GovDelivery | Daniels Run Elementary School

Daniels Run ES- March 28, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families,

It's hard to believe that we are already at the end of the third quarter! This morning, we gathered for a Mega Morning Meeting, where our focus was on the Positivity Project citizenship attributes. These attributes are central to our school culture and it's always inspiring to see how our students are embracing them.

Please remember that students will have a break from school on both Monday and Tuesday. During this time, we're excited to host a Kindergarten Information Session on Tuesday for families who want to learn more about what lies ahead for our youngest learners. Additionally, our Green Team is stepping up for the environment by organizing a clean-up event on Tuesday. It's a fantastic opportunity for our students and their families to get involved in making a positive impact on our school community.

To round off the week, don't miss the excitement of our staff volleyball game against Providence on Friday. It's always a fun event, and a great way to show our school spirit.

Enjoy the long weekend and take some time to relax and recharge!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen Principal,

Daniels Run Elementary School

Reminder - No School for Students on 3/31 & 4/1

There is no school for students on March 31st (Eid) or April 1st (teacher workday). We wish all who celebrate a happy Eid.

School resumes on Wednesday, April 2nd.

PTA News

Parents must accompany their student to this event. This is not a drop off event. Child care is not provided.

Pre order Pizza link:

https://dres.givebacks.com/store/items/1166403

Donuts with Dragons - Save the Date- April 29th 8:00am-8:45am- Students must be supervised until the bell rings @ 8:45am

The Book Fair is Coming!

April 7-11- Family Night Wednesday April 9th

4:00pm – ending just before the Concert begins

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/danielsrunelementaryschool

Volunteer for Book Fair Here-

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080A45ABAE23A75-55770507-spring#/

🗓️ SOL Testing Dates 🗓️ Our Spring Standards of Learning (SOL) tests are in May.

These assessments measure the extent to which students have learned the content and skills reflected in state standards. The content tested varies by grade level. See below for the scheduled dates this Spring.

Grade 3:

📖 Reading: Thursday, May 8
🧮 Math: Friday, May 16

Grade 4:

📖 Reading: Friday, May 9
🧮Math: Thursday, May 15

Grade 5:

📖 Reading: Wednesday, May 7
🧮 Math: Wednesday, May 14
🔬 Science: Tuesday, May 20

Grade 6:

📖 Reading: Tuesday, May 6
🧮 Math: Tuesday, May 13

If you have any questions about SOL tests, please reach out to our School Testing Coordinator, Sara Van Aalst ([email protected]).

Reminder for Parents: Morning Drop-Off Policy

We’ve noticed an increase in students being dropped off after 9:00 AM. Please remember that per school policy, any student arriving after 9:00 AM must be accompanied by a parent or guardian into the building and signed in as late.

This ensures a safe and smooth start to the school day for all students. Thank you for your cooperation in following this important procedure!

⏰ Coming Soon: School Start Times Survey

Last year, FCPS held community forums and surveyed middle school families regarding middle school start times. Now, we would like to hear from all staff and families on the possibility of adjusting school start times across the division. The goal remains to begin middle school at 8 a.m. or later at the start of the 2026-27 school year.

On April 1, a survey link will be sent by email to staff, parents/caregivers, and students in grades 5-12. The confidential survey will be open for two weeks and will be available in multiple languages.

☀️ Save the Date for the FCPS Summer Extravaganza

Discover summer learning and activities available in Fairfax County!

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning. At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth.

Activities will include student performances, story time, a moon bounce, and face painting. For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, April 7, Greenbriar West Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Click on a date to register. Registration is not required but is encouraged for planning purposes.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

🏫 Helping Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten

We recognize that parents are their children’s first teachers. Explore the resources on FCPS’ School Readiness and Transition to Kindergarten webpage for ways to help ensure your child starts kindergarten with confidence.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, cleaning up litter, making small repairs and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, a water bottle, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine! Sign up to participate here https://forms.gle/banmZDXZfYJ2ABaHA

Children may not be dropped off at this event.
This event is weather dependent.
Please meet in the science lab at 9:30.
Questions? Contact Megan Oris [email protected]

Music News

🎵 Summer Opportunities for students:

SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week day camp at George Mason University. Only a few spots still available
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perforfm, make, and create. Students take part in 4 daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
IFTA is a 2- or 3-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Humor. Humor means enjoying laughter and bringing smiles to others.

Humor helps us see the lighter side of things, making tough times easier and more fun. It doesn't mean you have to tell jokes, but people with humor often notice the funny moments in life and share them with others. Humor can lift people's spirits and help them through challenges. It’s important to help students understand how to use humor in a kind way, to lift others up, and never at someone else's expense.

To practice and encourage the character strength of humor at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

School Start Times Survey
Science Fair Winners
Celebrating Champion Students and Staff

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 31- No School/Eid al-Fitr Holiday

April 1- No School/Teacher Work Day

April 14-18- Spring Break- School Closed and Office Closed

April 28- 3 Hour Early Release Monday (Students are dismissed at 12:45pm)

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- March 21, 2025

GovDelivery1 week 2 days ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families,

As the first hints of spring begin to emerge, there's a renewed sense of energy and possibility in the air. It's been a beautiful week, perfect for outdoor activities, and a wonderful time to look forward to what lies ahead.

March 28th marks an important day as we conclude the quarter and capture memories with spring picture day. Shortly after, on March 31st, we will enjoy a school holiday before diving into a teacher workday on April 1st. This day will also host a kindergarten information session and a community clean-up event at Daniels Run — more details on these activities can be found below.

Our dedicated staff has been honing their volleyball skills in preparation for the friendly match against Providence Elementary School. We are also happy to announce that April 6th will be Daniels Run Day at the George Mason baseball game. We encourage everyone to join in the festivities and show your school spirit!

Kindest regards,

Susan Mullen, Principal

Daniels Run Elementary School

PTA News Middle School Transition Matters

The Middle School Transition Matters Newsletter: Elementary Edition focuses on important transition matters for elementary families. It highlights the significance of transition planning to help students think about their future and connect school learning to real-life jobs and skills.

Highlights Include:

Self-Awareness: Helping students explore their strengths and interests.
Career Awareness: Connecting classroom learning to potential careers.
Connecting Learning to Life & Career: Real-life applications for school learning.
Pre-Vocational Skills: Building foundational skills for future work.
Summer Opportunities: Information on arts camps, CTE programs, and volunteering.

Resources for Families:

Family Newsletter (English)
Family Newsletter (Spanish)

Reminder for Parents: Morning Drop-Off Policy

This ensures a safe and smooth start to the school day for all students. Thank you for your cooperation in following this important procedure!

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22. The Board of Supervisors will then conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Visit the county government website to view the Fairfax County FY 2026 Advertised Budget. The community is also invited to complete an online survey to provide feedback on the county’s FY 2026 Advertised Budget.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Help and Resources for Infants, Toddlers, and Their Families

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child's development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas:

communication,
fine and/or gross motor skills,
self-help skills,
problem solving
attention skills

Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the state’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers (0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. ITC provides evaluations and services for children who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

Early Childhood Child Find is the process of identifying children with potential special education needs between the ages of 20 months and 5 years (children must be two by September 30).

FCPS Early Childhood Identification and Services (ECID&S) offers a free referral process to identify potential developmental delays or disabilities. Special education services are provided for all children who are found eligible through the referral process. Parents are encouraged to contact 571-423-4121 with questions or to make a referral.

✨ Helping students meet the criteria for kindergarten readiness is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. 🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

Spring Clean-Up

Children may not be dropped off at this event.
This event is weather dependent.
Please meet in the science lab at 9:30.
Questions? Contact Megan Oris [email protected]

Music News

🎵The Youth Choirs of the Fairfax Choral Society invite you and your families to our Poetry of Music concert on Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00pm at Annandale United Methodist Church. FCPS students and teachers are FREE! We hope you can join us!

🎵The March musician of the month is the American pop rock band: Imagine Dragons.

🎵 3rd & 5th grade music field trip success! On Tuesday the 3rd & 5th grade went to GMU to watch & perform with the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra. The theme was swing music. This was an interactive concert where students could sing/dance/play recorders with the orchestra and jazz band. Bravo to the student musicians and for being such wonderful representatives of Daniels Run!

