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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
August 21, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
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Parent Digital Consent
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Back to School Night
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Bus Transportation
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Kiss ‘n Ride and Walkers
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Wednesday Envelope
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Positivity Project at Virginia Run
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Birthday Celebrations
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Breakfast/Lunch
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Free and Reduced Application
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Virginia Run After-school Form for Elementary Early Release Mondays
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Does your child want to learn a musical instrument?
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FCPS 24-25 cell phone & accessory policy
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Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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PTA Meeting Dates
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Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE
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FCPS Strategic Plan
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Elementary School Grading and Reporting
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Family Life Education
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Here Comes the Bus Mobile App
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Distribution of Literature and Fliers
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Asha-Jyothi 5K Run/Walk
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Important Upcoming Dates
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Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
We are so happy to welcome our Vikings back to school!
August 30 - September 2
Labor Day (Holiday)
Friday, August 30 and Monday, Sept. 2, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.
See the complete school year calendar.
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1. Parent Digital Consent
Forms are available in the Parent Digital Consent (PDC) starting in the 2024-2025 school year. Parents should log in using their ParentVue username and password.
Available forms include:
- Digital Resources Consent (This form is used to agree (consent) or disagree (refusal) for your student(s) to use the FCPS-approved online tools listed on the school website as part of the instructional program.)
- School Counseling Opt-Out
- SEL Screener Opt-Out
- Denial of Access to Military Recruiters
- Family Life Education Opt-Out
- SOL Retest Permission
- Hazel Health
- Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
- Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
2. Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. Since we do have families with children in multiple grade levels, we are offering 2 sessions with a transition in between to give families time to get to the next teacher. Session times are below:
Session I Grades PS, Kindergarten, 3 and 4 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Session II Grades 1, 2, 5 and 6 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
3. Bus Transportation
Students are required to board and depart the bus assigned to the student to prevent overcrowding on buses. Any changes require permission from the transportation office. Transportation can be reached at 703-249-7000. Please be patient with any changes or delays in the transportation schedule as some needed adjustments are made during the first week of school. (Kindergarten parents: If transported, kindergarten students must be met at the bus stop each afternoon by a parent, parent designee, or a responsible middle school or older sibling, and asked for by name at the bus door.)
Due to overcrowding issues, we do not allow students to go home on the bus with other students for a play date. We understand sometimes an emergency case may arise where childcare plans result in your child having to get off at a different bus stop other than the one closest to your home. In this case, please notify the office immediately. We need this information as soon as possible in order to assure correct transportation information.
Virginia Run does not make any bus transportation decisions. For all questions relating to the bus routes, stops, or times, please contact transportation at 703-249-7000.
4. Kiss ‘n Ride and Walkers
Car riders must use the Kiss N’ Ride area in front of the school. For safety reasons, the side driveway (bus lane) is restricted to bus traffic in the morning and afternoon. Parents are not permitted to use the bus lane. Dropping your child off in the parking lots presents a safety hazard for students, staff, and vehicles. While in the Kiss N’ Ride Line, the students must exit the vehicle on the right-hand side. For safety reasons and to keep the line flowing, we ask that parents do not exit their vehicle to help their child out of the car while in the Kiss N’ Ride line.
Staff members will be on hand to assist, in the mornings from 9:00 AM until 9:15 AM. Children should be in their classroom by 9:15 AM. Please remember our tardy bell rings at 9:15 AM. Students arriving at school after 9:15 AM should be accompanied into the office by a parent or guardian.
Thank you, in advance, for treating our staff members monitoring Kiss N’ Ride with respect. Kiss N’ Ride is offered as a courtesy to our parents and these staff members make it possible to offer this service. Thank you for working collaboratively with us to keep students and staff safe.
Kindergartener's on their first day of school! Their hats read 'Hip Hip Hooray! I had a Fun First Day of Kindergarten!'
5. Wednesday Envelope
Please read over the contents of the envelope carefully. Inside you will find valuable information and forms which need to be returned to school. The Wednesday Envelope is our communication link with you. The Wednesday Envelope is a bright yellow envelope that students will take home every Wednesday. In the envelope you will find fliers, schoolwork samples and other school communications. Parents are asked to remove and read the contents, sign the front of the envelope, and help students remember to return it to school the next day.
6. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
Virginia Run is proud to be a Positivity Project school! Throughout the year students will explore 24 character strengths based on Positive Psychology. Each week, students will learn about a different character strength through videos and activities. This week, our school focus is on the Other People Mindset.
People who have a strong “Other People Mindset” are able to build and maintain strong, positive relationships with others by consistently practicing these five Other People Mindset principles:
- Cheer other people on when they succeed
- Recognize the good in other people
- Remain present when giving people your attention
- Support others when they struggle
- Understand that everything you say and do affects other people
While mental health is incredibly complex, we do know that positive relationships can help people become happier, healthier, and more resilient. And, the Positivity Project believes educators have a tremendous opportunity and vital role to play in this endeavor. Our nation’s youth spend a large percentage of their time in school. By deliberately and consistently teaching students that relationships are important — and that positive relationships are cultivated through character strengths and the Other People Mindset — educators can roll back these trends and create strong citizens and leaders for our communities and countries.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families.
7. Birthday Celebrations
More and more of our students are diagnosed with severe food allergies, and many of our parents/guardians want to limit their children’s intake of sweets. For this reason, if parents want to send in a treat for their child’s birthday, we prefer it be a non-food treat to share with his/her classmates. If a student brings in treats that are not non-food items, please call the office.
8. Breakfast/Lunch
Breakfast is served at VRES. Students will be able to pick up a “Grab and Go” breakfast for $1.75. Students on free or reduced meals receive breakfast for free. The price for a school lunch will be $3.25 including milk. Milk may be purchased separately and costs $.75.
You may deposit money (Cash or Check) into your child’s lunch account during the open house visit on August 15th, or by sending cash or check made payable to Virginia Run Food Service on the first day of school in an envelope with your child’s name and teacher name. Money can be added to the account at any time during the year. You may also pay for your child’s breakfast/lunch with credit/debit card or electronic check online only at www.myschoolbucks.com.
9. Free and Reduced Application
Qualifying families can apply for free and reduced prices. Please use the link below to apply online.
https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/food-and-nutrition-programs/free-and-reduced-price-meals
10. Virginia Run After-school Form for Elementary Early Release Mondays
The Early Release Mondays planned throughout the school year for elementary schools are essential to allow educators time for planning and professional development. Students will be dismissed 3 hours early seven times throughout the school year and are encouraged to return home via their normal route. However, we understand there may be a childcare hardship because of the early release Mondays for many of our families. To resolve these concerns, student supervision will be available for families who need it.
The following dates are planned for Early Release Mondays throughout the school year:
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September 23
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October 28
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November 25
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February 24
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March 17
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April 28
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May 19
To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/QaKhRNnA4RW9oQeC7 for each of your children who are enrolled at Virginia Run Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
11. Does your child want to learn a musical instrument?
Sign them up for Band or Strings! Registrations are due by Monday, August 26th.
Click here for Band information/registration: https://forms.gle/7bVVeKZoiuxpigTZ6
Band is open to all 5th and 6th graders!
Click here for Strings information/registration : https://forms.gle/C6st4CFCRGRKVj3y6
Strings is open to all 4th, 5th, & 6th graders!
12. FCPS 24-25 cell phone & accessory policy
FCPS 24-25 cell phone & accessory policy has changed for all PK-12 students. There is more information, and a feedback option for parents to submit input on the policy, through this link https://www.fcps.edu/cell-phone-policy, the purpose of the policy is explained in detail on this link.
FCPS students are provided with technology for academic use during the school day (laptop or ipad depending on grade level.) Elementary students are not permitted to access their personal devices at any time during the school day. Therefore, all personal devices such as phones must be silenced and put away and connected devices accessories such as headphones must be turned off for the duration of school day. If a student has a smart watch, it must be set to airplane or school mode. Students may not use their phones during the school day without specific permission from a school administrator.
Teachers will not confiscate phones/accessories but will direct students to turn off the device and put it in their backpack. The staff member will also inform Virginia Run administrators of the policy violation and parents will be contacted. Repeated violation of policy may result in a discipline entry in the student’s record.
13. Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Students and staff greatly appreciate the support we receive from the PTA. All parents are encouraged to join the PTA and help make the 2024-2025 school year successful for all students.
PTA Board for 2024-2025:
President: Christina Minogue
Treasurer: Matthew Reklau
Secretary: Laura McAndrews
VP of Fundraising: Amanda Prindle
VP of Education: Kimberly Wilson
VP of Social: Cara Priester
To stay informed regarding all upcoming PTA activities, visit the PTA website at https://vrespta.ptboard.com/.
