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A Note from the Principal
Dear Daniels Run Families,
I am happy to share some exciting highlights from this past week that showcase the talents of our students and the strength of our community partnerships.
Second Grade Community Helpers Project
As part of our 2nd Grade Community Helpers Project, our second-grade classes were honored to host several esteemed community guests. Among them were Federal Judge Rossie Alston, who shared invaluable insights into the judiciary system. From the Fairfax City Police, Officer Johns and Detective Becker enlightened our students about law enforcement and community safety. Our local governance was well represented by City of Fairfax City Council members Rachel McQullin, Tom Petersen, and Anthony Amos, who discussed their roles in city decision-making and civic responsibilities.
We were also joined by the dedicated staff from the Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Department, including Minehart Aster, Kaveh Tajalli, Katherine MacCammon, and Stacey Sommerfield, who shared their experiences in maintaining and improving our community spaces and activities. Additionally, Rebecca Takacs from the Fairfax County Public Library read our students stories and shared about her role in promoting literacy and learning.
These guests not only brought classroom lessons to life but also inspired our young learners by showcasing the importance of public service. We are grateful to all our guests for their time and willingness to engage with our students, making this project a memorable and educational experience.
6th Grade Visit to Katherine Johnson Middle School
Our sixth graders took on an informative field trip to Katherine Johnson Middle School, where they had the chance to meet teachers and learn about the various schedules and electives available to them. This experience is invaluable in easing their transition to middle school, and students returned feeling more prepared and excited about the next step in their education.
Winter Chorus Concert
Our Winter Chorus Concert was an outstanding success. Over 80 of our talented students took to the stage and sang a combination of classical and holiday songs. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of our music teachers (Ms. McCarten and Mr. Tilman), and the unwavering support of our families. Thank you to everyone involved for making this event so memorable.
Outreach at Sunrise Assisted Living
Looking ahead, on Monday, our chorus will have the wonderful opportunity to perform at Sunrise Assisted Living. This event allows our students to engage with older adults, offering them a chance to connect across generations and practice community service. We extend our gratitude to Sunrise Assisted Living and the families participating in this meaningful event.
Lastly, a reminder that next Wednesday, December 17th will be an early release Wednesday.
Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable weekend.
Warm regards,
Susan Mullen, Principal
Upcoming Dates
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
PTA News
ML Family and School Partnerships
Multilingual Family Podcast
The FCPS Multilingual Family Podcast, In A Few Words FCPS, provides families with timely, accessible information about school updates, resources, and ways to support student learning. Its purpose is to strengthen communication and engagement with multilingual families across FCPS, and it is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, and Korean to ensure broad access. Please help us share this valuable resource with your school communities. The upcoming December episode will focus on Winter Break and offer tips for families on keeping students engaged at home—be on the lookout for this important episode!
Music News
🎵 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.
🎵 Congratulations to:
- the Chorus & Singers for the Winter Chorus Concerts yesterday!
- The Daniels Run Singers for their performance at the Fairfax Festival of Lights last Saturday.
Reporting Student Absences
We are committed to partnering with families to promote positive attendance habits. Any day that your child is unable to attend school, parents should report the absence. By reporting absences, families are partnering with our staff so that everyone can make sure students are supported and have access to resources.
Full-day absences can be reported in SIS ParentVUE. Parents can also report absences by calling our school attendance line at [phone number] or emailing [attendance email address]. School staff will call parents if students are absent, and our school has not been notified in advance.
Parents can monitor their child’s attendance records in SIS ParentVUE.
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
For instance, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
⛄ Winter Resources for Families
A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!
We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.
Winter Break Literacy Adventures
Engaging in literacy activities over winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure they return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy. Enjoy these literacy adventures as a family!
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!
Support Our Schools: 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge
Join Educate Fairfax’s 25 for 2025 Giving Challenge and help ensure every FCPS student has the tools, support, and inspiration to succeed. Every gift, whether you can give $25 or $2,500, helps students learn while supporting the teachers and staff who make a lasting difference.
Educate Fairfax is the nonprofit education foundation that supports FCPS by providing resources, recognizing outstanding educators, and strengthening connections between schools and the community. Educate Fairfax invests directly in classrooms and programs. Last year, they contributed $1.27 million back into our schools.
The foundation supplied more than 5,000 school supply kits to more than 61 schools, centers, shelters, and Welcome Centers. Its Food for All Campaign packed more than 1,000 snack packs and helped feed more than 350 families over Thanksgiving. Read the Educate Fairfax Annual Report to learn more about their impact.
Together, we can support and encourage all learners and educators and strengthen the future of our schools. Donate to Educate Fairfax today.
📖 Meet the Author: Live on Channel 21 and YouTube
Tune in to the Fairfax Network on Friday, December 12, at 1 p.m., for Meet the Author with Gabriella Aldeman, author of the bilingual children’s book “Squawk of Spanish.”
Follow Max as he learns to communicate with his Spanish-speaking grandmother and discovers how language can bring families closer together.
Visit the Meet the Author webpage to view previous episodes of the show.
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).
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- FCPS Showcases Success
- Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings
- Winter Resources for Families
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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