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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 31, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
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Health Room Notice
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Parent Volunteers Needed for Food Pantry Delivery
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VRES Book Drive
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Band and Strings Registrations
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Annual VRES Art Walk
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PTA Bake Sale at the Art Walk
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Lost and Found
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Field Day!!!!
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PTA Executive Board Members Needed
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School Supply Pre-Orders
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Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
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Kindergarten and New Student Registration
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Kindergarten Orientation Presentation
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Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
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2024 Summer P.E. Sports Camp
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Fairfax County Puzzle Hunt
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SYA Little League Fall 2024 Baseball and Softball Registrations Now Open
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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
The 6th grade students painted our spirit rock on Thursday.
1. 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.
2. 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!
The learning never stops at VRES! Mr. Antoncic, along with Mr. Siwert and Ms. Wade, entertain the kids, while infusing counting and estimation practice, as they wait for a bus that is running late.
3. VRES Book Drive
Virginia Run will be collecting new and gently used children's books from Tuesday, May 28 - Friday, June 7 for distribution in our school community. Book collection bins will be in the lobby. Please consider donating by collecting books you are no longer reading or ask your family, friends, and neighbors for books.
4. Band and Strings Registrations
Does your child want to learn to play an instrument? Band and Strings registrations are happening now for the 2024-2025 school year! Sign up by Friday, June 7th!!
Strings Registration (for rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders)
Band Registration (for rising 5th & 6th graders)
5. Annual VRES Art Walk
Wednesday June 5, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Families are invited to our Annual Art Walk! This fun annual event is a showcase for every student at Virginia Run. Our Viking artists have been creating all year and are ready to show their work. Every student will have an artwork on display, and we will have a scavenger hunt for art throughout the school! Please join us for a fun evening!
6. PTA Bake Sale at the Art Walk
The PTA will be hosting a bake sale at the Art Walk on Wednesday, June 5. We are asking for donations of individually wrapped homemade or store-bought baked goods. Please use the link below for more information and to donate items. Thank you for your support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044EAFAF2CA6F94-49740383-ptabake
7. Lost and Found
Don't forget to check the lost and found or ask your children to do so by the last day of school. There are a LOT of items in there which will be donated at the end of the school year. All items will be on display during the Art Walk on Wednesday, June 5.
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8. Field Day!!!!
We will be holding our annual FIELD DAY events on Friday June 7th for grades K, 1, and 2 and on Monday June 10th for grades 3, 4, and 5. 6th grade will have field day on both days.
The emphasis of this year's Field Day is on problem solving, teamwork, and fun. All of the events will be based on one or more of these objectives. All students should leave each station with a positive feeling.
The students need to dress appropriately. Loose fitting clothes and sneakers will be essential for the students to participate in all of the events. The weather will more than likely be warm, and it is very possible that they will get dirty, wet, and sweaty. A hat can help to shield the sun and a towel because many of the activities will involve water. If the students want to wear sunscreen or bug repellent, their parents must supervise the application at home before coming to school.
We are all very excited for this fun event!
9. PTA Executive Board Members Needed
The PTA is in need of nominations for the 2024-2025 VRES PTA Executive Board. To volunteer for a position, send an email to the nominating committee at enningaamy@gmail.com with the position for which you would like to run.
Candidates may seek any position, but we currently have THREE positions looking for a candidate: VP of Fundraising, Treasurer and Secretary. The PTA Executive Board is required to have a Treasurer, Secretary and a President in order to operate. If we do not have the required positions to operate we will not be able to continue to provide the before/after school clubs, Science Quest, social events such as the Back to School Picnic, Fall Fest/Trunk or Treat, Viking Dash or staff appreciation lunches.
Please consider joining the Board. It should be noted, no position operates alone. We are all one Board and we support each other in every aspect! Come join our team!
Executive Board Positions and Job Descriptions
President - (required position) Preside over meetings, submit all necessary documents to stay compliant, coordinates the work of the officers and committees of the local PTA in order that the purposes may be promoted. Oversees the general operations of the PTA.- A required position for the PTA to run.
Secretary – (required position) Oversees and is in charge of all minutes/records/calendar for the PTA. The Secretary keeps the official copies of bylaws, is in charge of posting to social media different events and reminders; also maintains the PTA membership list.
Treasurer -(required position) Oversees and is in charge of all funds and finances of the PTA, which includes full and accurate accounting for all transactions, making disbursements and reimbursements as appropriate. The Treasurer presents a written financial statement at each meeting, prepares annual financial reports and submits required forms to the IRS for review.- A required position for the PTA to run.
VP of Fundraising - Oversees and is in charge of fundraising efforts for the PTA. Establish fundraising events through a membership drive, spirit wear, Viking Dash, restaurant spirit nights and any other fundraising opportunities. Without this position, funding for many of our social events, teacher appreciation activities and student assemblies may not possible.
VP of Education- Oversees and is in charge of all educational enrichments clubs/activities to include registration and vendor coordination of before/after school clubs. The VP of Education also coordinates two educational assemblies annually for the students and the annual Science Quest.
VP of Social- Oversees social events (Back to School picnic, Fall Fest/Trunk or Treat, BINGO, etc) organize staff appreciations breakfast/lunches, communicates with room parent coordinator, coordinates social events for the staff and the students in conjunction with celebrations throughout the year.
Kindergarten learns about fire safety with the Fairfax County Fire Department.
10. School Supply Pre-Orders
Make the summer stress free by pre-ordering school supplies for next year! Supplies will be delivered directly to the school and will be in your student's classroom in time for their classroom visit the week before school begins.
Paper order forms went home in the Wednesday folder on May 22.
Order securely online now through June 25th!
- Go to www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks.
- Enter the school ID, VIR003 (3 letters/3 numbers)
- Follow the directions to complete your order.
- Keep your online confirmation as your receipt.
Questions? Contact Sarah Cullen at srdcullen@gmail.com.
11. 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
12. 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.
13. Kindergarten Orientation Presentation
Our Kindergarten Orientation was on May 3, 2024. If you were unable to attend, please use the link below to view the pdf presentation.
VRES 2024 Kindergarten Orientation Presentation.pdf
14. 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!
15. 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
16. Fairfax County 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.
17. SYA Little League Fall 2024 Baseball and Softball Registrations Now Open
Fall registration is now open for SYA Little League baseball and softball. Register now! Late fee applies beginning July 1, 2024. All experience levels welcome. Visit bit.ly/syalittleleague to register. You may also use the QR code below. Questions? Contact commissioner@syabaseball.org.
Divisions & Ages
Baseball - Boys & Girls Ages 4-12
Tee Ball (4-6)
Coach Pitch (5-7)
Rookies (7-8)
Minors AA/AAA (8-11)
Majors (10-12)
Softball - Girls Ages 7-16
Minors (7-11)
Majors (10-12)
Seniors (13-16)
SYA Baseball and Softball Fall 2024 Flyer
SYA Baseball and Softball Fall 2024 Flyer - Spanish
18. 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 29th, Virginia Run is ranked 4.5% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 10.5%. 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:
Leonor Arellano, 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
19. Important Upcoming Dates
6/4: Westfield High School Graduation, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
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
20. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
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