The Chameleon Connection

GQES Vision: Thriving Literacy Community in a STEM School

GQES Mission: We BELIEVE!

Week 8: September 28-October 2, 2026

Dear GQES Chameleon Families,

Thank you so much for your support of our third school-wide Lunch on the Lawn! ☀️The sun came out just in time as we welcomed more than 230 family members to Quarles for a picnic-style lunch on the lawn. Our students enjoyed eating and spending time with their classmates, teachers, and family members—and making special memories together!

We truly value these opportunities to bring our Quarles families together and create the special memories that make our school community so meaningful.

Please review the following upcoming dates and events:

🍧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!)

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

• Week 3: 9/10–9/16 ➝ Reward on 9/18 (GQES WON!!! WOOHOO!!!)

• Week 4: 9/17–9/23 ➝ Reward on 9/25 (Congratulations JKES!)

📅 Save the Date: Parent Conferences: Parent Conferences will be held on Thursday, October 15th, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. We will be reaching out to get your conference scheduled!

Standards Based Grading: Standards-based grading provides a clear picture of your child's learning by measuring their actual skill mastery rather than factors like behavior or homework submission. Report cards reflect where your child stands on each skill, using a 1–4 scale for Math, Science, and Social Studies (where 3 means fully meeting grade-level goals) and Proficient or Growing for English Language Arts. For more information, please review the following documents:

• WPS: Standards Based Grading (English Handout & Spanish Handout)

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

What: Click this link to join a YouTube live of a GQES teacher reading a pirate picture book! Parents, families, and students will be able to comment and enjoy the book LIVE together from the comfort of your home!

Why: Enjoy a great book together as a family, connect with your child’s school, and participate in part of our One Book, One School Program!

We hope to see you there!

New school entry procedures are being implemented in Winchester Public Schools. Please allow extra time when you visit a school building to adjust to the new procedures.

• Have your photo ID out and ready when you arrive.

• Press the intercom and follow the directions from the office staff.

• Know the name of the person you are meeting with.

• Call ahead if you need to pick up your child unexpectedly so the office staff is aware.

We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we work together to keep our school community safe.

Mark your calendars for 10/02/2026, we will be partnering with the Domino's Pizza Slice the Price program for a fundraiser everyone will enjoy! The proceeds of this fundraiser will support PTO funds!

Below, you will see a picture and description of our SLICE THE PRICE card. See how the card works with this short VIDEO: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/934xj66gkh

Slice the Price Card:

• With the card, every time you purchase a large pizza at Domino’s, you will receive another large pizza FREE!

• The cost of the card is just $20, and our school profits $10 for every card sold!

• Use the card as many times as you would like until the card expires 06/30/2027!

• Cards will be sold from 10/02/2026-10/16/2026.

• When a customer buys a card through your online store, it will be shipped directly to them! If they purchase one card, the shipping fee is only .99 cents.

• Every student that participates will receive a free prize!

Information packets and order forms will be distributed on 10/02/2026. See all the locations where the card is accepted here: https://slicethepricecard.com/map.

Ready to get a head start? Use the attached form to start brainstorming on your supporters!

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

Oct. 2: Dominos Pizza Fundraiser (see above)

Oct. 2: Custodian Appreciation Day (Thank you to Ms. Kelley, Mr. Rickey, Mr. Donnie & Ms. Claudia!)

Oct. 8: Crunch Heard Around the Commonwealth Day...enjoy a farm fresh apple!

Oct. 9: End of Quarter 1

We are here to support every Quarles family! Margarita Castillo, is a wonderful resource for families who have questions or need help connecting with school or community resources.

Margarita can:

• Help connect families with school and community resources
• Provide support and guidance when you have questions or need assistance
• Communicate with families in Spanish
• Connect families with translation and interpreter services in all languages

Whether you need help understanding a school process, connecting with a resource, or simply aren't sure who to ask, Margarita is here to help!

Please complete our Family Support Google Form: CLICK HERE

Please LIKE us on Facebook and FOLLOW us for weekly posts!

Kindergarten

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

Grade 4

• 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.