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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
April 23, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
- Teacher Appreciation Week! May 5 - May 9
- SOL Spring Schedule-Grades 3-6
- FCPS Earth Week
- Refs for 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Needed
- SCA Service Project April 28 - May 2
- Parent Input Form for 2025-2026 Class Placement
- Kindergarten Registration
- Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
- Chronic Absenteeism
- Viking Shop
- FCPS Cares
- Positivity Project
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PTA Meeting Dates
- PTA Volunteers Needed!
- VRES Viking Dash - This Friday!
- Virginia Run Science Quest NEW Information
- PE Summer Sports Camp 2025
- PTA Fundraisers
- 2025 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp – Registration Now Open!
- FCPS Summer Camp Programs at VRES
- Westfield Theatre Presents the Sound of Music
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Calendar Reminders
Early Release Monday
Reminder that Monday, April 28 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, April 24.
1. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5-9
From the VRES PTA:
This year's theme is "Garden of Delights: Thank You For Helping Us Bloom"! Keep an eye out from your room parent(s) with information on any specific plans for your classroom teacher.
Monday, May 5 - Gift of Time and Popsicles!
The PTA will treat teachers and staff to locally-sourced and unique popsicles from King of Pops. Classroom teachers will also be gifted with some extra planning time this day!
Our teachers are "pear-fect" and "one-in-a-melon"! Students can bring in a piece of fruit to share with their teacher! Bring in a few extra to share with your child's specialists (music, art, PE, library, AAP, ESOL, etc.)!
Tuesday, May 6 - Grill Lunch!
The PTA, Administration, and Office Staff will be hosting a Grill Lunch outside! We need your help to provide side dishes and desserts. Please use the following link to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0B4CAFAD2AA0FD0-56273810-teacher
Our specialists are awesome! Students can draw a picture, make a card, or write a letter to their "specials" teachers (music, art, PE, library, AAP, ESOL, etc.). Parents can also consider writing a note to specialists to show their gratitude.
Wednesday, May 7 - Gastronomic Goodies!
The PTA will provide fun drinks, treats, and snacks for teachers & staff!
Brighten up the classroom! Students can wear their teacher's favorite color! Room parents will contact parents to let them know their teacher's favorite colors.
Thursday, May 8 - Gifts Giveaway!
The PTA will have a few games and raffles for teachers & staff to win gifts and gift cards!
Our teachers are amazing! Students can draw a picture, make a card, or write a letter to their classroom teachers and IAs. Parents can also consider writing a note to teachers to show their gratitude.
Friday, May 9 - Get Your Day off to a Great Start Breakfast Cart!
The PTA and Administration will visit all over the school with a breakfast cart to help get everyone's day off to a great start!
End the week on a sweet note! Students can bring in a candy treat for your teacher and all students can have a day of amazing behavior and smiles for the teachers in the school!
The student ideas listed above are optional. If families have other ways they would like to show their appreciation, please feel free!
If you have any questions about Teacher Appreciation Week, please contact your room parent(s) or Alana Chang (alanachang613@gmail.com).
2. SOL Spring Schedule - Grades 3-6
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.
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).
3rd Grade:
- Reading SOL: May 8
- Math SOL: May 14
4th Grade:
- Reading SOL: May 8
- Math SOL: May 14
5th Grade:
- Reading SOL: May 7
- Math SOL: May 15
- Science SOL: May 21
6th Grade:
- Reading SOL: May 7
- Math SOL: May 15
 Staff and students wore purple for PurpleUp! Day on Wednesday, April 9.
3. FCPS Earth Week
It’s been feeling like spring recently, so it’s time to start thinking about FCPS Earth Week! Get2Green is hosting FCPS Earth Week April 21 - 25, 2024. The themes for Earth Week are:
- Monday, April 21 - wear blue for Watershed Day
- Tuesday, April 22 - wear green for Earth Day
- Wednesday, April 23 - wear white for Zero Waste Day
- Thursday, April 24 - wear red for Climate Change Day
- Friday, April 25 - wear a nature print for Wildlife Day
Engage students with FCPS Earth Week BINGO boards for elementary and a Day of Service for secondary for the chance to win prizes. Check the Get2Green webpage (https://get2green.fcps.edu/EarthWeek.html) for everything you need to get started.
