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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
August 13, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
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Welcome Back Message with Important Dates
- PTA "Snack & Say Hello" Social
- Back to School Night
- Back to School Checklist
- Student ID Numbers needed for School Meals
- Boosterthon is Now Open!
- Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Application
- Limited Early Release Wednesdays for 2025-2026 School Year
- Asha Jyothi Annual 5K Run/Walk
- Homework Guidelines for the 2025–2026 School Year
- Helping Your Child Learn at Home
- Strings Registration for SY 2025-2026
- Band Registration for SY 2025-2026
- We want your first week photos!
- PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
- PTA Meeting Dates
- Support the VRES PTA!
- PTA Fundraisers
- Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
1. Welcome Back Message with Important Dates
Dear Virginia Run Elementary School Community,
Welcome back to another exciting school year at Virginia Run Elementary! We hope you've all had a wonderful summer filled with relaxation, fun, and memorable moments with family and friends. As we prepare to embark on the 2025-26 academic year, Ms. Arreaza, Ms. Green, and I want to extend a warm welcome to both our returning students and families, as well as those who are new to our school community.
We have several important events lined up to kick off the school year:
8/14: Welcome Walk 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8/14: Open House (PreK-2) 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
8/14: Open House (Grades 3-6) 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
8/18: First Day of School!
Virginia Run Back to School Night
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Date: September 10
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Session I Grades PS, Kindergarten, 3 and 4 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
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Session II Grades 1, 2, 5 and 6 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
These events are fantastic opportunities for students and parents to meet teachers, tour the school, and get prepared for the new school year. Our dedicated staff is eager to welcome everyone back and ensure a smooth transition into the academic routine.
During the open house sessions, students can bring their school supplies and visit their classrooms for the first time. All pre-ordered school supplies will be in the classrooms for those families who ordered them in the spring. You will also be able to drop off medication at the school clinic, sign up for a SIS ParentVUE account, and put money on your child’s lunch account.
As always, communication between home and school is essential for the success of our students. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns throughout the year. Together, we can make this a fulfilling and productive year for every student at Virginia Run Elementary.
Here's to a fantastic year ahead!
Our best,
Dave Gerstner, Principal
Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal
Jessica Green, Assistant Principal
2. PTA "Snack & Say Hello" Social
Join us for “Snack & Say Hello” on Thursday, August 14 from 2:00–3:30 on the blacktop! Students can enjoy a back-to-school treat like mini apples, Goldfish crackers, or snack bars—courtesy of the PTA—while catching up with friends and entering our raffle for a FREE birthday party from Bach to Rock!
3. Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Since we do have families with children in multiple grade levels, we are offering 2 sessions with a transition in between to give families time to get to the next teacher. Session times are below:
Session I Grades PS, Kindergarten, 3 and 4 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Session II Grades 1, 2, 5 and 6 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
6th grade presentation will begin in the library at 6:30 PM
**ATTENTION Full Time AAP Family Information Session
We will have a Back to School Night Information Session for families who have students in the local full time advanced academic program grades 3-5. This session will take place in the library from 5:00-5:30 PM. If you are not able to attend or have any questions, please contact Brittany Wade at bwade@fcps.edu and we will send you the information.
4. 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!
☑️ Sign Up for SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Contact our registrar, Ms. Segovia, at (571) 982-1700, 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.
☑️ 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.
☑️ 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.
5. 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.
6. Boosterthon is Now Open!
Great news—our donation site at MyBooster.com is officially OPEN! Let’s get things rolling for a successful program! Our goal is to raise $25,000 to benefit our students at Virginia Run Elementary.
Please use the link below for more information.
Boosterthon is Now Open!
⭐ Key Dates:
💻 Sign up opens at MyBooster.com – 08/13/2025
🎉 Kickoff in school – 8/27/2025
👟 Event Day – 9/8/2025
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7. Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Application
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. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
8. Limited Early Release Wednesdays for 2025-26 School Year
After a successful pilot of three-hour early release Mondays at the elementary level in the 2024-25 school year, FCPS will shift to eight early release Wednesdays for elementary schools in the 2025-26 school year. Moving to Wednesdays for a three-hour early release will address scheduling issues related to frequent Monday holidays and provide a more consistent schedule for planning time.
Virginia Run Elementary will release students at 1:00 PM on the following days:
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September 17
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October 15
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November 19
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December 17
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February 25
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March 25
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April 29
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May 20
To support our families, FCPS has created a webpage with detailed information about the early release Wednesdays. We encourage you to visit this page for any additional information you may need.
9. Asha-Jyothi Annual 5K Run/Walk
We are pleased to share that we are partnering with a non-profit named Asha-Jyothi once again this year, to support their 17th annual 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, September 21st at Fairfax Corner at 8:00 AM. All proceeds that we raise will go towards student field trips, supporting school-wide, hands on learning experiences to include STEAM, family and community engagements, and to support student and staff needs. Asha-Jyothi has generously agreed to donate 100% of the registration money back to each participating school AND:
An addtional $500 for 25+ registrations
An addtional $1000 for 50+ registrations
An addtional $2000 for 100+ registrations
To sign up, participating staff, students, and/or their families and friends can visit the webpage: asha-jyothi/2025fairfax5k
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Event Details: Sunday Sept 21st. Fun Run at 8 AM, 5K Run/Walk at 8:30AM
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Location: 4250 Fairfax Corner Ave, Fairfax, VA 22030
Asha-Jyothi Fairfax Sep 21 2025 Race Flyer
10. Homework Guidelines for the 2025–2026 School Year
Dear Virginia Run Families,
As we prepare for another exciting school year, we want to share updated homework guidelines that will be in place for the 2025–2026 school year. These guidelines align with FCPS Regulation 3205.1 and are designed to support student learning, promote consistency across classrooms, and foster meaningful home-school partnerships.
