GovDelivery | Daniels Run Elementary School

Daniels Run ES- December 20, 2024

GovDelivery19 hours 16 minutes ago

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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.

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.

🗺️ 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.

📍 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:

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.

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

🎵 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

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.

🙋‍♂️ 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

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.

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

GovDelivery1 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 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:

Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
Join Our Teacher Team!
Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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

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 6, 2024

GovDelivery2 weeks ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary Families,

I hope this message finds you well. We've had a great week here at Daniels Run Elementary School and are grateful for your continued support and engagement in your child's education.

I wanted to remind you that Monday, December 9th, will be an early release day. This means that students will be dismissed earlier than usual. We have planned for your child to go home in the same manner as the last 3 hour early release day. Please make any necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe transition for your child.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

🙋‍♂️ 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.

Welcome to the PTA Daniels Run Elementary Spirit Wear Shop!

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

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

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned no later than Friday, December 6.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).

Please Welcome our Newest FLES Spanish Teacher!

My name is Gilberth Navarro Matamoros, and I am excited to join Daniel’s Run as the FLES Spanish teacher. I was born and raised in Costa Rica, where I taught elementary students for 9 years before moving to Springfield. I love teaching because it allows me to make learning fun and engaging for students. I also like that my students learn about my culture as well as other cultures. Outside of school, I enjoy running, playing soccer, and traveling. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and working together to make this a wonderful school year!

AAP News

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

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

⏰ Update on Potential Changes to Middle School Start Times

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

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

FCPS is working with K12 Insight to host a community forum for families, staff members, and students to provide feedback on the school division’s cell phone policies and practices, and the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) document. FCPS is looking for more student participants (grades 3-12) to help ensure diverse perspectives from our community.

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center.

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 community will focus on the character strength of Perseverance. Perseverance means completing what you start despite obstacles. It means never giving up.

People who show perseverance keep trying, even when they face challenges. They stay focused on their goals and work hard, even when things don't go as planned. Those who persevere often achieve great things because they don't quit. They also learn a lot and get better at what they do.

Perseverance can also inspire others. When one person in a group keeps going despite setbacks, it can motivate the whole team to keep trying and reach their goals.

To practice and encourage the character strength of perseverance 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!

Music News

🎵 Tomorrow: The Daniels Run Singers will perform at the Fairfax City Festival of Lights at 12pm, Saturday, December 7. Come celebrate with many holiday theme activities and cheer on the Daniels Run Singers 1st public performance in the Old Town Square.

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

FCPS News

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

Family Academy Orientation
Literacy Resources
Winter Programs and Activities

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 9- Early Release Monday (Dismissal at 12:45)

December 23-January 5- Winter Break

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

Quick Links

Picture Retake Day is Tomorrow!

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Fall Picture Retake Day is Tomorrow!

This is a friendly reminder that Thursday, December 5th is Fall Picture Retake Day. If your student was absent on Fall Picture Day or wants to retake their picture tomorrow is the last day to do so.

Quick Links

Monday, December 9th is an Early Release Day

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Early Release Day- Reminder

This is a friendly reminder that Monday, December 9th, will be an early release day. This means that students will be dismissed earlier than usual. Students will be dismissed at 12:45pm. We have planned for your child to go home in the same manner as the last early release day. Please make any necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and safe transition for your child.

Quick Links

Impact Aid Survey- Reminder

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Dear Daniels Run ES Families,

I hope this message finds you well. This is a friendly reminder to return the Impact Aid Surveys by Friday, December 6.

The Federal Impact Aid Survey is available to complete in ParentVue. The Federal Impact Aid program provides money to districts that enroll federally connected students. Help FCPS secure funding from the Impact Aid Program by helping us identify:

Military families.
Federally connected families.
Families living on a military base.

Please complete one form for each child in your household. Remember that only the enrolling parent can fill out the Impact Aid Survey form. For families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, a paper copy of the form was sent home with your student. Your information will be kept strictly confidential. Your support will ensure that we receive the resources for which we are eligible.

If you have already submitted the form, thank you! If you have not yet had the chance, please ensure it is returned by the specified deadline to help us maintain accurate and up-to-date information. If you have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Vicky Vien at (703) 279-8402 or [email protected].

Thank you for your cooperation!

Susan Mullen

Daniels Run ES, Principal

Quick Links

DRES PTA Spirit Wear Sale!!!

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Welcome to the PTA Daniels Run Elementary Spirit Wear Shop!

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

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- November 26, 2024

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Thanksgiving Break

From our Daniels Run ES Family to yours, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving! Schools and offices will be closed November 27-29. Classes will resume on Monday, December 2.

Learn more about the first Thanksgiving.

Please Welcome our Newest FLES Spanish Teacher!

Lifetouch Picture Orders

Dear Parents, As a token of appreciation, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!

50% off a purchase of $50+ with code USNOV50
40% off a purchase of $40+ with code USNOV40
30% off a purchase of $30+ with code USNOV30

Valid through 12/1/24

To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an online account. Don't forget to order your FREE Digital SmileSafe card! More about the Smilesafe program here.

Thank you!

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Supporting Others When They Struggle. This means when other people are struggling, we do our best to help them out.

Supporting other people when they struggle is a critical part of being human. There are many different approaches to helping people who are struggling. These can include listening while they describe an event and their feelings about it, taking action to help people in need, or simply being there and sitting together in silence. Everyone faces tough days and needs support, and this support leads to a chain of prosocial behavior that makes us feel good about ourselves and our group.

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!

AAP News

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

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

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

Community meetings regarding FCPS’ comprehensive boundary review will take place in each of the division's six regions. You are encouraged to attend the meeting in our region, which will take place on Monday, December 2, 6:30-8 p.m., at Westfield High School Cafeteria. Please register in advance by clicking on the date. Language interpretation will be available.

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Daniels Run Parents and Families,

Starting on Tuesday, January 14th, the Daniels Run Komodo Karate Program will begin. Students will head to the cafeteria at 4:00 pm. Karate will take place from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm. Students will be picked up from the kiss and ride entrance at 4:55 pm. Parents must be able to provide after school transportation in order for students to participate.

Please make sure your child is wearing something comfortable for karate. The program is free, and students do not need to bring any equipment, uniform, or belt during karate class. During karate, students will warm up, learn karate basics, participate in character talks, and play an active game.

The Daniels Run Komodo Karate Program will take place for eight weeks and conclude with a karate graduation. Students will earn their yellow belts once the program concludes.

