BRES Bulls Community Insider (February 28-March 4)


BRES Bulls Community Insider

We see you. We welcome you. You belong here!


For a translated version of this newsletter, please click HERE. Next click on the language icon in the upper left corner to choose your preferred language.

Para obtener una versión traducida de este mensaje, haga clic AQUÍ. Luego, haga clic en el icono IDIOMA en la esquina superior izquierda para elegir su idioma preferido. 

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Early Release March 3, No School March 4

Calendar Reminder

As a reminder, Thursday, March 3, 2022 will be a 2 hour early release day (dismissed at 2:00 PM), and there will be no school for students on Friday, March 4, 2022.


BHM

Follow BRES on Social Media

TWITTER: @BullRunES
FACEBOOK: FCPS Bull Run Elementary School
FACEBOOK (PTA): BullRunESPTA
MR. PENSLER (twitter): @jmpensler_BRES
BRES Website: https://bullrunes.fcps.edu/

stay informed

Important Dates

February: Black History Month

March: Women's History Month

March 1: Literacy Land Family Night, 5:30-7:00 PM, Bull Run Elementary

March 3: 2 Hour Early Release (students dismissed at 2:00 PM)

March 4: Staff Development Day/Student Holiday - School Closed

March 14: Pi(e) Day!

March 19: School Vaccination Clinic at Bull Run Elementary, 9-2 pm (see information below)

March 28: Club and Candid Pictures

March 31: End of 3rd Quarter, 2 hour early release

April 1: Teacher Workday/Student Holiday - School Closed

*The full FCPS 2021-2022 calendar can be accessed here.


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Dear Bull Run Elementary Families and Friends,

I hope that every family is safe and well, and have been enjoying the weekend!

As Dr. Brabrand shared Friday and then refreshed earlier this evening, you may choose for your child to opt out of the division’s mask requirement starting Tuesday, March 1. There will be no formal process to let us know your choice– no notes or documentation will be needed.

Due to the updated guidance by the CDC, FCPS will also now adjust our roll back plan and allow everyone - staff and parents/guardians of FCPS students - to make a choice whether or not they will wear a mask starting Tuesday, March 1

As Dr. Brabrand shared in his message, Monday will be a day to prepare for this transition. Students and staff will have the day to get answers to questions and prepare for the change. We will share additional information tomorrow that will help us all prepare. 

The decision to wear a mask or not is a personal one for our staff and families, based on many factors. The BRES community values our Caring Culture, and we will see that value in action as we treat each other with respect and understanding during this transition. 

Families, please talk with your children about these upcoming changes so they are prepared for this transition and understand your expectations for them at school.

Please look for more information tomorrow from Dr. Brabrand regarding our transition on March 1 to mask optional for all.

We see you. We welcome you. You belong at Bull Run Elementary.

 

Jason Pensler
Principal


celebrate who we are

Come to our Family Literacy Night! 

On Tuesday, March 1st from 5:30-7pm we will kick off our Read Across America week with a trip into Literacy Land!

We will welcome you to our Literacy Land where each stop on your journey will take you into a game of fun literacy skills that you can play with your family and continue the Fun (and Learning) at home. We will have pizza to eat and a special “treat” to take home. You won’t want to miss this! 

https://forms.gle/P4HtsCr83UkpMbfQ6 - RSVP form (link now works)

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Positivity Project - Weekly Character Strength:
ENTHUSIASM

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Next week, your child will be engaged in activities at school that focus on the character trait of ENTHUSIASM. We encourage you to access these family resources to learn about and discuss this trait at home by using the following links. The password is, P2 (case sensitive).

Password: P2 (case sensitive)

We will continue to be a Positivity Project Partner School. Learn more about it here.


FCPS Survey of Preschool Children

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If you have a preschool-aged child who is eligible for kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year, please use this link https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/it112.pdf to access the form. Return completed forms no later than March 31, 2021.

If you know of any children in your neighborhood who also have rising kindergartners, please share this information or ask them to reach out to Kim Neylon at 703-227-1444 or kneylon@fcps.edu.

Virginia law, Section 22.1-254 requires that children who will reach their fifth birthday on or before September 30, 2022, must enroll in kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year. If your child turns five on or before 09/30/2022 and you do not wish to enroll him/her in kindergarten, please let us know in writing.

The form can be submitted to Kim Neylon via email at kneylon@fcps.edu or by dropping it off at the school.

Thank you for your assistance in helping us identify school-age children.


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Class/Group Picture Day

Spring picture day is coming on March 28th!  Stay tuned for more information.  


Doodle for Google Contest 2022
is Here!