🎵 Summer Opportunities for students:

SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week day camp at George Mason University. Only a few spots still available
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perforfm, make, and create. Students take part in 4 daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
IFTA is a 2- or 3-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our community will focus on an important life skill: emotional regulation! It's about helping them understand and manage their feelings in healthy ways, rather than suppressing them. Think of it as teaching them how to steer their own emotional ship. Strong emotional regulation can lead to better friendships, improved focus in school, and increased resilience when facing challenges.

We'll be sharing tips with students this week on recognizing their feelings, understanding how emotions feel in their bodies, and practicing calming techniques. You can support this at home by encouraging your child to name their emotions ("I see you're feeling frustrated"), validating their feelings ("It's okay to feel sad when..."), and modeling healthy coping strategies yourself. By working together, we can equip our kids with the tools they need to navigate the emotional ups and downs of childhood and beyond!

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Student Achievements
Art in our Schools Month
Celebrating Students Setting Positive Examples

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 28- Spring Individual and Class Picture Day

March 31- No School/Eid al-Fitr Holiday

April 1- No School/Teacher Work Day

April 14-18- Spring Break- School Closed and Office Closed

April 28- 3 Hour Early Release Monday (Students are dismissed at 12:45pm)

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- March 14, 2025

GovDelivery2 weeks 2 days ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Community,

As we embark on another week at Daniels Run, I would like to remind everyone that Monday, March 17th, will be an early release day. Students will be dismissed according to the plans we have on file. If you need to make any changes to how your child will be getting home, please ensure that both their teacher and the office are informed.

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, we've been delighted by some Leprechaun shenanigans throughout our school. Various classes are busy constructing traps, and we eagerly await the results on Monday. Additionally, our second graders recently enjoyed an enriching visit to the Natural History Museum.

Looking ahead, please join us for our next virtual PTA meeting on Tuesday, the 18th. We also have an exciting staff volleyball game against Providence scheduled for April 4th; doors open at 5:30 PM, and the game begins at 6:00 PM.

Lastly, today we celebrated Pi Day with engaging activities that brought rational numbers to life all across our school. It's been a week full of learning and fun!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Daniels Run Komodo Karate Graduation!

Congratulations to all the students who earned their yellow belt at the DRES Komodo Dragon Karate Graduation on Tuesday, March 11th.

Reminder for Parents: Morning Drop-Off Policy

This ensures a safe and smooth start to the school day for all students. Thank you for your cooperation in following this important procedure!

PTA News

PTA 2024-2025 Nominating Committee

It is the time of year where we are in need of electing a Nominating Committee to help us find the board for our next school year(25-26)!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support PTA through this role, please reach out to [email protected].

The Nominating Committee is composed of three PTA Members who work via email over the span of a month to provide the Membership with a Slate for the 25-26 PTA Board.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions!

Art&Learning4Kids Science Class Opportunity

Art&Learning4Kids will be offering two classes here at Daniels Run ES starting next week. View the flyer for more information and use the QR Code to register. The STEM Science classes offered will be Beyond Bubbles: Exploring Chemical and Physical Reactions for 2nd and 3rd Graders and Nature's Puzzle: Unraveling Ecosystems for 4th Graders and up.

School Start Times

The City of Fairfax School Board wants to hear from you about school start times. FCPS is considering changing middle school start times, which could impact schools at all levels. Please go to the City of Fairfax Schools website to provide your input. https://www.cityoffairfaxschools.org/apps/form/schoolstarttimes

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

FCPS Budget — Our Students Deserve the Best

More than $240 million of FCPS’ Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget is dedicated to increasing compensation for our teachers and staff to stay competitive and reduce turnover. Currently, FCPS ranks fifth out of eight neighboring districts in regards to starting salary for teachers with a master’s degree.

Our families expect — and our students deserve — the best teachers.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The next steps in the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process include the School Board presenting the budget to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 22, and then the Board of Supervisors will conduct public hearings Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24. Community members can submit testimony or sign up to speak.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Budget process.

Reminder to Sign Up Weekly for Student Fasting Meal Kits

Students who are fasting during the school day between now and March 28 can take school meal kits home at the end of the day. Families must fill out a separate request form for each week and for each student in order to receive school meal kits. To receive meal kits for the week of March 24, please fill out this form by March 17.

Please remind your child to pick up their meals each day at our school’s designated location. Visit the Food and Nutrition Services webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

🛑 Cameras Installed on School Bus Stop Arms

Cameras have been installed on the stop arms of 50 FCPS school buses. These cameras will be used to identify drivers who pass stopped school buses while children are entering and exiting the bus (called a “stop arm violation”).

Warnings for drivers will begin on Wednesday, April 9. After a 30-day warning period, citations will begin to be issued on Monday, May 12.

According to Virginia law, drivers must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights on and their stop signs extended. Motorists should stop when approaching from any direction (unless there is a barrier or median separating their lane from where the bus is stopped). They should remain stopped until everyone is clear and the bus is moving.

We appreciate our law enforcement partners for working with us to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Read more information about the stop arm cameras and all of the ways that we work with our county partners to keep students safe on their way to and from school.

📍 The Comprehensive School Boundary Review Process Explained

Want to learn more about the ongoing Comprehensive School Boundary Review process? Watch this video for explanations of terms such as attendance zones, attendance islands, split feeders, and other factors that affect school boundaries. The video will also be available in other languages soon.

Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information and sign up for our School Boundary Review newsletter.

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts and ask questions regarding FCPS on Monday, April 7, at Greenbriar West Elementary School from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

Registration will be available soon for summer camps offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA) camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to allow current K-5 students to explore activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary arts, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps.

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.

This event will feature:

Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Spring Clean-Up

Children may not be dropped off at this event.
This event is weather dependent.
Please meet in the science lab at 9:30.
Questions? Contact Megan Oris [email protected]

Music News

Daniels Run students rehearsing with the OAKE Conference National Children’s Choir in Chicago. They performed with 200+ students from across North America.

🎵 The March musician of the month is the American pop rock band: Imagine Dragons

🎵 Next Tuesday morning, March 18, all 3rd & 5th grade classes will attend & perform in a Fairfax Symphony Orchestra concert at George Mason University.

🎵 Summer Opportunities for students:

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University

E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.
IFTA is a 2- or 3-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Perspective. This means understanding and appreciating different points of view. Perspective, often seen as wisdom, goes beyond intelligence. People with this strength are valued for their advice because they see the big picture and understand complex issues.

Those with perspective can get to the heart of difficult matters and bring clarity. They are honest, ethical, and good at seeing what truly matters. This helps them stay calm and learn from mistakes. By reflecting on their own feelings and thoughts, they can empathize with others and offer strong listening and questioning skills. They help their groups navigate challenges and find opportunities for success.

To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

- Second Annual Food Show
- Cameras on School Bus Stop Arms
- Comprehensive Boundary Review Process Explained

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

March 17- Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45pm)

March 18- PTA Meeting at 7PM (virtual)

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 31- No School/Eid al-Fitr Holiday

April 1- No School/Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

DRE Sixth Grade "Lucky Grams" Fundraiser

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DRE Sixth Grade St. Patrick's Day Gram Fundraiser

The DRE Sixth Grade class is hosting a St Patrick’s Day Gram fundraiser to raise money for their end of year celebration. Each gram is $2 or $10 for 6 grams. A “lucky gram” includes a short message from the sender as well as a piece of candy. Lucky grams will also be sold in person the week of March 10th-14th or online https://dres.givebacks.com. Lucky grams will also be coming home in Thursday folders as well and should be returned to your child's teacher with cash. Lucky grams will be delivered on Monday, March 17th, 2025.

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- March 7, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Community,

This past week, we had the pleasure of celebrating Read Across America Week, a time dedicated to fostering a love for reading within our school community. It was truly a remarkable experience, culminating in a wonderful day filled with guest readers who inspired our students with their stories and passion for literacy.

