The BULLS Bulletin (March 18-24)


Bulls Bulletin

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.

School Office Closed – Spring Break

The school office will be closed the week of Spring Break, March 25-29.


Congratulations to Karizma Glenn

December 2023/January 2024 FCPS CARES
Region 4 Recipient of the Month

FCPS Cares

Congratulations to Ms. Karizma Glenn (with FCPS CARES submitter Ms. Jennifer Kiehlmeier and Principal Mr. Jason Pensler) on her recognition as the December 2023/January 2024 FCPS CARES Region 4 Recipient of the Month, presented by the FCPS Department of Human Resources.

Ms. Glenn Recognized as FCPS CARES of the Month Recipient! | Bull Run Elementary School


Please Mark Your Calendars!

March 18: BRES Spirit Night (6th Grade Fundraiser), Skate N' Fun Zone, 6:00-9:00 PM

March 19: Spring Picture Day (Individual and Group)

March 20: Orthodox Ash Wednesday

March 22: End of Third Quarter

March 25-29: Holidays | Spring Break

March 29: Good Friday

March 31: Easter

April 1: Student Holiday (Teacher Work Day for Staff - Option to work at an alternate location)

April 2: Student Holiday (Staff Development Day for Staff)

April 17: Purple Up! Day (Month of the Military Child)

April 19: BRES Heritage Night @ 5:30pm

*The full FCPS 2023-2024 calendar can be accessed here.


SpringBreak

March 25-29: Spring Break🌷

March 25-29 is spring break. Schools and school offices will be closed. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful Spring Break! See the complete school year calendar.


ramadan

March 11-April 10: Ramadan

This year, the first full day of Ramadan was Monday, March 11. In Islam, Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year. During this month Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset each day while striving to increase their spirituality, through prayers, charity and good deeds. Read more about Ramadan in National Geographic Kids. 

Naba’s artwork was designed as part of the FCPS Observance Design Challenge for Students. To learn more about the challenge, click here.


social media connections

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/


FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form

On Monday, March 18, Bull Run ES parents/guardians will be sent an email containing a link to complete the online FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the VDOE-mandated Performance Evaluation Program for principals and offers parents/guardians an opportunity to provide anonymous input about various topics related to our school. These topics include how the principal demonstrates/impacts instructional leadership, school climate, management, communication and community relations, culturally responsive and equitable leadership, and professionalism within the school.

The questionnaire will be administered between March 18 and April 5. When you receive an email from FCPS Surveys, please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire.

Your feedback matters!


Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow!

This year, spring break is March 25-29. We will be eager to welcome your children back to school on Wednesday, April 3, after two teacher work days. Student attendance is very important. Every day, our teachers will be teaching, and students will be learning. Studies have shown that just two absences per month can cause students to fall behind. Let’s finish this school year strong.

Visit FCPS’ website for attendance resources.

attendance

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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Presentation Slides from Family Information Session on March 12 – Making Meaning of Mathematics

Thank you to all the families of 5th and 6th grade students who were able to attend our Centreville Pyramid Family Information Session - Making Meaning of Mathematics. This session helped families think about their child’s future as they progress from elementary to middle school and finally into high school. Parents will also heard about ways to help ensure success for their child as they progress in mathematics.

Below is the presentation shared by Dr. Spencer Jamieson, Ph.D., Mathematics Specialist.

Making Meaning of Mathematics_March 12.pdf


kindergarten registration

2024-25 Kindergarten Registration and Orientation

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 school year is open! FCPS is conducting its annual Survey of Preschool Children. The survey was sent home to all families and can also be found here. If you have a child eligible for Kindergarten this August (rising Kindergarten students need to be 5 years old before September 30, 2024), please complete the form and return it to our office by March 22. If you have no need for the form, please check with your neighbors who may have children eligible for kindergarten and share this form with them.

Information pertaining to registration, including eligibility and forms is outlined on our student registration page Enroll.

Registrations are done by appointment. Appointments are open now and continue throughout the summer. Questions? Please contact our registrar, Maria Betancourth, at 703-227-1400 or mcbetancourt@fcps.edu.

Kindergarten Orientation is April 25 @ 5:30-7:00 pm.


BRES Heritage Night
BRES Heritage Night spanish

Parent Input for the 2024-2025 School Year

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, our staff collaborates regarding student placements. A variety of factors such as student personalities, friendships, and academic abilities are considered as we create our new classes. Other factors impacting the decision-making process of student class assignments are new student enrollments and teachers moving to a new assignment.     

Bull Run Elementary families may assist in this process by sharing insights. Please note the following when providing information. We do not accept requests for specific teachers for the upcoming grade placement. This includes hints that reference specific teachers.  We cannot guarantee friend requests nor exceptions for other students whereby there may be a conflict. We do our best to create a positive learning year for your child.

