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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
August 19, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Open House Event Tomorrow!
- Back to School Night
- FCPS PreK Applications
- Superintendent's Family Vision Group
- ParentVue Update
- New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
- Elementary Early Release Wednesdays - Childcare Information via Student Online Verification/Update
- Family Life Education Instructional Program Information
- FLE Parent Preview Night
- Lunch Family Visitor Expectations
- Free and Reduced Price Meals - Apply Now
- Virginia Run 2026-2027 Strings Registration Now Open!
- Virginia Run 2026-2027 Band Registration Now Open!
- New Cell Phone Policy Started July 1
- Distribution of Literature and Fliers
- PTA Board for 26-27 School Year
- Save the Date! PTA Meeting Dates & Events
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
First Day of School
Monday, August 24, is the first day of school.
Labor Day
Friday, September 4, and Monday, September 7, are Labor Day holidays for all FCPS employees and students. Virginia legislation requires that schools opening prior to Labor Day must be closed the Friday immediately preceding Labor Day. We hope everyone takes the long weekend to celebrate a strong start to the school year and enjoy time with family and friends.
See the complete school year calendar.
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A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. Open House Event Tomorrow!
Dear Virginia Run Families,
We are thrilled to welcome our students and families back to Virginia Run Elementary School for another incredible year! There is no better way to kick off the school year than by reconnecting with friends, meeting new teachers, and celebrating together as ONE VRES.
Please join us for our annual Open House and PTA Back to School Bash on Thursday, August 20, 2026. This special afternoon is a wonderful opportunity to explore classrooms, meet our outstanding staff, reconnect with familiar faces, and welcome new members of our Virginia Run family.
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., our PTA will host the traditional PTA Back to School Bash on the blacktop. Families are invited to bring a snack, enjoy music, spend time together, and celebrate the start of another amazing school year. Free popsicles will be available, and Bach to Rock will provide live entertainment throughout the afternoon. We hope you'll stay, relax, and enjoy this fun community event with us!
Teacher Assignments Available in ParentVUE
Families will be able to view their child's 2026-27 teacher assignment beginning at 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 20 through their ParentVUE account. We encourage families to log in before arriving at Open House so you'll know which classroom to visit.
If you have not yet activated your ParentVUE account, you can learn more and get started by visiting the FCPS ParentVUE information page: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/student-information-system-sis-fcps/sis-parent-account-overview
Don't have a ParentVUE account yet? No problem! We will have a ParentVUE assistance table available in the cafeteria during Open House where staff members can help you create your account. Once your account is activated, you'll be able to view your child's teacher assignment for the upcoming school year.
Mark Your Calendars
Thursday, August 20, 2026
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Stone Middle School Open House
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Virginia Run Open House
To help create a comfortable experience for everyone, we recommend the following classroom visit schedule:
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Bach to Rock performs on the blacktop during the PTA Back to School Bash.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Westfield High School Open House
We cannot wait to welcome everyone back and begin another year of learning, growing, and celebrating together. Thank you for being such an important part of our Virginia Run community. We look forward to seeing you on August 20 as we kick off another fantastic year as ONE VRES!
My best,
Dave Gerstner
Principal
2. Back to School Night
Back to School Night will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Since we do have families with children in multiple grade levels, we are offering 2 sessions with a transition in between to give families time to get to the next teacher. Session times are below:
5:00-5:30 PM Full-Time AAP Information Session in the Library: We will have a Back to School Night Information Session for families who have students in the local full time advanced academic program grades 3-5.
Session I Grades PS, Kindergarten, 3 and 4: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Session II Grades 1, 2, 5 and 6*: 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM
*Grade 6 session will begin in the library at 6:30 PM
3. FCPS PreK Applications
Is your child turning 4 by September 30? Your family may qualify for the FCPS PreK program! PreK is a free, full-day program that primarily serves income-eligible children who are four years old by September 30. Limited spaces are also available for eligible three-year-olds at select schools.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals or currently receive TANF or SSI benefits are eligible to apply. Enrollment is based on need and is not first-come, first-served.
To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit PreK program details or call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).
Mr. Gerstner, Principal, Ms. Arreaza, Assistant Principal, and Ms. Chavez, Parent Liaison, visited our newest neighborhood, Eclipse at Westfield.
4. Superintendent's Family Vision Group
Virginia Run Elementary School is seeking two parent or caregiver representatives to serve on the Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent's Family Vision Group for the 2026–27 school year.