Looking for more fun Earth Week activities? Fairfax County Park Authority's Earth Day Festival will be held Saturday, April 26 from 10am-4pm at the Sully Historic Site. The festival will include earth and nature-focused programs, scavenger hunts, and more.
4. Refs for 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Needed
Mr. A and Mr. Rose want to host their annual 5th and 6th grade 3 on 3 basketball tournament, but before they set a date, they need support from our parents. In order for this tournament to work and be successful we will need at least 6 parents to referee the games. Don’t worry, if you are reffing and your child is playing in a game, you will be on “break” to watch them play! This tournament can only work if we have help from you! If you want and can be part of this great event please email Mr. Rose at ssrosenfeld@fcps.edu and Mr. A at jjantoncic@fcps.edu. We would love to keep this great tradition going!
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5. SCA Service Project April 28 – May 2
Our student leaders would like to ask your support for their spring service project! This project will support our furry friends in the community. We are collecting cat and dog food for the Fairfax Animal Shelter. Bags must be small, unopened, and unexpired. Dry food only, please. Students may bring contributions to the lobby between April 28 and May 2.
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. Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
Welcome NEW Virginia Run Vikings! You are invited to bring your families and come to Virginia Run on August 5, for a tour of the school and to informally meet new friends. The kindergarten session will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and the grades 1-6 session will be from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. This event will include a bus ride around the neighborhood and a school tour by our very own staff members and administrators, followed by popsicles on the playground. Come out to meet new friends before the first day of school!
Ms. Arreaza bumped into The Schilling Crew while hiking The Billy Goat Trail over Spring Break! #Vikingsonthemove
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 19th, Virginia Run is ranked 3.3% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 11.7%. 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 will close TOMORROW, April 24th! Students can come between 9:00 - 9:10 AM on Thursday 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. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week, our school will focus on the character strength of Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence. This means noticing and valuing the world's beauty and people's skills and not taking things for granted.
Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence involves recognizing and enjoying what is admirable. Positive psychology identifies three types of goodness: physical beauty (like sunsets or music), exceptional skills or talents, and moral goodness (like character strengths). Appreciating beauty can inspire awe, skills can generate admiration, and moral goodness can elevate us. These feelings help us forget ourselves and find more joy and meaning in the world.
This strength helps individuals experience positive emotions and connect with the world around them. It is outward-facing, focusing on external beauty and excellence, often leading to deep absorption in awe or admiration, which can help alleviate anxieties. It is also linked to other strengths, such as gratitude, curiosity, love of learning, and purpose.
To practice and encourage character strengths at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish).
13. 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.
14. PTA Meeting Dates for 2024-2025
PTA Meeting Dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Meeting will start at 7:00 PM.
5/13- General Meeting
15. PTA Volunteers Needed!
The Virginia Run PTA is still in need of volunteers for the fun events we have planned for this spring! We are specifically in need of volunteers for Viking Dash, Science Quest, and Teacher Appreciation Week. Please take a look at the volunteer opportunities and consider signing up. Thank you!
SIGN ME UP!
16. VRES Viking Dash - This Friday!
The VRES 10th Annual Viking Dash is this 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.
To register online, volunteer to help with this event or for Frequently Asked Questions, visit https://vrespta.ptboard.com/.
**Packet Pick-up will be THURSDAY, APRIL 24 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM IN THE BUS LOOP and Friday, April 25 from 5:00 - 5:45 PM IN THE BUS LOOP.
17. Virginia Run Science Quest NEW Information
There have been some changes to the Science Quest. Please read for updated information.
Calling all Scientists!! K-6th Viking students are invited to participate in our annual Science Quest.
