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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Ashley Nelson - Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette
We’re Eager to Welcome You
Back to School!
As summer winds down, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to our classrooms. Please review this checklist to make sure your child is ready!
We Are a Phone-Free School!
Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool. If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at [phone number]. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone policy, which helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school.
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!
Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar, Lynn Warner, at LAWarner@fcps.edu or call 703-541-3600 if you need an activation code.
Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Update Your Contact Information
Be sure you receive important information! Update your phone number(s) and/or email address(es) in the Parent/Guardian section of SIS ParentVUE.
Update Immunizations and Records
Immunizations are required for all students to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of protecting them from certain diseases and keeping them healthy. When your child is immunized, remember to request a copy of their immunization record and bring that to our front office or submit the record via SIS ParentVUE as soon as possible. Find more information on FCPS’ website
Health Forms for Medications and Procedures for Gunston's Health Clinic
Welcome to a new school year at Gunston. We welcome students to the health room, please visit link for information regarding necessary forms for medications and procedures.
Learn About School Meals
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meal benefits.
Student ID Numbers Needed for School Meals (New This Year)
Starting this school year, students will enter their student ID number — not their current cafeteria PIN — at the cash register to receive school meals. Please remind your child of their student ID number, which you can find in SIS ParentVUE. View more updates and reminders for school meals this year.
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Bookmark the School Year Calendar |
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.
¡Estamos ansiosos de recibirlos a todos
de vuelta en la escuela!
Mientras el verano se va acabando, nosotros nos preparamos para darles la bienvenida a los estudiantes en nuestros salones de clase. ¡Revise esta lista para que se asegure de que su niño está listo para el primer día!!
Inscríbase en SIS ParentVUE
Tenga acceso a los récords de asistencia, calificaciones y tareas asignadas a su estudiante, cuando lo necesite a través de SIS ParentVUE. Contacte al registrador de la escuela llamando al , Lynn Warner, at LAWarner@fcps.edu or call 703-541-3600 si necesita un código de activación. Conozca más sobre SIS ParentVUE.
Actualice su información de contacto
¡Asegúrese de que pueda recibir información que es importante! Actualice su número telefónico y direcciones email en la sección para padres y cuidadores de SIS ParentVUE.
Revise las Vacunas y los Récords
de Vacunación
Las vacunas son obligatorias para todos los estudiantes que van a la escuela en Virginia. Este es un paso importante para protegerlos de ciertas enfermedades y mantenerlos saludables.
Cuando le ponga alguna vacuna a su niño, recuerde pedir una copia de se récord de vacunación y entréguela en la oficina principal de la escuela o envíela a través de SIS ParentVUE lo más pronto que le sea posible. Encuentre más información en la página web de FCPS.
Conozca más sobre las Comidas Escolares
Los padres y cuidadores deben darle dinero a sus estudiantes para que puedan pagar por comidas en la escuela, llevarlos a clases con su almuerzo empaquetado, o solicitar (y ser aprobados para recibir) beneficios de comidas gratis o a precio reducido.
Ponga el Calendario del Año
Escolar en sus Favoritos
Asegúrese de poner en sus favoritos el calendario del año escolar de FCPS para que esté al tanto de los días feriados escolares, las vacaciones y las fechas especiales religiosas y culturales:
- Los días marcados con una “H” azul, son feriados para los estudiantes. Las escuelas estarán cerradas esos días.
- Los días marcados con una “O” naranja son fechas especiales religiosas y culturales (o tardes, si solamente se marca medio día). Habrá clases esos días, pero ciertos eventos que no puedan reprogramarse, podrían no realizarse esos días.
- Los días marcados en color rosa son feriados para los estudiantes, pero son días de trabajo para maestros y personal escolar.
Por favor, note que algunas fechas feriadas o especiales como Eid al Fitr, podrían cambiar y el calendario sería ajustado.
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.
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.
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! 💚💛
Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy promotes connections and collaborations between families, educators, and the community. Its work is aimed at strengthening partnerships in support of each and every student’s success.
Explore a wide range of resources; tools; and virtual and in-person webinars, workshops, and programs. The FCPS Family Academy helps you become a key part of your child’s education! Learn more about the FCPS Family Academy.
Construyendo Juntos un Brillante Futuro: Academia Familiar FCPS
La Academia Familiar de FCPS promueve la conexión y colaboración entre las familias, los educadores y la comunidad. Su labor busca fortalecer las alianzas que soportan el [éxito de todos y cada uno de los estudiantes.
Le invitamos a explorar la amplia oferta de recursos, herramientas y seminarios en persona u online. ¡La Academia Familiar de FCPS le ayuda a convertirse en factor clave en la educación de su niño! Conozca más sobre la Academia Familiar de FCPS.
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities within the school division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
School Bond Referendum on Ballot Tuesday, November 4
A $460 million School Bond Referendum will be on the Tuesday, November 4, general election ballot.
Bond-funded projects provide safe, welcoming, effective, and modern spaces for students to learn and staff to work.
The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through FCPS’ operating budget. Voter-approved bonds that allow payment for projects over time, while seeking to avoid an increase in property tax rates, fund building and renovation. Without bond funding, renovations would likely cease, delaying much needed repairs at many schools. Potential bond-funded projects are identified in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program, which was adopted by the School Board in February.
Voters have a direct role in shaping the future of FCPS schools. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote.
Referéndum sobre el Bono para las Escuelas Estará en la Boleta de Votación el
4 de Noviembre
El Martes 4 de Noviembre $460 millones en School Bonos para las Escuelas estará en Referéndum en la boleta de votación en las elecciones generales.
Los proyectos financiados a través de bonos proveen espacios seguros, acogedores, eficientes y modernos para que los estudiantes aprendan y el personal trabaje.
La construcción y renovación de nuestras escuelas no se financia a través del presupuesto operativo de la división educativa. Son los bonos aprobados por los votantes, que permiten el pago de proyectos en plazos, ayudan a evitar los cambios en las tasas de impuestos sobre la propiedad, los que proveen fondos para la construcción y renovación de las escuelas. Sin estos fondos, las renovaciones probablemente pararían, retrasando importantes reparaciones en nuestras escuelas. Potenciales proyectos a ser financiados a través de bonos están señalados en el Programa de Mejoras de Infraestructura para el Año Fiscal (FY, siglas en inglés) 2026-30, el cual fue aprobado por la Junta Escolar en febrero.
Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand
Support at No Cost
Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Los “Varsity Tutors” Ofrecen Apoyo Cuando lo Necesite de Forma Gratuita
Todos los estudiantes pueden aprovechar los servicios gratuitos ofrecidos por “Varsity Tutors”, incluyendo clases online semanales; chat de tutorado por pedido las 24 horas, 7 días a la semana; edición de ensayos; y recursos estudiantiles como contenido grabado, problemas de práctica, y exámenes de diagnóstico. Conozca más sobre el tutorado online de “Varsity Tutors”.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Back-to-School Checklist
- Learn With the Family Academy
- National Merit Scholars
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
If you are seeing this Gunston Gazette for the first time it is because you are a parent or guardian of a student at Gunston Elementary.
You can easily opt out of future Gazettes (though we don’t recommend that! 😊) Check the very bottom of this newsletter for details.
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