FCPS

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        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If 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

Message from the Principals

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 15

Chanukah, 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 8

Bodhi 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.

❄️ Preparing for Winter Weather

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 Items

Now 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

PTA News & Announcements

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

We hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy this time with family and friends.   Thanksgiving Holiday November 22 - November 24

Schools and offices will be closed November 22nd - November 24th

Classes will resume on Monday, November 27th

 

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If 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

• Thanksgiving Holiday
• Impact Aid Survey
• Family Life Education Instruction
• Language Arts Basal Instructional Resource
• Special Education Resources for Families
• Student Attendance and Engagement
• Missing School Over the Holidays
• Social and Emotional Screener Results
• Immunizations
• School Bond Referendum
• Native American History Month
• Friendly Reminders
• Lost & Found

Thanksgiving Holiday November 22 - November 24

Schools and offices will be closed November 22-24. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Classes will resume on Monday, November 27. Learn more about the first Thanksgiving. See the complete school year calendar.

 

 

Please Complete - Impact Aid Survey Federal Impact Aid Survey:  Now Online

This year the Student-Parent Federal Impact Aid Survey is available online. Please log into your ParentVue from October 16 to November 2.  Once logged in, please select the “Online Packets” tab at the top, then select “Federal Impact Aid Survey” from the drop down menu.

We are tasked with having a completed, signed and dated form for every student in our school, regardless of whether families work or reside on federal property.  

Have questions or need a ParentVue account? Contact Alma Catin, Student Information Assistant/Registrar by email to:  [email protected]

Have a ParentVue account, but need assistance? Complete this Help Request Form: https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/parent/

Any surveys not completed online by October 30 were sent home. Please be sure to complete and sign the survey and have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

Family Life Education (FLE) Instruction

Students in grades K-6 participate in Family Life Education (FLE) instruction through their classroom teacher. Students in Kindergarten through grade three receive instruction in an emotional and social health unit.

Students in grades 4-6 receive instruction in a human growth and development unit and an emotional and social health unit. For more information about the FCPS Family Life Education program, please see the detailed

grade-level program descriptions at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle.

In addition, grade level-specific curriculum lessons are available for review in multiple locations.

• Online in Schoology - includes lessons and media titles that FCPS has streaming rights Any additional media or book titles that are not streamed are available at your child’s school library.
• Parents/guardians login to Schoology using the same username and password as their Student Information System (SIS) Parent account.
• Your child’s Please contact the school to schedule a time to review lessons and/or media.
• City of Fairfax Regional Library – lessons only.  Media is not available.

You are invited to attend an evening opportunity to preview the Family Life Education media and lessons and to talk with school staff about the program. The meeting will be held on November 28th at 6:00pm at Gunston Elementary. All program materials and media for all grade levels will be available for your review at this time.

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 form provided to you in your child’s orientation packet at the beginning of the school year or you may access the opt out forms online at https://www.fcps.edu/academics/elementary-family-life-education-fle. If you have already indicated your desire to opt your child out of FLE lessons by using the form provided earlier in the school year, you do not need to complete another form. Should you opt your child out and then later decide you want your child included in FLE instruction, you must notify your child’s school principal in writing before instruction begins.

An alternative non-FLE health instructional program is provided for children who do not take part in FLE instruction, and every effort is made to foster understanding and respect for family choices and to avoid peer pressure for or against participation in the program.

Instruction of the instructional units occurs at various times during the school year. Please contact your child’s teacher for specific dates of FLE instruction. We look forward to working as your partner in providing information that will help your child make healthy choices related to the exciting changes and new challenges he/she will be facing in the next few years.

Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources 

FCPS will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-25 school year. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources. 

You may access the resources in person and online from Wednesday, November 15, until Friday, December 15, at noon. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review webpage. Those reviewing instructional materials may complete an electronic comment sheet that will be available on the webpage during the review period. 

Visit FCPS' website for instructions on how to view hard copies of the instructional materials at Pimmit Hills Center. The Elementary Language Arts team will be there to answer questions Friday, December 1, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and School Board.

Special Education Resources for Families

Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to assist families of students with special needs:

• The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended. 

• The Family Resource Center (FRC) offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Sign up for their newsletter. Contact the FRC at [email protected] or call 703-204-2941.

• Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing [email protected]. 

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and  students.

Student Attendance and Engagement

During the Academic Matters segment of the November 9 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed student attendance and engagement. Attendance and absenteeism rates are one measure for Goal 2 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan. 

Chronic absenteeism — which is defined as a student missing 10% or more of school for any reason — is a concern across Virginia school districts. Although FCPS continues to outperform the state average in attendance rates, we are tracking chronic absenteeism closely.

Data shows that:

• Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance. 
• Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
• Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
• By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

Attendance is critical for academic success!

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.

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is the SEL Screener.

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their skills like achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. 

The SEL Screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create the learning, experiences, and environments students need to be successful.

Beginning in early December, individual student SEL Screener results will be available to families in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For more information about the screener please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the Family Guide or contact your student’s school.

Immunizations Thank You Voters! 2023 School Bond Referendum Passed

Thank you to the Fairfax citizens who supported the 2023 Bond Referendum. Roughly 67% of those voting in the 2023 election supported the $435 million bond referendum, continuing a long history of school bond approvals in Fairfax County. 

Stay engaged as we build our future. Keep up-to-date on construction and capital improvements across FCPS by visiting our Capital Improvement Project webpage.

Native American Heritage Month

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. 

Friendly Reminders Labeling Student Items

Now 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.

 

Our Lost & Found is overflowing! 

Parents and students are encouraged to stop by the workroom across from the office to check for lost items. 

Unclaimed clothing will be donated before Thanksgiving break. 

Tuesday - November 21  Turkey Trot

Wednesday -  November 22 - Friday, November 24  Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday -  November 28  FLE Family Night 6:00pm

Wednesday -  November 29  Ernie Eagle Assembly

Tuesday - December 5   Grade 3 Field Trip

Tuesday - December 12  Winter Concert

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Delay in Physical Report Card Delivery

 

Dear Gunston Families,

We have unfortunately experienced a logistical issue that is preventing the distribution of physical report cards as planned today. We are working hard to resolve these issues and will send home physical report cards as soon as possible. 

In the meantime, you can see your child's first quarter report card through ParentVUE. The report cards are live now. Please login at https://sisparent.fcps.edu/ and select "Report Card" from the menu on the left side.

