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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
May 20, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Positivity Project at Virginia Run
- Summer Device Check Out Request
- SOL Results Process
- New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
- Art Walk
- Retirement Tribute for the Antoncics
- Health Room Medication Pick-up
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Virginia Run 2026-2027 Strings Registration Now Open!
- Virginia Run 2026-2027 Band Registration Now Open!
- Kindergarten Registration
- Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
- Attendance is Important: Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!
- PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
- PTA Fundraisers
- PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Calendar Reminders: Memorial Day, Teacher Workday, Eid al-Adha
Memorial Day (Holiday)
- All schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, for the Memorial Day holiday.
Teacher Workday
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Tuesday, May 26, is a teacher workday. There is no school for students.
Eid al-Adha (Holiday)
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Wednesday, May 27, is a holiday for Eid al-Adha, and schools and offices are closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. Positivity Project at Virginia Run
Character Strength: Spiral Review
This week for the Positivity Project, we will do a Spiral Review of the recent character strengths we have been practicing and looking for ways to be mindful. 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.
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2. Summer Device Checkout Request
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is excited to support student learning over the summer. This Summer Learning Resources Webpage includes optional digital activities in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies for students in Grades K-6. The activities are grouped by grade level and match what students have learned in school this year. Families can use them anytime to review, practice, or explore new ideas at home.
Resources utilize digital tools that students may have used throughout the year such as Lexia, ST Math, Science A-Z, Pebble Go, Gizmos, Newsela, MyOn, and Britannica Elementary.
These activities require a device to access and some require students to log in through their FCPS Google account. Students may use a home device or their FCPS school device. If your child needs to borrow a device, they may check one out from their school no later than Friday, May 29th by filling out the VRES Student Device Checkout Form for Summer Technology below. (Devices will need to be returned by July 30.) Some digital resources in Clever may be temporarily unavailable in August in preparation for the new school year.
If you need technology support, please visit the Families: Tools and Technology page.
We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and learning filled summer!
VRES Student Device Checkout Form for Summer Technology
3. SOL Results Process
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we enter the SOL testing season, we know many of you are anxious to hear how your child performed. To help you navigate the results process, please see the timeline below:
- If you would like to know whether your child passed or failed their exam before the official reports are released, you may contact your child’s teacher starting the day after their test. They won’t be able to give you a score, however, they can share if the student was a pass/fail.
- Any students who are eligible for a retake will be notified through TalkingPoints. At that time, you can give permission for your child to participate in remediation and retakes.
- The formal, detailed score reports will be posted directly to ParentVUE. These reports are only uploaded once the state has officially certified all results. You will be notified as soon as they are available for viewing.
If you do not have a ParentVue account, please contact the office to set one up.
Thank you for your continued support during the testing season!
Mr. Gerstner and Ms. Chavez visited a bus stop on Monday morning.
4. New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
On Thursday, May 7, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R). The approved changes include updated guidance for cell phone possession and use, in order to align FCPS’ cell phone policy with Senate Bill 108. This new Virginia law goes into effect on July 1 and states that all schools must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that starting July 1, 2026, across all grade levels at FCPS, cell phones, phone accessories, and all smart devices (including watches that serve a dual purpose, such as smart watches, as well as airpods, earbuds, headsets, smart glasses, and other other items connected to the internet) must be off and personally stored (i.e., put away in backpacks) for the duration of the school day – thus, no cell phones from bell to bell. More details are available on FCPS’ Cell Phone Policy webpage.
5. Art Walk
The annual Virginia Run Art Walk will be on June 10th from 5:30 to 6:30. Families are invited to come and walk the halls of the school to view artwork on display from every student. Students have been working hard all year and are so proud to show off their work! We hope you can join us!
6. Retirement Tribute for the Antoncics
Dear Virginia Run ES Community, Friends, & Alumni,
We are excited to celebrate the retirement of Mr. Josh Antoncic & Mrs. Heidi Antoncic, who have dedicated their entire careers to our school community. As both educators and partners in life, their impact has been truly special—and we want to honor that in a meaningful way.
We are creating a tribute video and memory book, and we would love for you to be a part of it!
