As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
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To read our newsletter in other languages, please view it on the Bull Run Elementary website.
Para leer nuestro boletín en otros idiomas, véalo en el sitio web de Bull Run Elementary.
다른 언어로 된 뉴스레터를 읽으려면 Bull Run Elementary 웹사이트에서 확인하세요.
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In this week's
THE BULLS BULLETIN Newsletter:
Bull Run Elementary
- Important Dates
- Follow BRES on Social Media
- FCPS Equitable Access to Literacy Plan VIDEO
- WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Parent Notification Letter
- Colder Weather=Warmer Clothes
- SEL Screener
- Conventional English Classes
BRES PTA
- PTA Needs You
- Don't Miss Another PTA Event
Fairfax County Public Schools
- FCPS This Week!
- Help your child have good Attendance
- Why do we have a Strategic Plan?
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
- Pyramid Substance Use Presentations
- Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Families Can Receive Text Messages from FCPS for Emergencies and Essential Information
- Tutoring Services through Tutor.com
FCPS Parent Resource Center
- FCPS Parent Resources February 2023 Webinars
- Meet the Author Series: All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopman
- Neurodiversity at Elementary Schools
- Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education: An In-Person Workshop
- Supporting Mental Health Through Play
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Important Dates
January 16: Holiday - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday
January 17: Rocky Run MS Family Curriculum Night, 6-7:30 PM, Rocky Run MS
January 24: Liberty MS Curriculum Night for Parents, 6pm, Liberty MS
January 25: End of Second Quarter - 2-hour Early Release (students dismissed at 2:00pm)
January 26 and 27: Student Holiday (Professional Workday)
January 30: Quarter 3 Begins
February 9: Stone MS Parent Curriculum Night & Electives Fair, 5:30-8pm, Stone MS
February 7: PTA Meeting, 6:30-7:30pm, BRES Library
February 24: BRES Movie Night, 7-9pm, BRES Cafeteria
March 1: Literacy and Math Night, 5:30-7:00pm, Bull Run Elementary
March 2: 2-hour Early Release (students dismissed at 2:00pm)
March 3: Student Holiday (Professional Workday)
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*The full FCPS 2022-2023 calendar can be accessed here.
As a reminder, schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Learn more about Martin Luther King Jr.
FCPS students continue to find incredible ways to serve their community while building Portrait of a Graduate skills such as becoming an ethical and global citizen. FCPS is excited to collaborate again with Volunteer Fairfax for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend of Service, Saturday, January 14, to Monday, January 16. This service opportunity helps empower individuals and strengthens communities while honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Volunteer Fairfax will host several ways for the community to get involved including volunteer activities for students and adults of all ages. To learn more about the MLK Jr. Weekend of Service and the specific service activities, visit Volunteer Fairfax’s website.
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January - Mentoring Month
Imagine a world where young people feel empowered, encouraged, and understood. Mentors can make that world a reality by helping young people find and follow their passions, excel in school, and thrive wherever they are.
Learn more about Mentoring Month.
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January 15-21: Virginia School Principals Appreciation Week
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In the Orthodox church, Epiphany is celebrated on January 19 and celebrates the baptism of Jesus rather than the arrival of the Magi. This observance commemorates Christ's baptism by John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) in the River Jordan, beginning of Christ's ministry on earth and revealing the Holy Trinity of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to mankind. The school calendar recognizes many religious and cultural observances (O days) during the school year. There is school on these days, however, the School Board has directed that tests, quizzes, field trips, graduation, homecoming, or FCPS-scheduled athletic events will not be held on these observance days. |
The Lunar New Year is a holiday that marks the first new moon of the lunisolar calendar, which is the calendar traditionally used in many east Asian countries including China, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea. In these and other Asian countries, it is one of the most important holidays of the year. The Lunar New Year is all about ushering in luck and prosperity with family.Read more about Lunar New Year and its animal symbols in National Geographic Kids. |
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As a reminder, Wednesday, January 25, is the last day of the quarter and a two-hour early release for students. Also, schools are closed for students on Thursday, January 26, for a staff development day and Friday, January 27, for a teacher workday.
