April Showers at VES!

Upcoming Calendar Events

🌦️April events making it rain!🌦️

  • April 1st: Teacher Work Day - No School
  • April 7th-11th: Spring Book Fair (more below)
  • April 14th-18th: Spring Break - No School
  • April 27th: VES 5K
  • April 28th: Kindergarten Orientation - 1:00-2:00 pm (more below)
  • April 28th: Early Release - 12:30 pm Check your Early Release Tool here

Welcome to Our Newest Viking!

Woman wearing glasses smiling at desk workspace with laptop, orange coffee mug, and potted plant against white surface with natural lighting

👋 Meet Our New Office Assistant 🏫

We're delighted to introduce the newest member of our Vienna Elementary front office team!

Pam Dearstyne has joined Vienna Elementary School as our Office Assistant, completing our front office team alongside Darleen Ham and Lauren Brownlee.

Pam is thrilled to join VES as Office Assistant. She has a varied background in education with a passion for working in elementary schools. Originally from New York, Pam and her husband moved to the area in 2001, where they raised their son and have enjoyed all that this area has to offer. Outside of work, Pam enjoys traveling and time spending with family.

Please join us in giving a warm Viking welcome to Pam when you visit our front office!


Moving on Up!

Professional headshot in hexagonal frame with text 'Region 1 Winner' and 'Assistant Principal' on black background with gold confetti accents

🏆 Congratulations to Our Own STAR Leader! 🌟

We are bursting with pride to announce that our amazing Assistant Principal, Mrs. Amber Burnett, has been selected as the Region 1 Outstanding Leader of the Year! This prestigious recognition highlights what our Vienna Elementary community already knows - Mrs. Burnett's exceptional dedication, vision, and heart for our students and staff.

Mrs. Burnett exemplifies outstanding educational leadership through her tireless commitment to supporting teachers, fostering student growth, and creating a positive school environment where everyone can thrive.

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved honor! When you see Mrs. Burnett in the halls, be sure to share your congratulations with our award-winning assistant principal.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Mrs. Burnett as part of our Viking family!


Month of the Military Child

Two students shown against a patriotic background with white stars and blue silhouettes of military service members.

💜Month of the Military Child💜

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families

 


SCA Coin Drive continues...

Two excited children in Viking helmets with 'Boost Others' logo and falling coins graphic against light blue background with cherry blossoms

🪙 Reminder: SCA Coin Drive Continues Through April 11th! 💰

Don't forget - our Vikings are still collecting coins to support transportation needs in our community! The Student Council Association's spring coin drive that launched at International Night is ongoing, with donations being accepted in the front office through April 11th.

Your generous contributions to Boost Others help provide vital transportation assistance (bus fare and metro cards) to families in need. This local non-profit works directly with Fairfax County foster care, Child Protective Services, SafeSpot Virginia, FCPS schools, and INOVA Hospital.

There's still time to make a difference! Please consider sending in your spare change with your student or dropping it off at the front foyer.


Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers

Student smiling next to colorful geometric text reading 'SUMMER CAMP' with decorative handprint designs in brown at bottom

🌞 An Exciting Opportunity for Middle School Students 🏕️

The Ross Center is pleased to share information about an exciting summer opportunity for rising 7th and 8th grade students from Holmes, Glasgow, Kilmer, Jackson, Thoreau, and Poe Middle Schools!

VIP Camp Poe Details:
• Dates: July 1-31 (Students encouraged to attend all 5 weeks)
• Times: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Poe Middle School
• Eligibility: Rising 7th & 8th graders
• Cost: $100 (Financial assistance available)

FCPS has partnered with Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services to create this engaging five-week summer experience. The $100 registration fee includes breakfast, lunch, all on-site activities, AND transportation from designated pick-up locations (to be announced in June).

Led by experienced After-School Specialists and trained DNCS staff, campers will enjoy sports, games, arts and crafts, science and technology activities, plus an exciting field trip each week!

A mandatory parent meeting will be held before camp begins. Don't miss this opportunity for your student to make summer memories!

Complete this Interest Form


🌟 Thoreau MS Excellence in Action Summer Program 🌟

Give your student a head start on middle school success! Thoreau Middle School's Excellence in Action (EIA) provides essential skills and knowledge for a smooth transition to 7th grade.

