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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
November 4, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Virginia Run Boosterthon Fun Run!
- Thanksgiving Luncheon
- Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Online
- Recognize an Amazing Virginia Run ES Staff Member!
- Reflection Sheets
- Advanced Academic Program
- Fairfax County Youth Survey
- Positivity Project
- Afternoon Kiss and Ride Reminder
- Superintendent's Family Vision Group
- Superintendent Community Conversations
- Viking Shoppe is Open
- 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 Family Bingo Night
- PTA Fundraisers
- Important Upcoming Dates
- Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
- Monthly Lunch Menu
Virginia Run Elementary School Vision and Mission Statements.
1. Virginia Run Boosterthon Fun Run!
It’s time! You can sign up your student for our Virginia Run Boosterthon Fun Run! Our goal is to raise $25,000 for instructional supplies to equip classrooms, teacher appreciation events for our amazing staff, grade level grants to offset field trip costs, classroom rugs, staff lounge refrigerators, music department resources, playground swing mats and news room technology resources. Signing up is easy and comes with a fun prize for your student!
⭐️ Sign Up On MyBooster.com ⭐️
Thank you for being a part of our Virginia Run Elementary community and helping us make a difference for our students. We are grateful for your support! Follow our social pages for fun progress updates in the coming weeks.
Our school is working toward a BIG goal and Great Wolf Lodge wants to celebrate with us! Registered families will have the chance to earn some awesome rewards. Log in to mybooster.com today and share your student’s donation page with your whole pack. Just for getting your first donation, students can earn their very own Wolf Ears!
Key Dates to Remember:
🎉 Fundraiser Kickoff in school – 11/12/2026
👟 Event Day – 11/20/2026
*Need help signing up? View video instructions.
Boosterthon Flyer
2. Thanksgiving Luncheon
Our Thanksgiving tradition is back! Please join us for the annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday,November 19th. Parents of students in K-6 are invited to come and eat lunch with their child on this day. The menu includes the traditional thanksgiving turkey meal.
If you would like to purchase a parent or non-student (sibling) lunch on this day, tickets must be purchased in advance. Lunch tickets are available for purchase through November 17th. The price for parents and non-Virginia Run students is $5.50. Cash or Checks ONLY. Cash must be exact. Any extra monies collected over the lunch amount, will be donated to a local account used for student needs. Please make checks payable to “VRES Cafeteria”. Payment through My School Bucks (MSB) will NOT be available for parent lunch purchase. Students that normally purchase lunch, will have their account charged that day. If a student normally brings lunch but wants to buy on the day of the luncheon, the price is $3.75. This will need to be purchased in advance as well.
Again, we will not be selling tickets on the day of the Thanksgiving lunch. ALL tickets must be purchased in advance.
Please use the form that was sent home in your child’s Wednesday folder.
There will be a change in the lunch times for Kindergarten, 1st and 4th grades. All other lunch times will stay the same. Please see the lunch times below:
*4th Grade Lunch: 11:00 – 11:30am
*1st Grade Lunch: 11:05 – 11:35am
2nd Grade Lunch: 11:30 – 12:00pm
6th Grade Lunch: 12:00 – 12:30pm
5th Grade Lunch: 12:15 – 12:45pm
3rd Grade: 12:30pm – 1:00pm
*Kindergarten: 1:00 – 1:30pm
*Indicates time change
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!
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. 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. Fairfax County Youth Survey
Dear 6th Grade Families, The Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors work together to administer the Fairfax County Youth Survey each year. This survey is given to all students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12 each fall. Our 6th grade students will be given this survey in their classrooms on November 10, 2026.
It provides a wealth of information about a variety of topics related to our youth that influence their physical and mental well-being. You have the right to preview the survey and may deny permission for your child to participate if you desire. A physical copy of the parent letter and opt-out form will be sent home with your child in their Wednesday folder on 10/28, but the link to the letter and opt-out form is also included in this message. Please only return the opt-out form if you do NOT wish for your child to participate in the survey. If you opt-out online, please also message your child’s teacher or the school counselor, Rachel Wyllie, to let them know that you have filled out the form online.
