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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
October 7, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Elementary Early Release Wednesdays - Childcare Information via Student Online Verification/Update
- Positivity Project
- Fall Picture Day
- Reflection Sheets
- The Power of Words and Actions
- Advanced Academic Program
- Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT)
- Superintendent's Family Vision Group
- Superintendent Community Conversations
- ParentVue Update
- Stay in the Know with Here Comes the Bus
- The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
- Books & Bundts Youth Reading Program
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- VRES Photos Needed!
- Lunch Family Visitor Expectations
- PTA Board for 26-27 School Year
- Join the PTA
- PTA Fundraisers
- Fall Fest & Trunk or Treat
- Westfield Theatre Romeo & Juliet Workshop & Play
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Calendar Reminder
Monday, October 12, is a student holiday for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. 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
We celebrated our wonderful custodial staff last week for Custodian Appreciation Day!
2. Positivity Project
This week for the Positivity Project we are doing a Spiral Review. Spiral Review weeks are built into the calendar to provide flexible opportunities to revisit character strengths and elements of the Other People Mindset that we’ve discussed. So far this school year those strengths are; Curiosity, Teamwork, Open-Mindedness, Forgiveness, and Being Present and Giving Others My Attention. Classes will continue to discuss these character strengths in the classroom and we welcome you to continue the conversations at home.
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3. Fall Picture Day
Just a reminder that Picture Day for Virginia Run Elementary School is coming up fast on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
It's a prepay event, so remember that payment is due on Picture Day.
Ordering Your Photos
You'll need the following order code for online purchases: 0038736IN.
Keep in mind that the password for online ordering expires just 24 hours after Picture Day, so don't wait too long to select your photos and backgrounds!
You can check out more background choices and build your package online.
Order Online using the link below: https://www.barksdalestorefront.com/store/gallery_login_customer_info_entry/fec96b51-58e9-45ab-916a-b9ee168390f4/
Questions? Call Barksdale School Portraits at 1.800.220.7667.
Let's make some great memories!
4. Reflection Sheets
At Virginia Run, we use 'Reflection Sheets', as a tool students use after an incident to pause and think through what happened. They guide students to reflect on the choice they made, how their actions may have affected others, and what they could try differently in a similar situation. The questions are familiar to students, and picture supports are available for younger children or students who speak multiple languages. Completing a reflection sheet is an opportunity to build self-awareness, consider others’ perspectives, and practice the skills needed to make positive choices; it is not simply about assigning blame.
Students complete the reflection sheet where the incident occurred or where they are supported, such as in the classroom or cafeteria, and then bring it home. We encourage families to read it together and invite their child to talk about what happened, how others may have felt, and what a helpful next step might be. A calm, curious conversation can reinforce the reflection and help connect what students are learning at school with the support they receive at home. Please sign the reflection sheet and return it to school the next school day.
If you have questions regarding a reflection sheet, please contact the staff member who sent it home.
5. The Power of Words and Actions
Students in grades 3–6 recently took part in our Power of Words and Actions assembly, presented by the Virginia Run administrative team and our school counselors. Students explored how words and actions affect others, including the difference between what someone intends and how their words or actions may impact another person. Through scenarios involving hurtful language, online interactions, and behavior on the bus, students discussed ways to be upstanders by supporting classmates, responding respectfully when it feels safe, and telling a trusted adult.
You can continue the conversation at home by asking your child:
- What is one idea from the assembly that stood out to you?
- What could you do if you saw or heard someone being treated unkindly?
- Which trusted adult could you talk to if you or someone else needed help?
6. Advanced Academic Program- Family Meetings
Families are invited to attend an AAP information meeting, led by Brittany Wade, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
For more information, please contact Brittany Wade, AART, at bwade@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.
7. Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT)
All 2nd graders will be taking the online Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT) to learn more about students’ reasoning skills in different areas from October 14-October 20.
