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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 17, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s End of Year Message
- Farewell Messages
- Summer Reading Book Bingo 2026
- School Supply Pre-orders for 2026-2027
- Get2Green Needs Your Help
- Helping Your Child Learn at Home
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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
- FCPS Puzzle Hunt
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
Summer Office Hours
Our Virginia Run office will be open June 22 through July 31st, Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please call the school office at 703-988-8900 if you need to unenroll and/or register a student for the 2026-27 school year or email Betty Bancroft at ekbancroft@fcps.edu.
**The office will be closed from June 29 - July 3.
A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
Congratulations to our 6th Grade Class
Congratulations to the 2026 VRES Sixth Grade Class! We will miss you and know you will do well in middle school!
Mr. Gerstner awarding Rosa Alvarado Rodriguez the 2026 Principal's Award during the 6th grade promotion ceremony today.
1. Principal’s End of Year Message
ONE VRES: Celebrating a Year of Growth, Learning, and Partnership
Dear Virginia Run Families,
As we close another incredible school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership, support, and trust. Together, we have accomplished so much, and none of it would have been possible without the strong connection between home and school.
This year, our students demonstrated tremendous growth academically, socially, and emotionally. We celebrated gains in reading and mathematics, saw remarkable progress among our multilingual learners, earned our first Virginia Department of Education Purple Star designation, and continued to build a school culture where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. These accomplishments belong to all of us. When schools and families work together, students thrive.
I am incredibly grateful to our teachers and staff for the care, dedication, and expertise they bring to Virginia Run each day. Their commitment to students extends far beyond the classroom and helps make Virginia Run a place where children love to learn and grow.
To our families, thank you for volunteering, attending events, supporting learning at home, communicating with teachers, and partnering with us through both celebrations and challenges. Your involvement has played a vital role in your child's success and in the strength of our school community.
I would also like to extend a special thank you to our Virginia Run PTA Board for their outstanding leadership and dedication this year. Thank you to President Matthew Reklau, Secretary Laura McAndrews, Treasurer Kyle Jewett, VP of Education Kimberly Wilson, VP of Fundraising Amanda Prindle, and VP of Social Skylar Ha for the countless hours you invested in supporting our students, staff, and families. Through your leadership, our community enjoyed so many memorable experiences, including monthly PTA meetings, after school programs and activities, Trunk or Treat, the beginning of year staff luncheon, Teacher Appreciation Week, Boosterthon, Bingo Nights, spirit nights, the VRES vs. Cub Run Volleyball Game, the Viking Dash, Science Quest, school assemblies, and so much more. I would also like to thank the many PTA volunteers and families who generously gave their time and talents throughout the year. Your partnership, enthusiasm, and commitment have helped strengthen our school community and created meaningful experiences for our students. Virginia Run is a better place because of your support.
To our sixth grade students and families, congratulations on reaching this important milestone. We are so proud of all you have accomplished during your time at Virginia Run. As you prepare to become rising seventh graders and begin your middle school journey, know that you will always be part of the Virginia Run family. We wish you the very best as you embrace new opportunities, challenges, friendships, and experiences. We cannot wait to see all that you accomplish in the years ahead.
As summer begins, I hope your family finds time to relax, recharge, make memories, and enjoy time together. Thank you for helping make this school year such a success.
Thank you for helping make Virginia Run a place where students feel challenged, supported, and loved. Together, we truly are ONE VRES!
Have a wonderful summer!
Warmly,
Dave Gerstner
Principal
Virginia Run Elementary School
2. Farewell Messages
We have 2 staff members retiring this year and a few who are leaving Virginia Run for new opportunities.
We thank you and wish each of you well as you begin the next chapter of your stories!
RETIREES:
Heidi Antoncic - I will miss all the wonderful relationships I have formed with my students, families and coworkers. These thirty years have flown by! I will remember all the laughter and smiles that I’ve been lucky enough to share throughout the years with so many people. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me. As Mr. A and I start our next chapter, we wish you all the happiness possible in the years to come❤️
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Josh Antoncic - I’ve had the pleasure of calling Virginia Run my home for the last 30 years. I’ve loved working with hundreds of colleagues and thousands of kids over the years. It has been an honor.