See the complete 2022-23 school year calendar.
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At FCPS' approach to literacy acquisition is grounded in science-based reading research, implemented through a structured literacy model, and guided by three anchors; The Simple View of Reading (Gough, P. B., & Tunmer, W. E. 1986), The Four-Part Processing Model (Seidenberg & McCLelland 1989), and The Reading Rope (Scarborough, 2001).
For more information please click HERE.
WIDA ACCESS for ELLs Parent Notification Letter
Federal legislation requires that all students identified as English learners (ELs) are assessed annually to monitor their progress and proficiency in English. In Virginia, all divisions use the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs for this purpose.
The WIDA ACCESS for ELLs is aligned with the WIDA English Language Development standards and assesses English in the four language domains of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The assessment will:
- Determine students’ English language proficiency level and eligibility for EL services and testing accommodations.
- Help students and families understand students’ current level of English language proficiency along a developmental continuum.
- Provide teachers with information they can use to plan for and support student learning.
- Determine whether ELs have met English language proficiency criteria and will be designated former ELs.
All ELs, including those who have opted out of EL services, participate annually in the ELP assessment until they reach English language proficiency criteria (ELP level 6). Alternate assessment formats are available for certain students with disabilities.
If you have questions about the annual ELP assessment, please contact Mrs. Erin Altman for more information.
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Colder Weather = Warmer Clothes
Bull Run Elementary reminds families that as our weather turns colder over and welcome winter temps, to please send students with jackets/sweatshirts for school. We still plan to maximize our time outside. Students will be more comfortable if wearing the right attire.
Thank you in advance for helping your child stay warm!
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SEL Screener
Parents/guardians of students in grades 3-6 who participated in the Fall 2022 SEL Screener will have the results mailed to their homes at the beginning of this month. FCPS has created the SEL Screener Family Guide to support you in understanding your child’s scores. If you have any additional questions about your child’s SEL Screener results, please feel free to reach out to a member of the BRES Counseling team, Rachael Wagner or Lacey Rollins.
The window for the spring screener begins in early March. If you would like to opt your child out of the assessment, please complete this form and return to BRES
Join PTA **Joining the PTA does not commit you to volunteering, it helps support our school.
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PTA NEEDS YOU!
We are currently looking for anyone interested in being a part of the 2023-2024 Board next year!
Most of our board will be rotating off as our terms are up. Our Bull Run community needs a few people to step up and take the reins! Without volunteers PTA will not exist and all that PTA provides will not happen for your students. If you are even a little interested, we would love to begin a conversation with you.
Contact us anytime (bullrunptapresident@gmail.com) if you would like to help!
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Don't Miss Another Bull Run PTA Event!
Download our calendar!
To access the BRES Events calendar on Android devices:
- First, use a laptop computer and click here
- You will be prompted to Add the BRES Events calendar. Select Add.
- You should now be able to see the calendar in your Android device.
To access the BRES Events calendar on iPhone:
- Using your iPhone click here.
- You will be prompted to subscribe to the BRES Events calendar.
- You should now be able to see the calendar on your iPhone
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Salad Bars Returning to Elementary Schools
- COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities
- Tutor.com for Free College Prep
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Help Your Child Have Good Attendance
Just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school. How can you help your child attend school regularly?
- Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day—make that the expectation.
- Help your child maintain routines such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
- Find out if your child feels safe at school and engaged by their classes. Make sure they are not missing class because of behavioral issues and school discipline policies. If these are problems, please work with your school.
- Stay on top of academic progress and seek help from teachers or tutors if necessary. Make sure teachers know how to contact you.
- Be aware of your child’s social contacts. Peer pressure can lead to skipping school, while students without many friends can feel isolated.
- Encourage meaningful after-school activities including sports and clubs.
Visit our website for more attendance resources.
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Why Do We Need a Strategic Plan?
The Strategic Planning process is well underway, with the Community Forums beginning in less than three weeks. But, why do we need a new strategic plan?
Similar to a roadmap, a strategic plan clearly defines the best route for us to take in the years ahead to reach our goals. Our students are preparing for careers that don’t exist today. In order to keep pace with these needs, we need to rethink our plans for the future—and how we will best serve our students for this new era.