We were honored to have former DRES principal Chris Smith, Mayor Read, Kyle McDaniel from the county school board, John O’Neal, our Fire Chief, SRO Lynch, Dan Philips, the City Assistant Superintendent, and several esteemed members from the city school board join us. Their presence and engagement with our students were invaluable, and we are grateful for their support in promoting the joy of reading.

Seeing our school come together to celebrate literacy was heartwarming and a testament to our community's commitment to education and lifelong learning. Thank you to all who participated and to our librarian Mrs. Irons, whose organization made this event a success.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

School Start Times

Daylight Saving Begins (Spring Forward)

Sunday, March 9, at 2 a.m., daylight saving time begins. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead one hour! As a result of the time change, many students will be walking to school or to bus stops in the dark. Help your child stay safe by having them wear reflective clothing and bright or light colors, or add reflective items to their backpacks or clothes. Also, encourage your child to be especially alert for cars that are turning or backing up and not to run into the street or cross between parked cars.

National Women’s History Month

Every year, March is designated Women’s History Month by presidential proclamation. The month is set aside to honor women’s contributions in American history.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Read more about Women’s History Month in National Geographic Kids.

PTA News

PTA 2024-2025 Nominating Committee

It is the time of year where we are in need of electing a Nominating Committee to help us find the board for our next school year(25-26)!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can support PTA through this role, please reach out to [email protected].

The Nominating Committee is composed of three PTA Members who work via email over the span of a month to provide the Membership with a Slate for the 25-26 PTA Board.

Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions!

Pi(e) Day is Coming!

Help us celebrate our amazing Daniels Run Teachers and Staff this Pi Day (March 14th) by donating a pie to our Staff Pi Day Potluck on Friday, March 14th.

All types of pie are welcome and we can keep pie chilled.

DRE Teacher and Staff Pi Day Potluck Sign Up

Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.

💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget

The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

This event will feature:

Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens

Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:

Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
Stay patient and reserve judgment.
Check in with your child early and often.

Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.

Give Your Kids a Strong Start: Apply for Early Childhood Education Programs

FCPS Pre-K and Early Head Start programs provide a high-quality early learning experience for qualifying children with economic and educational risk factors ages 6 weeks to 4 years living in Fairfax County.

Pre-K prioritizes 4-year-old applicants but also accepts applications for children 3 years old by September 30. Early Head Start is located at three elementary schools — Clearview, Crestwood, and Dogwood — and accepts applications from expectant mothers and for children 6 weeks to 2 years old.

Families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, however, space is limited and provided based on need, not “first come, first serve.” Applications are accepted online, by email, by postal mail, or in person at our office at 7423 Camp Alger Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22042.

If you have a question about the application process or status, please call 703-208-7900 (English) or 703-208-7901 (Spanish).

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

Music News

OAKE National Conference Choir singers who will perform in Chicago tomorrow.

🎵 The March musician of the month is the American pop rock band: Imagine Dragons.

🎵 Tomorrow night 9 current or former Daniels Run students will perform in Chicago with the Organization of Kodály Educators National Conference Choirs. Wish them luck as they perform with hundreds of students across the country! 5th graders: Claire, Tosya, Ryleigh & Andrew 7th Graders: Maddy, Evelyn, Grace & Ranya; 8th Grader: Chris

🎵 Summer Opportunities for students:

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University

🎵 IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
🎵 E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Love of Learning. Love of learning means enjoying the process of learning new things, whether in school or on your own.

People with a love of learning are motivated because they find joy in learning itself, not just for rewards like grades or prizes. They are driven by the excitement of discovering and mastering new skills.

Developing a love of learning is important for students because it helps them stay motivated and engaged. It can also improve their mental and physical well-being as they take pride in overcoming challenges and growing.

To practice and encourage the character strength of Love of Learning at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

- A Strong Academic Foundation
- 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
- New Breakfast Options

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

March 17- Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45pm)

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

March 31- No School/Eid al-Fitr Holiday

April 1- No School/Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- February 28, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families,

Welcome to another exciting week at Daniels Run Elementary School!

Baskets and Bingo Night We are excited to see you at to our much-anticipated Baskets and Bingo event tonight! This popular gathering is a wonderful opportunity for families to connect and enjoy a variety of delightful activities. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing a memorable evening with our school community.

Lunch Policies To ensure the safety and efficiency of our school operations, we kindly remind you that there will be no DoorDash deliveries or outside food drop-offs during school hours. Managing these deliveries poses a challenge for our office staff and detracts from their primary responsibilities, including maintaining the safety and security of our school environment.

Student Lunch Arrangements If your child needs to leave the school during lunch hours, please ensure they have eaten before returning. We also ask that students do not bring back fast food into the classroom, as this can disrupt the learning environment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping our school safe and organized. We appreciate your support in making Daniels Run Elementary a wonderful place for our students to learn and grow.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen, Principal

PTA News

Baskets & Bingo Night Friday, February 28th 6:00-8:00 (Doors open at 5:30)

Mark your calendars for Baskets & Bingo Night! All profits from this event are donated to local food pantries and charities that directly impact students and families in our Daniels Run Community.

This year, each classroom will be building a themed basket to enter into the raffle. Please consider volunteering to help at the event or to be a Basket Coordinator for your child’s classroom. It is a fun and easy way to get involved in the cause! Click here for more information and to sign up

Not able to volunteer? Be on the lookout for information in February about how you can contribute to your classroom basket theme. Pre Order Pizza and Bingo Cards HERE!

We are excited to announce that the public library will be joining us for our upcoming Bingo Night! They will be on hand to help sign your children up for a library card. This is a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading and learning in your child. Please come and take advantage of this valuable resource while you enjoy BINGO!

📖 Supporting Academic Growth and Reading on Level by Third Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Across FCPS, teachers, staff, parents, and even older students are invested in helping our youngest learners grow their love of reading from a strong foundation.

The goal is for students to move from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by the end of the third grade. Reading on grade level is connected to other Strategic Plan goals, including completing advanced coursework and graduating on time.

Last fall, FCPS introduced a new reading curriculum that emphasized the science of reading. Between fall and winter, reading screener results show more than a 4% increase in the number of students in kindergarten to third grade approaching or meeting expectations. Similarly, 3.4% more third graders demonstrate strong foundations of reading and 8.4% more third graders are mastering grade-level standards.

Discover how an elementary school employs a science-based approach, including phonics, to supercharge students' reading.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date.

🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun

For more information, see the Summer Learning page.

2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)

This event will feature:

Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.

Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.

Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.

Learn more about this event and register today! Contact [email protected] for more information.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

As required by the Code of Virginia, parents or legal guardians need to provide proof of immunizations for their child to attend public school. All students entering seventh grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations:

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Parents/guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with their child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. If your child does not have a health care provider, please visit the FCPS Immunizations Resource page to find out where to get an immunization.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Attending kindergarten provides children with an opportunity to learn and practice the essential social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, between January and April. Eligible children can also be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps us prepare and ensure we have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school.

Families should prepare for registration by gathering documents and completing forms on the FCPS kindergarten registration webpage. FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, visit the kindergarten registration webpage.

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

Music News

🎵 The March musician of the month is the American pop rock band: Imagine Dragons.

🎵Congratulations to all the International Day/Night performers! If you took any good pictures or video please email or text them to Michelle McCarten

🎵 Next week 9 current or former Daniels Run students will travel to Chicago to participate in the Organization of Kodály Educators National Conference Choirs. Wish them luck as they perform with hundreds of students across the country! 5th graders: Claire, Tosya, Ryleigh & Andrew 7th Graders: Maddy, Evelyn, Grace & Ranya; 8th Grader: Chris

🎵 Summer Opportunities for students:

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University

🎵 IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
🎵 E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four daily classes related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create fun and engaging classes.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Humility. Humility means not seeking attention and letting your actions speak for themselves. Humble people understand their abilities and achievements without underestimating them. They can admit mistakes, accept advice, and are open to new ideas. They don't show off their successes or possessions.

Developing humility helps people reflect on how they can improve and work well with others. It allows them to grow and become valuable team members.

