|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
A Note from the Principal
Dear Daniels Run Family,
What a fantastic week we've had with the book fair, AVID showcase and the strings concert! As we look forward to a fun and relaxing spring break, please note that there will be no newsletter next week.
Input For Next Year
As we prepare for the 2025-26 school year, your input is important to us. You know your child best and we value your opinion. Please fill out the student input form with any information you feel is important for us to know as we choose your child’s classroom for next year:
https://forms.gle/B6sus6qyb6jyxf1a6
Staffing Update
I have some significant staffing news to share. It is with mixed emotions that I announce our Assistant Principal, Sara Van Aalst, will be transitioning to Providence Elementary next year. Sara has been an integral part of the Daniels Run family for the past three years, contributing immensely to our school community. While we will certainly miss her, we are excited for her as she embarks on this new journey. We will have the opportunity to celebrate Sara's contributions at our end-of-the-year festivities.
At the same time, I am thrilled to welcome Brandy O'Bryant, currently the Assistant Principal at McNair Elementary School, who will join us for the 2025-26 school year as our new Assistant Principal. We are excited to bring Brandy into our community and know she will bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm. Below are a few words from Brandy:
Hello, Daniels Run Family!
My name is Brandy O’Bryant, and I am so excited to come to Daniels Run Elementary School next year as assistant principal. My deep passion for education and children has driven my career, including the last three rewarding years as Assistant Principal at McNair Elementary, where I supported students in preschool through second grade. Before that, I served as an instructional coach at Willow Springs Elementary. My experience also includes teaching 4th, 5th, and 1st grade, as well as working as a math and reading interventionist. Building strong relationships with students, teachers, and families is a core value for me.
Outside school, I enjoy spending time with family, especially with my two sons. We enjoy being outside, taking walks, and watching football and baseball. My youngest son is 13 and keeps us busy with baseball, and I am a very proud Air Force mom to my oldest son who lives in California. I also enjoy reading and traveling.
I am looking forward to joining the Daniels Run family and community!
Brandy
From the entire Daniels Run staff, we wish you a safe, restful, and enjoyable spring break!
Kindest regards,
Susan Mullen, Principal
|
Daniels Run Staff Volleyball Team
It was an exciting night last Friday, April 4 when our amazing Daniels Run ES staff volleyball team went head to head with Providence ES staff volleyball team! GO DRAGONS!
 Pops & Pals: Pickles' Style! Fundraiser
For $25, Pickles the Dragon will rock out with your little dragon and send their class off on their weekend in style with ice pops and a song on Friday, May 2. Purchase your party by noon on Wednesday, April 30 here: https://dres.givebacks.com All proceeds will benefit the 6th Grade year end celebration."
We Love Our Military Families!
 Military-Connected Family Support
FCPS welcomes all of our new and returning military-connected families throughout the year! Whether your family is moving permanently to the school district or living here for a short time, our schools and support staff welcome you and will be able to assist with your transition into and/or out of our district.
Visit the FCPS Military Families webpage and sign up to receive the Military Families newsletter. Follow FCPS Military Families accounts on Facebook and Instagram for support and resources throughout the year. If you have any questions, please email the FCPS Family and School Partnerships team.
PTA News
 Donuts with Dragons- Save the Date- April 29th 8:00am-8:45am- Students must be supervised until the bell rings @ 8:45am
🗓️ SOL Testing Dates 🗓️
Our Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are in May.
These assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards. The content tested varies by grade level. See below for the scheduled dates this Spring.
Grade 3:
-
📖 Reading: Thursday, May 8
-
🧮 Math: Friday, May 16
Grade 4:
-
📖 Reading: Friday, May 9
-
🧮Math: Thursday, May 15
Grade 5:
-
📖 Reading: Wednesday, May 7
-
🧮 Math: Wednesday, May 14
-
🔬 Science: Tuesday, May 20
Grade 6:
-
📖 Reading: Tuesday, May 6
-
🧮 Math: Tuesday, May 13
If you have any questions about SOL tests, please reach out to our School Testing Coordinator, Sara Van Aalst (smvanaalst@fcps.edu).
Excellence Is at a Crossroads
Excellent teachers are the heart of FCPS! They inspire our kids, go the extra mile, and make a real difference. But the current Fairfax County Board of Supervisors advertised budget underfunds FCPS by $150 million for next year.
Being fully funded helps keep class sizes down and the number of highly-qualified teachers up at FCPS. Keeping the best teachers includes compensation that allows them to live and work in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County budget priorities survey is open until Thursday, April 24. Take a moment to share your thoughts. Now is the time. Learn more about how excellence is at a Crossroads.
Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
-
School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
-
FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family engagement.
-
FCPS Family Academy – We know that as a parent or caregiver, you play a critical role in your child's education. The Family Academy compiles classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources to help you ensure your child has what they need to succeed.
-
Family Liaisons – Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. You may reach our wonderful family liaison, Estefania Castro, at ecastro1@fcps.edu.
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child as soon as possible!
☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza
Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!
Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.
Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
|
🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.
Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms
Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).
Drivers have begun to receive warnings. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.
According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction, unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped. They should remain stopped until everyone is clear, and the bus is moving.
We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with FCPS to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more about the stop arm cameras and other ways FCPS works with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.
Music News
🎵 Spring DRES Music Concerts:
* April 24: Chorus Spring Concert for Community; 6:30-7pm (Café)
* June 4: Strings Concert for community: 7-7:30pm (Gym)
🎵Bravo to Dr. Mincer and the 5th & 6th grade Band! They performed 2 fantastic performances yesterday!
🎵 Our April musician of the month is the American pop a cappella group: Pentatonix.
🎵 Summer Music Opportunities for students:
-
SUMMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week day camp at George Mason University. Only a few spots still available.
-
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perforfm, make, and create. Students take part in 4 daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
-
IFTA is a 2- or 3-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11.
 
P2 News
Dear Families,
When we return from spring break, our school community will focus on the character strength of Fairness. Fairness means treating everyone with respect and recognizing that all people have value. It also means being open-minded and fair in how we approach situations.
By teaching fairness, we help students develop into responsible, trustworthy, and kind individuals who care about others. Fairness builds the foundation for strong friendships and a positive community.
To practice and encourage the character strength of fairness 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:
- Celebrating Our Successes
- FCPS Resources for Families
- Budget Update
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
 FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025
Important Dates
April 14-8- Spring Break- School Closed and Office Closed
April 24- Spring Concert for Community @ 6:30-7pm (Café)
April 28- 3 Hour Early Release Monday (Students are dismissed at 12:45pm)
April 28- PTA Meeting @ 7PM
April 29- Donuts with Dragons (8:00-8:45AM)
May 5-9- Teacher Appreciation Week
May 19- 3 Hour Early Release Monday (Students are dismissed at 12:45pm)
Quick Links
|
