A lucky group of Gunston students were able to participate in a fun field trip to Virginia Tech's Northern Virginia Thinkabit Lab at Falls Church. The whole day experience was chocked full of innovation vs invention experiences to lead students to consider a career in STEM. "Smart technology is the future" and "help to society" were guides for considering what student teams might design and build. There were aspects of physical computing and creative robots in the mix. Student inventions included wind turbines, circuit brain break game, a safe, trash collection, and fidget toys. Students did not want to leave.

Check out some webinars this month.
Be sure to save the date for our Heritage of Literacy Night in February.
Thanks to everyone who supported the PTA Gunston Chipotle fundraiser this month.

With sounds of the winter season songs streaming from the gym, Gunston held it's Annual Winter Sing Along this week. Strings, band and chorus all played and sang seasonal melodies. The audience joined in during much of the singing. The gym was joyfully packed with parents and students. There was a special tribute to Mr Benton for his last of many many winter concerts. He is retiring next year, but promises to visit frequently afterwards.

Gunston is proud to host an Annual Veterans Day program for our school community. Students made banners and wore red, white and blue. Breakfast was served outside under the tent to a great crowd. Military members marched in procession lined by American Flags to our field and were cheered on by students. Our chorus and music teachers provided lovely music while the SCA honored the guests with special remarks. Students were excited to wave at their families and veterans as they left the field at the end of the ceremony. The Gunston community is grateful for their service.

What a success! More than 2000 canned/boxed food items collected for the hungry. Students were encouraged by the SCA ambassadors to consider the community and ways to support it. They brought in piles of food for (The Lorton Community Action Center) LCAC to distribute. It was a beautiful day to participate in the Annual Harvest Walk. Music was provide by Mr Benton to round out the celebration.

Last week Gunston held a family night for the ESOL community. SEBA provided a lovely dinner of burritos, chips, fruit and chocolate. Information and resources were shared by by our Family Liaison, Kathryn Garcia and our ESOL teacher, Mandy Hanna. Some students played games with Miss Siraco and others shared their versions of "the important thing about..." from "The Important Book."
Everyone had a great time.

Back to Broadway Concert at South County HS on October 27 was a huge success. Students from the pyramid, including Gunston Elementary were present and participating.

Gunston knows how to have fun on the last day. Students earn the right to pour ice water on their favorite teachers outside. It was COLD.

Hard to say who had more fun, the spectators chanting "Go 6th Graders" or the volleyball players. It was a beautiful day for some volleyball playing and a great way to send off our students for the summer.

Congratulations to third grade teacher Kelly Marie Daugherty who was recognized as the FCPS 2022 Region 3 Outstanding Elementary Teacher and one of the five finalists for the FCPS Outstanding Elementary Teacher at this year's FCPS Honors event, held at George Mason University Center for the Arts on June 8th.

Gunston sends off the 6th grade class of 2022 (Future High School Class of 2028) with fond memories today. Reminding them that once an Eagle, always an Eagle. We are proud and happy for them.

What a glorious day to be outside and to participate in our Annual Gunston Field Day. The activities were varied and super fun. From bounce houses to volleyball, wet sponge relays to bowling students practiced good sportsmanship and reveled in the sun. 6th graders helped at each station setting up activities and explaining the rules. Everyone had a great a time.