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Principal's Message
DRES Families,
The City of Fairfax has changed a number of street names in the city and our new address is 3705 Blenheim Boulevard. We will be working over the next few weeks to update our correspondence, website, etc. to reflect this change.
I look forward to our pyramid night at the FHS basketball game next Friday (2/10) and hope to see many of our student and families at the game.
If you have any questions or concerns you can contact our main office at 703-279-8400 or contact me directly at [email protected]
Enjoy your weekend,
Chris Smith
DRES Principal
Electronic Device Policy
(Phones and Smart Watches)
Students in grades K-6: Phones must be silenced and in backpacks for the duration of the school day. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited. Students are prohibited from using phones, tablets, and other mobile devices in restrooms and locker rooms, unless there is a medical necessity or emergency. Cell phones may be used on campus before and after school only.
PTA News
Bingo and Baskets Donations Needed
Bingo and Baskets night is coming on February 17th. We are seeking donations for prizes and baskets. Please consider donating and sign up at www.danielsrunpta.org/getinvolved
(*you may need to copy and paste the link!*)
Join the PTA Today!
We're always looking for new members! Join the Daniels Run PTA for the 2022-2023 School Year by March 31st and be entered to win a $50 Grocery Gift Card!
dres.memberhub.com/store
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
Animal Shelter Coin Drive
Miss Barone’s 5th grade class is raising money for the Fairfax County Animal Shelter
When: February 6- 28
Where: In the cafeteria during lunch
Who: 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students
What: Upper grade students will be able to donate coins.
The grade level who donates the most money will receive extra recess and an icicle party!
Text-to-Speech Available on FCPS Websites
FCPS is introducing an innovative way to address the diverse needs of the community. A new text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website and each school website, will read the words aloud from webpages.
The feature will help those with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or other difficulty reading large amounts of online text. The text-to-speech feature is available for English, Spanish, and Korean. Learn more and try out the new feature.
Girls on the Run
We are excited for the Girls on the Run Spring 2023 season at Daniels Run Elementary School. The program uses a curriculum that creatively integrates running with life lessons. As a result, the Girls on the Run program empowers girls to develop the confidence and character they need to become strong and healthy young adults.
Registration for the Spring 2023 program is open from February 6th to 28th, and the season will run from the week of March 6 to May 21st. Practices will be held on Wednesday afternoons from 3:45-4:45 and Friday mornings from 7:45-8:45. The standard program fee is $185. We also offer military and sibling discounts and financial assistance for all families. For more information, go to the Girls on the Run of NOVA website at www.gotrnova.org or contact the Girls on the Run coach, Kate Hebert, at [email protected]
FCPS Equitable Access to Literacy Plan
We wanted to share an overview of the vision of the FCPS Equitable Access to Literacy Plan with you since you might have heard the term Science of Reading.
- FCPS is unified in our commitment to a division-wide, comprehensive, and culturally responsive PreK - 12 literacy program that uses evidence-based practices, is grounded in science-based reading research, and intentionally expands learning opportunities in accordance with students’ needs.
- FCPS ensures students receive explicit instruction in reading and writing to achieve proficiency in literacy and eliminate disproportionate outcomes based on race, gender, zip code, ability, socioeconomic status, or languages spoken at home.
At FCPS' approach to literacy acquisition is grounded in science-based reading research, implemented through a structured literacy model, and guided by three anchors; The Simple View of Reading (Gough, P. B., & Tunmer, W. E. 1986), The Four-Part Processing Model (Seidenberg & McCLelland 1989), and The Reading Rope (Scarborough, 2001). For more information please click HERE.
Magnet School Application and Lottery Information
The Magnet Program registration window will be open from Wednesday March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, 2023. No late applications are accepted.
To learn more about the programs and the registration process, families are encouraged to attend one of the Parent Informational Nights:
- Hunters Woods Elementary, February 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - In-person
- Snow date: February 21, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
- Bailey’s Upper, February 15, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - Virtual only
- Bailey’s Primary, February 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. - In person
- Snow date: February 23, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Visit the
website to learn more.
Send In Your Yearbook Pictures!
Save the Date: Spring Picture Day
Spring Portraits and class pictures will take place Thursday, February 9th. This is a pre-pay event. Order forms should be given to the photographer on picture day. This is a one time event, a makeup day will not be scheduled.
Volunteers are needed! Please contact Maria Mateus at [email protected] if you are interested in volunteering. All volunteers will receive a discount on photo packages.
