|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
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
September 16, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Positivity Project
- Superintendent's Family Vision Group
- Superintendent Community Conversations
- ParentVue Update
- Elementary Early Release Wednesdays - Childcare Information via Student Online Verification/Update
- Stay in the Know with Here Comes the Bus
- Predictive Assessment Pilot, Grades 3-6
- The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
- Books & Bundts Youth Reading Program
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Sign up to Join the Virginia Run Get2Green Team!
- VRES Photos Needed!
- Lunch Family Visitor Expectations
- PTA Board for 26-27 School Year
- Join the PTA
- PTA Fundraisers
- Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat
- VRES Fall 2026 Clubs
- Westfield HS Dance Team Dance Clinic
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Calendar Reminders
Yom Kippur (Holiday)
Monday, September 21, is a holiday, and schools and offices will be closed.
See the complete school year calendar.
|
A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. Positivity Project
This week, our school community is focusing on the Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention. This means when we are with other people, we are present and give them our full attention.
In today's world, it's easy to get distracted by phone calls, messages, and social media. These distractions can pull us away from what's most important — our relationships with other people.
Just as plants need sunlight to grow, our relationships need attention. If we don’t give our full attention when we are with our family, friends, and even colleagues, we can't build strong relationships. It’s crucial to put down our phones and tablets and really listen when others are talking. Positive relationships are the foundation of a positive culture, and we can’t build positive relationships without attention.
To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset of being present and giving others our attention, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions.
|
2. Superintendent's Family Vision Group
Virginia Run Elementary School is seeking one more 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.
3. Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
-
Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
-
Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
-
Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
-
Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
-
Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
-
Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
4. ParentVue Update
New ParentVUE Mobile App
A new ParentVUE mobile app has 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.
Students are ready for their ride to school today!
5. Elementary Early Release Wednesdays - Childcare Information via Student Online Verification/Update
The 2026–27 Online Verification/Update (OVU) packet is now available in ParentVUE.
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
6. Stay in the Know With Here Comes the Bus
Even though FCPS has launched a new bus navigation system, some aspects like the new FCPS My Ride mobile app are still in development. Families should still use the Here Comes the Bus mobile app to track the location of their child’s bus. This app is still compatible with the new system.
FCPS will notify families and schools when the new app is ready to download and use. In the meantime, everyone should reinforce with students that they need to tap on and off the bus with their student ID cards.
Did you already download the new app? That’s okay! The new app is in the final stage of testing, so some features are not yet fully functional. At this time, you should refer to Here Comes the Bus for the most accurate information.
7. Predictive Assessment Pilot, Grades 3-6
Virginia Run will be participating in the Predictive Pilot Assessment in Grades 3-6 for reading and Grade 5 for math. The goal of this program is to help students master grade-level standards to support SOL performance. The pilot uses short reading and/or math assessments to help teachers understand where students are strong and where they may need extra help. Results will give teachers a personalized roadmap for student support.
Visit this Systemwide Common Assessment page on FCPS.edu and scroll down the page for additional information about student privacy, assessments to be substituted, and a list of the Predictive Assessment Pilot Schools. If you have additional questions, please reach out to PredictiveAssessmentPilot@fcps.edu.
8. The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
Tuesday, Oct. 13th – Friday, Oct. 16th
Join us Friday, Oct. 16th for Family Night from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM during Trunk or Treat!
Students will be able to shop during the school day and/or Family Night. Cash, checks (made payable to VRES Library, not Scholastic), and credit cards are accepted. However, ewallet is encouraged as that is the safest and easiest way for students to shop. Visit our Book Fair homepage with ewallet details. There’s no tax on Book Fair items!
Wouldn’t you love to work at a Scholastic Book Fair? Consider being a volunteer!
|
9. Books & Bundts Youth Reading Program
This year Virginia Run Elementary is partnering with Books & Bundts Youth Reading Program sponsored by Nothing Bundt Cakes to provide students with a reading incentive. All students in Pre-K through 6th Grade are eligible to participate. Students who read 400 minutes by themselves or with an adult each month can receive a free bundtlet cake and certificate from the Nothing Bundt Cakes store in Fair Lakes. This will continue monthly through June 2027. Every month, students will receive a new Reading Tracker in their Wednesday Envelope. Once completed, return the Reading Tracker to the Nothing Bundt Cake store to redeem for your free bundtlet and certificate.
There are three easy steps to follow:
- Students read and record their daily reading minutes on the Books & Bundts Reading Tracker.
- Parents/Guardians sign the log and confirm 400 minutes have been read.
- Families take the completed Reading Tracker to the Nothing Bundt Cakes store in Fair Lakes to redeem for a free bundlet and certificate.
