The BULLS Bulletin: Week of 09/21
The BULLS Bulletin
An artwork of the Bull Run Elementary School grounds

Newsletter header: Bull Bulletin.  We see you. We welcome you. You belong here.

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Principal's Message:

Dear Bull Run Families,

It was wonderful seeing so many of our new and returning families at our first night of Back to School Night, and I look forward to seeing even more tonight!  I hope you all got a great insight into what the year will look like for your students!

Get ready to show off your school pride tomorrow, Friday September 18th for our first SCA Spirit Day: the Class Color Challenge!  Your child's teacher should have been communicating with you what color they should be wearing tomorrow.  Please contact them if you have any questions.

Have a wonderful weekend!

-Mr. Marotta

 


*The full FCPS 2026-2027 calendar can be accessed here.

School Year Calendar

 See the complete school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances.

  • Days marked with blue Hs are student holidays. 
  • Days marked with orange Os are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings if only half marked). 
  • Days marked in pink are holidays for students, but working days for teachers and staff.

teel background, colorful flowers

From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month

colorful pictures in a pyramid design on a brick wall

 

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.


upcoming events

 

September 18: SCA Spirit Day (see information below in the Spirit Days section)

September 20-21: Yom Kippur (observance) begins and ends at Sundown

September 21: NO SCHOOL (Yom Kippur)

September 23: Introduction to AAP & Continuum of Services (Open to all K-6 Families)

Zoom information: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/92414928555?pwd=Tek7x6FJgHsmpA2ISckaBirhk0447t.1

Passcode: 409629

September 25: PTA’s Back To School Bash event, 5:30pm-7:30pm

September 26 to Oct. 4:  Blue Star Welcome Week

 


HIGHLIGHTS AND WHAT'S NEW AT BULL RUN!


Four students standing in front of a vending machine holding books in their hands.

Students from Mrs. Louie's 3rd grade classroom continue to cash in their Charger Bucks to get free books from our book vending machine! #chargerSTRONG


students working on the floor with paper and pencil with a bucket that has corn in it placed in the middle of the students

Our students in 5th grade have been busy exploring and learning up close! In class recently, students gathered in small groups to observe, examine, and write down their observations about plant anatomy using real corn cobs. It was a great way to bring science lessons to life, as a way to kick off their first unit of the Benchmark Advance Literacy Curriculum (featured in the image are students from Mrs. Frasnelli's class).


white background with red and black letters

I am thrilled to share some great news!

We have officially been recognized by the Special Olympics as a National Unified Champion School!

We are 1 of now 11 total FCPS schools, and only the 4th elementary school that hold this honor. It shows that our school goes beyond basic participation and deeply weaves inclusion into its everyday culture. 

Next month they will be sending our official banner. Our official Inclusion Revolution Week will take place later in December, the week prior to Winter Break, where we will unveil the banner and kick off the week with a pep-rally!

Thank you to all of our staff, students and families for all you do in support of inclusive opportunities here at Bull Run!  


students standing on risers wearing white shirts and black pants

We want YOU to join our 2026-2027 Bull Run Chorus!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18th is the DEADLINE TO SIGN UP.

Sign up for Chorus (5th and 6th graders only) Click Here to Register


Volunteers and Visitors at Bull Run:  Beginning September 21st.

To ensure a smooth transition for all students, we will not be accepting classroom visitors or volunteers until the week of September 21st. This pause applies to all volunteer roles, including Wednesday Folder stuffers and library helpers, as well as guest visits to the cafeteria to eat lunch with your child.

Reserving these first few weeks exclusively for students and staff allows our young learners to build independence and confidence as they master school routines without added distractions. Additionally, it gives our staff the time needed to finalize classroom schedules, foster strong classroom communities, and fully solidify building security and guest sign-in procedures. We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we lay a strong, safe foundation for the year ahead, and we look forward to welcoming our wonderful family volunteers into the building starting September 21st!

****If you completed the volunteer process last year you should have gotten a survey in June asking if you would like to continue to be a volunteer this school year. 

If you answered that survey, you do not have to do anything to continue to volunteer this school year.  You are approved/active and are still in the system.