Project Guidelines:
- Pick a topic that you would like to research
- Perform an experiment and analyze your data
- Create a Tri-Fold poster board layout to have on display through May 9th
- Students may participate individually or in groups
Important Information:
- Registration Deadline is April 25th
- May 1st, 6:30 - 7:00 PM: Students drop off their projects in foyer
- Projects will be exhibited in the foyer from May 1st through May 9th
- Students are invited to create a 1-2 minute video about their project
- Videos will be featured on the morning news for the entire school to watch
- Awards and prizes for all participants!
Register by using the link below.
https://vrespta.ptboard.com/annlist?group=&ann=d6ae7c0a-9e44-4050-b59b-fe0fdfc14ade~n.9223370295698550294
Questions? Contact: Kimberly Wilson VRESVPEducation@gmail.com.
 18. PE Summer Sports Camp 2025
Get ready for an action-packed 4-day adventure at Virginia Run Elementary School! Led by our amazing PE Teacher, Mr. Rosenfeld. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hang with your classmates, learn new skills, and have a blast! We will offer a variety of different sports and activities for students in all grades. This camp is open to all Virginia Run students. Please note, registration is for either morning OR afternoon session.
When: June 23 - June 26
Morning Session: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Every day we will try to increase the fitness level of each camper. We will do this in many ways, including fitness games, cooperative challenges, and individual fitness sessions, where each camper will set a goal for themselves and try to achieve it during the week.
What to bring: Campers should wear proper P.E. clothing each day, which includes tennis shoes. No open toe shoes or Crocs, please. Campers should also bring a water bottle each day.
Snacks, including drinks and pizza slices will be available for purchase each day.
PE Summer Sports Camp 2025
Contact Scott Rosenfeld if you have any questions about the camp: ssrosenfeld@fcps.edu
Contact Kimberly Wilson with registration questions: VRESVPEducation@gmail.com
19. PTA Fundraisers
- Fun Land Fundraiser - SAVE THE DATE!
PTA is sponsoring a fundraiser at Fun Land, 5111 Westfields Blvd, Centreville, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 4:00 - 9:00 PM. Enjoy over 100 amazing arcade games, go-karts, laser tag, ropes course, and rock climbing. Each participant will receive a 3 hour unlimited attractions pass along with a $10 arcade card for only $20 per person! Purchase at the door. Must say you are with VRES.
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.
Shop now and show off your school spirit!
Visit the new spirit wear store! https://virginiarun.deco-apparel.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
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20. 2025 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp – Registration Now Open!
Franklin Band and Orchestra Camp is a summer program designed to develop young musicians of ALL levels and is open to students between the ages of 9-14. The camp has four Band Ensembles and five Orchestra Ensembles. All ensemble levels challenge the musicianship of our students. Each day, students will have the opportunity to grow musically through both large ensemble performance and small group/instrument-specific clinics. One day of camp is roughly equivalent to four weekly elementary band or strings lessons during the schoolyear. This can really accelerate a child’s musical development. Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp is a fantastic summer opportunity for young musicians!
WHERE:
Chantilly High School
WHEN:
June 23rd thru Friday, July 11th (no camp July 4th)
Monday-Friday
Orchestra 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Band 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
More information and registration available at www.franklinbandcamp.com.
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21. 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.
FCPA Summer Camps 2025 - Virginia Run ES
22. Westfield Theatre Presents the Sound of Music
Westfield High School Theatre Presents The Sound of Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein.
May 1st and 2nd at 7:00 PM and May 3rd and 4th at 1:00 PM
Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student. All seats reserved.
All info found at www.westfieldtheatre.com.
The Sound of Music Poster
23. Important Upcoming Dates
4/25: Viking Dash, 6:00 PM
4/28: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/5 - 5/9: Teacher Appreciation Week
5/19: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/26: Memorial Day- Student Holiday
6/5: Westfield High School Senior Walk, VRES, 2:00 - 2:30 PM
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
8/5: Kindergarten New Student Tours & Playdates 9:00 AM
8/5: Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates 10:00 AM
View the calendar online here: https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/pdf/2024-2025-standard-school-year-calendar.pdf
24. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
25. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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