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Kristen Rucinski - Principal        Ashley Nelson - Assistant Principal     

Gunston Gazette

February 9th-27th: Gunston's Grains for Good Collection

February 24th: After-School Program Starts - 3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

February 25th: 3-hr. Early Release - 12:20 p.m.

February 26th: After-School Program -3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

February 26th: PTA Meeting

February 27th: Spring & Class Pictures

March 3rd: After-School Program -3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

March 4th: Ernie Eagle Awards Ceremony

March 5th: After-School Program -3:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Ernie Eagle Awards Ceremony

Wednesday, March 4th

In order to best accommodate all the students and families with limited interruptions to the instructional program, these are our times for our next ceremony:

9:00 am - 9:30 am   Kindergarten & Grade 2

9:35 am - 10:15 am   Grade 1 & Grade 3 (Updated Time) 

1:45 pm - 2:10 pm   Grade 5

2:15 pm - 3:00 pm   Grade 4 & Grade 6

New Visitor Management System New Visitor Management System We are excited to announce that our school is now using the new Raptor Visitor Management System (VMS). This upgrade is part of our school’s and FCPS’ ongoing commitment to enhancing school safety and streamlining the process for visitors at our school. The VMS ensures that no visitor is on the sex offender registry. For most visitors, the user experience will be the same when you check-in at the front office. But now there is also an app, which can make check-in’s even faster at school. Visitors who choose to download the RaptorSafe App and create a Raptor Passport can pre-verify their information before they get to school. The app will give you a QR code you can use when you check-in at school.  If you have questions or need assistance with the new system, please contact our front office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe! Nuevo Sistema de Manejo de Visitantes a las Escuelas Nos entusiasma anunciar que nuestras escuelas están ahora usando el nuevo sistema “Raptor Visitor Management System”, VMS. Esta actualización forma parte del compromiso que nuestras escuelas y FCPS mantienen con la mejora de la seguridad escolar y con la simplificación del proceso que deben seguir los visitantes a las escuelas. El sistema VMS garantiza que ningún visitante esté en el registro de delincuentes sexuales. Para la mayoría de los visitantes, la experiencia como usuarios será la misma que ahora tienen cuando se anotan en la oficina principal de cualquier escuela. Pero ahora contamos con una aplicación que puede hacer mucho más rápido el proceso de anotarse en la escuela. Aquellos visitantes que descarguen la aplicación RaptorSafe App y creen un “Pasaporte Raptor”, pueden verificar su información con antelación, antes de llegar a la escuela. Esta aplicación le dará un código QR que puede usar cuando se anote en la entrada de la escuela. Si tiene preguntas, o necesita asistencia con el nuevo sistema, por favor contacte a nuestra oficina principal. ¡Gracias por su colaboración haciendo nuestras escuelas más seguras!

The SCA is excited about our donation drive

to collect grains for LCAC!

Gunston Elementary is on a mission! We are collecting cereal, pasta, and grains to support LCAC.  Let's work together to fill their pantry and show our Gunston spirit.  Our goal is to collect 2,000 boxes! Our collection dates are from February 9th thru February 27th.  

PTA News

Next PTA Meeting will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please join us! 

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/3236608793?pwd=RF69mhfFopHSUu3kEZBm7Y3yt73zv0.1&omn=87273931486

Meeting ID: 323 660 8793

Passcode: Gunston

Reminder: Wednesday, February 25, 2025  Wednesday, February 25, 2025 is a 3-Hour Early Release Wednesday at 12:20 p.m. Dismissal time and transportation will follow the same arrangements as the last Early Release days. Preschool Students will follow their regular Wednesday schedule.

Spring & Class Pictures Friday, February 27th, individual Spring and class pictures will be taken.

It’s Kindergarten Registration Time!

Kindergarten helps children learn and practice the social, emotional, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills they will use throughout their lives. 

Fairfax County public schools typically conduct kindergarten registration events, including orientation, in the spring. Eligible children can be registered throughout the summer, but registering your child early helps schools prepare and ensure they have the teachers and resources needed on the first day of school. 

