Daniels Run ES- March 7, 2025


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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Community,

This past week, we had the pleasure of celebrating Read Across America Week, a time dedicated to fostering a love for reading within our school community. It was truly a remarkable experience, culminating in a wonderful day filled with guest readers who inspired our students with their stories and passion for literacy.

We were honored to have former DRES principal Chris Smith, Mayor Read, Kyle McDaniel from the county school board, John O’Neal, our Fire Chief, SRO Lynch, Dan Philips, the City Assistant Superintendent, and several esteemed members from the city school board join us. Their presence and engagement with our students were invaluable, and we are grateful for their support in promoting the joy of reading.

Seeing our school come together to celebrate literacy was heartwarming and a testament to our community's commitment to education and lifelong learning. Thank you to all who participated and to our librarian Mrs. Irons, whose organization made this event a success.

 

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen


Tell Us What You Think

School Start Times

The City of Fairfax School Board wants to hear from you about school start times. FCPS is considering changing middle school start times, which could impact schools at all levels. Please go to the City of Fairfax Schools website to provide your input. https://www.cityoffairfaxschools.org/apps/form/schoolstarttimes


Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.


National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Womens History

PTA News

PTA 2024-2025 Nominating Committee

It is the time of year where we are in need of electing a Nominating Committee to help us find the board for our next school year(25-26)!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support PTA through this role, please reach out to drenominatingcommittee@gmail.com.

The Nominating Committee is composed of three PTA Members who work via email  over the span of a month to provide the Membership with a Slate for the 25-26 PTA Board.  

Please reach out to drepresident@gmail.com with any questions!

Pi(e) Day is Coming!

Help us celebrate our amazing Daniels Run Teachers and Staff this Pi Day (March 14th) by donating a pie to our Staff Pi Day Potluck on Friday, March 14th.

All types of pie are welcome and we can keep pie chilled.

DRE Teacher and Staff Pi Day Potluck Sign Up

Pi Day

Budget Banner

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.


🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes. 

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.


2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature: 

  • Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
  • Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
  • Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
  • Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact FamilySummit@fcps.edu for more information.


Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens

Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:

  • Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together. 
  • Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions. 
  • Stay patient and reserve judgment. 
  • Check in with your child early and often. 

Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.


Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs 

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County. 

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.  

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).


Kindergarten Registration 2025

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

Spring Clean Up

Music News

Chicago Choir

OAKE National Conference Choir singers who will perform in Chicago tomorrow.

🎵 The March musician of the month is the American pop rock band: Imagine Dragons.  

🎵 Tomorrow night 9 current or former Daniels Run students will perform in Chicago with the Organization of Kodály Educators National Conference Choirs. Wish them luck as they perform with hundreds of students across the country!  5th graders:  Claire, Tosya, Ryleigh & Andrew  7th Graders:  Maddy, Evelyn, Grace & Ranya; 8th Grader: Chris

🎵 Summer Opportunities for students:

choir campgmu choir camp
  • 🎵 IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
  • 🎵 E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

techstravaganza 2025

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Love of Learning. Love of learning means enjoying the process of learning new things, whether in school or on your own.

People with a love of learning are motivated because they find joy in learning itself, not just for rewards like grades or prizes. They are driven by the excitement of discovering and mastering new skills.

Developing a love of learning is important for students because it helps them stay motivated and engaged. It can also improve their mental and physical well-being as they take pride in overcoming challenges and growing.

To practice and encourage the character strength of Love of Learning at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!


FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

    • A Strong Academic Foundation
    • 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
    • New Breakfast Options

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

March/April

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025


Important Dates

March 17- Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45pm)

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 31- No School/Eid al-Fitr Holiday

April 1- No School/Teacher Work Day


Quick Links