We are sorry for this delay. Thank you for your patience.

Kristen Rucinski, Principal and Ebony Opie, Assistant Principal

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If 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

• Native American Heritage Month
• PTA Meeting
• Impact Aid Survey
• Nominate a Staff Member for FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards!
• Lost & Found

 

 

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about historical challenges they have faced and how tribal citizens have worked to conquer them.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

November 16th PTA Meeting CANCELLED

The next PTA Meeting will be virtual on       Thursday, December 7th at 6:00pm.

Zoom details to follow.

Please Complete - Impact Aid Survey Federal Impact Aid Survey:  Now Online

This year the Student-Parent Federal Impact Aid Survey is available online. Please log into your ParentVue from October 16 to November 2.  Once logged in, please select the “Online Packets” tab at the top, then select “Federal Impact Aid Survey” from the drop down menu.

We are tasked with having a completed, signed and dated form for every student in our school, regardless of whether families work or reside on federal property.  

Have questions or need a ParentVue account? Contact Alma Catin, Student Information Assistant/Registrar by email to:  [email protected]

Have a ParentVue account, but need assistance? Complete this Help Request Form: https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/parent/

Any surveys not completed online by October 30 were sent home. Please be sure to complete and sign the survey and have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

  Please Nominate a Gunston Staff Member for an FCPS Outstanding Employee Award!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Gunston Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://forms.gle/WXqTYn5rFbn8T3xi6 . You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category).

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. .

If you have any questions, including eligibility for each category, please contact Kevin Fahy at [email protected]

 

Our Lost & Found is very full! 

Parents and students are encouraged to stop by the workroom across from the office to check for lost items. 

Unclaimed clothing will be donated following Thanksgiving break. 

Tuesday - November 14  FLE Family Night 6:00pm

Wednesday - November 15  Grade 5 Field Trip

Thursday - November 16  Progress Reports go home

Thursday -  November 16  Fall Picture Retakes

Thursday - November 16  Thanksgiving Lunch

Thursday - November 16 PTA Meeting CANCELLED

Thursday -  November 16 - ALL Impact Aid Surveys to be returned

Wednesday -  November 22 - Friday, November 24  Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, November 29  Ernie Eagle Assembly

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If 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

• Native American Heritage Month
• Veterans Day
• Impact Aid Survey
• Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources
• Nominate a Staff Member for FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards!
• Children's Book Week
• Lost & Found

 

A Note from the Principals

 

Dear Gunston Family,

We hope this letter finds you well as we enter the beautiful month of November. As we transition from the excitement of the first quarter into the heart of the academic year, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the incredible efforts of our young Eagles.

We are immensely proud of the dedication and hard work our students have displayed during these initial months. Their enthusiasm and commitment to learning continue to amaze us all. This is a testament to the nurturing environment our school provides and the support they receive from their families.  Our AVID Showcase visitors were impressed with the level of engagement, critical thinking, and warm culture. 

Parent-teacher conferences have begun. These conferences are a crucial opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teachers, discuss their progress, and gain insights into their academic journey. We encourage all parents and guardians to participate in these conferences to ensure that we can work together to provide the best possible education for our students.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this month is an excellent opportunity for our students to learn about gratitude and giving back. Thank you to all the families who donated socks and food last month to support our local community. We celebrated together at our Harvest Walk last week. Here are a few ways they can continue to show thanks:

• Thank-You Cards: Have your child create thank-you cards for their teachers, classmates, or anyone who has made a positive impact on their lives.
•  Acts of Kindness: Encourage random acts of kindness, such as helping a friend in need or volunteering in the community.
• Our school community thrives on the principles of gratitude, teamwork, and support. Let’s continue to foster these values in our children as we approach the Thanksgiving season.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and together, we will make this academic year one of growth, learning, and gratitude.

With warm regards,

Ms. Rucinski and Mrs. Opie

 

 

Look at our Courtyard!

Thank you to a wonderful group of Boy Scouts along with some Gunston parents and staff members who shared a beautiful Saturday afternoon transforming our courtyard.

 

Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about historical challenges they have faced and how tribal citizens have worked to conquer them.

Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

  Gunston Veterans Day Ceremony Date:  Friday, November 10 Time:  9:00am

Light breakfast will be held under the tent at door #3 followed by our    Veterans Day Ceremony

All active duty and retired service members are invited to join us to be recognized.   We look forward to seeing you!

Please send photos of your Veteran!

As part of our Veterans Day celebration, we would like to feature photographs of the active-duty and veteran members of the military on our "Wall of Honor" . Please use this LINK to upload  a photo of your military family member(s) and include the individuals name, rank, and branch of service by Friday, November 3rd.  As a result of the volume of pictures please only upload one photo of the service member. 

You can also send a hard-copy photo into school with your child (please be sure to label it with your child’s name and teacher’s name if you would like it returned) or e-mail a digital copy to Kathryn Garcia at mkgarcia@fcps.edu.

Thank you for your service!

Please Complete - Impact Aid Survey Federal Impact Aid Survey:  Now Online

This year the Student-Parent Federal Impact Aid Survey is available online. Please log into your ParentVue from October 16 to November 2.  Once logged in, please select the “Online Packets” tab at the top, then select “Federal Impact Aid Survey” from the drop down menu.

We are tasked with having a completed, signed and dated form for every student in our school, regardless of whether families work or reside on federal property.  

Have questions or need a ParentVue account? Contact Alma Catin, Student Information Assistant/Registrar by email to:  [email protected]

Have a ParentVue account, but need assistance? Complete this Help Request Form: https://itweb.fcps.edu/itsupport/parent/

Any surveys not completed online by October 30 were sent home. Please be sure to complete and sign the survey and have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

Community Review of Elementary English Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools will adopt new Elementary School Language Arts Basal Instructional Resources for the 2024-2025 school year. A review committee composed of community members, administrators, and teachers met in August to review the state-approved Cycle I materials. The committee will re-convene in January to review the state-approved Cycle II instructional materials under consideration. Public review of the recommended materials is part of the process for selecting new resources. Please share the information included in this communication with school staff and community by November 13, 2023.

Elementary English Language Arts basal instructional resources may be accessed in person and online from November 15, 2023, until noon on December 15, 2023. Digital materials for public review and comment will be available on the Elementary Language Arts Basal Resource Review website. Those reviewing instructional materials may complete an electronic comment sheet that will be available on the website during the review period.

