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Hello Bull Run Families,
The weather continues to play games with us this year! On Monday we were thrown a curve ball with the three-hour early release due to hazardous weather conditions, and we made the best of it! Instruction continued on, our students completed a last-minute tornado drill to be prepared, and our families were understanding and flexible during arrival and dismissal. #chagerSTRONG no matter the weather!
Next week is Inclusion Revolution Week! We will kick it all off with a pep rally to highlight the events of the week for the students and emphasize the importance of celebrating our diverse strengths! See information below.
Reminders:
Tomorrow, Friday March 20th, there is no school.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
March 20: Nowruz and Eid al-Fitr (NO SCHOOL)
March 23-27: 2nd Annual Inclusion Revolution Pep Rally and Spirit Week (see below)
March 25: Three-Hour Early Release Wednesday
March 27: Quarter End / 2-Hour Early Release
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*The full FCPS 2025-2026 calendar can be accessed here.
Inclusion Revolution Week: March 23rd–27th
Bull Run Elementary is celebrating Inclusion Revolution Week! This special spirit week is all about honoring our diverse strengths, buddying up with peers, and pledging to use person-first language to ensure everyone feels welcome.
Spirit Day Schedule
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Mon, March 23 | Kickoff Pep Rally: Wear your Bull Run Spirit Wear or school colors to show we are stronger together.
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Tue, March 24 | Don’t Sleep on Inclusion: It’s PJ Day! Roll out of bed and into kindness by wearing school-appropriate pajamas.
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Wed, March 25 | Inclusion is My Super Power: Wear a Superhero shirt or cape to unleash your power of kindness.
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Thu, March 26 | Better Tiegether: Wear your brightest Tie-Dye gear to show how we all blend together to make something beautiful.
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Fri, March 27 | Unified We Are Strong: Wear Sports or Workout gear to remind us that we are all on the same team.
Family Engagement Survey NOW OPEN!
FCPS is administering our Family Engagement Survey, currently open until Monday, March 23. Your feedback is critical in helping us to better recognize, understand, respect, and address family strengths and needs in our schools.
Survey topics include:
- Welcoming environment.
- Communication.
- Student success.
- Advocacy.
- Family and school partnerships.
- Community partnerships.
The survey will be available in English, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Pashto, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.
Parents/caregivers should have received a survey link via email from FCPS on March 9th. A survey link will also be posted on FCPS’ website. Paper surveys are available at each school.
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Ways to Report Attendance for Spring Break Travel or Illness:
Report attendance using one of the methods below.
When reporting a student's absence, please be specific about why your student will not attend school today.
If reporting an ill student, include symptoms, especially if they have a fever, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and/or cough. If your student has a diagnosis from a healthcare provider, please include that information
Bull Run’s Got Talent!
It’s time to Be Bold and Be Heard! Come out and support your classmates at our upcoming talent show. It’s going to be an unforgettable evening filled with music, entertainment, and lots of fun!
Here’s the lineup:
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Talent Show: See amazing student performances!
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Teacher Masked Singer: Can you guess who's behind the mask?
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BRES Art Showcase: Explore the incredible artwork from our students.
Event Details:
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Date: Friday, April 17, 2026
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Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:00 PM)
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Food: Snacks and food will be available for purchase!
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Note: This is NOT a drop-off event. Parents must stay with their children.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to semarshall@fcps.edu.
We can't wait to see you there!
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Does your child love to perform, or maybe they just need a little boost in confidence? Our PTA is thrilled to partner with Not Just Dance for a 6-week After School Theatre Program right here at Bull Run!
Your kids will dive into improv games, role-playing, and creative movement in a high-energy, supportive environment.
When: Wednesdays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Dates: April 08 – June 10 (6 weeks total)
Cost: $90 per student
Deadline to Register: April 06
Classes are first-come, first-served, so don't wait! You can register and pay online at notjustdance.net. For questions, give them a call at 571-392-3209.
