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Dear Bull Run Families,
As we wrap up the final week of the first quarter, I want to recognize the hard work and dedication our students, staff, and families have put into a strong start to the school year. Time has flown, but the progress across our classrooms is clear. As we transition into the second quarter, I strongly encourage everyone to take full advantage of upcoming parent-teacher conferences. These conversations are invaluable for aligning our support, celebrating student progress, and strengthening the partnership between home and school that drives our students' success.
Reminders:
Tomorrow, Friday October 23, is Field Day for grades 1-6 (Kindergarten has their own special day later in the spring)! Remember to dress appropriately for the weather and bring a water bottle!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
October 22: 5:30pm-Understanding the Full-Time AAP Screening Process (Open to all K-6 Families-however, only 2-6 can participate in referring for the Full-Time Program):
Zoom information https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92414928555?pwd=Tek7x6FJgHsmpA2ISckaBirhk0447t.1
October 23: FIELD DAY (Gr. 1-6)
October 27: Occupational Therapy Appreciation Day
October 28: 4th Grade Field Trip - GMU Center of the Arts / Woodson Planetarium Field Trip - 6th Grade (Youngberg/Smith, Leary, Vest)
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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Bull Run Elementary Spirit Day: Dress Like Your Favorite Character Day!
Date: October 30th.
Theme: Dress up as your favorite book, TV, or movie character to show your school spirit!
Costume Rules:
-No masks.
-No weapons (real or fake).
-No blood or gore.
Please keep all costumes fun and school-appropriate!
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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. Our Read-A-Thon runs through NOVEMBER 11th!
All proceeds raised will go directly to the students to support literacy at Bull Run! Our goal is to collectively read 250,000 minutes and raise $12,000. Don't wait—ask your family to help set up your Reader Site TODAY. Let’s make this our best fundraiser yet!
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.
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Nominations are now open for the FCPS Honors Outstanding Employee Awards!
To submit a nomination for a Bull Run ES Outstanding employee, please complete the nomination through this GoogleForm link: https://bit.ly/BRESAwards2627
Categories that our staff qualify for include:
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher (3 years experience or less)
- Outstanding New Principal
- Outstanding School Professional Staff Leader
- Outstanding Educational Services Employee
- Outstanding Operational Services Employee
If you have any questions about whether an employee falls under a certain category, don't worry- our committee will make sure it lands in the correct one!
To learn more (and see our amazing 2024 winner, Mr. Leonard), check out the county website: https://www.fcps.edu/about-fcps/employees/recognition-programs/outstanding-employee-awards or the Google form for more details
All that is required is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work. You may nominate up to one employee per category.
The deadline to submit a nomination is November 2nd.
If you have any questions, please contact Lauren Plaugher at lcplaugher@fcps.edu
On Wednesday, November 11, we are planning to honor our American Military Veterans with parade, assembly, and light lunch. If you or a family member is a Veteran and would be able to attend, please use the link below to answer the following questions so that we can best plan for our event.
https://forms.gle/fNYbji8cC25aVWBm9
Approximate Agenda:
9:30 Arrival
9:45 - 10:15 Parade
10:15 - 11:15 Assembly
11:15 - 12:00 Light lunch for guests
Thank you for your feedback and for your service!
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Don't Forget to Order Your Fall Pictures!
It’s time to order your student's fall photos for Bull Run Elementary School! Ordering online is quick and simple:
Scan the QR Code: Use your phone's camera to scan the code directly on the flyer.
Order Online:
1. Head over to strawbridge.net.
2. Click on "ORDER PICTURES & YEARBOOKS".
3. Enter code PX518525 and click "Find" to place your order,
On NOVEMBER 09th, a photographer will be here at Bull Run to make sure any student that was absent on picture day is able to get a Fall photo taken!
Our NEW Code Lookup Tool is now available. Simply scan the QR code and follow the directions to access your child's picture ordering gallery. No need to contact Customer Service for an access code! *Student last name and Student ID number will be required for data security.*
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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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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.
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
Looking for a fun, hands-on activity for your child? Engineering For Kids - NOVA is offering the Apprentice Engineering Adventures program at Bull Run Elementary School!
Designed for students in Grades 3–6, this unique class introduces kids to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through interactive projects. Students will get to explore different fields of engineering by building towers and bridges (civil), crafting cars (mechanical), launching rockets (aerospace), and so much more!
Program Details:
Who: Grades 3–6
When: Thursdays from 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Dates: Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19, Dec 3, Dec 10, and Dec 17
Price: $130 per student
Class Size: Limited to 15 students
Spots are limited, so be sure to secure your child's spot early!
How to Register:
Visit bull-run-elementary-school.square.site to sign up today!
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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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Enjoy a night out while your kids have a blast with the Wildcat Dance Team! Here are the details for the upcoming Parents' Night Out:
Date & Time: November 14, 5:30–9:00 PM
Location: Centreville Dance Academy (6031 Centreville Crest Ln, Centreville, VA 20121)
Who Can Attend: Kids aged 5+ (must be potty trained)
Activities & Refreshments: Pajama party, arts & crafts, glow night, plus pizza, juice, and snacks
Cost: $30 for the first child, $15 for each sibling
You can register online at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0qv-Zq984sYoTKCqKQN2KDwBxY4JA-Ci_uMXSYlOjqGZ7LQ/viewform?pli=1 or scan the QR code on the flyer. Please make sure to note any dietary restrictions during registration.
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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:
Halfway Through Uncovering Characters in Language Arts
We are halfway through Benchmark Unit 2 in Language Arts! Students have explored how we learn about people and how our actions influence our lives.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: Have any of the characters in your reading this unit reminded you of someone you know in real life? How are they similar and how are they different?
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Activity: Choose two different book characters and imagine what would happen if they switched places in their stories.
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
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.
Please Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey
FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets, which is in the upper right corner of the screen after logging in. Please complete it as soon as possible. Schools will provide paper forms to families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE starting Wednesday, October 28.
Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is how we ensure we receive all the resources available to us from the federal government. For more information, please visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.
Register for ParentVUE
Learn how to activate your SISParentVUE account so you can easily submit your survey and have access to other helpful information about your child.
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.
The Importance of the Flu VaccinationThe annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to protect your child from getting sick and to prevent the spread of illness within our classrooms. Staying up-to-date with your child's flu vaccination helps:
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Reduce School Absences: Keeping students healthy means more time spent learning and engaging with peers.
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Protect the Community: Vaccination helps shield vulnerable family members and neighbors from seasonal illness.
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Support Overall Wellness: Routine flu shots are a key component of a proactive student health plan.
Upcoming Flu Shot Events
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will be taking 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.
Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
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:
- 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:
- Literacy Resources
- Return Your Impact Aid Survey
- Download the New ParentVUE App
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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