Here’s how you can contribute:
🎥 Submit a short video (30–60 seconds)
You might share:
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A favorite memory or story
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Something they taught you
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A moment you’ll never forget
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What made them special (individually or as a team)
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A message for their retirement
✉️ Write a note for the memory book
You can reflect on:
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How they made a difference in your life
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A meaningful moment
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What you’ll always remember about them
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Words of thanks or well wishes
📸 Optional: Share a photo from your time with them
**Submission Deadline: May 29, 2026
**Submit here: Retirement Tribute for Mr. and Mrs. Antoncic
Please feel free to share this with others who may want to contribute!
Thank you for helping us celebrate two extraordinary educators and the legacy they leave behind.
7. Health Room Medication Pick-Up
The school health room is reminding parents and guardians that all medication stored in the health room must be picked up no later than 2:00 pm, student dismissal time, on the last day of school, June 17.
Medication left in the health room after 2:00PM will be discarded. It is school policy that medications must be picked up by the parent or guardian. Medication cannot be sent home or picked up by your student.
Earlier pickup of medications is highly encouraged during clinic hours: Monday thru Friday 9:00am-3:45pm. Please call the health room at 703-988-8910 in advance to schedule a time for pickup.
Medication authorization forms for next school year may be obtained from the school or online at https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/school-health-services. A medication authorization form is required for any medication, prescription or over-the-counter, to be kept at school. Your cooperation will ensure that we can safely administer students their medication!
8. Virginia Run 2026-2027 Strings Registration Now Open!
Fairfax County Public School students in grades 4-12 can participate in their school’s String Orchestra Program. Strings classes take place once a week for an hour during the school day. Strings becomes part of the student's weekly specials schedule. Classroom instruction is not missed during strings class time. Music and method books are provided by the school.
Virginia Run Strings students have the opportunity to participate in many exciting events during the school year. Some events may include: Solo Spotlight, Strings Karate and School Concerts. Students who continue to participate in middle and high school are able to go on orchestra field trips, participate in county and state events, participate in Solo & Ensemble Festivals, and gain many lasting friendships.
Studies have shown that playing an instrument has many benefits especially for the brain. Music training improves cognitive abilities such as working memory and attention across our life span. Music training is a whole brain workout! Playing an instrument is also fun and rewarding! How awesome and rewarding is it to ‘hear” your hard work pay off? Strings students develop a sense of pride, accomplishment and experience being an important member of a group.
In order to participate in Strings, each student will need an instrument. You may rent an instrument from a local music store. It is recommended you rent an instrument instead of buying one. Instruments come in different sizes, so be sure to take your child with you to get sized correctly. Many local music stores offer rent-to-own programs in which you can trade for the next size when your student grows. It is important that a beginner student has a good quality instrument to play so that they do not experience unnecessary frustration trying to learn. Please do not purchase an instrument off the internet. These are often poor quality instruments. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! There is also a limited supply of cellos and basses at the school available to rent. Ask Mrs. Bonanno if you are interested.
Students who have applied for the county assistance program can receive an instrument (violin or viola) for a reduced fee of $20. If you are interested in this option, check the “County Instrument Rental” option on the registration form, and more information will be sent home to you in the fall.
Please use the link below to register.
Strings Registration 2026-27
Get2Green planting vegetables, herbs, and perennials in our spring garden!
9. Virginia Run 2026-2027 Band Registration Now Open!
Hello 5th and 6th grade Students and Parents!
All interested students in 5th and 6th grade have the opportunity to learn an instrument as part of the band program. No previous musical experience required! Students that choose to join the band will participate in a one-hour lesson once a week during our specials block. Participating in Band and learning to play a musical instrument is a really fun and rewarding activity that also provides innumerous benefits to a child's overall development. Participating in Band teaches students to be patient and persistent with difficult tasks, delay gratification by practicing in order to sound better, develop curiosity, problem solve, and develop their listening and teamwork skills. I hope you will consider signing your child up for Band!
CHOOSING AN INSTRUMENT
Students have the option of playing Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone/Euphonium, Tuba or Percussion.
PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE OR RENT AN INSTRUMENT FOR YOUR CHILD UNTIL THEY HAVE MET WITH ME FIRST! I will be meeting with all interested Beginning Band students individually during the first two weeks of school to allow them to try out the different instruments and mouthpieces to help them choose an instrument that is a good fit.
BAND CLASSES ARE TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED TO BEGIN THE THIRD WEEK OF SCHOOL!