Hard copies of instructional materials will be available for review at:

Pimmit Hills Center, Room 207 7510 Lisle Avenue Falls Church, VA 22043 

Materials may be reviewed at Pimmit Hills Center Monday - Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Visitors should enter through door #4 and check in at the main office or with the building coordinator on duty.

All community feedback will be shared with the review committee and with School Board members before the vote at the School Board regular meeting.

 

  Please Nominate a Gunston Staff Member for an FCPS Outstanding Employee Award!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Gunston Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://forms.gle/WXqTYn5rFbn8T3xi6 . You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category).

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. .

If you have any questions, including eligibility for each category, please contact Kevin Fahy at [email protected]

 

Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading. Established in 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. Every year, young people across the country participate by attending events at schools, libraries, and bookstores, celebrating at home, and engaging with book creators both online and in person. The 2023 Children’s Book Week will take place November 6-12!

The 2023 slogan is Read Books. Spark Change. This year’s theme speaks to the power that books and stories have to inspire positive change. Books can spark change within an individual reader, a family, a classroom, or a whole community. Speak with your student about books that have sparked change or new ideas in your own life. Ask them about what they are reading. Share books with new places, lifestyles, or positive messages!

 

 

Our Lost & Found is very full! 

Parents and students are encouraged to stop by the workroom across from the office to check for lost items. 

Unclaimed clothing will be donated following Thanksgiving break. 

Sunday - November 5  Daylight Savings Time Ends

Monday - November 6  No School for Students - Staff Planning Day

Tuesday - November 7  Election Day - Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day)

Friday - November 10  Veterans' Day Ceremony 9:00am

Saturday - November 11  Veterans' Day

Thursday -  November 16  Fall Picture Retakes

Thursday - November 16  Thanksgiving Lunch

Thursday -  November 16 - ALL Impact Aid Surveys to be returned

Wednesday -  November 22 - Friday, November 24  Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, November 29  Ernie Eagle Assembly

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Friday, November 3 End of Quarter 1 2 Hour Early Release

 

Monday, November 6 No School for students Staff Planning Day   Tuesday, November 7 No school for students Election Day Teacher Work Day

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

AVID Showcase!

On October 25th Gunston hosted an AVID Showcase, wherein AVID’s national Board of Directors and FCPS division and school leaders experienced AVID’s schoolwide implementation.. The showcase featured an overview presentation outlining both FCPS’s and Gunston’s journeys with AVID, observations in K-6 classrooms, a panel discussion with students and teachers, and a Q & A session.

  Gunston Veterans Day Ceremony Date:  Friday, November 10 Time:  9:00am Please send photos of your Veteran!

As part of our Veterans' Day celebration, we would like to feature photographs of the active-duty and veteran members of the military on our "Wall of Honor" . Please use this LINK to upload  a photo of your military family member(s) and include the individuals name, rank, and branch of service by Friday, November 3rd.  As a result of the volume of pictures please only upload one photo of the service member. 

You can also send a hard-copy photo into school with your child (please be sure to label it with your child’s name and teacher’s name if you would like it returned) or e-mail a digital copy to Kathryn Garcia at mkgarcia@fcps.edu.

Thank you for your service!

Dare to Care Week  (continued...) October 30 - October 31

 Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Bully and Drug Free

                   

 Monday, October 30th—Be Kind To Yourself

“Be Happy” Wear your favorite outfit—the one that makes you smile!

 

Tuesday, October 31st —Be Kind To Your School

Dress as your favorite book character. Show good character by saying NO to  bullying and drugs.

 

(Please follow FCPS dress code: no scary characters, masks,

weapons, or sharp objects)

  Thanksgiving Luncheon

Gunston ES is excited to bring back Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday, November 16th!  Parents and caregivers are invited to join their student(s) for a traditional Thanksgiving lunch right here at school.  Please enter Door 1 and have your ID ready.  We will get you singed in and off to eat lunch with your student.

If you would like to purchase Thanksgiving lunch, please make sure you have sufficient funds in your student’s MySchoolBucks account.  The student price for lunch is $3.25 and the adult price is $4.75.

If you need to create a MySchoolBucks account, please see the instructions below:

1. Go to www.MySchoolBucks.com  or, to the MySchoolBucks link located on the Laurel Ridge homepage to establish an account.
2. Add your students using the name of the school they are attending, and either their student ID or birthdate.
3. You will receive a confirmation email that your account has been established.

Wood Thrush Trail Sign Contest

If you are participating in the Wood Thrush Trail Sign Contest, remember to turn in your artwork and permission form next week to Mrs. Gorham.

Artwork and permission forms are due on Friday, November 3rd.

SOCKTOBER Sock Drive

October 16 - November 3

COLLECTING NEW SOCKS FOR ALL AGES

All donations will go to the Lorton Community Action Center

Donation Box is located outside of the Front Office.

Donuts with GrownUps Tuesday, October 31 Harvest Walk 2023 Please Complete - Impact Aid Survey Federal Impact Aid Survey:  Now Online

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. To make it easier, the form is now available online in SIS ParentVUE. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers. 

Once logged in to SIS ParentVUE, click “Online Packets” in the top right corner. Then, select “Federal Impact Aid Survey.” Get more information.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. Find out how to get technical support for ParentVUE. 

Any surveys not completed by October 30 will be sent home in Take Home Tuesday folders on October 31. Please be sure to complete and sign the survey and have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

  Please Nominate Our Staff for a Gunston Outstanding Employee Award!

Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Gunston Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: https://forms.gle/WXqTYn5rFbn8T3xi6 . You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category).

All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in the criteria for that category. The google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards and the eligibility requirements are below.

The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 10th.

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 Leader 

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal):

Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals, Director of Student Activities, Director of Student Services

Outstanding Professional Employee 

Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership

Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Assessment Coach, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Safety and Security Specialist, Resource Teachers that serve in an administrative role in a school

Outstanding Operational Employee

Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee

Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons (regardless of how they are paid) 

If you have any questions, including eligibility for each category, please contact Kevin Fahy at [email protected]

Tuesday - October 31  Donuts with Grown Ups  7:45am - 8:30am

Friday - November 3  Grading Period Ends/2 hour early release

Sunday, November 5 - Daylight Savings Time Ends

Monday - November 6  Student Holiday

Tuesday - November 7  Election Day - Student Holiday

Friday - November 10  Veterans' Day Ceremony 8:00am

Saturday - November 11  Veterans' Day

Thursday -  November 16  Fall Picture Retakes

Thursday - November 16  Thanksgiving Lunch

Wednesday -  November 22 - Friday, November 24  Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, November 29  Ernie Eagle Assembly

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

Disability History and Awareness Month

• Disability History and Awareness Month: In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. One particular disability – dyslexia – has its own awareness campaign as well this month. You can learn more about Dyslexia Awareness Month here.