To practice and encourage the character strength of humility at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Summer Camps and Learning Opportunities
Supporting Academic Growth
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Your Child

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

February 28- Baskets and Bingo Night

March 28- End of 3rd Quarter

April 1- No School/Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- February 21, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary School Community,

I hope this message finds you well and warm during what has been a great, albeit chilly, week here at Daniels Run. Our International Night was an enormous success, with a standing-room-only turnout that celebrated the rich diversity of our school community. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing PTA for organizing such a wonderful event, and to our dedicated music teachers, Mr. Tilman and Ms. McCarten, for orchestrating a spectacular show. It was truly inspiring to see so many of our talented students shine through singing, dancing, and instrumental performances representing cultures from around the globe.

Looking ahead, please note that on Monday, we have an early release day. Students will be dismissed according to the plans we have on file. If there are any changes to your child's dismissal plan, kindly inform their teacher as soon as possible to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

We are also eagerly anticipating our Bingos and Baskets Night this coming Friday, hosted by our wonderful PTA. This event has always been a favorite among our families, and we are excited to come together once again for a night of fun and community spirit.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making Daniels Run a vibrant and inclusive community.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen Principal

International Night Assembly PTA News

Baskets & Bingo Night Friday, February 28th 6:00-8:00 (Doors open at 5:30)

Mark your calendars for Baskets & Bingo Night! All profits from this event are donated to local food pantries and charities that directly impact students and families in our Daniels Run Community.

Not able to volunteer? Be on the lookout for information in February about how you can contribute to your classroom basket theme. Pre Order Pizza and Bingo Cards HERE!

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, we want to ensure that we are providing the necessary support and accommodations for our students who may be observing this special time.

If your child plans to participate in Ramadan this year, please inform us by February 27, 2025. This will help us better understand their needs and make any necessary arrangements.

For those students who will be fasting, we kindly request that you fill out the DRES Ramadan Participation Form. This form will allow you to provide us with important information regarding your child's health, dietary requirements, and any specific needs they may have during this period.

Meal Kits: This year students who are fasting can take meal kits home at the end of the day. Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24.

We understand that Ramadan is a time of great significance for our Muslim families, and we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

VDH Immunization Packets for Rising 7th Graders

Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap) given at age 7 or older.
Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) given at age 10 or older.
A complete series of 2 doses of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

After reviewing educational materials approved by the Board of Health, the parent or guardian, at the parents/guardians sole discretion, may elect for the child not to receive the HPV vaccine.

Please review the Virginia Department of Health Information Packet for more information on rising 7th grade immunization requirements.

📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost

FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra learning resources. 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.

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

Fairfax County is experiencing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. The Fairfax County Health Department reports that visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings. Read a letter from the health department.

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

According to the health department, to help prevent or reduce the spread of illness it is important for individuals who are sick to stay home and away from others until symptoms improve and until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Visit this Attendance webpage for guidance on when your child should go to school.

📐 Breaking Down the Budget: Supporting Academic Growth and Algebra by Eighth Grade

The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.

Since the 2023-24 school year, FCPS has seen a 9.5% increase in eighth graders taking Algebra I or more advanced math and a 6.8% increase in fifth graders in advanced math.

Studies show that students who complete algebra in middle school have more opportunities to take advanced math and science courses in high school. This can open up new academic paths for students! Watch a video that shows why eighth grade algebra matters.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

Music News

🎵 Congratulations to all of the International concert performers! The community and students enjoyed International Night yesterday and school concerts today.

🎵 The February musicians of the month are the Huntertones. They are a 6 member American jazz fusion ensemble.

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Cheering Others’ Successes. This means when someone else does well, we are happy for them and show our support.

It's normal to sometimes feel jealous or envious when others succeed, but learning to genuinely celebrate their accomplishments can improve our own happiness and relationships. Supporting others not only helps them feel good but also strengthens our community and creates a positive environment.

Encouraging your child to be happy for others can start with simple actions, such as congratulating a friend, noticing feelings of envy and asking why, or learning from others’ successes. These steps build a supportive culture in families, teams, schools, and communities.

To practice and encourage this Other People Mindset at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Middle School Start Times
New Lunch Items
Talking to Teens About Tough Topics

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

February 24- Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45pm)

February 28- Bingo Night

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- February 14, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run ES Families,

We hope you are staying safe and warm during this winter season! This week was full of exciting celebrations in our classrooms.

We were thrilled to celebrate the 100th day of school on Thursday, February 13th! This is a special milestone for our students, marking 100 days of learning, growth and fun. Our primary classrooms were filled with engaging activities centered around the number 100. We even had some students dress up as if they were 100 years old.

On Friday, February 14th, we spread kindness and joy with classroom Valentine's Day celebrations. Students were able to bring valentines to share with their classmates.

We appreciate all your support in making these days memorable for our students.

Enjoy your 3 day weekend and we look forward to seeing students back in the building on Tuesday, February 18th.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen, Principal

Classroom Celebrations at DRES 🏗️ FCPS’ Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

The Fairfax County School Board approved the annual update to FCPS’ FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) at their regular board meeting last week. A CIP is a working budget document that shows the timing and costs of improvement to school buildings, such as renovations, additions, and new schools. Learn more about planned improvements. Fairfax County Public Schools’ updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the CIP. Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

🤧 Protect Yourself and Your Community From the Flu

The health department suggests taking the following steps to reduce the spread of flu and other germs:

Cover coughs and sneezes. If you must be around others while ill, wearing a mask can help reduce spread.
Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
Clean frequently touched surfaces.

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

Student Fasting Meal Kits for February 28 - March 28

Thanks to a new program from the Virginia Department of Education, students who are fasting during the school day between February 28 and March 28 can now take school meal kits home at the end of the day.Families will need to fill out a weekly Fasting Meals Request Form for their child or children to receive school meal kits. A separate form must be filled out for each week and each student.To receive meal kits for Friday, February 28, and the week of March 3, please submit the first request form by Monday, February 24. Visit the FNS webpage for more information, including weekly request forms and deadlines.

Breaking Down the Budget: Investing in Our Classrooms

Did you know that more than 85% of FCPS’ budget stays in our classrooms? Currently, 92.5% of FCPS staff are school-based, more than neighboring school districts. We are in the middle of FCPS’ annual budget process, which includes opportunities for you to give feedback. Learn more about the proposed FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget and see the budget timeline.

Fairfax High School is sponsoring a free Date Night Drop Off on Friday, February 14! Students in grades K-6 can be dropped off anytime between 5-9 p.m. at the Fairfax High School Library. Students can watch a FHS basketball game, watch a movie, do crafts, and more! Registration is required and spaces are limited! Sign up here.

🐻 It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

✨ A strong start is Goal 1 of the 2023-30 Strategic Plan.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!

Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.

Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!

Learn More About How Your Child Feels at School

The Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener will be administered to students in grades 3-12 in March. Students use the SEL Screener twice a year to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop the skills they need to succeed. The screener works by asking questions or presenting statements that students can think about and respond to. This gives students a way to share how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

After each screening, results are available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who do not have a ParentVUE account. For more information, including SEL Screener questions and opt-out information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

PTA News

Baskets & Bingo Night Friday, February 28th 6:00-8:00 (Doors open at 5:30)

Mark your calendars for Baskets & Bingo Night! All profits from this event are donated to local food pantries and charities that directly impact students and families in our Daniels Run Community.

Not able to volunteer? Be on the lookout for information in February about how you can contribute to your classroom basket theme. Pre Order Pizza and Bingo Cards HERE!

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program will open on Monday, January 13, 2025. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion program for the 2024-25 school year.

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program Registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

Registration for the 2025-26 elementary magnet lottery is open Tuesday, March 4, through Friday, April 4. Learn more about the programs on the Elementary Magnet Schools page and information on the magnet lottery on our Registration page.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

Music News

🎵 The February musicians of the month are the Huntertones. They are a 6 member American jazz fusion ensemble.

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Forgiveness. Forgiveness means letting go of anger toward those who have done wrong and accepting that people make mistakes.

When we forgive, we can move past being hurt and make peace with what happened. Forgiveness heals and strengthens our relationships. It doesn’t erase what happened, but it helps us let go of the hurt and move forward.

