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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
March 11, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Positivity Project at Virginia Run
- Notification of Testing for 5th graders
- Benchmark Unit 6
- Family Engagement Survey
- SCA Spirit Day
- Spring Picture Day is Coming - March 19
- Community Peers Needed for 2026-2027 Preschool Class
- Important Reminder: Outside Food Policy
- Parent Input Form for 2026-2027 Class Placement
- Important Update on Cub Run vs. Virginia Run Volleyball Game
- Kindergarten Registration
- Attendance is Important: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
- Yearbook Sale Time!
- PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
- Viking Dash 2026 Registration
- Virginia Run Science Quest
- PTA Student Newsletter - March 2026
- PTA Fundraisers
- PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026
- Westfield High School International Night
- CYA Football 2026
- 2026 Franklin Band & Orchestra Camp - Registration Now Open!
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
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1. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
Spiral Review Week of Character Strengths
This week for the Positivity Project, we pause as a school to do a Spiral Review Week. Part of this review is to reflect on why we practice mindfulness. Teaching mindfulness in schools is becoming more common for valid reasons. In one example, researchers at Harvard University following 224 U.S. children between the ages of 7 and 15 discovered that the number of children showing “clinically significant signs of depression or anxiety” had more than doubled compared to 2019. Mindfulness lessons for children include a wide range of activities designed to help reduce anxiety and increase focus.
Mindfulness is defined most simply as the art of being self-aware and remaining present in the moment. Research shows that teaching lessons on mindfulness in the classroom can reduce the adverse effects of stress and anxiety by helping students learn to self-regulate emotions, enhance problem-solving skills, and increase their attention, all of which help improve academic performance.
P2 Mindful Moment activities—at all grade levels—consistently support three mindfulness practices: breathing, savoring, and grounding, and can be implemented at different times throughout the school day. Providing a consistent focus Pre-K–12 will help students carry the practice of mindfulness over into their daily lives. For implementation suggestions at your specific level, click here.
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2. Notification of Testing for 5th Graders
All 5th-grade students will complete an integrated reading and writing (IRW) component of the Reading test. The IRW component of the SOL Reading test has 1 non-fiction reading passage followed by 4-6 multiple-choice/technology-enhanced items and an “invitation to write” based on the passage.
Parents/guardians may choose to refuse participation in the IRW component while still agreeing for their student to participate in the required SOL Reading test. The IRW component does not fulfill federal participation requirements or influence school accountability calculations.
3. Benchmark Unit 6
📚 Journeys and Themes in Language Arts 📚
Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts is about the lessons we can learn from different stories around the world. Students in K-5 will be learning about themes across cultures. Sixth grade students will learn about legendary journeys.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s a lesson that you’ve learned recently, or a challenge you had?
- Activity: Pick a few of your child’s favorite books or classic stories such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” With your child, discuss each story and whether it has a lesson.
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.
Mila was recognized this month as our patrol of the month for her dedication to keeping the students safe on the bus and in the hallway. She was recognized by several teachers for how hard she works to care for the kindergartners on her bus and being a great role model.
4. Family Engagement Survey
Hello Virginia Run Families,
The FCPS Office of Communication would like to invite all families to participate in taking this year’s Family Engagement survey. The survey will be available from March 9th-March 23rd. All parents/guardians will receive an e-mail directly from FCPS about the survey on Monday, March 9th, which you will be able to complete on most electronic devices, including smartphones. We encourage you to use the link sent to your e-mail to complete this survey, but we will have paper copies available in the front office if needed, beginning on Monday, March 9th.
Family input in a child’s education is critical to their success, and your assistance with this survey is invaluable. Thank you!
5. SCA Spirit Day
March 27 is our next SCA Spirit Day! What better way to celebrate this warm weather than to have our own Beach Day! Students are invited to wear some school appropriate beach clothes.
