Gunston Gazette - September 18, 2026

Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 09/18/2026 04:05 PM EDT

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          Kristen Rucinski - Principal         Allison Ovalle - Assistant Principal         

mark calendar

 

Sept. 15-Oct. 15: National Hispanic American Heritage

Sept. 18: Last day to order Spirit Wear

Sept. 21: All FCPS Schools Closed for Yom Kippur

Sept. 22: AAP Information Night (Virtual) - 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Sept. 24: PTA Spirit Night at Yafa Mediterranean Grill - 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Oct. 2: National Custodian Appreciation Day

Oct.12: School Planning Day for Staff (Student Holiday)

Oct. 21: Early Release Wednesday 3-hour Release - 12:20 p.m.

Oct. 23: School Picture Day Retake

Oct. 30: End of First Quarter 2-hour Early Release - 1:20 p.m.

 

Gunston Gazette

September 18, 2026

Calender Reminder

All FCPS Schools are closed

on September 21, 2026

for Yom Kippur. 
Latino

National Hispanic

American Heritage

Each September 15th - October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Hispanic and Latin Americans year-round. The celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor these diverse and important stories.
late bus

Did you know that there is a

FCPS Bus Delay Board?

https://busdelay.fcps.edu/

Buses will be listed if they are at least 15 minutes late.  Please check back for updates.

This information will be removed after 12:00pm for AM runs and then after 7:00pm for PM runs.

Twice-Exceptional 2e Program 

We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available throughout our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support. 

The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee for 2e Programming developed a one-pager sharing ways in which we are Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS. This information is included on the 2e webpage. Families can also learn more about 2e learners, ways to support them, and how to partner with schools.  The webpage also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact our AART Kevin Fahy at kjfahy@fcps.edu

Early Release Wednesdays

FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year, however the number has been reduced from eight to four days.

Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students.

Here are the early release dates for Gunston Elementary School. Students will be dismissed at 12:20 p.m. on the following days:

  • October 21
  • December 2
  • February 10
  • May 5

General information about Early Release Wednesdays, including all the dates for this year, can be found at https://www.fcps.edu/family-resources/safety-and-transportation/limited-early-release-wednesdays

Gunston PTA:

Join us for the 2026-2027 School Year! 

Meeting Essentials:

Tuesdays, every other month - Meetings are held bimonthly on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. 

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Join us for ninety minutes of collaboration and school updates. 

Location: Gunston Cafeteria - All meeting will be held on-site in the school cafeteria. 

2026-2027 Dates to Remember: 

November 17th, January 26, March 16th and May 25th. 

Gunston ES PTA Spirit Day - Yafa Grille Night! 

Join us for Spirit Day at Yafa Grille and support our school while enjoying a delicious meal! A portion of proceeds (15%) will be donated back to our school. Dine in or take out every Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., bring your family and friends, and don't forget to mention Gunston Elementary Spirit Day when ordering. Every meal helps support our students and school programs! 

When placing online orders, please mention #gunston15 in the comment box. Order online at YafaGrille.com 

Yafa Mediterranean Grill

9033 White Spruce Way

Lorton, VA 22079

(703) 690-1058

spirit day

PTA Spirit Wear

Show your Gunston Spirit!

Our Gunston Elementary Spirit wear Sale is LIVE! Get your Gunston gear

and show your school pride!

🛍️ Order online or complete the order form

coming home in your student's folder.

📅 Orders are due by September 18! Don’t miss out on getting your Gunston spiritwear! Go Eagles! 🦅

Superintendent Community Conversations

Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):

Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid. 

Conversaciones con la Comunidad: Su voz es importante

La superintendente, Dra. Michelle Reid, quiere escucharle. En FCPS, las familias y la comunidad son nuestros aliados. Cuando trabajamos juntos, podemos brindarles a nuestros estudiantes las herramientas que necesitan para tener éxito en la escuela y en la vida.

Las Conversaciones con la Comunidad son espacios donde las familias, los estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad pueden compartir sus ideas, hacer preguntas y conversar directamente con la Dra. Reid. Ella estará allí para escuchar sus experiencias, conocer sus necesidades y trabajar con la comunidad para apoyar a nuestros estudiantes.

Acompáñenos en una de estas conversaciones, que se llevarán a cabo en diferentes escuelas del distrito. Por favor, vea a continuación el horario de las Conversaciones con la Comunidad. 

Habrá servicios de cuidado infantil e interpretación de idiomas para apoyar su participación. Cada conversación durará aproximadamente una hora y media.

¡Esperamos contar con su presencia! Todas las familias, estudiantes y miembros de la comunidad están invitados. También puede conocer otras oportunidades para comunicarse con la Dra. Reid.

Attendance

Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School

School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example). 

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.

If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Immunization Events

Immunization Events for FCPS Students

FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 

School Health

Get to Know Our School Health Staff

Our school nurse at Gunston ES are Wubalem Yimeru and Maureen Holt. Contact them at 703-541-5410 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!

Conozca al personal de salud de nuestra escuela

El/la enfermero/a de la Gunston ES son Wubalem Yimeru y Maureen Holt.¿Tiene preguntas sobre medicamentos, necesidades de salud o una condición médica de su estudiante? Comuníquese con Wubalem Yimeru y Maureen Holt al 703-541-3610.

Visite el sitio web de salud de nuestra escuela para encontrar formularios, información sobre las normas relacionadas con enfermedades y recomendaciones para ayudar a mantener saludable a su estudiante.