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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 21, 2025
Memorial Day Holiday
All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 26, for the Memorial Day holiday.
Learn about the history of Memorial Day.
See the complete school year calendar.
IN THIS ISSUE
- A Fond Farewell to Staff Members
- New or Returning Staff to Virginia Run - Fall 2025
- Staff Moving to a New Position for 2025-2026
- SOL Retakes
- SOL Scores can be seen in ParentVue and StudentVue
- Art Walk
- Book Drive and Bookmobile
- Health Room Notice
- SCA Spirit Day this Friday
- 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
- PTA Bake Sale
- PE Summer Sports Camp 2025
- PTA Fundraisers
- 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. A Fond Farewell to Staff Members
Each year, we take a moment to celebrate and share our appreciation for staff who are leaving Virginia Run Elementary School. We have 2 staff members retiring this year and a few who are leaving for new opportunities.
We thank you and wish each of you well as you begin the next chapter of your stories!
RETIREES:
Nick Rousos - As many of you know, Mr. Nick Rousos is one of our dedicated assistant principals and has formed meaningful and lasting relationships with our students, staff, and families. After 31 years of outstanding service to Fairfax County Public Schools, Mr. Rousos has announced his retirement. He is looking forward to spending more time with family and friends—and enjoying well-deserved days fishing on his boat in Florida.
Mr. Rousos began his career in 1994 as a sixth grade teacher at Bonnie Brae Elementary School after graduating from GMU with a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. He was quickly recognized for his strong instructional practices, exceptional people skills, and the caring learning environment he created for his students. In 1999, after earning a Masters in Educational Administration and Supervision from GMU, he was selected to participate in the school-based administrator leadership program as an intern at Cunningham Park ES and, in 2000, became the assistant principal at Forestville ES and then Cherry Run ES. He was tasked to lead as the principal of Keene Mill and Laurel Ridge Elementary schools, during which time he earned his Virginia Superintendents License. He later served as a special projects administrator and, in order to reestablish a work-life balance for his children, returned as assistant principal at Mantua ES before joining the VRES family. Throughout his career, Mr. Rousos has been celebrated for his exemplary staff evaluations, support to teachers and staff, collaborative approach with families, and his steadfast commitment to student-centered decision-making.
Mr. Rousos prefers the focus remain on student celebrations as we end the year and has asked not to have a schoolwide retirement ceremony. He looks forward to saying his goodbyes to students, staff, and parents over the next few weeks and as he circulates through the end-of-year class parties. Please take a moment to say thank you when you see him, or drop him an email at PostFCPSNick@gmail.com.
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Deborah Sealey - Deborah Sealey started her educational career in 1990 as an Instructional Assistant in New York City and Rochester, NY before coming to Virginia Run in 2002. Starting in New York with a degree in Liberal Arts from The State University of New York and Nazareth Colleges, Mrs. Sealey continued her education with an undergraduate degree of science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Stout as well as a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance from University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. Notes from her interview and reference checks from 2002 have comments such as “excellent employee,” “can’t find anyone like her anymore,” and “won’t go wrong if you were to hire her.” In her time at VRES, Mrs. Sealey has worked with students with academic and social needs in a variety of ways. She has lived up to those recommendations, becoming a valued member of the VRES family who will be missed as enjoys a well-deserved retirement.
Mrs. Sealey plans to travel and volunteer in her church, and is considering tutoring a few days a week. She likes to read and cook healthy nutritious foods. Mrs. Sealey is married and has two adult children who also live in Virginia. Although she is excited about this next chapter in her life, she will miss the children and her co-workers at Virginia Run Elementary School.
STAFF LEAVING:
Chelsea Lewis - Moving to Texas
Christina Freeman - Moving to Dogwood ES as a Math Specialist
Katherine Morsch - Moving to Prince William County Public Schools to teach closer to home
Meagan Morrison Crabill - Moving to Bailey’s Upper ES to teach theater
Megan West - Moving to Ohio
Michelle Calabro - Moving to New Orleans
2. New or Returning Staff to Virginia Run - Fall 2025
- Sarah Funkhouser - Kindergarten (Graduate of GMU)
- Jallene Eckert - 1st Grade (Seasoned Teacher from Michigan)
- Michelle Whetstone - 1st Grade (Currently a teacher at Providence ES)
- Anna Mattfeld - 3rd grade (Currently long term sub at VRES)
- Josh Priester - 5th Grade (Currently a teacher at Lees Corner ES)
3. Staff Moving to a New Position for 2025-2026
Amy Rhee - From 1st grade to 2nd grade
Cami Bergen - From 2nd grade to 4th grade
Jenna Roberts - From Kindergarten to 1st grade
Maggie Carey - From 3rd grade to 5th grade
Merete Showalter - From 1st grade to 2nd grade
Rachel Wyllie (School Counselor) - From 4 days to 5 days a week
Please be mindful that additional staffing updates may continue to occur throughout the summer. We will share final staffing updates prior to the opening of school. Thank you!
4. SOL Retakes
The Virginia Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) testing is complete. A passing score is anything between 400-600. Any student who did not pass the SOL and scored in the range of 375-399 has 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).
5. 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
6. 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!
7. 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!
8. Health Room Notice
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 2:00 pm, student dismissal time, on the last day of school, June 11. Medication left in the health room after that time will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home with your student.
Medications may also be picked up before June 11 during school hours. Please call the health room at 703-988-8910 before coming to pick up medications.
Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school.
9. SCA Spirit Day
The last SCA Spirit Day is this Friday, May 23. Wear red, white, and blue!
10. 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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11. 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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12. 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!
13. 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 21st, Virginia Run is ranked 5.4% away from our chronic absenteeism rate being in the yellow with a school percentage of 9.6%. 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
14. 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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15. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
This week is a Positivity Project review week at Virginia Run. We have covered all traits for the year! Next week we will finish our year strong by coming back to the idea that started it all- that Other People Matter.
To practice and encourage character strengths at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish).
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16. 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
17. 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
18. 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.
19. VRES PTA Board Elections
VRES PTA Board Elections will be held at the Art Walk on June 3rd from 5:30 - 6:30 PM. There will be a table setup with a bake sale and voting ballots! Please stop by.
We are still 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 Thursday May 29th.
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.
20. PTA Bake Sale
The PTA will be having a bake sale and PTA elections at the Art Walk on Tuesday, June 3, at 5:30 - 6:30 PM. Please consider donating some homemade or store-bought baked goods to benefit the PTA. Send in or drop off baked goods in the main office on Tuesday, June 3, by 4:00 PM. All items must be individually bagged or wrapped. Please note ingredients or possible allergens. Thank you for your support!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E044EAFAF2CA6F94-56927832-ptabake#/
 21. 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
Virginia Run was “flocked” by the 6th Grade Celebration yesterday!
22. PTA Fundraisers
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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23. 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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24. 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
25. Important Upcoming Dates
5/22: 5th Grade Spring Chorus Concert, 9:45 AM, 2:45 PM, & 7:00 PM
5/23: SCA Spirit Day - Wear Red, White, and Blue
5/26: Memorial Day- Student Holiday
5/30: 6th Grade Musical, 9:45 AM, 2:45 AM, & 7:00 PM
6/3: Art Walk, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
6/3: Strings Concert, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
6/5: Band Concert, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
6/5: Westfield High School Senior Walk, VRES, 2:00 - 2:30 PM
6/6: Field Day
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
26. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
27. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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