If you did not answer the survey, you will have to sign into your profile and click the button saying you want to start the process and volunteer again.  You do not have to start the whole process over.  By clicking this button it will activate you and put you back into the volunteer system.****

 

Any questions, please contact Coral August @ 703-227-1400.

TIPS AND REMINDERS:

  • ALL VISITORS (FOR ANY REASON) MUST HAVE THEIR PHYSICAL IDENTIFICATION TO ENTER THE BUILDING.  
  • All volunteers must be registered in the county system. Level 1 is required to help with Wednesday Folders, in the classrooms, etc.  If you want to be considered to be a chaperone for any field trips, you would need to register as a Level 2.   Please see the Volunteering Sign-Up Process blelow:

    Step 1: Go to FCPS website

    Step 2:Search for VOLUNTEER

    Step 3:Click on VOLUNTEER PROCESS

    Step 4:Click on SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER

    Step 5:Click on SCHOOLS

    Step 6:Scroll down to BULL RUN -Learn More

    Step 7:Click on GENERAL VOLUNTEERING – Learn More

    Step 8: Click on SIGN UP

    Step 9:Click on LOG IN or NEW VOLUNTEER

    Step 10:Fill out the Volunteer Profile to get started!!

  • If you haven't already done so, please create an account on the Raptor security sign-in system to save yourself time when visiting our building!

    https://raptortech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Raptor-Safe-Visitor-Install-and-Onboading-2025.pdf


PTA NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS


ptalogo

Upcoming PTA Events:

  • Back to School Bash: September 25
  • Trunk or Treat: October 30 
  • 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. 

images of scissors, backpacks, clocks, books, balls and school logo with a blue background

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH!

When: 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!


yellow left side border with black letters

Chess Club All Grades: September 28-December 14 | Mondays | 4:15-5:15 PM Cost: $220 REGISTER


white background with black, blue and red font

RunFit Kidz 

Who: Grades 1–6

When: Tuesdays, 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM (Sep 22 – Nov 10)

Celebration 5K: Sunday, November 15 at Fairfax Corner

Cost: $134 (Includes $5 school admin fee)

Details: Professional coaches teach running mechanics, pacing, strength, and healthy nutrition habits. Registration includes a RunFit Kidz T-shirt, mileage tokens, 5K entry, finisher medal, and a post-race party!

Register: Visit prtrainingprograms.com/runfit-kidz

(Click on "register now" and select Bull Run Elementary School)


Flyer with registration details, pricing, and a QR code to sign up.

Join us for the Kids and Masters Art Program at Bull Run Elementary! Students will explore their creativity and try new techniques, including a special two-hour clay session.

Quick Details:

When: Thursdays, 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM (Sept 24 – Dec 10)

Where: Art Room 226

Cost: $204 (All materials included)

 

Discounts: 20% off for staff children | 10% off for siblings

Space is limited to 20 students!

Register today at: kids-and-masters-art.square.site Questions? Email enchantedpath@earthlink.net or call 703-589-7891 (please include your child's school name).


black and white graphic of gutair and keyboard with black letter text

Sponsored by the BRES PTA, these introductory music classes require no prior experience or instrument. Parents and teachers are welcome to join as well!

 

Who: Guitar for Grades 1–3 (with Ms. Berg); Piano for Grades 3–6 (with Dr. Lee)

When: Tuesdays, 4:15–5:15 PM | Sept 22 – Nov 10 (No class on Nov 3)

Cost: $140 for 7 weeks (+$15 fee if you don't own a guitar; includes a take-home portable fretboard)

Deadline: Register by Saturday, Sept 12

How to Join: Visit www.MusicallyCreative.com

 

 


pictures of kids doing a different art activities with purple background

Not Just Dance After School Theatre Program A fun environment for kids to build confidence, communication, and imagination through improv games, role-playing, choreography, and scene work.

Who: Grades 1–6

When: Fridays, 4:15–5:15 PM | Sept 18 – Dec 18, 2026 (10 weeks; No class Sept 25, Oct 30, Nov 27, Dec 4)