|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
 Buddy classes reading together outside on a sunny day.
  It’s Principal Appreciation Month, and we’re taking every opportunity to shower Mrs. Miller with gratitude. Thank you, Mrs. Miller, for your dedication and everything you do for our cubbies, staff, and the community!
Upcoming Dates
October 27: Fall Picture Day
October 30: Storybook Character Day
October 30: Cub Run-a-thon (during school)
October 30: End of the First Quarter; 2-hour early release-Dismissal at 1:25pm
November 2: No School for Students - School Planning Day
November 3: No School for Students - Teacher Workday
November 11: Veterans Day Assemblies
November 16 FLE Parent/Guardian Information Session (Virtual) 6:30 - 7:15
November 16-20: Fall Book Fair
November 19: Thanksgiving Luncheon
November 19: Family Engagement Night - Second Step; 6:00pm
View the 2026-27 school year calendar for additional important dates.
Cubbie News
Dear Cub Run Families and Friends,
We hope you all had a wonderful week! As always, I am so grateful for our supportive school community. We wanted to share a few important updates and express our heartfelt gratitude for everything you do to make our school such a special place.
Please keep in mind that the end of the first quarter is quickly approaching next Friday! Additionally, your child's teacher should have reached out or will be reaching out to families to offer you a parent-teacher conference in an effort to come together to discuss your child’s academic progress, social-emotional development, behavior, and overall success in school. These conversations allow teachers to share information about our Cubbies’ strengths, celebrate their accomplishments, identify areas where additional support may be needed, and discuss strategies to help each child continue to grow.
Equally important, conferences provide families with an opportunity to share valuable insight about their child, ask questions, and collaborate with teachers to establish goals and develop plans for continued success. We hope that you are able to carve out some time in the coming weeks with your child's homeroom teacher to have this important conversation as we continue to not only promote your child's success, but partner with you in this work.
A huge thank you to all of our amazing Cubbies who came out to join us for our Principals' Walking Club! There is truly no better way to start the morning than walking, chatting, and sharing smiles with you all. I love starting the day with our students!
Thank you to all the families who attended our Advanced Academics Family Coffee. We loved connecting with you and sharing details about the identification and referral process. Working together in partnership with you is key to helping our students thrive.
We have some fantastic news to celebrate! In honor of our school's 40th year, our fundraising goal this year is $40,000—and thanks to your incredible generosity, we are already at 72% of our goal! Thank you to everyone who has supported our efforts so far. Your commitment to our school and students is truly inspiring. The momentum keeps going! We are so excited for our Cub Run-a-Thon next week.
Thank you for your continued partnership, enthusiasm, and support. Have a wonderful weekend!
Warm regards,
Melissa Miller, Principal
Nausheen Haider, Assistant Principal
Stephanie Kaminsky, Assistant Principal
Fall Picture Day - October 27
Our fall picture day is coming up on October 27! You can now pre-order pictures following the below steps:
- Go to strawbridge.net/ Ir a strawbridge.net
- Click “Order Pictures & Yearbooks” / Haga clic en "Solicitar Fotografías y Anuarios"
- Enter the code below and click “Find” to order / Introduzca el código a continuación y haga clic en "Buscar" para realizar el pedido
CODE: PX525717
Storybook Character Day - October 30
Mark your calendars! Storybook Character Day is coming on Friday, October 30, and we invite all students and staff to join the fun by dressing up as their favorite book character!
This is the perfect chance to read together at home and brainstorm a simple, homemade costume. Pull out those hats, props, and old clothes—no need to buy anything new!
For the safety and comfort of everyone, please ensure outfits are not scary. Masks, weapons, and dangerous-looking items are strictly prohibited.
Talk with your child about their character choice; sharing their story will be the best part of the day! We look forward to seeing our school filled with characters from countless stories!
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.
Family Life Education (FLE) & Parent Preview Night
Students in grade K-6 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) instruction. Students in Kindergarten through grade three receive instruction in an emotional and social health unit. For more information about FCPS' Family Life Education program, please see the detailed descriptions here. In addition, grade level-specific curriculum lessons are available for review in Schoology. To find those lessons, log into your Schoology account with your SIS login.
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 fill out the opt out forms online here. If you have already indicated your desire to opt your child out of FLE lessons in ParentVue, you do not need to complete another form.
A virtual parent preview night will be held on Monday, November 16 from 6:30 - 7:15 (link will be sent out via an e-Notify email).
Family Engagement Night - November 19
Please join us for a family engagement night to learn more about Second Step, the program that supports students’ social and emotional learning. We’ll share an overview of the program and offer time to explore ways families can support these skills at home. This will also be a potluck. Families are welcome to bring a dish to share, though it’s completely optional.
