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A Note from the Principal
Dear Daniels Run Families,
It was a great week here at school, filled with positive energy. One of the highlights was our third quarter SOAR assemblies, where we focused on celebrating kindness. It was truly inspiring to see how our students demonstrate care and compassion each day—we saw kindness everywhere.
During the assemblies, we also recognized the classrooms that earned the most Kindness Tickets this quarter. Congratulations to the following groups:
- Kindergarten – Morrison
- Grade 1 – Penfield
- Grade 2 – Horn
- Grade 3 – Mard
- Grade 4 – Denton
- Grade 5 – Brixius
- Grade 6 – Zaman
We are so proud of these students for leading by example and helping to make our school such a welcoming and supportive place.
Today was also an exciting and busy day in our building and around our campus. We had the pleasure of hosting our Rising Kindergarten Orientation for parents, and we are so excited to welcome our newest Dragons to the community!
In addition, we held a wonderful Community Clean-Up event organized by our Get to Green Team. Families joined us to help care for our school grounds by removing invasive plants, picking up trash, fixing sections of fencing, and clearing weeds. Students also learned about sustainability through vermicomposting and helped prepare an area that will support our school garden. A special highlight was planting a Swamp Oak tree in partnership with the City of Fairfax Urban Forestry team—an investment in our environment that will benefit our community for years to come.
Looking ahead, we are excited for next week’s Book Fair, which will run from April 13–17. On Wednesday, the Book Fair will be open late, and our staff will be serving as ice cream scoopers in the cafeteria—a fun event you won’t want to miss! Afterward, we invite you to stay for the PTA meeting at 7:00 PM in the library.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. We hope to see many of you at next week’s events!
With Dragon Pride,
Susan Mullen, Principal
3rd Quarter SOAR Winners
Community Clean Up Event
Upcoming Dates
April 13-17: BOGO Book Fair
April 15: PTA Ice Cream Scoop Night at 4-6pm in the Cafeteria
April 15: PTA Meeting at 6:15pm in the Cafeteria
April 15: Purple Up Day- Wear Purple to show support for our military-connected families.
April 21: VA Statewide Election Day- No School for Students
April 22: Earth Day- Wear blues and greens to highlight the importance of taking care of our Earth.
Purple Up! Day on Wednesday, April 15th
To show our support for all our military-connected families, we are inviting all students, families, staff, and community members to “Purple Up!” on Wednesday, April 15, for military children. Purple was chosen to symbolize all military branches, as it combines Army green, Marine Corps crimson, Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, and Navy blue.
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April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
FCPS will offer lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Tuesday, April 21, at participating schools. The meals must be eaten on site, and enrichment activities will be available for the children. For more information, visit the FCPS Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
PTA News
BOGO BOOK FAIR- April 13-17th
BOOK FAIR E-WALLET
The Book Fair is just days away! The Fair encourages students to read AND raises much-needed funds for our school. The easiest way for kids to shop the Fair is by creating and funding your child’s eWallet. No more worrying about cash, and their balances show right on the register. Visit our school homepage to get started: https://scholastic.com/bf/danielsrunelementaryschool
Book Fair Schedule
Monday 10am-3:45pm(classes will shop)
Tuesday 10am-3:45pm ( classes will shop)
Wednesday 8:45am-3:45pm (classes will shop)
Wednesday 4-6pm( Family Book Fair Night)
Wednesday 4-6pm(PTA Ice Cream Social- Cafeteria, get a scoop on us!)
Thursday 10am-3:45pm(classes will shop)
Friday 8:45am-12pm(classes will shop)
We need VOLUNTEERS to run a successful bookfair- VOLUNTEER HERE:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A45ABAE23A75-63173841-daniels
Questions? Email Beth @ drepresident@gmail.com
Dear DRE Families,
As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, the DRE PTA Nominating Committee is working to identify parents and caregivers who are interested in serving in leadership and support roles for next year.
The DRE PTA plays an important role in our school by supporting student programs, community events, teacher appreciation efforts, and many activities that make Daniels Run Elementary such a special place for our students and families. In order for the PTA to continue this work, we rely on volunteers who are willing to step into leadership and support roles each year.
We understand that stepping into a PTA leadership role can feel like a big commitment. Several current board members, including our president, are happy to stay involved next year to mentor and support new volunteers as they learn the roles. Most positions are collaborative and the time commitment is often much smaller than people expect.
At this stage, we are simply looking for parents who are open to having a conversation with the Nominating Committee to learn more about the roles and how they help support Daniels Run Elementary. You do not need prior PTA experience to explore these opportunities.
