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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 21, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Fall Picture Day
- Positivity Project
- Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Online
- Recognize an Amazing Virginia Run ES Staff Member!
- Reflection Sheets
- Digital Citizenship Week
- Advanced Academic Program
- Virginia Quality Birth to Five Guidelines
- Superintendent's Family Vision Group
- Superintendent Community Conversations
- Hispanic Heritage Month
- Veterans Day Collage
- SCA Spirit Day - Oct. 30th
- VRES Photos Needed!
- Elementary Early Release Wednesdays - Childcare Information via Student Online Verification/Update
- Lunch Family Visitor Expectations
- PTA Board for 26-27 School Year
- Join the PTA
- PTA Fundraisers - Bow Tie Coffee and Red Robin Spirit Night (All Day)
- National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24th
- Westfield High School Fall Choir Concert and Trunk or Treat
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Calendar Reminder: Quarter End
Friday, October 30, is the last day of the first quarter. Students will have a two-hour early release.
Schools will be closed for students on Monday, November 2, for a school planning day, and Tuesday, November 3, for a teacher workday.
See the complete school year calendar.
A poster of the Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. Fall Picture Day
Just a reminder that Picture Day for Virginia Run Elementary School is tomorrow, 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!
2. Positivity Project
This week, our school is focusing on the character strength of Creativity. Creativity means coming up with new and original ways to think about and do things.
Creative people see the world differently. They are open to new experiences and think independently. They come up with many ideas and pursue them with energy and enthusiasm. Creativity takes courage because sharing original ideas can sometimes lead to criticism.
Creativity is vital to our world! Creative solutions can help resolve conflicts and find compromises that satisfy everyone involved, strengthening relationships. It helps us solve tough problems, create new things, and see the world in fresh ways. Examples include treatments for deadly illnesses, such as cancer, the invention of the cell phone, and the development of solar panels. Imagine life without Impressionist paintings or the creation of airplanes and rocket ships.
To encourage creativity with your child at home, 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.
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3. Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Online
The Federal Impact Aid Survey is now available in ParentVUE. Your response helps FCPS receive funding for which it is eligible by identifying military and other federally connected families, including families living on a military base.
Please complete one survey for each child. Only the parent who enrolled the student with FCPS can submit the form. Your information will be kept strictly confidential.
To complete the survey, sign in to ParentVUE and click on Online Registration. From there, scroll down to find the Federal Impact Aid Survey.
If you are experiencing difficulty completing the survey, sign in to ParentVUE using Google Chrome, select Online Packets, then choose Federal Impact Aid Survey. If you need help accessing ParentVUE, contact your child’s school.
Paper forms will be sent home with students starting October 28 for families who cannot access ParentVUE.
4. Recognize an Amazing Virginia Run ES Staff Member!
🌟 Recognize an Amazing Virginia Run ES Staff Member! 🌟
FCPS needs your help celebrating the incredible people who make our school community special! Nominations are now open for the 2026–2027 Outstanding Employee Awards.
If you know an outstanding staff member at Virginia Run Elementary School who goes above and beyond every day to support our students, staff, and school initiatives, please consider nominating them! Viking families are invited and encouraged to submit their nominations.
📲 How to Nominate: Scan the QR code on the flyer or complete the online nomination form to give our amazing team members the recognition they deserve!
Let’s show our Viking staff how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication!
Fifth grade students visited Luray Caverns and had a blast!!
5. 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.
6. Digital Citizenship Week
Dear Families,
This week is Digital Citizenship Week! As our kids navigate a world filled with screens, social media, and new technology, building safe, smart, and healthy digital habits is more important than ever.
To support you at home, we are sharing resources and toolkits powered by Common Sense Media. Their core topics connect directly to key life skills:
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Think Critically (Information & Media Literacy) — Helping kids question what they see online and identify reliable information.
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Protect (Privacy & Safety) — Keeping personal information secure and understanding online safety.
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Shape (Digital Footprint & Identity) — Encouraging kids to present themselves authentically and leave a positive online mark.
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Connect (Relationships, Communication & Cyberbullying) — Building kind, respectful relationships online and standing up to online harm.
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Balance (Healthy Habits & Media Balance) — Finding a healthy harmony between screen time and offline fun.
🤖 AI Literacy & Family Resources
Artificial Intelligence is already shaping how we learn and work! Check out the AI Literacy Toolkit - Family Toolkit & Educator Guide to help your family explore AI together safely and responsibly.
🎮 Family Activity Game Cards
Looking for fun, quick ways to spark meaningful conversations at home? Use these interactive activity cards for short discussions and family learning:
We encourage you to pick one activity or question card to try during dinner, in the car, or at bedtime next week. Thank you for partnering with us to raise confident, thoughtful digital citizens!
7. 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.
8. FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)
Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information.
Mr. Gerstner and Ms. Chavez visited students at a bus stop last Monday morning.
9. 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.
10. 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:
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
11. 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.
