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A Note from the Principal
Dear Daniels Run Community,
While the winter season hasn't granted us a snow day, the beautiful, picturesque views from our classroom windows today are a great reminder of the natural beauty surrounding Daniels Run Elementary during this busy and exciting time of year.
Upcoming Events
Chorus Performances: Our chorus has several performances lined up to spread holiday cheer:
- December 6th at 12:00 PM: Fairfax Festival of Lights
- December 11th at 6:30 PM: School Concert
- December 15th: Sunrise Retirement Community
We invite families and friends to come and enjoy the wonderful performances by our students.
Power of Our Words Workshop: We are thrilled to welcome students from Fairfax High School who will be visiting to engage our 5th and 6th graders in a discussion about the power of their words. This session aims to inspire and empower our students to use their voices positively and effectively.
Winter Spirit Week: Get ready for our exciting Winter Spirit Week starting the week of December 15th! Each day will feature a different theme, providing students with the opportunity to express their school spirit creatively.
Community Celebrations and Achievements
We have much to celebrate within our school community, starting with students who are continuing to earn SOAR Tickets by demonstrating outstanding behaviors and attitudes, a testament to their great work. Additionally, we commend all classes that achieved Perfect Daily Attendance for their commitment. Finally, our PTA Dragon Drive Celebrations are successfully rewarding students for their fundraising efforts, adding another layer of excitement and recognition to our community successes.
Stay warm and safe as we venture into the winter months!
Warm regards,
Susan Mullen, Principal
Upcoming Dates
December 11- Winter Chorus Concert at 6:30pm
December 17: 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday (dismissal at 12:45pm)
December 19: Last Day before Winter Break
December 22-January 2: Winter Break- School Closed
January 19: MLK Day Holiday- No School
January 28: End of Quarter- 2 Hour Early Release (dismissal at 1:45pm)
January 29-30: Teacher Workdays- No School
Happy Snowy Friday!
 Pictured Left to Right: Assistant Principal, Fiona Gruver; School Counselor, Joe Gayl; Assistant Principal, Brandy O'Bryant; Principal, Susan Mullen and Assistant Principal, Janelle Alabi.
📚 Halfway Through Learning about Government and Citizenship in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 3 in Language Arts! Students have explored how the government works, why it's important, and how laws change.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s one rule at home or school you wish you could change and why?
- Activity: Play a short game (like musical chairs or Simon Says) but change one rule. Discuss how rules help things run smoothly.
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Music News
🎵 Tomorrow: The Daniels Run Singers will perform at the Fairfax City Festival of Lights at 12pm, Saturday, December 6. Come celebrate with many holiday themed activities and cheer at the Daniels Run Singers 1st public performance in the Old Town Square.
🎵 Winter Chorus Concerts: Thursday, December 11. The 5th & 6th Grade Choruses are proud to present their winter concert! There will be two concerts in the daytime for the students. Parents & community members are invited to come to the 6:30pm concert in the café.
🎵 The December Musician of the Month: are the Piano Guys. They are an ensemble of 4 musicians who formed in 2011. They play pop and classical music.
🙋♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!
Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.
🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Save the Date for Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night – Wednesday, January 14 (snow date Wed Jan 21)
Save the Date for the Rising 7th grade Curriculum Night! The event will be at KJMS from 6p – 8p and is for current 6th graders ONLY and their Parents and Guardians. More information will be shared soon!
Girls on the Run
 Our very own Daniels Run ES Girls on the Run Club completed their 5K together on Saturday, November 22nd.
🎤 Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid
At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.
AAP News
Full-Time AAP Referral Window Reminder for Families
Parents/caretakers who would like their student to be screened for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program services may submit the Full-Time Referral Form (translations linked below) to our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Ms. Danni James, DFJames@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2025. Late referrals will not be accepted.
Full-Time Referral Form (PDF)
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity LevelsDue to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
❄️ Prepare for Winter Weather
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed.
⛄ Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
FCPS’ Budget Supports the Success of the Local Economy
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors on December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- 💻 Technology Tips
- 🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide
- 📚 Winter Reading Challenge
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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