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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
February 12, 2025
Presidents Day (Holiday)
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for the Presidents Day holiday.
See the complete school year calendar.
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IN THIS ISSUE
- Power of Words Assembly
- VRES Kindness Week
- Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Virginia Run ES
- Viking Math Corner
- Viking Shop
- FCPS Cares
- Positivity Project
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!
- PTA Fundraisers
- Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
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.
We had our first assembly on February 3. Our next one will be held on February 19, 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. VRES Kindness Week
Kindness Week is this week, February 10 - 14. Please see below for the schedule of events for the remainder of the week.
Wednesday, February 12 - Get Moving Wednesday
Use your power of words to invite someone new to play with you on the playground. WEAR: YELLOW CLOTHES
Thursday, February 13 - Friendly Friend Day
Say something kind to a friend or classmate! Help a friend with something and tell them why you think they are a good friend. WEAR: BLUE CLOTHES
Friday, February 14 - We Choose Kindness
Write a kind note to give to a family member, staff member, or friendly today. WEAR: YOUR WESTFIELD PYRAMID KINDNESS SHIRTS OR VALENTINE’S DAY COLORS.
Kindness Week Flyer English and Spanish
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3. Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Virginia Run ES
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 24. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 24, and Friday, March 7. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the five equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
4. Viking Math Corner
By the end of first grade, students should be able to automatically solve addition and subtraction problems in the range of 1-10. Teachers support students with their fact fluency through meaningful math warm ups, word problems and games. You can help at home by turning everyday activities into a math problem. One example could be when cooking together, you say “we have 8 eggs in the carton and I just used 2. How many eggs do we have left?”. Below are some more ideas to engage students with their facts:
- Show me 6 on your fingers. How many more do you need to make 8?
- What goes with 3 to make 5?
- What are two numbers that go together to make 10?
5. Viking Shop
Our SCA run school store, the Viking Shop is 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.
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6. 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
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7. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Love. Love means you value close relationships with others and being close to people.
Love is shown through our thoughts, feelings, and actions toward those we care about. When we love someone, we comfort them, make them feel safe, support them during tough times, and often put their needs before our own. When someone loves us, we feel safe and secure and can be ourselves around them. We miss them when they are not around.
Love is important for our community and society. We all depend on each other for happiness and well-being. Love creates positive feelings, helping to reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Without love, we can't form strong bonds with our families, friends, or communities. A world without love would be a lonely and unsafe place.
To practice and encourage character strengths at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish).
8. 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.
9. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
2/18 – General Meeting
3/11 – General Meeting
4/8 – General Meeting
5/13- General Meeting
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. PTA Fundraisers
PTA is sponsoring a fundraiser at Fun Land, 5111 Westfields Blvd, Centreville, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Enjoy over 100 amazing arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, ropes course, and rock climbing. Each participant will receive a 3 hour unlimited attractions pass along with a $10 arcade card for only $20 per person! Purchase at the door. Must say you are with VRES.
Fun Land Fundraiser Flyer - English
Fun Land Fundraiser - Spanish
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!
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
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
12. Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
Elementary Visits
Stone MS counselors visited Virginia Run on Tuesday, February 11 to present course selection information to 6th graders.
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 Thursday, March 27. The program will feature:
*Pep Rally to include student performances to showcase programs.
*Student Panel where students hear from their peers about Stone MS
*Student Tour of the building, led by 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
13. Important Upcoming Dates
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
2/27: Fun Land Fundraiser, 4:00 - 9:00 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
14. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
15. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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