Please be at the Kiss and Ride entrance by 4:55 pm.

The last session will take place on Tuesday March 4th.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or email [email protected].

Thanks,

Joseph Gayl

Certification American Freestyle Karate Instructor

School Counselor

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

One of the ways FCPS supports the mental wellness of all students is through the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener. In October, students in grades 3-12 took this screener, which gives information about their skills such as achieving goals, handling emotions, building relationships with adults and peers, and making good choices.

The screener also helps students evaluate their school community’s efforts to make them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to create learning, experiences, and environments for students to succeed.

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Learn more about the screener on the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage. For help understanding your child’s results or ideas to support them at home, review the Family Guide or contact your child’s school.

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

❄️Preparing for Winter Weather❄️

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

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 sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.

If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

Music News

🎵 The November Musician of the Month is Jeremy Dutcher. They are a classically trained tenor, composer & musicologist. Jeremy Dutcher is Canadian and a member of the Neqotkuk (Tobique) First Nation. Their music is a fusion of indigenous, classical, jazz, rock and pop.

🎵 Last month 40 students in 4th-6thgrade performed in the Fairfax Pyramid Concert. They performed with 100s of other students at Fairfax High School. Enjoy this video that gives an overview of their performance. Bravo pyramid choir students!

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

December 9- Early Release Monday (Dismissal at 12:45)

December 23-January 5- Winter Break

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- November 22, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Elementary Families,

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude, and we are incredibly thankful for our supportive community and dedicated families.

Important Reminder: Early Release on December 9th

Please note that Monday, December 9th, will be an early release day. We plan for your child to go home in the same manner as the last early release. If there are any changes to your child's schedule, kindly inform both the teacher and the school office by December 4th. This will help us ensure a smooth transition for all students.

Thank You

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the PTA for organizing a fantastic book fair. It was a joy to see so many of you at our Thanksgiving luncheon. A special shout-out to our Assistant Principal, Janelle Alabi, for her exceptional organization of this event. Additionally, we appreciate Beth Brixius for her invaluable assistance with the Principal's Coffee, book fair, and the volunteers who made the luncheon possible.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We wish you a joyful and restful Thanksgiving holiday.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

PTA News

A BIG THANK YOU to all the amazing parent volunteers who helped make our school book fair a success! Your time, energy and enthusiasm mean so much to our students and school community. We couldn't have done it without you!

AAP News

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

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

Student Feedback Opportunity for FCPS Cell Phone Policy and SR&R

The community forum will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 6:30-8 p.m., at the Willow Oaks Administrative Center. If your student is interested in providing feedback, please visit the Cell Phone Policy Forum registration page to learn more. Families must register their child by Monday, November 25.

Boundary Review Community Meeting

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Daniels Run Parents and Families,

The Daniels Run Komodo Karate Program will take place for eight weeks and conclude with a karate graduation. Students will earn their yellow belts once the program concludes.

Please be at the Kiss and Ride entrance by 4:55 pm.

The last session will take place on Tuesday March 4th.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or email [email protected].

Thanks,

Joseph Gayl

Certification American Freestyle Karate Instructor

School Counselor

Social and Emotional Learning Screener Results Coming Soon

In early December, families will be able to view student SEL Screener results in SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent by mail.

Register for ParentVUE

Learn how to activate your ParentVUE account, so you can easily access your child’s results and other helpful information.

Veteran's Day Recognition

If you are or have a family member that serves or has served in the US armed forces, please click here. We want to honor you on the Veterans Day display in the café. Your information will be written on a star and placed on a Veteran's Day display in the café. If you filled it out last year, you do not need to complete it again. The display will remain up until Thanksgiving Break.

❄️Preparing for Winter Weather❄️

Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.

Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange for childcare if needed.

Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will continue to focus on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means being aware of and grateful for good things that happen.

Gratitude is about feeling and showing thankfulness. It helps us see the good in others and in the world. People with gratitude are ready to appreciate and return kindness. Expert Robert Emmons says gratitude strengthens relationships because it makes us recognize how others support us.

Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is linked to more energy, empathy, happiness, and optimism. The good news is that gratitude can be practiced and strengthened like a muscle. The more we practice it, the more benefits we get.

To practice and encourage this strength 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!

Music News

FCPS News

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

Preparing for Winter Weather
SEL Screener Results
Varsity Girls Wrestling Is New Winter Sport

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

November 27-29- Thanksgiving Break

December 9- Early Release Monday (Dismissal at 12:45)

December 23-January 5- Winter Break

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- November 18, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families,

I hope you all had a great week and weekend! As we transition into the upcoming week, I'm happy to share some exciting events happening at our school.

Upcoming Events

Book Fair: Our annual Book Fair will be running all week. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore new books and foster a love for reading in our students. We encourage everyone to stop by!
Thanksgiving Lunches: We are delighted to invite families to join us for Thanksgiving lunches on Friday, November 22nd. It's a wonderful occasion to come together and celebrate the spirit of gratitude and community.

I am looking forward to seeing many of you at these events and appreciate your continued support.

Principal's Coffee

Mark your calendars for Thursday, November 21, when we will host a Principal's Coffee at 9 AM in our cafeteria. We are honored to have our wonderful Reading Resource Teacher, Kathy Shankle, featured at this event, where she will introduce the new county reading program. It promises to be an enlightening session, and we hope you can join us.

Thank you for being such an integral part of the Daniels Run family. Your involvement and enthusiasm make our school a vibrant place for learning and growth.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

Boundary Review Community Meeting

If you are unable to attend on this date, view the full list of meetings on the Comprehensive School Boundary Review webpage.

Daniels Run Komodo Karate

Daniels Run Parents and Families,

The Daniels Run Komodo Karate Program will take place for eight weeks and conclude with a karate graduation. Students will earn their yellow belts once the program concludes.

Please be at the Kiss and Ride entrance by 4:55 pm.

The last session will take place on Tuesday March 4th.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher or email [email protected].

Thanks,

Joseph Gayl

Certification American Freestyle Karate Instructor

School Counselor

Arbor Day Poem Winner!

A big congratulations goes out to Daniels Run sixth grader, Aarna.

Fairfax City posted this video of Aarna reading her winning Arbor Day poem on their Instagram.

We are still accepting Thanksgiving Luncheon RSVPs at the link here.

Thanksgiving Luncheon Volunteer Sign up

We are in need of hosts and servers for our Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 22nd. Please refer to the grade level schedule above to have lunch with your student(s). Then if you're wiling and able please sign up for another time slot to volunteer. We would really appreciate it!