Only one bundlet per student per month with a completed Reading Tracker.
Questions can be directed to Becky Wyland at rewyland@fcps.edu.
10. Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15th to October 15th. It was originally established in 1968 as a week-long celebration by California Congressman George E. Brown. In 1988, President George H.W. Bush expanded the celebration to a full month. This time frame is used to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Hispanics and all Latin Americans.
Several Latin American countries celebrate their independence during this time. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua all celebrate their Independence Day on September 15th. Mexico’s Independence Day is September 16th, and Chile’s Independence Day on September 18th.
During this time students of all grade levels will learn about different Hispanic and Latin American musicians in music class. This week students learned about Juan Garcia Esquivel a big band leader, pianist, and composer, from Mexico.
We encourage you to talk to your children about who and what they learned during this year’s Hispanic Heritage month and reflect on the impact that Hispanic and Latin American cultures have had on America and American culture.
11. Sign up to Join the Virginia Run Get2Green Team!
Get2Green is the environmental stewardship program for FCPS. Get2Green supports division-level policies and projects that complement school-based sustainability work based on a foundation of equity. The vision for Get2Green is that we will empower every student to be an environmentally literate global citizen who is connected to nature and equipped to be a leader who protects our world. Get2Green cultivates school cultures and an FCPS community centered on student wellness and equitable access to environmental stewardship opportunities. Using the whole school campus and collaborating with community partners, we support meaningful learning experiences by providing professional development, coaching, and eco-focused resources.
This team is open to all 3rd through 6th graders at Virginia Run. Last year the Get2Green team continued to build up our school’s recycling program, as well as revitalize our garden beds behind the school. Photos were sent out over the weekly message as well as posted to our school’s social media pages.
This year not only will the team continue to nurture and care for the school's garden beds and continue our school's recycling program in line with FCPS's Zero Waste plan, but we will also begin the process of learning about composting and developing a system for our school community. Ms. Berg is so excited to help our students learn and grow in their environmental stewardship journey.
Please fill out the Google Form linked below by this Friday, September 18th. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Ms. Berg at jmberg@fcps.edu.
Get2Green Sign up
12. VRES photos needed!
Yearbook production is already underway, and we would love to see any awesome photos you have from the beginning of the school year. Please send photos for yearbook consideration to mktuben@fcps.edu. Attachments work best!
Please limit to 3 photos per school event, as space is limited and not all photos are used.
Mrs. Tuben and Mrs. Adkins
13. 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:
-
Follow cafeteria expectations and directions provided by school staff.
-
Remain with your child for the duration of your visit.
-
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.
-
Model our school-wide behavior expectations by using appropriate language and demonstrating respectful behavior.
-
Follow visitor safety procedures by signing in at the front office, wearing your visitor badge, and signing out before leaving.
-
Allow your child to return to class independently at the end of lunch. Students should follow their normal cafeteria dismissal procedures.
-
Refrain from taking photos or videos that include other students in order to respect student privacy.
-
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!
14. 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
15. Join the PTA
Join the Virginia Run Elementary School PTA today to help support our students, teachers, and school programs. Your membership dues fund essential educational enrichment, teacher appreciation, and fun student activities throughout the year. Joining doesn't require any volunteer time—your financial support makes all the difference.
Membership Options:
-
Family Membership (two members): $30.00
-
Single Membership (one member): $20.00
-
Tax-Deductible Donation: Any amount you would like to give
Two Ways to Join:
-
Online: Scan the QR code on the paper flyer or visit vrespta.ptboard.com to sign up instantly.
-
Paper Form: Fill out the membership form and send it back to your child's teacher with your cash or check payment.
Incentives & Contests:
-
Raffle Entry: Join by September 11 to be automatically entered into a special raffle!
-
Popsicle Party: The classroom with the highest percentage of PTA memberships will win a Popsicle Party for the whole class!
PTA Membership Form 26-27
16. PTA Fundraisers
"No Fuss" Fundraiser
Would you like to support our school but not have to fuss with any fundraising events this year, guilt-free? The VRES PTA has you covered with this year’s No Fuss Fundraiser! Every bit helps, and no donation is too small (or too large!).
-
Where to Donate: Visit vrespta.ptboard.com or simply scan the QR code on the flyer to give online.
PTA No Fuss Fundraiser 26-27
Show Your Virginia Run Viking Pride!
You can now order your official Virginia Run Elementary spirit wear online!
