Virginia Run Weekly Message 1/22/25

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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

 

January 22, 2025


IN THIS ISSUE

  1. Power Of Words Assembly
  2. Outdoor Recess Reminder
  3. Viking Shop
  4. FCPS Cares
  5. Positivity Project
  6. Get 2 Green Parent Volunteers Needed
  7. Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
  8. PTA Meeting Dates
  9. Winter Club Registration is Open!
  10. VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!
  11. Bingo Night
  12. PTA Fundraisers - NEW items
  13. Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
  14. Important Upcoming Dates
  15. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
  16. Monthly Lunch Menu

 


🗓️ Calendar Reminders

Tuesday, January 28, is the last day of the second quarter. 

Wednesday, January 29, is Lunar New Year and a teacher workday. There will be no school for students. 

See the complete school year calendar and employee calendar.

 


VRES Mission

1. Power of Words Assembly

Dear Families, 

At Virginia Run, we strive to provide an educational environment where all feel welcomed, safe, and supported to learn. Part of our commitment is to provide our students with meaningful learning opportunities that allow them to continue to grow as ethical and global citizens. This year, we have planned some grade-level assemblies focused on the power of our words. 

On February 3 and February 19, we will hold an assembly with our 3rd -6th grade students. During the assembly, we will review the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) rules and talk with students about knowing the power of words and how they can impact others.  As for grade K-2 students, they will receive these lessons during their counseling visits with Mrs. DeKeuster and Mrs. Wyllie.

We look forward to an impactful assembly and lessons with our students to make Virginia Run Elementary a more welcoming and culturally responsive environment for all.  

Sincerely, 

Dave Gerstner, Principal

Manuel D. Gomez Portillo, Region 5 Educational Specialist

 


2. Outdoor Recess Reminder – Stay Warm and Ready!

As the temperatures continue to drop, we want to remind everyone that all Virginia Run students have recess outdoors every day unless there is extreme weather. Outdoor play is a vital part of our students’ daily routine, providing them with an opportunity to be active, enjoy fresh air, and recharge for the remainder of their school day.

To ensure your child is comfortable and ready to enjoy recess, please remember to send them to school dressed for the cold weather. This includes:

  • Warm coats
  • Gloves or mittens
  • Hats
  • Boots if they plan on playing on snow covered surfaces
  • Other appropriate outdoor attire

Layering is always a good idea, and labeling items can help us reunite misplaced gear with its owner. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe and ready for the colder months ahead. Stay warm!

 


3. Viking Shop 

Our SCA run school store, the Viking Shop is now open! Students can come between 9:00 - 9:10 AM every Tuesday (grades K-2), Wednesday (3rd & 4th) and Thursday (5th & 6th) to purchase pencils, notepads, erasers, croc charms or other goodies. All items are between .25 cents and $2.00. Cash only. Proceeds support the school SCA and help purchase school equipment, as needed.

 


FCPS Cares

4. 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

 


5. Positivity Project at Virginia Run

Perseverance

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Perseverance. Perseverance means completing what you start despite obstacles. It means never giving up.

People who show perseverance keep trying, even when they face challenges. They stay focused on their goals and work hard, even when things don't go as planned. Those who persevere often achieve great things because they don't quit. They also learn a lot and get better at what they do.

Perseverance can also inspire others. When one person in a group keeps going despite setbacks, it can motivate the whole team to keep trying and reach their goals.

To practice and encourage the character strength of perseverance at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish).

 


6. Get 2 Green Parent Volunteers Needed

Do you have a green thumb? Are you willing to work with students on our Get 2 Green team at Virginia Run? Ms. Berg and Ms. Roberts are looking for 3-4 parent volunteers who are interested in taking care of our Virginia Run Garden.

Please reach out to Ms. Berg. jmberg@fcps.edu, if you are interested. 

 


7. 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.

 


8. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025

PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.

2/11 – General Meeting

3/11 – General Meeting

4/8 – General Meeting

5/13- General Meeting

 


9. Winter Club Registration is Open!

The PTA has lined up a bunch of fun enrichment clubs! This flyer will be updated as we add more clubs for the winter season. 

We've got something for everyone! Sports Spectacular, Arts and Crafts Club, Digital Arts, Cooking Club, Acting Out, LEGO Club and a few more!  

Click here for club overviews and to access registration!

If you have any questions, please contact Kimberly Wilson at VRESVPEducation@gmail.com

 


10. VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!

Calling for photos for this year's VRES yearbook! Please send photos from school events since the beginning of the year:

-Welcome Walk

-Back to School Popsicle Party

-First Day of School

-2nd Grade Book Character Parade

-Trunk or Treat

-Fall Fest

-All Concerts (Band, Strings, Chorus, Veteran's Day)

-Field Trips

-Thanksgiving luncheon

-Any candids and any other events that I missed above!

