The Chameleon Connection

GQES Vision: Thriving Literacy Community in a STEM School

GQES Mission: We BELIEVE!

Week 6: September 14-18, 2026

Dear GQES Chameleon Families,

At GQES, we truly value your partnership and communication as we work together to support your child’s learning. According to John Hattie’s research, parent and school partnerships have an effect size of 0.51, showing that family engagement makes a meaningful difference in student achievement. Thank you for being an active part of your child’s learning journey!

One of the best ways to stay connected is to know what’s happening at GQES! Please take a moment to review the upcoming dates and events below and mark your calendars. We look forward to learning, celebrating, and growing together with our GQES families!

🍬Help Us Fill Our Piñatas! If you are able to help us fill our piñatas for International Night, please send in a bag of individually wrapped candy by Wednesday, September 16.

🚌 Bus Emergency Evacuation Drills: This week, students will participate in bus emergency evacuation drills to practice safe and appropriate procedures in the event of an emergency.

🌎 International Night: Thursday, September 17, 5:30-7:00: We are so excited to celebrate the many cultures that make our GQES and WPS community special! Families can enjoy:

• 🎭 Cultural presentations and displays
• 💃 Cultural dances
• 🎨 Crafts and activities
• 🍴 Food tastings
• 🛍️ Food available for purchase. Please bring cash: Not all vendors will accept credit cards.
• Tacos, Empanadas, Pizza, Ginger Drinks

Please review the GQES International Night information and complete the interest form using the QR code if you are interested in participating.

🍱 Lunch on the Lawn – September 24 at 11:00 a.m. (Rain or Shine)
We’re excited to invite all GQES families (PreK–4) to our school-wide Lunch on the Lawn! Join us for a picnic-style lunch with your child.
✔️ If it rains, the event will move indoors on the same day (all visitors will need to sign in).
✔️ A school lunch will be provided for students. Parents, please bring your own lunch.
✔️ Don’t forget a blanket or towel to sit on!

🍧Division-Wide Fall Attendance Challenge!

The elementary school with the best weekly attendance will win a Kona Ice party for all students!

📅 Attendance Challenge Dates:

• Week 1: 8/20–8/26 ➝ Reward on 8/28 (Congratulations VACDES for winning!)

• Week 2: 8/27–9/9 ➝ Reward on 9/11 (Congratulations FDES for winning!)

• Week 3: 9/10–9/16 ➝ Reward on 9/18

• Week 4: 9/17–9/23 ➝ Reward on 9/25

🌟 Gifted Program Referrals Open
Winchester Public Schools is accepting referrals for gifted evaluation for students in grades 3 & 4.

📅 Referral Window: September 1-30, 2026

• Attached is a chart by Dr. Bertie Kingore highlighting characteristics of high-achieving, gifted, and creative students.

• If you believe your child demonstrates gifted characteristics, you may submit a referral for testing.

• Referral forms are available on the WPS website under: Departments → Gifted Education

❓ Questions? Contact GQES Gifted Chair, James Faint, at 540-662-3575.

📅 Save the Date: Parent Conferences: Parent Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 15th, from 3:00–6:00 p.m. Stay tuned for more details!

As always, thank you for being such an important part of our Quarles community! We value your partnership in your child's learning. If you have any questions, please contact the main office at 540-662-3575.

Jennifer DiMarco
Principal, Garland R. Quarles Elementary School

Erika Berry,

Assistant Principal, Garland R. Quarles Elementary School

Sept. 10-16: Division-wide Fall Attendance Challenge Week 3 (Incentive on 9/18)

Sept. 1-30: Gifted Referral Window for Grades 3 & 4

Sept. 14, 2:30-3:30: Early Act Meeting (for select students)

Sept. 17 from 5:30-7:00 p.m.: International Night (more information to come)

Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.: Lunch on the GQES Front Lawn

Sept. 28 at 6 p.m.: GQES Showcase Presentation at the WPS School Board Meeting at CAO

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Kindergarten

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

Just a reminder: The school is not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen toys brought in from home. It is the child’s responsibility to follow all school rules if they bring in an acceptable toy from the list: balls (soccer, football, basketball, foam, tennis), jump ropes, frisbees, chalk, ribbon wands, dance streamers.

• Bus Rider
• Chameleon Convoy (Walkers) with four (4) location
• A: Kent/Whitlock
• B: Whitlock/South Loudoun
• C: South Loudoun/Southwerk
• D: Southwerk/Kent
• Car Rider

VERY IMPORTANT DISMISSAL UPDATES FOR ALL STUDENTS:

• No transportation changes after 1:30 p.m. (If you need to make a change to your child's afternoon dismissal plan, please call the main office at 540-662-3575 before 1:30 p.m. and talk to a front office staff member.)
• No students being signed out after 2 p.m. (If you need to sign your child out early, you need to do this before 2 p.m.)
• For safety and emergency purposes, our GQES parking lot will be close daily at 2 p.m. and will reopen at 2:20 p.m. to begin our car rider dismissal procedures.

Please enter our parking lot by turning right into our parking lot off Southwerk Street. Thank you for your help and support to ensure the safety of our students.