Date: November 19Time: 6:00–7:00 p.m.Location: Cub Run - Theater 1Format: In person or virtual
Please RSVP using this Google Form HERE. If you plan to attend virtually, we will share the meeting link with you after you RSVP. We hope you can join us!
FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards
Nominations are now open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Cub Run Outstanding Employee, please complete the nomination through this Google form link.
All that is required is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate one or more employees.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district); librarians are included in this category
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Professional Staff Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a School-Based Administrator (that is not the building principal) or Schedule-B employee or Teacher Scale employee in a non-instructional position at their current location.
Positions in this category include Assistant Principal, Associate Principal, Director of Student Services, Director of Student Activities, Resource Teacher and Special Education Department Chair and Multilingual Learners Department Chair who serves in a non-instructional role for more than 50% of their time, After-School Specialist, Assessment Coach, Athletic Trainer, Career Center Specialist, Career Experience Specialist, College and Career Specialist, Crisis Resource Teacher, Instructional Coach, School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Reading Specialist, Safety and Security Specialist, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologist, School Counselor, Systems of Support Administrator, or other employee paid as a Resource Teacher who serves in a non-instructional or administrative role in the school.
Outstanding Educational Services Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A, Schedule-H, or Classroom Instructional Support (CIS) employee at their current location.
Positions in this category include Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, Student Information Assistant, Finance Technician, School Finance Assistant, Student Services Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Family Liaison, and Public Health Training Assistant.
Outstanding Operational Services Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Schedule-H employee at their current location.
Positions in this category include Custodian, Building Supervisor, Food Services staff, and Safety and Security Assistant.
Please note: The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 13th.
If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Sisk at jeschoensisk@fcps.edu.
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.
Chantilly High School Haunted House Event - Saturday, 10/24
It's that time of year again for one of our community's favorite fall events - the Chantilly High School Haunted House! Along with the Haunted House, there will be games, face painting, and refreshments for sale. Proceeds benefit the Chargers Field Hockey, Girls Lacrosse & the Swim & Dive programs. Tickets are $10 in advance ($ 15 at the door). To order your tickets, log on to www.CHSHauntedHouse.com
Note: 1-6pm is a less scary experience, 6-10 is an experience for braver goblins
Westfield HS Choir Spooktacular
Join the Westfield HS community for a collection of Halloween themed songs on October 28th at 7 PM in the auditorium.
Prior to the concert, there will be trunk or treat in the parking lot from 5:30-6:30 PM.
More information here: Westfield Chorus!
Theatre 4 Kids Foundation
We're excited to offer you new, free theatrical experiences this season! Here are the shows we are offering this October. Get your tickets by filling out the forms under each show!
At the Alden Theatre-McLean Community Center
Borishevich Duo - Oct 25 @ 2 pm - 20 Tickets Available
Real-life couple pianist Margarita Loukachkina and violinist Nikita Borisevich and their piano prodigy son return to the Alden stage for an afternoon of breathtaking chamber music! Longtime audience-favorites, the group is well-known for creating a rich and intimate musical experience that celebrates artistry, connection and the joy of performing together. Enjoy an inspiring program of classical masterworks performed with passion, precision and heart. https://forms.gle/bxZGj52jGt9AvEPp7
This offer is sponsored by the non-profit organization, Theatre 4 Kids Foundation, run by FCPS high school students with a mission to inspire the next generation of performers, artists, and technicians by providing unforgettable performing arts experiences for students and their families. More information can be found at our website: theatre4kids.org, or email us at theatre4kidsfoundation@gmail.com!
PTA News
Cub Run-a-thon: The Big 4-0…Go Cubbie, It’s Your Birthday!
A huge thank you to our Cub Run Community...we have reached 72% of our goal over the past week! On Thursday, October 22, our cubbies had music breaks every 86 minutes (this incentive was unlocked for reaching 25% of our goal). We also unlocked our 50% incentive...our principals will be wearing some silly costumes very soon!
Congratulations to all of the classes that have exceeded their classroom goals!
- Ms. Nokovich's kindergarten class
- Ms. Jensen's 1st grade class
- Ms. Cousino's 1st grade class
- Ms. Pacileo's kindergarten class
- Ms. Yost's 4th/5th/6th grade class
- Ms. Brown's 3rd grade class
The race is on to see which class will win the PJ/pizza party!
There are many classrooms that are so close to meeting their goals!
- Ms. Lee's 4th grade (84%)
- Ms. Lee's 2nd grade (77%)
- Ms. McWhirt's 1st grade (76%)
- Ms. Coch's 2nd grade (74%)
- Ms. Katz's kindergarten (72%)
A huge congratulations to first grade and kindergarten as they have exceeded their grade-level goals and have earned a mega recess with music, games, bubbles, and chalk! Fourth grade is getting so close (73%) to meeting their grade-level goal...when they meet this goal, they will unlock free seating in the cafeteria for a day!
