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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
June 3, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Art Walk and PTA Elections
- Get2Green Garden Update
- PE Sports Camp - Summer 2026
- Staffing Changes for the 2026-2027 School Year
- Retirement Reception for Heidi and Josh Antoncic - June 12th
- Health Room Medication Pick-up
- Celebrating our Westfield Graduates - June 8th
- Lost and Found
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Electric Scooter/Bike Safety Reminder
- Lunch Balance
- School Supply Pre-orders for 2026-2027
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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
- New Cell Phone Policy Starts July 1
- PTA Board for 25-26 School Year
- FCPS Puzzle Hunt
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Last Day of School (Early Dismissal)
The last day of the school year is Wednesday, June 17. Students will be dismissed at 2:00 PM.
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A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. Art Walk and PTA Elections
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! During this time, PTA will hold elections for next school year.
2. Get2Green Garden Update
Get2Green has been working hard to bring our garden beds back to life. Please check Virginia Run’s Facebook or Instagram page to see pictures of our new and improved garden beds. If you are interested in helping water the garden beds this summer please email Ms. Berg, jmberg@fcps.edu.
3. 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
4. Staffing Changes for the School Year 2026-2026
Staff leaving Virginia Run
Anna Woodward – Spending time with family
Brendan Lyons – Moving closer to home
Heidi Antoncic – Retiring
Jessica Morales – Working closer to home
Josh Antoncic – Retiring
Libby Prakash – Transferring to Bull Run Elementary
Staff moving to a new position
Jackie Diaz - From Preschool Teacher to PreK Teacher
Jeremiah Tyler - From Music to P.E.
Mamta - From Special Education IA to Special Education Autism Teacher
Maria Quispe Floiras - From a Preschool IA to a PreK IA
Miyuki Stone - From CAT B IA to Kindergarten IA
Nikky Ross - From 1st grade to Multilingual Teacher
Troy Davis - From PHTA to Special Education IA
New Staff to VRES
Carson Kaiser - Moving from Florida to join the 2nd Grade Team at VRES
Dee Rainey - From Preschool Teacher at Fairfax Villa to Preschool Teacher at VRES
Jananee Bharadhwaj - From Multiple Disabilities Teacher at Coates to Learning Disabilities Teacher at VRES
Kendall Anne - From substitute to PHTA at VRES
Kim Norwood - From Preschool IA at Fairfax Villa to Preschool IA at VRES
Kristine Lowkis - From Music Teacher at Coates to Music Teacher at VRES
Linh Allen Eib - From Fairfax Villa Teacher to 5th grade Teacher at VRES
Tricia Jewell - From Homeschooling/Key Center to PHTA at VRES
5. Retirement Reception for Heidi and Josh Antoncic
We invite students, parents, friends, and community members to join us for a reception in honor of the retirement of Mr. Josh Antoncic and Mrs. Heidi Antoncic after 30 years of service to the Virginia Run Elementary school. Please join us on June 12th at 4:30-5:30pm in the school cafeteria. Light refreshments will be provided.
6. 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!
7. Celebrating our Westfield Graduates - June 8th
Hello Staff and Families,
On June 8, we are excited to welcome back the Westfield High School graduates for one of our most cherished traditions. These proud Bulldogs will return to their elementary roots and walk the halls of Virginia Run as our students, staff, and families celebrate this incredible achievement.
The event will begin at 3:15 PM, and families are warmly invited to join us in the main lobby as we honor these former Vikings. The graduates will follow a celebratory route through the building, beginning in the lobby, continuing through the Pre-K and Kindergarten hallway, the 3rd and 4th grade hallway, then upstairs through the 1st and 2nd grade hallway, and concluding in the 5th and 6th grade hallway.
Following the walk, Westfield families will reconnect with their graduates in the lobby before proceeding to the cafeteria to view our college and trade school pennants. We will then gather on the upper-grade playground for the traditional class photo.
We hope you will join us in celebrating this special milestone and recognizing the accomplishments of these outstanding seniors.
My best,
Dave Gerstner, Principal
Students and staff had fun today during Field Day!
8. Lost and Found
Don't forget to check the lost and found in the cafeteria or ask your children to do so by the last day of school. There are a LOT of items in there which will be donated at the end of the school year.
Lost and Found items will be set up in the lobby during the Art Walk on Wednesday, June 10th from 5:30-6:30 pm.
9. Electric Scooter/Bike Safety Reminder
As summer approaches, we want to share an important safety reminder regarding electric scooters, electric bikes, and other motorized vehicles being used in our neighborhood. Recently, community members have shared concerns about unsafe riding behaviors near intersections and neighborhood roads, particularly during evening hours and in areas with limited visibility.
We know many students enjoy riding scooters and bikes with friends, and we want everyone to have a fun and safe summer. We encourage families to take a few moments to review important safety expectations with their children, including:
• Always wear a helmet
• Use lights or reflective/bright clothing when riding near dusk or in low visibility • Slow down and use caution near intersections and driveways
• Stop and look carefully before crossing roads
• Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding
• Follow traffic rules and ride responsibly
• Use sidewalks when possible and appropriate
At school, we will also be reviewing safety expectations with students before the end of the year. Working together as families, schools, and community members can help prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping us care for our students and community.
10. Lunch Balance
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.
11. School Supply Pre-orders for 2026-2027
Get a head start on the 2026-2027 school year by pre-purchasing your child’s school supplies!
Five reasons to purchase a school supply kit:
- Teacher Requested Supplies: Your student will have the required supplies, including preferred brands, sizes, colors, and specialty items - delivered directly to the school.
- Headphone Guarantee: Worry-free headphone replacement program.
- Free supplies for the school: Every kit purchased results in additional free supplies for the school.
- Value-Driven Pricing: Competitively priced, with substantial time savings and community benefits.
- Classroom Efficiency: Uniform supplies streamline classroom management for teachers, maximizing learning time.
Kit Pricing (plus tax):
Kindergarten: $56
1st Grade: $72
2nd Grade: $66
3rd Grade: $68
4th Grade: $69
5th Grade: $70
6th Grade: $75
www.campussurvivalkits.com/virginiarun
Order online by July 15!
School Supply Pre-Order Form for School Year 2026-2027
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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.
15. 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!
16. 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.
17. 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
18. FCPS Puzzle Hunt
Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun
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!
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
19. Important Upcoming Dates
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
6/12: 1st Grade EOY Party, 1:30 PM
6/12: Retirement Reception, Cafeteria, 4:30 PM
6/15: 3rd Grade EOY Party, 9:30 AM
6/15: Kindergarten EOY Party, 2:00 PM
6/15: 2nd Grade EOY Party, 2:45 PM
6/16: 6th Grade Celebration, Dave & Busters
6/16: 4th Grade EOY Party, 12:30 PM
6/16: 3rd Grade Ancient Civilization Day, 1:30 PM
6/17: 6th Grade Promotion, 9:30-11:00 AM
6/17: 5th Grade EOY Party, 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
20. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
21. 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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