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Each year Google puts out their theme for their Google for Doodle contest.  This year, 2022, the theme is

I care for myself by…

We all have a lot going on - and now more than ever, it’s important for us to take care of our bodies and minds. What are your favorite things to do that make you feel better when you’re feeling down? How do you take a break? What activities make you feel calm or give you energy? What or who brings joy to your heart? Our theme this year invites you to share how you nurture your mind, body, and/or spirit as you face the opportunities and challenges every new day brings.

Contest deadline is March 4, 2022.  You may learn more about the contest, the rules, and how to enter here:  https://doodles.google.com/d4g/


Order Your Bull Run Elementary Yearbook 

ybpay.com
Yearbook ID Code: 11001822


Water Bottles

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Please make sure your student is coming to school with a full water bottle. There are filling stations for the water bottles if a refill is needed.


School COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

Bull Run Elementary will host a vaccine clinic scheduled for Saturday 3/19  from 9am-2pm. Pfizer for children 5-11 also for 12+ will also be available. Initial doses or boosters available.



FCPS Parent Resource Center


Free Family Webinars

The Parent Resource Center is offering free family and educator webinars to learn about the latest information to help children succeed.  They host several different webinars each month, on topics like Siblings of Students with Disabilities, Supporting Early Learners, Career and Transition Services, and more.  Previous workshops and webinars are available on YouTube.  If you’re interested in this virtual, free resource, visit the Parent Resource Center for Family Engagement at this link.


Supporting Early Learners: Growing the Caregiver’s Toolbox: A Webinar Series for PreK-2 Families

  • 3/11/22: Supporting Self-Regulation Development in Early Learners
  • 4/22/22: Supporting Healthy Habits & Routines in Early Learners
  • 5/20/22: Growing through Tough Moments in Early Learners

There are so many ways children learn and develop throughout early childhood. Relationships, habits, and even challenges can become rich opportunities to teach and foster lifelong learning and skills for our children. Learn more about how self-regulation, executive functioning, and routines can help your children learn and develop.

  • Laura Thieman, LCSW, MPH, RPT- FCPS Social Worker Supervisor, Region 3
  • Amy Sheldon, MEd, MSW, LCSW - FCPS Preschool Mental Health Clinician, Early Childhood Assessment Team
  • Lori Kraden, FCPS Educational Specialist, Behavior Intervention Services

Fridays 10-11:30 a.m.

Register for Supporting Early Learners: Growing the Caregiver’s Toolbox: A Webinar for PreK-2 Families



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News from FCPS


ESSER III Grant: Your Voice Matters!

Last fall, FCPS received $188.8 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) funding to help safely reopen and sustain the safe operation of schools, and address the impacts of COVID-19 on students. Please provide your thoughts on how FCPS is meeting ESSER III requirements. And, take a look at the impact ESSER III funds are having throughout FCPS.  For more information on the ESSER III grant, please watch this video and visit the FCPS website.


Elementary Language Arts Resource Review Ends February 28

LA Review

The elementary language arts resources review will end February 28. If you have not yet participated in this important process, we encourage you to do so this week.

You can review digital resources and leave feedback online. Physical resources for elementary language arts are being reviewed throughout the month at the Willow Oaks Administration Center from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday-Friday. In-person review hours will be extended to 7 p.m. February 24.

Participating in the resource review process is your chance to have a voice in this important decision. Learn more on our website.


FCPS School Board Approves SY 22-23 Calendar

calendar

The 2022-23 school year calendar was approved at the January 27 School Board Meeting. This calendar focuses on instruction, and student and operational needs. The calendar is aligned with neighboring school districts and adds additional key observance days.

Most importantly, this calendar was developed with significant input from the FCPS community. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process through surveys, webinars, and participation in the feedback committee. This effort reflects the best effort of everyone the school calendar touches.

To find out more about next year’s school calendar, visit the FCPS website.


Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity

FCPS has new tools to help parents and guardians know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided by Lightspeed, our internet content filtering service, at no cost to families. You may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. If you want more detailed information, sign up for the Internet Use Parent portal and log-in anytime to see more detail about your child’s browsing and “pause” access to the internet during non-school hours. Find out more and sign up for these services on our website.



Save Money on Technology Products

FCPS' Technology@Home program provides an opportunity for FCPS students and staff to purchase technology products at discounted rates. See how to save on technology products


BRES Bulls' Mission 

Bull Run Elementary School inspires and empowers every student to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens.

BRES Bulls' Vision

Being the Ultimate Learner for Life is EPIC! (Explore, Problem Solve, Inquire, Create)


Recognize Our BULLawesome Staff Who Go Above & Beyond

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FCPS Cares is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize those who go above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story so we can all acknowledge the outstanding work of Bull Run Elementary staff members.



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