If you are interested in learning more or would like to talk through how you might be able to help, please contact the Nominating Committee at drenominatingcommittee@gmail.com
Even a brief conversation can help us ensure a strong leadership team for next year.
Thank you for considering how you might help support the future of the DRE PTA. Our school community is strongest when many families are involved.
Warm regards,
DRE PTA Nominating Committee
Celebrate Month of the Military Child in April
Each year our nation designates April as the Month of the Military Child to recognize and thank children from military families for the sacrifices they make living the military lifestyle. The recognition is part of the legacy of former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, who established the commemoration in 1986. During the month, one day is selected as the day to "Purple Up! For Military Kids," and all school personnel and students are encouraged to wear purple in recognition of the strength and sacrifices of military-connected youth (MCY). Military-connected youth face unique circumstances living the military lifestyle. By understanding that lifestyle, we can better meet their needs as they transition with their family members who serve our nation. Celebrating the Month of the Military Child provides a powerful opportunity to raise awareness and build support to help these children meet the unique challenges they face! It is an opportunity to recognize and thank military children and youth for their heroism, character, courage, sacrifices, and continued resilience.
FCPS Month of the Military Child Calendar
Families can participate in daily activities to build awareness and celebrate military-connected youth.
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Music News
🎵 Our April musician of the month is Chinese pianist, Lang Lang 郎朗. He has performed with major orchestras around the world and appeared at many leading concert halls
UPCOMING MUSIC EVENTS:
April is a very big month of music concerts. Please mark these on your calendar:
- Sat, 4/11: Fairfax Pyramid Stringapalooza
- Wed, 4/22: Strings Spring Concert Rehearsal (during school)
- Thurs, 4/23 Strings Spring Concert in evening
- Mon, 4/27: Band Spring Concert Rehearsal in the gym (during school)
- Tues, 4/28: Band Spring Concert in the gym afternoon concert for 3rd-5th grade & 7pm concert
- Thurs, 4/30: Chorus Spring Evening Concert (6:30pm)
- Fri, 5/1: Chorus Spring Concerts in the café (morning, during school)
SUMMER MUSIC OPPORTUNTIES:
🎵 SUMMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University: Grades 1-8.
🎵 E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students currently in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in 4 daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
🎵 IFTA is a 2- or 3-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11.
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April 22 is Earth Day
To highlight the importance of taking care of our Earth for our future, the Daniels Run community is asked to wear Blues and Greens.
Halfway Through Journeys and Themes in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored stories involving quests, challenges, and problem-solving.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which character has been your favorite from this unit and why?
- Activity: With your child, brainstorm a brand-new invention to solve a problem, like shoelaces that tie themselves or a clothes dryer that folds clothes. Ask your child to tell or write a story about someone using the invention.
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.
Trex Challenge- Goal Reached!
Thank you to everyone who sent in plastic for the Recycle Beyond the Bag program. We have reached our goal and will be receiving a bench from Trex! No more plastic bags are needed here at school!
The plastic that you collected for this program can still be deposited at any location that plastic bags are collected, such as Giant, Safeway and Goodwill. If you would like some help finding a local center that collects this type of plastic, please reach out to Megan Oris mloris@fcps.edu
Science Lab Request
The Science Lab would love the following materials replenished:
- Paper towel tubes
- Toilet paper tubes
- Cereal boxes (please collapse)
- Cardboard egg cartons
Materials can be dropped off at the science lab door. Thank you in advance!
SOL Test Schedule
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3rd Grade Reading: May 6th
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3rd Grade Math: May 12th
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4th Grade Reading: May 5th
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4th Grade Math: May 15th
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5th Grade Writing: March 19th
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5th Grade Reading: May 7th
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5th Grade Math: May 14th
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5th Grade Science: May 19th
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6th Grade Reading: May 4th
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6th Grade Math: May 11th
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6th Grade Algebra: May 18th
Submit Photos for DRES Yearbook
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Do you have photos you want to submit to the DRES yearbook?
Upload your photos using the Lifetouch community upload site and enter our school’s unique school code DRES-DRAGONS-26-26.
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Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey. Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.
2026 Special Education Family Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
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Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on:
Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
Pre-K and Early Head Start Programs
FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors, ages 6 weeks to 4 years, living in Fairfax County.
- Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children who will be 3 years old by September 30 of the same year.
- Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from pregnancy to 2 years old.
Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible; space is limited and provided based on need, not on a first-come, first-served basis.
Applications are accepted online, by email, by mail, or in person at the program office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.
If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
 
 
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Support Military Children
- National Merit Finalists
- School Board to Present Budget to Board of Supervisors
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
Quick Links
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