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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
May 7, 2025
Early Release Monday
Reminder that Monday, May 19th 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, May 15th.
IN THIS ISSUE
- Teacher Appreciation Week! May 5 - May 9
- SOL Spring Schedule-Grades 3-6
- Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available
- 5th and 6th grade 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
- Art Walk
- Book Drive and Bookmobile
- Parent Input Form for 2025-2026 Class Placement
- Kindergarten Registration
- Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
- Chronic Absenteeism
- FCPS Cares
- Positivity Project
- Strings Registration for SY 2025-2026
- Band Registration for SY 2025-2026
- Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- PE Summer Sports Camp 2025
- PTA Fundraisers
- 2025 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp – Registration Now Open!
- FCPS Summer Camp Programs at VRES
- FCPS Summer Extravaganza 2025
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
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.
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).
Teacher Appreciation Week is off to a great start! Teachers enjoyed their favorite popsicle from King of Pops on Monday! Our wonderful Admin. team grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for the staff for our luncheon on Tuesday! Thank you to all the families that donated food and volunteered their time to make the luncheon a success. We appreciate it!
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
3. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Now Available
Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.
Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.
For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.
4. 5th and 6th grade 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
We are excited to host our 29th annual 3 on 3 basketball tournament for 5th and 6th grades on Wednesday, May 21. Special thanks to the people who volunteered to referee so far. We would not be able to hold this event without our volunteer referees. We are still accepting parents that would like to referee the tournament. Our 5th and 6th graders have an opportunity to play and win the tournament and have their names displayed on the plaque outside of the gym forever. There will also be a costume contest and the best dressed will win a pizza party, compliments of Mr. A and Mr. Rose.
Click the link below to access the permission slip with all of the information. The participant needs the permission slip signed by a parent and a ride home on that day. We are looking forward to a great tournament.
3 on 3 Basketball Form 24_25
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5. Art Walk
Families are invited to our Annual Art Walk on Tuesday, June 3rd from 5:30 – 6:30 PM. This fun annual event is a showcase for every student at Virginia Run. Our Viking artists have been creating all year and are ready to show their work! Every student will have an artwork on display, and we will have a scavenger hunt for art throughout the school. Please join us for a fun evening!
6. Book Drive and Bookmobile
This year our annual Bookmobile is going to have a new look! Instead of coming out into the neighborhood during the summer, all students will visit the Bookmobile in school during the week of June 2nd. Our goal is that every student will have the opportunity to choose at least 1 book to take home for summer reading.
In order to make the Bookmobile successful, we will be collecting new or gently used children’s books (appropriate for preK-6th grade) during our annual Book Drive. The Book Drive will be May 12th-30th during school hours. Books may be dropped off in the boxes in the school lobby. Please do not drop off books after May 30th.
Thank you for your support and happy reading!
7. 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.
8. 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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9. 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!
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 May 7th, Virginia Run is ranked 4.7% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 10.3%. 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
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 community will focus on the character strength of Enthusiasm. Enthusiasm means approaching life with energy and excitement, and it helps bring joy to those around us.
When people are enthusiastic, they show excitement about tasks, making it easier for them and others to stay involved. Enthusiastic people often inspire others, bringing fresh ideas and helping groups work better together.
Enthusiasm is contagious! It can lead to more success and happiness for both individuals and groups. When one person shows enthusiasm, it can encourage others to feel more energized and motivated, too.
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. Strings Registration for SY 2025-2026
Parents of Rising 4th, 5th, and 6th graders:
Sign your student up for the 2025-2026 Strings program at Virginia Run!
Click the link below to learn more about the strings program and to register your student.
Strings Registration 2025-2026
14. Band Registration for SY 2025-2026
Parents of Rising 5th and 6th graders:
Sign your student up for the 2025-2026 Band program at Virginia Run!
Learn more and click here to register:
Band Registration 2025-2026
Our Science Quest participants did an amazing job on their science projects!
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. 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
17. 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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18. 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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19. 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
20. FCPS Summer Extravaganza 2025
Join Us for the 2025 FCPS Summer Extravaganza!
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas!
Have an unforgettable experience at the FCPS Summer Extravaganza! FCPS invites all families to get a jump on summer learning by participating in engaging, educational, and enriching activities for Fairfax County students. There will be outdoor games, story telling, snacks, music, food vendors, prizes, and more!
The Summer Extravaganza is FREE and will take place:
Saturday, May 10
10:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Woodson High School Parking Lot
9525 Main St., Fairfax, VA 22031
www.fcps.edu/SummerExtravaganza
21. Important Upcoming Dates
5/5 - 5/9: Teacher Appreciation Week
5/19: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/21: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, 4:00 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
22. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
23. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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