If you would like to reach the Board, please email VirginiaRunPTA@gmail.com.
14. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
9/10- Meet and Greet in the Virginia Run Lobby
10/8- General Meeting
11/12 – General Meeting
2/11 – General Meeting
3/11 – General Meeting
4/8 – General Meeting
5/13- General Meeting
15. Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE
Signing up for a SIS ParentVUE account helps you to support your child’s academic success. Caregivers can view important information in ParentVUE such as attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores.
Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. A SIS ParentVUE app is available for Apple and Android devices.
Need help creating a SIS ParentVUE account? This video explains the steps. Find out more. To create a new account, please contact our school registrar, Betty Bancroft at ekbancroft@fcps.edu for an activation letter.
If you already have an account, be sure your contact information is up-to-date. Parents/guardians can update their phone numbers or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section. View more information.
16. FCPS Strategic Plan
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan continues to guide FCPS with a focus on excellence, equity, and opportunity for each and every student. See 2023-30 Strategic Plan webpage.
- Successful completion of Algebra I by eighth grade is one of the measures for Goal 3 (academic growth and excellence) of the strategic plan.
- Students reading on grade level by the end of third grade is another measure of our progress in fostering academic growth and excellence for all students. This measure is supported through FCPS’ Equitable Access to Literacy (EAL) Plan.
See the EAL Plan webpage.
17. Elementary School Grading and Reporting
FCPS is committed to being a responsive, caring, and inclusive culture where all feel valued, supported, and hopeful. Research tells us that a sense of hope and a sense of belonging are important to student learning. As we look toward the 2024-25 school year, we remain committed to fostering a responsive, caring, and inclusive culture where all feel valued, supported, and hopeful.
Student progress is evaluated every quarter. At the elementary level, the effort and academics are reported separately so the parents know the effort of the student as well as understanding of specific skills. Individualized comments are an important part of parent communication on the report card.
The progress report will:
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Provide parents with comprehensive information about how their child is learning.
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Align with the Program of Studies (POS) curriculum students are learning.
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Provide teachers with resources to communicate a more exact and consistent assessment.
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Provide parents with comprehensive information about how their child is learning.
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Incorporate research-based best practices in student grading and reporting.
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Report Life, Work, and Citizenship skills separately from academic achievement.
To view a copy of our FCPS progress report, please click on the link below:
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/grading-and-reporting/elementary-school
18. Family Life Education
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers a comprehensive Family Life Education (FLE) program. FLE instruction begins in kindergarten and continues through grade 12. FLE includes topics in human growth and development and social and emotional health. FLE instruction helps students gain knowledge and skills needed to make healthy, responsible, and life-enhancing decisions related to relationships and their physical, emotional, and social health. Parents and guardians are partners in their child’s learning. FLE instruction supports the development of strong families, positive relationships, and a healthy community.
Parents and guardians can review FLE materials. Parents/guardians can access FLE lessons in Schoology using their SIS username and password. Due to copyright permissions, we are unable to stream all media titles online. Lessons and media are available for review at your child’s school. Lessons only are also available at the City of Fairfax Regional Library (this location does not have media).
To foster respect for family choices, parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all or part of the Family Life Education program. A student who is opted out will receive alternative health instruction. To opt your child out of all or part of the FLE program for this school year, please complete the opt-out form. Return the completed form to your child’s school before FLE instruction begins. The opt-out form is available online. You do not need to return the form to the school if you wish for your child to take part in FLE instruction.
FLE program descriptions and opt-out forms are available on the FCPS website.
19. Here Comes the Bus Mobile App
Welcome to Here Comes the Bus! Know when your bus is approaching your stop. Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that can simplify morning and afternoon routines for parents and students by giving them real-time bus location and text or email notification alerts, helping them get to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus® utilizes our GPS data and an easy-to-use customizable map that works on one or multiple devices, such as a tablet or smartphone.
How to Get Started
Using the app is EASY! You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and a Student Information System (SIS) Parent Account. Contact Virginia Run Elementary if you do not have an SIS Parent Account.
Please Note: If a new SIS Parent Account was created, please wait 24-48 hours before proceeding with the detailed instructions below.
