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A Note from the Principal
Dear Daniels Run Families,
What a wonderful community event we had today with the parade celebrating Fairfax High School's homecoming! It was heartwarming to see so many Daniels Run students and their families along the parade route.
Today also marked the kickoff of The Dragon Drive, our primary fundraiser organized by the Daniels Run PTA. We recognize that recent events, such as the government shutdown, may have brought about unexpected challenges for some in our community. We deeply empathize with those who might be experiencing financial strain during this time. Therefore, we kindly ask for contributions only from those who are comfortably able to participate.
The Dragon Drive is a fantastic opportunity for our students and families to collaborate in raising funds that will directly support our students and classrooms. Every penny raised will benefit Daniels Run Elementary School. This year, we aim to enhance our students' recess and reading experiences! Contributions will be used to purchase recess equipment bundles for each grade level, including new balls, hoops, cones, and a storage shed to keep them organized for daily play. Active play is crucial for helping students build friendships, maintain health, and return to class ready to learn! Additionally, we will be expanding and diversifying our school library's book collection. Your donations will help cultivate a library that reflects the rich diversity of our Daniels Run community, where an impressive 28 languages are spoken at home, along with English and Spanish! Every dollar helps our Dragons read, play, and roar!
Thanks to the generosity of our corporate sponsors, each grade will celebrate the conclusion of our fundraiser with a Dragon Day party on Friday, November 7th. Every student will receive a complimentary Dragon Day t-shirt and a prize!
Please remember that Monday is a school holiday. Enjoy the long weekend!
Warm regards,
Susan Mullen
Upcoming Dates
October 20: Diwali- No School
October 31: End of Quarter- 2 Hour Early Dismissal at 1:45pm
November 3 & 4: Teacher Work Days- No School
November 7: Dragon Day
November 11: Veterans Day- No School
Attendance Matters
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school and your child’s [teacher or teachers] so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long.
PTA News
The Daniels Run PTA annual fundraiser begins today! For more information on the Dragon Drive and to register your student, please visit: http://app.givebacks.gives/danielsrunfundraiser
🩹 Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
National School Lunch Week
This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead.
Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?
If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. Read Superintendent Reid's October 1 letter regarding other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.
Science Olympiad Team
Daniels Run Elementary is buzzing with excitement as it announces the formation of its very own Science Olympiad team. For those who aren't familiar, Science Olympiad is a national non-profit that gets students excited about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun, hands-on challenges, and academic competitions.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to dive into STEM outside of the classroom. The team is open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who will practice and prepare to compete in various events later this year. Sixth graders are also welcome to join the team, giving them a chance to build their skills and get ready to compete at the middle school level next year.
Students who join the team can expect to practice after school every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:50 PM to 4:50 PM. For more details on how you can get involved and start building, creating, and learning, please email Megan Oris at mloris@fcps.edu. Practices start soon, so don’t delay!
Music News
🎵 FAIRFAX PYRAMID CHOIR CONCERT:
Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in this free concert on Thursday, October 23, 7pm, at Fairfax High School! Also, many of our former DRES students will perform!
🎵 The OCTOBER Musician of the Month is American Ukulele performer & composer, Jake Shimabukuro. Google Slides here to play their music in your class.
🎵 INTERNATIONAL NIGHT/DAY PERFORMANCES
All students, parents & staff are invited to audition!
Save the date:
- Audition signups: January (online)
- Auditions (before or after school 1/25-2/6)
- Performances:
- Thursday night 3/12
- Friday during school 3/13
You may perform a dance, instrumental piece, or song to honor any country. You may perform alone or with other students and/or adults, but you must practice ahead of time and be ready to audition with the finished product. Make sure your performance truly honors the heritage and culture of the country or people group. Contact Michelle McCarten with any questions.
Elementary Language Arts Grades
Progress report grades in English language arts (ELA) have changed to reflect the 2024-25 curriculum, assessments, and Standards of Learning.
FCPS is raising the bar and setting high goals! We are teaching and grading students on the skills they need by the end of the school year. Think of it as a growth chart and each quarter students are measured in progress toward end of year expectations. In light of this, first quarter grades are often lower than the other quarters as students work to reach grade-level mastery.
This is an expected part of the learning journey. We are here to support every student as they progress in learning. We are celebrating the effort and growth toward these new, higher standards! Learn more about this change in ELA grading and reporting.
📍 October Community Boundary Review Meetings
FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings are underway. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our pyramid will be covered at the meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Fairfax High School, Library (Woodson and Fairfax Pyramids) in person or virtual. Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.
At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the [Insert the pyramid your school is partnered with]. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.
If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the list of October boundary meetings.
Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.
New Webinar Offerings for Parents
Reading Plans and Your Student: October 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
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- This 1.5-hour webinar is designed to help parents and caregivers understand the new reading plans in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Parents will learn about:
- What a reading plan is: A reading plan is a support system for students who are not meeting literacy benchmarks. It outlines specific, evidence-based instruction and interventions to help them improve their reading skills.
- Who requires a reading plan: All students from kindergarten through eighth grade who are identified as needing additional support based on literacy assessments will receive a reading plan. This is part of a broader effort by FCPS to implement the Virginia Literacy Act.
- How schools will support students: The webinar will explain how FCPS is using a science-based reading approach and will discuss the role of reading specialists, the curriculum used, and the assessments to monitor student progress.
- Resources and tools for parents: Parents will leave with practical resources and tools they can use at home to support their child's literacy development. The webinar aims to empower families to be active partners in their child's reading journey.
- Register here
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS Ombuds Office: Your Go-To Guide for the School System
- How AI is Shaping Technology
- Blueprints for Success, How Bonds Build Communities
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
FCPS Calendar
 FCPS 2025-2026 Standard School Year Calendar
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