Little Run News - May 22


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Little Run News

Diverse elementary students standing at a wooden podium speaking into a microphone during next year’s SCA officer election speeches.

Our incredible 5th graders took to the podium today to deliver their speeches for next year's SCA Officer positions! Standing up in front of your peers to run for President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer takes a massive amount of courage, dedication, and school pride.  Every single student spoke with confidence, shared fantastic school ideas for our school, and showed what true leadership looks like! 


Upcoming Dates

May 25 - No School - Memorial Day
May 26 - No School - Teacher Work Day
May 27 - No School - Eid-al-Adha

May 28 - Summer Learning Device Request Due

May 29 Rising 5th/6th Grade Band/Strings Registration Due

End of Year Activities

June 1-5 - Portrait of a Graduate Spirit Week

June 3 - Woodson Grad Walk - 2:30 PM
June 4 - Band/Strings Concert - 6:00 PM
June 5 - PTA Career Day - 1:00-3:00 PM
June 8 - Field Day
June 10 - Spring Musical - 6:30 PM
June 11 - Get2Green Celebration - 9:00-12:30 PM
June 12 - Field Day (Rain Date)
June 12 - 6th Grade Send Off
June 16 - 6th Grade Promotion Ceremony - 9:30 AM
June 17 - Last Day of School - 1:15 PM Dismissal


LRES News

Little Run Roadrunner Logo

Roadrunner Roundup

Dear Families, 

As we head into the final weeks of the academic year, I want to thank you all for your continued support and partnership. This is a busy and exciting time, but it is also a critical period for our students' academic progress and final assessments.

Please remember the importance of late-year attendance for school success. While we understand students are eager for the summer fun to begin, it is important that all students attend school on time, every day. Every instructional day counts, and staying consistent with daily routines helps our students finish on a strong and positive note.

The last day of the school year is on June 17th, a 2-hour early release. Our goal is for all students to be in school until the last day. Please plan any trips and appointments accordingly. Thank you for helping us maintain a focused, engaged, and productive learning environment right up until the summer break.

As we look forward to the upcoming 2026-2027 school year, we are honored to welcome our new team members to the Little Run family. We are excited about the fresh energy and expertise they will bring to our classrooms, and we look forward to introducing them to you more fully in the coming months as we continue to grow together.

Warmly,

Christie Yarn and Julia Haywood


Welcome New 2026-2027 Roadrunner Staff

Teacher headshot

Ms. Flora Baxter - 1st Grade Teacher

Hello! My name is Flora Baxter and I will be joining the first grade team at Little Run. I am in my third year of teaching. I earned my Bachelor's and Master's degrees from George Mason University. When I am not teaching, I enjoy going to the beach, exercising, and spending time with friends and family. 


Teacher headshot

Ms. Pia Cradle - 5th Grade Teacher

Hi Little Run family!

I’m so excited to be joining your team! I bring 30 years in education, including 11 years with FCPS, and I’m really looking forward to connecting, collaborating, and learning alongside all of you.

I’m originally from Massachusetts and attended Hampton University, Norfolk State, and Old Dominion. I’m the oldest of four, so leadership and looking out for others comes naturally to me. I’m also a proud mom—my 23-year-old daughter, Taylor, lives in North Carolina and attended UNC Charlotte. She’s a 5th-generation teacher heading into her second year this fall, which makes my heart so full.

I can’t wait to get to know everyone and be part of the amazing work happening at Little Run!


Teacher sitting on down in front of a fountain

Ms. Nickie Johnson - Librarian 

I am a product of Fairfax County Schools, having graduated from Centreville High School. I earned my undergraduate degree in History from George Mason University and I received my Master's of Education in School Librarianship from Longwood University. In addition, I have a background working in special education at the elementary level. I have a passion for helping all students find their love for reading and I am dedicated to building strong relationships with students, staff, and the community. In my spare time, I enjoy bowling, watching football (go Commanders!), reading, writing, and spending time with my dog, Jessie, and my two cats, Riley and Colby. I can't wait to build upon Little Run's already amazing library program. I am looking forward to becoming a Roadrunner!


Cartoon character faces of band and strings teachers smiling.

Little Run Rising 5th/6th Grade Band Registration 🎻

Rising 5th and 6th grade students have an exciting opportunity to continue in Strings or Band next school year! 

No prior music or performance experience required! All we ask for is a willingness to learn and participate!

You will need to rent an instrument from a local music store when we return in August. If family finances are a concern, please speak with LRES admin and Mr. Wentz (Strings) or Mrs. Seifried (Band) about options next year. Please don't let money be the reason you think you cannot do Strings or Band next year.

Please complete the online form by May 29th, 2026 and please read everything carefully. In the past we have done registration in the Fall, but we're getting a jump on next year already!

All students must complete the form, even if they do NOT plan to participate in an ensemble or are moving away. This helps us plan appropriately for next year’s classes.

We look forward to making music together! 🎶


Schedule for Portrait of a Graduate Spirit Week, June 1-5, 2026. Daily theme and dress-up instructions are detailed in the text description.

Portrait of a Graduate Spirit Week

Growth is a foundational part of education, and FCPS believes that every student should have the opportunity to reflect on their yearly growth of Portrait of a Graduate skills. This assessment, known as Portrait of a Graduate Presentations of Learning (POG POL), is a type of portfolio defense where students share “I grew, I can prove it, and here’s why it matters.”  All Little Run students (grades K-6) will participate in this reflection before the end of the school year. To make POG visible, we will be celebrating with a spirit week! For more information about Portrait of a Graduate, please visit the FCPS page: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/portrait-graduate.

Monday: Communicator, wear a shirt that communicates a message.

Tuesday: Collaborator, work together to create your class theme.

Wednesday: Global & Ethical Citizen, wear something to show a place you've been or want to go.

Thursday: Creative & Critical Thinker, express your creativity with a unique hairstyle

Friday: Goal Directed & Resilient, show your goals by dressing like your future self or job. 


Summer Learning Device Request

As we prepare for summer break, Little Run will be offering students currently  in grades 1–5 the opportunity to take their school laptop home over the summer if they do not have access to technology at home. These devices are intended to support continued learning through educational programs such as ST Math and Lexia.

Please note that laptops are to remain at home during the summer and should not travel with students.

If your family needs to borrow a device for the summer, please complete the request form by May 28. All borrowed devices must be returned to Little Run by July 31.

Thank you for helping us support continued learning throughout the summer months!


FCPS News

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Graduation and Summer Resources
  • Check Your Lunch Balance
  • Mental Health Support

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  


Please Check Your Student's Lunch Balance

It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer. 

If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year.


Puzzle Hunt

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!

This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt! 


PTA News

Join the Little Run PTA

Get involved and make a difference at Little Run! We encourage all families to join our fantastic PTA. The PTA plays a vital role in our school community, leading important initiatives like family engagement events and fundraising activities. To join and learn more about what our PTA does, please visit their website


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