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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Allison Ovalle - Assistant Principal
April 1st - 30th: Month of the Military Child
April 1st - 30th: Arab and Muslim American History Month
April 17th: PTA Family Night - Glow Party! - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
April 20th - April 24: Gunston's Book Fair
April 20th-24th: Autism Acceptance Spirit Week!
April 21st: April Statewide Election: No School for Students
April 23rd: PTA Spirit Night - Yafa Mediterranean Grille - 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
April 29th: Innovation and Stem Night - 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
April 30th: PTA Meeting - 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
May 2nd: Run for a Reason! Gunston Trail Run
May 4th: Start of SOL testing
May 5th - May 8th: Staff Appreciation Week
May 11th: PTA Spirit Night at Chipotle - 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gunston Gazette
 No School April 21st/Meals for Students
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 Family Night - April 17, 2026
Come and join the fun of the Glow Party! April 17th from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
There will be music, snacks and lots of glow sticks! This is not a drop off event. Parents must stay and families are welcome to bring chairs and picnic blankets. It's going to be a glowing night of fun!
Purple Up! Day Celebration
On Wednesday, April 15th, Gunston Elementary proudly "Purpled Up" to honor our military-connected students. Our young heroes enjoyed a special "Purple Cow" social while reading It Takes a Family to Serve, sharing stories of their own strength and service at home.
The highlight of the event was the creation of our "Web of Connection" handprint canvases. By mixing red and blue paint to create their own "Military Purple," students created a beautiful mural that is now permanently displayed in our cafeteria. These canvases serve as a lasting tribute to the hands that serve their families and the vibrant community they bring to our school. We are so honored to have these resilient students in our Eagle family!
Gunston Elementary
Spring Book Fair April 20-25
Shop, preview, and set up gift cards by clicking here. Select Gunston Elementary School.
PTA Spirit Night - Thursday, April 23, 2026,
from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Order up your favorite dishes from Yafa Mediterranean Grille. 15% of proceeds will be donated back to our school.
9033 White Spruce Way, Lorton, VA, 22079.
PTA News
Next PTA Meeting will be Thursday, April 30th, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us!
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3236608793?pwd=RF69mhfFopHSUu3kEZBm7Y3yt73zv0.1&omn=87273931486
Meeting ID: 323 660 8793
Passcode: Gunston
Want to participate in some end of the year fun? Do you want your kids to WANT Eagle Tickets??
Participate in the Ice Bucket Splashdown where kids vote with their TICKETS to determine 5 teachers who will get the bucket of ice-cold water poured over their heads for all to see.
If this sounds like a fun competition, we need YOU! :)
This will take place towards the end of the year. More details to come.
Please take 1 minute to complete this 1 question survey. Click the link below.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewEf_9bzsP8_wFgfoLeeZihjWmzcAI9jo0ABht27XOeYCX2w/viewform?usp=dialog
Autism Acceptance Spirit Week
April 20th - April 24th
Monday: Comfy Cozy - wear your comfiest sensory friendly clothes to honor sensory needs
Tuesday: No School
Wednesday: Passionate Interests - Wear something that represents your favorite hobby or "special interests."
Thursday: Inside Out - Wear your clothes inside out to showcase that everyone is unique on the inside.
Friday: Gold Out - Wear gold to represent the brightness and value. Au is the symbol for gold.
SOLs at Gunston
SOLs are coming up beginning Monday May 4 for students in grades 3-6.
Check the Gunston website calendar for month of May for specific tests and dates
Help your students remember to bring their laptops back to school.
Watch backpacks for FCPS SOL letters with more information and permissions for eligible retakes.
You can also look at the Virginia Department of Education for addition SOL information.
Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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April 29 Three-Hour Early Release CANCELLED
Tuesday, April 21, is now a teacher workday and staff development day because of a recently announced special election that will impact all FCPS schools.
Students will now have a traditional full day of instruction and be released at the regular dismissal time on April 22 and April 29, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools.
