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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
- Bull Run Elementary Spirit Days - Wear Blue and White!
- National School Counseling Week
- Portrait of a Graduate Mentor Texts
- Time for Kindergarten
- 2023-2024 Kindergarten Survey
- SEL Screener
- What is SEL?
- Wish Someone a Happy Valentine's Day! - Valentine Grams
- Winter Enrichment After School Sports
- Conventional English Classes
BRES PTA
- PTA Needs You
- Don't Miss Another PTA Event
Fairfax County Public Schools
- FCPS This Week!
- Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
- Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
- Food Nutrition Services Career
- Text to Speech Available on FCPS Websites
- Summer Learning Programs Registration: Opening Soon!
- Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars
- Share Your Thoughts with Us!
- 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
- February Webinars and Events for Parents
- 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
February 9: Stone MS Parent Curriculum Night & Electives Fair, 5:30-8pm, Stone MS
February 20: Holiday (George Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day)
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)
March 17: BRES Bulls vs. CES Eagles (volleyball)
April 3-7: Holiday (Spring Break)
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*The full FCPS 2022-2023 calendar can be accessed here.
Bull Run Elementary Spirit Days -
Wear Blue and White!
Bull Run Elementary encourages every students to wear our school colors, blue & white, every Friday! This is a simple way we can show our community spirit and love for all things BRES! Spirit wear is encouraged and welcome or simply wear your blue and white. Make a plan with friends and see how many of you can participate! Staff often wear their blue and white or Spirit Wear on Fridays!
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National School Counseling Week
February 6-10 is National School Counseling Week, and highlights the tremendous impact school counselors have in helping students achieve academic success and planning for a career. Our school counselors, Lacey Rollins and Rachael Wagner, work with students in a variety of different capacities, whether it is through classroom lessons, group sessions, or individual counseling. Learn more about the role of school counselors in FCPS.
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Portrait of a Graduate Mentor Text
Grades K-3
Grades 4-6
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We're looking forward to welcoming our new kindergarten students in the 2023-24 school year! Registration for new kindergartners is now open!
WHO: Parents or guardians of rising kindergartners—children who will be five years old on or before September 30, 2023.
WHAT: Register your child for the 2023-24 school year in an easy, two-step process.
WHEN: Now!
WHY: Completing registration early will help us be ready to welcome your new kindergartner and make sure your child is eligible for summer enrichment activities.
HOW: Much of the registration process, including the uploading of documents needed for registration, can be completed online. Most document attachments (PDF, JPG, DOC, PNG, etc.) are compatible. The file-size limit is 2 MB.
WHERE: Registration is on the FCPS or Bull Run Elementary website. Go to
https://bullrunes.fcps.edu/student-services/student-registration
https://www.fcps.edu/registration/kindergarten-registration
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2023-2024 Kindergarten Survey
We need your help in projecting the Kindergarten enrollment for the 2023-2024 school year. Virginia Law, section 22.1-254, requires that children who will reach their fifth birthday on or before September 30, 2023, must be enrolled in Kindergarten unless the parent or guardian notifies the school in writing that they do not wish the child to attend school until the following year.
If you have a child who will be five years old on or before September 30, 2023, please complete this form and return it no later than February 17, 2023 to our registrar Maria Betancourth. If any of your neighbors have children who will be eligible for Kindergarten, please share this information with them, as we are especially interested in reaching those in Bull Run Elementary families who do not have children currently attending school.
The information on this survey will help the school plan for adequate facilities and personnel for the 2023-2024 school year.
Thank you for your cooperation.
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
What is SEL?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to:
- develop healthy identities
- manage emotions
- achieve personal and collective goals
- feel and show empathy for others
- establish and maintain relationships
- make responsible and caring decisions
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Wish someone a Happy Valentine's Day! -
Valentine Grams
Send a Valentine Gram and a Mystery gift (pen, pencil, eraser, or friendship bracelet) to a friend in your class ($1 each), a friend in another class ($1 each), or to your whole class ($20)! Add on a special delivery from our BR Mascot "Charger" ($10)!
Order Online or fill out the form and return to the office with cash or check made out to Bull Run PTA.