Dare to Care Week October 25 - October 31

 Be Kind To Your Mind. Live Bully and Drug Free

                   The following activities have been scheduled for the week:

 

Wednesday, October 25th—Be Kind To Your Mind

 Future College and Career Day– Think of all you can be when you stay Drug and Bully Free. Dress as your future career or represent a college.  Follow your DREAMS!

 

Thursday, October 26th—Be Kind To Others

Are you willing to take a stand and team up against bullying & drugs? Fill someone’s bucket with kindness. Show us by wearing your favorite jersey or sport team apparel today!

  Friday, October 27th—Be Kind To Your Body

Please wear your work out gear to school today to show that we are willing to work to eliminate bullying and drugs.

 

 Monday, October 30th—Be Kind To Yourself

“Be Happy” Wear your favorite outfit—the one that makes you smile!

 

Tuesday, October 31st —Be Kind To Your School

Dress as your favorite book character. Show good character by saying NO to  bullying and drugs.

 

(Please follow FCPS dress code: no scary characters, masks,

weapons, or sharp objects)

March 5 Presidential Primary

 The Fairfax Board of Elections has requested that schools be closed on Tuesday, March 5, to accommodate the administration of the 2024 presidential primary election. March 5 will be a school holiday for students and a virtual School Planning Day. Central offices and school offices will remain open. SACC will remain open, as it does on other professional work days.

SOCKTOBER Sock Drive

October 16 - November 3

COLLECTING NEW SOCKS FOR ALL AGES

All donations will go to the Lorton Community Action Center

Donation Box is located outside of the Front Office.

Annual Food Drive and Harvest Walk  Friday, October 27th at 2:00pm

We will be collecting canned food to donate to Lorton Community Action Center to support their efforts to help families in need.

     

 

The following non-perishable items are being requested:

• Ramen       Pasta      Pasta Sauce       Cooking Oil       Red Beans
• Garbanzo Beans       Juice       Snacks       Spam        Sardines
• Hot Cereal        Cold Cereal          Cat Food/Cat Litter

 Student-Parent Survey for Federal Impact Aid 

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. To make it easier, the form is now available online in SIS ParentVUE. 

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important because information from this survey results in an additional $3 million in grants each year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers. 

Once logged in to SIS ParentVUE, click “Online Packets” in the top right corner. Then, select “Federal Impact Aid Survey.” Get more information.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. Find out how to get technical support for ParentVUE. 

Any surveys not completed by October 30 will be sent home in Take Home Tuesday folders on October 31. Please be sure to complete and sign the survey and have your child return the original (fax or email copies may not be sent) to their teacher no later than Thursday, November 16th. 

CogAT Update

We are writing to let you know that the vendor’s testing platform for the CogAT assessment is still experiencing nationwide technical issues. Riverside Insights, the publisher of CogAT, is aware of an issue that affected CogAT administration. Under their guidance, we are still unable to resume CogAT testing for Fairfax County Public Schools. CogAT testing for the division will resume once a resolution has been deployed by the publisher (Riverside Insights) and they have confirmed that students may resume testing. 

FCPS staff continue to collaborate with the publisher to ensure your student receives accurate results in the best testing environment possible. We have been assured by the publisher that students will be able to resume testing where they’d left off, with their remaining time allotted reflecting the point at which they were paused. Please be assured that for tests during this period which have been completed, data can be successfully submitted for reporting. All results from these test administrations can be reliably interpreted.

As with any assessment, please bear in mind that the CogAT is a single data point used within the holistic advanced academics screening process. No data points in the screening portfolio, including an ability test score, has a minimum required score or a weighted consideration in matching students to available Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services. 

For families who feel their student needs to be considered for full- time AAP, the next step is to submit a referral form no later than December 15, 2023. Families should not wait for the completion or reporting of CogAT scores should they wish to refer their student for Full Time AAP services.

  Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips         or Events

Good attendance is an important life skill that will help students succeed in school and beyond.

When scheduling trips or family events, try to use weekends and school holidays, and refer to the FCPS Calendar when planning. Every day of learning is a day toward success. Keep in mind that absences add up quickly. Students who are absent 10% of the school year (or just two days per month) are considered chronically absent.

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence to their school. Most schools have links to their attendance email or notification systems on their homepages. If you are unsure how to report an absence, please call your school’s front office.

Watch this video with tips on understanding our school calendar and visit our Attendance webpage for additional information. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday

Virginia’s three-day sales tax holiday starts Friday, October 20, and ends Sunday, October 22. During the sales tax holiday, you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax. View the Sales Tax Holiday Guidelines for more information.

Friday - October 27:  Harvest Walk   2:00 pm

Tuesday - October 31  Donuts with Grown Ups  7:45am - 8:30am

Friday - November 3  Grading Period Ends/2 hour early release

Sunday, November 5 - Daylight Savings Time Ends

Monday - November 6  Student Holiday

Tuesday - November 7  Election Day - Student Holiday

Friday - November 10  Veterans' Day Ceremony 8:00am

Saturday - November 11  Veterans' Day

Thursday -  November 16  Fall Picture Retakes

Wednesday -  November 22 - Friday, November 24  Thanksgiving Holiday

Wednesday, November 29  Ernie Eagle Assembly

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

Disability History and Awareness Month

• Disability History and Awareness Month: In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. One particular disability – dyslexia – has its own awareness campaign as well this month. You can learn more about Dyslexia Awareness Month here.

Book Fair Volunteers Needed

 

Sign up HERE to volunteer at the Book Fair!