Please visit the FCPS Youth Survey homepage for more information: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/student-safety-and-wellness/youth-survey
https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/leadership/district-performance-transparency/fairfax-county-youth-survey/parent-letter
8. Positivity Project
This week for the Positivity Project, our school community is focusing on the character strength of Bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength, even when you know things are difficult or scary.
Bravery refers to voluntary action in the face of a potentially dangerous circumstance. This strength involves judgment; the brave person must have an understanding of the risks and consequences involved in acting. According to Socrates and Plato, forethought separates acts of valor from acts of rashness. This means that bravery isn’t simply fearlessness but instead the overcoming of fear.
Overcoming fears is critically important in individual development, as it allows the person to do more and become more. A person can be brave every single day. For example, some people with social anxiety are brave just by leaving their houses and talking with people. On a physical level, bravery allows us to overcome fears, such as swimming or playing a sport. And, on a moral level, doing what we know to be right, despite the risks, gives us the sense that we are acting on behalf of a larger purpose.
To practice and encourage the character strength of bravery at home, 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.
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9. Afternoon Kiss and Ride Reminder
A quick reminder: If you’re picking up your child by car in the afternoon, please use the Kiss and Ride line. We ask that families not park near the school on Martins Hundred Drive or in the school parking lot (alongside curbs) to pick up students, and that students not walk out to meet a parked car. These procedures help keep dismissal safe for everyone.
Please also always keep the fire lane clear. It is needed for emergency access.
Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Viking Shoppe is Open!
Our SCA run school store, the Viking Shoppe, is now open. Students can come shop from 9-9:10 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the year. We sell pencils, erasers, pencil sharpeners, pens, notepads and fidgets. All items are $2.00 and under and we only accept cash. Contact Mrs. Adkins at sjadkins@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
13. 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
14. 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
15. 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!
16. 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
17. 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
18. PTA Family Bingo Night
Dear VRES Families,
Get ready for a fun-filled evening with family and friends! The VRES PTA is excited to invite you to our Family Bingo Night!
Friday, November 13
6:00 – 8:00 PM VRES Cafeteria
Enjoy an evening of bingo, exciting prizes, delicious food, and wonderful memories with our VRES community! No pre-registration required — just come and play! A single booklet of 10-round bingo games is just $3. Pay at the door using cash, Venmo, and PayPal.
Food Pre-Order (Online Only)Make dinner easy by ordering your food ahead of time! Pick-up your pre-order in the school cafeteria by 6:00 PM.
Order Deadline: Tuesday, November 10 https://vrespta.ptboard.com/formvw?store=7831&form=11
Drinks, snacks, and candy will be sold by the 6th Grade Celebration Committee!
Volunteers Needed!
We'd love your help with setup, bingo sales, food distribution, prizes, and cleanup. Every helping hand makes a difference!
Prize Donations Welcome!
We're collecting small prizes (around $5 value), including toys, puzzles, games, books, crafts, and art supplies.
Donation Deadline: Wednesday, November 11
Drop off at the school office.
Volunteer or Donate Here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4BA4AC23A0F5C34-67114832-2026
Thank you for supporting our VRES community. We can't wait to see you and your family for a wonderful night of BINGO!
Warmly,
Skylar Ha
Family Bingo Night Coordinator | VRES PTA
Skylar7981@gmail.com
PTA Family Bingo Night
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
Virginia Run's Administration team: Dave Gerstner, Principal, Jessica Green, Assistant Principal, and Lauren Arreaza, Assistant Principal.
20. Important Upcoming Dates
11/10: PTA Meeting, 7:00 PM, Library, also available virtually
11/12: Boosterthon Kickoff During School
11/13: Bingo Night, Cafeteria
11/19: Thanksgiving Luncheon
11/20: Boosterthon Fun Run During School
11/25-11/27 - Thanksgiving Break - No 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
12/3: Picture Re-take Day
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
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 November 2026.
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