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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
March 5, 2025
Calendar Reminders
☀️ Daylight Saving Time Begins (Spring Forward)
Daylight saving time begins Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour!
🗓️ Early Release Monday
Reminder that Monday, March 17 is an early release day.
Virginia Run will dismiss students at 1:00 PM.
Any changes to your child’s dismissal for this day must be communicated to the main office (703-988-8900) by Thursday, March 13.
IN THIS ISSUE
- February Edition of the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Newsletter
- Energy Star Award 2024
- Notification of State Testing - 5th Grade
-
National School Social Work Week
- Read Across America Week
- Parent Input Form for 2025-2026 Class Placement
- Kindergarten Registration
- Survey of Preschool Children
- Month of the Military Child
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Viking Shop
- FCPS Cares
- Power of Words Parent Video
- Positivity Project
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!
- Yearbook Sales
- VRES Volleyball Game
- VRES Viking Dash - Save the Date
- PTA Fundraisers
- Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
- Sully District Budget Town Hall
- Virginia Run Community Children's Consignment Sale
- Westfield High School Mulch Sale
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
1. February Edition of the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Newsletter
The February edition of the FCPS AAP newsletter focuses on the district’s commitment to talent development. As a system, we are dedicated to identifying and nurturing students' strengths by ensuring equitable access to advanced academic opportunities for all students and empowering them to reach their full potential. At Virginia Run we are focused on talent development by providing quarterly access to rigor for all of our students, differentiated lessons in areas of strength, part time groups, and full time advanced academic classes.
2. Energy Star Award 2024
Virginia Run has been awarded the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Award for 2024! A big thank you to our custodial team and staff for helping us achieve this award. We are committed to being as energy efficient as possible and are honored to receive this award!
3. Notification of State Testing - 5th Grade
Dear Parents and Guardians:
Students in grades 3-6 participate in state assessments each year. State assessments measure how students are learning the state standards. These include:
- Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) standardized tests in reading, mathematics, and science, including an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component.
The Virginia Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) schedule is below. A passing score is anything between 400-600. Any student who does not pass the SOL and scores in the range of 375-399 will have the opportunity to retake the Math, Reading, and Science SOL. Retakes will be held from May 27-30.
5th Grade:
- Reading SOL: May 7
- Math SOL: May 15
- Science SOL: May 21
SOL Parent/Guardian Permission to Retest
The Virginia Board of Education allows elementary and middle school students who fail their spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests by a narrow margin to retake the test before the end of the school year. Retesting is available when a student fails their first SOL attempt with a score of 375-399. (A score of 400 is considered passing for SOL tests.) Note that retests are not offered for the integrated reading and writing (IRW) component of the grade 5 SOL reading test. A decision not to allow retesting will not impact your student’s course grade or academic record.
Parent/guardian permission is required for the school to retest any student in grades 3-6. If you believe that your student would benefit from a second opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on the spring SOL test, submit your decision using the Parent Digital Consent application (https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent).
If you have questions about state assessments, contact your student’s teacher or the school test coordinator.
5th Grade having fun on their field trip to the Science Center.
4. National School Social Work Week
March 3-7 is National School Social Work Week. Social workers in FCPS help to prevent social, emotional, and behavioral factors from affecting a student's ability to perform at their best. Their primary goal is to remove barriers that prevent a student from fulfilling their academic potential. Social workers are assigned to every school and center in the school system. Most social workers serve one to two sites. Learn more about the role of social workers in FCPS.
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Our AMAZING school social worker is Stephanie Whittaker! Her impact on our school community is immeasurable, and we want to express our deepest gratitude for her incredible dedication to the well-being and success of all of our students.
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We are hopeful that students and families this week will take a moment to share their appreciation with Ms. Whittaker by writing her a letter or drawing her a picture. Your kind words and encouragement will undoubtedly mean a lot!!
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5. Read Across America
VRES is excited for Read Across America Week!
Let’s celebrate the joy of reading all week long, Monday, March 3rd through Friday, March 7th!
Monday - D.E.A.R.- Teachers and students will have a book on hand to Drop Everything And Read at various times throughout the day!
