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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
February 25, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Positivity Project at Virginia Run
- Benchmark Unit 5
- Parent Input Form for 2026-2027 Class Placement
- New Visitor Check-in System - Raptor Safe App Setup
- Important Update on Cub Run vs. Virginia Run Volleyball Game
- Kindness Week
- Victory Martial Arts Presentation
- Kindergarten Registration
- Attendance is Important: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
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Distribution of Literature and Fliers
- Yearbook Sale Time!
- PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
- PTA Board Open Positions (2026-2027)
- Viking Dash 2026 - PTA Needs Your Help!
- PTA Fundraisers
- PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026
- 2026 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp - Registration Now Open!
- Dinner Fundraiser for a Cause
- Spring Children’s Consignment Sale
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
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1. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
Character Strength: Humility
This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Humility. Humility means not seeking attention and letting your actions speak for themselves. Humble people understand their abilities and achievements without underestimating them. They can admit mistakes, accept advice, and are open to new ideas. They don't show off their successes or possessions.
Developing humility helps people reflect on how they can improve and work well with others. It allows them to grow and become valuable team members.
To practice and encourage the character strength of humility at home, 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.
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2. 📚 Benchmark Unit 5: Exploring Technology and Society in Language Arts 📚
Benchmark Unit 5 in Language Arts is about technology and how it can help us solve problems at home, school, and work. Students in K-5 will be learning about technology and society. Grade six students will learn about technology in the 21st century.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If you could invent anything, what would it be?
- Activity: Talk to your child about what daily life was like before today’s advances in technology. Where would you go to find information? How did you stay in touch with friends and family? Ask your child if they think they would like living without modern technology.
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.
3. Parent Input Form for 2026-2027 Class Placement
With the end of the year quickly approaching, we are already looking ahead to next school year. While we look at class placements for the coming year, we want you to be aware of the process. We place students in classrooms based on numerous criteria. Students are grouped so that classrooms are heterogeneous, having a balance of boys and girls, a balance of academic performance and ability, and groups that will allow for the greatest support from our resource teachers.
Classroom teachers will have input into the recommendations for next year, as will our counselors and specialists. Our staff has been told that we will not take requests for particular teachers because we base our placement on instructional criteria and individual student strengths and needs. It is unfair to give special consideration to some parents when it would be impossible to grant requests from all parents. Please be aware also that grade level assignments for staff sometimes change, due to late enrollments or other changes. Staff assignments are determined at the end of the summer. Our staff has been directed not to give out information about placement prior to that time to avoid disappointing parents and students when changes are made.
In addition, we also value parent input. If you feel there is pertinent information to support your child’s success for the upcoming school year, you may submit your input by clicking on this Parent Input Google Form. The parent input forms are due by May 8, 2026. We value and consider your insight into your child’s learning needs. Taken together with teacher input, your feedback informs class placements.
Mr. Gerstner and Ms. Chavez visited one of Virginia Run’s bus stops last week!
4. NEW Visitor Check-in System - Raptor Safe App Setup
All Fairfax County Public Schools are getting a NEW Visitor Check-in System beginning next week. Downloading and registering on the Raptor Safe App is not required, you can still use your driver’s license in the building, but this is faster.
What is Raptor Safe?
Raptor Safe is a free mobile app designed to make school visits and student dismissals both faster and more secure. By using the app, you can create a Raptor Passport, which allows you to check in at the school entrance by simply scanning a QR code. A new QR code is generated each time so no screenshots.
A few notes for registration in the app: no code is needed so skip that step and foreign id's and passports can be used (as long as they are in English).
Setting Up Your Account
Getting started is straightforward. Here is the play-by-play:
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Download: Search for "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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Verification: To keep the community safe, the app will ask you to scan your driver’s license and take a live selfie to verify your identity.
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Privacy: Don't worry about that selfie—it is used only for the initial verification and is not stored in the app.
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Stored Info: The app only keeps necessary details like your name, date of birth, the photo from your ID, and the last four digits of your license or passport.
Quick Tips for Users
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No Passwords to Memorize: The app uses your mobile phone number to log you in. You’ll receive a one-time code via text each time you need to access your account.
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Manage Dismissals: You can use your profile to manage student dismissal preferences directly from your phone.
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Need Help?: If you run into any technical snags, you can find troubleshooting guides at raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/.
