Gunston welcomed military families and students to help honor military connected youth with a nice breakfast and slide presentation. Dr Brabrand and school board member, Karen Corbett-Sanders, attended and shared their good wishes. Sen Tim Kaine provided a special video. Students spoke a bit about their experiences in a military family.

SOL's at Gunston begin the week of April 25. Grades 3 - 6 are expected to take both math and reading tests, with 5th graders also taking a Science SOL. Read here about what is expected for Gunston students taking the SOL's, what the scores mean and how it all impacts your student.

This first grade language arts class was celebrating a milestone birthday for the teacher while working on language arts in rotations. Students were able to choose which activity they wanted to do first. The teacher met with students in small groups to work on reading.

Gunston Music Teacher, Randy Benton, accompanied 5 select 6th grade students at the FCPS 6th grade All County Choral Festival this past weekend.
Some students Kaitlyn Wheeler and Elia Botts submitted artwork and were selected to be printed in the program. Over 400 students from all over the county participated in this fun annual program. Stay tuned to channel 21 for the broadcast of this amazing concert.

The first week of March Gunston celebrated Read Across America Week. Every evening teachers read their favorite books to students in a virtual session. During the school day students dressed in various spirit wear to build enthusiasm and to have fun. Mrs Gminski drew names for daily reading prizes for both students and teachers. It was a great week.

Mrs Gorham, art teacher, at Gunston worked with the 6th graders on an interesting PBL. Her students learned by actively engaging in real-world and personally meaning projects. They had to reflect upon their own interests and futures, research opportunities available in their middle school and learn how to publicly talk about their learning. In addition, they created their projects using art skills learned in class.

Yuki Sensei, Gunston's Japanese teacher, helped her first grade and second grade students through a project based learning experience this week. Students proudly shared their work discovering facts about Osaka Japan. They learned what the seasons were like and what they would need to bring if they traveled to the city. Food and activities in the area were also part of their learning. After creation of their posters and booklets they worked to translate into Japanese and practice speaking with a peer about their projects.

This week is National School Counseling Week. It highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve school success. Gunston Elementary is extremely fortunate to have two awesome school counselors – Ms. Kemba Ephraim and Ms. Azka Amin who support our students. Learn more about our counseling program and counselors.

This third grade language arts class was a rotation of fun learning experiences and activities. Students worked in different rotations for a period time exploring, reading, writing, thinking and discussing.

Gunston's Annual Turkey Trot and Fundraiser for the PTA was a huge success. Students from every grade chased "turkeys and eagles" around the field and then raced with their classmates for fastest of the day. Previous Gunston students generously returned to support the school for the day and were warmly greeted. It was a perfect day for running and fundraising. Donations can still be made at Gunston.myfunrun.com Pictures of grade level winners can be viewed on Gunston's Twitter feed - @gunstonelem.

Popular Girls on the Run establishes more goals than just running. Fun, camaraderie and even troubleshooting school day issues top the list. Several dedicated coaches and a big group of girls inspire each other to be healthy physically and mentally.

Staff and students gathered to honor our Veterans. Breakfast and photo ops were shared with our heroes before the ceremony. Then the SGA provided information and poetry before a musical salute to our honored guests. Students gathered, clapped their thanks and waved as they finally returned to class after the festivities.