|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
A Note from the Principal
Dear Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I apologize for not being able to see more of you outside recently, as I have been attending county meetings and training sessions to better support our school. We have had a productive week at Daniels Run Elementary School. Our students are nearing the completion of their initial assessments, which allows our dedicated teachers to effectively tailor their instruction to meet each student’s academic needs. I am pleased to share that our new reading program is off to an excellent start, thanks to the hard work and commitment of our teaching staff.
Safety Updates
I understand that school safety is a primary concern for everyone, and I want to share some important updates and information regarding staff readiness at Daniels Run:
-
Staff Training: Our staff received training before the school year began and participated in an additional all-staff training session in September, focusing on building procedures and safety protocols.
-
Crisis Management: A table talk discussion was held in September with the Office of Safety and Security for staff responsible for our Crisis Management Plan.
-
Security Assessments: Our security resource person, Destini Juarez, along with personnel from the Safety Office and myself, routinely assess the school premises (we conducted weekly walks in the month of September).
-
Building Modifications: We addressed challenges with the large school foyer by installing ropes and a sign to guide visitors directly into the office until a secure vestibule and cameras can be installed.
-
Incident Response: A debriefing meeting was conducted with the office staff and the responding Assistant Principal following the incident on September 16, 2024. As a result, three actions were taken:
- Previous office staff training was reinforced specifically in regard to screening visitors and responding to the front and all entry doors.
- A bin was placed outside the main doors of the school for deliveries.
- A training date with the Office of Safety and Security was confirmed for the office staff.
-
Safety Communication: We are also adding a safety section to our staff newsletter where our security resource officer will provide staff with tips and updates.
Coming Soon: A Frequently Asked Questions document answering many of your questions!
Upcoming Dates
Looking ahead to the upcoming week, please note:
-
Thursday: School Holiday for Rosh Hashanah. We extend our best wishes to all families celebrating on this day.
-
Friday: Teacher Planning Day. There will be no school for students.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. We are excited about the progress our students are making and look forward to a successful school year.
Warm regards,
Susan Mullen
Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School
Fairfax HS is hosting a family festival for future FHS Lions! There will be bouncy house, petting zoo, games, and activities with FHS students and clubs before the FHS football game. Students there before 6:15 will get to run through the spirit tunnel after the football team.
This November, City of Fairfax residents will vote on a referendum to finance the cost of capital improvements to Providence ES, Daniels Run ES, and replace the roof at Fairfax HS. For more information, go to the City of Fairfax Schools website at www.CityofFairfaxSchools.org or attend a community engagement night on Monday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Providence ES.
Field Day is October 11th Volunteers are Needed!
We’re still looking for volunteers to help run stations and chaperone classes throughout field day. If you are interested and available, please use the links below to sign-up:
Chaperone Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50969253-daniels#/
Station Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50971807-field#/
Thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t do this without you and are so appreciative of your time and support.
*If a station and/or class you’d like to volunteer for is filled, reach out to Mrs. Heffron dmheffron@fcps.edu or Mr. Murray twmurray@fcps.edu and we will add an additional slot for you!
PTA News
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage
Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.
In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.
The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.
Safely Store Firearms and Medications
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.
Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning
FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.
The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as 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. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students.
After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office.
Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health
Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:
- Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
- Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
- Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
- Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
- A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
- Thoughts of harming themselves or others.
If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact our school psychologist, Marquita Lashley- mlashley@fcps.edu, our school social worker, Emily Carleton at etcarleton@fcps.edu, or our school counselors, Ashleigh Fisher- anfisher@fcps.edu and Joseph Gayl- jgayl@fcps.edu to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness.
If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.
🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events
Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.
When planning trips or family events, refer to the FCPS calendar and try to use weekends and school holidays. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.
When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.
Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
AAP News
Another presentation will be conducted on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30pm in the DRES Library to discuss the Full-Time AAP screening process. Ms. James will provide detailed information about the Full-Time screening process, and answer questions about Full-Time advanced academic services.
Please be sure to access the AAP Fall Newsletter found here.
P2 News
Dear Families,
Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Open-Mindedness. This means being willing to consider new ideas and try new things. It involves looking at situations from all sides and not jumping to conclusions.
Open-mindedness is about seeking out and fairly weighing evidence, even if it goes against our own opinions or goals. Open-minded people listen to different viewpoints, including those that are less popular. They are often good listeners and provide balanced advice, which makes them great friends and confidants. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.
To practice and encourage the character strength of open-mindedness at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions related to open-mindedness.
Thank you for your support!
Yearbook Help Needed
Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?
We are looking for volunteers to support our yearbook coordinator, primarily taking and collecting pictures throughout the year. No special skills, cameras or equipment needed. Aside from uploading your pictures, no additional time required (unless you'd like to help with design too!).
If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at angelaxhakolli@gmail.com.
POETRY CONTEST - 2024 Arbor Day
In celebration of 2024 Arbor Day on October 26th, 2024, Fairfax City Environmental Sustainability Committee is planning a poetry contest. The focus of the poetry contest is "Protect the Environment Around You". Focus of poetry can be about nature, the importance of trees, climate change, human impact on nature, global warming, decline in various species, or anything else related to environmental awareness and stewardship.
This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.
One poetry winner from each city school will receive the award of $50. The winner will also be invited to read their poetry at the Fairfax City Arbor Day Celebration on October 26th, 2024, at Van Dyck Park. (Details will be shared later)
Poetry submissions are due Monday, October 7.
Music News
🎵 The September Musician of the Month is Duke Ellington. He was an American jazz composer, pianist & bandleader.
🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in the concert: 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School! The concert is free
🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:
Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
FCPS 2023-2030 Strategic Plan
✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- FCPS Wants to Further Support Military Families
- Sign and Return SR&R
- Upcoming Immunization Clinics
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
FCPS Calendar
 FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025
Important Dates
October 3- Rosh Hashanah/Holiday (No School)
October 4- Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday
October 10- Fall Picture Day
October 11- Field Day
October 14- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday
Quick Links
|