Raptor Safe FAQ Sheet
5. Important Update on Cub Run vs. Virginia Run Volleyball Game
Dear Virginia Run and Cub Run Communities,
We wanted to inform you about a scheduling change regarding the upcoming volleyball game. After careful consideration and in light of the recent success of the Westfield High School boys' basketball team, we have decided to move the volleyball game from March 6 to April 10.
We do recognize that April 10 is a teacher workday. However, our cheerleader/dance team coaches, physical education teachers, and administrative teams are fully committed to ensuring this will be a successful and enjoyable evening. We hope that having the day off will allow our students to be well-rested and excited for this great event.
We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make this adjustment. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Best regards,
Melissa Miller, Principal, Cub Run Elementary School
Dave Gerstner, Principal, Virginia Run Elementary School
Information about the volleyball game:
Our 6th grade volleyball team will be taking on Cub Run Elementary School on Friday, April 10th at Westfield High School!
If you are a 6th grader interested in playing, please stop by the Virginia Run gym to pick up a sign-up sheet.
In addition to the 6th grade volleyball game, our Virginia Run teachers will be facing off against the Cub Run teachers in a fun and competitive volleyball match of their own!
We’ll also have our Virginia Run cheerleaders performing, along with girls’ and boys’ 3-on-3 basketball games against Cub Run.
Everyone else—we would love to see you at Westfield High School cheering on Virginia Run!
We always have an amazing turnout because…
Who does it better than Virginia Run? NOBODY!! 🏐💙
2026 VRES Volleyball Flyer
6. Kindness Week
It’s time to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week at Virginia Run Elementary! From February 23rd to February 27th, we are coming together to spread positivity and school spirit with a week of fun dress-up days and daily kindness challenges.
Here is the schedule for the rest of the week:
Thursday, Feb 26: Team Up for Kindness
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Dress: Wear a jersey or your favorite team’s colors!
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Action: Say something kind to a friend or classmate! Help a friend with something and tell them why you think they are a good friend.
Friday, Feb 27: We Choose Kindness
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Dress: Wear your Westfield Pyramid Kindness shirt or Virginia Run Elementary school shirts. .
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Action: Choose a random act of kindness to do today! Tell your teacher or your counselor what you are doing to be kind.
Kindness Week Flyer February 2026
7. Victory Martial Arts Presentation
We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Houser from Victory Martial Arts for a special martial arts presentation designed to inspire and empower our students. This engaging lesson focuses on building character both inside and outside the classroom.
Students will learn about the importance of discipline, confidence, and respect. Through interactive activities, they will practice strong eye contact, proper posture, and using a confident voice. The presentation also reinforces key life skills such as following directions the first time, setting goals, making good choices, and developing a positive “Yes, I Can!” mindset.
Age-appropriate discussions on stranger awareness, bullying prevention, and personal safety will help students understand that their voice and smart decision-making are powerful tools. The lesson emphasizes that true self-defense begins with good judgment and avoiding unsafe situations.
The event will conclude with an exciting martial arts demonstration, and one student will have the opportunity to break a real wood board — a powerful symbol of focus, courage, and confidence.
We look forward to this meaningful and motivating experience for our students!
8. 🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3
There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:
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Determine eligibility.
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Identify your local school.
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Gather documents.
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Fill out forms.
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Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation and any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
💻 Try Online Registration
Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account.
9. Attendance is Important: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
Any student missing 10% of the school year — that is only 2 days per month on average — for any reason (excused or unexcused) is considered chronically absent and may require additional support or intervention.
As of February 25, Virginia Run’s Year to Date Chronic Absenteeism is 8.1%, being 1.9% away from being in the yellow zone. As we finish out the remainder of this school year, we will continue to update this percentage with you in hopes that we can join our Westfield pyramid schools for having an acceptable chronic absenteeism rate of 10% or lower.
REQUEST FOR PRE ARRANGED ABSENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FCPS Excused absences include the following reasons: illness, injury, funeral, legal obligations, medical procedures, religious observances, deployment-related absences, or family emergency.
If the reason for this prearranged absence is different from the above, please indicate the reason for the absence. Parents must plan to arrange for their child to complete make-up work, tests, or projects. If the student's planned absences exceed five school days, a parent conference may be required. The conference will include a review of the student's academic and absence record. Students who are absent 15 or more consecutive school days will be withdrawn from enrollment.
Virginia Run Elementary School is committed to providing our students with a high quality education. Academic success relies upon excellent school attendance. Children who come to school on time every day are building critical life skills they will use throughout the rest of their lives. Like strengthening a muscle, building positive attendance habits early on make a difference for our children today and for our adults of tomorrow. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Virginia Run is teaming up with the other 9 schools in the Westfield Pyramid in an effort to make sure all of our students are in school, on time, each day.
