RVES News and Notes - February 13


February 13 - News and Notes!

Dear Rolling Valley Families,

What a full and buay week at Rolling Valley!

We had the opportunity to celebrate our outstanding Employee Award winners and recognize the incredible contributions they make to our school community. Our third graders proudly shared their Project Based Learning work centered on water makers, showcasing their research, creativity, and collaboration. Fifth grade students impressed us all with their imaginative Valentine’s boxes, and our entire school marked the 100th day of learning with excitement and schoolwide spirit.

It is always energizing to see our students and teachers so deeply engaged in meaningful learning and celebration throughout the week.

A special thank you goes to our custodial team for clearing the blacktop and taking advantage of the warmer weather so students could enjoy time outside. Their efforts gave our students valuable space to move, play, and recharge.

As we look ahead, please remember that there is no school on Monday in observance of the Presidents Day holiday. Tuesday is a teacher workday, and Wednesday will be an early release day.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Veronica Del Bagno

Rolling Valley Elementary School Principal


pic

Save the Dates

Monday, February 16th - Presidents' Day - No School for Students

Tuesday, February 17th - Teacher Workday - No School for Students

Wednesday, February 18th - 3-Hour Early Release at 1:00 PM

View the 2025-26 school year calendar.


💧🌍 Water Keepers in Action! 🌍💧

 

Our 3rd graders wrapped up their Water Keepers Project by presenting and testing their final designs—and we couldn’t be more proud! Throughout this STEAM challenge, students became junior hydrologists and engineers, designing models to help clean or conserve water for our school and community.

From testing filtration systems to explaining conservation ideas with data, science vocabulary, and geometric designs, students showed incredible creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. Even better, they confidently shared why their designs matter and how small actions can make a big impact.

wk

Shout Out!

A huge thank you to our custodial staff for their outstanding work in cleaning the snow and ice off the blacktop. 

Our students are thrilled to have open outdoor space again where they can run and play!!

wprl

Thank You PTA!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our PTA for the thoughtful treats and festive decorations provided for our staff.

We are so thankful to be part of such a caring and generous community. The time, creativity, and care that went into preparing everything did not go unnoticed.

Thank you!!!

pic

Black History Month:

Echoes of Excellence

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School

The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available. 

Mural of Carter G. Woodson

6th Grade Panoramic

Please use the link below to place your order in advance of the 6th Grade Panoramic Photo:

https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001350630

All orders placed before photo day will be shipped directly home with no shipping charge.


Purple Up! Pop Up Store

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is gearing up to honor and celebrate its military-connected youth in April, the Month of the Military Child, and on Purple Up! Day! 

 

This year, Virginia will celebrate Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Purple Up! Day is a special day for communities to come together and wear purple as a visible gesture of support for our military-connected youth and their families. Purple symbolizes the combined colors of all branches of the military. 

 

FCPS Purple Up! T-shirts and other items are available for purchase now through Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in our Custom Ink online store. These items highlight our gratitude and appreciation for our 14,500 military-connected students and their families. #PurpleUpFCPS! 

Spirit Wear Store (for families): https://www.customink.com/s/fcps-purple-up-spirit-wear-store

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu


Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. 

  • Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
  • Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
  • Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 


RVES Book Exchange!

book

Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students

School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff. 

The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical. 

Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.


w

Student Experience Survey

 

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

 

All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.

 

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.


PTA NEWS

PTA NEWS:

DONATIONS NEEDED! We are seeking Keurig coffee pod donations to provide for staff social events and for daily use. Please drop off donations to the RVES front office or have them mailed directly to the school. If you prefer to support by providing a monetary donation, please send donations here:CLICK HERE

THANK YOU!

SPRING BEFORE SCHOOL CLASSES: Register now for before school classes sponsored by the PTA!

Chess Club

Grades K-6 -  MONDAYS 8:00 - 9:00AM; 3/2 - 5/11; 9 sessions (no class 3/30 and 4/6) $191

RunFit Kidz (Registration opens Monday, 2/16 at 8AM)

Grades 1-6 - THURSDAYS 7:45 - 9:00AM; 3/19 - 5/14; 8 sessions $129

Click here to register for Chess Club: CLICK HERE

Click here to register for RunFit Kidz: CLICK HERE

 

For scholarship information, please contact Mrs. Del Bagno as soon as possible. For any questions, please contact the PTA’s Before/After-School Programs Coordinators, Mallory Lyon at (703)718-1292 or mhods227@gmail.com or Lisa Callahan, at (703)338-2989 or lisa.callahan27@gmail.com.

 

DAVE & BUSTER'S SPIRIT NIGHT: Looking for a fun family activity to do the night before a student holiday? Join us on April 9 from 5-8pm at the Springfield Dave & Buster's for a Rolling Valley Spirit Night! See below for details!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

 

Friday, March 6; 6:00-8:00pm; Games & Grub @ Rolling Valley:  RVES families are invited to come hang out and enjoy games in the cafeteria, and delicious fare from local food trucks will also be available for sale! Note that all students must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Thursday, March 12; 5:00-8:00pm; 6th Grade "Run the Diner" Fundraiser @ Silver DinerDine in or get takeout at Silver Diner (next to Springfield Mall) and 20% of proceeds will go to the RVES 6th grade celebration! Also, our 6th graders will be helping as servers, hosts and more! Be sure to mention the fundraiser when you pay.

 

SAVE THE DATE- Thursday, April 9; 5-8pm; Dave & Buster's Spirit Night: Join us at the Springfield Dave & Buster's for a Rolling Valley spirit night! 20% of all food, non-alcoholic beverages, and game card sales will be donated to the PTA. Part of the Dave & Buster's dining area will be reserved for RVES during our spirit night. Game cards and food and beverage orders must be purchased from servers in our designated area in order to count toward our fundraising total. In the coming weeks, a flyer will be sent home in Friday Folders - please bring it with you!

 

MILITARY FAMILY OUTREACH: FSP will be facilitating monthly workshops, webinars, or family engagement events for military families throughout the school year. Please check the Family Academy Catalog CLICK HERE under "Military-Connected Families Offerings" for more information on these events as they are posted. 

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.

 

SEPTA (FAIRFAX COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION PTA): SEPTA is a PTA organization affiliated with the state and national PTA but specifically established to address the unique needs of special education, special needs, and disabled students and families. Please click here for more information and details about upcoming events:CLICK HERE

Feel free to contact the RVES PTA at ptarollingvalley@gmail.com with any questions or comments! 

 


Early Release Wednesday

FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid announced plans to continue limited early release days in elementary schools and shift them to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year. 

Early release Wednesdays for RVES will be:

  • February 18
  • March 18

  • April 22

  • May 13

FCPS has created this webpage to provide detailed information about the early release on Wednesdays.