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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 14, 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
- SOL Spring Schedule-Grades 3-6
- SOL Scores can be seen in ParentVue and StudentVue
- 5th and 6th grade 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
- 2025 PE Olympics Have Started!
- Art Walk
- Book Drive and Bookmobile
- Lost and Found
- 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)
- VRES PTA Board Elections
- PE Summer Sports Camp 2025
- PTA Fundraisers - Fund Land - Next Tuesday!
- 2025 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp – Registration Now Open!
- FCPS Summer Camp Programs at VRES
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
1. 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).
These are the remaining grade levels that have SOL testing.
5th Grade:
- Math SOL: May 15
- Science SOL: May 21
6th Grade:
2. SOL Scores can be seen in ParentVue and StudentVue
Good Afternoon,
Virginia Run students have begun their SOL testing in grades 3-6. We recognize that every student is different—some may be curious about their score, while for others, this information might cause unnecessary stress. We encourage you to consider your child’s individual needs before discussing their results. Scores will be updated on Mondays and will be visible in SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE.
Thank you for your continued partnership in their success!
Lauren Arreaza and Kelly Coulter
Site Testing Coordinators
3. 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 here 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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4. 2025 PE Olympics Have Started!
We started off our 2025 PE OLYMPICS last week with the PACER test. The kids did their personal best all week! It was great to see everyone working so hard and trying to improve on their previous scores. The next few events we will be doing are the baseball long throw, tire pull, and jump rope. Here is a photo of a couple of the top 2nd grade runners for the PACER and a picture of our very own principal, Mr. Gerstner, showing the students how to do perfect form of the jump rope!
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. Lost and Found
Don't forget to check the lost and found or ask your children to do so by the last day of school. There are a LOT of items in there which will be donated at the end of the school year.
All items will be on display during the Art Walk on Wednesday, June 5.
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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!
Our pre-school students are having fun drawing butterflies!
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 14th, Virginia Run is ranked 3.8% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 11.2%. 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 Leadership. Leadership means valuing each person in your group and encouraging everyone to do their best.
Leadership can be formal, like being a team captain, or informal, like helping others work together. It’s about getting things done while keeping the group’s spirit strong. Leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do — it’s about listening, understanding others, solving problems, and inspiring everyone to work toward a common goal.
As students learn more about leadership, they will see how working together with others can help them achieve more. Being a good leader helps build confidence and a strong sense of self.
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
15. Congratulations to our Westfield Area Honor Band Participants
Congratulations to all the Virginia Run band students who participated in the Westfield Area Honor Band performance last week as part of the Westfield Pyramid Concert on May 6th at Westfield High School!
These students put on a great performance and got to share the stage with the Stone Panther Jazz Band as well as the Westfield Jazz Band. The Westfield Area Honor Band consists of 5th and 6th grade band students from Virginia Run, Bull Run, Cub Run, London Towne, and Deer Park elementary schools.
Area Band students participate in once-a-week rehearsals after school at Stone Middle School starting in late March. They learned some fun and challenging music and got to work with the Stone band director and participate in sectional rehearsals with Stone band students. Area Band is a great opportunity for elementary students to get a taste of the middle school band experience!
16. 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.
17. VRES PTA Board Elections
VRES PTA Board Elections are coming up! We are looking for volunteers for certain positions.
President, Treasure and VP of Social all need to be filled for next year but all positions are available for nominations and voting. If you are interested in serving on the PTA Board, please reach out to the nominating committee at enningaamy@gmail.com before Wednesday.
PTA Board Positions
President - coordinates the work of the officers and committees of the local PTA in order that the purposes may be promoted. Oversees the general operations of the PTA.
VP Of Social - oversees all social committees and their teams. Coordinates social events for the staff and the students in conjunction with celebrations throughout the year.
VP of Fundraising - oversees and is in charge of all fundraising efforts for the PTA.
VP of Education - oversees and is in charge of all educational enrichments clubs/activities to include registration and coordination of before/after school clubs and educational assemblies for the students.
Secretary - oversees and is in charge of all minutes/records for the PTA. The Secretary keeps the official copies of bylaws, is in charge of posting to social media including monitoring accounts that the PTA runs. The Secretary also maintains the PTA membership list.
Treasurer - oversees and is in charge of all funds and finances of the PTA, which includes full and accurate accounting for all transactions, making disbursements and reimbursements as appropriate. The Treasurer presents a written financial statement at each meeting, prepares annual financial reports and submits required forms to the IRS for review.
 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 - Next Tuesday!
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 or click https://fairfax.usedirect.com/FairfaxFCPAWeb/Activities/Search.aspx.
FCPA Summer Camps 2025 - Virginia Run ES
22. Important Upcoming Dates
5/19: Early Release Monday- Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/20: Fun Land Fundraiser, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
5/21: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, 4:00 PM
5/26: Memorial Day- Student Holiday
6/3: Art Walk, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
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 9:30 AM
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
23. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
24. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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