You can sign up to volunteer here.

Veteran's Day Recognition

PTA News Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Over these next two weeks, our school community will focus on the character strength of Gratitude. Gratitude means being aware of and grateful for good things that happen.

Thank you for your support!

Music News

FCPS News

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

Veterans Day Recognitions
Resources on IEPs, Financial Aid, Literacy, Community Leadership
Teacher Hiring 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

November 22- Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 27-29- Thanksgiving Break

December 9- Early Release Monday (Dismissal at 12:45)

December 23-January 5- Winter Break

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- November 10, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Hello Families,

I am happy to share that our fifth and sixth-grade chorus delivered an exceptional performance of several Veteran's Day songs last Friday. Their heartfelt tribute to our community's veterans was truly moving, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served.

As a gentle reminder, please ensure you bring a valid picture ID when visiting the school office. While digital IDs are convenient, having a physical ID is essential for our registration process. This practice is fundamental to maintaining the safety and security of our students and school environment.

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming Principal's Coffee on November 21st at 9:15 AM. This gathering presents a wonderful opportunity to engage in discussions about our new reading program from Kathy Shankle, our Reading Resource Teacher. We look forward to a productive conversation.

Thank you sincerely for your continued support and involvement in our school community. Wishing you a fantastic week ahead!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen, Principal

Daniels Run Elementary School

PTA News Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

City of Fairfax residents! Learn about the school bond referendum on the November 5 ballot. Go to www.CityofFairfaxSchools for more information or submit a question.

Area Orchestra Opportunity

🎵 Your 5th or 6th grade strings student has an opportunity to Join Area Orchestra. We meet at Katherine Johnson Middle School on the following dates (11/13, 11/20, 12/11 from 6:00-7:00 with the performance on 12/17 at 7pm at Katherine Johnson Middle School. This is a fun opportunity to learn and grow on your instrument and make new friends. Registration is in the following link https://forms.gle/EzDugDJsqbPyU4qQ9 . There is a $10 fee to be paid at the first rehearsal, checks made out to KJMS.

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Sengstack. [email protected].

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Bravery. Bravery means you act with mental, moral, or physical strength, even when you know things are difficult or scary.

Bravery refers to voluntary (not coerced) action in the face of a dangerous circumstance. This strength involves judgment; the brave person must have an understanding of the risks and consequences involved in acting. According to Socrates and Plato, forethought separates acts of valor from acts of rashness. This means that bravery isn’t simply fearlessness but instead the overcoming of fear.

Overcoming fears is critically important in individual development, as it allows the person to do more and become more. A person can be brave every single day. For example, some people with social anxiety are brave just by leaving their houses and talking with people. On a physical level, bravery allows us to overcome fears, such as swimming or playing a sport. And, on a moral level, doing what we know to be right, despite the risks, gives us the sense that we are acting on behalf of a larger purpose.

To practice and encourage the character strength of bravery 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!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

We are looking for volunteers to support our yearbook coordinator, primarily taking and collecting pictures throughout the year. No special skills, cameras or equipment needed. Aside from uploading your pictures, no additional time required (unless you'd like to help with design too!).

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

Music News

Veteran's Day

Veterans Day: A big thank you to our veterans, reserves and active military that protect and serve our country! Friday over the school intercom, 5th & 6th Grade Chorus sang an Armed Forces Medley to honor our military. If you are or have a family member that serves or has served in the US armed forces, please click here. We want to honor you on the Veterans Day display in the café. Your information will be written on a star and placed on a Veteran's Day display in the café. If you filled it out last year, you do not need to complete it again.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

November 11- Veterans Day/ No School

November 13- PTA Meeting

November 22- Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 27-29- Thanksgiving Break

Quick Links

Save the Date!- Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 22nd

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Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- October 25, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Hello Families,

Today we celebrated our annual Dragon Day, the PTA's biggest fundraiser of the year! It was a fantastic event filled with fun activities for our students. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Beth Brixius, the DRES PTA, and all the volunteers who dedicated their time and effort to make this day a success. Dragon Day is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, support our school, and enjoy some fun.

Important Note from the Front Office:

Dismissal time is an extremely busy part of the day, and our office staff needs to be available to assist everyone efficiently. We kindly ask that any early dismissals be scheduled at least 45 minutes prior to the final bell. On early release Mondays, please plan to pick up by 12:00 PM or 3:00 PM. On all other days, please ensure you arrive before 3:00 PM for an early dismissal.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Early Release: Monday, October 28th at 12:45 PM
Kindergarten (Community Helpers) and First Grade (Book Characters) Parade:

Date: October 31st
Time: 9:20 AM
Location: In front of the school
Note: October 31st is also a two-hour early release day for all students.

School Holiday: November 1st – School is closed.
Conference Day: November 4th – No school for students.
Election Day: November 5th – No school for students.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned by Wednesday, December 4.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE?

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey.

City of Fairfax residents! Learn about the school bond referendum on the November 5 ballot. Go to www.CityofFairfaxSchools for more information or submit a question.

Avid News

Just Like Me is an ice breaker that helps students learn what they have in common with their classmates and can also be used as a quick brain break. This activity requires no prep and just an index card per student.

Area Orchestra Opportunity

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Sengstack. [email protected].

PTA News

PTA News

Hello Dragon Families! We had a GREAT time with our students at Dragon Day today!

Be sure to ask your student about all the fun! There is still time to participate in the Dragon Drive Fundraiser. Check out the Fundraiser Website Here! https://app.givebacks.gives/danielsrunfundraiser

Save the Date for the PTA's Scholastic Book Fair! November 18-22

We will have a fabulous Book Fair set up in the Library. Classes will have scheduled times to come browse the fair during the week.

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Students in various grades are learning characteristics of bullying and how they can help stop it.

To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.

Bullying in Students Rights and Responsibilities is defined as: “Any aggressive and unwanted behavior that is intended to harm, intimidate, or humiliate the victim; involves a real or perceived power imbalance between the aggressor or aggressors and victim; and is repeated over time or causes severe emotional trauma. “Bullying” includes cyberbullying. “Bullying” does not include ordinary teasing, horseplay, argument, or peer conflict.”

For more information on how FCPS handles a bullying situation please visit the FCPS Bullying Prevention and Intervention webpage. Our goal is to ensure all students feel safe and welcome at school. If you have questions and/or concerns about something that is going on at school, please contact the front office so that they can support you and most importantly your student.