(you must have attended a Volunteer Training session in order to volunteer at this event)

Check out our new Instagram account!

https://www.instagram.com/gunstonelementary/

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Hayfield Secondary Homecoming: Friday, October 13

Hayfield Secondary School will celebrate its 2023 Homecoming this Friday with several community events. The fun starts with a Homecoming Parade, which will leave from Hayfield at 4 p.m. and make its way through Hayfield Farms across the street from the school. The parade will recognize Hayfield’s marching band, JROTC members, athletes from fall sports, the Homecoming Royalty Court, and a few other school clubs and organizations.

The parade will return to Hayfield at about 5 p.m., which will mark the start of the 5th Annual Hawktoberfest. It will include food trucks, inflatable games, prizes, and more! Entry to Hawktoberfest and participation in the games is free.

At 7 p.m. Hawktoberfest will wrap up as the Homecoming football game against Mount Vernon begins. Advanced tickets are $5 and can be purchased at this link. Tickets will also be available at the door. During halftime, the Hayfield Hawks will crown their Homecoming Royalty and host a halftime parade featuring students from all pyramid elementary schools, including Gunston! An announcement will be made asking any elementary participants to report to the scoreboard end of the field with 8 minutes remaining in the 2nd quarter.

All Gunston families are invited to attend any or all of these events. Go Hawks!

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

A Note from the Principals

Dear Families,

We had an amazing Community Day!  It was a pleasure to be able to share the afternoon with your families and get to know each other.  We look forward to our future opportunities to collaborate with families and share our students’ learning.  We are currently preparing for our second opportunity to be an AVID Elementary showcase school this month.  We will be highlighting our organizational skills and best practices that have become a part of our culture.  The weather will be changing next week, however, we will continue to have outdoor activities.  Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately to enjoy recess. 

We have been asked to remind our families about the importance of parking in a spot when you need to drop off or pick up your child.  Please do not park in the No Standing Zone along the curb as it is a safety hazard and against the law.   In addition, our community has shared concerns about our Kiss and Ride traffic blocking Gunston Road.  Our doors open at 8:25 in the morning and 3:15 in the afternoon, please plan to arrive close to those times so the line does not back up while you are waiting for the doors to open. 

Our first quarter interims are coming home today, please be sure to discuss them with your child in order to celebrate successes and address areas of growth.  Please reach out to the teacher if you have any follow up questions or would like to schedule a conference.  Our students are learning to follow our school rules and expectations in all settings, including our classrooms, bus, cafeteria, and bathrooms.  We appreciate your support reinforcing our expectations.

Thank you for your continued support to help our Gunston Eagles soar every day!

 

Sincerely,

Ms. Rucinski and Mrs. Opie                                                          

 

Check out our new Instagram account!

https://www.instagram.com/gunstonelementary/

Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Student Holiday/Staff Development Day on October 9

 

Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples, past and present. This year, Monday, October 9, is a student holiday and staff development day. Learn more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day from the National Museum of the American Indian. 

See the Standard School Year Calendar.

Same Day Dismissal Changes

Same day dismissal changes, including planned early pick-ups of students, must be communicated to the front office before 3:00 pm. 

• A note to the classroom teacher is also appreciated BUT, as classroom teachers may not have an opportunity to check their email before the end of the day, all dismissal changes MUST be communicated to the front office. 
• If your child is being picked up during their Specials time (music, PE, art, etc.), please allow additional time for them to return to their classroom to pack up their belongings.  
• If your child attends SACC, be sure to also let the SACC staff know of a dismissal change as SACC operates separately from FCPS. 

Hayfield Homecoming Event

Gunston students are invited to participate in Hayfield Secondary School's Hayfield Homecoming Parade as students march through the neighborhood as a school.  Students can enjoy Hawktoberfest with their family, as well.  If  interested in participating please contact our Family Liaison, Kathryn Garcia at [email protected].

Advanced ticket sales link below.  This option is credit card only.  Cash will still be accepted at the gate as well.

https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/15738

 

TJHSST Invitational Science Fair 2024!

TJ Investigative Science Outreach, a student-led organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will be hosting its 11th annual science fair on March 16, 2024 and would like to invite 5th-8th grade students from your school to participate. Admission to the science fair is completely free. 

Participants will complete a research project of their choice and present at the fair in-person on March 16, 2024. They will help students prepare for this fair by holding multiple sessions to teach them important skills in STEM like brainstorming, collecting data, presenting, writing an experiment summary, using statistics, creating an experimental diagram, etc.

Our first interest/brainstorming session is Friday October 6th, 2023 at 6:00 pm. We will be holding this session in-person at TJHSST. During this session we will go over the goals and guidelines of this fair and introduce students to a multitude of project ideas. All interested students should sign up using the form at this link: 

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
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

Community Day TOMORROW! National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Check out our new Instagram account!

https://www.instagram.com/gunstonelementary/

Fall Picture Day Wednesday, October 4

Please use this link when ordering!

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. 

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

Yom Kippur

All FCPS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, September 25, for Yom Kippur, the holiest day in Judaism.

See the complete school year calendar. Learn more about Yom Kippur on Brittanica.com

National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Communication Reminder

When you have questions needing an immediate response please call the office (703-541-3600) rather than using Talking Points.

Check out our new Instagram account!

https://www.instagram.com/gunstonelementary/

  FCPS is Honoring our Military Families 

Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity to empower military families to thrive as they serve. There are approximately 14,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. Each year, one-third of our military families transition into or out of our district. Blue Star Welcome Week gives schools an opportunity to welcome and connect with their military families. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and ensure that our military families feel celebrated and welcomed into their school communities!

 

We are asking our school community to WEAR BLUE on Tuesday, September 26th

 

Tuesday, September 26th at  2:30pm  Military-connected students (Active Duty, Reserves, and National Guard)  come share a treat under the white tent out near Kiss & Ride. 

Friday, September 29th 9:00am - 9:45am we’ll host a meet & greet for our military parents in the cafeteria.

Gunston Community Day! Gunston's Preschool Program to Welcome Community Peers

Gunston is pleased to announce that we will have community peers in our preschool program. The early childhood special education staff members have been investigating the possible opportunities for our students to participate in integration activities with typically developing peers. This will involve teaching preschoolers with delays and without delays in the same classroom. It can provide young children with a more stimulating environment, teach skills for coping with different situations, and provide the opportunity to learn appropriate social skills. 

Our program will invite a limited number of community preschoolers (1-2 per class), who are of age 3 ½ -5 years, to participate in our daily preschool activities. The children from the community will have the opportunity to make new friends and share experiences with current early childhood special education students. Our students will, in turn, benefit from being with community peers who can model appropriate language, motor, and social skills.