Strategic Planning Updates
Strategic Plan: Make Your Students’ Voice Count! Strategic Planning is in process and will incorporate feedback from school staff, families, students, and community partners and organizations. Please encourage your students to participate in this unique opportunity to share their voices.
FCPS is currently seeking secondary students in grades 7-12 who are interested in participating in a Strategic Plan focus group. This focus group provides an opportunity to share feedback in a small group with other FCPS students and a trained facilitator. FCPS is hosting four virtual focus groups for secondary students in February and March:
February 9, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
March 16, 3:30-5 p.m. or 5:30-7 p.m.
Interested students should check their email for a form to sign up for the focus groups. Students will be asked to provide their student ID, so their parents/caregivers can be identified and contacted to ask for consent to participate.
If you have any questions about the student focus groups or you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact [email protected]
Register Now to Attend a Community Forum!
Check out the schedule of Community Forums and register for the one that is most convenient for you. Community Forums will provide every resident an opportunity to participate in and influence the direction of FCPS’ Strategic Plan, prior to its completion and formal adoption by the School Board. Learn more about our strategic planning process.
Notes from the Music Department
🎵 Would you like to perform for International Day & Night? Teachers, students and parents are invited to sing, dance or play an instrument that honors any country or people group. Email Michelle McCarten here or call (703) 279-8457 to schedule an audition.
🎵 What college/university did you attend? Please complete this very short form. Michelle McCarten is planning a special music unit that will also support the school's participation in AVID. The mission of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is to prepare all students for college and career readiness and success in a global society. Thanks for your help! – Michelle M.
🎵 The February Musician of the Month is legendary jazz vocalist: Ella Fitzgerald! Click here for an Ella Fitzgerald Playlist on YouTube.
Positivity Project (P2)
Dear Families,
Next week our school community will be focusing on the Other People Mindset of Cheering Others’ Successes. This means when other people succeed, I am happy for them and cheer them on.
Being happy for other people when they succeed isn’t always everyone’s initial reaction. Often, it’s easy to become jealous or envious of others’ victories -- or even to experience schadenfreude, which is deriving pleasure from witnessing (or learning about) another person’s misfortune. People who have these reactions to the success or misfortune of others are colloquially known as “haters.” It’s important to note that these are natural emotions and in small doses can be helpful in allowing us to see what we care about -- and motivate us to pursue those goals.
But making a commitment towards cheering on other people’s successes can be a great way to improve our own health, happiness, and relationships. People can take active steps to be more genuinely happy for the achievements of others. Ways to do this include; telling others about the success of your modest friend; noticing when your reaction to a sibling’s success is envy or jealousy -- and asking yourself why that is; reminding yourself that appreciating the excellence in another is a character strength; asking your successful teammates and classmates what they do to prepare for games or tests.
Being supportive of people who succeed is good for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being and when people cheer each other on it begins a reciprocal process that forges stronger relationships. Those relationships are the foundation for a strong culture in teams, schools, and businesses.
To practice and encourage the character strength of perspective with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2), where together you will watch a video, read a quote, and talk about the answers to three questions.
Have a wonderful week!
6th Grade Fundraiser
Get Ready to Spread the LOVE on Valentine’s Day
We have a few fun ways to send some extra love to your Dragons this Valentine’s Day, with a bonus of helping to raise funds for the 6th Grade Promotion! So students, start doing your extra chores and collecting your spare change -- we’ll kick off the fundraiser starting Thursday, February 2! Available options:
Pass a Note:
- Have a note delivered to your friends in their classrooms with a valentine lollipop $1. Online Ordering here.
Send a Valentine Telegram:
- Special heart-shaped note with a treat or toy delivered to your students, teachers, or special staff members with a custom message from you (great option to send from parents and grandparents) $5. Online Ordering here.
Classroom visit from “Pickle” the Dragon:
- Treat your teachers and classmates to a surprise visit from our favorite dancing dragon! $25. Online Ordering here.
All proceeds go to the 6th Grade Promotion Committee
Summer Learning Programs Registration
Opening Soon! FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps will open for registration on Wednesday, February 1.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage for more information.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA website for more information and registration.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA website for more information and registration.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA website for more information and registration.
Important Dates
February 9 - Spring Picture Day
February 10 - Pyramid Night @ FHS basketball game
February 17 - PTA Bingo Night
February 20 - President's Day Holiday
March 2 - 2 Hour Early Release- 1:45 Dismissal
March 3 - Student Holiday
March 27- PTA Meeting, 7:00pm
March 30 - International Night
April 3-7 - Spring Break
3705 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22030 | Main Office: 703-279-8400
Attendance: 703-279-8484 | Web | Twitter | Facebook
