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Dear Bull Run Families,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made our Veterans Day celebration such a memorable occasion yesterday. Veterans Day is a truly special day for us to pause, express our deep gratitude, and honor the brave men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. Seeing our students, staff, families, and guest veterans come together was incredibly inspiring, and I am deeply proud of the respect, unity, and heart our school community showed throughout the event.
Our Read-A-Thon came to a close this week. I am so impressed with our students' dedication to reading! We finished with a total of 60,329 minutes read, and we were able to raise 14,443$! Please see the information in the highlights section regarding how to spend your RAT (Read-A-Thon) Bucks! For those students that earned some of the other fun prizes we set up at the school level, more information will be forthcoming next week.
Finally, as a reminder 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.
Reminders:
Tomorrow, Friday November 13, will your class dress to impress or keep it cozy and comfortable? Each class decided together how to join and participate in SCA Spirit Day...Team Fancy or Team Comfortable!
*As you may have seen from my Talking Points message, there is a nationwide Microsoft outage, which impacts all staff email addresses and accessability. If you need to contact your child's teacher at any time until the Microsoft issue is resolved, please utilize Talking Points!*
Have a great weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.
November 18: Chick-fil-A PTA Fundraiser, 4:00-8:00pm
November 20: Skate N’ Fun Zone PTA Event, 6:00-9:00pm
November 25-27: Thanksgiving Holiday Break (NO SCHOOL)
November 26: Thanksgiving
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Native American Heritage Month
Native American Heritage Month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native Americans. It is also a time to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges they have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
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It was honor to host so many veterans in our community yesterday! |
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Mr. Lemmerman introducing our new ChompSaw during a STEAM lesson with one of our 3rd grade students. |
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Bull Run Elementary School readers need to make sure to spend their RAT Bucks in the prize store. Any RAT Bucks not spent within 10 days after our Read-A-Thon ends will no longer be available. The prize store cannot be reopened once it is closed. All prizes will be shipped to the school.
https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/323835323433?utm=email
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Thanks to our wonderful Bull Run community, we kept the Charge Up Station stocked throughout the first quarter! As we head into the second quarter, please consider donating a snack from our BRES Charge Up Snack Pantry link to help restock our school snack pantry. Every donation helps ensure that all Chargers have access to a snack when they need one. Thank you for your support! |
Fill a Stocking, Share a Smile! SCA Service Project
Our Bull Run Elementary SCA is hosting its first schoolwide service project of the year! From November 30th through December 11th, we're collecting donations to help bring holiday cheer to children spending the holidays at our local children’s hospital.
We are looking for donations of:
-Books and coloring books
-Crayons or markers
-Small stuffed animals and toys
-Cozy socks and sticker sheets
-Puzzle and activity books
Thank you for helping us share a smile this holiday season!
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Capture a Memory: Original Works Art Fundraiser
Don't miss out on our Original Works Art Fundraiser! You can turn your child's custom artwork into special keepsake items like mugs, pillowcases, and canvas prints—perfect for holiday gifts while supporting our school!
All order forms are due November 20th.
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Upcoming PTA Events:
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Chick-fil-A Spirit Night: November 18
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Family Skate Night: November 20
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Winterfest: December 4
Any police officers or firefighters in our community that might be willing to help PTA with a specific upcoming project? Please email Mr. Marotta and he will get you in touch with the correct PTA Board Member. Thank you advance!
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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.
Chick-fil-A Spirit Night
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Where: Chick-fil-A Chantilly
4201 Chantilly Shopping Center
How to Support: Mention Bull Run Elementary School before placing your order with a Team Member, or enter code BullRunES
in the Chick-fil-A App.
Proceeds help support PTA field trips, educational programming, and after-school clubs!
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Skate N' Fun Zone Spirit Night
When: Friday, November 20, 2026, from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Skate N' Fun Zone (7878 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA)
Details: Admission is $15 per person (includes skate rental, 4 game tokens, a slice of cheese pizza, and a 16oz fountain soda). Laser Zone games are $4 each. Non-skating adults and kids under 3 enter free as spectators. Funds support PTA programs and scholarships!
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Save the Date: Winterfest!
When: Friday, December 4, 2026, from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Admission: Free admission to enter (note: this is not a drop-off event)!
Highlights: Enjoy food hosted by 5th grade (pizza, hot chocolate, candy bar walk, and snacks), a craft fair with 20+ vendors, a Scholastic Book Fair, a silent auction, music, face painting, games, fairy hair, and henna.
Activities Wristband: Crafts and games require an activity wristband ($8 presale or $10 at the door). Purchase online via Givebacks or pay with cash/check at the main office. Proceeds benefit 5th-grade end-of-year events, field trips, and PTA programs.
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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:
Finishing Up Uncovering Characters in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 2 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about different characters in stories and their own personal sense of character.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: How does the way you act change the way you think about yourself?
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Activity: Draw a new cover for a favorite book featuring the main character in a key moment.
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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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.
November Is National Family Engagement Month
Family Engagement Month is a time to remember that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers.
The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
Growing Together: Talking About Social-Emotional Learning at HomeSocial-emotional learning (SEL) helps children develop confidence, resilience, self-awareness, and other important skills that support their success in school and throughout life. Participate in a Family Cafe workshop to:
- Understand your child’s Fairfax County SEL Screener results.
- Use the SEL Screener results as a starting point for meaningful conversations at home.
- Support your child’s social and emotional development.
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong skills together.
Learn practical ways to talk with your child about their social and emotional well-being and support their continued growth at home. Events will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on:
Click on the date to register. Find additional details on the FCPS Family Academy page.
Childcare will be available. Interpretation services are available upon request. For more information, contact the Family and School Partnerships office at 703-204-4300 or FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu.
Tutoring Resources for Families
Some families may be looking for additional resources to help support their child’s academic success. The Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of FCPS employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to hire as a tutor. 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 as a resource to families.
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.
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: FCPS This Week
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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