The Superintendent's Family Vision Group provides families with an opportunity to partner directly with FCPS by sharing perspectives, providing feedback, and helping strengthen the connection between schools, families, and the division. Representatives serve as consistent voices for our Virginia Run community and participate in meetings throughout the school year.
We encourage all interested parents and caregivers to consider this opportunity. You do not need to be a PTA member or have previously served in a leadership role to apply.
Representatives are expected to:
- Attend Family Vision Group meetings throughout the school year.
- Serve as one of Virginia Run's designated representatives.
- Share ideas and feedback that help strengthen family engagement across FCPS.
If you are interested in being considered as one of Virginia Run Elementary School's representatives, please email Principal Dave Gerstner at drgerstner@fcps.edu.
5. ParentVue Update
New ParentVUE Mobile App Launching July 28
On Tuesday, July 28, a new ParentVUE mobile app will become available in the Apple and Google app stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. The current “classic” app will remain active for about six months. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their child’s school data.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature.
Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
6. New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
This fall, every FCPS student will receive a student identification (ID) card as part of a divisionwide effort to modernize school transportation, improve communication with families, and strengthen student safety while traveling to and from school.
Every student who rides the school bus will need to tap on and tap off the bus every day using their new Student ID card. Families can help by reinforcing this new habit with their child.
Learn more about the new transportation system and student ID cards.
Virginia Run’s Instructional Assistants attend a Professional Development after summer break.
7. Elementary Early Release Wednesdays - Childcare Information via Student Online Verification/Update
The 2026–27 Online Verification/Update (OVU) packet will be available in ParentVUE starting July 24.
The OVU packet includes a section where parents can request childcare for the four elementary Early Release Wednesdays.
We encourage all families to sign up for a ParentVUE account. This will give you direct access to essential student information and allow you to submit your childcare requests.
The Virginia Run Early Release Wednesday days are as follows:
- October 21
- December 2
- February 10
- May 5
8. Family Life Education Instructional Program Information
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) provides a comprehensive, sequential Family Life Education (FLE) program for students in grades kindergarten through grade twelve. Instruction is seen as a partnership among parents and guardians, the school, and the community in supporting the learning essential to the development of strong families, positive relationships, and a healthy community.
Parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all or part of the Family Life Education program. Students who are opted out are provided with age-appropriate, nonpunitive alternative health instruction, and every effort is made to foster respect for family choices. If you wish to opt your child out of all or part of FLE for this school year, opt out forms are available in Parent Digital Consent. Paper opt-out forms are available from your child’s school. Students receiving special education services and accessing modified curriculum will receive a printed opt-out form for modified FLE lessons.
Detailed grade-level program descriptions are available online at Elementary (K-6) , Middle School (7-8) , and High School (9-12). FLE grade level-specific lessons and media that FCPS has streaming rights for are available for parents online in Schoology. Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account. Grade level-specific lessons are also available at the City of Fairfax Regional Library (this location does not have media). Grade level-specific lessons and media that is not streamed online are available for review at your child’s school library. Due to copyright permissions, we are unable to stream all media online.
Program questions may be addressed at your child’s school or by contacting Instructional Services at 571-423-4550 or by email to fle@fcps.edu.
9. FLE Parent Preview Night
Students in grades K-6 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) instruction through their classroom teacher. Students in kindergarten through grade three receive instruction in an emotional and social health unit. For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed grade-level program descriptions at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle.
In addition, grade level-specific curriculum lessons are available for review in multiple locations.
You are invited to attend an evening opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons and to talk with school staff about the program. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 9th from 4:30-5:30 at Virginia Run in the library. This will take place before Back to School Night. All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time.
Parents/guardians who do not wish to have their child participate in FLE instruction may choose to opt their child out of any or all of the lessons. If you would like to opt your child out of one or more lessons, please complete the opt-out form available in Parent Digital Consent (PDC) at https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/technology/digital-resources/consent/directions. If you are unable to access PDC, a paper opt-out form may be requested from the main office.
10. Lunch Family Visitor Expectations
We love welcoming families to join their children for lunch! To help ensure that lunchtime remains a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all students, we are introducing a new procedure for family lunch visitors.
Beginning this school year, families visiting for lunch will be asked to review our Lunch Family Visitor Expectations when signing in and follow these expectations throughout their visit. Having shared expectations helps us protect student safety and privacy, support our cafeteria routines, and create a welcoming environment for everyone.
When visiting for lunch, we ask families to:
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Follow cafeteria expectations and directions provided by school staff.