Below is a poster from Second Step about bullying prevention:

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students age 18 or younger to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Elementary School Clinics

The Fairfax County Health Department will provide immunizations for FCPS elementary students on limited early release Mondays at their district offices. All school-required immunizations will be offered at no cost. Call 703-246-7100 to make your appointment.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Knowing That My Words and Actions Affect Others, which means having an awareness that everything that we say and do can affect others — and our relationships with them.

Whether we speak, email, text, or post, our words and actions can have a positive or negative effect. The words and actions we choose can lift others up or bring them down, and they also impact us. When we all think carefully about our words and actions and show respect and care for those around us, we create a happier and healthier community.

Thank you for your support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

Music News

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in this free concert next Tuesday, October 29; 7pm at Fairfax High School!

🎵 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 will happen on their last music class of each quarter. Please contact Miss McCarten with questions.

🎵 The October Musician of the Month is Mexican guitar duo: Rodrigo y Gabriela. They play rock n’ roll, heavy metal, and fusion.

🎵 Congratulations to the 5th & 6th Grade Chorus for their concert in the lobby on October 10! The video was made available to all chorus parents and staff.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions at the final community conversation this fall. It will be held Wednesday, October 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m., at Herndon Middle School. Click the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS News

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

Federal Impact Aid Survey
Football Players Tackle Literacy
Tips to Keep Children Safe

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

October 28- 3 Hour Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45)

October 31- End of 1st Quarter/ 2 Hour Early Release

November 1- No School/Holiday

November 4- Teacher Work Day/ No School

November 5- Teacher Work Day/ No School

November 11- Veterans Day/ No School

November 22- Thanksgiving Luncheon

November 27-29- Thanksgiving Break

Quick Links

Friday, October 25th is Dragon Day!

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Dragon Day Schedule

2nd Grade 9:20-9:50am

3rd Grade 10:20-10:50am

Kindergarten and AM ECCB + PAC 11:20-11:50am

1st Grade 12:25-12:55pm

4th Grade + PM ECCB 1:30-2:00pm

6th Grade 2:00-2:30pm

5th Grade 2:40pm-3:10pm

We are excited for our Dragon Day tomorrow with students. Please refer to the schedule above for your student's grade level Dragon Day time.

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- October 18, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Hello Families,

I hope you had a great week and are enjoying this beautiful weather. Next week, we have our Dragon Day - the PTA's biggest fundraiser of the year! It's a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, support the school, and have fun.

We're also excited to announce that George Mason Baseball mentors have started mentoring in classrooms this week. It's a fantastic initiative to connect our students with positive role models and enrich their educational experience.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Early Release: Monday, October 28th
Kindergarten (Community Helpers) and First Grade (Book Characters) Parade:

Date: October 31st
Time: 9:20 AM
Location: In front of the school
Note: October 31st is also a two-hour early release day for all students.

School Holiday: November 1st – School is closed.
Conference Day: November 4th – No school for students.
Election Day: November 5th – No school for students.

We hope these events and activities help keep you informed and engaged with our school community. Thank you for your continued support and involvement.

Have a great week!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

PE News

A huge thank you to all the amazing volunteers who helped make our Field Day a success! We couldn't have done it without your time, energy, and enthusiasm. Your support ensured the day ran smoothly, and the students had a blast with all the activities. We truly appreciate everything you did to make the event memorable for the kids!

Our students are enjoying our catching and throwing unit in PE, and we would love your help! We use weighted stuffed animals (i.e. Beanie Babies / any small stuffed animal with plastic pellets inside) as a fun and safe tool to teach and practice these skills. If you have any Beanie Babies or small, weighted stuffed animals at home that you no longer need, we would greatly appreciate any donations. Your contributions will help enhance our lessons and provide a unique learning experience for the kids.

Thank you!

Mrs. Heffron and Mr. Murray

Avid News

Pass the Prop is an energizer where students communicate through movement and think of something in a different way. It’s a quick way for students to take a break, think creatively and build community. If you are interested in this activity, I’m happy to lead it or come in and help you out.

Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.

This School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services reminds families that they are dedicated to providing flavorful, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. Also, new menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.

Area Orchestra Opportunity

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Sengstack. [email protected].

We are TJ Investigative Science Outreach, a student-led organization at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. We will be hosting our 12th annual invitational science fair, and we would like to invite 5th-8th grade students from your school to participate. Admission to the science fair is completely free.

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

Our first interest/brainstorming session is October 18th, 2024 from 6-7PM. We will be holding this session virtually through Zoom. During this session we will go over the goals and guidelines of this fair and introduce students to a multitude of project ideas. All interested students should sign up using the form at the link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0Y0oodU11TzBUfWFnU5lsxoWaqixuX50fxVNv5A5DxcmRvw/viewform?usp=sf_link

PTA News October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Students in various grades are learning characteristics of bullying and how they can help stop it.

To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.

Below is a poster from Second Step about bullying prevention:

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will host immunization clinics for any FCPS student age 18 or younger at Frost Middle School on Monday, October 28, and Tuesday, October 29, from 3 to 7 p.m.

Students age 19 and older may access free immunizations at their middle/high school immunization clinic, the Fairfax County Health Department or through other community resources.

Elementary School Clinics

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Creativity. Creativity means coming up with new and original ways to think about and do things.

Creative people see the world differently. They are open to new experiences and think independently. They come up with many ideas and pursue them with energy and enthusiasm. Creativity takes courage because sharing original ideas can sometimes lead to criticism.

Creativity is vital to our world! Creative solutions can help resolve conflicts and find compromises that satisfy everyone involved, strengthening relationships. It helps us solve tough problems, create new things, and see the world in fresh ways. Examples include treatments for deadly illnesses, such as cancer, the invention of the cell phone, and the development of solar panels. Imagine life without Impressionist paintings or the creation of airplanes and rocket ships.

To encourage creativity with your child at home, visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you can watch a video, read a quote, and discuss three questions together.

Thank you for your continued support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

Music News

🎵 The October Musician of the Month is Mexican guitar duo: Rodrigo y Gabriela. They play rock n’ roll, heavy metal, and fusion.

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in this free concert this month: 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is hosting a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for one of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS News

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

FCPS Family Orientation
Community Conversations
Immunization Clinics

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

October 25- Dragon Day

October 28- 3 Hour Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45)

October 31- End of 1st Quarter/ 2 Hour Early Release

November 1- No School/Holiday

November 4- Teacher Work Day/ No School

November 5- Teacher Work Day/ No School

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- October 11, 2024

GovDelivery2 months 1 week ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Community,

I hope everyone had a great week!