Please provide your input by submitting this BRES Family Input for Class Placements 2024/25 SY form as it will ensure we have your request.  Please do not email us additional information. Completion of the form is optional. The deadline for any correspondence is March 23 at 4 PM.

Thank you for your input, continued support and partnership.


parent night out

BRES Spirit Days every Friday - Wear Your 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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pta update

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FCPS

budget banner

Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget

The average amount of funds transferred from Fairfax County to FCPS was 52.6% of county disbursements from fiscal years (FY) 2019-2023. It dipped to 51.6% in FY 2024. The County’s budget proposal for next year would transfer 51.4% of total disbursements. 

If the county were to return to transferring 52.6% to FCPS for the upcoming year, that would equate to $63 million more to invest in excellence.

Learn more about the FCPS FY 2025 Advertised Budget. Give your feedback on the County budget.


☀️ Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8 

A total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, April 8, and will be viewable, depending on weather, in Fairfax County. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m., with the maximum eclipse occurring around 3:20 p.m.  

Because the timing overlaps with dismissal, it is crucial that students understand the importance of safe viewing practices. We encourage families to review these Solar Eclipse Resources, especially the eye safety information. We hope everyone takes the opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary natural phenomenon while prioritizing safe solar viewing.


family engagement graphic

✅ Take the Family Engagement Survey Today! 

If you haven’t already, please take FCPS’ Family Engagement Survey today! Survey results will help us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our school community. Survey topics include:

  • Welcoming environment
  • Communication
  • Student success
  • Advocacy 
  • Family and school partnerships
  • Community partnerships

The survey is available in 10 languages. Please check your email for a message from FCPS partner, K12 Insight, with a link to the survey or access the survey now. Your voice matters!


Summer Camps and Learning Programs

Have you made summer plans for your child yet? Are you looking for a summer camp for your child with special needs?

The Family Resource Center has compiled information on summer camps including local options, camps for students with special needs (sorted by need), and camps for students experiencing grief or who have parents in the military.


Join a Conversation on Fentanyl and Other Drugs

A community conversation on the opioid crisis in Northern Virginia will be held Monday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m., in the auditorium at Lake Braddock Secondary School. (Please enter through Door #14). Attendees will receive free REVIVE! Narcan training during the event and learn about support services within FCPS and Fairfax County.   

This discussion will provide families, staff, and students with valuable knowledge about the dangers of drugs and deadly fentanyl. The material discussed will be suitable for students in grade 6 and higher. Language interpretation will be available as well as American Sign Language accommodation. Childcare and transportation will also be provided, as needed. 

Learn more about the event and register online.


child immunization

🩹 Measles Is Preventable

Measles is making headlines as the number of cases nationwide has topped 40, with three confirmed cases in people living in or traveling through the National Capital Region. 

The good news is that measles is preventable through vaccination! Vaccines help teach the immune system how to defend against germs, helping to build up natural defenses. Give your child the best protection against measles with two doses of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Visit the Fairfax County Health Department website to find out more about measles.

Extended Hours at Immunization Clinics

To help parents/caregivers obtain vaccinations for their children, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) will offer immunization clinics with extended hours:

Parents/caregivers should make an appointment but a limited number of walk-ins will be accepted. Please call 703-246-7100 to schedule an appointment.

Learn more about vaccinating your child and find community resources to support their health and well-being. 

Note: All students enrolling in public and private schools in Virginia are required to be adequately immunized per the Code of Virginia.


🏅 Nominations Open for First Class Award for Inclusion 

The Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) is seeking nominations for the First Class Awards. The awards are presented annually to educators, administrators, and students who support, design, and/or implement programs or activities that include students with disabilities that result in positive outcomes for all students. The ACSD will recognize award winners at the Family Summit on Saturday, April 20

Nominate an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to inclusive practices in Fairfax County Public Schools by Friday, March 22. Email SpecialEdConf@fcps.edu with questions.


🎤Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

tutor english

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


newsletter

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


devices

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.


Parent Information Lines Available in Eight Languages

Parents/caregivers who speak Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu, or Vietnamese may call a telephone information line for general information about FCPS. View the list of phone numbers.

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FCPSlogo

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Take the Family Engagement Survey! 
  • Fairfax County’s Funding of the FCPS Budget
  • Literacy Development for Multilingual Learners

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving the weekly newsletter, please sign up today



tech
tech2

CVHS

westfield dance

Click HERE to register or scan the QR code.
Email kedercole@fcps.edu for more information.


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!

FCPS Cares

J Crew

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)     



chargerSTRONG

chargerSTRONG