Seeking forgiveness shows that a person values relationships and understands the impact of their actions. It shows humility, accountability, and a willingness to make amends. By seeking forgiveness, a person shows they care about resolving conflicts and restoring trust. It also shows emotional maturity and a commitment to personal growth.

To practice and encourage forgiveness at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Flu Prevention
Students Spread Joy
Investing in our Classrooms

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

February 17- No School (Presidents' Day)

February 20- International Night

February 24- Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45pm)

February 28- Bingo Night

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- February 7, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Greetings, Daniels Run Elementary Community,

As we conclude another wonderful week at our school, we are excited about several upcoming events.

Please mark your calendars for President's Day on February 17th (no school) and our early release on February 24th. Students will be sent home based on the results from the last parent survey.

February also marks Black History Month, a special time to celebrate and honor the remarkable contributions of African Americans throughout history.

We are preparing for International Night on February 20th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, an event that highlights the diverse cultures and backgrounds that enrich our school community. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and families to share their heritage and learn from one another.

Lastly, don’t miss our PTA Bingo Night on February 28th! This event promises an evening filled with fun, excitement, and community bonding, featuring a variety of prizes.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making Daniels Run Elementary a vibrant and inclusive environment where our students can thrive.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen, Principal

Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)

FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.

For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.

FCPS Proposed Budget Progress

The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.

The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.

On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.

Breaking Down the Budget

More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.

Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.

The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.

Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations

PTA News

International Night!

Join us February 20th 5:30-7:30!

There is still time to sign up to display your family culture and heritage!

Bingo and Baskets

Join the PTA for our annual Bingo and Baskets Fundraiser!

The profits from our event will support Daniels Run families with food insecurities.

February 28th Doors open at 5:30- games start at 6pm- you can jump in at any time!

PRE-ORDER RAFFLE TICKETS/PIZZA/BINGO CARDS- https://dres.givebacks.com/store?limit=21&live=true

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter 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. Schools 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.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Estefania Castro, at [email protected]. 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.

Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit

The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.

At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.

Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.

✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Countywide lottery registration for the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program for first graders in the 2025-26 school year is open through Thursday, February 13, at 4 p.m. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program through Thursday, March 6, at 4 p.m.

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Interested parents/caregivers may attend an informational meeting at the school site. Visit the Dual Language Immersion Program registration page for a list of meetings by language offered.

Get more details on the DLI Program webpage.

🧲 Learn About Science, Technology, and Arts Magnet Schools

Three FCPS elementary magnet schools — Hunters Woods, Bailey’s Primary, and Bailey’s Upper — provide enhanced learning programs in science, technology, and performing arts.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

Music News

🎵 The February musicians of the month are the Huntertones. They are a 6 member American jazz fusion ensemble.

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week camp at George Mason University

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Love. Love means you value close relationships with others and being close to people.

Love is shown through our thoughts, feelings, and actions toward those we care about. When we love someone, we comfort them, make them feel safe, support them during tough times, and often put their needs before our own. When someone loves us, we feel safe and secure and can be ourselves around them. We miss them when they are not around.

Love is important for our community and society. We all depend on each other for happiness and well-being. Love creates positive feelings, helping to reduce loneliness, anxiety, and depression. Without love, we can't form strong bonds with our families, friends, or communities. A world without love would be a lonely and unsafe place.

To practice and encourage the character strength of love at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Proposed Budget Progress
Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
Black History Month Event

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

February 17- No School (Presidents' Day)

February 20- International Night

February 24- Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45pm)

February 28- Bingo Night

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- January 31, 2025

GovDelivery1 month 4 weeks ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear DRES Families,

This week has been a somber time for our school community as we come to terms with the tragic airplane crash that has profoundly affected us all. We mourn the loss of students, staff, and families from FCPS and extend our heartfelt condolences to everyone impacted by this devastating event. Please know that we are here to offer our unwavering support during this difficult period.

In the spirit of unity and healing, we have several school-wide events in February that we can look forward to together. These events include Bingo Night (2/28) and our beloved International Night (2/20). They will provide us with a chance to gather as a community, embracing and celebrating our diversity and the strength it brings us.

Your well-being remains our highest priority, and we are dedicated to supporting every member of our school community through these challenging times.

Kindest regards,

Susan Mullen, Principal

🧸 Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

Determine eligibility.
Identify your local school.
Gather documents.
Fill out forms.
Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one guardian must be present), the student will be ready for orientation. Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact Vicky Vein, our school registrar at [email protected].

Black History Month Celebration – Date Change

Dear Fairfax County Community,

After careful consideration, we have decided to postpone the Black History Month Kickoff event, originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 5. The event will now take place on Wednesday, February 19.

As many of you are aware, the Fairfax County Public Schools community has been affected by the tragic airline incident that occurred at Reagan National Airport. In light of this devastating event, we want to provide space for our community to grieve and heal during this difficult time.

We thank you for your understanding and patience as we prioritize compassion and care at this time. Let us continue to support one another as a community and uphold the dignity and privacy of those who are mourning.

We look forward to gathering together soon to celebrate Black History Month in a spirit of unity and resilience. Thank you for your support.

🏗️ FCPS’ Proposed Construction Projects Offer Community-Wide Benefits

Fairfax County Public Schools updated plans for new school construction, capacity enhancements, and renovations are outlined in the proposed FY 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Projects include constructing two new elementary schools; renovations at 18 elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools; and relocation of modular buildings.

The proposed CIP was presented to the School Board at the January 14 work session. A public hearing was also held January 14. The School Board will take action on the proposed CIP at its Thursday, February 6, meeting.

Office of the Ombuds: At Your Service!

Ombuds staff engage with FCPS employees, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.

Ombuds office staff members are available to help resolve disagreements between parents/caregivers and schools. They do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email [email protected], or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question.

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey

All FCPS families and middle and high school students have received an invitation 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 through Monday, February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!

Se Viene Pronto la Encuesta de SR&R y Política de Celulares

Todas las familias de FCPS y estudiantes de escuelas intermedias y secundarias recibirán una invitación por correo electrónico el martes, 21 de enero, para participar en una encuesta acerca de los Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS, Política de Teléfonos Celulares, y opciones de almacenamiento de teléfonos celulares. La encuesta estará disponible del 21 de enero al 3 de febrero. Por favor tómese unos minutos para compartir su opinión y ayudar a FCPS a tomar decisiones informadas e inclusivas para todas nuestras escuelas.

📈 Virginia’s Student Assessment Summary for Families

This month, families of students who took any Standards of Learning (SOL) test between school years 2015-16 and 2023-24 will receive a Student Assessment Summary Report. The report shows a student’s state percentile ranking for each test. This allows families to see how their child ranked compared to all Virginia students who took the same test that year.

Reports are available now in SIS ParentVUE Documents. They will be distributed by schools this month to students whose families do not have ParentVUE access. Learn how to access ParentVUE.

The report is intended to help families reflect on how their child performed across all tested subjects over the years. Our schools and staff are committed to working with families to support every student to succeed at their highest potential. Learn more about student assessments in FCPS.

PTA News 🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

After School Homework Club

Dear Families,

Our Homework/Study Club starts on February 6th for grades 3-6! It will be Thursdays from 4-5pm. Fairfax high school students will volunteer to help. It's a great opportunity for some students to have a quiet environment where they can receive extra support on any subject they may need help on. No extra work will be given, but students can bring their own. No transportation provided; pick-up by 5 PM is required. Sign up using the Google form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe82VqMHDaa3AoF_mYV5WXLhnCEqgCbpW35a9XGHEET8gzS7g/viewform

¡Nuestro Club de Tareas y Estudio comienza el 6 de febrero para los grados 3 a 6! Los jueves de 4 a 5 p.m. Los estudiantes de la preparatoria de Fairfax se ofrecerán como voluntarios para ayudar. Es una gran oportunidad para que algunos estudiantes tengan un entorno tranquilo donde puedan recibir apoyo adicional en cualquier materia en la que puedan necesitar ayuda. No se asignarán tareas adicionales, pero los estudiantes pueden traer las suyas. No se proporcionará transporte; se requiere la recogida antes de las 5 p. m. Regístrate utilizando el formulario de Google: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe82VqMHDaa3AoF_mYV5WXLhnCEqgCbpW35a9XGHEET8gzS7g/viewform

After School Soccer Program

Join the Tekkers Lab Afterschool Soccer Program at Daniels Run! For $150, 1st-6th graders can improve their soccer skills every Wednesday from 3:45-4:45 PM, Feb 5 - Mar 26. Our high-energy practices focus on soccer, coordination, and decision-making. Kids will make friends, get plenty of ball touches, and score goals! Students will report to the cafeteria after school and have 15 mins to eat a packed snack before starting. Don't forget to pack a snack!