At Daniels Run this past week, our chorus performed beautifully in the lobby, filling the school with their harmonious melodies. It was a delightful experience for everyone present.

Additionally, I am pleased to report that our Field Day was a great success. Students, teachers, and volunteers all came together to create a day full of fun, teamwork, and athletic achievements. Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and energy to make this event memorable.

In our continued effort to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, Daniels Run Elementary School is launching a Safety Task Force. This is a collaborative initiative designed to bring together school staff, families, and community members. The purpose of this group is to serve as an open forum to discuss safety concerns, share insights, and develop effective solutions that ensure a secure and nurturing environment for all students. By participating in the Safety Task Force, you will have the opportunity to voice your ideas, contribute to meaningful dialogue, and be a part of shaping policies that prioritize the well-being of our children. Together, let's build a safer school community where everyone feels protected and valued. Your involvement is key to our success! If you are interested in joining the task force please fill out this interest form.

Please note that Monday, October 14 is a staff development day, and there will be no school for students. We appreciate your cooperation and support as our staff engages in valuable professional growth activities.

We look forward to another successful week at Daniels Run Elementary. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

Field Day Fun! Chorus in the Lobby Celebrating the Power of School Lunches

Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? Nutrition Services now has printable menus.

Join the City of Fairfax on Tuesday, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at Daniels Run ES for an informational night about the school bond referendum on the November ballot. City residents can ask questions and learn more about the school facility needs. For more information, please go to the City of Fairfax Schools website https://www.cityoffairfaxschools.org/.

Area Orchestra Opportunity

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Sengstack. [email protected].

PTA News

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

October is National Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Students in various grades are learning characteristics of bullying and how they can help stop it.

To help develop a common understanding of Bullying, below is the FCPS definition.

Below is a poster from Second Step about bullying prevention:

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:

Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Transportation options are available.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are highly encouraged to avoid wait times. A parent or guardian must accompany walk-in students under the age of 19 to provide consent. Learn more about immunization resources and registering in other languages for the Safeway clinic.

Elementary School Clinics

Grade Level Attendance Competition Winners!

The month of September was Attendance Awareness month. We started off the year strong with students excited to be back in school. There were a total of 20 days of school in September. The grade level that won first place for highest percentage of students with good attendance (2 or less missed days) was...THIRD GRADE!!! As a grade level 89% of students achieved good attendance in the month of September. We can't wait to see who wins in October.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Integrity. Integrity means being honest, truthful, and genuine.

Integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. People with integrity tell the truth and align their thoughts, feelings, and actions. They have the courage to stick to their beliefs, even if it means not following the crowd. Integrity is closely related to honesty and authenticity.

Integrity is essential for personal growth and well-being. When your thoughts, feelings, and actions are in harmony, you can grow and achieve your goals. Being authentic and genuine makes you more likable and trusted by others, improving your relationships.

To practice and encourage the character strength of integrity at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you can watch a video, read a quote, and discuss three questions together.

Thank you for your continued support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

Music News

🎵 Congratulations to the 5th & 6th Grade Chorus for their concert in the lobby yesterday! The video will be available to all teachers & chorus parents soon.

🎵 The October Musician of the Month is Mexican guitar duo: Rodrigo y Gabriela. They play rock n’ roll, heavy metal, and fusion.

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in this free concert this month: 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Click the dates below to register for any of the following conversations:

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
Learn About Lexia for Literacy
Schools Win Exemplar Awards
Upcoming Community Conversations

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

October 14- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday

October 18- Spirit Day: Dress Like Your Teacher

October 25- Dragon Day

October 28- 3 Hour Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45)

October 31- End of 1st Quarter/ 2 Hour Early Release

November 1- No School/Holiday

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- October 4, 2024

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Community,

I hope everyone had a great week and is enjoying the four-day weekend. It's always refreshing to take a little break and recharge!

This week, we were thrilled to host fifty volunteers from Patient First who graciously dedicated their time to help clean, garden, and spruce up our school grounds. Despite the wet conditions from recent rains, their hard work and dedication were truly appreciated. Their partnership with us is invaluable, and we are grateful for their commitment to enhancing our school environment.

In terms of safety, we made productive use of the teacher's workday by organizing a training session with the Office of Safety and Security for our office staff. Ensuring the safety and security of our students and staff is paramount, and continuous training helps us maintain a safe school environment.

Looking ahead, we are excited about Field Day next Friday, October 11th. This is a special day for both staff and students, filled with fun and activities. Please keep an eye out for updates from your classroom teachers regarding what to bring and wear to ensure everyone is prepared to make the most of this exciting event.

Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and support. We look forward to another successful week at Daniels Run Elementary.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

Junior Cheer Clinic on Pyramid Night

This camp will be ran both by the Varsity Cheer team and Athletic Boosters. It will take place this Friday, October 4th, from 4-8pm. Please click on the link below to sign up:

https://fhsathleticboosters.square.site/product/fairfax-junior-cheer-clinic-ages-7-13/260?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false

Fairfax HS is hosting a family festival for future FHS Lions! There will be bouncy house, petting zoo, games, and activities with FHS students and clubs before the FHS football game. Students there before 6:15 will get to run through the spirit tunnel after the football team.

Field Day is October 11th Volunteers are Needed!

We’re still looking for volunteers to help run stations and chaperone classes throughout field day. If you are interested and available, please use the links below to sign-up:

Chaperone Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50969253-daniels#/

Station Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50971807-field#/

Thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t do this without you and are so appreciative of your time and support.

*If a station and/or class you’d like to volunteer for is filled, reach out to Mrs. Heffron [email protected] or Mr. Murray [email protected] and we will add an additional slot for you!

PTA News

Safeway Immunization Clinics for All FCPS Students

Safeway Pharmacy will be providing immunizations at Frost Middle School for all FCPS students at no cost on:

Tuesday, October 8, 3-7 p.m.
Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Monday, October 28, 3-7 p.m.

Elementary School Clinics

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

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

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

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.

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

AAP News

Another presentation will be conducted on Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30pm in the DRES Library to discuss the Full-Time AAP screening process. Ms. James will provide detailed information about the Full-Time screening process, and answer questions about Full-Time advanced academic services.

Please be sure to access the AAP Fall Newsletter found here.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the Other People Mindset of Being present and giving others my attention. This means when we are with other people, we are present and give them our full attention.

