English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو

Kristen Rucinski - Principal    Allison Ovalle - Assistant Principal         

April 1st - 30th: Month of the Military Child

April 1st - 30th: Arab and Muslim American History Month

April 29th: Innovation and Stem Night - 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

April 30th: PTA Meeting - 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

May 2nd: Run for a Reason! Gunston Trail Run

May 4th: Start of SOL testing

May 4th - May 8th: Staff Appreciation Week

May 11th: PTA Spirit Night at Chipotle - 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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

May 21st: We Are Gunston Night

May 25th: Memorial Day - All FCPS Schools are closed

May 26th: Teacher Workday - No Students

May 27th: Eid - All FCPS Schools are closed

Gunston Gazette

PTA News

Next PTA Meeting will be Thursday, April 30th, 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

Gunston AVID STEM & Innovation Night Wednesday, April 29th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Join us for an evening of fun: science and engineering challenges, technology activities and math stations.  What is new is envisioning our futures with AVID: create a vision board, explore careers, "My Future is Bright" photo booth. Science Fair and innovation project displays. The 6th graders will be selling Kona Ice, pizza, chips, and drinks as a fundraiser. 

SOLs at Gunston

SOLs are beginning Monday May 4th for students in grades 3-6.

Check the Gunston website calendar for month of May for specific tests and dates

Help your students remember to bring their laptops back to school.

Watch backpacks for FCPS SOL letters with more information and permissions for eligible retakes.

You can also look at the Virginia Department of Education for addition SOL information.

Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments  Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.  FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately. Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.  It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.  Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.

April 29 Three-Hour Early Release CANCELLED

April 29th, which were previously early release Wednesdays for elementary schools, is cancelled. 

This adjustment allows our staff to still have dedicated time for planning, collaboration, and professional learning without reducing instructional time on other school days. Read Dr. Reid’s letter to elementary parents for more details.

April is the Month of the Military Child! Every year we take the opportunity to recognize military-connected youth for their service and contribution to our community. Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to have over 14,000 military-connected youth as a part of our student body. We appreciate the varied life experiences they bring to our school community, and recognize their strength and resilience. Learn more about Month of the Military Child and FCPS resources for military families.

In April, people throughout the United States celebrate Arab American Heritage Month. This history is a foundational part of American history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Arab Americans year-round, and the celebration of Arab American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor diverse and important stories.

In April, people throughout the United States will be celebrating Muslim American Heritage Month. The history of Muslims in America is a foundational part of United States history. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the experiences and contributions of Muslim Americans year-round, and the celebration of Muslim American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor diverse and important stories.

Gunston Staff Appreciation Week 

May 4th to May 8th

Let's show our staff how much we appreciated them during teacher appreciation week. 

May 4th: Munchie Monday - Bring a yummy, wrapped snack or drink for the staff to enjoy. Let's stock the lounge with their favorite treats!

May 5th: Trinket Tuesday - Paint a rock, make a bracelet, or craft something original for the staff member you love! 

May 6th: Wear it Wednesday - Dress like your favorite staff member or a superhero today! You can also wear the staff members favorite color or show your Gunston School Spirit. 

May 7th: Thankful Thursday - Make a thank you card, draw a picture, or write a poem to thank our awesome staff!

May 8th: Flower Friday - Bring a staff member a flower from the store or your yard, bring in seeds, draw a picture of a flower, or wear florals. 

Calendar Updates Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website. The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.

Run for a Reason: Gunston Trail Run 2026

Support our students by joining the Gunston Trail Run on May 2, 2026, at George Mason's Gunston Hall in Lorton, VA. Whether you are a sprinter or a stroller, we have a race for you: choose from the 1k Fun Run ($20), 5k Trail Run ($35), or 10k Trail Run ($50), with virtual participation options also available. Every registration includes an event shirt and a finisher medal to celebrate your achievement at the finish line. Don't wait—register by the April 17th Early Bird deadline to lock in the best pricing and guarantee your official race shirt!

https://gunstones.fcps.edu/announcements/run-reason

FY 2027 Budget: Sustaining Excellence

Help FCPS Sustain Excellence: Make Your Voice Heard on the FY 2027 Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. There are several upcoming opportunities to provide feedback to the county on its budget before final adoption in May. This includes public budget hearings (April 14-16) and an online survey.

Learn how the FCPS budget helps us sustain our excellence.

Ayúdenos a Mantener la Excelencia de FCPS: Haga Escuchar su Voz sobre el Presupuesto del Año Fiscal 2027Cerca del 70% del presupuesto de FCPS proviene de la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Fairfax.Usted tendrá varias oportunidades para ofrecer su opinión al condado acerca del presupuesto antes de que sea aprobado en mayo. Estas oportunidades incluyen audiencias públicas (entre abril 14 y 16) y una encuesta online. 

Conozca más acerca de cómo el presupuesto de FCPS nos ayuda a mantener nuestro nivel de excelencia visitando www.fcps.edu/budgetstory.

Infant and Toddler Resources

Resources to Help Infants and Toddlers Meet Milestones

Are you concerned about your infant, toddler, or preschool-aged child’s development? Resources are available if your child exhibits difficulties in one or more of the following areas: communication, fine and/or gross motor skills, self-help skills, problem-solving, and attention skills. Learn more about typical developmental milestones.

The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) provides evaluations and services for children (0-36 months) who have developmental delays or medical conditions that may affect development. Parents are encouraged to contact ITC at 703-246-7121 to share their concerns.

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

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

Required Immunizations

Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th GradersThe following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year. 

All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. 

• To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
• To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
• To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old. 
•  As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.

All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.

Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. 

Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available. 

Equity Award

Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity AwardNominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.

Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.  

The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families. 

Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage. 

Ombuds 

Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!

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

Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.

Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question

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.