Cub Run-a-Thon raffles started on Monday and go through Thursday, October 29th. A new donation of any amount each day = a new chance to win! Winners will be announced at the end of each school day! (Students with new donations received before 11:59 pm each night will be entered into the raffle for the next day).
Raffle Prize Calendar
Thursday, 10/22 = 5 winners...Nee-Dohs
Friday, 10/23 = 5 winners...Pokemon or 3D-printed fidgets
Monday, 10/26 = 4 winners....3D-printed dumplings
Tuesday, 10/27 = 7 winners...Squishies
Wednesday, 10/28 = 5 winners...Nee-Dohs
Thursday, 10/29 = 6 winners...Dumplings
The Cub Run-a-Thon is the PTA’s biggest fundraiser! The event will be held during school on Friday, October 30th. Students will run, walk, and dance their way around the field to the tunes of the DJ! All students will receive a popsicle and sweatband on event day!
Step 1 - REGISTER NOW! bit.ly/cubrun40
Step 2 - SHARE your donation page with family and friends! Funds raised will go towards a book vending machine and more! There are tons of fun incentives! When we meet our goal of $40,000, the principal will get slimed!
Step 3 - VOLUNTEER! Volunteer Run-a-Thon Sign Up Genius
Step 4 - On event day, remind your Cubbie to wear sneakers, their favorite Cub Run gear, neon, 80s attire, or storybook costume!
Join our PTA
Supporting Cub Run enables us to give back to our #Cubbies.
No time commitment, no volunteer hours! Just your financial support.
Membership Levels: $40-Gold Family Membership | $25 Silver Family Membership $10 - Teacher/Staff only Membership
Join Today the Cub Run Shop
Yearbook Cover Contest
Get creative, artists! This year marks our school’s 40th Birthday, and we need a cover design that celebrates four decades of memories.
Submit your original artwork for a chance to have your design featured on the front of this year's yearbook.
Requirements:
- Must be on an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of white paper.
- Create a vertical piece of art – horizontal pieces cannot be used on the cover.
- You may use crayons, colored pencils or markers.
- If you use crayon or colored pencil, press hard! You want your colors to be dark and vibrant. Lightly colored artwork will not print well.
- Include the school’s name, Cub Run Elementary, and the school year, 2026 - 2027.
- Artwork must be original and it must reflect a vision of the theme: 40th Birthday!
Submit your artwork:
- Give your original artwork to your teacher before the contest deadline, October 30.
- Use a pencil to write your name, grade and teacher’s name on the back of the artwork.
Winners will be announced in November.
The first-place winner’s artwork will be featured on the front cover of the yearbook!
QUESTIONS? Contact Corinne Stanley at yearbook@cubrunpta.org
FCPS News
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
Encouraging Regular Attendance
Regular attendance is a good habit to establish in childhood. It can lead to greater success in high school, college, and careers. Teachers and students miss your child when they can’t make it to school. If you or your family need support, please reach out to your school's front office. We are here for you!
If students miss too much school, school staff may reach out to the family to partner with them on addressing barriers to regular attendance. Visit the FCPS website for attendance resources.
Literacy Webinar Series
Fairfax County Public Schools is presenting a literacy webinar series to help families understand reading assessments, reading plans, and how to support their child at home. The series and topics:
- December 15, 10 a.m.- What is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 10 a.m.- How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 10 a.m.- Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer.
Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Online
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
Reminders
Pictures Needed for Veterans Day
Calling all Cub Run connected Veterans! We would love to honor you on our Veterans’ week “Wall of Honor” this year. If you have previously submitted a photo, you do not need to resubmit- we save them! If you are new or would like to honor a Veteran in your family, please send the photo to me, Tracy Cousino, at the following email: tacousino@fcps.edu. Thank you and we hope you will join us at our Veterans Day assembly in November. Stay tuned for more information!
Safety Reminder - ID Required
The safety and security of our students and staff is always our top priority. To ensure a safe environment for everyone, we want to remind all parents, guardians, and visitors of our front office check-in policy.
Please remember to bring a valid government-issued photo ID every time you come to Cub Run.
A photo ID is required for:
-
Student Pick-Up: Standard dismissal, early check-outs, or emergency pick-ups.
-
School Visits: Parent-teacher conferences, classroom visits, or school events during instructional hours.
-
Volunteering: Classroom help, event coordination, or chaperoning field trips.
When you arrive, our office team will verify your physical ID before issuing a visitor badge or releasing a student. Even if our staff recognizes you, this standard procedure ensures consistent safety for all children.
Thank you for your partnership, patience, and commitment to keeping our school community safe.
National Bullying Prevention Month
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.
Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”
For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.
Be Informed, Stay Involved!
|
