|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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
September 17, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
-
New Volunteer Management System – Volunteer FCPS
-
Advanced Academic Program Fall Newsletter and Family Coffee
-
Positivity Project
-
SEL Screener: Grades 3-6
-
Hispanic Heritage Month
-
Attendance Matters
-
Asha Jyothi Annual 5K Run/Walk
-
Yearbook Photos
-
PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
-
Support the VRES PTA!
-
PTA Fundraisers - Order your Spirit Wear
- Red Robin Fundraiser - 9/25
-
PTA Enrichment Clubs
-
PTA Save the Dates!
-
Westfield Homecoming Parade
-
Recognize Our VRES Staff Who Go Above and Beyond
-
Important Upcoming Dates
-
Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
-
Monthly Lunch Menu
🗓️ Calendar Reminders
Rosh Hashanah (Evening-Only Observance and Holiday)
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday, September 22. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school.
Tuesday, September 23, is a holiday for all FCPS students and staff. Schools and offices will be closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
1. New Volunteer Management System – Volunteer FCPS
- Ensuring Student Safety: Register for Volunteer FCPS
At Virginia Run Elementary School, our volunteers are a vital part of our school community. We deeply value the time and care they give to our students.
Recent updates to our volunteer process focus on one primary goal: keeping students safe.
These updates — such as checks against the sex offender registry and, in some cases, criminal background checks — are safety measures that will help us maintain a secure and supportive learning environment for every student in our care.
We encourage all our parents and community members interested in supporting our students by volunteering at school to visit Volunteer FCPS, click “Learn More,” and then “Sign Up.” After you create a profile, you will view an orientation video and complete a volunteer application.
Volunteer FCPS ensures a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must be registered in Volunteer FCPS. This includes individuals who volunteer to chaperone on field trips, work at book fairs, and help out regularly in classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias. Volunteers who work unsupervised with students will also be required to undergo a background check.
We understand these changes may seem disruptive, especially for long-time volunteers. Our intent is to ensure that our students feel safe and supported with each and every person they encounter at school.
As a reminder, all volunteers — and visitors to a school — are required to sign in by scanning their ID at our visitor kiosk. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more.
For full details, visit the Volunteer FCPS website or contact our Volunteer Point of Contact, Shannon Soria, srsoria@fcps.edu, with questions.
2. Advanced Academic Program Fall Newsletter and Family Coffee
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) offers a continuum of advanced academic services for all students in grades K-8. Learning experiences are designed to develop higher-level thinking through enrichment, acceleration, and extension of the Program of Studies (POS).
Teachers, administrators, and Advanced Academic Resource Teachers (AART) work together to provide all levels of service.
Please click on this link to view the AAP Fall Newsletter (Spanish translation)
A parent coffee will be held in the library on Tuesday September 30th from 9:30 until 10:30 AM. Brittany Wade, AART, will provide an overview about the continuum of Advanced Academic services and also briefly review the screening process for Advanced Academic services. Please note a separate parent information meeting will be held in late October specifically for the screening process for full time services for parents of students in grades 2 through 6.
Please RSVP to the parent coffee by signing up at this link.
If your child is new to Fairfax County in grades 3-6 and you want your child screened for full time advanced services, the fall deadline is October 15th, 2025.
Please contact Brittany Wade at bwade@fcps.edu.
3. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
Character Strength: Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention
This week, our school community is focusing on the Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention. This means when we are with other people, we are present and give them our full attention.
In today's world, it's easy to get distracted by phone calls, messages, and social media. These distractions can pull us away from what's most important — our relationships with other people.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset of being present and giving others our attention, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions.
|
Mr. Gerstner and Ms. Chavez visited students and parents at bus stops the last couple of weeks.
4. SEL Screener: Grades 3-6
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) believes in supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) for all students. In FCPS, students use a tool called the SEL Screener to think about their own SEL skills and experiences at school. Virginia Run ES students in grades 3rd-6th grades will be participating in the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener in the Fall and Spring.
After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families without a ParentVUE account. For more information about the SEL Screener, including information on opting out, please see the attached Parent Notification. You can also learn more on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.
Parents and guardians who prefer that their child not take part in the SEL Screener can either complete the opt-out in the Parent Digital Consent application or fill out the form at the bottom of the testing notification letter to your child's school.
If you are interested in having your child’s screener data deleted from a previous SEL screener administration, please contact your student’s school.
SEL Screener opt out-English
SEL Screener opt out -Spanish
5. Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th. It was originally established in 1968 as a week-long celebration by California Congressman George E. Brown. In 1988, President George H.W. Bush expanded the celebration to a full month. This time frame is used to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Hispanics and all Latin Americans.
Several Latin American countries celebrate their independence during this time. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their Independence Day on September 15th. Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16th, and Chile’s Independence Day on September 18th.
During this time students of all grade levels will learn about different Hispanic and Latin American musicians in music class. This week students learned about Teresa Carreño a pianist, composer, and opera singer from Venezuela.
We encourage you to talk to your children about who and what they learned during this year’s Hispanic Heritage month and reflect on the impact that Hispanic and Latin American cultures have had on America and American culture.