The community children will attend either a morning or afternoon session. Sessions are 8:25 am-12:00 pm or 12:00 pm-3:20 pm, Monday through Friday. Classes are staffed by an early childhood special education teacher and a full-time instructional assistant.  Community peer models must be at least 3 and ½ years old by September 30 of the school year they are entering and be completely toilet trained.  They must reside within Fairfax County. Lunch can be purchased, however, free and reduced lunch will not be available through the school system. Transportation will not be available through the school system.

 All children learn through their play. Intellectual growth occurs in a social context, influenced strongly by the quality of social interactions. The goal of this program is to encourage active learning and promote social interaction and acceptance through shared experiences between the community children and our preschoolers with special needs.  Feel free to contact the school for further explanation of our program. We welcome your thoughts or suggestions, as we are all partners in this effort.

If you are interested in more information about the community peer preschool project, please click and fill out the google doc below: 

https://forms.gle/sZ4TvVrsNBGw4PY99

Advanced Academic  (AAP) Parent Information Session

A parent information session will be held at Gunston Elementary School on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 6pm-7pm.  An overview of the levels of AAP services and the identification & screening for Full-Time (previously Level IV) services will be shared. 

Any questions? Please contact Kevin Fahy, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher at [email protected].

Dining Room Assistant Needed!

Join our eagle staff as our next Dining Room Assistant.  We are looking for someone who enjoys working with children, is friendly and energetic, and can manage student behavior in the cafeteria.  The Dining Room Assistant will work about three hours a day.

Dining Room Assistant Job Description:

• Assist students during lunch time.
• Supervise student clean up, keep order, and dismiss students to their teachers.  

If interested, please contact, Cassandra Baltimore, 703-541-3600.

Fall Picture Day Wednesday, October 4

Please use this link when ordering!

Free and Reduced Lunch Application 

The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2023-24 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible for the 2023-24 school year, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.

We encourage all families to apply. The application to sign up for free and reduced meals is available online here.

 

Tuesday, September 19 - Volunteer Training

Monday, September 25 - Yom Kippur - No School

Wednesday, September 27 - AAP Parent Information Session

Saturday, September 30 - Gunston Community Day (1pm-4pm)

Wednesday, October 4 - Fall Picture Day

 

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. 

PTA News & Announcements Fundraising Opportunity

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

September 19, 2023

 

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Every school in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan in place. Keeping students and staff safe is a priority. We practice a number of safety drills throughout the school year, including lockdown drills which helps us know what to do if there is a potentially violent intruder inside the school or on school property.

Yesterday, our school conducted a lockdown drill and I am very proud of our students. They listened to directions and the drill was conducted in a calm and orderly fashion. Our students did a great job, and I encourage you to discuss the drill with them.  Additional guidance on discussions with your child about lockdown drills can be found in the Parent/Guardian tip letter, as well as on the frequently asked questions (FAQs) page.

Our emergency preparedness plans have been developed in coordination with the FCPS Office of Safety and Security, local law enforcement, emergency management officials, and FCPS mental health professionals. The plans are regularly reviewed and updated and include procedures on how to respond to critical incidents such as fires, tornadoes, and other events. Students and staff regularly practice safety drills.

I will continue to keep you informed of safety and security measures in place at our school. If you have questions, please call or contact the school office.  I appreciate your continued support in these matters.

Sincerely,

 

Kristen Rucinski

Principal

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

  National Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month. 

Fairfax Fiesta - Fairfax County's inaugural Hispanic Heritage Celebration, the Fairfax Fiesta, is taking place on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 5 p.m., at the PARC at Tysons (8508 Leesburg Pike). The free event, presented by the Fairfax County Government and Celebrate Fairfax!, aims to provide an extraordinary experience for all ages and backgrounds. Learn more about Fairfax Fiesta.

Important Morning Arrival Safety Reminder

It has been brought to our attention that students are being released from cars rather than going through the Kiss & Ride line.  Students are ONLY allowed to get out of the car if a parent is parking and walking them to the front door. This is a safety concern as students are not allowed to walk across the parking lot without an adult.

Communication Reminder

When you have questions needing an immediate response please call the office (703-541-3600) rather than using Talking Points.

TJHSST Invitational Science Fair 2024!

TJ Investigative Science Outreach, a student-led organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology will be hosting its 11th annual science fair on March 16, 2024 and would like to invite 5th-8th grade students from your school to participate. Admission to the science fair is completely free. 

Participants will complete a research project of their choice and present at the fair in-person on March 16, 2024. They will help students prepare for this fair by holding multiple sessions to teach them important skills in STEM like brainstorming, collecting data, presenting, writing an experiment summary, using statistics, creating an experimental diagram, etc.

Our first interest/brainstorming session is Friday October 6th, 2023 at 6:00 pm. We will be holding this session in-person at TJHSST. During this session we will go over the goals and guidelines of this fair and introduce students to a multitude of project ideas. All interested students should sign up using the form at this link: 

  AVID Google Form link:  

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWpMpuv40BXz93KGBya5Bt0Lk2-iTqstMhdnLJauDQHSxL4A/viewform?usp=sf_link

 

Gunston Volunteer Training

Wanting to volunteer?  Come to our volunteer training on Tuesday, September 19th, from 8:45 am to 9:45 am.  We do ask that ALL volunteers attend the training.  No sign-up is necessary, just show up!

Sign up to volunteer in the library on Sign-Up Genius here.

 

Gunston Community Day! STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest Offers Hands-On Activities for Students

Students are invited to participate in STEM FEST on Saturday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South County High School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and more. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information. 

Library Volunteers Wanted!

Eagle Families, we need your help in the library - shelving books and helping students check out! Please review the available time slots at the SignUpGenius link below and sign up if you are able to help. This is a YEAR-LONG commitment for your chosen time/day. There will be a required volunteer training prior to beginning. Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CADA72AA02-library2

Advanced Academic  (AAP) Parent Information Session

A parent information session will be held at Gunston Elementary School on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 6pm-7pm.  An overview of the levels of AAP services and the identification & screening for Full-Time (previously Level IV) services will be shared. 

Any questions? Please contact Kevin Fahy, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher at [email protected].

When a Student Should Stay Home From School

Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.

