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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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Dear BRES Bulls Families,
As the winter break has arrived, we wanted to take a moment to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. We hope this upcoming break brings you moments of joy, relaxation, and connection with those who matter most.
Whether your plans involve traveling to new destinations or enjoying the comfort of home, we wish you safe journeys and a peaceful, rejuvenating time.
From our Bull Run Elementary family to yours, we send our heartfelt wishes for a joyous break and a prosperous New Year ahead. We can't wait to welcome everyone back in 2024 for another amazing year of learning and growth.
Thank you for being an integral part of our community. Your support and partnership mean the world to us. Here's to a new calendar year filled with kindness, learning, and shared successes.
Warm regards,
Jason Pensler, Jenna Campbell, and James Marotta
Your Bull Run Elementary Principals
Please Mark Your Calendars!
December 18-January 1: Holidays | Winter Break
December 25: Christmas
December 26-January 1: Kwanzaa
January 1: Holiday | New Year's Day
January 2: School Resumes for Students and Staff
*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.
Understanding the FCPS School Calendar
In this informative video, you’ll get a clear understanding of how to navigate the FCPS calendar, including religious and cultural observances days and evening-only observance days that start after sunset.
[English Video, Español (Spanish) Video, 한국인 (Korean) Video]
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School Office Closed for Winter Break
Bull Run Elementary office will close Friday afternoon, December 15 @ 4:30 p.m. and re-open on Tuesday, January 2, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!
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December 18-January 1: Winter Break
(Student Holiday)
As a reminder, winter break will be held Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1. To help make sure you and your children have a restful break, we have asked that no homework be assigned during this time. Teachers may assign long-range assignments in the weeks ahead of the break, allowing students to practice time management skills, but no assignments will be due immediately following the break.
We look forward to welcoming students back in the new year. Classes resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.
See the complete school year calendar.
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December 25: Christmas
🎄 A very Merry Christmas to those in our community who celebrate! Christmas is an annual holiday on which Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, and is celebrated in many unique ways across the U.S. and the world.
Learn more about Christmas.
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Follow BRES on Social Media
Did you know Bull Run Elementary is on social media? Follow us to see photos and videos from our classrooms/events and connect with other families.
FACEBOOK: FCPS Bull Run Elementary School
INSTAGRAM: bullrunelem
FACEBOOK (PTA): BullRunESPTA
BRES Website: https://bullrunes.fcps.edu/
PTA Website: https://bullrun.memberhub.com/
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School Lunch Menu Options
FCPS' Food and Nutrition Services team has been rolling out improvements to the menu that better reflect the diversity of our student body and focus on fresh, healthy food. Learn about FCPS’ new menu options.
See what is for breakfast and lunch at Bull Run Elementary.
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Virginia Growth Assessment, Grades 3-6, Testing Dates (REVISED)
Parents/caregivers, please make sure you keep these dates in mind as the VGA helps us understand how our students are progressing toward grade level benchmarks.
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December 7: 5th Grade Reading
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December 11: 6th Grade Reading AND 3rd Grade Reading
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December 13: 4th grade Reading
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January 5: 6th Grade Math
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January 8: 5th Grade Math
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January 9: 4th Grade Math
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January 11: 3rd Grade Math
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Bull Run Elementary Spirit Days every Friday - Wear BULLS Gear or
Blue and White/Gray!
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 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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Winter Resources
⛄Student and Family Resources
Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.
School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue!
FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures.
Promoting Mental Wellness During Winter Break
Although mental health indicators have improved over the past year, Fairfax County Youth Survey (FCYS) data suggest that more than 25% of students in 8th to 12th grade feel sad or hopeless every day for two weeks or more in a row. The holidays can be a time to reduce stress, but they can also contribute to it. Here are some tips for making winter break a positive time for the young people in your life.
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow
We often notice more empty seats in our classrooms as winter break approaches. This year, let's work together to nurture a rock-solid attendance habit. Every hour of every school day is a unique opportunity for students to learn, connect, and grow.