This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.
April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.
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In April, people throughout the United States celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. This history is a foundational part of American history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Arab Americans year-round, and the celebration of Arab American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor diverse and important stories.
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In April, people throughout the United States will be celebrating Muslim American Heritage Month. The history of Muslims in America is a foundational part of United States history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Muslim Americans year-round, and the celebration of Muslim American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor diverse and important stories.
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Gunston Staff Appreciation Week
May 4th to May 8th, 2026
Let's show our staff how much we appreciated them during teacher appreciation week.
May 4th: Munchie Monday - Bring a yummy, wrapped snack or drink for the staff to enjoy. Let's stock the lounge with their favorite treats!
May 5th: Trinket Tuesday - Paint a rock, make a bracelet, or craft something original for the staff member you love!
May 6th: Wear it Wednesday - Dress like your favorite staff member or a superhero today! You can also wear the staff members favorite color or show your Gunston School Spirit.
May 7th: Thankful Thursday - Make a thank you card, draw a picture, or write a poem to thank our awesome staff!
May 8th: Flower Friday - Bring a staff member a flower from the store or your yard, bring in seeds, draw a picture of a flower, or wear florals.
Benchmark/Literacy Updates
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📚 Halfway Through Our Legendary Journey in Language Arts 📚
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 6 in sixth grade Language Arts! Students have been exploring what inspires someone to go on a quest.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: Which one of your readings had the most inspiring journey in this unit and why?
- Activity: Have your child draw a map of an imaginary world where a hero must travel. Include mountains, rivers, forests, and challenges (e.g., “The Swamp of Secrets” or “Dragon’s Peak”). Talk about how maps help heroes navigate their adventures.
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.
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Calendar Updates
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
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Run for a Reason: Gunston Trail Run 2026
Support our students by joining the Gunston Trail Run on May 2, 2026, at George Mason's Gunston Hall in Lorton, VA. Whether you are a sprinter or a stroller, we have a race for you: choose from the 1k Fun Run ($20), 5k Trail Run ($35), or 10k Trail Run ($50), with virtual participation options also available. Every registration includes an event shirt and a finisher medal to celebrate your achievement at the finish line. Don't wait—register by the April 17th Early Bird deadline to lock in the best pricing and guarantee your official race shirt!
https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/run-reason
FY 2027 Budget: Sustaining Excellence
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.
Ayúdenos a Mantener la Excelencia de FCPS: Haga Escuchar su Voz sobre el Presupuesto del Año Fiscal 2027Cerca del 70% del presupuesto de FCPS proviene de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Fairfax.Usted tendrá varias oportunidades para ofrecer su opinión al condado acerca del presupuesto antes de que sea aprobado en mayo. Estas oportunidades incluyen audiencias públicas (entre abril 14 y 16) y una encuesta online.
Conozca más acerca de cómo el presupuesto de FCPS nos ayuda a mantener nuestro nivel de excelencia visitando www.fcps.edu/budgetstory.
Community Conversations
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s 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. (unless otherwise noted) on:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
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Spanish:Conversaciones con la Comunidad: Comparta su Opinión con la Dra. Reid
- Siendo una líder que sabe escuchar, la Dra. Reid considera muy importante conectarse e involucrarse con miembros de la comunidad en toda la división escolar. Sus reuniones Conversaciones con la Comunidad representan oportunidades para que comparta sus ideas y opiniones y para que haga las preguntas que tenga. Los eventos se realizarán en estas fechas, durante la primavera (de 6:30 a 7:30 p.m. a menos se notifiquen cambios):
Se ofrecerán servicios de Cuidado de Niños y de Traducción. Estos eventos están abiertos para todas las personas. Visite la página de participación comunitaria de la superintendente para que encuentre la información más reciente.
Infant and Toddler Resources
Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones
Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.
Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).
FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to call 571-423-4121 with questions.
Summer Learning
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
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