GUNSTON GAZETTE

GUNSTON GAZETTE - July 9, 2025

Kristen Rucinski - Principal Assistant Principal - Ashley Nelson

Gunston Gazette

Gunston Elementary

Summer Office Hours

9:00am - 1:00pm

Please call the office during these hours if you need to schedule an appointment at a different time.

703-541-3600

Upcoming Events

Kindergarten Playdate - August 6th

9:30am - 10:30am

(Classrooms and teachers will not be available to visit at this time)

We’re excited to welcome our newest Eagles and their families to Gunston Elementary for our Annual Kindergarten Play Date. Join us for a fun and casual morning on the playground! There will be light refreshments, snacks, and plenty of opportunities for your child to play and begin making new friends. We can’t wait to meet our incoming Kindergarteners and start building connections with our wonderful families.

Chew & Chat with 6th Graders

August 6th

11:30am - 1:00pm

(Classrooms and teachers will not be available to visit at this time)

Please complete the Google Form if your 6^th grader will attend.

Calling all rising 6th graders! Join us for a special lunch with the Gunston admin team on Tuesday, August 6th from 11:30am – 1:00pm. We'll enjoy pizza, get to know each other, and talk about your hopes and dreams for your final year at Gunston.

This event is just for 6^th grade students—please plan to drop off at 11:30am and pick up at 1:00pm.

Tours for Families New to Gunston

August 7^th

2:30pm - 3:30 pm

(Classrooms and teachers will not be available to visit at this time)

Popsicles with Principals on the Playground

August 7th

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Gunston Open House

August 15th

9:00am - 10:15am

Open House is an informal event prior to the start of school for students and families to tour the building, meet and greet teachers, collect general information about classes and programs, meet new friends in class, drop off school supplies, and have opportunities to sign up for Kiss and Ride, PTA/PTO, and other activities.

We ask that you come at the following times to support parking challenges:

Families with Last Names A-L 9:00am - 9:30am

Families with Last Names M-Z 9:40am - 10:10 am

Please plan on ending your time in the classroom by 10:10am

Back to School Night

September 4th

6:00pm - 7:30pm

Back to School Night (BTSN) provides a structured opportunity for parents and guardians to meet with teachers and learn important detailed information about academic outcomes for each subject, curriculum changes, expectations for the school year, supports for students, communication methods for parents, and more. It is an occasion to establish rapport, build trust, and create a positive working relationship with families.

Summer Meals for Students

FCPS’ Summer Meal Service Program provides breakfast and lunch free of charge to all children aged 18 and younger. Check FCPS’ Food and Nutrition Services webpage and the USDA Summer Meals for Kids Site Finder for specific dates, times, and locations. If you have any questions regarding the Summer 2025 meal service, please email SummerMeals@fcps.edu or call 703-813-4800.

Limited Early Release Days Continue Next Year: Wednesdays

Limited early release days in FCPS elementary schools will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year.

Early release Wednesdays for Gunston Elementary school-age students will be at 12:20 on the following dates:

September 17

October 15

November 19

December 17

February 25

March 25

April 29

May 20

Welcome to Our New Staff

Ms. Ashley Nelson

Assistant Principal

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at Gunston Elementary! It’s an honor to join such a dedicated and welcoming school, and I look forward to partnering with you to support the success and well-being of every student.

My background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a master's in educational leadership and policy studies, and Principal Certification. I began my career as a math teacher and coach before moving into administration. I’ve previously served as an Assistant Principal at Justice High School, Poe Middle School, and held similar roles in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Dallas, Texas.

Though most of my experience has been at the secondary level, I’m excited to shift to elementary education, where the foundation for lifelong learning is built. As a mom to a 5-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, I deeply value this stage in a child’s development and look forward to sharing in these important years with our families.

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on instructional leadership, positive school culture, MTSS, PBIS, and equity-based supports—especially for multilingual learners and students with disabilities. My goal is to help every student feel safe, supported, and inspired to thrive.

I can’t wait to meet you and begin a joyful and successful school year together!

Ms. Jennifer Aguon, Special Education Teacher

Ms. Angela Andress, Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Elizabeth Nangauta, Special Education Teacher

Ms. Laura Oksendahl, Special Education Teacher

Ms. Ruth Short, Dining Room Assistant

Ms. Stephanie Steigerwalt, Special Education Teacher

First Day of School Reminder

Monday, August 18th

School doors open at 8:25am for bus riders and Kiss & Ride

We’re excited to welcome our students back! On the first day only, families may walk their child to class—but please plan for a quick goodbye at the door.

To avoid confusion, have your child arrive the same way they’ll go home each day. Bus riders? Feel free to meet them as they get off the bus!

For safety, we do not allow parents to walk students to class after the first day.

Thanks for helping us start the year strong!