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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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Monday, February 13
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about Black History month.
Important Dates
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 6: BRES Spelling Bee, 9:45 am
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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Salad Bar Returns to Bull Run ES
We are excited to let you know that FCPS is bringing the salad bar back to Bull Run ES beginning Monday, February 27, 2023. Every student purchasing a lunch will go through the salad bar line.
Please review each of the steps in the Student Introduction to the Salad Bar Flier and Student Salad Bar Introduction Video with your child to learn more about the salad bar and assist them in building a nutritious and delicious lunch.
Student Introduction to the Salad Bar Flier
February 2023 Lunch Menu - Salad Bar
Student Salad Bar Introduction Video
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Yearbook Cover for 2022-23 SY:
Paul Dela Cruz, Ms. Turonis, 3rd grade
Portrait of a Graduate - Communicator
One of the Portrait of a Graduate attributes we focus on is being a communicator. It is important for students to develop as communicators, so that they can share their thoughts, feelings, ideas, experiences, and perspectives with others. This will help other peers and adults to understand them, and help them be able to understand others. Think of all the ways you, as an adult, communicate with people at home, work, or in the community.
What are some of the characteristics of a strong communicator?
Communicators:
- Read to learn
- Listen to understand
- Speak to inform, influence, motivate, or entertain others
- Write for various purposes to share their ideas
- Use technology to explore and exchange ideas
Consider sharing how you use these skills in your life as an adult with your student. Be specific and explain how these skills help you. This will help your child understand that these aren’t just skills in school for science, social studies, language arts and math, but instead are durable skills that all people use throughout life. We’re excited to see how your child builds their understanding of how they are communicating everyday!
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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.
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:
- FCPS Summer Camp Registration
- Magnet School Information Nights
- Strategic Planning Feedback Wanted!
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, sign up today.
Magnet School Information Nights
Three FCPS elementary magnet schools provide programs that enhance learning in science, technology, and performing arts.
Parents/caregivers interested in sending their students to an elementary magnet school program are encouraged to attend school-based information nights on Monday, February 13, at Hunters Woods Elementary School; Wednesday, February 15, at Bailey’s Primary School; and Thursday, February 16, at Bailey’s Upper Elementary School. Information nights will provide an opportunity to learn about individual school programs, student eligibility, the lottery process, and available transportation.
FCPS will be accepting applications for its elementary magnet school programs on Wednesday, March 1, through Wednesday, April 12, at 4 p.m. Get more information about parent information nights and the magnet school lottery, or on the schools, their programs, and locations.
Special Education Enhancement Plan: Feedback Opportunity
Fairfax County Public Schools is developing a Special Education Enhancement Plan to help ensure an excellent educational experience for all students with disabilities. As part of this effort, FCPS is seeking feedback from employees, families, and community members on Part 1 of the Draft Special Education Enhancement Plan. Please complete this form by Friday, February 17, to provide input on FCPS’ priorities regarding special education including vision, mission, core values, goals, and objectives.
Thank you in advance for lending your voice to this important work. Visit the Special Education Enhancement Plan webpage for more information.
Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and IEP Progress Reports in ParentVue
Parents are now able to view their students’ individualized education program (IEP) and IEP Progress Report in the Student Information System (SIS) ParentVue web app. To set up your ParentVue account, visit the SIS ParentVue information page. Please use a strong, unique password to protect your child’s information. IEP documents are not delivered via the SIS ParentVue mobile phone app.
Once logged into SIS ParentVue, click on the “IEP Documents” tab to view your child’s current IEP and the most recent IEP Progress Report. If you do not see the most recent IEP or IEP Progress Report in ParentVue, please contact Bull Run Elementary.
We will continue to provide copies of IEPs and IEP Progress Reports.
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Equity, Excellence, and Opportunity
At Fairfax County Public Schools, we believe that learning happens best in community. When we have equally high expectations for each and every student, we all benefit. Excellence, equity, and access to opportunity are essential for achieving success in all aspects of life. Together, they foster growth, development, and high achievement for all students as they prepare for a world yet to be imagined.
Read more about how FCPS strives to ensure excellence, equity, and opportunity for every student.
Your Voice Matters–Have Your Say in Our Future!
What is the ONE promise our school division should make and keep regarding learning, growth, and success for every student? Tell us and help shape FCPS’ future.
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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.
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.
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 students share their passion for music and art through mentorship (Dogwood ES, Fox5, February 3. Also covered by WTOP)
Fairfax County elementary school celebrates 'Woodchuck Day' instead of Groundhog Day (Weyanoke ES, WJLA, February 2)
How dog program helps Northern Va. students meet their educational goal — one paw at a time (Key Center, WTOP, February 2. Also aired on NBC and WUSA9)
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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