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Good evening Bull Run families!
This week we continued to see our students grow both academically and socially, being #chargerSTRONG. I was able to spend time in Mrs. Trimble's 4th grade class as well as Mrs. Embree's 2nd grade class, among others. It was wonderful to see them completing writing tasks and demonstrating their math skills, building ten's frames, while focusing and working hard.
As many of you know, I am a huge New York Jets football team fan. This past Monday they lost to the San Francisco 49ers, which happens to be the favorite team of one of our Assistant Principal's, Mrs. Campbell. As a friendly competition, I agreed to wear 49ers spirit wear due to the loss. See photographic evidence below. The students found it much more entertaining than I did.
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS and Bull Run. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and tornadoes. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. On Wednesday, our school conducted our first lockdown drill (Preschool and Kindergarten students did not participate). I was so proud of how well they did!
On Tuesday and Wednesday we held our Back to School Nights. It was great to meet some of our new families and welcome back our returning ones. I hope you were able to learn about all of the things your students' teachers have in store for the school year. We had a visit from our local School Board Representative, Ms. Seema Dixit at Wednesday evening's session. She comes to us as a former Bull Run parent, so this was an extra special night for her!
Again, if you have not done so already: To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/U4SdBFH3kj6q3PxL8 for each of your children who are enrolled at Bull Run Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student. As a reminder- the specific outline for these Mondays will be released next week, but the final plan is dependent on how many students are staying in the building. Overall, the time spent in the building will be doing activities such as reading books, board games, playground and/or gym use, and time to work on homework if available. There not be any instruction or remediation available for students.
Also, friendly reminder: Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up-to-date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.
Reminder: Tomorrow, Friday, September 12th, is Bull Run Spirit Day! We encourage every students to wear our school colors, blue & white, every Friday!
See below for some of the events coming up here at Bull Run!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
 School Board Representative, Ms. Seema Dixit, and Mr. Marotta at Back to School Night
 Mr. Marotta supporting Mrs. Campbell's favorite football team
 Mrs. Trimble's students working on their writing assignment
 Mrs. Trimble doing an activity with her students
 Mrs. Embree's students making Ten's Frames in math
 Mrs. Embree's students working on their math
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We want YOU to join our 2024-2025 Bull Run Chorus!
Bull Run students in 5th and 6th grade can become members of our chorus! Chorus classes take place once a week during the regular school day. Chorus instruction is an additional class, so students can take band or strings AND chorus if they choose.
REGISTRATION FOR CHORUS FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2024-2025 IS NOW OPEN!!!
TOMORROW-FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th is the DEADLINE TO SIGN UP.
We are excited for you to be a part of our Bull Run Chorus!
Sign up for Chorus (Grades 5 and 6)... Click Here to Register
We are looking forward to a fun-filled, rewarding music adventure with our 5th and 6th grade students!
Mrs. Butler-Noel and Ms. Lynskey
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Families in the School (Volunteer and Lunch)
We are excited to welcome you back in to the building this year. If you would like to have lunch with your child you are more than welcome to do so beginning September 23. This will ensure that our students have practiced and mastered all cafeteria expectations and routines.
You will also have the opportunity to volunteer in your child's classroom this year. If you are interested, please reach out to your child's teacher.
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Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools
As a reminder, FCPS elementary schools will have limited early release Mondays during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers with additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act.
We realize there are many details for us to finalize before our first early release Monday in mid-September. Thank you for your patience, we strive to create a positive and successful experience for students, families, and teachers.
Early release Mondays for our school include:
- September 23
- October 28
- December 09
- February 24
- March 17
- April 28
- May 19
To help plan for our school’s childcare needs during the early release Mondays, please complete this form: https://forms.gle/U4SdBFH3kj6q3PxL8 for each of your children who are enrolled at Bull Run Elementary. The form covers the first two early release Mondays, scheduled for September 23, 2024 and October 28, 2024. If you have multiple children, you will need to submit multiple forms. Staff will confirm the after school supervision plan for each student.
Sept. 15-Oct. 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 16-18: ChuSeok/Korean Thanksgiving
September 17: Constitution Day
September 20: BRES "Back to School Night" Event @ Bull Run Elementary (food, fun, music, and much more! Information to come.)
September 26: Coffee with the Principals at Bull Run ES
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*The full FCPS 2024-2025 calendar can be accessed here.
School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.
- Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays.
- Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked).