It’s a fantastic way to show your school spirit while directly supporting our students—a portion of every single purchase goes straight to the VRES PTA to help fund programs for our school.
www.campussurvivalkits.com/virginiarun
17. Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat
Get ready for some fall fun! The Virginia Run Elementary PTA is hosting our Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat on October 16th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Costumes are welcome, and this event is completely FREE for all VRES students and their families!
Schedule of Events
-
Trunk or Treat: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in the Bus Loop
-
Book Fair: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the Library
-
Fall Fest Fun: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM in the Cafeteria, Gym, Lobby, and Kiss & Ride Lot
-
Costume Contest: 7:00 PM
Activities & Highlights Enjoy a Glow Party with a DJ, fun games, prizes, balloon animals, spooky squishies, and crafts. Food will be available via pre-order—just scan the QR code on the flyer!
How You Can Help
-
Donate Candy: Drop off candy donations in the school lobby by October 14th.
-
Support the Wishlist: Check out the Fall Fest Amazon Wishlist via the flyer's QR code.
-
Volunteer: Scan the volunteer QR code on the flyer to lend a hand.
Fall Fest Flyer
Pre-Order Your Dinner Save time and money by ordering your food in advance! Food available at the event will be limited, and day-of prices will be higher.
- Menu Options:
- Chick-fil-A Sandwich ($6.50)
- Chick-fil-A 8-ct Nuggets ($6.50)
- Large Pizzas - Cheese, Pepperoni, or Sausage ($12.00 each)
-
How to Order: Submit the paper order form with cash/check (payable to VRES PTA) or order online at vrespta.ptboard.com under Forms and Payments.
-
Deadline: Orders must be placed by October 9th. Pick up your food in the school cafeteria between 5:30 PM and 7:15 PM on the night of the event.
Fall Fest Pre-Order Food Sales
18. VRES Fall 2026 Clubs
Fall Clubs are now open for registration, and we have an amazing lineup! This is your chance for students to explore new interests, build skills, and have fun with friends outside of the classroom. We have Pickleball, Acting, Crochet, Soccer, Chess, STEM Stars, 3D Printing and Cooking to highlight a few! There's something for every Viking to explore!
Weekly Club Schedule
-
Monday: LEGO , Pickleball (Grades 4–6)
-
Tuesday: Acting Out! Jr. (Grades K–2), Art & Craft (Grades K–3), Crochet (Grades 4–6)
-
Wednesday: Soccer (Grades K–3)
-
Thursday: Acting Out! (Grades 3–6), Chess (before school), STEM Stars (before school)
-
Friday: 3D Printing (Grades 1–6), Tiny Chefs
👉 See the full list of clubs here:
https://tinyurl.com/VRESFall2026Clubs
Join the adventure. Be a Viking! ✅ Clubs start in September! To view full details or sign up, scan the QR code on the flyer that came home in the Wednesday folder.
Questions? Email us at vresvpeducation@gmail.com - we’re happy to help.
19. Westfield HS Dance Team Dance Clinic
Get ready to dance! The Westfield High School Dance Team is hosting a Dance Clinic for all students in 2nd through 8th grade. Participants will learn a routine and get the exciting chance to perform alongside the Varsity Dance Team during the Homecoming halftime show!
Event Details
-
Clinic Date & Time: Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Westfield High School (Parent pickup at 1:00 PM)
-
Homecoming Performance: Friday, October 2, 2026, at the WHS Boys Varsity Football Game vs. Lake Braddock HS (Game starts at 7:00 PM)
-
Cost: $65 per dancer if registered before September 27th ($70 for walk-in registration)
-
Payment Methods: Cash, MySchoolBucks, money order, or check (made payable to Westfield High School with "Dance Team" in the memo line)
What’s Included? Your registration fee covers snacks, lunch, an official WHS Dance Team T-shirt, and a spot in the halftime performance.
Westfield HS Dance Team Dance Clinic - Fall 2026
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
20. Important Upcoming Dates
9/24: Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
9/25: Victory Martial Arts Parents Night Out
10/6: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
10/7: Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day
10/13-10/19: Book Fair, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM (13th - 16th), 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM (19th)
10/16: Trunk or Treat/Fall Fest, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
10/16: Book Fair Family Night, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
10/21: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
10/29: Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
11/10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
11/12: Boosterthon Kickoff During School
11/13: Bingo Night, Cafeteria
11/20: Boosterthon Fun Run During School
12/1: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
12/2: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
12/17: Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location
1/22: Free Family Movie Night, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Cafeteria
2/10: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
4/2: VRES/Cub Run Volleyball Game, 6:30 PM, Westfield HS Gym
4/30: Viking Dash Fundraiser and Family Fun Run
5/4: PTA Meeting and PTA Board Elections
5/5: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
21. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
22. 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.
Lunch Menu for September
|
