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Dear Bull Run Families,
Time has flown by and we have reached the end of the first quarter!
As we reflect on the huge positive shifts our school has made in the past few years, we know that our incredible staff has been the heart of that progress. Whether it is a teacher who has made a lasting impact on your child's education, a counselor who provided vital support, or an administrator who helped guide them through the school year, our team pours their hearts into helping every student succeed. If you would like to recognize someone who has gone above and beyond, we invite you to submit a nomination for a Bull Run ES Outstanding Employee, for the FCPS Honors Awards. Categories include Outstanding Teacher, Outstanding New Teacher (3 years experience or less), Outstanding New Principal, Outstanding School Professional Staff Leader, Outstanding Educational Services Employee, and Outstanding Operational Services Employee.
To submit a nomination, please complete the Google Form at https://bit.ly/BRESAwards2627. 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! The deadline for submissions is this coming Monday, November 02, and if you have any questions, please contact Lauren Plaugher at lcplaugher@fcps.edu.
Thank you for partnering with us and for celebrating the amazing educators and staff who make Bull Run shine!
Reminders:
Tomorrow, Friday October 30, students and staff are encouraged to dress up as their favorite book, TV, or movie character to show their spirit!
Costume Rules:
-No masks.
-No weapons (real or fake).
-No blood or gore.
Please keep all costumes fun and school-appropriate!
Then, later tomorrow evening beginning at 5:30pm, we hope to see everyone at the PTA's Trunk or Treat event! There will be plenty of fun (and candy) for all!
Finally, remember that there is no school on Monday or Tuesday (November 02 and 03)!
Have a nice long weekend, and please be safe if you are out trick or treating on Saturday!
-Mr. Marotta
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
October 30: CHARACTER DRESS UP SPIRIT DAY / Qt 1 Ends / 2-Hour Early Dismissal, 2:00pm / PTA TRUNK OR TREAT, 5:30pm
November 1-2: All Saints Day and Día de los Muertos
November 1: Daylight Saving Time Ends (Fall Back)
November 2: School Planning Day (NO SCHOOL)
November 3: Election Day / Teacher Workday (NO SCHOOL)
November 8: Diwali
November 9: Fall Picture Make Up Day
November 11: School Psychologist Appreciation Day
November 11: Veterans Day (see information below)
November 13: Team Fancy VS. Team Comfortable SCA Spirit Day
November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday Break (NO SCHOOL)
November 26: Thanksgiving
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The sixth grade teachers hosted a family picnic today! What a great way to build community!
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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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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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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.
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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SCA SPIRIT DAY!
On November 13, will your class dress to impress or keep it cozy and comfortable? Each class will decide together how to join!
Team Fancy or Team Comfortable, and show off class spirit!
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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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Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome!
The event will take place Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School. Click the date to register. Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
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.
Help Your Student Stay Focused and Engaged Without Digital Distractions
Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e., in backpacks) for the duration of the school day: bell to bell.
This includes personal laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones, and similar devices. Students can only use FCPS-issued devices for school-related digital activities during the instructional day. There are exceptions for students with disabilities and those enrolled in specific courses.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call the school’s front office. Learn more about the FCPS cellphone policy and device policy.
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:
- Family Academy Events
- Resource Fair for Students with Disabilities
- Science Fair Judges Needed
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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