Tuesday is Read at Home Day! Read at home with a family member or stuffed animal. Ask a family member what their favorite book was when they were your age!
Wednesday is Buddy Reading Day! Read with a buddy today or share what book you’re currently reading and why your buddy should read it too!
Thursday is Cozy Reading Day! Each class will decide how they will get comfortable to enjoy extra reading time.
Friday is Silly Story Day! Read a silly story or share the title of your favorite silly story with your class.
6. Parent Input Form for 2025-2026 Class Placement
With the end of the year quickly approaching, we are already looking ahead to next school year. While we look at class placements for the coming year, we want you to be aware of the process. We place students in classrooms based on numerous criteria. Students are grouped so that classrooms are heterogeneous, having a balance of boys and girls, a balance of academic performance and ability, and groups that will allow for the greatest support from our resource teachers.
Classroom teachers will have input into the recommendations for next year, as will our counselors and specialists. Our staff has been told that we will not take requests for particular teachers because we base our placement on instructional criteria and individual student strengths and needs. It is unfair to give special consideration to some parents when it would be impossible to grant requests from all parents. Please be aware also that grade level assignments for staff sometimes change, due to late enrollments or other changes. Staff assignments are determined at the end of the summer. Our staff has been directed not to give out information about placement prior to that time to avoid disappointing parents and students when changes are made.
In addition, we also value parent input. If you feel there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, you may submit your input by clicking on this Parent Input Google Form. The parent input forms are due by May 9, 2025. We value and consider your insight into your child’s learning needs. Taken together with teacher input, your feedback informs class placements.
7. Kindergarten Registration
FCPS registration is now available for rising kindergarten students. Your student must turn 5 years old by 09/30/2025 to be eligible to be registered.
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
- Determine eligibility.
- Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
💻Try Online Registration
Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open for parents/caregivers.
When registering, parents/caregivers will create (or log into an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Follow the instructions on the page and complete the registration process.
Once you have submitted the registration packet online, our Student Information Assistant (SIA), Ms. Betty Bancroft, will contact you via email to set up an appointment to meet her in person. You can also reach her at 703-988-8904.
If you need a paper copy of the registration packet, it can be picked up at the front office.
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8. Survey of Preschool Children
If you have a child who will be eligible for kindergarten next school year, please complete the form (Form IT-112) and return it to school via your child’s teacher no later than March 22, 2025. A child is eligible for kindergarten if the child reaches his or her fifth birthday on or before September 30, 2025.
We will use the information to estimate the number of students, teachers, and classrooms that we will have for the 2025-2026 school year. It is very important that we get this information from you now, even if your plans change before next year. Our Kindergarten Orientation will be held on April 1st at 2:00pm. We will be sending out more information about the orientation and registration dates, but in order to do so, we will need to know who will be coming to us next school year. 😊
There is also another way that you can help. If you know of children in your neighborhood who do not have older brothers and sisters in school, please share this letter with the parents so that they can complete the form also.
We appreciate your help in planning for next year. Thank you!
Survey of Preschool Children Form
9. Month of the Military Child
April is the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor and celebrate the resilience, courage, and contributions of FCPS military-connected children.
To show our support, FCPS will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Please note that this date has been adjusted to align with our spring break schedule. On this day, school staff and students are encouraged to wear purple, symbolizing unity and support for military families across all service branches.
Purchase the FCPS Purple Up! T-shirt and/or hoodie between now and March 7 to wear on Purple Up! Day!
10. Chronic Absenteeism - State Board SOA Decision
Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, regardless of reason. A student is determined to be chronically absent if the rate of their days absent divided by their total days in membership is greater than or equal to 10%.
As of March 5th, Virginia Run is ranked .9% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 14.1%. As we finish out the remainder of this school year, we will continue to update this percentage with you in hopes that we can join our Westfield pyramid schools for having an acceptable chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or lower. One of our Virginia Run School Innovation and Improvement Plan goals is to reduce Tier 2 & Tier 3 level chronic absenteeism from 16% (last year) to 10% or less in 2023-24.
