|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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
September 18, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
- Our New Student Behavior Expectation Posters Have Arrived
- Advanced Academic Program Parent Coffee Session
- Coffee with the Principal at The Meadows
- Positivity Project at Virginia Run
- CogAT Abilities Test
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
- Virginia Run After-school Form for Elementary Early Release Mondays
- Blue Star Welcome Week
- Book Fair Volunteers Needed
- Picture Day Volunteers Needed
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- PTA Social Vice President Needed
- Join the VRES PTA
- PTA Fall 2024 Enrichment Clubs
- Virginia Run Fall Fun Night - Save the Date!
- PTA Fall Fun Night Volunteers and Donations
- VRES Spirit Wear!
- Foster’s Grille Spirit Night
- Donut Drive-Thru Fundraiser
- No Fuss Fundraiser!
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
1. Our New Student Behavior Expectation Posters Have Arrived
At Virginia Run Elementary, we are committed to creating a safe and positive learning experience for all students. To help our students understand the rules and expectations in each area of the school, we are excited to introduce new Student Expectation Posters. These posters will be displayed throughout key areas of our school, including the bathrooms, cafeteria, classrooms, hallways, kiss and ride, school buses, and where school technology is being used.
The purpose of these posters is to provide clear, consistent expectations for behavior in every setting, helping our students make responsible choices and contribute to a supportive school community. We encourage you to talk with your children about the importance of following these expectations to ensure that Virginia Run remains a place where every student can thrive.
As parents and family members, thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive and respectful learning environment for our 730 students!
2. 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 at bwade@fcps.edu.
3. Coffee with the Principal at The Meadows
Please join Mr. Gerstner for coffee, donuts, and conversation on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM at The Meadows of Chantilly Club House, 4200 Airline Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151.
Topics will include:
- We want to get to know you and learn how we can work together.
- How would you like to be included in your child’s education?
- Do you have any questions or concerns?
Coffee with the Principal Flyer - English
Coffee with the Principal Flyer - Spanish
4. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention. This means when we are with other people, we are present and give them our full attention.
In today's world, it's easy to get distracted by phone calls, messages, and social media. These distractions can pull us away from what's most important — our relationships with other people.
Just as plants need sunlight to grow, our relationships need attention. If we don’t give our full attention when we are with our family, friends, and even colleagues, we can't build strong relationships. It’s crucial to put down our phones and tablets and really listen when others are talking. Positive relationships are the foundation of a positive culture, and we can’t build positive relationships without attention.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families.
5. CogAT Abilities Test
NOTIFICATION OF TESTING
Cognitive Abilities Test
Dear Parents and Guardians:
In an effort to obtain additional information about your child, the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) will be administered to all 2nd graders and select 3-6 graders between October 15, 2024 and October 17, 2024. It is important that your child attend school on these days, if possible. If your child must miss school during this time period and your child does not have another ability test result in their student record, they will have an opportunity to take another ability test later this fall.
The purpose of the CogAT is to provide information about students’ developed abilities in verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. The types of tasks included in the test are based on content that children are likely to have experienced in school. However, the way questions are asked and specific test content are not necessarily what children have previously experienced. Children are not expected to know the answers to all questions and will be given opportunities to practice sample items before taking the test. The CogAT is an abilities test, so children are not expected to study or prepare for the test the way they would for an achievement test.
Score reports will be provided to parents once results become available. Typically, these reports are available before winter break. If you have any questions about this test, please contact the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher (AART), Brittany Wade, or school test coordinators, Lauren Arreaza and Kelly Coulter, at your child's school.
6. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener
FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success. All students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring.
The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.
Individual students’ Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. In partnership with families, staff review this data alongside other information to plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. School staff are available to discuss results with families.
You can opt out your child from participating in the SEL Screener by completing the form below. The opt-out applies to the current school year and must be completed annually. For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its contents visit https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener.
7. 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.
8. Blue Star Welcome Week
Blue Star Welcome Week empowers military families to thrive as they serve. There are approximately 13,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. Each year, one-third of our military families transition into or out of our district. Blue Star Welcome Week allows schools to welcome and connect with their military families. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and ensure our military families feel celebrated and welcomed into their school communities.
We are excited to celebrate our military students at Virginia Run Elementary during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 21-29! We are thankful to have these wonderful students in our school and hope to provide a supportive, caring community to all during their time with us at Virginia Run.
9. Book Fair Volunteers Needed
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to VRES! It will run October 15th- 21st. To make it the best it can be, we need your support. Please SIGN UP for any days/times you can help. It’s sure to be a great time! More Book Fair details are coming soon!
|
10. Picture Day Volunteers Needed
Picture Day is coming!
Our fall picture day is on October 17th. Order forms will be going home in the next few weeks. We have over 700 students getting their photos taken this day, and we are in need of a few volunteers to help us make this day run smoothly. We are looking for the following:
3 Volunteers from 9:15am-12:15pm
2 Volunteers from 1:00pm-2:30pm
Volunteers will receive a voucher to use towards your child's picture order.
If you would like to volunteer, please email Shannon Soria at srsoria@fcps.edu.
11. 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.
12. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
10/8- General Meeting
11/12 – General Meeting
2/11 – General Meeting
3/11 – General Meeting
4/8 – General Meeting
5/13- General Meeting
13. PTA Social Vice President Needed
The PTA Board needs a Social Vice President! Our current Social VP, Cara Priester, accepted a position as 6th grade teacher at VRES beginning this year. Congratulations Cara! We are thrilled to have her as a teacher, but sad to see her take the step of vacating her PTA Board seat. Thank you for all you did in this role last year!
We’re looking for an individual who thrives on celebrating others! We’re so lucky to have such an amazing staff and we want to ensure that they are recognized. The role of the Social VP is to oversee volunteers and committees to organize social events for our school community and to recognize our teachers and staff in various ways throughout the school year.
If you’re interested in joining our PTA Board, or if you have any questions, please contact Cara Priester at vresvpsocial@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
14. Join the VRES PTA
Join the VRES PTA TODAY! Your dues help fund PTA sponsored events, staff support, and school improvements. You will have access to the school directory, receive newsletters with information regarding events, yearbook pre-order sales, and more! Join by October 2nd to be entered into a raffle. The class with the most memberships wins a popsicle party!
To join, return the form that was sent home in the Wednesday folder with your payment.
PTA Membership Form 24-25 - English
PTA Membership Form 24-25 - Spanish
15. PTA Fall 2024 Enrichment Clubs
The PTA has lined up fun enrichment clubs for this fall - Tennis, Pottery, 3D Printing, Cooking, Acting, LEGO Club, Music and more!
Click the link below to learn more and register!
Click here for Fall 2024 Clubs
If you have any club questions, please contact Kimberly Wilson at VRESVPEducation@gmail.com.
16. Virginia Run Fall Fun Night - Save the Date!
Save the Date! Virginia Run’s Fall Fun Night will be held on October 18th at VRES from 5:30 - 8:00. Bring the whole family for an evening of Fall Fun Activities. See the schedule below.
5:30 - 8:00 - Fall Festival, Cafeteria, Gym, Lobby, Kiss ‘n Ride Loop
5:30 - 6:30 - Trunk or Treat, Bus Loop
5:30 - 7:30 - Book Fair, Library
Save the Date Fall Fest 2024 Flyer
Pre-order food by using the form that was sent home in today's Wednesday folder.
Fall Fest 2024 Food Order Sales
17. PTA Fall Fun Night Volunteers and Donations
We look forward to seeing students and their families at the annual VRES Fall Fun Night on October 18. This evening is a favorite of students, staff and families which includes Trunk or Treat, Fall Fest and the Scholastic Book Fair. To make the event a success the PTA relies on donations and volunteers. Please use the links below to view opportunities to support this event. Additionally, for those planning to partake in Trunk or Treat part of the evening, we kindly ask for a donation of one bag of candy or non-candy items per child participating. These donations, as well as donations towards the Fall Festival , may be dropped off in the designated area in the foyer.
Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA4AA2BA4FB6-51001139-fall#/
Donation Requests: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094DA4AA2BA4FB6-50994562-fall#/
18. VRES Spirit Wear!
Order your VRES Spirit Wear Today! There are 3 ways to order. You can order by using the form that was sent home in the Wednesday folder, by using the QR code provided on the form, or by going to VRESPTA.PTboard.com. Cash or checks made payable to VRES PTA. Orders will be accepted through Thursday, October 10th. Your order will be delivered to your child’s classroom in October. Please contact VRESVPFundraising@yahoo.com.
Spirit Wear Flyer - English
Spirit Wear Flyer - Spanish
19. Foster’s Grille Spirit Night
Our next Spirit Night will be on October 7, 2024 at Foster’s Grille, 5007-E Westone Plaza Drive, Chantilly, from 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Dine in or pick up.
15% of proceeds will be donated to the VRES PTA!
fostersgrille.com
20. Donut Drive-Thru Fundraiser
Help us support our kids! Virginia Run will have a Donut Drive-Thru on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 8:30 am - 9:30 am in the VRES Kiss ‘n Ride lane. Donuts are $16 per box. You may also order certificates that can be redeemed for one dozen glazed donuts at any Krispy Kreme. To order your donuts and/or certificates, please return the lower portion of the form that went home in the Wednesday folder with payment made out to VRES PTA OR order online at https://vrespta.ptboard.com by October 14, 2024.
Questions? Email Heather Ervin at heyheatherrice@hotmail.com.
Donut Drive-Thru Fall 2024 - English
Donut Drive-Thru Fall 2024 - Spanish
21. No Fuss Fundraiser!
Would you like to support the VRES PTA, but not have to fuss with any fundraising events this year, guilt-free?! Then this fundraiser is for you! Use the QR code on the flyer that was sent home in the Wednesday folder to support Virginia Run!
VRES No Fuss Fundraiser 24-25
22. Important Upcoming Dates
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
10/7: Coffee with the Principal at The Meadows from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
10/14: Staff Development Day - Student Holiday
10/15-10/21: VRES Book Fair
10/17: Picture Day
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
11/21: Thanksgiving Lunch - All Grade Levels - Parents Invited
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
23. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
24. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
|