At Virginia Run, we believe that homework should reinforce classroom learning, help students practice and apply new skills, and encourage responsibility and independence. You can expect the following:
Purpose and Quality Over Quantity
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Homework will support content students are currently learning.
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Assignments will be relevant, manageable, and focused on quality rather than quantity.
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For advanced learners, homework will focus on deepening understanding, not adding extra time.
Student-Centered Approach
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Teachers will consider student learning styles, readiness levels, and home support systems when assigning homework.
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Students will receive timely feedback to reinforce learning.
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Homework expectations and grading practices will be shared at the start of the year.
Time Guidelines (Daily reading should be part of the total homework time.)
How Families Can Support Homework Success
We encourage families to:
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Create a consistent routine and quiet space for homework
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Provide necessary materials and time management support
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Read and talk with your child daily
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Connect school learning to real-world experiences
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Stay in regular communication with your child’s teacher
These guidelines aim to make homework a meaningful and balanced part of your child’s educational experience. We appreciate your support as we work together to promote lifelong learning.
11. Helping Your Child Learn at Home
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is excited to support student learning over the summer. This Summer Learning Resources Webpage includes optional digital activities in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies for students in Grades K-6.
The activities are grouped by grade level and match what students have learned in school this year. Families can use them anytime to review, practice, or explore new ideas at home.
Resources utilize digital tools that students may have used throughout the year such as Science A-Z, Pebble Go, Gizmos, Newsela, MyOn, Britannica Elementary, ST Math, and Benchmark Advance
These activities require a device to access and some require students to log in through their FCPS Google account. Students may use a home device or their FCPS school device. If your child needs to borrow a device, they may check one out from their school prior to the last day of school. (Devices will need to be returned by July 30.) Some digital resources in Clever may be temporarily unavailable in August in preparation for the new school year.
If you need technology support, please visit the Families: Tools and Technology page.
We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and learning filled summer!
12. 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
13. 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
14. We want your first week photos!
Dear families, Mrs. Adkins and Mrs. Tuben would love to gather some photos of the Welcome Walk, Open House, and all the fun that comes with the start of school for consideration for this year’s yearbook. Please email any great moments you capture to mktuben@fcps.edu with the subject line “VRES Yearbook photos” and stay tuned for a direct upload link later in the year.
15. PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
Matthew Reklau - President - virginiarunpta@gmail.com
Secretary - Laura McAndrews - secretary@vrespta.onmicrosoft.com
Treasurer - Kyle Jewett - treasurer.virginiarunpta@gmail.com
VP Education - Kimberly Wilson - vresvpeducation@gmail.com
Amanda Prindle - VP Fundraising -vresvpfundraising@yahoo.com
VP Social - Skylar Ha - vresvpsocial@gmail.com
16. PTA Meeting Dates
The PTA will be meeting on the following dates for the 2025-2026 school year. Meetings start at 7:00 PM in the VRES Library. Meetings are also accessible virtually!
September 9
October 7
December 9
January 13
February 10
March 10
17. Support VRES PTA!
What does the PTA do?
- Provide support for teachers & families.
- Plan events to promote community including Fall Fest, Trunk or Treat, Paint Night, Bingo Night, Spirit Nights, Viking Dash and much more!
- Provide funding for field trips.
- Promote before & after school clubs.
- Provide teacher stipends and faculty appreciation.
How can you help?
- Purchase a PTA membership!
- Donate funds or be a business sponsor!
- Volunteer!
Other easy ways to help support the VRES PTA!
- Follow us on Facebook
- Earn Box Tops
- Harris Teeter VIC Card
- Export the PTA Calendar
Support the VRES PTA Flyer
18. 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/
19. 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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20. Important Upcoming Dates
8/14: Welcome Walk 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
8/14: Open House (PreK-2) 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
8/14: Open House (Grades 3-6) 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM
8/18: First Day of School!
8/29: Labor Day Break - Student Holiday
9/1: Labor Day Break - Student Holiday
9/3: Westfield High School Back to School Night 5:30 PM
9/10: Virginia Run Back to School Night
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Session I Grades PS, Kindergarten, 3 and 4 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
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Session II Grades 1, 2, 5 and 6 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
9/17: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
9/18: Stone Middle School Back to School Night 5:30 PM
9/23: Rosh Hashanah - Student Holiday
10/2: Yom Kippur - Student Holiday
10/13: Staff Development Day - Student Holiday
10/15: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
10/20: Diwali - Student Holiday
10/31: End of Quarter / 2 Hour Student Early Release
11/19: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
12/17: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
2/25: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/25: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
4/29: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/20: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
SOL Schedule
3/18: Gr. 5 IRW
5/6: Gr. 3-4 Reading
5/7: Gr. 5-6 Reading
5/13: Gr. 3-4 Math
5/14: Gr. 5-6 Math
5/21: Gr. 5 Science
5/28-6/3: Retakes
*Makeups will be held when students return from their absence.
21. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
22. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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