Did you know?
- Regular school attendance in grades preschool through grade 6 makes it more likely that
your child will read on grade level.
scheduling vacations around the school year calendar.
- Absences impact learning: A pattern of absences (whether unexcused or excused) is
one of the main reasons children have lower academic achievement.
- Students who attend 90% or more of the school year are more likely to graduate from
high school on time.
- Absences can mask deeper struggles. For example; absences may be a sign that a
student is losing interest in school, he or she may be struggling with school work or peer
relationships, or possibly facing a medical or mental health concern.
Support is available:
All staff members at Virginia Run ES are committed to supporting attendance. Additional resources can be found online at http://www.fcps.edu/attendance. We know that parents are the experts on their own child and our school team is here to partner and help solve attendance-related concerns.
The school counselor, school social worker, psychologist, and family liaison are available:
Jenna DeKeuster, School Counselor: jldekeuster@fcps.edu
Rachel Wyllie, School Counselor: rlwyllie@fcps.edu
Stephanie Whittaker, Social Worker: swwhittaker@fcps.edu
Jini Kapur, Psychologist: jkapur@fcps.edu
Carolina Chavez, Family Liaison: cchavez@fcps.edu
10. Distribution of Literature and Fliers
To protect our children from becoming little advertisers and mail carriers, FCPS has clearly described the situation under which children may carry announcements home to parents. (Regulation 1367.1) Students may only carry fliers consistent with the mission of the school: education and the welfare of children. All nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit fliers in accordance with the guidelines below. Charitable solicitations, partisan political organizations, and commercial or profit-making enterprises are excluded with the exception of school-business partnerships and events. Students may not carry advertisements. Non-profit organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may only use the backpack system at designated times during the year. The fliers must be representative of something appropriate to the children and not violate any rules of decency, political campaigning, or marketing. These designated times are set by the school principal.
At Virginia Run Elementary, the remaining dates that Wednesday envelopes may be used for carrying announcements from non-profit organizations are:
March 4th
May 13th
**All announcements/fliers must carry the following disclaimer:
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
All announcements/fliers must be approved by the administration in advance, allowing at least 3 days turn-around time. Upon receiving approval, the organization is responsible for supplying the copies to the school by the Monday preceding the designated envelope. PTA materials and announcements must also be approved in advance, but are not restricted to, the four dates listed. No materials carried by children may promote improper behavior or political opinion.
11. Yearbook Sale Time!
It’s time to order yearbooks for the 2025-2026 school year! Use the link to purchase or check your child’s Wednesday Folder for the paper flyer to pay by check or cash. Link to purchase: https://www.buytheyearbook.com/en/ Virginia Run’s school code is: 730745.
12. 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
13. PTA Board Open Positions (2026-2027)
Help Keep Our PTA Strong 💙💛
We are currently recruiting for next year’s PTA Board — especially for the Treasurer role.
The Treasurer is a required board position, and without it, our PTA cannot function.
If you are organized, responsible, and willing to help, we would love to hear from you. You do not need prior PTA experience — support and guidance will be provided.
Please consider serving our school community.
PTA Board Interest Form : https://forms.gle/9MC9F3XygrF4oM7b9
(There are still additional board positions available, please take a look!)
Together, we can keep our PTA strong for our students and staff. 💙💛
14. Viking Dash 2026 - PTA Needs Your Help!
We are officially gearing up for this year’s Viking Dash, and in order for this incredible event to happen on Friday, April 24, we must fill our key volunteer coordinator roles in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.
Each role below is clearly defined, supported by the Viking Dash committee, based on previous years’ successful events, and backed by templates and documentation. You will not be starting from scratch.
Even a small amount of time makes a huge difference. The Viking Dash planning team works together across every aspect of the event — you are never doing this alone.
IMPORTANT
These roles must be filled in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS.
If we are unable to secure volunteers for these positions, we will not have enough support to safely and successfully host the Viking Dash this year.
The Viking Dash cannot happen without these roles filled.
Please consider volunteering!