A big thank you to:
- 🌟 Students who show up every day and the parents/caregivers supporting them.
- 👩🏫 Teachers who create a welcoming environment for learning.
- 👨💼 Administrators who provide a safe and engaging place to grow.
- 👏 Bus drivers, support staff, and volunteers who lend a helping hand to all our learners.
If you or your child need support, please reach out to our school social worker or family liaison. If your child is not feeling well, please refer to the When Should I Keep My Child Home? webpage for guidance.
There will be no school from Monday, December 18, to Monday, January 1, 2024, for winter break. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 2.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
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Keep Learning Over Winter Break with Tutor.com
Does your child need help getting up to speed in high school math, science, or English? Tutor.com offers diagnostic quizzes to help students test their knowledge and find areas where they may need help. Quizzes can be taken anytime, and students can connect immediately to a tutor.
Test prep is also available for students preparing for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT.
FCPS students have unlimited access, 24/7, to online tutoring support services through Tutor.com at no cost to families. Students can connect online any time, any place, and in most K-12 subjects for however long they need.
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SIS ParentVUE and StudentVUE Down Time
ParentVUE and StudentVUE will experience downtime from Friday, December 15, at 5 p.m. through Wednesday, December 20, at 6 a.m.
Grade Book progress reports will not be emailed to parents/guardians during winter break. Emails will resume on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Free COVID-19 Rapid Tests😷
Residential households are eligible to receive free at-home COVID-19 test kits. If an order has not been placed for your address since the program reopened on September 25, you may place two orders now.
Virtual Math Week: Save the Date 🔢
Get ready for Virtual Math Week from Monday, January 8, through Friday, January 12. Save the date for a week filled with stories, games, and math activities, in English and Spanish, for families with students in kindergarten through eighth grade. This is a free experience designed to make math fun for the whole family. Learn more about FCPS Math Week.
Food Insecurity Resources for Families
Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Find out how to receive or offer support on the Fairfax County website, or view their Human Services Resource Guide for assistance with food, clothing, housing, and other services.
Special Education Resources for Families
Fairfax County Public Schools has the following resources available to assist families of students with special needs:
- The Office of Special Education Procedural Support helps staff, families, and students with the implementation of and compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as amended.
- Kathy Murphy, the assistant ombuds for special education, provides information and support to caregivers and students regarding special education and Section 504 services. Contact the Ombuds Office by submitting a question, calling 571-423-4014, or emailing ombuds@fcps.edu.
Additionally, the Virginia Department of Education has updated the Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education. This state guide was developed to help those involved in special education including families, teachers, school administrators, advocates, and students.
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Military-Connected Families Newsletter 📰
Did you know that the Office of Family and School Partnerships publishes a monthly newsletter for military-connected families? Subscribe today
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Lightspeed Parent Report on Child’s Device Activity
FCPS has tools to help parents know more about their child’s activity on any FCPS device. These tools are provided at no cost to families by Lightspeed, the school division’s internet content filtering service.
Parents may sign up for a weekly Parent Report, which will provide a list of the top sites your child visited. The report also offers parents the ability to sign up for free access to the Internet Use Parent Portal. Through the portal, parents may pause their child’s access to the internet on their FCPS device during non-school hours.
Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
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Get to Know FCPS and the Resources Available to Families
Being connected to your school community helps you stay informed and support your child’s success. Take some time to get familiar with the many resources and tools available to FCPS families, including:
There’s an easy to follow five-step process outlined for parents registering their children for kindergarten. Be sure to register your child ASAP!
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FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Winter Resources for Families
- Academy Open Houses
- Virtual Math Week Coming Soon!
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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Recognizing BRES staff 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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Your Partners In Education
We are in this together!! We are thankful to have the opportunity to work with your family this year and will work every day to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for your child. Please contact us when there is a question or concern. Thank you for your support and being part of our team!
Your Partner Principals,
Jason Pensler (Principal)
Jenna Campbell (Assistant Principal: K,2,4,6)
James Marotta (Assistant Principal: K,1,3,5)
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