It is important that your student attends school on these days, if possible. A later date will be available if your student misses this test and needs an ability test score. Students are not expected to prepare like they would for an achievement test, and they are not expected to know answers to all the questions. However, students will have opportunities to practice sample items before taking the test.
The NGAT is an abilities test. Its purpose is to provide information about your student's cognitive strengths and areas of growth. It has three parts that give information about different strengths: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning. Some questions may ask students to find an object that is different from others within a group. Other questions may ask students to complete puzzles by rotating a shape.
An abilities test is one of several tools that schools use to better understand a student’s reasoning strengths and learning profile. Teachers review results with other information to help plan instruction and support. Results can also help determine if a student needs advanced academic services. Score reports are provided to families once results become available. Typically, these reports are available within about one month of the end of the testing window.
If you have any questions about this test, please contact the school test coordinators, Lauren Arreaza and Kelly Coulter, at our school.
For more information on the advanced academic services and the referral process, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs). You may also contact our school’s Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Brittany Wade.
First graders had an extra special time at recess playing "Duck, Duck, Goose" organized by Ms. Pokrant.
8. 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.
9. 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:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Virginia Run students and staff, along with Principals from the Westfield Pyramid enjoyed the Westfield High School Homecoming Parade last week.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. The Scholastic Book Fair Starts Next Week!
Tuesday, Oct. 13th – Friday, Oct. 16th
Open 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, not Scholastic), and credit cards are accepted. However, eWallet is encouraged as that is the safest and easiest way for students to shop. Please send Talking Points to your teacher if you are using eWallet. For easy eWallet set up, visit our Book Fair homepage or look for the Book Fair flyer with QR code in today’s Wednesday envelope. There’s no tax on Book Fair items.
We need your help! Please consider signing up to be a volunteer!
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Our 3rd Graders review bus safety.
13. 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.
Extra Reading Tracker copies are available in the school library.
14. 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 Tito Puente the King of Mambo, born in Spanish Harlem to Puerto Rican parents. This Juilliard trained percussionist changed Latin music forever recording 118 albums and winning 5 Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement award.
Hispanic Heritage Month - Tito Puente
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.
15. VRES photos needed!
Yearbook production is already underway, and we would love to see any awesome photos you take during our fun fall school events. 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
16. 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!
Mr. Gerstner teaches Language Arts!
17. 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
18. 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:
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Family Membership (two members): $30.00
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Single Membership (one member): $20.00
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Tax-Deductible Donation: Any amount you would like to give
Two Ways to Join:
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Online: Scan the QR code on the paper flyer or visit vrespta.ptboard.com to sign up instantly.
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Paper Form: Fill out the membership form and send it back to your child's teacher with your cash or check payment.
PTA Membership Form 26-27
19. 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!).
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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
20. 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
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Trunk or Treat: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM in the Bus Loop
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Book Fair: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM in the Library
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Fall Fest Fun: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM in the Cafeteria, Gym, Lobby, and Kiss & Ride Lot
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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
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Donate Candy: Drop off candy donations in the school lobby by October 14th.
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Support the Wishlist: Check out the Fall Fest Amazon Wishlist via the flyer's QR code.
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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)
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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.
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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
21. Westfield Theatre Romeo & Juliet Workshop & Play
Workshop Details: Westfield High School Theatre is offering a FREE workshop for students in 4th to 8th grade on October 12 from 10am to noon. Students will play theatre games, take a backstage tour, and enjoy an immersive theatre experience!
Registration Required. Space is limited. Sign up here
Performance Details: Westfield High School Theatre Presents Romeo & Juliet A story of young love, family rivalry, and the enduring power of hope.
October 15th & 16th at 7 PM October 17th at 2 PM & 7 PM.
Tickets: $15 adult, $10 student/senior. All seats reserved.
All info found at westfieldtheatre.com.
Note: October 16th at 7pm is our American Sign Language interpreted performance.
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
22. Important Upcoming Dates
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
10/22: Fall Picture Day
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
23. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
24. 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 October 2026.
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