6. Spring Picture Day is Coming
📸 Say Cheese! Spring Picture Day is Coming
Spring Picture Day at Virginia Run Elementary is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Barksdale School Portraits will be handled as a prepay event, so you'll want to get your orders in early. Here are the details you need to know:
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When: March 19, 2026
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How to Order: Visit www.barksdalephoto.com
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Online Order Code: Use code 0038736SG
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Pro Tip: Your online password expires 24 hours after Picture Day, so don't wait too long to finalize your choices!
If you have any specific questions about the packages or backgrounds, you can reach out to Barksdale directly at 1-800-220-7667.
7. Community Peers Needed for 2026-2027 Preschool Class
Virginia Run Elementary is looking for preschool-aged children to join our AM Preschool class as Community Peers for the 2026-2027 school year! This program provides a unique opportunity for children of all abilities to learn and play together. Selected peers serve as models to help promote social, academic, and language development within our Early Childhood Special Education classrooms.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 3–4 years old by September 30, 2026.
- Must be fully potty trained and demonstrate strong social/language skills.
- Not currently receiving FCPS special education services.
- Parents provide transportation and meals.
Interested in this leadership opportunity for your little learner? Please contact Amy Cunningham at alcunningham@fcps.edu or Jackie Diaz at jdiaz@fcps.edu for more information on the application process.
8. Important Reminder: Outside Food Policy
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We have recently noticed an increase in outside food being brought in for students other than the provider's own children.
While we appreciate the spirit of generosity, we must ask that you do not provide food for other students during school hours. This includes birthday treats, lunches with your child, or class snacks. This policy is in place to prevent accidental exposure to severe allergens that have resulted in students being transported by ambulance to the hospital, and to maintain an equitable environment where no student feels left out during lunch.
Please review the VRES Family Handbook, which is located on the VRES website.
Even if you have coordinated with another student’s family, please keep those special meals for after-school or weekend settings. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our lunchroom safe and inclusive for everyone.
9. 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.
10. 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
11. Kindergarten Registration
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.
12. 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 March 11th, Virginia Run’s Year to Date Chronic Absenteeism is 7.4%, being 2.6% 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
13. 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.
Order deadline is Friday, April 10.
14. 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
15. Viking Dash 2026 Registration
The 11th Annual Viking Dash is almost here, and it’s time to get the whole family moving. Whether you want to walk, run, or dance your way through the neighborhood, this is the perfect way to spend a Friday night with the Virginia Run community.
🏃♀️ Event Details
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When: Friday, April 24th, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
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The Course: A 1.7-mile neighborhood route featuring fun (optional) obstacles and a shortcut if you need one.
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The Big Finish: An epic inflatable obstacle slide and a finish line party with a live DJ.
🍕 What’s Included?
Your registration covers more than just the race! Every participant gets:
- An official Viking Dash T-shirt.
- A post-race meal featuring pizza, fresh fruit, and a frozen treat.
- Access to all event activities and the finish line celebration.
📝 Registration & Pricing
Don't wait—registering early saves you money!
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Early Bird Special: Register now to save $5.00 per person.
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Cost: $30 for the first student in a family; $20 for each additional family member or friend.
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Important Deadlines:
- * March 26, 2026: Deadline for paper registration forms.
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April 3, 2026: Deadline for online registration.
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How to Sign Up: Visit vrespta.ptboard.com to pay by credit card, or return the paper form to school with cash or a check (payable to VRES PTA).
Parents are strongly encouraged to participate with their kids—strollers and wheelchairs are more than welcome!
❤️ Supporting Our School
This event is sponsored by the PTA. Funds help provide after-school activities, field trip support, in-school educational events, teacher mini-grants, professional development, stipends, and technology support.
Registration questions? Contact Matthew Reklau at virginiarunpta@gmail.com.
2026 Viking Dash Registration Form - English
2026 Viking Dash Registration Form - Spanish
16. Virginia Run Science Quest
🔬 Calling All Scientists! We’re excited to launch our annual Science Quest Exhibition—a chance for students to showcase their discoveries and creativity!