We appreciate your support! 💖
Viking Dash Sign Up Genius
15. PTA Fundraisers
VRES Spirit Wear
Show your Viking pride while supporting the Virginia Run PTA! A portion of every spirit wear purchase goes directly to the PTA. All items are shipped straight to your doorstep.
www.campussurvivalkits.com/virginiarun
https://virginiarun.deco-apparel.com/
16. PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026
Get ready for an action-packed 4-day adventure at Virginia Run Elementary School! Led by our amazing PE Teacher, Mr. Rosenfeld. Don't miss out on this opportunity to hang with your classmates, learn new skills, and have a blast! We will offer a variety of different sports and activities for students in all grades. This camp is open to all Virginia Run students.
Please note, registration is for one session only - morning OR afternoon.
When: June 22 - June 25
Option 1: Morning Session: 9 AM - 1 PM
Option 2: Afternoon Session: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Every day we will try to increase the fitness level of each camper. We will do this in many ways, including fitness games, cooperative challenges, and individual fitness sessions where each camper will set a goal for themselves and try to achieve it during the week.
What to bring: Campers should wear proper P.E. clothing each day, which includes tennis shoes. No open toe shoes or Crocs, please. Campers should also bring a water bottle each day. Snacks, including drinks and pizza slices will be available for purchase each day. Contact Kimberly Wilson with registration questions: VRESVPEducation@gmail.com
PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026 Registration
17. 2026 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp – Registration Now Open!
Franklin Band and Orchestra Camp is a local summer program designed to develop young musicians of ALL levels and is open to rising 4th through 9th graders. Students participate in band or orchestra ensembles that meet their ability and experience level, aiming to further develop these musicianship skills throughout the camp experience. Each day, students will have the opportunity to grow musically through both large ensemble performance and small group/instrument-specific clinics. One day of camp is roughly equivalent to four weekly elementary band or strings lessons during the schoolyear! Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp is a fantastic summer opportunity for young musicians to accelerate their musical development! I highly recommend signing your child up for this awesome summer opportunity. Click on the link below for details and registration.
Location - Franklin Middle School
Dates - Monday, June 22nd - Friday, July 10th
Times – Weekdays 8:30 am - 12:30 pm (No Camp on July 3rd)
Ages
Band: Rising 5th - 9th Grade students
Strings: Rising 4th - 9th Grade students
Pricing
$400 - Early Bird Registration (Jan 30 - March 31)
$425 - Regular Registration (April 1 - May 31)
$475 - Late Registration (June 1 - June 19)
Aftercare - From 12:30 - 3:30pm every day (pending enrollment)
More information, frequently asked questions, and registration available at
https://chantillyband.org/franklin-band-orch-camp.
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18. Dinner Fundraiser for a Cause
Chipotle is hosting a fundraiser for Blood Cancer United: Xavier’s Xtreme Team, and they are donating 25% of event sales back to the organization.
Here is everything you need to know to grab some dinner and make a difference:
When & Where
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Date: Saturday, February 28th
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Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Location: 14383 Newbrook Dr Ste 100, Chantilly, VA, 20151
How to Order
There are two ways to make sure your meal counts toward the donation:
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In-Restaurant: Just show the fundraiser flyer at the register when you pay.
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Online/App Pickup: Use the promo code 6TBGN66 in the "Promo" section.
Tip: For online orders to count, they must be placed for pickup at this specific location during the fundraiser hours. Please note that delivery orders and gift card purchases won't qualify for the donation.
Blood Cancer United: Xavier's Xtreme Team Chipotle Fundraiser Flyer
19. Spring Children’s Consignment Sale
The Virginia Run community is hosting a Spring Children’s Consignment Sale.
When & Where
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Date: Saturday, March 7
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Time: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
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Location: Virginia Run Community Center, 15355 Wetherburn Court, Centreville, VA
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Pro Tip: From 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, selected items will be half price!
What’s for Sale?
Expect to find high-quality, gently used items priced well below what you’d see at retail or resale shops. The inventory includes:
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Kids' Gear: Clothing, shoes, and accessories (sizes infant to 16).
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Play & Learn: Toys, bikes, books, puzzles, games, and sports equipment.
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For Parents: Maternity clothes and various baby equipment.
Why Shop?
Beyond the great prices, it’s all for a good cause. A portion of the proceeds goes directly back into our community, including support for the VRES PTA.
Note: These materials are neither sponsored or endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
Spring Consignment Sale March2026
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
20. Important Upcoming Dates
2/25: Fun Land Fundraiser, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
3/25: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
4/10: Kindergarten Orientation, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, for Rising K Students and Families
4/10: Cub Run vs. VRES Volleyball Game, 7:00 - 9:00 PM, Westfield High School
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.
21. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
22. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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