The BULLS Bulletin (Week of 12/22 & Final Bulletin for 2025)

An artwork of the Bull Run Elementary School grounds

Newsletter header: Bull Bulletin.  We see you. We welcome you. You belong here.

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Principal's Message:

Hello Bull Run Families,

This final week before Winter Break was full of exciting events in addition to all of the great learning!  We had everything from door decorating contests, a band and strings concert, and tomorrow will be the 2nd annual "Mr. Marotta's Snowflake Treasure Hunt" (ask your child about it)!  All the while, moving forward with our literacy and math curriculum among other things.

As we close out the 2025 portion of the school year, please take some time and speak with your children about entering 2026 with a spirit of compassion, empathy, grit, determination, and pride in our community and ourselves. #chargerSTRONG

Upon return from the break, we will be having assemblies to refresh and reset everyone about STRONG expectations and student rights and responsibilities.

Reminders:

Tomorrow is our final winter spirit day!  Wear your ugly or not so ugly holiday sweater or shirt!  It is also our annual school-wide sing along!  The staff and students always look forward to it, so it will be a fun event for all!  I will take some videos and post it on Facebook tomorrow.

During the winter break the school building will be CLOSED. If you need anything please contact me directly via email or Talking Points.

The Bull Run administration and staff wish you and your families a Happy New Year and we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season!

-Mr. Marotta

*This will be the final Bulls Bulletin until we return from the Break.*


upcoming events

 

December 14- December 22: Chanukah

December 22-January 02: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)

December 25: Christmas Day

December 26- January 1: Kwanzaa

 


*The full FCPS 2025-2026 calendar can be accessed here.

School Year Calendar

See the complete 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.

HIGHLIGHTS AND WHAT'S NEW AT BULL RUN!


band and strings students sitting in the gym for their winter concert

Our 5th and 6th grade band and strings students did a wonderful job at their Winter Concert this past Tuesday evening.


Spirit Days List

Remaining BRES Winter Spirit Days

Get ready to show your school spirit with our last fun dress-up day tomorrow!

  • Friday, Dec 19th: Holiday Sweater/Accessories! Wear an ugly or not-so-ugly holiday sweater and any holiday gear you please!


Math and Literacy Night

❄️ Bundle Up for Arctic Adventure Night!

Join us for a "cool" evening of learning and fun at our Family Literacy & Math Night! We’re turning the school into an Arctic Adventure to help our students thaw out with some great books and math challenges.

When: Thursday, January 22nd Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Where: Bull Run Elementary School

 

We have a full night of activities planned across the building:

Literacy in the Library: Dive into Arctic-themed reading activities and earn some fun rewards.

Math in the Gym: Explore math through interactive games that make numbers exciting.

Pizza in the Cafeteria: Hungry? We’ll have pizza for sale for $2 per slice.

*Important Note: This is a family event, not a drop-off program. All students must be accompanied by an adult throughout the evening.


"Polar Plunge" with a cartoon penguin

On January 24, several Bull Run staff members will be taking The Polar Plunge! 

This is a fundraiser where half of the proceeds will go to Special Olympics VA, which helps run tournaments for our own Special Olympics team.  The other half will go directly to our school to support more opportunities for inclusion for all.

Our goal is to fund adapted equipment and raise enough money for a large communication board for our playground, which will support those in our community with verbal communication difficulties.

 Please consider donating, sharing this post, joining our team, or just coming out to the event and watching us freeze!🥶  

Thank you in advance!

https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/778824


PTA NEWS, CLUBS AND OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS


Music Classes

 

The Bull Run PTA is excited to sponsor Beginning Piano or Guitar classes starting this January! No experience is needed.

  • Who: Grades 1-3 (Piano) and Grades 4-6 (Guitar).

  • When: Tuesdays, 4:15 – 5:15 PM (7 weeks).

  • Cost: $140.

Don't miss the deadline! Register by Tuesday, January 13th.

👉 Sign up and find details: www.MusicallyCreative.com


Art Club

Math Kangaroo Team Informaton

The Math Kangaroo Competition for students in Grades 1–6 is coming up on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM at Bull Run Elementary.

This is a great, fun opportunity to boost problem-solving skills!

