Gunston Gazette - August 28, 2026

Kristen Rucinski - Principal Allison Ovalle - Assistant Principal

Sept. 4-Sept. 7: All FCPS School are closed for Labor Day Weekend

Sept. 9: Back-to-School Night - 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 15th: PTA Meeting - 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Sept. 21: All FCPS Schools Closed

Gunston Gazette

August 28, 2026

A letter from the Principals

Dear Gunston Families,

What an incredible start to the school year! Thank you for trusting us with your children and sharing your amazing Eagles with us each day. Our hallways and classrooms are once again filled with their energy, laughter, curiosity, personalities, and excitement, and we are so happy to have them back! During these first days, our teachers have intentionally focused on building strong classroom communities where every student feels welcomed, valued, and connected. An important part of that work is helping students learn how to communicate with one another with kindness and respect. We are practicing the small ways our words and actions can help others feel included, even when we may not want the same thing. For example, instead of ignoring a classmate who asks to work or play together, students might say, “Thank you for asking, but I would prefer to work by myself right now.” These may seem like small interactions, but they are the habits that help build a community where everyone feels they belong.

Families can help us strengthen these habits at home, too. As you head into the weekend, consider creating a little extra space for face-to-face connection—play a family game, take a walk, cook something together, or simply put the technology aside for a while and talk. These everyday moments give children opportunities to practice listening, taking turns, handling disagreements, sharing ideas, and enjoying conversation with others. Small moments of connection matter.

We are so proud of the way our students have returned ready to learn, reconnect, and become part of their classroom communities. A huge thank you to our families for helping make the opening of school such a success. From preparing students for new routines to showing patience during arrival and dismissal, your partnership makes a tremendous difference. We are excited about all that is ahead for our Eagles this year!

⭐ Believe in What's Possible

Our theme this year is Believe in What's Possible, and throughout the year you will also hear us talk about Small Habits. Extraordinary Growth.

We are helping students understand that success rarely comes from one big moment. It is built through the small choices and habits we practice consistently getting a little better each day, reflecting on our progress, and continuing to try when something is difficult.

We often talk about becoming 1% better each day. For students, that might mean reading a few more minutes, organizing their materials before leaving school, asking a question when they don't understand, practicing a math skill, using their notes to study, or setting a goal and taking one small step toward it.

Those small habits add up to extraordinary growth.

Help Your Eagle Soar

Families are an important part of building these habits! A few simple routines at home can make a big difference:

Ask your child to show you their planner, folder, or other organizational system.
Help them develop a consistent routine for completing homework and preparing materials for the next day.
When a test or project is coming, ask, "What's your plan?" rather than simply, "Did you study?"
Encourage your child to tell you how they are learning, not just what grade they received.
Celebrate effort, improvement, perseverance, and the small steps along the way.

You don't need to recreate school at home. A few minutes of conversation can help students develop ownership of their learning.