Everything will be delivered on Feb. 14.
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO THIS THURSDAY, FEB 9! We would love for every staff member, teacher, and student to leave school on the 14th with a little something in hand. Please consider participating so we can make this happen!
Teacher/Staff Grams
You can also show your teachers and staff some LOVE this Valentine's Day! For $10 your chosen teacher and/or staff member will receive your message, a $5 Amazon gift card, and a chocolate flower. Delivered on Feb. 14
Order Online or fill out the form and return to the office with cash or check made out to Bull Run PTA.
www.thepsasports.com
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:
- Draft Calendar Updates
- Regional Science Fair
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- Scholastic Art Award Winners
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Filling Your Child’s Emotional Bank Account
Read the latest Healthy Minds blog to understand why relationships are like savings accounts, and how you can help build trust and security with your children.
Low-Cost Internet for Free and Reduced-Price Eligible Students
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to lower internet costs for families with children who have been eligible for free or reduced-price meals within the last 12 months. A qualifying household will receive $30 per month toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Families can check their eligibility and register at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by calling 877-384-2575.
Food Nutrition Services Career
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Text-to-Speech Available on FCPS Websites
FCPS is introducing an innovative way to address the diverse needs of the community. A new text-to-speech feature, available on the FCPS website and each school website, will read the words aloud from webpages.
The feature will help those with accessibility needs, such as visual impairments, dyslexia, or other difficulty reading large amounts of online text. The text-to-speech feature is available for English, Spanish, and Korean. Learn more and try out the new feature.
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Summer Learning Programs Registration: Now Open
FCPS’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) camps and Institute for the Arts (IFTA/E-IFTA) camps opened for registration on Wednesday, February 1.
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp designed to give current K-6 students an opportunity to explore STEAM, culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Visit the TAC webpage for more information.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 7-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Visit the CSA website for more information and registration.
Institute for the Arts Camps (IFTA)
IFTA is a two- or four-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, health and physical education 9, music, self-directed economics and personal finance, and theater. Visit the IFTA website for more information and registration.
E-IFTA is a weekly arts camp for students in grades 2-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students take part in four classes every day related to dance, music, theater, and visual art. They work with FCPS fine arts teachers who create classes that are fun and engaging. Visit the E-IFTA website for more information and registration.
Deadline Extended for Feedback on Draft School Year Calendars
Thank you to the approximately 27,000 families, staff, students, and community members who completed FCPS' Calendar Feedback Form!
The School Board discussed the feedback during their January 31 work session. If you haven't had a chance to share your thoughts about the draft school year calendar options, please participate today. The form will close on Monday, February 6, at noon. The School Board is scheduled to vote on a calendar on Thursday, February 9.
Learn more about FCPS' calendar development process.
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Share Your Thoughts with Us!
What keeps you optimistic about FCPS? What are your concerns? Answer these and two other questions on our Strategic Plan Feedback Form, and help shape our school division’s future.
Have Your Say on Our Future!
Remaining Strategic Planning Community Forums will take place:
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Thursday, February 2, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Mason Crest Elementary School.
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Saturday, February 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School.
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Monday, February 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Edison High School.
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Tuesday, February 7, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at South County High School.
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Wednesday, February 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m., in Spanish, virtual.
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Thursday, February 9, 12 to 1:30 p.m., virtual.
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Saturday, February 11, 9 to 10:30 a.m., virtual.
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Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School.
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Thursday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Hunters Woods Elementary School.
Click the date above to register for that forum, or check out the full schedule of Community Forums and register for one that is convenient for you. Childcare will be provided at in-person forums. Language interpretation will be provided, as available, at all events. Please register today.
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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.
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.
February Webinars and Events for Parents
FCPS’ Parent Resource Center (PRC) is dedicated to helping adults support the success of all students. The PRC will present the following webinars in February:
Click on the titles above for more information and to register.
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!
Fairfax Co. teen is newest US figure skating champion (Marshall HS, WTOP, January 30. Also covered by NBC Sports and Washington Post)
Middle-school engineering students use empathy to solve problems (Carson MS, Washington Post, January 31)
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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