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Remain with your child for the duration of your visit.
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Do not share outside food or drinks with other students. Outside food is discouraged but, if brought, may only be consumed by your child. This helps protect students from known or unknown food allergies.
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Model our school-wide behavior expectations by using appropriate language and demonstrating respectful behavior.
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Follow visitor safety procedures by signing in at the front office, wearing your visitor badge, and signing out before leaving.
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Allow your child to return to class independently at the end of lunch. Students should follow their normal cafeteria dismissal procedures.
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Refrain from taking photos or videos that include other students in order to respect student privacy.
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Keep lunchtime focused on enjoying time with your child. Conversations about academic progress, concerns, or other school matters should be scheduled with your child's teacher or appropriate staff member outside of lunchtime.
We value having our families as part of our school community and appreciate your partnership in following these expectations consistently. Together, we can make lunchtime a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for all of our Vikings!
11. Free and Reduced Price Meals - Apply Now
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
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. William Schnepper
VRES Band Director
wjschnepper@fcps.edu
Please use the link below to register.
Band Registration 2026-27
14. New Cell Phone Policy Started July 1
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 went into effect on July 1 and states that all schools must follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy.
This means that 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.
15. Distribution of Literature and Fliers
To protect our children from becoming little advertisers and mail carriers, FCPS has clearly described the situation under which children may carry announcements home to parents. (Regulation 1367.1) Students may only carry fliers consistent with the mission of the school: education and the welfare of children. All nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit fliers in accordance with the guidelines below. Charitable solicitations, partisan political organizations, and commercial or profit-making enterprises are excluded with the exception of school-business partnerships and events. Students may not carry advertisements. Non-profit organizations such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may only use the backpack system at designated times during the year. The fliers must be representative of something appropriate to the children and not violate any rules of decency, political campaigning, or marketing. These designated times are set by the school principal.
At Virginia Run Elementary, the four dates that Wednesday envelopes may be used for carrying announcements from non-profit organizations are:
September 9th
January 13th
March 17th
May 12th
**All announcements/fliers must carry the following disclaimer:
These materials are neither sponsored nor endorsed by the Fairfax County School Board, the Superintendent, or this school.
All announcements/fliers must be approved by the administration in advance, allowing at least 3 days turn-around time. Upon receiving approval, the organization is responsible for supplying the copies to the school by the Monday preceding the designated envelope. PTA materials and announcements must also be approved in advance, but are not restricted to, the four dates listed. No materials carried by children may promote improper behavior or political opinion.
16. PTA Board for 26-27 School Year
President - Matthew Reklau - virginiarunpta@gmail.com
Secretary - Logan Young - vressecretary@gmail.com
Treasurer - Aimee Gibson - treasurer.virginiarunpta@gmail.com
VP Education - Melissa Wells - vresvpeducation@gmail.com
VP Fundraising - Amanda Prindle - vresvpfundraising@yahoo.com
VP Social - Theresa Nam - vresvpsocial@gmail.com
17. Save the Date! PTA Meeting Dates & Events
Thursday, 8/27 - Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
Tuesday, 9/1 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
Thursday, 9/10 - SweetFrog Spirit Night, Centreville Location
Thursday, 9/24 - Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
Friday, 9/25 - Victory Martial Arts Parents Night Out
Tuesday, 10/6 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
Friday, 10/16 - Trunk or Treat/Fall Fest
Thursday, 10/29 - Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
Tuesday, 11/10 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
Thursday, 11/12 - Boosterthon Kickoff During School
Friday, 11/20 - Boosterthon Event During School
Tuesday, 12/1 - PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
Thursday, 12/17 - Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
Friday, 1/22 - Free Family Movie Night
Friday, 4/2 - VRES/Cub Run Volleyball Game, Westfield HS
Friday, 4/30 - Viking Dash Fundraiser and Family Fun Run
Tuesday, 5/4 - PTA Meeting and PTA Board Elections
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
18. Important Upcoming Dates
8/20: Open House & Picnic
- Last names A through L: 1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Last names M through Z: 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
8/24: First Day of School, 9:00 AM - 4 PM
9/9: Back to School Night
10/21: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
11/20: Boosterthon Fun Run
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
19. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
20. Monthly Lunch Menu
Please use this link to view the Virginia Run ES Lunch Menu.
- Explore School Meals in the New Menu Platform
Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using MealViewer:
- View what is being served each day.
- View the nutritional information for each meal.
- See if any specific allergens are being served.
- Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served.
Printable menus are always available on the Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
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