Register Now for Community Forums!
Visit our Strategic Planning webpage for the schedule of Community Forums. Register for the one that is most convenient for you and get more information on our exciting Strategic Planning process!
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COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan Meetings for Families of Students with Disabilities
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to implementing a plan for COVID-19 compensatory education as part of its obligation to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities. Please join us at an informational meeting for parents/guardians and other stakeholders:
Visit our website to see what language interpretation services will be available at each meeting and to learn more about the COVID-19 Compensatory Education Plan.
Dual Language Immersion Program Registration
Registration for the countywide lottery for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) programs will open on Monday, January 23. Current pre-k students may apply for the kindergarten immersion program, and current kindergarten students may apply for the first grade immersion programs for the 2023-24 school year.
Programs are available in French, German, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. Visit the DLI registration page for more information on where the programs are offered.
Parents who are interested in the DLI programs in FCPS are encouraged to attend an informational meeting at their school site. Meetings will begin on January 11. Details regarding access to virtual meetings will be available on the Dual Language Immersion registration page by the meeting date.
Get more information on DLI programs and registration.
Pyramid Substance Use Presentations
FCPS is dedicated to providing parents and community members with the most accurate and up-to-date information on youth substance use, prevention, addiction, interventions and available supports. Please join us and our partners from the Fairfax County Police Department and Community Services Board as we discuss these topics as well as the ongoing opioid crisis. Attendees will walk away with an understanding of:
- Alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and opioid.
- List what you can do as a caregiver.
- How to identify and connect with community resources.
Centreville Pyramid
- Tuesday, March 7
- Centreville High School Lecture Hall
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Westfield Pyramid
- Monday, February 6
- Westfield High School Lecture Hall
- 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
SEPTA, the Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association, was created to empower and connect families, students, and educators to ensure students with disabilities develop their full potential as individuals and community members. Learn more or become a member on the SEPTA website.
The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is a state mandated Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). Parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators, staff, and others interested in special education at FCPS are welcome and encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and/or public comment related to the unmet needs of students with disabilities.
FCPS’ Office of Special Education Procedural Support provides guidance to staff, families, and students in areas related to the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
Families of students in special education programs can find more resources in the Special Education Handbook for Parents. (Translations are available from the Parent Resource Center (PRC).)
The PRC offers free webinars, consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Their YouTube channel includes videos of workshops and webinars for families and educators to support student success. Sign up for their newsletter to receive information on upcoming webinars and other resources. Please contact the PRC with any questions at prc@fcps.edu or call 703-204-2941.
Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to parents/caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Staff in the Office of the Ombuds believe that by being transparent and connecting families with available supports and services, children with special needs can equitably access public education.
Contact the ombuds by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Winter Weather Procedures
Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather-related closing decisions are made.
FCPS’ inclement weather procedures will remain the same as last year. The first five inclement weather days will be traditional “snow days” with no school activities. After those five days, we will use the flexibility provided by the Virginia General Assembly to have unscheduled virtual learning days, whenever possible, to maintain the continuity of learning. Virtual learning on these days will be synchronous/live instruction, following the inclement weather virtual learning day schedule (includes a two-hour delay).
FCPS’ website is generally the first mode of communication during emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible including email, text, social media, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan ahead for the winter season. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in weCare@school, bookmark the FCPS website, plan for childcare, if appropriate, and know what items your child may need to take home before a weather event.
Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories which may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. See the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance supplying your child with cold-weather clothing, please call Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Our multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and healthcare.
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Families Can Receive Text Messages from FCPS for Emergencies and Essential Information
Make sure your cell phone numbers are listed in the parent/guardian contact information section on the emergency care information form for each of your children. Parents and guardians can view and update emergency contact information online using weCare@school.
Text messages will be sent in the event of emergencies, delays or school closings, if buses are running more than 30 minutes late, if your student missed the morning attendance deadline, and for other important reminders.
Standard message and data charges may apply for text messages depending on your cell phone service plan. More about text messages is available online.