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Get ready to create! Kids and Masters is returning to Bull Run Elementary for a fun-filled Spring Session. Open to all grade levels, these after-school classes are the perfect way for your child to explore their creativity.
When: Thursdays, 4:15 – 5:30 PM (Starting April 9).
Where: Art Room 226.
Cost: $153 for the session (Materials included!).
Special Deals: 20% off for staff children and 10% off for siblings.
Space is limited to 20 students, so don’t wait!
Register now at: kids-and-masters-art.square.site
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Pre-orders for the '25-'26 Bull Run Elementary Yearbook are officially open. Buying early ensures your student gets their copy before they sell out.
Deadline: Order by April 26
Yearbook ID: 15367026
How to Order: Head to ybpay.lifetouch.com and use the ID code above.
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Join Ms. Kiehlmeier at TECHSTRAVAGANZA!
Event Location: Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Time: 10 AM to 4 PM
Cost: FREE
Registration: Thomas Jefferson HS is asking families to register to get a better estimate of how many lab materials to prepare for the day.
For more information and to register please visit the link: https://techstrav.org/
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Spring Multi-Sport Clinic
Perfect for a quick skills boost! This one-day clinic covers a variety of sports in a high-energy environment.
When: April 19, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Who: Grades 1–6
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Summer Multi-Sport Camp
Keep the momentum going all summer long at the SYA Sports Park. These camps are designed for all skill levels and are a great way to make new friends.
When: Sessions running in June & July
Options: Half-day and full-day sessions available
Who: Groups for Grades 1–3 and 4–6
Ready to play? Head over to syasports.org to grab your spot before they fill up!
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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!
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https://bullrun.deco-apparel.com/ Order Bull Run Spirit Wear at any time throughout the school year!
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!
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BENCHMARK UPDATE
Journeys and Themes in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts is about the lessons we can learn from different stories around the world. Students in K-5 will be learning about themes across cultures. Sixth grade students will learn about legendary journeys.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: What’s a lesson that you’ve learned recently, or a challenge you had?
- Activity: Pick a few of your child’s favorite books or classic stories such as “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” With your child, discuss each story and whether it has a lesson.
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.
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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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April Statewide Election: No School for Students
There will be no school for students on Tuesday, April 21, for the Virginia statewide election. Student activities, athletic practices, and events may proceed as scheduled.
Fairfax County Public Schools will still exceed the required number of instructional hours for students, as set by the Virginia Department of Education.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
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Phones Off, Learning On
FCPS’ cell phone policy helps students focus, learn, and engage. When students put their phones away, they have more face-to-face interactions with their peers and teachers and more opportunities to develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Please remind your child that:
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Cell phones and personal devices (earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell).
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Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call our front office. Visit our cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
Centreville High School Junior, Vivien Berg, has developed a website (SOLace) to be used by teachers, students, and families, with supporting SOL success. She worked alongside VDOE and has developed her own non-profit to ensure this support is free and available to all students. SOLace is a new website that allows students from grades 3-12 to prepare for any math, reading, or science SOL using interactive practice tests. The website is fully not-for-profit with zero fees or sign-ups, so students can get to practicing in seconds in the classroom or at home. SOLace uses past test questions from officially released SOLs and contains intuitive explanations for each question, helping students learn and grow through their practice. Its user-friendly design and advanced accessibility features make it suitable for all students. Visit learnsolace.org today to see how SOLace turns practice into progress.
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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.
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.
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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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.
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FCPS Communications for Families – FCPS shares news and information to support student learning and promote family involvement.
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Family Academy – Where families can learn and get support for their child's school journey. Learn more on our website.
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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.
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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 Sports Champions
- Parent Acknowledgement of Course Requests
- Last Chance to Take the Family Engagement Survey
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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#chargerSTRONG
Mr. Marotta, Mrs. Campbell and Mrs. Rozzoni are proud of our #chargerSTRONG community!
Want to view previous Bull Run Bulletins? Click here.
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