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Dear Bull Run Families,
As I've reviewed, one of the many things demonstrated huge growth in last year was lowering our chronic absenteeism rate. We decreased it by just about 50% in a year. All of our efforts, partnered with you as families making showing up every day a priority, paid off! Our methods will stay the same; BUT- I want to keep the motivation going, and I want to find a way to reward all students beyond just the winning grade/class.
So I introduce to you: Surprise Attendance Days!
These are designed to build excitement around school attendance while celebrating students and creating positive school-wide experiences.
The concept is simple: Students won't know when the reward is coming, so the best way to avoid missing out is to be at school every day! We will announce each surprise on the morning of the event.
This morning I introduced this plan to the students on the morning news show, AND we had our very first surprise...a school-wide dance party to end the day before dismissal! We have some different and fun incentives planned throughout the year!
Reminder:
Tomorrow, Friday September 25, we are hosting PTA's Back to School Bash at 5:30pm! I hope to see you all there! Don't forget to wear Bull Run spirit wear or colors to show our community pride!
Speaking of spirit wear; have you checked our updated merchandise? We have new designs and products available for purchase. https://bullrun.deco-apparel.com/ Order Bull Run Spirit Wear at any time to get ready for the school year!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
Shown here is Bull Run's way of highlighting influential Hispanic and Latino artists in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Thank you to Ms. Watkins for her hard work on this display.
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Every year, approximately 600,000 military-connected families relocate, and schools are a primary way they get integrated into their new location. Most of these families move to new duty stations, while some transition out of the military and others transition in. Most of these moves take place over the summer, and Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to ensuring our military families feel welcomed and a sense of belonging to their local community.
Blue Star Welcome Week is an opportunity for our community to welcome our military-connected families and show them our appreciation for their service and sacrifices. Throughout the week, FCPS will help ease their transition through events, messages, actions of welcome, and opportunities to make meaningful connections. Please help us welcome our military families during Blue Star Welcome Week, September 26 through October 4, 2026, and throughout the year! #BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS
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September 25: PTA’s Back To School Bash event, 5:30pm-7:30pm
September 26 to Oct. 4: Blue Star Welcome Week
September 30: Blue Star Welcome breakfast for all of our active duty and military reserve families, 9:30am.
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BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!
When: TOMORROW, September 25, 5:30pm in the back of Bull Run Elementary School
Join us for an evening full of FUN, GAMES & COMMUNITY!
Please note: Some games and activities require tickets. Tickets are $1 each.
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Obstacle Course
- Face Painting
- Games & Activities
- Concessions
- And MORE!
Bring the whole family and come kick off the school year with us! We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make it a great school year!
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We’re excited to share that bilingual communication boards have been installed at both of our playgrounds! These boards support our students with communication and English language needs and help make play more inclusive for everyone.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated to last year’s Special Olympics Polar Plunge! Your generosity made this possible!
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Congratulations to Theo Sanchez, winner of a new bike!
This summer, Theo conquered the Fairfax County Puzzle Hunt by exploring public parks, hunting down hidden blue clue signs, and solving regional puzzles at his own pace. By collecting every clue and cracking each region's puzzle, he successfully solved the ultimate meta-puzzle!
Pictured here are representatives from Office of Safety and Security
Congrats, Theo!
Learn more at www.solvingfun.com/fairfax.
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Upcoming PTA Events:
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Back to School Bash: September 25
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Trunk or Treat: October 30
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Winterfest: December 4
The PTA Needs You!
Join the PTA to have a voice in shaping your child’s school, build lasting connections with families and teachers, and help create opportunities that make every student’s experience stronger and more successful.
- Volunteer for PTA "Power Hours" - Sign Up Today
- Can't volunteer time? The PTA has an Amazon Wishlist for event supplies for the upcoming events.
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SYA Winter Sports Programs
Who: Boys and girls, ages 5–18
Sports Offered: Basketball, Wrestling, and Soccer Camp
Special Discount: Save $15 off if you register before September 30 (no promo code needed)!
How to Register: Visit www.syasports.org or email info@syasports.org
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Free SYA Multi-Sport Clinic
Try out multiple sports for free with SYA!
When: Sunday, Oct 4 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: SYA Sports Park
Cost: Free (registration required)
Sign Up: Save your spot at syasports.org.
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Join the Westfield High School Dance Team for a fun dance clinic!
Who: 2nd–8th Graders
Clinic: Sunday, Sept 27 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM @ Westfield
Perform: Dance at halftime during the Varsity Homecoming Game on Friday, Oct 2 at 7:00 PM!
Cost: $65 ($70 walk-in) — includes snacks, lunch, and a t-shirt.
Register: Scan the QR code on the flyer. Payments accepted via cash, check, money order, or My School Bucks.
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CVHS Homecoming 2026!
Get ready for a fun night of Homecoming celebrations on Friday, October 9th!
Homecoming Parade: 5:00 PM @ Little Rocky Run
Tailgate Party: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM @ Parking Lot (featuring food trucks, face painting, and more!)
Football Game: 7:00 PM @ Home vs. Chantilly
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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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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 to get ready for the school year!
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Get ready for a fun switch-up at school! Mark your calendars for SCA Spirit Day: Freaky Friday on October 9th.
The rules are simple:
Staff dress like students!
Students dress like staff!
It’s time to trade places for the day—start planning your outfits now for a great day of fun and brighter futures!
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Benchmark Advance Weekly Update:
Halfway Through Learning About Life Science in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 1 in Language Arts! Across grade levels, students have explored where plants and animals live and how they grow and change.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: What has been your favorite reading in this unit so far and why?
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Activity: Have your child imagine they are an animal and write or dictate a short story about their day.
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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Want to learn how FCPS uses Lexia Core5 and PowerUp to support reading growth, device usage, and AI? Join a virtual session on Zoom at bit.ly/2627FamilyZoom
Oct 7: 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Oct 21: 5:00 – 6:00 PM or 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Nov 4: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
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The mission of FCPS is to provide safe, smooth, and timely transportation for all students. To ensure this, the Office of Transportation Services has a list of safety tips. Drivers, parents, and students all share a responsibility to follow these safety tips. This includes the rule that all preschool and kindergarten students must be met by an adult every day at the bus stop in order to be released.
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Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
We ask that families please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
- Monday, September 28, at Riverside Elementary School
- Monday, October 19, at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at Colin Powell Elementary School
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
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.
This week, we’re highlighting Goal 5, which focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
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Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students
Register now for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students. The free conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS in collaboration with community partners, the conference highlights the power of partnerships in supporting student success. Families, educators, and community members are invited to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall with local resources, and lunch for all participants.
Register for the conference and visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Digital Literacy Resources for FamiliesAs part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
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.
- The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.
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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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Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology: A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners. Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information.
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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:
- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Menu Options
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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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
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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