The BULLS Bulletin: Week of 09/07
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.

English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو


Principal's Message:

Dear Bull Run Families,

We had a great second week of school getting used to new routines, making new, and reconnecting with old, friends, and getting started on instruction and beginning of year screeners. 

Looking ahead, I look forward to seeing many of you at Back to School Night (see information below); but until then, here is a link to Dr. Reid's welcome back video, and a message about FCPS' Strategic Plan that we will be supporting here at Bull Run:

https://youtu.be/9dr0D2VYqo8

Please see some important information below regarding volunteers, safety drills, chorus sign up, and more!

Reminder:

Tomorrow, Friday September 04th, there is NO SCHOOL due to the Labor Day Holiday!

Have a wonderful long 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


upcoming events

 

September 04 and 07: NO SCHOOL (Labor Day Holiday)

September 08: PTA Meeting-Zoom, 7:00pm

https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/j/99295620114?pwd=E9yBhagtHKo2OfICwk9zabYjFOTPad.1

Passcode: 339220

September 11: Patriot Day (observance)

September 11-13: Rosh Hashanah (observance) begins and ends at Sundown

September 15 and 17: Back To School Nights

 

September 15 (PK-3); September 17 (4-6); 

Two session options for families that may have multiple students in different grades:

5:30 – 5:50         Principal Welcome in Cafeteria for session 1

5:55 – 6:25         Classrooms Session 1 / Principal Welcome in Cafeteria for                                 session 2

6:30 – 7:00         Classrooms Session 2

September 17: Constitution Day

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

 


HIGHLIGHTS AND WHAT'S NEW AT BULL RUN!


students sitting at table with green table cloth, reading books

5th Grade conducted their annual “Starbooks” event, where students ‘taste’ different books. A great way to make learning fun!


students raising hands sitting at desks.  math problems on smart board in the background

Mrs. Leary's 6th grade Algebra Math class engaged in their learning.


A central part of maintaining a strong academic culture is managing technology. In accordance with FCPS Regulation 2601, cellphones, smartwatches, and accessories (such as AirPods, earbuds, headsets, and smart glasses) must be powered off and stored away in backpacks throughout the entire school day.

Smartwatches specifically is an update from last year’s SR&R document.  Under the updated "bell-to-bell" cellphone and smart device policy, dual-purpose watches (smartwatches) must be turned off completely and personally stored (such as inside a backpack) for the entire duration of the school day.

We ask for your partnership in making this policy successful. To help keep classroom disruptions to a minimum, please avoid contacting your child directly on their personal device during school hours. You can support this initiative by:

  • Contact our main office directly for urgent family matters or emergencies so staff can relay important information to your child promptly.
  • Reserving non-urgent communications for before or after the school day.
  • Pausing before responding to non-urgent texts from your student until school has ended.

We encourage you to talk with your child about these expectations and the reasons behind them.


students standing on risers wearing white shirts and black pants

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

Bull Run students in 5th and 6th grade can become members of our chorus! Chorus classes take place once a week during the regular school day. Chorus is an additional class, so students can take band or strings AND chorus if they choose. 

REGISTRATION FOR CHORUS FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR IS NOW OPEN!!!

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

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

We are looking forward to a fun-filled, rewarding music adventure with our 5th and 6th grade students!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Butler-Noel and Ms. Lynskey


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!

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


green chalkboard background with white letters

September 15 and 17: Back To School Nights

 

September 15 (Grades PK-3); September 17 (Grades 4-6); 

Two session options for families that may have multiple students in different grades:

 

5:30 – 5:50         Principal Welcome in Cafeteria for session 1

5:55 – 6:25         Classrooms Session 1 / Principal Welcome in Cafeteria for                                 session 2

6:30 – 7:00         Classrooms Session 2

 


PTA NEWS AND COMMUNITY EVENTS


ptalogo

Upcoming PTA Events:

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. 

After School Clubs - Registration Now Open

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

Flag Football Grades K-2: September 28-November 3 | Mondays | 4:15-5:15 PM Grades 3-6: September 24-November 12| Thursdays | 4:15-5:15 PM Cost: $160 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!

 

 

blac</div><script type=