In today's world, it's easy to get distracted by phone calls, messages, and social media. These distractions can pull us away from what's most important — our relationships with other people.

Just as plants need sunlight to grow, our relationships need attention. If we don’t give our full attention when we are with our family, friends, and even colleagues, we can't build strong relationships. It’s crucial to put down our phones and tablets and really listen when others are talking. Positive relationships are the foundation of a positive culture, and we can’t build positive relationships without attention.

To practice and encourage the Other People Mindset of being present and giving others our attention, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions.

Thank you for your support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

Music News

🎵 1st Chorus Performance of the year:

Thursday, October 10 (9-9:20am) in the school lobby. The 5th & 6th grade chorus will perform canons and a medley for students. The chorus will perform on the steps in the lobby while teachers can bring their class to stand and listen for a few songs. Parents are welcome to also stand and listen in the lobby once they are signed in at the front office. A recording will be available to teachers & chorus parents later.

🎵 The October Musician of the Month is Mexican guitar duo: Rodrigo y Gabriela. They play rock n’ roll, heavy metal, and fusion.

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in this free concert this month: 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School!

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS 2023-2030 Strategic Plan

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

Our final goal is Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation. We are preparing our students for a future that has yet to be imagined. We must give them the skills they will need to succeed. Watch this video to see students exploring and preparing for careers through Career and Technical Experience programs. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.

FCPS News

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

All FCPS Schools Accredited
How FCPS Is Teaching Reading and Writing
Become a Special Education Teacher

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

October 4- Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday

October 10- Fall Picture Day

October 11- Field Day

October 14- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday

October 28- 3 Hour Early Release Day (Students dismissed at 12:45)

October 31- End of 1st Quarter/ 2 Hour Early Release

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- September 27, 2024

GovDelivery2 months 3 weeks ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Families,

I hope this message finds you well. I apologize for not being able to see more of you outside recently, as I have been attending county meetings and training sessions to better support our school. We have had a productive week at Daniels Run Elementary School. Our students are nearing the completion of their initial assessments, which allows our dedicated teachers to effectively tailor their instruction to meet each student’s academic needs. I am pleased to share that our new reading program is off to an excellent start, thanks to the hard work and commitment of our teaching staff.

Safety Updates

I understand that school safety is a primary concern for everyone, and I want to share some important updates and information regarding staff readiness at Daniels Run:

Staff Training: Our staff received training before the school year began and participated in an additional all-staff training session in September, focusing on building procedures and safety protocols.
Crisis Management: A table talk discussion was held in September with the Office of Safety and Security for staff responsible for our Crisis Management Plan.
Security Assessments: Our security resource person, Destini Juarez, along with personnel from the Safety Office and myself, routinely assess the school premises (we conducted weekly walks in the month of September).
Building Modifications: We addressed challenges with the large school foyer by installing ropes and a sign to guide visitors directly into the office until a secure vestibule and cameras can be installed.
Incident Response: A debriefing meeting was conducted with the office staff and the responding Assistant Principal following the incident on September 16, 2024. As a result, three actions were taken:

Previous office staff training was reinforced specifically in regard to screening visitors and responding to the front and all entry doors.
A bin was placed outside the main doors of the school for deliveries.
A training date with the Office of Safety and Security was confirmed for the office staff.

Safety Communication: We are also adding a safety section to our staff newsletter where our security resource officer will provide staff with tips and updates.

Coming Soon: A Frequently Asked Questions document answering many of your questions!

Upcoming Dates

Looking ahead to the upcoming week, please note:

Thursday: School Holiday for Rosh Hashanah. We extend our best wishes to all families celebrating on this day.
Friday: Teacher Planning Day. There will be no school for students.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. We are excited about the progress our students are making and look forward to a successful school year.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

This November, City of Fairfax residents will vote on a referendum to finance the cost of capital improvements to Providence ES, Daniels Run ES, and replace the roof at Fairfax HS. For more information, go to the City of Fairfax Schools website at www.CityofFairfaxSchools.org or attend a community engagement night on Monday, September 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Providence ES.

Field Day is October 11th Volunteers are Needed!

We’re still looking for volunteers to help run stations and chaperone classes throughout field day. If you are interested and available, please use the links below to sign-up:

Chaperone Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50969253-daniels#/

Station Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50971807-field#/

Thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t do this without you and are so appreciative of your time and support.

*If a station and/or class you’d like to volunteer for is filled, reach out to Mrs. Heffron [email protected] or Mr. Murray [email protected] and we will add an additional slot for you!

PTA News

Gun Safety and Safe Gun Storage

Providing students and staff with a safe educational environment remains our priority. Sadly, gun violence continues to impact schools and communities across our nation.

In FCPS, lessons on gun safety are built into our curriculum. It is critical that parents and guardians talk to their children about the importance of gun safety and safe gun storage in their homes, and in any home they may visit.

The FCPS website has gun safety resources as well as detailed information about safety and security practices at schools. See Dr. Reid’s recent letter to the community for more resources.

Safely Store Firearms and Medications

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board has a limited supply of free locking medication boxes and trigger locks that fit a wide variety of firearms. Visit the Lock and Talk website to learn more.

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

FCPS is committed to supporting the mental wellness of all students. The Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener helps our students share their perspectives on how their schools and communities support them and help them develop the skills they need to succeed.

The screener is offered to all students in grades 3 through 12 in the fall and spring. It addresses skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students.

After each screening, results will be available in the Documents tab of SIS ParentVUE and mailed to families who don’t have a ParentVUE account. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage.

Families who wish to opt their child out may do so by completing the opt-out form in the Annual Notice packet or SIS ParentVUE. For more information, please visit the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener webpage or contact our front office.

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Children go through a lot of changes, and it can be hard to tell if their behavior is developmentally appropriate or if they could benefit from mental health support. It’s important to talk to your child and pay attention to their actions, especially these warning signs:

Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
Alcohol or drug use.
Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

If you notice any of these warning signs or feel your child may be experiencing a mental health challenge, help is available. Please contact our school psychologist, Marquita Lashley- [email protected], our school social worker, Emily Carleton at [email protected], or our school counselors, Ashleigh Fisher- [email protected] and Joseph Gayl- [email protected] to discuss your concerns and identify resources. Find additional ways to support your child’s wellness.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis such as thoughts of harming themselves or others, please take action right away. Call 988, go to the nearest emergency room, or contact the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health Emergency Services at 703-573-5679.