Help your student succeed by encouraging them to attend as many days as possible, but do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit FCPS’ website for information on when you should keep your child at home.

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher, so that assistance can be provided if needed. Please contact us as soon as you know your child will be absent. 

Read more about how families can help form good attendance habits.

Tips to Stay Healthy

Flu season is quickly approaching and communicable diseases continue to be present in our schools. Families and staff are encouraged to follow the health practices below to prevent the spread of illnesses and help keep our schools safe:

• Make an appointment to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine (with rare exceptions). Flu vaccines are widely available at doctors’ and pediatricians’ offices, grocery stores, and pharmacies.
• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 if you have not done so already. As of Tuesday, September 12, updated COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use among those aged 6 months or older for the 2023-24 season. Find out where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in your community by visiting Vaccinate Virginia, or calling 877-VAX-IN-VA or 877-829-4682. Note: Flu vaccines and COVID vaccines can be provided in the same appointment.
• Check with your student’s healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on their required school entrance immunizations. Immunization records can now be updated in SIS ParentVUE through the Online Verification Update form.
• Check for mild, cold-like symptoms each day, such as fever, runny nose, cough, or shortness of breath. If a child is sick, please keep them home and get them tested for COVID-19 to stop further spread from occurring. Additional guidance on when to keep your child home due to symptoms and illness is available on the FCPS Attendance webpage. FCPS employees are also advised to stay home and get tested when feeling sick.
• Don’t forget to wash hands regularly, avoid touching the face with unwashed hands, cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and limit the time children spend in large group settings with contagious individuals whenever possible.

The most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 school health practices is available on the Health and Safety Guidance webpage.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe and healthy.

Dining Room Assistant Needed!

Join our eagle staff as our next Dining Room Assistant.  We are looking for someone who enjoys working with children, is friendly and energetic, and can manage student behavior in the cafeteria.  The Dining Room Assistant will work about three hours a day.

Dining Room Assistant Job Description:

• Assist students during lunch time.
• Supervise student clean up, keep order, and dismiss students to their teachers.  

If interested, please contact, Cassandra Baltimore, 703-541-3600.

Fall Picture Day Wednesday, October 4

 

Tuesday, September 19 - Volunteer Training

Monday, September 25 - Yom Kippur - No School

Wednesday, September 27 - AAP Parent Information Session

Saturday, September 30 - Gunston Community Day

Wednesday, October 4 - Fall Picture Day

 

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. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Garfield Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for all of us. We have a crisis management and emergency preparedness plan for our school that is reviewed and updated regularly. Our plan includes procedures on how to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Students and staff regularly practice these drills every school year. We also practice lockdown drills.

A new Virginia Law (22.1-137.2) requires schools to notify parents at least 24 hours before a school practices a lockdown drill. However, we are not required to share the exact date and time of the drill. We are required to practice lockdown drills two times a year. FCPS lockdown drills do not include any type of active shooter scenario training, they are instruction and classroom based.

We will conduct a lockdown drill at our school soon. Our pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students are exempt from mandatory participation in lockdown drills during the first 60 days of the school year. They will participate in our second and final drill later this school year.

Additional information on our lockdown drill program to include parent tips and FAQs can be found on the Emergency Planning and Crisis Response web page. After reviewing this content, you should discuss the value of these safety drills with your child.

Keeping our school safe and secure for all students and staff involves the participation of the entire school community, and we thank you for your help to keep our school safe. 

Sincerely,

 

Kristen Rucinski

Principal

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

VGA Testing Schedule

The purpose of these assessments is to measure student growth and progress in reading and mathematics content standards. 

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

        Kristen Rucinski - Principal                Ebony Opie - Assistant Principal

Gunston Gazette Gunston Gazette is Available in Multiple Languages

If you would like to read this newsletter in your home language, please use the link below.

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/gunston-gazette

Principal's Message 

Dear Gunston Family,

I hope this message finds you well.  Our school year has been filled with excitement and enthusiasm as we began the 2023-2024 school year.  As we continue to embark on this journey together, I want to share some beginning of the year routines and expectations we have been putting in place for a successful school year.  Our first weeks have been dedicated to building a strong sense of community within our school.  Our students and staff have been engaged in various activities to foster connections, from energizers to collaborative projects.  Together, we are creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student belongs and is valued.

At Gunston, we believe that setting clear expectations is the foundation of success.  Our teachers have been diligently working with students to establish classroom agreements and expectations that promote kindness, safety, responsibility and respect throughout our building.  We know that when expectations are reinforced, our students rise to meet them.  We appreciate your collaboration in reinforcing these expectations.

It has been truly inspiring to witness the dedication and enthusiasm of our students as they embrace their learning journeys.  Whether it’s in the classroom, at recess, or in our outdoor learning space, our eagles are already soaring to success.  We continue to use AVID strategies on a daily basis, as we are focusing on organization skills as we begin the school year.  We’re proud of their achievements and look forward to celebrating many more throughout the year.

As we look ahead, we can feel the excitement in the air.  We have a calendar filled with enriching experiences, educational opportunities, and memorable events that will continue to strengthen our Gunston community.  I encourage you to stay engaged and involved as we make this a year to remember.  We hope you can join our PTA who is already planning our first event of the year, our Community Day on September 30th.  We appreciate their dedication and support to make this and every event so special for our families and eagles.

We will welcome Mrs. Opie back on Monday morning!  She is excited to return and is ready for an amazing year ahead.  I want to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated staff and parents, for their unwavering support.  Together, we are shaping the future for our students.  Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s future.  Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Warm Regards,

 

Kristen Rucinski

Principal

• Back to School Night
• Library Volunteers Wanted
• STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Opt-Out and Other forms
• Parental Permission to use Digital Resources
• AAP Fall Newsletter & Parent Information Session 
• Gunston's Preschool to Welcome Community Peers
• Girls on the Run

Library Volunteers Wanted!

Eagle Families, we need your help in the library - shelving books and helping students check out! Please review the available time slots at the SignUpGenius link below and sign up if you are able to help. This is a YEAR-LONG commitment for your chosen time/day. There will be a required volunteer training prior to beginning. Thank you!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0F4CADA72AA02-library2

STEAMOLOGY STEM Fest Offers Hands-On Activities for Students

Students are invited to participate in STEM FEST on Saturday, October 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at South County High School. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in robotics demonstrations, coding experiments, and more. High school students are invited to volunteer. Visit the STEAMOLOGY website for more information. 

