GUNSTON GAZETTE
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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Linda Ferguson - Interim Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette Upcoming Events & Reminders- January 28th: 6th Grade Field Trip
- January 28th: Pre-K Parent Meeting
- January 29th: Teacher Workday - No School for Students
- February 10th: 3-Hour Early Release ( 12:20 p.m.)
The Middle School Transition Matters Newsletter: Elementary Edition is here! This Winter 2024-25 edition helps foster curiosity, self-awareness, and career readiness in elementary students. It includes practical tips, activities, and local resource ideas to connect classroom learning with real-life experiences.
Highlights include:
- Ideas for integrating transition planning into lessons and family discussions.
- Strategies to build self-awareness and explore interests.
- Fun ways to introduce career awareness through reflection, exploration, sharing, and activities.
- Hands-on group projects and pre-vocational activities to build real-world work skills.
Virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings
If you have not been able to attend a Community Boundary Review meeting yet, it’s not too late! The following virtual meetings will have the same format and information available as the previous in-person meetings:
- Saturday, January 25, 9:30-11 a.m.
- Monday, January 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 28, 6:30-8 p.m.
- Monday, February 10, 6:30-8 p.m.
Click one of the dates above to register and receive your unique Zoom link. Please note that each virtual meeting will be capped at 400 participants to help provide a meaningful experience for all. Language interpretation will be available. Learn about FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.
Black History Month Events
How will your school be acknowledging Black History Month? Please share with us!
Women's History Month EventsHow will your school be acknowledging Women's History Month? Please share with us!
Same Day Dismissal ChangesSame day dismissal changes, including planned early pick-ups of students, must be communicated to the front office prior to 2:30 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.
The safety and security of our students and our staff are of utmost importance. Every visitor who enters the building is monitored. All visitors entering Gunston will need to have a valid driver’s license and sign-in using the Visitor Management System (VMS). The VMS will issue each visitor a sticker that should always be worn when in the building.
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming SoonAll FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor ActivitiesWinter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.
Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Kathryn Garcia, at mkgarcia@fcps.edu . You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
Varsity TutorsFCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Student and Family ResourcesFairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures
FCPS NEWS- In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Dress Children Warmly
- Proposed Construction Projects
- Dual Language Immersion Lottery
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
- 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
- Visit the Gunston ES Website
- Report your Child's Absence
- 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
- ParentVue
- FCPS News
- School Meal Menus
- Here Comes The Bus
10100 Gunston Road, Lorton VA 22079 | Main Phone: 703.541.3600
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