Tutoring Services through Tutor.com
Are you wondering what experience other FCPS families have had with Tutor.com? Read some comments below:
- “As a parent, I logged in for the first time to see what my student could expect here. The tutor I chatted with was very helpful with my questions and gave me some great tips to try with my child. Next time, I will log in with my child and hopefully match with a tutor that will help him realize learning can be done in different ways.” -Elementary school parent
- “My child used tutor.com last night and said her math tutor was EXCELLENT. She was happy and so now I'm happy, too, as she's been grinding it out solo in the hardest math.” -High school parent
Unless they have been opted out, students can access Tutor.com through Schoology. Every session is personalized to meet students’ needs from remedial to advanced levels. Sessions focus on conceptual learning and critical thinking—not quick answers.
Learn more on FCPS’ Tutor.com webpage.
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Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has 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.
Meet the Author Series: All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum
by Kathy Hoopmann
Cats take a playful look at the world of autism, and these fun feline friends will strike a chord with all those who are familiar with children on the Autism Spectrum.
Join Kathy Hoopmann as she celebrates the diversity within this neurodiverse community by reading from her book and answering audience questions.
Thursday, February 9, 2023, 7 - 8 p.m.
Register for Meet the Author Series All Cats are on the Autism Spectrum by Kathy Hoopmann
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Neurodiversity at Elementary Schools
How can families partner with schools?
- Strategies to set your child up for success
- How to advocate for your child
- Tools for collaborating with your child's school
February 10, 2023, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Presented by Kristen Haynor, FCPS Neurodiversity Specialist
Register for Neurdoversity at Elementary Schools
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students
in Special Education: An In-Person Workshop
For families, caregivers, and educators of students receiving special education services.
Join Career and Transition Services (CTS) to learn about planning for life in and after high school!
It’s never too early or too late to prepare for your future. We want to help you start planning for a successful transition from school to life as a young adult.
- Ensuring the postsecondary success of our students with disabilities is dependent on what is known as transition planning. Please join CTS and other support service personnel for an evening focused on planning for the future.
- You will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of representatives from CTS programs and services for students with disabilities, short- and long-term postsecondary supports, employment, and postsecondary education considerations, and Supported Decision Making, and student self-determination as an evidence-based predictor of post-school success.
- This event also includes a student/parent panel where members describe their firsthand experiences as they navigated Fairfax County Public Schools and planning for their child’s future. A questions/answer session will follow.
- FCPS Educators register in MyPDE to receive 2 recertification points for attending the entire event
February 15, 2023 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Luther Jackson Middle School 3020 Gallows Road Falls Church, Virginia 22042
Snow Date: February 22, 2023
Register for Future Planning for Elementary and Middle School Students in Special Education
View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
Supporting Mental Health Through Play
Join us for a 2-part interactive session designed for parents, caregivers, and educators to discover how incorporating more unstructured play & sensory foundational activities to support all young children’s development, including children with special needs and mental health concerns.
Session #1 Highlights: View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
- The power of unstructured play in creating opportunities to build executive functioning skills
- Differences in play experiences over the past 30-40 years
- Benefits and Ways of incorporating unstructured play into a child’s day
Session #2 Highlights: View the individual event page if you would like to share this event with others.
- Angie Voss’ “power sensations” (movement & touch)
- Reflecting on our own temperaments, including sensory preferences, in order to provide a “goodness of fit” for our child or student
- Creating an environment where all young children can thrive
This webinar is presented by Early Childhood Special Education Assistant Director, Amber Gant, with George Mason’s Training and Technical Assistance Center.
Session 1: February 17, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m.
Session 2: February 24, 2023, 10-11:30 a.m.
Register for Supporting Mental Health Through Play
FCPS in the News
Bull Run Elementary is glad to share the good news happening around FCPS in this section. Each week check back for happenings around FCPS!
FCPS Offering Pharmacy Training for High School Students (NBC and WJLA)
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)
FCPS CARES Program
Recognizing BRES employees who go above and beyond
The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for families, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of FCPS employees at Bull Run Elementary. We love our staff members; let's tell them how we feel!
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 #1BRESbulls #weareBRES #chargerBRES
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