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Principal's Message:

Hello Bull Run Families,

It's starting to get cold out there! Please make sure you are sending your kids into school with warm clothes and a coat for recess.  If you need any assistance please don't hesitate to reach out to us!

Hopefully you saw my message that I sent on Tuesday, but just in case you missed it:

Last school year we began learning about the new School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF).  The new SPSF adopted by the Virginia Board of Education in September 2024, replaces what was formerly called Accreditation. Under the School Performance and Support Framework, individual student achievements contribute to a school's overall performance score using a points system.  Points are only relevant to a school’s performance. This new framework places a greater emphasis on standardized test results, alongside student growth, and attendance. 

The points system measures: 

• Mastery, Growth, and Readiness at elementary and middle school.
• Mastery, Graduation, and Readiness at high school.

Based on the outcomes of the points (and any federal identification), schools receive a label of "Distinguished", “On Track”, “Off Track”, “Needs Intensive Support”. More details about the points can be found here. 

I’m excited to share that Bull Run has been recognized as “On Track”, based on data from last school year, showing that our school is meeting expectations set by the state around student performance.

While the framework is new, one thing has not changed: our students are learning and growing, and our teachers and staff continue to do exceptional work every day. Our performance is something to celebrate, as this recognition reflects the dedication of our entire school community!

Reminders:

-Tomorrow, Friday 12/12, is our next SCA Spirit Day.  Stuffed Animal Day!  Pease remember that it must fit in your backpack, and students are responsible for keeping it safe. Remember, learning comes first—stuffed animals are just guests in class!

-Tomorrow is the last day for the Scholastic Book Fair!

-Happy Chanukah to all that celebrate, as the first night is this Sunday, 12/14.

Have a great weekend!

-Mr. Marotta

December 11: Superintendent Hosts a Community Conversation (series) at Bull Run- 6:30pm December 12: SCA Stuffed Animal Day December 14- December 22: Chanukah December 16:  Winter Band and Strings Concert- 7:00pm December 17: Early Release Wednesday; Five Guys PTA Fundraiser December 22-January 02: NO SCHOOL (Winter Break) December 25: Christmas Day December 26- January 1: Kwanzaa

*The full FCPS 2025-2026 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.

HIGHLIGHTS AND WHAT'S NEW AT BULL RUN!

Our 5th and 6th grade chorus did a wonderful job at their Winter Concert this pat Wednesday evening.

Full Time AAP Referral Process: More information, including parent presentation videos and descriptions of all available AAP services K-12, is available online.  Spring referrals from current second graders and older are due December 15 to Stephanie Will,  sdwill@fcps.edu.

Please email her directly if there are questions.

Remaining BRES Winter Spirit Days

Get ready to show your school spirit with these upcoming fun dress-up days!

• Monday, Dec 15th: Light up the Holidays! Wear anything that lights up, shines, or sparkles.

• Tuesday, Dec 16th: Show your Holiday's Spirit! Come to school dressed in holiday colors that represent you.

• Friday, Dec 19th: Holiday Sweater/Accessories! Wear an ugly or not-so-ugly holiday sweater and any holiday gear you please!

The Bull Run Special Olympics Store is live!  It will be open through December 16th! https://bullrunspecialolympics.itemorder.com/shop/home/

PTA NEWS, CLUBS AND OTHER COMMUNITY EVENTS

One of our very own Bulls, Colin Ross, will be part of the ensemble cast of the NextStop Theatre Company, as they present Under the Tree, a delightful new musical that reimagines The Nutcracker from the perspective of Clara and the Rat Society living beneath her floorboards. This festive production features music by Tchaikovsky alongside original songs, and tells the story of Gabi, one of the Rat King's children, who wonders if there might be a better way than conflict—and sets off an adventure that changes Christmas forever.

If you have the time and are looking for a fun experience, go and support this young and talented performer!

Performance dates this weekend:

• Friday, December 12 at 7pm
• Saturday, December 13 at 2pm and 7pm
• Sunday, December 14 at 2pm

Performances take place at NextStop Theatre Company, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170.  Tickets can be purchased at nextstoptheatre.org.

PTA Restaurant Night at Five Guys! Treat yourself to a delicious dinner and support the Bull Run Elementary School PTA at our next restaurant fundraiser! When: Wednesday, December 17th Time: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM   Where: 6017 Centreville Crest Ln, Centreville, VA 20121 Just dine at Five Guys on December 17th, and a portion of the proceeds will go directly to the Bull Run PTA! Thank you for your support!