*6th GRADE STUDENTS WHO WERE IN BAND LAST YEAR AND CONTINUING ON THE SAME INSTRUMENT WILL BE SIGNING UP FOR ADVANCED BAND!*
RENTING AN INSTRUMENT FROM A LOCAL MUSIC STORE
Most music stores in the area provide an instrument rental/purchase plan. Fees paid during the rental period can be credited toward the purchase of the instrument at a later time. There are several quality music stores near GBE that offer rental of high quality instruments--I will provide you with a list of recommended music stores after your child has made a decision on what instrument they would like to play. DO NOT PURCHASE A CHEAP INSTRUMENT ON AMAZON OR ANYWHERE ONLINE! These instruments are poor quality, difficult to play, break easily, and are not repairable!
RENTAL ASSISTANCE - "Instruments For All" Program
If you have applied for financial assistance through FCPS (reduced field trip fees, school supplies provided to your family, etc.) then you also qualify to receive an instrument at a reduced rental fee through the FCPS Instruments for All program. The county can only provide Flutes, Clarinets, Trumpets, Trombones, or Percussion Kits through this program. There is an option you can click on in the online registration form if you would like more information on this program. If you qualify for the IFA program, I will provide your child with an instrument rental contract to take home after they meet with me and decide on an instrument.
FAQs
Q: Do you accept 6th grade beginners?
A: YES!!! We would love to have as many 5th and 6th graders as possible in our band program this year, which means many 6th graders will be taking on this opportunity for the first time.
Q: How much time outside of school will this take up?
A: All of our band classes happen during the school day and there will be only one evening concert in the Spring which all students will be required to attend—more information on this will come later. Beyond that, band students are expected to practice regularly at home (10-15 minutes per day) but that is done individually so your student is free to work it into their schedule however it best suits your family.
If you have any questions please email me anytime! I am looking forward to another fantastic year for the VRES Band Program!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael Bandy
VRES Band Director
mlbandy@fcps.edu
Please use the link below to register.
Band Registration 2026-27
10. 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.
11. Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
Welcome NEW Virginia Run Vikings! You are invited to bring your families and come to Virginia Run on August 11, for a tour of the school and to informally meet new friends. The kindergarten session will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM and the grades 1-6 session will be from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. This event will include a bus ride around the neighborhood and a school tour by our very own staff members and administrators, followed by popsicles on the playground. Come out to meet new friends before the first day of school!
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 May 20th, Virginia Run’s Year to Date Chronic Absenteeism is 6.9%, being 3.1% 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. 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
14. PTA Fundraisers
VRES Spirit Wear
It’s time to refresh your school wardrobe! Show your Viking pride while supporting the Virginia Run PTA! Whether you’re looking for cozy loungewear or fresh gear for the spring, there is something for everyone. A portion of every spirit wear purchase goes directly to the PTA. All items are shipped straight to your doorstep.
What’s in the Shop?
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Apparel: Hoodies, "We Are Virginia Run" sweatshirts, baseball tees, V-neck shirts, and athletic shorts.
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Stay Cozy: Classic blue plaid pajama pants.
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Accessories: Tote bags, lunch boxes, and stylish insulated tumblers in white and light blue.
How to Order
15. 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
Spots fill fast — register now and save the date for an unforgettable week of movement, teamwork, and summer fun! ☀️🏀🌈
PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026 Registration
A picture of Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
16. Important Upcoming Dates
5/25: Holiday - Memorial Day
5/26: Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)
5/27: Holiday for Eid al-Adha
6/3: Field Day, All Grade Levels
6/5: 6th Grade Musical, Cafeteria, 7:00 PM
6/8: Westfield High School Senior Walk, 3:15-3:45 PM
6/10: Art Walk, 5:30 PM
6/10: Band Concert, Gym, 7:00 PM
6/11: Strings Concert, Gym, 7:00 PM
6/17: 6th Grade Promotion, 9:30-11:00 AM
6/17: 2 Hour Early Release (2:00 Dismissal) - Last Day of School!
8/11: Kindergarten & Grades 1-6 New Student Tours & Playdates
- Kindergarten Session: 9:00-10:00 AM
- Grades 1-6: 10:00-11:00 AM
SOL Schedule
May 28 - June 3: Retakes
*Makeups will be held when students return from their absence.
17. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
18. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
A picture of the May Lunch Menu for Elementary School.
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