Please send photos via email to Kelly Long at kalong928@yahoo.com

 


11. Bingo Night

Join us for Bingo Night on Thursday, February 6, 2025 in the VRES Cafeteria at 6:30 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM for booklet(s) purchase and for snacks and drink sales to support the Sixth Grade Celebration.

Registration Options:

  1. Complete form that will be sent home in the Wednesday folder next week and send in with payment in an envelope marked PTA Bingo Night. Checks made payable to “Virginia Run PTA”
  2. Just show up and pay at the door*

*Advanced registration helps us to better plan, but is not required.

Every student must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions? Contact Donna-Rose at donnarose1215@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns.

TOP THREE REASONS TO ATTEND VRES BINGO NIGHT

  1. The opportunity to spend quality time with family!
  2. It’s a great way to meet new people and get to know your child’s classmates.
  3. The opportunity for the kids to win fun prizes and shout, “BINGO”!

VRES BINGO NIGHT Spring 2025 - English

VRES BINGO NIGHT Spring 2025 - Spanish

 


12. PTA Fundraisers

  • Cake Time Bakery this Friday, 1/24!

Come join us at Cake Time Bakery on Friday, 1/24 at 6:30 PM for a cupcake decorating class! Ticket sales benefit local nonprofit, Touching Heart and VRES PTA. Touching Heart offers a range of opportunities for parents and children to get involved and make a difference in their communities. One program through Touching Heart is Kids on a Mission. For this fundraiser, Kids on Mission has chosen to raise funds to support local children in the foster care system by providing school supplies or other essential items. If you wish to purchase drinks and items during the event, a portion of those proceeds will also go towards Fairfax Foster Care and Adoption.

Cupcake Decorating for a Cause!

  • Nothing Bundt Cake Fundraiser

The sweetest way to support the Virginia Run PTA. Order a Nothing Bundt Cake bundtlet just in time for Valentine's Day. Orders must be placed by Thursday, February 6th. Orders can be sent home with student or picked up in the kiss and ride lane between 5:00-6:15 PM on Thursday, February 13th. Indicate preference when placing order.

Nothing Bundt Cake PTA Fundraiser

  • 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!

  • Card My Yard

Support our school by using Card My Yard Centreville! Our school receives $10 for each order. You will save $10 too. Use the code VRESCVILLE10 when ordering. 

Card My Yard Flyer - English

Card My Yard Flyer - Spanish

  • Garden for Wildlife

Support VRES PTA by ordering native plants from the Gardening for Wildlife by the National Wildlife Federation to support pollinators in your yard!  🐝

VRES PTA earns 15% on every sale!

Buy sets of plants pre-created or make your own set!

Pre-order now and plants will ship at the time that is appropriate for your region!

This fundraiser helps us, the environment, and local wildlife. Buy native plants!

The butterflies will thank you! 🦋

Visit Garden for Wildlife to order today!

PTA Board - Garden for Wildlife Fundraiser

Garden for Wildlife

13. Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026

Curriculum Night

Students and parents are invited to learn about the 7th and 8th grade curriculum offered at Stone MS on Wednesday, February 5th at 6:00 pm.

Curriculum night will include:

*Electives Fair in the gym and classrooms *Optional sessions for parents of Multi-lingual Learners, Special Education, and Advanced Academic students.

This is a parent only event.

Elementary Visits

Stone MS counselors will visit our feeder elementary schools to present course selection information to 6th graders on the following days:

February 10: London Towne ES & Bull Run ES

February 11: Virginia Run ES

February 12: Deer Park ES & Non-Feeders

February 13: Cub Run ES 

All academic advising information, forms, and timelines are available on our website: https://stonems.fcps.edu/student-services/academic-advising

Tour of Stone (Students only)

All 6th grade students will take a field trip to Stone MS on February 6th. Our program will feature:

*Pep Rally to include student performances to showcase our programs. *Student Panel where students hear from their peer about Stone MS *Student Tour of the building, led by our Stone leadership students.

Counseling Team

Counselors assigned alphabetically by student's last name:

Ms. Katie Marrefi      A-G

Mr. Armando Garcia H-O

Ms. Marissa Luper     P-Z

Ms. Tami Brumett, Director of Student Services

Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025 - 2026 Flyer

 


14. Important Upcoming Dates

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

6/9: Westfield High School Graduation at 9:30 AM

6/11: Virginia Run ES 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony at 9:30AM

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 

 


15. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts

 


16. Monthly Lunch Menu

Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.

Lunch Menu - January