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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 28, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
- Parent Digital Consent
- Back to School Night
- Bus Transportation
- Kiss ‘n Ride and Walkers
- Wednesday Envelope
- Advanced Academic Program Parent Coffee Session
- Positivity Project at Virginia Run
- Birthday Celebrations
- Breakfast/Lunch
- Free and Reduced Application
- Virginia Run After-school Form for Elementary Early Release Mondays
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- El Fresco Restaurant Day!
- Here Comes the Bus Mobile App
- Asha-Jyothi 5K Run/Walk
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
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.
The whole school came together for our first closing circle of the year. It was a beautiful day and a great way to end the week!
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. Advanced Academic Program Parent Coffee Session
A parent coffee will be held in the library on Monday, September 30th from 9:30 until 10:30 AM. Brittany Wade, AART, will provide an overview about the continuum of Advanced Academic services (levels I through IV) and also briefly review the screening process for Advanced Academic services. Please note a separate parent information meeting will be held in late October specifically for the screening process for full time (level IV) services for parents of students in grades 2 through 6.
Please RSVP by September 23 to the parent coffee by signing up at this link.
If your child is new to Fairfax County in grades 3-6 and you want your child screened for full time level IV advanced services, the fall deadline is October 15th, 2024.
Please contact Brittany Wade with questions at bwade@fcps.edu.
7. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Curiosity. Curiosity means you like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.
Curiosity is essential to our character, driving our desire for wisdom and knowledge. It keeps us engaged in stories and encourages us to try new activities or travel. Everyone experiences curiosity differently — behaviorally, intellectually, and emotionally.
People with strong curiosity are more likely to ask questions and try new things. Curiosity is a form of courage because asking questions shows we don't know something, and trying new activities risks failure. However, it's through questions and exploration that we learn and grow.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families.
8. 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.
9. 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 send in cash or a check made payable to Virginia Run Food Service 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.
10. 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
11. 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:
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.
12. 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.
13. 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
14. El Fresco Restaurant Day!
Our first Spirit Day will be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at El Fresco Restaurant in Centreville, 6005 Centreville Crest Lane. Order for dining in, pick-up, or delivery ALL DAY! 15% of the proceeds will be donated to the VRES PTA.
**Mention VRES Spirit in “Special Instructions” when ordering online.
www.elfresco.com
El Fresco Restaurant Day Flyer
15. 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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16. 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!
17. 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
9/30: AAP Overview Parent Coffee at 9:30 AM in the Library
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
11/27-11/29: Thanksgiving Break- Student Holiday
12/9: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
12/11: Winter Chorus Concert
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
18. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
19. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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