From a smartphone or tablet, download (for free) the Here Comes the Bus® app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Open the app. Enter your email address associated with your SIS Parent Account. Do Not Use the Student Login or Sign Up links.
- Enter FCPS school district code 28982.
- Enter your password associated with your SIS Parent Account.
- Click 'Login', just below the password field.
- Next, you will be prompted to validate your account. Please click the Validation Button (the app will close). Next, log on to your email account associated with your SIS Parent Account.
- Please open the validation email from Synovia and click the validate account link. (If you do not receive an email, check the junk/spam folder) A browser window will open. Please close the browser window and return to the Here Comes the Bus® app.
- Repeat the previous login steps (Steps 1-4).
- Enter the name of your device.
- Close and log back onto the Here Comes the Bus® app.
- Under 'Students', you should see a list of your student(s) names.
- Confirm the information and you are ready to begin using Here Comes the Bus®.
Once signed in, you can customize or edit features, including how the app will communicate with you, and the size and location of the notification radius around your child's bus stop.
Support email for parents to contact: hctb@fcps.edu
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20. Distribution of Literature and Fliers
To protect our children from becoming little advertisers and mail carriers, FCPS has clearly described the situation under which children may carry announcements home to parents. (Regulation 1367.1) Students may only carry fliers consistent with the mission of the school: education and the welfare of children. All nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit fliers in accordance with the guidelines below. Charitable solicitations, partisan political organizations, and commercial or profit-making enterprises are excluded with the exception of school-business partnerships and events. Students may not carry advertisements. Non-profit organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may only use the backpack system at designated times during the year. The fliers must be representative of something appropriate to the children and not violate any rules of decency, political campaigning, or marketing. These designated times are set by the school principal.
At Virginia Run Elementary, the four dates that Wednesday envelopes may be used for carrying announcements from non-profit organizations are:
September 11th
January 8th
March 5th
May 8th
**All announcements/fliers must carry the following disclaimer:
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
All announcements/fliers must be approved by the administration in advance, allowing at least 3 days turn-around time. Upon receiving approval, the organization is responsible for supplying the copies to the school by the Monday preceding the designated envelope. PTA materials and announcements must also be approved in advance, but are not restricted to, the four dates listed. No materials carried by children may promote improper behavior or political opinion.
21. Asha-Jyothi 5K Run/Walk
This coming school year, Virginia Run will partner with Asha-Jyothi to support Virginia Run students! Asha-Jyothi 5K Run/Walk is a fun-filled family event with foot tapping music, delicious food and a friendly course. It is a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the underprivileged by providing access to education and health care. Asha-Jyothi partners with schools by donating 100% of all registration money from each school back to the school for its STEM needs.
Last year the Asha-Jyothi foundation granted Deer Park Elementary School over $100,000 to recreate their STEAM Lab into Bucky's Learning Lab. Please join us in supporting this wonderful organization and our Virginia Run students.
Race Date: Sunday, September 15 Location: 4250 Fairfax Corner Avenue; Fairfax, VA 22030 Race Time: Fun Run starts at 8:00 AM and 5K starts at 8:30 AM Price: $30 / Coupon Code "AJ4Schools" for $10 off the 5K
Register Here - Fairfax 5K, hope to see you there!
22. Important Upcoming Dates
8/30 & 9/2: Labor Day Break - Student Holiday
9/10: Virginia Run Back to School Night
9/23: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
10/3: Rosh Hashanah- Student Holiday
10/4: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
10/14: Staff Development Day - Student Holiday
10/15-10/21: VRES Book Fair
10/18: VRES Fall Festival
10/28: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
10/31: End of Quarter 1 - 2 Hour Student Release at 2:00 PM
11/1: Diwali- Student Holiday
11/4: School Planning Day- Student Holiday
11/5: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
11/11: Veterans Day- Student Holiday
11/25: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break- Student Holiday
12/23-1/3: Winter Break- Student Holiday
1/20: Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday- Student Holiday
1/28: End of Quarter 2
1/29: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
2/17: Washington’s Birthday and President’s Day- Student Holiday
2/24: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/17: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/28: End of Quarter 3
3/31: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday
4/1: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
4/14-4/18: Spring Break- Student Holiday
4/28: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/19: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/26: Memorial Day- Student Holiday
6/11: Last Day of School- 2 Hour Student Release at 2:00 PM
View the calendar online here: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-2025-standard-school-year-calendar.pdf
23. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
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