🗓️ Attendance Tip: Scheduling Family Trips or Events

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

When possible, schedule appointments for your child outside of school hours. If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or another reason, you must report the absence.

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

AAP News

Please be sure to access the AAP Fall Newsletter found here.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school will focus on the character strength of Open-Mindedness. This means being willing to consider new ideas and try new things. It involves looking at situations from all sides and not jumping to conclusions.

Open-mindedness is about seeking out and fairly weighing evidence, even if it goes against our own opinions or goals. Open-minded people listen to different viewpoints, including those that are less popular. They are often good listeners and provide balanced advice, which makes them great friends and confidants. This strength helps individuals form meaningful and lasting relationships.

To practice and encourage the character strength of open-mindedness at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions related to open-mindedness.

Thank you for your support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

POETRY CONTEST - 2024 Arbor Day

In celebration of 2024 Arbor Day on October 26th, 2024, Fairfax City Environmental Sustainability Committee is planning a poetry contest. The focus of the poetry contest is "Protect the Environment Around You". Focus of poetry can be about nature, the importance of trees, climate change, human impact on nature, global warming, decline in various species, or anything else related to environmental awareness and stewardship.

This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.

One poetry winner from each city school will receive the award of $50. The winner will also be invited to read their poetry at the Fairfax City Arbor Day Celebration on October 26th, 2024, at Van Dyck Park. (Details will be shared later)

Poetry submissions are due Monday, October 7.

Music News

🎵 The September Musician of the Month is Duke Ellington. He was an American jazz composer, pianist & bandleader.

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: Come see many of our 4th-6th graders sing in the concert: 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School! The concert is free

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Events take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS 2023-2030 Strategic Plan

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 4: Equitable Access to Opportunities

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

The fourth goal ensures all students have the same access to opportunities, no matter what school they attend. This includes academics and other programs that inspire and engage students and allow them to explore their passions and talents. See how Goal 4 is being put into practice.

FCPS News

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

FCPS Wants to Further Support Military Families
Sign and Return SR&R
Upcoming Immunization Clinics

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

October 3- Rosh Hashanah/Holiday (No School)

October 4- Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday

October 10- Fall Picture Day

October 11- Field Day

October 14- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- September 20, 2024

GovDelivery3 months ago

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families and caregivers,

It has been a busy week, filled with many exciting developments at Daniels Run Elementary School! I'm thrilled to share some of the highlights with you.

Our morning show is officially up and running, providing students with a dynamic way to start their day. It's wonderful to see our students involved and enthusiastic about this initiative. Additionally, our Positivity Project trait for next week is teamwork. We encourage you to talk with your children about what teamwork means and how they can embody these qualities in their daily lives.

Security Updates

We are implementing several security enhancements to ensure the safety and well-being of our school community. Soon, you will notice the installation of a new vestibule and cameras. Additionally, our staff will undergo training from the FCPS Office of Security to tighten up procedures and ensure that every employee is well-prepared. Thank you to the community members who have supported these efforts, especially those who shared valuable experiences that can help us improve.

I will be available to discuss these updates and answer any questions you may have at the upcoming PTA meeting on October 9th in the Daniels Run Art Room at 7:00 PM. Your input and support are invaluable as we work together to strengthen our school's security.

Early Release Monday

Next week marks our first early release Monday. We have prepared a list of students for these days, moving forward. If there are any changes to your child’s schedule, please ensure that both your child's teacher and the front office are informed.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration. It is through our collective efforts that we create a nurturing and secure learning environment for our students.

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

Field Day is October 11th Volunteers are Needed!

We’re still looking for volunteers to help run stations and chaperone classes throughout field day. If you are interested and available, please use the links below to sign-up:

Chaperone Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50969253-daniels#/

Station Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EAAAD2EA1F85-50971807-field#/

Thank you to all our volunteers. We couldn’t do this without you and are so appreciative of your time and support.

*If a station and/or class you’d like to volunteer for is filled, reach out to Mrs. Heffron [email protected] or Mr. Murray [email protected] and we will add an additional slot for you!

PTA News

Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning

Please note that the SEL Screener is not the same as the anonymous Fairfax County Youth Survey, which will take place later this fall.

Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health

Increased irritability, hyperactivity, energy, and/or aggressive behavior.
Excessive sadness, hopelessness, or worries.
Loss of appetite, or significant weight gain or loss.
Lack of sleep or too much sleep.
A decline in grades, school avoidance, or attendance concerns.
Alcohol or drug use.
Withdrawal from activities and/or friends and family.
Thoughts of harming themselves or others.

Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

We All Belong at School

Each one of us is unique, and every student matters. If your student is having a difficult time attending class, please speak with a trusted adult at school.

Watch this video to see how everyone belongs at school. Visit our Attendance webpage for resources on attendance. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Blue Star Welcome Week

Blue Star Welcome Week is a nationwide initiative to ensure military families feel a sense of belonging to their school communities. Fairfax County Public Schools will intentionally celebrate and acknowledge Blue Star Welcome Week.

When: Saturday, September 21 - Sunday, September 29, 2024

Why: Blue Star Welcome Week empowers military families to thrive as they serve. There are approximately 13,500 military-connected students enrolled in FCPS. One-third of our military families transition into or out of our district each year. Blue Star Welcome Week allows schools to welcome and connect with their military families. The goal is to create a sense of belonging and ensure our military families feel celebrated and welcomed into their school communities.

AAP News

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, September 26 at 6:30pm in the DRES Library, for a parent AAP information meeting. Ms. James, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, will be discussing the different levels of advanced differentiation offered in Fairfax County Public Schools. She will explain the screening processes, and answer questions about advanced academic services.

Please be sure to access the AAP Fall Newsletter found here.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Teamwork. Teamwork means you work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.

Teamwork involves prioritizing group success. Those strong in teamwork help all group members succeed, committing time and resources to the group's goals. They often delay personal accomplishments to ensure the group's overall success, which fosters positive feelings and counters selfishness and egotism.

For individuals, teamwork often means deferring or delaying individual accomplishments in order to ensure that the group maintains a high level of success. Their commitment to the larger group effort makes them good teammates. The positive feelings associated with being part of a larger whole — can be highly beneficial and combat selfishness and egotism.

To practice and encourage the character strength of teamwork at home, please visit the Positivity Project’s mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions related to teamwork.

Thank you for your continued support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

POETRY CONTEST - 2024 Arbor Day

This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.

