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Hello Bull Run Families,
Spring is finally in the air!
This week we celebrated Inclusion Revolution! Students participated in activities during morning meeting which emphasized the importance of celebrating our diverse strengths!
Next week the students and staff are off for Spring Break. Schools and school offices will be closed March 30 to April 3, and Monday, April 6, is a teacher work day and there will be no school for students. We wish our students and teachers a happy and restful week!
If you are looking for something cool to watch: Artemis II, the first crewed flight voyaging around the moon in over 50 years! It’s a 10-day mission, carrying 4 astronauts (Christina Koch will be the first female astronaut to go to deep space – anything past earth orbit/ISS flights). Their goal is to verify modern human capabilities in deep space and pave the way for long-term lunar exploration. This will be the first crewed deep-space mission since 1972, so tune in to history being made!
NASA Live Stream:
https://www.nasa.gov/live/
April 1st is the target launch date, as of right now. It is set for 6:24 PM with the launch window being open until 8:24 PM, in case of weather or other delays.
Reminders:
Tomorrow, Friday March 27, is our final spirit day of Inclusion Revolution Week, Unified We Are Strong: Wear Sports or Workout gear to remind us that we are all on the same team! It is also a Two-Hour Early Release, as it is the end of the 3rd quarter!
Have a wonderful Spring Break!
-Mr. Marotta
March 27: Quarter End / 2-Hour Early Release
March 30-April 03: Spring Break (NO SCHOOL)
April 01: National Paraprofessional Day
April 04: National School Librarian Day
April 05: Easter
April 06: Teacher Workday (NO SCHOOL)
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*The full FCPS 2025-2026 calendar can be accessed here.
Starting April 6, you will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Staff Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity for you to share anonymous feedback on key areas of our school, including:
- Instructional Leadership
- School Climate
- Management (human resources and organizational)
- Communication and Community Relations
- Culturally Responsive and Equitable Leadership
- Professionalism
The survey will be open April 6 – April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it.
Your feedback is valuable – thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts!
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Ms. Makowka's 5th grade class spent time learning about and using electric circuits! |
The SCA Fun Run is Almost Here!
Our SCA Fun Run Fundraiser is officially happening on April 9th during each grade level's recess. This isn't just about getting some fresh air and exercise; it’s a chance for our students to come together and raise funds for a great cause!
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When: Thursday, April 9th
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Rain Date: Monday, April 13th
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The Mission: This year, our goal is to Support Student Social/Emotional Wellness.
Every lap run helps us provide better resources for our students' well-being. Proceeds will go towards creating equitable access to snacks during the school day for students, as well as purchase incentives for students to redeem using their Charger Bucks!
How the Fun Run Works:
- Students will run or walk laps during their recess time (participation is optional)
- Total laps completed will be sent home after the run
- Students can go at their own pace and take breaks as needed, or choose to play at recess as usual
Donations:
- Families may choose a flat donation amount that works best for them OR family members and friends can pledge a specific amount per lap completed
- Please return the yellow donation slip with all donations by April 24th
- Additional information can be found on the blue flyer that was sent home yesterday, 03/25/26.
Quick Reminder: Don't forget to check the color chart below in the Spirit Days section so that your student is decked out in their grade-level colors for the big event!
Volunteers Needed We will need volunteers to help make this event run smoothly. More information on how to sign up will be shared soon.
Thank you for your continued support—we’re looking forward to a fun, energetic, and colorful day!
Get ready to be inspired! Bull Run Elementary is proud to join several of our neighboring schools for the Pyramid Art Show. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the incredible creative talent of our students showcased alongside middle and high school artists.
It’s more than just a gallery—it’s a celebration of our community’s creativity!
When: Thursday, April 9th
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Where: Centreville High School (6001 Union Mill Rd, Clifton, VA)
What to Expect: Beautiful artwork, live music, and light snacks.
Participating Schools: Centreville High, Liberty Middle, Centre Ridge Elementary, Bull Run Elementary, Centreville Elementary, Colin Powell Elementary, and Union Mill Elementary.
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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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Musically Creative is offering 7-week sessions right here at school. No need to lug a heavy keyboard around—they are all provided!
When: Tuesdays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Dates: April 14 – June 9
Cost: $140 for 7 weeks
Who can join?
-New Beginners (Grades 3-6): For those with zero experience.
-Returning Students (Grades 1-3): For those who have taken a previous class.
How to Sign Up: Register by Tuesday, April 7 at www.MusicallyCreative.com. If you have questions, send an email to admin@musicallycreative.com.
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Unleash your child’s inner engineer with Play-Well TEKnologies! Students will get hands-on with tens of thousands of LEGO® pieces to explore STEM concepts like physics and architecture through fun, seasonally rotated projects.
When: Tuesdays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Dates: April 7 – May 19
Cost: $120 per student
Who can join?
Open to all students in Grades K-5.
How to Sign Up: Visit play-well.org to register.
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Mark your calendars and skip the cooking! Join us for a delicious way to support Bull Run Elementary. Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch or bringing the whole family for dinner, your meal helps our school.
When: Tuesday, April 7th
Time: All day long (12:00 AM – 11:30 PM)
Where: Wendy’s at 14106 Westview Drive
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Join the Bull Run PTA Board for the 2026-27 School Year!
Do you want to have a direct hand in making Bull Run Elementary an even better place for our kids? We are officially looking for parent and teacher volunteers to join our 2026-27 PTA Board!
Open Positions Include:
President & Secretary
Treasurer & Marketing Coordinator
VP of Programs & VP of Ways and Means
Teacher Liaisons & Members at Large
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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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SCA SPIRIT DAY: Show Your Colors: Fun Run & Color Day!
It’s time to get "un-bull-ievabley" awesome! We are gearing up for our school Fun Run, and we want to see a sea of colors! To show our school spirit, each grade level has been assigned a specific color to wear on the big day.
Check the list below to find your student's color:
| Grade Level |
Assigned Color |
| 6th Grade |
❤️ Red |
| 5th Grade |
💙 Blue |
| 4th Grade |
💜 Purple |
| 3rd Grade |
💚 Green |
| 2nd Grade |
🧡 Orange |
| 1st Grade |
💗 Pink |
| Kindergarten |
💛 Yellow |
| Preschool |
🌈 Rainbow |
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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
Finishing Up Journeys and Themes in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 6 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about the different lessons that stories across cultures can teach us.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If you could go on an adventure like one of the characters you’ve read about in this unit, which one would it be and why?
- Activity: Ask your child to imagine that they’re going on an adventure. Ask them to draw the items they’ll need to take with them. Would their supplies be different if the adventure was underwater or somewhere very cold?
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.
Provide the County Government With Feedback on Its Budget
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).
You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak.
Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.
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:
- School Weather Safety
- Science Fair Winners
- Summer Internships at FCPS
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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