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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Ashley Nelson - Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette
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Gunston Elementary
Summer Office Hours
9:00am - 1:00pm
Please call the office during these hours if you need to schedule an appointment at a different time.
703-541-3600
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Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Parents and caregivers can view important information in SIS ParentVUE such as student attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores. Watch this video if you would like help creating a ParentVUE account.
You will keep the same ParentVUE account until your student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same account. An app is also available for Apple and Android devices.
If you already have an account, be sure to update your phone numbers and/or email addresses (in the Parent/Guardian section), so your child’s school can send you important information. Learn more about SIS ParentVUE.
Calendar Reminders: 2025 First Day of School
Monday, August 18, is the first day of school for the 2025-26 school year. View the 2025-26 school year calendar for additional important dates.
Limited Early Release Days for Elementary Schools will shift to WEDNESDAYS this school year
Proposed dates and information regarding early release Wednesdays for elementary schools are available on the FCPS website.
(Please note: Gunston's Early Release Wednesdays are listed under the HAYFIELD pyramid:
September 17 * October 15 * November 19 * December 17
February 25 * March 25 * April 29 * May 20
Students will be released at 12:20pm on the dates noted
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. School meals have high nutrition standards, and recent updates make them even better. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families that are earning less than 185% of the poverty level can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2025-26 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Be School-Ready!
Where to Get Required Immunizations
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following clinics:
FCHD offers limited walk-in hours for immunization services on a first-come-first-served basis. Immunizations are also available by appointment.
- Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekday and weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
Upcoming Events
Kindergarten Playdate - August 6th
9:30am - 10:30am
(Classrooms and teachers will not be available to visit at this time)
We’re excited to welcome our newest Eagles and their families to Gunston Elementary for our Annual Kindergarten Play Date. Join us for a fun and casual morning on the playground! There will be light refreshments, snacks, and plenty of opportunities for your child to play and begin making new friends. We can’t wait to meet our incoming Kindergarteners and start building connections with our wonderful families.
Chew & Chat with 6th Graders
August 6th
11:30am - 1:00pm
(Classrooms and teachers will not be available to visit at this time)
Please complete the Google Form if your 6th grader will attend.
Calling all rising 6th graders! Join us for a special lunch with the Gunston admin team on Tuesday, August 6th from 11:30am – 1:00pm. We'll enjoy pizza, get to know each other, and talk about your hopes and dreams for your final year at Gunston.
This event is just for 6th grade students—please plan to drop off at 11:30am and pick up at 1:00pm.
Tours for Families New to Gunston
August 7th
2:30pm - 3:30 pm
(Classrooms and teachers will not be available to visit at this time)
Popsicles with Principals on the Playground
August 7th
4:00pm - 5:00pm
Gunston Open House
August 15th
9:00am - 10:15am
Open House is an informal event prior to the start of school for students and families to tour the building, meet and greet teachers, collect general information about classes and programs, meet new friends in class, drop off school supplies, and have opportunities to sign up for Kiss and Ride, PTA/PTO, and other activities.
We ask that you come at the following times to support parking challenges:
Families with Last Names A-L 9:00am - 9:30am
Families with Last Names M-Z 9:40am - 10:10 am
Please plan on ending your time in the classroom by 10:10am
Back to School Night
September 4th
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Back to School Night (BTSN) provides a structured opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with teachers and learn important detailed information about academic outcomes for each subject, curriculum changes, expectations for the school year, supports for students, communication methods for parents, and more. It is an occasion to establish rapport, build trust, and create a positive working relationship with families.
Summer Meals for Students
FCPS’ Summer Meal Service Program provides breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children aged 18 and younger. Check FCPS’ Food and Nutrition Services webpage and the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder for specific dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please email SummerMeals@fcps.edu or call 703-813-4800.
Welcome to Our New Staff
Ms. Ashley Nelson
Assistant Principal
I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Gunston Elementary! It’s an honor to join such a dedicated and welcoming school, and I look forward to partnering with you to support the success and well-being of every student.
My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a master's in educational leadership and policy studies, and Principal Certification. I began my career as a math teacher and coach before moving into administration. I’ve previously served as an Assistant Principal at Justice High School, Poe Middle School, and held similar roles in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Dallas, Texas.
Though most of my experience has been at the secondary level, I’m excited to shift to elementary education, where the foundation for lifelong learning is built. As a mom to a 5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, I deeply value this stage in a child’s development and look forward to sharing in these important years with our families.
Throughout my career, I’ve focused on instructional leadership, positive school culture, MTSS, PBIS, and equity-based supports—especially for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. My goal is to help every student feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.
I can’t wait to meet you and begin a joyful and successful school year together!
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Ms. Jennifer Aguon, Special Education Teacher
Ms. Angela Andress-Day, Grade 2 Teacher
Ms. Elizabeth Nangauta, Special Education Teacher
Ms. Laura Oksendahl, Special Education Teacher
Ms. Ruth Short, Dining Room Assistant
Ms. Stephanie Steigerwalt, Special Education Teacher
First Day of School Reminder
Monday, August 18th
School doors open at 8:25am for bus riders and Kiss & Ride
We’re excited to welcome our students back! On the first day only, families may walk their child to class—but please plan for a quick goodbye at the door.
To avoid confusion, have your child arrive the same way they’ll go home each day. Bus riders? Feel free to meet them as they get off the bus!
For safety, we do not allow parents to walk students to class after the first day.
Thanks for helping us start the year strong! 💚💛
We Appreciate Your Support !
The amazing staff at Gunston ES is getting ready for another wonderful school year!
Teachers spend the week of August 11th preparing their classrooms and attending professional development trainings.
Care to help in welcoming teachers and staff back in the building?
We are hoping to fill the staff lounge with snacks and drinks and are accepting donations to spoil them.
Donation Suggestions:
Individual drinks:
Unsweetened ice tea
Lemonade
Diet Coke/Regular Coke
Individual snacks: chips, cookies, nuts, bars
Fruit: grapes, oranges, bananas
Non-perishable items can be donated the week of August 4th- August 8th
Perishable items accepted on Monday, August 18th
Community Donations Welcome (Optional!)
We’re often asked by families and community members how they can support our school as we kick off the new year. If you or someone you know is looking to donate, we’ve put together a Wishlist of Classroom Supplies that we can never have enough of!
All donations are completely optional and will be used school-wide—not for any specific classroom or teacher. We truly appreciate the continued support of our amazing community, especially during these challenging budget times. 💚💛
Link to Wishlist:
Wishlist of classroom supplies
Thank you in advance!
Thank you to those who have already donated
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