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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 12, 2025
Calendar Reminders
🗓️ Early Release Monday
Reminder: 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
- March Edition of the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Newsletter
- Notification of State Testing - 5th Grade
- Parent Input Form for 2025-2026 Class Placement
- Kindergarten Registration & Orientation
- Survey of Preschool Children
- Month of the Military Child
- Spring Picture Day
- SCA Spirit Day - March 21st
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Viking Shop
- FCPS Cares
- Power of Words Parent Video
- Positivity Project
- Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Fundraiser - Sponsored by the 6th Grade Celebration
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- VRES Yearbook Photos Needed!
- Yearbook Sales
- PTA Spring After-school Clubs/Programs
- Paint Night
- VRES Volleyball Game
- VRES Viking Dash - Register Now
- Virginia Run Science Quest
- VRES Spirit Wear
- PTA Fundraisers
- Attention 6th Grade Parents - Stone MS Academic Advising Information 2025-2026
- Virginia Run Community Children’s Consignment Sale
- FCPS Summer Camp Programs at VRES
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
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1. March Edition of the FCPS Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Newsletter
The March Edition of Advanced Academic Connections is Here! This month’s AAP newsletter highlights instruction designed to develop disciplinary expertise through depth of understanding, real-world application, and interdisciplinary connections. Explore how equity-driven practices are transforming classrooms and enriching student learning experiences.
2. 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.
 The girl scouts worked on their petal badge this week and they created a beautiful montage of flowers to hang in the clinic. Thank you Troop 54184!
3. 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.
4. Kindergarten Registration & Orientation
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.
Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM. This is a parent/child event so please plan to bring your rising Kindergartener.
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5. 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
6. 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.
7. Spring Picture Day
Spring Picture Day will be on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Order forms were sent home in last Wednesday's folder. This is a prepay event. Order forms should be given to the photographer on picture day. You may also order online at www.barksdalephoto.com.
Order code for online purchases: 0038736SG (password expires 24 hours after picture day)
Questions? 1-800-220-7667
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8. SCA Spirit Day
The next SCA Spirit Day will be on Friday, March 21st. It will be Teacher/Student Swap Day. The teachers will dress like students and the students will dress like teachers!
9. 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 12th, Virginia Run is ranked .3% above our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 15.3%. 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
10. 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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11. 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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12. 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
13. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week is a positivity project review week. Our recent traits include Love, Humility, Love of Learning, and Cheering Others’ Success. To practice and encourage character strengths at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish).
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14. Chick-fil-A Spirit Night Fundraiser - Sponsored by the 6th Grade Celebration
Help support Virginia Run’s 6th Grade Celebration on March 20, 2025 at Chick-fil-A, Chantilly, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM. Mention “Virginia Run ES 6th Grade” before placing your order with a Team Member OR enter the code “VRES6TH” when placing a mobile order using your Chick-fil-A app.
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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: virginiarunpta@gmail.com
Treasurer: Matthew Reklau: treasurer.virginiarunpta@gmail.com
Secretary: Laura McAndrews: secretary@vrespta.onmicrosoft.com
VP of Fundraising: Amanda Prindle: vresvpfundraising@yahoo.com
VP of Education: Kimberly Wilson: vresvpeducation@gmail.com
VP of Social: Cara Priester: vresvpsocial@gmail.com
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.
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. PTA Spring After-school Clubs/Programs
Spring 2025 Clubs are here, and they’re better than ever! 🎉 Give your Viking the chance to explore, create, and shine with our exciting lineup of activities. Registration is open! Hurry - most classes start in April!
Registration information here: Spring 2025 Club Flyer
Questions? Email Kimberly Wilson - VRESVPEducation@gmail.com
Financial aid is available.
Highlights of our before/after school clubs:
🍳 Cooking: From measuring to mastering recipes, we’ll spark their culinary creativity.
🎭 Acting: Lights, camera, action! Build confidence and storytelling skills on stage.
🧱 LEGO: Engineering meets imagination with hands-on building challenges.