Project Guidelines: • Choose a science topic to explore • Conduct an experiment + analyze your results • Create a tri‑fold display to be exhibited in the school foyer May 11-May 15 • Students may participate individually or in groups
Important Dates: • April 30: Project registration deadline • May 6: Optional 1–2 min project video due (email video to VRESVPEducation@gmail.com) • May 8, 4–6 PM: Project drop‑off/setup in the foyer • May 11–15: Projects on display in foyer + student videos featured on morning news • May 15: Project pickup (4–6 PM or students may bring home at dismissal)
Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/ScienceQuestForm2026
We hope your scientist joins us for this exciting showcase! Please email Kimberly Wilson with questions: VRESVPEducation@gmail.com
Science Quest 2026 Flyer
17. PTA Student Newsletter - March 2026
🎨 Art Stars of the Month
A huge shout-out to our featured artists! Both students shared incredible drawings for the "My Favorite Animal" challenge.
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Heartley Kelly (4th Grade)
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Kaden Ha (2nd Grade)
🌍 April is Earth Month!
We’re getting a head start on celebrating our amazing planet. Here is how you can get involved:
The Artwork Challenge
Show us what the Earth means to you!
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Create: Draw or color the Earth on letter-size paper using any style—crayons, paint, or even digital apps!
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Write: Finish the sentence: "I love the Earth because..."
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Submit: Drop your art in the PTA Submission Box in the school office or email digital art to Skylar7981@gmail.com.
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Deadline: Thursday, March 19th. Don't forget to include your full name, grade, and the title of your artwork!
Viking Quiz: I Spy – Earth Edition
Complete the quiz on the newsletter by counting and writing the numbers in the boxes. Turn it into the PTA Submission Box in the office. Two lucky winners who answer correctly will be randomly selected to receive a special Earth-themed prize!
💡 Did You Know?
Recycling just one plastic bottle saves enough energy to power a light bulb for hours! Let’s make sure those empty bottles find their way into the recycling bin this month.
Questions? Reach out to Skylar Ha, VP of Social, at Skylar7981@gmail.com.
PTA Student Newsletter - March 2026
PTA Parent Newsletter - March 2026
18. 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/
19. 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
20. Westfield High School International Night
Mark your calendars for Westfield’s International Night on March 26. It’s going to be a vibrant celebration of culture, food, and talent starting right at 5 PM.
Here is the breakdown of what’s happening and where:
The Details
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Location: Westfield HS - 4700 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151
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Admission: Entry is free for FCPS students. For adults and all other guests, tickets are $5
Evening Schedule
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Potluck (5–6 PM): Cafeteria
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Fashion Show (6–7 PM): Gym
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Performances (7–9 PM): Gym
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Food Trucks (5–9 PM): Outside
- Halal Grill: Middle Eastern chicken and gyros
- Pako’s Tacos: Mexican tacos and quesadillas
- District Small Bites: Classic American
- Brewster’s: American ice cream
- DC Slices: Italian pizza
WHS International Night 2026
WHS International Night Food Trucks
21. CYA Football 2026
Chantilly Youth Association (CYA) Football 2026 Season
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Who: Open to athletes ages 7 to 14.
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Flag Football: Spring 2026.
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Tackle Football: Summer 2026.
How to Get Involved
Ready to sign up? You can head straight to their website or reach out to the coordinators with any questions about gear, schedules, or registration.
There is also a QR code on the flyer (top right) that you can scan with your phone for instant access to the registration page.
2026 CYA Football Flyer
22. 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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Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
24. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
23. Important Upcoming Dates
3/19: Spring Picture Day
3/20: Holiday for Eid al-Fitr and Nowruz
3/25: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
3/30-4/3: Spring Break
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
4/21: Student Holiday for Election
4/24: Viking Dash, 6:00 PM
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
5/25: Holiday - Memorial Day
5/27: Holiday for Eid al-Adha
6/17: Last Day of School
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
5/19: Gr. 5 Science
5/28-6/3: Retakes
*Makeups will be held when students return from their absence.
25. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
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