I will miss the laughter, the smiles, and the excitement the kids bring to the gym every day. My plans are to retire together with my wife Mrs. Antoncic and enjoy a slower pace of life and travel.
One last time. Who does it better than Virginia Run? NOBODY!!!
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STAFF LEAVING:
Anna Woodward – When I came to VRES seven years ago, I had no idea how important this community would become to me. My VRES family has given me love, support, laughter, and the joy of working with engaged learners whom I will miss terribly. During my time here, I’ve made lifelong friends among both the staff and families, and no amount of distance will ever change that. I am deeply grateful to the VRES community for the many ways you have supported me and my family, especially over the past two years. As I look ahead to spending more time focusing on my family and my health, I know that VRES will always hold a special place in my heart.
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Libbie Prakash – My family has been part of the wonderful Virginia Run ES community for the past eight years. It is bittersweet to leave after serving as a staff member, but also a parent. I will dearly miss the Kindergarten team and specialists I worked with daily for so many reasons. In the fall, I am also excited to join the Bull Run ES staff, where my son is currently attending.
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Jessica Morales – After 11 wonderful years with Fairfax County Public Schools, I am sharing that I will be leaving my teaching position at VRES at the end of this school year to spend well-deserved time focusing on my home and my family. While I am incredibly excited for this next chapter and a break from the long daily commute, saying goodbye to this community is bittersweet.
More than anything, I am going to miss the students. I will miss seeing their smiling faces every day, and I am deeply grateful for everything they have taught me. Through them, I have truly learned the meaning of patience and perseverance. My students have been the heart of my work, and leaving them is the hardest part of this transition. I will miss our wonderful staff second, and the incredible sense of community we share third.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the families of my students. The relationship of cooperation and mutual support we have built together has been vital to the success of our students, and I am so grateful for your trust and partnership.
To my colleagues: thank you. I have learned so much from the dedicated, professional, and heavily experienced staff at VRES. I am grateful for the guidance I have received—both directly and indirectly—from the coworkers around me. I will truly miss our daily routine, the deep friendships I’ve made here, and the shared commitment to our school.
I look forward to hearing about my students' continued progress in the future, and I am excited to see the progress of the new teacher who will be taking over the position. I certainly hope I am welcomed back to visit, as I would love to come catch up and see everyone's growth!
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3. Summer Reading Book Bingo 2026
Let’s keep reading all summer! Complete our fun VRES Summer Reading Bingo Board and return it to our librarian, Mrs. Siwert, the first week of school. Everyone who turns in a Bingo Board will be able to choose a prize! Bingo Boards will be sent home with students on the last day of school. Go here to print another copy in English or Spanish.
4. 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
5. Get2Green Needs Your Help
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.
6. Helping Your Child Learn at Home
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. 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 borrowed FCPS school device. 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.
Students will have access to familiar digital tools such as:
- Science A-Z
- PebbleGo
- Gizmos
- Newsela
- MyOn
- Britannica Elementary
- ST Math
Other fun learning opportunities this summer include:
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FCPS Public Library Reading Adventure Keep students reading, learning, and exploring through books and activities from June 17 to August 19. Children and adults can earn badges and win prizes by reading, listening to books, or completing activities.
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Book It! During the summer months of June, July, and August, any child that meets their parent-set reading goals can earn a free Pizza Hut® single topping Personal Pan Pizza® from participating locations.
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Chuck E Cheese Reading Rewards Get ten free play points for reading and filling out the Reading Rewards Calendar, these resources are also available in Spanish.
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Barnes and Noble Participation is a fun and easy way for kids to earn free books by reading books, writing about them in Barnes & Noble's reading journal, and collecting their free book from a store near them during July and August.
We hope everyone has a fun, safe, and learning filled summer!
Thank you to our FCPS Facilities crew for doing an amazing job cleaning up our school grounds.
7. 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
8. 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
Students from Ms. Tulk's fifth grade class performed The Quest of the Cursed Child in honor of her fifth graders from seven years ago, who are now high school graduates, who performed and wrote the play. They were invited back to watch the performance.
9. 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.
10. 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!
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Important Upcoming Dates
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
8/24: First Day of School!
10/21: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
12/2: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
2/10: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
5/5: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
14. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
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