Yoga Club

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce that Warrior Kids will be having an 8-week session on Wednesdays at Daniel’s Run starting Wednesday, February 5. Please see the attached flyer for more details and use the QR code to sign up.

Estimados padres,

Nos complace anunciar que Warrior Kids tendrá una sesión de 8 semanas los miércoles en Daniel’s Run a partir del miércoles 5 de febrero. Por favor, consulte el folleto adjunto para más detalles y utilice el código QR para inscribirse.

Spring 2025 Adult English Classes

If you are interested in taking English Classes, please see the attached Spring Schedule for the English Empowerment Center. The Fairfax Regional Library is offering classes on Mondays and Thursdays, 5:00pm-7:00pm starting February 10th - April 24th. The classes are free and you can sign up starting on Monday, January 27th, 4:30pm-6:00pm. The Fairfax Regional Library is located at 10360 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Si está interesado(a) en tomar clases de inglés, consulte el folleto de primavera adjunto del English Empowerment Center. La Biblioteca Regional de Fairfax ofrece clases los lunes y jueves, de 5:00 p. m. a 7:00 p. m., del 10 de febrero al 24 de abril. Las clases son gratuitas y pueden inscribirse a partir del lunes 27 de enero de 4:30pm a 6:00pm. La Biblioteca Regional de Fairfax está ubicada en 10360 North St, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Consulte el folleto adjunto para obtener más información.

📍 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:

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.

📍 Actualizaciones de la Revisión Integral de Límites

Reuniones virtuales de la Comunidad para la Revisión Integral de Límites se llevarán a cabo:

lunes, 10 de febrero de 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

La inscripción estará disponible próximamente en la página web de Revisión Integral de Límites, donde también podrá informarse sobre el proceso de revisión de límites. Inscríbase también en nuestro boletín de Revisión de Límites Escolares.

Music News

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week day camp at George Mason University

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

Let's get your child to class when the bell rings. Every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. The life skills children need to get ready for school are the same life skills that will help them reach graduation and beyond!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

If you need support, reach out to your school counselor, family liaison, or school social worker for a helping hand. If your child is not feeling well, please view the Can My Child Go to School? webpage.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Social Intelligence. Social intelligence means understanding other people's thoughts and feelings and why they act the way they do.

Social intelligence helps us build good relationships by being aware of others’ emotions and behaviors. It is different from "book smarts" and grows with experience. It also allows people to connect, form friendships, and protect themselves from being taken advantage of. It also helps us read facial expressions and understand what motivates others.

To practice and encourage the character strength of social intelligence at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

FY 2026 Proposed Budget
Student-Driven Lunch Menus
Inclusion Awards Nominations

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

February 1- PTA Skate Night

February 17- No School (Presidents' Day)

February 20- International Night

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- January 27, 2025

GovDelivery2 months ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary School Community,

I hope this message finds you all well and warm. Last week brought us some frigid temperatures and unexpected delays, and I appreciate everyone's patience and adaptability during these times. As we move into the new week, we are excited to return to our regular schedule, including the much-anticipated recess for our students.

Tomorrow marks the end of the grading period, a time to reflect on our students' hard work and accomplishments over the past months. We are proud of their efforts and grateful for the support from our dedicated teachers and staff.

Please note that Wednesday will be a teacher workday. This provides our educators with the opportunity to finalize grades and prepare for the next grading period, ensuring that we continue to provide an enriching and supportive learning environment for all students.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal

PTA News 🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

After School Soccer Program

Yoga Club

Dear Parents,

Estimados padres,

Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.Learn more about Mentoring Month.

Research has shown that young people with at least one trusted mentor are less likely to skip school, less likely to use illegal drugs or drink alcohol, and more prepared to enter college or the workforce. Yet one in three children lack a mentor.

All it takes is one person to serve as a trusted adult to help change a young person’s path in life. Mentors provide attention, support, and enrichment, and help connect their mentees to resources that may help them on their journey in life.

The FCPS MentorWorks program matches mentors with students in schools near where they live or work. They meet for at least 30 minutes a week. Learn more about how to become a mentor for an FCPS student. Contact Martha Macdonald, mentoring specialist, for additional information at [email protected].

Spring 2025 Adult English Classes

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Consulte el folleto adjunto para obtener más información.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. 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 among the first to hear about weather delays and closings! Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE. Emails and text messages are sent to parents and caregivers based on the addresses and cell phone numbers entered on this platform.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

The Superintendent’s Boundary Review Advisory Committee held its second meeting on December 16 at Gatehouse Administration Center. View key takeaways from that meeting and access the meeting agenda, slides, and other materials that committee members received. If you did not get a chance to attend an in-person Community Boundary Review Meeting, please consider participating in a virtual meeting:

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

All virtual meetings will follow the same format as the in-person meetings that were recently held, and the same information will be shared. Please stay tuned for details on how to register. Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage to learn more. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Music News

🎵 International Night & Day: Thursday night, Feb 20 and Friday morning, Feb 21: Students and families – would you like to sing, play an instrument or dance to honor a certain country? Contact Michelle McCarten to schedule an audition (deadline Jan 31). All acts must be prepared ahead of time before the audition. Click here for a 90 second video to recap last years’ events.

🎵 The January Musician of the Month is Wu Man. She is a Chinese American pipa player and composer. The pipa is a 2000-year-old Chinese instrument named after the plucking sounds of its strings. Log on to your fcpsschools.net account then click here to play her music at home.

🎵 Miss McCarten Music Classes: Recital Day is next week. If your child takes private instrument lessons (outside of school) they are invited to perform for their classmates next week (during regular music class). This happens on their last music class of each quarter. Please contact Miss McCarten with questions.

🎵Ages 6-12. SU MMER CHOIR CAMP: 1 week day camp at George Mason University

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

P2 News

Dear Families,

This week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.

Prudence is about doing the right thing at the right time for the right reasons. It's a way of thinking ahead, setting goals, making plans, and having the discipline to follow through. It’s more about using your head than your heart.

Prudence helps with managing yourself effectively. Whether aiming for a sports record, getting good grades, or saving for something special, you need to plan ahead and stay focused. Even with a plan, you must resist temptations that might distract you. Prudence gives you the wisdom to use the right strengths at the right time to achieve your goals.

To practice and encourage the character strength of prudence at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

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.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

January 29- No School/ Teacher Work Day

February 1- PTA Skate Night

February 17- No School (Presidents' Day)

February 20- International Night

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- January 17, 2025

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary School Families,

I hope this message finds you well and rejuvenated after the winter break. It has been a fantastic first full week back, and I am excited to see all the smiling faces of our students as they dive into their learning with enthusiasm.

As we look ahead, please note that we have a three-day weekend coming up, giving everyone a little extra time to rest and recharge. I also want to extend my congratulations to all the students who participated in the strings concert this past week. It was an incredible performance, showcasing the talents of over 100 of our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Their dedication and hard work truly shone through, and it was a joy to witness.

Have a great weekend!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.

Spring Clean-Up

Join the Daniels Run community for a rewarding community event! Our school is hosting a Spring Clean-up Day on April 1st. Families are invited to come together to beautify our school grounds. We'll be weeding gardens, raking leaves, cleaning up litter, and improving the grounds around our school building. Bring the whole family, wear comfortable clothes, and don't forget your gloves! Let's show our school some love and make it shine!

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All 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!

PTA News

Spring 2025 Adult English Classes

Please see attached flyer for more information.

Consulte el folleto adjunto para obtener más información.