Registration Details:

  • Regular Fee ($18): Register by December 31, 2025.

  • Late Fee ($35): January 1 – February 1, 2026 (Limited Seats!)

  • To Register: Visit https://mathkangaroo.org/mks/registration/, select Bull Run Elementary, and use the code: VACENTR0002001@2026math.

Please reach out to the parent volunteer with any questions: <sonamarora1988@gmail.com>


SYA SOCCER

The SYA After School Soccer Club is coming indoors to Bull Run ES!

Who: Grades K-4 (Co-ed)

What: Skills, games, and fun!

When: Thursdays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM

Dates: January 8 – March 12 (10 weeks)

Cost: $180

Register Today! Find details and sign up at www.syasports.org.


IMPORTANT LINKS, CURRICULUM UPDATES AND INFORMATION


Subjects on books

Grade Level Curriculum 2025-2026


small house and American flag, the number 3 on stacked books

BENCHMARK UPDATE

📚 Finishing Up Learning about Government and Citizenship In Language Arts 📚

Benchmark Unit 3 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about government and citizenship. 

Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:

  • Question: Why are rules important?
  • Activity: Have your child make a poster for an imaginary election — what would they promise as a leader?

At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.


cares

 

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!

 


BULL RUN SPIRIT DAYS


Cartoon Bull wearing pajamas

SCA Spirit Day: PAJAMA DAY!

Friday, January 09th

Bull Run Logo

 

BULL RUN FRIDAYS!

Bull Run Elementary encourages every student to wear our school colors (blue & white), or school spirit wear every Friday! This is a simple way we can show our community pride! 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 too!

https://bullrun.deco-apparel.com/  Order Bull Run Spirit Wear at any time throughout the school year!

 

 

Jersey Day

Jersey Day!  Every First Friday of the Month!

Bull Run Elementary encourages every student and staff member to wear a jersey, shirt or colors of their favorite team or sport!


FCPS NEWS AND RESOURCES


Dr. Reid listens to the community

Next Steps in the Boundary Review Process

Dr. Reid will present her recommendation on proposed boundary changes to the School Board on Thursday, January 8, 2026. A public hearing on the comprehensive boundary review is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, 2026. The board is scheduled to vote on the boundary recommendations on Thursday, January 22, 2026

Thank you to those of you in our community who attended the conversation with Dr. Reid last week.  Your support and dedication to our school was felt and is appreciated whole heartedly.


Winter Break Literacy Adventures

Engaging in literacy activities during winter break helps students maintain the reading, writing, and speaking skills they built during the first half of the school year. Even a little daily practice, such as these 10 fun family activities, helps ensure students return to school confident and ready to continue growing in literacy.


Winter Resources for Families

A list of resources has been compiled for students and families in case they or someone they know needs assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources page for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

Even If School Is Closed, Learning Can Continue!

We encourage students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during the upcoming winter break and on snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play at home.


 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

Tutoring Resources for Families

Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The FCPS Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as tutors. This list is a resource offered by the FRC, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with the tutors. This list is not approved by FCPS and is only meant to be a resource to families.


resources

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:

  • School Age Child Care (SACC) – This Fairfax County government program provides a safe and fun environment before and after school for elementary school-age children.
  • FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
  • Family Academy – Where families can learn and get support for their child's school journey.  Learn more on our website.
  • Do You Know About Family Liaisons Family liaisons serve as a link between families and schools. Find out how family liaisons can support you and your family.

phone

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.


FCPSlogo

FCPS This Week

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

  • Make Your Voice Heard! Have an Impact on the Budget
  • Go on a Literacy Adventure 
  • Enjoy Your Winter Break! 

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


FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA!


informed

 Follow us to see photos and videos from our classrooms 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/

Bull Run Special Olympics Instagram: BullRunESSpecialOlympics 

Check out our Special Olympics Team's team fundraising page for Special Olympics Virginia - https://impact.specialolympicsva.org/team/778824


Charger Strong Behavior Attributes

#chargerSTRONG 

Bull Run Logo
Administration (Mr. Marotta, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Rozzoni)

 

Mr. Marotta, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Rozzoni are proud of our #chargerSTRONG community!


 Want to view previous Bull Run Bulletins? Click here.