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.
The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and the start of each month coincides with the birth of a new moon. The date of Eid a-Fitr is regionally decided, which can lead to unexpected date changes. Eid al-Fitr is currently slated to begin at sundown on Sunday, March 30, 2025, and lasts through sundown Monday, March 31, 2025. Monday is a holiday, with all schools and offices being closed. If the day for Eid changes after the school year begins, the calendar may be adjusted.
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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 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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Jersey Day! Every First Friday of the Month!
Bull Run Elementary encourages every student to wear the jersey or colors of their favorite team/sport, every first Friday of the month! Our first Jersey Spirit Day is September 6th.
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Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow! The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success. Visit FCPS’ Attendance web page for tips and strategies.
Immunization Reminders for Return to School
Parent/Caregiver Checklist: Have You Completed These Important Forms?
We understand that the multiple school forms caregivers receive during the first weeks of school can feel overwhelming, but each one helps set your child up for a successful school year! If you do not have a SIS ParentVUE account, please contact the front office for an activation code and follow the directions on the SIS ParentVUE Account webpage.
🩹 Immunization Requirements
Please check with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to make sure your child is up to date on the immunizations required by the state of Virginia. Starting Monday, September 30, students who have not provided proof of immunization will not be allowed to attend school.
You may check your child’s immunization compliance and submit their immunization record in SIS ParentVUE. Records may also be delivered to Bull Run's front office.
Alternative immunization documents (below) may also be provided, but they may not be uploaded in ParentVUE:
- A healthcare provider’s written statement specifying all administered immunizations.
- A healthcare provider’s written statement of a permanent or temporary medical exemption.
- A notarized Religious Exemption form objecting to the administration of immunizations due to conflicts with religious tenets or practices.
Find more information on immunizations.
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School Meals Information
Preparing for and Paying for Meals at School
Parents/caregivers need to provide their students with money to purchase meals at school, send them with a packed lunch, or apply (and be approved) for free and reduced-price meals benefits. School breakfast for students costs $1.75. Lunch is $3.25 for elementary students and $3.50 for middle, secondary, and high school students.
The best way to purchase meals and additional food items is to use MySchoolBucks. If you have not already, set up your student’s MySchoolBucks account today.
MySchoolBucks accounts can be set up to add money to the account automatically as needed, and families with multiple children can use the same MySchoolBucks account.
Visit FCPS’ Food and Nutrition webpage for more information.
Apply for Free and Reduced-Priced Meals:
The application for free and reduced-priced meals is now available for the 2024-25 school year. Students who were approved for free and reduced-price lunch last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible, so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
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📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors. Click to edit this placeholder text.
Strategic Plan
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, Empowered
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services' updates to lunch menus align with FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal #2 - Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered. The new menu options reflect the many voices and cultures represented around every FCPS lunch table!
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
As part of the second goal, we want each and every student to feel like they belong and have the support they need to thrive. See how Goal 2 is being put into practice.
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Solve the Puzzle Before It’s Gone!
Fairfax County's Puzzle Hunt will end on Sunday, September 15. Families have been solving puzzles and finding clues all summer in this unique community event that takes solvers on a journey to the wonderful parks in Fairfax County. There is still time to join before it ends!
Puzzles are filled with creative thinking, logic, and wordplay. They are designed to be completed with friends and family and are challenging and accessible for all skill levels. Solve the puzzles, then find clues at the parks for a final meta-puzzle. Visit our wonderful local parks with friends and family.
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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:
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Family Resource Center
- Free Workshops for Families
Parents and caregivers can access free webinars, confidential consultations, a lending library, and resources to help adults support the success of all students, including those with learning challenges, special needs, and disabilities. Learn more about the Family Resource Center (FRC).
In September, the FRC will host webinars for families on supporting siblings of children with disabilities, helping students organize their school work, working with children who like to push boundaries, and teen development and well-being. Sign up for the FRC newsletter for their latest offerings or visit their webinar website.
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Our Schools, Our Future: Register Today for a Community Conversation!
Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid will host a series of Community Conversations this fall. She invites you to share your thoughts and ask questions.
The next event is scheduled for Monday, September 23, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Newington Forest Elementary School. Click on the date to register. Childcare and language interpretation services will be provided.
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FCPS This Week
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week.
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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FCPS CARES Program
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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#chargerSTRONG
Want to view previous Bull Run Bulletins? Click here.
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