REQUEST FOR PRE ARRANGED ABSENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FCPS Excused absences include the following reasons: illness, injury, funeral, legal obligations, medical procedures, religious observances, deployment-related absences, or family emergency.
If the reason for this prearranged absence is different from the above, please indicate the reason for the absence. Parents must plan to arrange for their child to complete make-up work, tests, or projects. If the student's planned absences exceed five school days, a parent conference may be required. The conference will include a review of the student's academic and absence record. Students who are absent 15 or more consecutive school days will be withdrawn from enrollment.
Virginia Run Elementary School is committed to providing our students with a high quality education. Academic success relies upon excellent school attendance. Children who come to school on time every day are building critical life skills they will use throughout the rest of their lives. Like strengthening a muscle, building positive attendance habits early on make a difference for our children today and for our adults of tomorrow. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Virginia Run is teaming up with the other 9 schools in the Westfield Pyramid in an effort to make sure all of our students are in school, on time, each day.
Did you know?
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Regular school attendance in grades preschool through grade 6 makes it more likely that your child will read on grade level.
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The 2024-25 school year calendar has been published and we highly recommend scheduling vacations around the school year calendar. We have pasted the link below for your convenience:
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-2025-standard-school-year-calendar.pdf
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Even excused absences interfere with learning.
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A pattern of absences (whether unexcused or excused) is one of the main reasons children have lower academic achievement.
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Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from high school on time.
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Absences can mask deeper struggles. For example; absences may be a sign that a student is losing interest in school, he or she may be struggling with school work or peer relationships, or possibly facing a medical or mental health concern.
Support is available:
All staff members at Virginia Run ES are committed to supporting attendance. Additional resources can be found online at http://www.fcps.edu/attendance. We know that parents are the experts on their own child and our school team is here to partner and help solve attendance-related concerns.
The school counselor, school social worker, psychologist, and family liaison are available:
Jenna DeKeuster, School Counselor: jldekeuster@fcps.edu
Rachel Wyllie, School Counselor: rlwyllie@fcps.edu
Stephanie Whittaker, Social Worker: swwhittaker@fcps.edu
Jini Kapur, Psychologist: jkapur@fcps.edu
Carolina Chavez, Family Liaison: cchavez@fcps.edu
11. 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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12. 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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13. Power of Words Parent Video
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 planned grade-level assemblies focused on the power of our words.
During the assemblies and counseling lessons, we reviewed the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) rules and talked with students about knowing the power of words and how they can impact others.
Manuel D. Gomez Portillo, Region 5 Educational Specialist, created a video for our parent community that you can view by clicking on the link and using the passcode below:
https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/uKUK4RI0cCsWoGyq2GboCQzk1Jz01wK6iTYfFZrUcBp2vyT9Ak78Iok3oQGaSWI.ajOz8oHJT_cUMReC
Passcode: VYTHVz5.r^
Sincerely,
Dave Gerstner, Principal
Manuel D. Gomez Portillo, Region 5 Educational Specialist
14. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This 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 character strengths at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish).
15. 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.
16. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM.
3/11 – General Meeting
4/8 – General Meeting
5/13- General Meeting
17. 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.
18. Yearbook Sales
It's that time of year - yearbook sales are now open! Sales run from 2/25/25 through 4/17/25 (online as well as orders payable with cash or check.) Pre-order your yearbook today to ensure one is available in June.
Contact Kelly Long with any questions kalong928@yahoo.com.
https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order
Yearbook ID code: 5662225
19. VRES Volleyball Game
The VRES vs. Cub Run Volleyball Game will be on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM in the Westfield High School Gym. Dress in our school colors, wave your pom poms and bring your homemade banners to cheer on your teachers and 6th grade friends as Virginia Run takes on Cub Run in volleyball. Pom poms and spirit wear will be sold at the door while supplies last. Admission is free.
***Children MUST be accompanied by an adult. No child should be dropped off and left unsupervised.
Contact Heather Ervin at heyheatherrice@hotmail.com or Kelly Long at kalong928@yahoo.com with questions.
