Gunston Gazette - December 1, 2023
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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple LanguagesIf you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.
https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette
In This Issue- Message from the Principals
- National Special Education Day
- December to Remember Spirit Week
- Chanukah & Bodhi Day
- December Giving Train
- Winter Break
- Missing School Over the Holidays
- Preparing for Winter
- Friendly Reminders
Dear Gunston Family,
As we prepare for our upcoming winter break, we want to express gratitude for your continued support. This month, let’s embrace the spirit of giving. Encourage your children to give back by sharing stories, creating art, participating in local volunteer opportunities, or creating homemade cards for neighbors. Small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Let’s spread joy and generosity throughout our community.
We encourage our families to cherish moments together and prioritize relaxation and rejuvenation. Consider ways to simply enjoy time with each other like winter nature walks, cozy family movie nights, family game night, sharing favorite books with each other, or crafting holiday decorations.
It's been a joy having your children with us this year. Their growth and enthusiasm have enriched our learning community. Looking forward to more wonderful moments together in the new year.
Wishing you all a wonderful break filled with joy and connections.
Warm Wishes,
Ms. Rucinski and Mrs. Opie
National Special Education Day
National Special Education Day is recognized each year on December 2 and commemorates President Gerald Ford’s signing of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1975. We celebrate our teachers and staff who serve and support our students with special needs, as well as our families who are partners in the education and support of those students!
Learn more about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
We LOVE Our Volunteers at Gunston!Thank you to the many who serve our staff and students each week!
Interested in volunteering? Reach out to Kathryn Garcia, Family Liaison via email [email protected], or phone 703-541-3611 or Talking Points!
Chanukah December 7 - December 15Chanukah, an 8-day Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple and the miracle of a small quantity of oil that lit the Temple’s menorah for 8 days. This year, Chanukah begins at sundown on Thursday, December 7. That day will be a half-O day, and major events cannot be scheduled that evening. Learn more about Chanukah in National Geographic Kids. See the complete school year calendar.
Bodhi Day - December 8Bodhi Day, Friday, December 8, is the Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment, also known as bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year, including Bodhi Day. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days
Winter Break (December 18 to January 1)As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break. We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year.Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. See the complete school year calendar.
Missing School Over the Holidays
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. If it is an extended period of time, the specific assignments may not be available this far in advance. However, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place where we will post an emergency weather closing. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and plan for childcare if appropriate.
Friendly Reminders Labeling Student ItemsNow that the weather is getting colder, please make sure student names are in jackets, sweatshirts, coats, hats, mittens, etc. When they inevitably get lost or forgotten somewhere, if we can find a name we will return the item to the student. Labeling these items helps to keep our Lost and Found collection to a minimum. Thanks for your help!
Staying Healthy This Cold/Flu Season
Cases of RSV, the flu, and other viruses often rise this time of year. It is important for students to wash their hands regularly and cover their coughs and sneezes. Please monitor your child’s health daily and follow recommendations for when to keep them home due to illness. Visit FCPS' Health and Safety Guidance webpage for more tips.
Tuesday - December 5 Grade 3 Field Trip
Thursday - December 7 Virtual PTA Meeting (6:00pm)
December 7 - 15 Chanukah
December 8 Bodhi Day
Tuesday - December 12 Winter Concert
December 12-14 Holiday Shop
Wednesday - December 13 Grades K-2 Field Trip
December 18 - January 1 Winter Break
Be Informed, Stay Involved!- 2023-2024 School Year Calendar
- Visit the Gunston ES Website
- Report your Child's Absence
- Monitor your student's academics with a SIS Parent Account
- Recognize a FCPS Employee at FCPS CARES . The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care.
- Mental Health Resources and Emergency Services Information
- Family Resource Center
10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
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