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Dear Bull Run Families,
This week brought a lot of excitement for our students. First, we had a visit from Victory Martial Arts all week long, as they took over P.E. classes! Additionally, our school was selected as one of the FCPS sites to participate in the third annual ARM & HAMMER™ Baking Soda Rocket Day: Launch Across America nationwide event! The kids had a blast (See what I did there?)!
Looking ahead to next week, our students and staff will continue their momentum going, working hard and making the rest of the quarter just as #chargerSTRONG as it started!
Reminders:
1) Tomorrow, Friday October 09th, it’s time to trade places for the day: Staff dress like students! Students dress like staff! It's an SCA Spirit Day; FREAKY FRIDAY!
2) There is no school on Monday, October 12th, in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
October 12 - *Indigenous Peoples’ Day / NO SCHOOL
October 16: Kindergarten Field Trip- Maple Tree Farm
October 19-23 - Digital Citizenship Week
October 19: READ-A-THON BEGINS!
October 21: Early Release Wednesday, Dismissal at 1:00pm
October 23: FIELD DAY (Gr. 1-6)
October 27: Occupational Therapy Appreciation Day
October 28: 4th Grade Field Trip, GMU Center of the Arts
October 30: CHARACTER DRESS UP SPIRIT DAY / Qt 1 Ends / 2-Hour Early Dismissal, 2:00pm / PTA TRUNK OR TREAT, 5:30pm
November 2-3: Teacher Workday / School Planning Day (NO SCHOOL)
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Get ready for a fun switch-up at school! Mark your calendars for SCA Spirit Day: Freaky Friday, TOMORROW, 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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Throughout this week, students participated in exciting rocket-themed activities, building curiosity and exploring science, technology, engineering, and creativity. Today it capped off with launching student-designed rockets! |
Bull Run Elementary School has decided to hold a Read-A-Thon this year!
Read-A-Thons get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more. All proceeds raised will go directly to the students to support literacy at Bull Run!
Our Read-A-Thon starts Monday October 19, 2026.
Next week we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress.
We encourage you to activate your reader’s account by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323835323433/1?utm=email and following the simple instructions.
We've chosen Read-A-Thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills.
We hope EVERYONE participates!
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Upcoming PTA Events:
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Trunk or Treat: October 30
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Family Skate Night: November 20
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Winterfest: December 4
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Host a Trunk
We're looking for creative families, staff members, clubs, and community groups to decorate a trunk and hand out treats. Whether you go all out with a themed display or keep it simple and festive, every trunk helps create a memorable experience for our students.
Reserve Your Trunk Spot Today
Candy Donations Needed
We need lots of candy and things to hand out!
Trunk hosts should plan to bring their own candy or treats to distribute. The PTA will supplement candy supplies to help ensure every trunk has enough goodies throughout the event.
Not hosting a trunk? You can still help by donating bags of individually wrapped candy. We have added several things to our Amazon Wish List. Any and all donations are welcome!
Donate Candy
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.
Support Bull Run Elementary PTA by enjoying dinner at Chipotle!
When: Wednesday, October 21st, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: Chipotle located at 6317 Multiplex Dr Ste A, Centreville, VA 20121
How to Participate:
1) In-Restaurant: Show the fundraiser flyer at checkout.
2)Online Pickup: Order online or through the Chipotle app for pickup using the promo code R2DEG4B.
Chipotle will donate 25% of all event sales directly back to the school PTA.
*Please note that delivery orders, gift card purchases, and orders placed outside the event time or location do not qualify.*
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It’s time to design the 2026–2027 Bull Run Yearbook Cover!
What You Can Win: The winning artwork will be featured on the cover of this year's yearbook, and the winner will receive a free yearbook plus an art set!
Submission Guidelines:
- Format your artwork on 8.5" x 11" paper in portrait orientation.
- Be sure to include these elements on your cover:
-2026–2027
-Charger STRONG
- Write your Name, Teacher Name, and Grade on the back of your sheet.
Deadline & How to Submit:
Due Date: December 4th
Drop off your physical entry at the Bull Run front office or email a digital copy to bullrunyearbook@gmail.com.
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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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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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Need a night out? The Westfield High School Dance Team is hosting a Parents Night Out!
Here are all the details:
When: October 17th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Who: Kids in 2nd through 8th grade
Cost: $50 for the first child, and $40 for each additional child
Activities: Dance party, TikTok dances, crafts, and a movie with the dance team
What to Wear/Bring: Kids should wear their pajamas and bring a blanket, pillow, and their favorite stuffy
You can scan the QR code on the flyer to register your spot!
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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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Benchmark Advance Weekly Update:
Finishing Up Our Learning About Life Science in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 1 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about the natural world around us.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: How do living things change? How have you changed since last year? How do you think you’ll change in the next five years?
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Activity: Go outside and try to spot three different plants or animals. Discuss how they get food, water, and shelter.
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 21: 5:00 – 6:00 PM or 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Nov 4: 6:30 – 7:30 PM
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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):
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.
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.
Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are available.
Learn About Applied Behavior Analysis and Teaching New Skills at Home
All family members and caregivers are invited to attend monthly Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Family Training to learn how to support and teach students with autism and related disorders. No registration is needed.
Virtual trainings take place at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Join a session. Upcoming topics include:
- Autism and ABA Overview on Wednesday, October 14. It is highly recommended that you attend this session before any future sessions.
- Prioritizing Skills to Teach at Home on Wednesday, November 18.
- Toilet Training on Wednesday, December 9.
- Managing Challenging Behaviors at Home on Wednesday, January 13.
- Communication: A Foundation for Independence on Wednesday, February 10.
Visit the ABA webpage for a full list of classes. Need an interpreter? Contact Stephanie Watkins two weeks before the training at 571-423-4110 or sawatkins@fcps.edu.
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:
- Safe Routes to School Survey
- Immunization Events
- Celebrating Our Principals
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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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