💻 Minecraft Coding: Where gaming transforms into learning coding and problem-solving.
♟️ Chess: Sharpen their strategic thinking with this timeless game of skill.
🎨 Digital Art: From pixels to masterpieces—unleash their inner artist.
🏀 Basketball: Stay active, build teamwork, and shoot for the stars!
20. Paint Night
Please join Mrs. Adkins and Mrs. Tuben as they lead Paint Night on Wednesday, March 26th from 6:00 - 7:30 PM in the VRES Cafeteria! They will teach as they go and you will head home with a one of a kind picture. Please return the registration form that was sent home in the Wednesday folder by March 21st. This event is limited to 60 participants.
$25 per person
$20 per person for 3 or more
Contact Tracy Mandina with questions: Trixieb124@yahoo.com
21. 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.
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22. VRES Viking Dash - Register Now!
The VRES 10th Annual Viking Dash will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025. 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! Then enjoy our finish line party where participants will get a large slice of pizza, fresh fruit, and a yummy frozen treat. Show your spirit by wearing your Viking Dash shirt and kick your heels up with our live DJ! 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 event.
Register now and save $5.00 per person - early bird deadline is April 4th.
To register online, volunteer to help with this event or for Frequently Asked Questions, visit https://vrespta.ptboard.com/.
23. Virginia Run Science Quest
Calling all Scientists!! K-6th Viking students are invited to participate in our annual Science Quest on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 6:00-7:30 PM. Students participate by creating and presenting science fair projects.
FREE EVENT!!!
Pick a topic that you would like to research. Perform an experiment and analyze your data.Create a Tri-Fold poster board layout to present and display at the Science Quest!
- Awards and prizes for all participants!
- Students may participate individually or in groups.
- All work presented must be the students’ work while adult coaches may act as guides and supervise the investigation.
Register by using the QR Code on the flyer sent home in the Wednesday folder or by using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1NjcqiPgB6X7oLKPcp92pe0hGhVceIFIHMNf7hHr4QWI/viewform?edit_requested=true
**Registration is only required if you plan to present a project.**
Questions? Contact: Kimberly Wilson VRESVPEducation@gmail.com.
Science Quest Spring 2025 Flyer
24. VRES Spirit Wear
We’re excited to introduce our new and improved spirit wear store! We’ve partnered with a new vendor to bring you a bigger variety of items that you can order year-round and have shipped directly to your home.
Want to save on shipping? Place your order by Friday, March 28, 2025, and receive free delivery to the school by Friday, April 4th! Orders will be sent home with your student.
Shop now and show off your school spirit!
Visit the new spirit wear store! https://virginiarun.deco-apparel.com/
25. PTA Fundraisers
- Square 1 Art Fundraiser! Coming Soon!
Your student will be creating a very special art masterpiece that you may purchase on unique gifts and keepsakes to enjoy for a lifetime! Every order made will help you preserve the special memories of your child’s creative growth in a fun and inspiring way!
Imagine the excitement and fun of sharing your child’s awesome art with family and friends! Be sure to make your order(s) by the due date provided by your Square 1 Art coordinator.
We look forward to an amazing fundraiser with Square 1 Art! Keep a lookout for more details about the fundraiser to come to you soon!
square1art.com
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
26. 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
27. 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.
28. FCPA Summer Camp Programs at VRES
Fairfax County Park Authority will be holding summer camp programs at Virginia Run ES this summer. To register, please call the registration unit at 703-222-4664. They are open Monday-Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Or you can register through the website www.fairfaxcounty.gov and then click on Visit Parktakes Online. This will take you to a landing page with three different ways to search for a program.
29. Important Upcoming Dates
3/17: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/20: Spring Picture Day
3/20: Spirit Night, Chick-fil-A, Chantilly, 4:00 - 8:00 PM (sponsored by 6th grade celebration)
3/21: SCA Spirit Day - Teacher/Student Swap
3/26: Paint Night, 6:00 - 7:30 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, 6:00 - 7:30 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
30. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
31. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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