Poetry submissions are due Monday, October 7.

Music News

🎵 The September Musician of the Month is Duke Ellington. He was an American jazz composer, pianist & bandleader.

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: All 4th-6th graders are invited to sing! Invitation letter here. Register here (deadline is this Saturday). Rehearsals are 4:45-6pm every Tuesday only in October. The free concert is 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School!

FCPS Trust Policy Supports Caring Culture

Fairfax County Public Schools is proud of its caring culture and strives to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all students and families. The FCPS Trust Policy solidifies this commitment and aligns with Fairfax County Goverment's Public Trust and Confidentiality Policy. It ensures that FCPS students and families can access FCPS benefits and services without fear that information will be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to federal immigration officials. Please visit FCPS’ Trust Policy webpage to learn more about the policy and regulation in multiple languages.

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Events will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS 2023-2030 Strategic Plan

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

Our third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful. For example, making sure they are readers by third grade and taking courses that challenge them throughout their education will help prepare them for lifelong success. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.

FCPS News

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

Accessing Intervention Plans
Students to Be Surveyed on Social-Emotional Learning
Update Immunizations Today!

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

September 23- Early Release at 12:45pm

October 3- Rosh Hashanah/Holiday (No School)

October 4- Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday

October 10- Fall Picture Day

October 11- Field Day

October 14- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday

Quick Links

Daniels Run ES- September 13, 2024 Updated

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A Note from the Principal

Dear Daniels Run Families and caregivers,

I hope this message finds you well. It was truly a fantastic week, and I was thrilled to see so many students and families at the Fairfax Homecoming Parade. Your support and enthusiasm were inspiring and made the event even more special.

Our Mega Morning Meeting on Friday was another highlight. It was a wonderful display of school spirit, and I thoroughly enjoyed witnessing our student leaders in action. Their leadership and dedication continue to make us proud.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead!

Warm regards,

Susan Mullen

Principal, Daniels Run Elementary School

P2 Mega Morning Meeting Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

🤒 When a Student Should Stay Home From School

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

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

If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify their teacher so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school's public health staff.

Read about how families can help form good attendance habits. Attend today, achieve tomorrow!

Blue Star Welcome Week

When: Saturday, September 21 - Sunday, September 29, 2024

Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?

We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact your child’s school for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.

🩹 Immunization Requirements

Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.

You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to your school’s front office.

Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided to your school’s front office, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:

A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.

Find more information on immunizations.

📋 Permission Forms

Families can easily grant permission for their children to access a variety of school resources through the Parent Digital Consent system. Parents can opt their child in or out of resources including online educational tools, school counseling services, and tutoring services. They can also change how student information is managed.Visit the Parent Digital Consent webpage to access the system. Watch this video to see how to use the tool.

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R)

The SR&R document explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses. Parents using SIS ParentVUE will be prompted to sign the document when logging in to that platform. A printable version of the document with a signature sheet is available on the SR&R webpage. This form should be signed and returned by Friday, September 30.

New School Menu Options

🍽️ Fueling Student Success: New Food Options Cooked up at FCPS

Students will have more than a dozen new options for lunch and breakfast in school cafeterias starting this week. New menu items were either favorites at last year’s food show — including Korean BBQ wings, sweet Thai chili wings, chicken tikka masala, and barbacoa street tacos — or were tested with student focus groups and tastings.

View school menus to see all the new options and when they will become available.

AAP News

Please mark your calendars for **Thursday, September 26 at 6:30pm in the DRES Library, for a parent AAP information meeting. Ms. James, our Advanced Academics Resource Teacher, will be discussing the different levels of advanced differentiation offered in Fairfax County Public Schools. She will explain the screening processes, and answer questions about advanced academic services.

Another presentation will be conducted on **Wednesday, October 9 at 6:30pm in the DRES Library to discuss the Full-Time AAP screening process. Ms. James will provide detailed information about the Full-Time screening process, and answer questions about Full-Time advanced academic services.

Please be sure to access the AAP Fall Newsletter found here.

**Please note that these dates have been changed since the last newsletter.

P2 News

Dear Families,

Next week, our school community will focus on the character strength of Curiosity. Curiosity means you like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.

Curiosity is essential to our character, driving our desire for wisdom and knowledge. It keeps us engaged in stories and encourages us to try new activities or travel. Everyone experiences curiosity differently — behaviorally, intellectually, and emotionally.

People with strong curiosity are more likely to ask questions and try new things. Curiosity is a form of courage because asking questions shows we don't know something, and trying new activities risks failure. However, it's through questions and exploration that we learn and grow.

To practice and encourage curiosity at home, please visit the mobile-friendly P2 for Families. There, you will watch a video clip together and discuss a quote and three questions related to the strength of curiosity.

Thank you for your support!

Yearbook Help Needed

Do you attend student activities at DRES and enjoying taking pictures?

If you are interested, please reach out to Angie Xhakolli at [email protected].

POETRY CONTEST - 2024 Arbor Day

This poetry contest is open to all students of Daniel's Run ES, Providence ES, Johnson MS, and Fairfax HS.

Poetry submissions are due Monday, October 7.

Music News

🎵 The September Musician of the Month is Duke Ellington. He was an American jazz composer, pianist & bandleader.

🎵 Fairfax Pyramid Choir: All 4th-6th graders are invited to sing! Rehearsals are 4:45-6pm every Tuesday only in October. The free concert is 7pm, Tuesday, October 29 at Fairfax High School! All 4th-6th grade students

🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions.

The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.

FCPS 2023-2030 Strategic Plan

✨ The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered

The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.

As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.

Early Release Mondays

Fairfax County Public Schools has planned seven early release Mondays starting in September. Please mark the dates listed below on your calendars.

Daniels Run ES will dismiss at 12:45 PM on the following days:

September 23
October 28
December 9 **changed from November 25th**
February 24
March 17
April 28
May 19

Visit FCPS' webpage for detailed information about early release Mondays. Please make sure to fill out the survey linked here: https://forms.gle/pHYySmGkSqiwpDDC9 regarding early release Mondays.

FCPS Calendar

FCPS School Calendar 2024-2025

Important Dates

September 23- Early Release at 12:45pm

October 3- Rosh Hashanah/Holiday (No School)

October 4- Teacher Work Day/Student Holiday

October 11- Field Day

October 14- Indigenous Peoples' Day/Student Holiday

Quick Links

48 minutes 8 seconds ago

Daniels Run Elementary School News and announcements

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