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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Ashley Nelson - Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette
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.
Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Upcoming Events
Kindergarten Playdate - August 6th
9:30am - 10:30am
Chew & Chat with 6th Graders
August 6th
11:30am - 1:00pm
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.
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