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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 11, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Virginia Run Boosterthon Fun Run!
- Thanksgiving Luncheon
- Please Review the School Start Time Proposal and Share Your Feedback
- Complete the Federal Impact Aid Survey Online
- Spring Full-Time AAP Referral Window Closes on December 15
- Reflection Sheets
- Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App
- 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
- Wreaths Across America - Sponsor a Remembrance Wreath
- 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
Thanksgiving (Holiday)
Schools and offices will be closed Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27.
Classes will resume on Monday, November 30.
See the complete school year calendar.
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. Please Review the School Start Time Proposal and Share Your Feedback
Virginia Run families and community members,
FCPS is seeking feedback on proposed school start time adjustments. I encourage you to review the presentation and complete the survey so your perspective can be heard as the School Board considers the recommendations. The proposed changes could affect students, families, staff retention, transportation, and daily routines. Please take a few minutes to share what matters most to you.
You can find the presentation and survey in these links. Thank you for taking the time to participate and please let me know if you have any questions.
My best,
Dave Gerstner
Principal
4. 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 went home in last week’s Wednesday folder for those who have not yet filled it out via ParentVUE. Please PROMPTLY return the completed form to the school.
Sixth grade enjoyed visiting the National Portrait Gallery!
5. Spring Full-Time AAP Referral Window Closes on December 15
The spring referral window is for students in Grades 2-7. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Brittany Wade, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART), at bwade@fcps.eduby December 15, 2026.
Late referrals will not be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents/Guardians
Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April to the email address that is in ParentVue for your student. Parents and guardians may request a copy of their child’s portfolio after February 22, 2027, by emailing the school’s AART.
At the elementary level, referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened by the school. If you miss the Full-Time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP services.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students. Families should work with their student’s school to select the courses that best meet their academic needs.
For more information, please contact Brittany Wade Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at bwade@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.
6. 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.
7. Maintain Access to Your Child’s Grades and Assignments: Download the New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile apps launched in July. Be sure to download the new app before winter break. After that, you will need to use the new mobile app or a web browser to access ParentVUE or StudentVUE.
For instructions on installing the new apps and learning more about the updated login process, view ParentVUE and StudentVUE mobile app resources. If you need assistance, please submit a Parent Support Request.
 Ms. Chavez visited students at their bus stop last Monday!
8. Positivity Project
This week for the Positivity Project, our school community is doing a Spiral Review Week. Review weeks are built into our annual calendar to provide us with three options: 1) complete weekly lessons for any character strength previously missed on the calendar; 2) spiral back to strengths taught this year by selecting from a cache of lessons designed to deepen understanding and take learning to the next level; or 3) try out a new Scripted Project Based Learning unit. Families can take this opportunity to discuss recent Positivity Project character strengths at home.
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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 9:00-9:10 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. Wreaths Across America - Sponsor a Remembrance Wreath
Help the Virginia Run 6th Grade Celebration Committee honor local heroes! Sponsor a remembrance wreath to be placed on a veteran’s grave this December at Arlington National Cemetery.
Scan the QR code on the flyer that was sent home to make a donation online or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/VA1174P.
Order deadline is Monday, November 30, 2026.
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 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.
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.
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
20. 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.
21. Important Upcoming Dates
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
12/2: 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
22. Frequently Visited Links and Important Virginia Run Contacts
23. 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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