2023 Student Rights & Responsibilities

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. In late June, the School Board approved changes to the SR&R for the 2023-24 school year. Updates include a revision of dress code expectations, bystander expectations for students witnessing harmful or unsafe behaviors, bullying, and substance abuse responses. Read Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid’s letter to families regarding the SR&R. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, parents using SIS ParentVUE  will be prompted to sign the document when they log in to that platform.   A printable version of the signature sheet can be printed, signed and returned to your child’s school by Friday, September 29.

Important: Opt-out and Other Forms

This year, several forms that we normally send home are online.  Please take the time to click on the links below and fill out these forms. If you have more than one student at Gunston ES, a form needs to be filled out for each student.

If you would like a paper form, please contact the Main Office at 703-541-3600 and let them know which paper form(s) to send home with one of your students.

Links to forms to fill out for each student:

Annual Notice of Survey, Records, Curriculum, Privacy – information and opt-out forms

Students Rights & Responsibilities (SR&R) – information and Parent/Guardian Signature Sheet

Family Life Education (FLE) – information by grade and opt-out forms

Parental Permission to Use Digital Resources

If you have not already done so, please provide digital consent for your child. Digital consent allows your child to access various digital tools during instruction. These tools will be used throughout the year to assist them with their learning. Below are various resources to learn about the FCPS digital consent policies along with information on how to provide digital consent.

1. Digital Resources - Parent Consent
2. Digital Consent Parent Directions
3. Parent Digital Consent Application (Direct link to provide digital consent)
4. Digital Privacy in FCPS

Thank you for your help and support.

AAP Fall Newsletter

English & Spanish versions found here.

Below please find information on our upcoming AAP Parent Information Session, as well as more general information about the FCPS Advanced Academic Program Elementary Continuum of Services.

ADVANCED ACADEMIC PROGRAMS (AAP) PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

A parent information session will be held at Gunston Elementary School on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 6pm-7pm.  An overview of the levels of AAP services and the identification & screening for Full-Time (previously Level IV) services will be shared. 

For recent updates regarding testing and due dates, please visit:  AAP Level IV Screening for 2023-24 school year.  Copies of the Full-Time AAP parent referral form can be found at:  AAP FORMS

Please note for families (grades 3-6) new to FCPS boundaries as of January 1, 2023, the Fall 2023 parent referral due date is October 15, 2023. 

For FCPS families in grades 2-6 enrolled before January 1, 2023, the parent referral due date is December 15, 2023.

Any questions? Please contact Kevin Fahy, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher at [email protected].

Gunston's Preschool Program to Welcome Community Peers

Gunston is pleased to announce that we will have community peers in our preschool program. The early childhood special education staff members have been investigating the possible opportunities for our students to participate in integration activities with typically developing peers. This will involve teaching preschoolers with delays and without delays in the same classroom. It can provide young children with a more stimulating environment, teach skills for coping with different situations, and provide the opportunity to learn appropriate social skills. 

Our program will invite a limited number of community preschoolers (1-2 per class), who are of age 3 ½ -5 years, to participate in our daily preschool activities. The children from the community will have the opportunity to make new friends and share experiences with current early childhood special education students. Our students will, in turn, benefit from being with community peers who can model appropriate language, motor, and social skills.

The community children will attend either a morning or afternoon session. Sessions are 8:25 am-12:00 pm or 12:00 pm-3:20 pm, Monday through Friday. Classes are staffed by an early childhood special education teacher and a full-time instructional assistant.  Community peer models must be at least 3 and ½ years old by September 30 of the school year they are entering and be completely toilet trained.  They must reside within Fairfax County. Lunch can be purchased, however, free and reduced lunch will not be available through the school system. Transportation will not be available through the school system.

 All children learn through their play. Intellectual growth occurs in a social context, influenced strongly by the quality of social interactions. The goal of this program is to encourage active learning and promote social interaction and acceptance through shared experiences between the community children and our preschoolers with special needs.  Feel free to contact the school for further explanation of our program. We welcome your thoughts or suggestions, as we are all partners in this effort.

If you are interested in more information about the community peer preschool project, please click and fill out the google doc below: 

https://forms.gle/sZ4TvVrsNBGw4PY99

 

Girls on the Run is coming to Gunston!

Our first practice is this coming Tuesday! GOTR is a physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. The program teaches life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment, while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Our program has been adapted to ensure physical distancing and safety. In-person practices include safety, sanitizing, and physical distancing precautions and modifications.  Starting the week of September 11th, the team will meet every Tuesday from Thursday (3:20-4:30). The program culminates in a celebratory 5K at the end of the season! The standard program fee is $185 and includes 20 lessons/practices, a t-shirt, GOTR giveaway, entry into the 5K, a 5K medal, and more. Financial assistance is available for anyone who needs it, with the lowest program registration cost being $22 for the season. Register at www.gotrnova.org.  Late registration will be open for 1 more week.

Dining Room Assistant Needed!

Join our eagle staff as our next Dining Room Assistant.  We are looking for someone who enjoys working with children, is friendly and energetic, and can manage student behavior in the cafeteria.  The Dining Room Assistant will work about three hours a day.

Dining Room Assistant Job Description:

• Assist students during lunch time.
• Supervise student clean up, keep order, and dismiss students to their teachers.  

If interested, please contact, Cassandra Baltimore, 703-541-3600.

Fall Picture Day Wednesday, October 4

Tuesday, September 12 - Back to School Night

Friday, September 15 - SpiritWear Orders Due

Monday, September 25 - Yom Kippur - No School

Wednesday, September 27 - AAP Parent Information Session

Saturday, September 30 - Gunston Community Day

Wednesday, October 4 - Fall Picture Day

 

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. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Garfield Elementary School. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!

PTA News & Information Join the Gunston PTA Today!

  We hope that your student(s) had a wonderful first week of school!  The Gunston Elementary PTA is now accepting members for the 2023-2024 school year!  Membership is $10 and helps enable our PTA to put on fun events and to support our school and our teachers. 

  You can join through our website (processing fees apply) by visiting the Form & Payment section and completing this year’s membership form or stop by the PTA table at one of the upcoming school events! 

 

Spiritwear Orders Due - September 15th!

10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
Clinic: 703.541.3610 | Email Attendance | Web | Twitter