. Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles and then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle.

Walk, bike, and roll at our wonderful local parks with friends and family. For more information go to  www.solvingfun.com/fairfax.,


Register Today for FCPS Summer Camps

Registration for FCPS Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps closes on Friday, June 7. Tuition is waived for students eligible for free and reduced-price meals. Bus transportation is available from select FCPS high schools and middle schools. Learn more about Summer Learning and Fun for Students.


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dates to remember

  • May 24 - All library books due back to the library!
  • May 27 - Memorial Day Holiday - no school
  • May 29 - Spring Concert (6:30pm - 8:00pm)
  • June 3 - Field Day  ** note date change **
  • June 7 - Variety Show (1:00pm - 3:00pm)
  • June 11 - 6th Grade Promotion (9:15am)
  • June 11 - Qtr 4 Ernie Eagle Assembly (K-2  1:10pm  gr 3-5  2:15pm)
  • June 12 - Progress Reports go home
  • June 12 - Last Day of School (2 hour early release)
  • Full FCPS School Year Calendar of Events

Be Informed, Stay Involved!


PTA News & Information


Pre-Order Your School Supplies for Next Year!

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