Choose one convenient session:
• July 15-19 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
-OR-
• July 29-August 2 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

This focused one-week program helps students build confidence and preparedness before the new school year begins.

Register Here


Spring Book Fair

Four students giving thumbs up and smiling, wearing red and beige tops, with bookshelves visible in background

📚 Reminder: Book Fair Begins Next Week! 📖

Mark your calendars! The Bookworm Central Spring Book Fair opens Monday, April 7th and runs through Friday, April 11th during school hours. Students will be creating their wish lists at the beginning of next week.

Don't forget our special Family Night on Tuesday, April 8th from 4:30-7:00 PM! This is a perfect opportunity to shop together and help your child select new books for your home library.

If you can't attend Family Night, don't worry - your child can still purchase books during their class's assigned shopping time throughout the week.

Every purchase supports our school library with new books and materials. Questions? Contact Mrs. Armendariz.

Thank you for supporting literacy at VES!


Kindergarten Orientation

Two students smiling beneath colorful letters spelling 'KINDERGARTEN' on wall, wearing blue and white patterned shirts

🍎 Welcoming Our Newest Vikings to VES! 🏫

Date: Monday, April 28th, 2025
• Time: 1:00-2:00 PM
• Location: VES Cafeteria

What to expect:
• Students will visit kindergarten classrooms
• Parents attend information session and Q&A
• Families reunite at conclusion

Your child will begin developing:
• Executive functioning skills
• Social-emotional growth
• Hands-on conceptual learning

Orientation packets will include our Kindergarten Parent Brochure with helpful resources for a smooth transition.

We can't wait to meet your soon-to-be kindergarteners and welcome you to the Viking family! More info on our Kindergarten Page.


Spring Testing Schedule

Two students smiling with test scores and a pencil graphic visible in the background

📝 SOL Testing Calendar 📝

Vienna Elementary standardized testing begins this week with 5th grade. Please review the calendar below to see when your child will be taking SOLs this spring.

During testing weeks, we encourage families to:
• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest
• Provide a nutritious breakfast
• Avoid scheduling appointments during testing days
• Have your child arrive at school on time

Our teachers have worked hard preparing students for these assessments. While important, please remember these tests are just one measure of your child's academic growth.

Please refer to the schedule below for specific testing dates by grade level.


VES SOL Assessment Schedule

Grade Level

Writing

Reading

Math

Science

         

3rd

 

5.7.25
@ 9:00

5.14.25
@ 9:00

 

4th

 

5.6.25
@ 9:00

5.13.25
@ 9:00

 

5th

4.3.25
@ 10:00

5.8.25
@ 10:00

5.15.25
@ 10:00

5.20.25
@10:00

6th

 

5.5.25
@ 10:00

5.12.25
@ 10:00

 
         

Makeup tests for absent students and Remediation

May 19-23

Expedited Retakes

May 27-30

 


Text reading 'ARAB AMERICAN MONTH' in black capital letters against a geometric background with Middle Eastern patterns in blue, red, gold and black

 

FCPS is proud to celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month in April. This special month provides an opportunity to recognize the history and valuable contributions of Arab Americans. Arab Americans have ancestry in one of the world’s 22 Arab nations, which are located from northern Africa through western Asia. The people of these nations are ethnically, politically, and religiously diverse but share a common cultural and linguistic heritage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


Yearbook - Stock Running Low

black chalk board background with the word "yearbook" in colorful letters in front. Animation using a paintbrush stroke to reveal image

📸 Lock in Your VES 2025 Memories Before They're History🌟

Vienna Elementary families! The 2025 yearbooks are down to the last 11 left!! This is your chance to preserve all those special moments from this school year in a keepsake your child will treasure.

Key Details:

  • Price: Just $25 per yearbook
  • Delivery: Books will arrive in June, perfect timing for summer break
  • How to Order: Go directly to Vienna ES's Jostens page

Don't risk missing out on this year's memories! The yearbook captures all the special moments, friendships, and milestones that made this year at Vienna Elementary unique.


Say "Hi" to the 4th Quarter!

smiling student with play button on top

Be part of the Vienna ES family! Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things happening at our school.