If your child will attend our school, please gather necessary documents and complete registration forms as soon as possible. Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Monday, March 23rd from 4:30PM - 6:30pm.  More details forthcoming!

FCPS offers support and resources for all families to help with registration and the transition to kindergarten. For support in other languages, please visit the FCPS Registration webpage. 

Ramadan Begins February 18th; Fasting Accommodation Available for Students

Meal Kits for Fasting Students

From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.

Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:

• Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day. 
• Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
• Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.

Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800. 

Spanish:Comidas para Estudiantes que Están en AyunoEntre el 18 de febrero y el 19 de marzo, aquellos estudiantes que estén observando ayuno durante el día podrán llevar a casa las comida escolares. Estas comidas incluyen un desayuno y un almuerzo que pueden comer una vez que el día termine.

Las familias deben llenar una solicitud cada semana, por cada estudiante para quien pidan estas comidas. La primera fecha límite para llenarla es el miércoles 11 de febrero, la cual cubre la semana del 16 de febrero.

• Costo: Las comidas cuestan lo mismo que se cobra en un día normal de clases. 
• Recolección: Los estudiantes deben recoger las comidas al final del día de clases.
• Menú: Las comidas incluyen alimentos que son fáciles de recalentar en casa.

Visité la página web de Alimentación y Nutrición para que encuentre las planillas de solicitud, conozca las fechas topes para enviarlas y halle más información. Por favor, si tiene preguntas, contacte a la Oficina de los Servicios de Alimentación y Nutrición escribiendo a la dirección FCPSFNS@fcps.edu o llamando al 703-813-4800.

Black History Month Celebration

Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence

Families and community members are invited to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and uplift the voices shaping our future at FCPS’ Second Annual Black History Month Celebration. Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 6 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School. 

The event will honor the rich history, strength, and contributions of the Black community through inspiring student performances and a powerful keynote address by Rev. Vernon C. Walton, pastor of First Baptist Church of Vienna. Light refreshments will be available. 

Raíces de Resiliencia: Ecos de la ExcelenciaFamilias y miembros de la comunidad están invitados a reflexionar sobre el pasado, a celebrar el presente y a elevar las voces que forjan nuestro futuro en la Segunda Celebración Anual de FCPS del Mes de la Historia Afroamericana. El evento Raíces de Resiliencia: Ecos de la Excelencia se llevará a cabo el Wmiércoles 25 de febrero, a las 6 p.m., en la Escuela Secundaria Carter G. Woodson. 

El evento honrará la rica historia, la fortaleza y las contribuciones de la comunidad negra a través de inspiradoras actuaciones de los estudiantes y un poderoso discurso que será dado por el Reverendo Vernon C. Walton, pastor de la Primera Iglesia Baptista de Vienna. Habrá refrescos disponibles para los asistentes.

Volunteer FCPS

Register Today With Volunteer FCPS Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Gunston Elementary School. All volunteers must:

• Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
• Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  

At the Volunteer FCPS site, you can complete a volunteer orientation. Visit the Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions for more information. 

Regístrese Hoy como Voluntario para FCPS

El sistema “Volunteer FCPS” les permite a los individuos encontrar y registrarse para tomar oportunidades de ser voluntarios. El sistema garantiza un ambiente seguro, consistente y acogedor en nuestra escuela Gunston E. Todos los voluntarios deben:

• Crear un perfil en el sistema “Volunteer FCPS”. 
• Registrarse en oportunidades de voluntariado a través del sistema “Volunteer FCPS”. 
• Anotarse al entrar y al salir de la escuela, usando el kiosko para visitantes.  

Puede completar una orientación para ser voluntario en volunteer.fcps.edu. Visite la página de Preguntas Frecuentes de Volunteer FCPS para que encuentre más información.

Cell Phone Policy Reminder

Help Keep Gunston Elementary Phone-Free!

Please remind your student that cell phones and personal devices (AirPods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.

FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school. Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including consequences for cell phone policy violations and exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans. 

If you need to contact your student during the school day, please call our front office at 703-541-3600. 

¡Ayúdenos a Mantener Gunston Elementry Libre de Celulares!

Por favor, recuérdale a su estudiante que los teléfonos celulares y dispositivos personales (como airpods, earbuds, audífonos, u otros aparatos conectados a internet) deben estar apagados y guardados durante todo el día de clases (del timbre de entrada hasta el de salida). Los teléfonos celulares tampoco están permitidos para ser usados como herramienta instruccional.

La política de FCPS sobre teléfonos celulares ayuda a los estudiantes a mantenerse enfocados, seguros e involucrados en la escuela. Visite nuestra página web de la política sobre teléfonos celulares para que encuentre más información y respuestas a las preguntas comunes, incluyendo también las consecuencias a las violaciones a la política sobre teléfonos celulares, las excepciones dadas a estudiantes que tengan alguna enfermedad o que estén en planes IEP/504, y más. 

Si necesita contactar a su estudiante durante el día de clases, por favor llame a nuestra oficina principal al 703-541-3600. 

SR&R Survey

Survey on Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) Now Open for All Families and Middle and High School Students

On Monday, all FCPS parents/caregivers and middle and high school students received an email to participate in a voluntary and confidential survey. (Please check your spam folder if you have not received it.)

Questions refer to proposed changes to FCPS’ SR&R document for next year. This document outlines the rules that students are expected to follow, and guidelines for consequences if those expectations are not met. Possible changes include:

• Universal Discipline: Charts will list consequences and supports for students. They will help ensure that two students of the same grade will be treated fairly and receive the same level of support.
• Standards for In-School Suspensions of Students with Disabilities: Creating standards for how in-school suspensions are handled for students who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
• Accommodations for Multilingual Learner Student Statements: Providing translation accommodations when Multilingual Learner students provide statements about disciplinary incidents.

The survey will be open until Friday, February 20. Survey materials are available online.

La Encuesta sobre los Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes (SR&R, por sus siglas en inglés) Está Ahora Abierto para Todas las Familias y Estudiantes de Escuelas Medias y Secundarias

El lunes, todos los padres/tutores de FCPS y estudiantes de escuelas medias y secundarias recibirán un email invitándoles a participar en una encuesta voluntaria y confidencial (Por favor, revise su carpeta de correos “spam” si no lo recibe).

Las preguntas son acerca de cambios propuestos al documento SR&R de FCPS para el próximo año. Este documento delinea las reglas que se espera que los estudiantes obedezcan y las directrices para definir las consecuencias si esas expectativas no son cumplidas. Los posibles cambios incluyen:

• Disciplina Universal: Habrá listas de las consecuencias y apoyo para los estudiantes. Estas listas asegurarán de que cualesquiera dos estudiantes del mismo grado sean tratados equitativamente y reciban el mismo nivel de apoyo.
• Estándares para las Suspensiones en la Escuela de Estudiantes con Discapacidades: Crear estándares para el manejo de las suspensiones en la escuela para estudiantes que tengan un Plan Individualizado de Educación (IEP) o que estén en un Plan 504.
• Facilidades para Estudiantes Multilingües cuando Hagan Declaraciones: Ofrecer acceso a traducciones a estudiantes multilingües cuando hagan declaraciones acerca de incidentes disciplinarios.

La encuesta se abrirá el viernes 20 de febrero. Hay materiales sobre la encuesta disponibles online.

Summer Learning

Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students

Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students. 

Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps

Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.

Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes. 

New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.

Transition Fair for Students in Special Education

Planning for Life in and After High School for Students with IEPs

Families, caregivers, and educators of elementary and middle school students receiving special education services are invited to join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school. 

The transition fair will take place on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Luther Jackson Middle School. 

Ensuring the success of our students with disabilities after high school is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.

An exhibitor fair will include teachers and representatives from CTS high school courses, career academies, age 18-22 programs, and transition services for students with disabilities. This event also includes a presentation with a brief overview of transition services and a student/parent panel sharing firsthand experiences. Register in advance.