6. Attendance Matters
Every Day Counts: Setting Your Child Up for Success
September is Attendance Awareness Month. There are many ways parents and caregivers can help their children create healthy routines and make a habit of getting to school on time every day. Some examples include:
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
- If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make them feel comfortable and excited about learning.
- Develop back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- When possible, avoid medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
Visit the FCPS website for more attendance tips and resources. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!
7. Asha-Jyothi Annual 5K Run/Walk
Hey there, school community! Get ready to lace up your running shoes for a great cause! 🏃♀️💨
We're excited to announce that our school is participating in the 17th Annual Asha-Jyothi 5K and 1K Fun Run in Fairfax, VA. This event is happening on Sunday, September 21st, 2025.
This isn't just a race; it's a chance to celebrate health and wellness while raising money for our school. Asha-Jyothi will generously donate back funds to our school for every registration. Plus, our school can even apply for a grant for any additional needs we may have.
Event Details
- The Fun Run starts at 8:00 AM.
- The 5K Run kicks off at 8:30 AM.
- It's all happening at Fairfax Corner.
You'll get a beautiful T-shirt, and there will be medals for the kids. Get ready for some delicious food and awesome Bollywood dance music, too!
How to Register
When you register for the 5K, be sure to use the coupon code AJ4Schools to get $10 off!
To learn more or to sign up, you can visit the official website at www.Asha-Jyothi.org. We can't wait to see you there!
Asha-Jyothi Fairfax Sep 21 2025 Race Flyer
8. Yearbook Photos
Dear families, Mrs. Adkins and Mrs. Tuben would love to gather some photos of school events from throughout the year for consideration for this year’s yearbook. Please email any great school 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.
9. PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
President - Matthew Reklau - virginiarunpta@gmail.com
Secretary - Laura McAndrews - secretary@vrespta.onmicrosoft.com
Treasurer - Kyle Jewett - treasurer.virginiarunpta@gmail.com
VP Education - Kimberly Wilson - vresvpeducation@gmail.com
VP Fundraising - Amanda Prindle - vresvpfundraising@yahoo.com
VP Social - Skylar Ha - vresvpsocial@gmail.com
10. Support the 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
11. PTA Fundraisers
Show your Viking pride while supporting the Virginia Run PTA! A portion of every spirit wear purchase goes directly to the PTA. Enjoy free school pick-up on all orders placed now through September 5! After the deadline, all items will ship straight to your doorstep.
www.campussurvivalkits.com/virginiarun
https://virginiarun.deco-apparel.com/
12. Red Robin Fundraiser - 9/25
Hey parents and families! 👋
Get ready for a delicious way to support our school! The Virginia Run Elementary PTA is teaming up with Red Robin for a special fundraiser on Thursday, September 25th. 🍔🍟
Here's how it works:
-
Red Robin will donate 20% of food sales back to our PTA.
-
Just go to the Red Robin at 14450 Chantilly Crossing Lane in Chantilly, VA, on September 25th.
-
Make sure to tell your server you're there for the fundraiser so we get credit!
-
If you're ordering online, you can do that too. Just go to redrobin.com/order, find our location, and be sure to add the "Fundraisers (To-Go Only)" item to your bag before you check out. 💻
Let's make this fundraiser a huge success for our school! Hope to see you there! 🦉🎉
Red Robin Fundraiser Flyer September 2025
13. PTA Enrichment Clubs
The PTA has lined up fun enrichment clubs! Clubs start in a few weeks - so register today and don’t delay👍🏼
We've got: Soccer, Digital Arts, Cooking, Acting, LEGO Club, Music, Minecraft Programming and more!
Click the link to learn more and register!
https://tinyurl.com/VRESFallClubs2025
For club questions or financial aid, please contact Kimberly Wilson at vresvpeducation@gmail.com.
14. PTA Save the Dates!
Trunk or Treat and Fall Fest - Friday, October 17
Cub Run vs. VRES Volleyball Game - Friday, March 6
15. Westfield Homecoming Parade
The Westfield Homecoming Parade is on Friday, September 19th. Come show your support!
The parade will start and end at Stone Middle School. Road closures will be from 4:30 - 5:30 pm.
Expect traffic delays on Sully Park Dr., Kampta Dr., Cranoke St. and Braddock Rd.
Homecoming Parade Flyer
Homecoming Parade Route
16. 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
|
17. Important Upcoming Dates
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
10/14 - 10/17: Book Fair, Library, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
10/15: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
10/17: Trunk or Treat and Fall Fest, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
10/17: Book Fair Family Night, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
10/20: Diwali - Student Holiday
10/31: End of Quarter / 2-Hour Student Early Release
11/3 - 11/4: Teacher Workdays - Student Holiday
11/11: Veterans Day - Student Holiday
11/19: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
11/26 - 11/28: Thanksgiving Break - Student Holidays
12/17: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
12/22 - 1/2: Winter Break - Student Holidays
2/25: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/6: Cub Run vs. VRES Volleyball Game
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.
18. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
19. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
|