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 22. Current pre-K students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2024-25 school year. Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Parents/caregivers who are interested may want to attend an informational meeting. Meetings are held at the school site. Check the FCPS events calendar for the most current information. Meetings will begin on Tuesday, January 16.

A virtual meeting hosted by the World Languages Office will include general program information. Access to this virtual meeting will be made available on the FCPS events calendar and the Dual Language Immersion registration site on the day of the meeting.

Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

Music News

🎵 International Night & Day: Thursday night, Feb 20 and Friday morning, Feb 21: Students and families – would you like to sing, play an instrument or dance to honor a certain country? Contact Michelle McCarten to schedule an audition (deadline Jan 31). All acts must be prepared ahead of time before the audition. Click here for a 90 second video to recap last years’ events.

🎵 Congratulations to the 4th-6th grade string students for their fantastic concert on Tuesday. They performed to a “packed house” under the direction of Mx. Villa & Ms. Venne. Also congratulations to the 14 Daniels Run Singers that performed with 180 students in a two day choral festival last weekend.

⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax 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.

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

Visit Attendance Resources and Support for more attendance insights and support – because every day is a step toward a brighter tomorrow!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students and families who show up every day, even when it's busy.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming and safe haven for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging learning environment.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to our students.

For more visit our attendance webpage. Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! 📚

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Prudence. Prudence means you plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.

Thank you for your support!

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.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

January 20- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 29- No School/ Teacher Work Day

February 17- No School (Presidents' Day)

Quick Links

PTA Meeting Tonight!

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PTA News

Virtual PTA Meeting- Tonight

January 16th @ 7pm

Join us for our first meeting of the new year. We have lots of great events coming up!

Meeting link-

https://meet.google.com/csk-cjtv-rjf

We look forward to seeing you tonight!

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- January 10, 2025

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary School Families,

I hope you had a wonderful break and took full advantage of the additional snow days to relax and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. We are thrilled to welcome students back to school and are looking forward to a productive and engaging week ahead.

Next week promises to be exciting with several events on our calendar. We are eagerly anticipating the Strings Concert on Tuesday night, where our talented students will showcase their hard work and musical skills. Additionally, we have our PTA Virtual Meeting scheduled for Thursday. This meeting is a great opportunity for families to stay connected with school initiatives and get involved in our community.

We look forward to an exciting and fulfilling week with your children back in school.

Warm regards,
Susan Mullen

PTA News

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Get more information on the immersion program webpage and registration page.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

Music News

🎵 The Daniels Run Singers invite you to VOKE Children’s Choral Festival in Manassas this Sunday, 5pm, January 12, 2025, at Osbourn Park High School. Free admission. Contact Michelle McCarten if there is inclement weather for updated concert time.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

Attend Today Achieve Tomorrow!

This is the time of year when winter weather and children’s illnesses can take a toll on school attendance. But it’s important to get your children to school every day possible.

Do what you can to keep your children healthy. Dress them warmly for the cold weather. Encourage them to wash their hands regularly and send them to school with hand sanitizer.

Visit our website for more attendance resources.

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

Does your child resist going to school or refuse to go? If so, join the Family Resource Center’s School Resistance webinar on Friday, January 10, 10-11:30 p.m. The webinar will explore how to take care of yourself in the heat of the moment and set supportive boundaries at home. Register in advance.

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

Safe Students, Safe Schools

Fairfax County Public Schools believes that academic success is built on the foundation of a safe learning environment. This includes physical safety, and mental health and wellness.

FCPS has a comprehensive approach to safety that involves physical security measures, online monitoring by security staff, and crisis intervention support. The division has created the Safe Students, Safe Schools Brochure (PDF) to enhance your awareness of potential hazards and to equip you with practical tips for how you can help. Visit the FCPS website for more information.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
Conversation to Raise Awareness of Fentanyl and Other Drugs
School Safety and Security

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

January 16- PTA Meeting (virtual)

January 20- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 29- No School/ Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- December 20, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families,

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes to each and every one of you. This year has been filled with learning and growth, and I am incredibly proud to be part of such a dedicated school.

I want to extend a special thank you to the Fairfax Rotary Club. Their generosity in providing dictionaries to each of our 3rd-grade students has been immensely appreciated. It was truly a joy to see the excitement in our students' eyes as they explored their new dictionaries, wandering around the school with their newfound resources. This gift has not only enriched their learning experience but also inspired a love for words and knowledge.

As we head into the winter break, I hope you all have the opportunity to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome the new year with renewed energy and commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. Thank you all for your continued support, dedication, and involvement in making Daniels Run Elementary School a wonderful place to learn and grow.

Wishing you a wonderful winter break and a happy new year!

Warm regards,
Susan Mullen

Let it Snow!

Our Daniels Run ES admin team pictured left to right: Mrs. Van Aalst, Mrs. Mullen, and Ms. Alabi dressed up as Frosty the Snowman and celebrated the light snowfall this morning!

❄️ Be Among the First to Hear About School Delays/Closings

Watch this video to see how FCPS makes weather closing decisions.

🗺️ Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration

Dual Language Immersion is available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.

Get more information on the DLI Program webpage and DLI Program Registration webpage.

📍 Comprehensive Boundary Review Update

Friday, January 10, 2025, 6-7:30 p.m.

Thursday, January 16, 2025, 1-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 25, 2025, 9:30-11 a.m.

Monday, January 27, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.
Monday, February 10, 2025, 6:30-8 p.m.

Language interpretation will be available.

Music News

🎵 The January Musician of the Month is Man Wu. She is a Chinese American pipa player and composer. The pipa is a 2000-year-old Chinese instrument named after the plucking sounds of its strings.

🎵 The 2nd grade enjoyed a holiday sing-along in music! Click here to view video overview of each one:

Sing-Along #1, Sing-Along #2, Sing-Along #3 (check social media later today 😊)

🎵 The Daniels Run Singers invite you to VOKE Children’s Choral Festival in Manassas next month. Come to their free concert 5pm, Sunday, January 12, 2025, at Osbourn Park High School.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

The weeks surrounding winter break often include more empty seats in classrooms. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow. Let’s nurture a rock-solid attendance habit.

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up daily and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.

If you or your child need support, please contact a school counselor, social worker, or family liaison.

If your child is not feeling well, please refer to our guidance on when to keep your child home.

Find more attendance resources.

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

PTA News

PTA UPDATES:

Save the Date for our first meeting of 2025!

Thursday, January 16th @ pm Virtually (Google Meet Link will be sent after winter break)

Welcome to the PTA Daniels Run Elementary Spirit Wear Shop!

Delivery on orders placed after Dec. 15 is not guaranteed before winter break. Orders placed after winter break will be delivered to your designated shipping address with a $5 shipping fee.

Order Here: www.campussurvivalkits.com/danielsrun

Daniels Run Outstanding Employee Award School Winners

Outstanding New Teacher

Natalie Wilson

Outstanding Teacher

Erin Denton

Outstanding Principal

Susan Mullen

Outstanding Professional Employee

Joseph Gayl

Outstanding Operational Employee

Carlos Camacho

Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Dear Daniels Run Elementary Families,

The DRES Komodo’s Karate program begins in less than six weeks.

The program runs once a week for eight weeks. The first 8 week session will take place in the gym afterschool starting on January 14th-March 4th. Mr. Gayl will be facilitating and teaching the karate program.

There are a few things you should know before signing up for karate.

Your child must be picked up after karate! Karate ends at 4:50 pm and pick up will be in the Kiss and Ride parking lot. I will reach out to you to find out how your child is being picked up.
There will be three 8 week sessions of karate between January and June. If you sign the karate waiver, I will put your child in one of the three 8 week sessions.
You must fill out and return a karate waiver by Friday December 20th. You can either email me the signed waiver or bring it to school.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Joseph Gayl

Certification American Freestyle Karate Instructor

School Counselor

Actualización para padres de Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Hola, padres y familias de Daniels Run, a partir del martes 14 de enero, comenzará el programa de Karate Daniels Run. Los estudiantes se dirigirán a la cafetería a las 4:00 pm. El karate se llevará a cabo de 16:05 a 16:55 horas. Los estudiantes serán recogidos de la entrada de kiss and ride a las 5:00 pm.