This past month students learned about Juan Esquivel (Mexico) Ada Rios and the Recycled Orchestra (Paraguay), Shakira (Columbia), and Tito Puente (New York/Puerto Rico). If you log onto Schoology at home your child can share with you what they learned in music class about each artist, as well as, enjoy some of the music they listened to in class. In their music course there is a folder titled “Hispanic Heritage Month” with a Google Slide for each artist. 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.
Hispanic Heritage Month Musicians
12. Veterans Day Collage
Every year at Virginia Run, the 4th graders put on a Veterans Day assembly to honor our Veterans from every branch of the military. As a way of honoring our Veterans from the Virginia Run community Ms. Berg will be putting together a collage of pictures of Veterans, past and present, to display from November 9 – November 13. This collage will be on display on the wall near the cafeteria. Feel free to email Ms. Berg (jmberg@fcps.edu) a picture of a Veteran from your family. If you have several Veterans in your family, we welcome multiple pictures. Please be sure to include who the Veteran is in your family (grandpa, aunt, etc.) and their full name and rank. This is for ALL Veterans past and present. If you have a relative who did not return home from their service, please know that we plan to honor these servicemen and women in May for Memorial Day. Please submit all photos by Thursday, October 29, 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Berg. Thank you!
**Please note that if you have submitted photos in previous years, they will be on display so there is no need to resubmit.
13. SCA Spirit Day - Oct. 30th
SCA Spirit Day: Twin/Triplet Day Friday, Oct. 30th
The VRES SCA would like to encourage students to participate in our first Spirit Day of the Year! Dress like a friend, or with a group!
14. 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
15. 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:
- December 2
- February 10
- May 5
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!
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
Bow Tie Coffee Fundraiser
VRES PTA is proud to partner with Bow Tie Coffee Roasters to offer a coffee fundraiser to support coffee growing communities in Honduras and Mexico as well as our school. Enjoy fresh-roasted coffee while supporting Virginia Run students. For every $20 item, $5 goes directly to support Virginia Run ES PTA. Orders must be received by Friday, October 30th. Coffee can be picked up or sent home with your student on Thursday, November 19th.
Order through paper order forms that were sent home in our Wednesday folder or by using the link below.
https://vrespta.ptboard.com/formvw?store=7831&form=8
Red Robin Spirit Night (All day)
Take a night off from cooking and support our school at the same time! Join us for a fundraiser night at Red Robin, 14450 Chantilly Crossing Ln, Chantilly, VA 20151, on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Red Robin will generously donate 20% of all eligible food sales right back to the VRES PTA!
How to Participate:
- Dine-In: Simply mention the Virginia Run Elementary fundraiser or show the flyer to your server when you order.
- To-Go / Online Orders:
- Place your order at redrobin.com/order (select the Chantilly Crossing Lane location).
- Head over to the "Fundraisers (To-Go Only)" menu category and click on that item.
- Click "Add" and then "Add to Bag."
- Add the rest of your meal to the cart and check out!
Note: The fundraiser runs all day during normal restaurant hours. Donations apply to eligible dine-in and to-go food sales (excludes alcohol, gift cards, catering, third-party delivery services, and tax/gratuity).
"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. National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 24th
Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nine drop-off sites will be available throughout Fairfax County. Find the site closest to you.
Can’t make it to Drug Take Back Day? No problem. Learn about year-round disposal of prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Thank you for doing your part in making the Fairfax County community safer!
21. Westfield High School Fall Choir Concert and Trunk or Treat
Westfield's Choir Concert will be on Wednesday, October 28th at 7 PM in the auditorium.
Westfield Choir will present a Spooktacular collection of Halloween themed songs!
Prior to the concert, there will be a Trunk or Treat in the Parking Lot from 5:30-6:30 PM.
https://www.westfieldchorus.org/
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
22. Important Upcoming Dates
10/22: Fall Picture Day
10/29: Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location, All Day
10/30: SCA Spirit Day: Twin/Triplet Day
10/30: 2-hr. Early Release, Dismissal at 2:00 PM
11/2-11/3: No School
11/2: SweetFrog Spirit Day, Centreville Location, All Day
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
12/9: Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, Chantilly Location, 4:00 - 8:00 PM
12/17: Red Robin Spirit Night, Chantilly Location, All Day
1/12: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
1/14: FunLand Spirit Night, Centreville Location, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
1/20: Chick-fil-A Spirit Night, Chantilly Location, 4:00 - 8:00 PM
1/22: Free Family Movie Night, 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Cafeteria
2/9: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
2/10: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
2/10: FunLand Spirit Night, Centreville Location, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
3/2: FunLand Spirit Night, 4:00 - 9:00 PM
3/9: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
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, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
5/5: Early Release Wednesday-Virginia Run will release students at 1:00 PM
SOL Dates:
5/12: Reading SOL for grades 3 & 4
5/13: Reading SOL for grades 5 & 6
5/19: Math SOL for grades 3 & 4
5/20: Math SOL for grades 5 & 6
6/1: Science SOL for grade 5
6/2: Reading SOL Retakes
6/4: Math SOL Retakes
6/7: Science SOL Retakes
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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