20. VRES Viking Dash - Save the Date!
The VRES 10th Annual Viking Dash will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025. Save the date - don’t miss this exciting event! Viking Dash participants can walk, run or dance through the neighborhood streets on our 1.7-mile course - with shortcuts available! Parents are strongly encouraged to participate in this school community event along with their children. Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome. This is a rain or shine events.
To register online, volunteer to help with this event or for Frequently Asked Questions, visit https://vrespta.ptboard.com/.
21. PTA Fundraisers
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
22. Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
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
23. Sully District Budget Town Hall
Please join Sully District Supervisor, Kathy Smith, and Sully District School Board Member, Seema Dixit, for a joint town hall as they present the proposed FY 2026 Budgets and take your comments. If you would like to ask a question regarding the FY26 Budget, please send an email to Sully@FairfaxCounty.gov with "Budget Town Hall" in the subject.
Detailed information about the FCPS FY26 Budget can be found on our website.
When: Monday, March 10, 2025
Time: 7 - 9 pm EST
Where: Rocky Run Middle School Lecture Hall
Address: 4400 Stringfellow Road, Chantilly, VA 20151
*If American Sign Language or language interpretation is needed, please submit your request by March 6th.
24. Virginia Run Community Children’s Consignment Sale
The Virginia Run Community Children’s Consignment Sale will be on Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM at the Virginia Run Community Center, 15355 Wetherburn Court, Centreville. The Consignment Sale will feature clothing, coats, snow gear, boots, shoes, etc. in sizes infant to 16 in excellent condition. There will also be gently used maternity clothes, toys, baby equipment, bikes, books, puzzles, games, sports equipment, and riding toys.
A portion of proceeds support needs within our community including the VRES PTA.
25. Westfield High School (WHS) is holding a Mulch Sale fundraiser!
This important fundraiser enables the PTSA to provide a safe and sober All-Night Grad Party for our Westfield Seniors and other vital PTSA programs.
This year, the PTSA is again partnering with Meadows Farms to deliver the mulch. The same high-quality mulch will be packaged in Meadows Farms bags and DELIVERED to your driveway.
There will be two delivery dates this year - Saturday, March 15th & Saturday, March 22nd. You will be notified by March 8th via email which day your mulch will be delivered. We cannot take requests for a particular delivery date. The sale ends March 7th, so make sure to get your orders in by then so you don’t miss out!
We WILL be offering mulch spreading services this year for an additional cost of $2.50 / bag. Our mulch spreading is being done by groups at WHS and the money earned will be a fundraiser for each group. The mulch spreading will take place on Sunday, March 16th. If you order the mulch spreading service, your mulch will be delivered on March 15th.
Please use our NEW, IMPROVED ordering site to place your order today! You can pay by CHECK, CREDIT CARD, or PAYPAL. https://whsptsa.westfieldhs.org/mulch-sales/
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
- 3 cu ft high-quality, double shredded mulch is only $6.85 per bag if paying by check, $7.00 per bag if paying by credit card
- $1.35 of that amount is tax-deductible
- The minimum order for delivery is 10 bags (this is a change from previous years)
- Delivery is limited to the WHS boundary area only
- Mulch will be delivered on your driveway in the FRONT of the house
- Delivery dates are: Saturday, March 15th, and Saturday, March 22nd
- Mulch Spreading IS available this year. It will be done on Sunday, March 16th, and is an additional $2.50 per bag
Thank you for your support!
Westfield High School Mulch Committee
The Westfield Class of 2025
Questions? Please email: westfieldmulchsale@gmail.com or call Jag and Jyo at 571-471-5727.
26. Important Upcoming Dates
3/11: PTA Meeting, 7pm, Library
3/17: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/20: Spirit Night, Chick-fil-A, Chantilly, 4:00 - 9:00 PM (sponsored by 6th grade celebration)
3/26: Paint Night, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
3/28: End of Quarter 3
3/31: Eid-al-Fitr- Student Holiday
4/1: Teacher Workday- Student Holiday
4/1: Kindergarten Orientation, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
4/4: Volleyball Game, Westfield HS, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
4/14-4/18: Spring Break- Student Holiday
4/25: Viking Dash
4/28: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/1: Science Quest, 5:00 - 8:30 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
27. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
28. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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