Por favor, asegúrese de que su hijo lleve algo cómodo para el karate. El programa es gratuito y los estudiantes no necesitan traer ningún equipo, uniforme o cinturón durante la clase de karate. Durante el karate, los estudiantes calentarán, aprenderán los conceptos básicos del karate, participarán en charlas de personajes y jugarán un juego activo.

El Programa de Karate Daniels Run se llevará a cabo durante ocho semanas y concluirá con una graduación de karate. Los estudiantes obtendrán sus cinturones amarillos una vez que concluya el programa.

Por favor, preséntese en la entrada de Kiss and Ride a las 4:55 pm. La última sesión tendrá lugar el martes 4 de marzo.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el maestro del salón de clases de su hijo o envíe un correo electrónico a jgayl-fcps.edu.

Gracias, Joseph Gayl

Certificación Instructor Americano de Karate Freestyle Consejero Escolar

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

P2 News

Dear Families,

When we return from break, our school community will focus on the character strength of Optimism. Optimism means that you expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.

Optimistic people have hope and confidence about the future. They believe good things will come and stay positive even when faced with challenges. They turn obstacles into steps toward their goals.

Optimism isn't just seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. It's about focusing on the good in any situation, staying open to opportunities, and managing emotions. Optimistic people make great leaders and can inspire others with their positive outlook and ability to find meaning in difficult times.

To practice and encourage the character strength of optimism at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

Dual Language Immersion Lottery Registration
Be Among the First to Hear About Closings/Delays
Fall 2024 Sports Champions

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

December 23-January 5- Winter Break- School and Office Closed

January 16- PTA Meeting (virtual)

January 20- No School (Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday/Inauguration Day)

January 29- No School/ Teacher Work Day

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- December 13, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary School Families,

I hope this message finds you well and in good spirits as we approach the holiday season.

I want to take a moment to share the joy and pride we experienced during our recent holiday concert at Sunrise Senior Living in Fairfax. Our Daniels Run chorus delivered a heartwarming performance that truly brought joy to everyone present. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to spread cheer and showcase their talents, and we are incredibly proud of their achievement. A big thank you to Michelle McCarten for orchestrating this fun event!

Looking ahead, we have a fun and cozy event planned for next Friday, December 20th. We are inviting all students and staff to join in the spirit of a snow day by wearing their favorite pajamas to school.

Additionally, if you are planning to volunteer at school this week, we kindly ask that you arrive a little early to allow yourself ample time for the check-in process at the office.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

Music News

🎵 Yesterday the 5th & 6th grade chorus performed for residents at Sunrise Living Home. They sang songs to celebrate our rich diversity at Daniels Run. They also visited with the residents and enjoyed getting to know our neighbors.

🎵 The Daniels Run Singers performed at the Fairfax City Festival of Lights in the Fairfax Town Square. They performed songs to celebrate peace and upcoming holidays. It was their first public performance of the year. Next up is the VOKE Children’s Choral Festival in Manassas. Come to their free concert 5pm, Sunday, January 12, 2025 at Osbourn Park High School.

🎵 The December Musician of the Month is Dolly Parton. She is an American country music singer-songwriter, guitarist, actress & advocate.

⛄Student and Family Resources

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!

🙋‍♂️ Attendance Is Important Every Day!

A big thank you to:

🌟 Students who show up daily and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
👩‍🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
👨‍💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who help our learners.

If you or your child need support, please contact a school counselor, social worker, or family liaison.

If your child is not feeling well, please refer to our guidance on when to keep your child home.

Find more attendance resources.

Webinar on Overcoming School Resistance

✨ Student attendance is one measure of Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.

PTA News

PTA UPDATES:

All Students received a Dragon Water bottle sticker this week for a job well done on our Fundraiser!

Students who raised $75+ received their DRE Dragon Water bottles as well!

Save the Date for our first meeting of 2025!

Thursday, January 16th @ pm Virtually (Google Meet Link will be sent after winter break)

Welcome to the PTA Daniels Run Elementary Spirit Wear Shop!

Orders placed by Dec. 15 will receive free delivery to the school by Thursday, Dec. 19 and will be sent home with your student. Delivery on orders placed after Dec. 15 is not guaranteed before winter break. Orders placed after winter break will be delivered to your designated shipping address with a $5 shipping fee.

If you order now, it will make a great gift for your student just in time for the holidays!

Order Here: www.campussurvivalkits.com/danielsrun

Daniels Run Outstanding Employee Award School Winners

Outstanding New Teacher

Natalie Wilson

Outstanding Teacher

Erin Denton

Outstanding Principal

Susan Mullen

Outstanding Professional Employee

Joseph Gayl

Outstanding Operational Employee

Carlos Camacho

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener Results Coming Soon

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of October, providing information on their SEL skills like achieving goals, understanding, and managing emotions, establishing, and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are now available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

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 reach out to our school staff with any questions.

Mrs. Fisher, Counselor and SEL screener lead

[email protected] or 703-279-8455

AAP News

Reminder: Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15, 2024

Parents/guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time advanced academic programs may submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to the Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Danni James at [email protected] no later than December 15, 2024.

The window for families to submit a referral for Full-Time AAP services is the first day of school through December 15, annually. Forms for Full-Time and part-time referrals are available on the AAP Forms Page. No late referrals for Full-Time AAP services will be accepted.

Submitting a referral form for Full-Time AAP will initiate a process that begins at the local school and is then completed at the central office level. Our school will put together a portfolio that includes multiple data which are considered holistically. At the central office level, a committee of six trained professionals from various schools and roles will review the portfolio materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time placement. Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of the portfolio that was submitted after they have been turned in for central selection by emailing Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, Danni James at [email protected]

Referrals for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP are screened at the local school. If you miss this deadline, your student can still be screened for Subject-Specific AAP or Part-Time AAP for the remainder of the year and submit a referral for Full-Time AAP next fall.

For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs website.

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

At Tuesday’s School Board work session, staff from Prismatic Services, Inc., presented options for adjusting start times at FCPS middle schools. As a reminder, Prismatic is charged with developing an action plan to help the School Board reach its goal of starting middle school at or after 8 a.m.

The presentation includes five options for adjusting middle school start times based on the consultant’s analysis from community forums, surveys, and interviews with staff, parents, associations, and other groups. The School Board will provide next steps to the superintendent.

Watch a video of the work session. Visit the Middle School Start Times webpage for more information on the project.

Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Dear Daniels Run Elementary Families,

The DRES Komodo’s Karate program begins in less than six weeks.

There are a few things you should know before signing up for karate.

Your child must be picked up after karate! Karate ends at 4:50 pm and pick up will be in the Kiss and Ride parking lot. I will reach out to you to find out how your child is being picked up.
There will be three 8 week sessions of karate between January and June. If you sign the karate waiver, I will put your child in one of the three 8 week sessions.
You must fill out and return a karate waiver by Friday December 20th. You can either email me the signed waiver or bring it to school.

Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Joseph Gayl

Certification American Freestyle Karate Instructor

School Counselor

Actualización para padres de Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Por favor, preséntese en la entrada de Kiss and Ride a las 4:55 pm. La última sesión tendrá lugar el martes 4 de marzo.

Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con el maestro del salón de clases de su hijo o envíe un correo electrónico a jgayl-fcps.edu.

Gracias, Joseph Gayl

Certificación Instructor Americano de Karate Freestyle Consejero Escolar

📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county.

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Self-Control. Self-control means having the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.

Having self-control helps people stay calm during tough times and avoid impulsive actions. It doesn’t mean you don’t have thoughts or feelings; it means you can manage them.

When working or gathering in groups, self-control is shown through “self-monitoring.” This means being honest about what works and what doesn’t. Group members adjust their roles to help the group succeed.

To practice and encourage the character strength of self-control at home, please visit The Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families (available in English and Spanish), where you will watch a video together and discuss a quote and three questions. Below are links to this week’s P2 for Families lessons. Click on the grade level that best meets your child’s needs.

Thank you for your continued support!

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others: