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Kristen Rucinski - Principal Linda Ferguson - Interim Assistant Principal
Gunston Gazette
Upcoming Events & Reminders
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January 20th: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday- No School
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January 21st: Volunteer Training
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January 21st: 6th Grade Field Trip
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January 28th: Grading Period Ends - 2-Hour Release (1:20 p.m.)
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January 29th: Teacher Workday - No School for Students
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February 10th: 3-Hour Early Release ( 12:20 p.m.)
Kiss and Ride Reminder
Dear Parents/Guardians,
I’m sure if you’ve waited in the Kiss and Ride line, especially toward the end, you may have been witness to some reckless driving when, at times, people decide to pass over the double yellow line. The Fairfax County Police have received these complaints and continue to collaborate with our staff on the best way to safely queue for and rotate through the Kiss and Ride area. An officer observed our process on Wednesday afternoon with administration and asked we share a few important reminders.
Through recent observations, the police would like to remind everyone that motorists stopping on Gunston Road in such a manner as to impede the use of the roadway are doing so in violation of state code and are subject to citation. Minutes Matter! Officers have said that parents blocking Gunston Road prior to drop off time of 8:25 AM or pick up time of 3:20 PM could be cited. After those times, during the normal pick-up times, a simple, brief, back-up in traffic is not a violation. Please be aware of the time you arrive and it is not too early so we don’t impede traffic on Gunston Road.
Thank you for your continued attention to this matter and please remember to inch-up closely to the car in front of you. A couple extra feet in front of your car, multiplied by everyone in line, adds up fast. Please refrain from being on your cell phone while in the Kiss and Ride lane as it is a safety concern and delays traffic. If you are picking up or dropping off your child to the main office and/or SACC, you MUST park your car and not park near the sidewalk. It is illegal to park next to the sidewalk with yellow lines and signs indicating no standing or waiting. The police will be spot checking the surrounding areas for continued compliance so please follow these reminders and, as always, buckle up everyone in the car and use car seats when necessary!
Sincerely,
Kristen Rucinski
Same Day Dismissal Changes
Same day dismissal changes, including planned early pick-ups of students, must be communicated to the front office prior to 2:30 pm.
- A note to the classroom teacher is also appreciated BUT, as classroom teachers may not have an opportunity to check their email before the end of the day, all dismissal changes MUST be communicated to the front office.
- If your child is being picked up during their Specials time (music, PE, art, etc.), please allow additional time for them to return to their classroom to pack up their belongings.
- If your child attends SACC, be sure to also let the SACC staff know of a dismissal change as SACC operates separately from FCPS.
Visiting Gunston (Driver's License is Needed)
The safety and security of our students and our staff are of utmost importance. Every visitor who enters the building is monitored. All visitors entering Gunston will need to have a valid driver’s license and sign-in using the Visitor Management System (VMS). The VMS will issue each visitor a sticker that should always be worn when in the building.
SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey
Coming Soon
All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. We monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.
Visit Fairfax County’s website for Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Kathryn Garcia, at mkgarcia@fcps.edu . You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.
Varsity Tutors
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes; on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring; essay editing; and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Black History Month Events
How will your school be acknowledging Black History Month? Please share with us!
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
FCPS NEWS
- In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Dress Children Warmly
- Proposed Construction Projects
- Dual Language Immersion Lottery
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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