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Dranesville's All Star Custodial Team has worked hard to make sure that every space in our school is sparkling and ready to welcome students.
Family Resource Night
Join us for our fifth annual Family Resource Night tomorrow, Wednesday, August 19th, from 4:00-6:00 pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local organizations that offer valuable resources to support your family.
- Lions Club Vision Screening
- Healthworks
- Cornerstones
- Herndon Fortnightly Library
- Herndon Youth Soccer
- Herndon Community Center
- FCPS Family and School Partnerships
- All Ages Read Together Program
- Edu Futuro
- Fairfax County Health Department
- Patient First
- INOVA Cares for Families Clinic
- Women Giving Back
- FCPS Food and Nutrition Services
In addition to connecting with these community resources, there will also be free haircuts for students and a limited number of backpacks and school supplies. We will have staff onsite to support you with accessing Parent VUE accounts to access your child's academic information and support your child's education.
Unveiling the Upgrade:
You're Invited to Our Open House!
Join us for Open House on Friday, August 21st from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Every family will be invited to participate in a scavenger hunt and tour our newly renovated school. We can't wait to hear about your favorite new learning space!
Families will be able to pick up school supplies that were purchased online through Campus Survival Kits.
You will have the opportunity to learn about student clubs available at Dranesville this school year.
You will also have time to tour campus and to visit your child's classroom.
When visiting your student’s classroom, you will receive important back to school information, Kiss and Ride placards, and you will be asked to confirm their dismissal route. Please use the link here to request a sensory friendly open house.
Connect with the New ParentVUE Mobile App
There are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub!
Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.
All FCPS class placements will be available in ParentVUE beginning at 9:00 AM on Thursday, August 20th.
Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Understanding Student Rights and Responsibilities Updates: New Universal Grade Matrices for Families
As we kick off the new school year, we are committed to partnering with families to foster a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment for every student. Please review the important district policies, school expectations, and required forms below.
The Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document outlines behavioral expectations, rights, and responsibilities for all Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) students. It helps ensure consistent, fair, and positive learning environments across FCPS. You can review the full document and guidelines on the FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities page.
Key Policy Focus: Cell Phones & Personal Devices
To promote student focus, social interaction, and a distraction-free learning environment, FCPS enforces clear expectations regarding personal electronic devices (including cell phones, smartwatches, and headphones):
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Off and Away: Personal devices must be turned off/silenced and put away throughout the entire school day.
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Focus on Learning: Keeping devices away helps students stay fully engaged with their teachers, peers, and classroom activities.
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Accommodations: Exceptions are made for documented medical needs or approved IEP/504 plans.
We encourage families to talk with their children at home about these device expectations.
Supporting Expectations at Dranesville
To support our students in learning and practicing these school-wide expectations, Dranesville will be facilitating 20 Morning Meeting lessons focused directly on behavior expectations.
These daily lessons will help set a positive tone for the day, build community, and ensure all students understand how to be successful both in and out of the classroom. Stay tuned: highlights of these lessons will be shared with families throughout the 20 day period.
Action Required: SR&R Acknowledgement Form
Every school year, parents and guardians are required to review the SR&R document with their child and submit the official acknowledgment form.
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Due Date: September 30th
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How to Submit: Sign electronically via ParentVUE or complete and return a paper copy to the main office.
For additional insights and context on school guidelines and district expectations, please take a moment to watch this video resource.
Safety and Security Information for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment where all students can learn and thrive. Below are key safety procedures and guidelines families should know as we begin the new school year.
Key Safety & Security Highlights
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Visitor Check-In Procedures: To protect students and staff, all visitors, parents, and volunteers must check in at the main office using the FCPS Visitor Management System. Please bring a valid photo ID (such as a driver’s license) whenever you visit the school.
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Emergency Preparedness & Drills: FCPS schools regularly practice safety drills throughout the school year, including fire, tornado, and lockdown drills. These age-appropriate exercises ensure students and staff know how to respond calmly and effectively in an emergency.
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24/7 Monitoring & Support: The FCPS Office of Safety and Security monitors facilities around the clock, works closely with local law enforcement and emergency management officials, and regularly updates school crisis management plans.
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Safety Tipline: FCPS offers a confidential Safety Tipline for students, staff, and families to report safety concerns, threats, or suspicious activity. Reports can be submitted by phone, text, or online.
How Families Can Help
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Update Contact Information: Ensure your contact details and emergency contacts are up to date in ParentVUE so you receive timely notifications during emergencies or weather closures.
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Talk About Safety: Reassure your child that safety drills are a routine part of school practice designed to keep everyone safe.
Learn More: For complete details on district emergency plans, physical security measures, and community safety resources, visit the FCPS Safety and Security page.
Calendar Reminder: 2026 First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school for the 2026-27 school year. View the 2026-27 school year calendar and employee calendar for other important dates.
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures for Families
Thank you for working with your students on arrival and dismissal routines. Please read the information below carefully.
We will be collecting information about how students get home on Friday at Open House. If there is a dismissal change, please our main office team at 703-326-5200 as early in the day as possible and before 3:00 PM.
- K - 6 Bus Riders will enter and exit Door 1
- K- 6 Walkers will be enter and exit Door 7
- Kindergarten Kiss and Ride students will enter Door 5
Important Message about Kiss and Ride
If you drive your student to school, it is important that you use the new Kiss and Ride lane located in the parking lot off of Powells Tavern. Students are to remain in the car until 9:05 AM when staff are present to welcome them. Students are to exit the car from curbside. This is critical for the safety and supervision of your student.
Limited 3-Hour Early Release Days
Early release Wednesdays will start in late September 2026. Each elementary school will have a total of four early release days throughout the school year. Lunch will be provided on early release Wednesdays.
Early release Wednesdays for Dranesville Elementary School:
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September 30
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November 18
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January 13
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April 7
Calendar Reminders
August 19: Family Resource Night 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
August 20: PTA Back to School Party 5:00 - 7:00 PM
August 21: Open House 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
August 24: First Day of School 9:20 AM - 4:05 PM
September 4-7: Labor Day Holiday
September 3: Back to School Night 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM
September 21: Yom Kippur Holiday
September 30: Three-Hour Early Release Dismissal 1:05 PM
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