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Hello Bull Run Families,
Well, this was quite the interesting week wasn't it? I am grateful to our staff and students for being positive and flexible throughout this week. I am very aware of the continued impact that snow and ice have had across our community, particularly at bus stops and along neighborhood roads. Please continue to use caution and prioritize safety as you travel.
We are grateful for your partnership, patience, and support as we navigate these conditions together. Please know that the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we appreciate the care our community continues to show for one another. I am hopeful that the warmer temperatures will come soon so that some of the hazards can melt away!
On to other news-
As we close out the 2nd quarter and move into the second half of the school year, our focus remains the same: High achievement and effort, while having ownership of our words and actions; being #chargerSTRONG.
Below, you will find charts demonstrating our winter scores on the Mathematics MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) assessments. Beyond just high scores, we are focusing on growth—how much each student improves over time. Currently, our school-wide median growth is at the 65th percentile. This shows that our students aren't just maintaining their levels; they are actively climbing higher! Thank you to our dedicated teachers and supportive families for making these gains possible. Let’s keep this momentum going through the spring!
At the end of the 2nd quarter, our chronic absenteeism rate is trending in the positive direction! This time last year, we were hovering at a little over 12% of our students being considered chronically absent. As of today, we at 9.8%! I am very proud of this statistic, and you all should be as well.
Reminders:
Tomorrow is the first Friday of the month, so it is team jersey day! We encourage every student and staff member to wear a jersey, shirt or colors of their favorite team or sport! Unless it's the Patriots.... just kidding! Enjoy the Super Bowl for those that will be watching!
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
February 07: Bull Run Special Olympics Basketball Game, 3:00pm @ Woodson H.S.
February 11: The 100th Day of School!
February 13: SCA Spirit Day- Sports Day
February 16: Presidents Day (NO SCHOOL)
February 17: Lunar New Year / Ramadan begins at Sundown (Teacher work day- NO SCHOOL)
February 18: Ash Wednesday/First Full Day of Ramadan
February 25: Three-Hour Early Release Wednesday
February 26: School Wide Spelling Bee
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Thank you to Bull Run 4th grade teacher, Ms. Watkins, for creating our school's Black History Month poster display. |
*The full FCPS 2025-2026 calendar can be accessed here.
Mrs. Louie's 3rd grade class won the Attendance Drive of the Month trophy for January. They had an impressive 98% positve attendance rate for the month!
 When looking at our school as a whole, our median achievement percentile jumped from the 68th percentile in the Fall to the 75th percentile this Winter.
Student Fasting Meal Kits
From February 18 to March 19, 2026, a Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) waiver allows students fasting during the school day to request take-home meal kits. These kits include a complete school breakfast and lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Important Meal Kit Information:
- Kits are charged based on a student’s meal status (Free, Reduced, or Paid).
- Students may claim one breakfast and one lunch kit per day.
- Students who eat a meal at school during the day are not eligible for a take-home kit on the same day.
- Kits are distributed at the end of the school day. Students must pick up their own kits; adults are not permitted to collect them.
Parents or guardians must submit a weekly request form via the FCPS FNS website by the deadlines:
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February 11, 2026 for week of February 18, 2026
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February 16, 2026 for the week of February 23, 2026
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February 23, 2026 for the week of March 2, 2026
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March 2, 2026 for the week of March 9, 2026
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March 9, 2026 for the week of March 16, 2026
Forms must be submitted on time to receive meal kits for the following week.
 Want to see your art on the front of every school yearbook? Now is your chance! We are officially looking for student designs for the 2025-2026 Yearbook Cover.
The Details:
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Format: 8.5" x 11" paper.
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Must Include: "2025-2026" and "CHARGERSTRONG".
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On the Back: Name, Teacher, and Grade.
The Prizes: The winner gets their art on the Front Cover, a free yearbook, and a new art set! Runner-ups will be featured on the back cover.
Deadline: February 13, 2026
How to Enter: Email bullrunyearbook@gmail.com or drop your art off at the front office.
It’s time to get those study lists ready—the Spelling Bee is coming to Bull Run Elementary! We have two big dates for our students to mark on their calendars:
Classroom Bees: These will take place by February 13th.
School-Wide Bee: The top spellers will move on to the big event on February 26th.
We can't wait to see our students show off their skills!
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Parenting Education Program at Bull Run ES
We are excited to invite our Bull Run families to a special Parenting Education Program. This session is designed to offer actionable techniques for building self-esteem in children, encouraging positive behavior, and managing family stress. It’s a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence and connect with a supportive community of fellow parents.
When: Monday, February 23 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Note: This program is FREE and also offered in Spanish.
Sign Up: Spots are limited! Please contact our Family Liaison, Lilith Albornoz, at 703-227-1417 or email llalbornoz@fcps.edu to reserve your place.
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Join the Bull Run Chess Club!
Registration is now open for the Silver Knights Chess Academy winter session! Open to students in Grades K-6, this club is a fantastic way to build critical thinking skills while having a blast.
When: Mondays, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Dates: Feb 23 – May 18 (11 weeks)
Cost: $234 (includes a Chesskid Gold membership!)
Sign up today at www.chessacademy.com
Questions? Email info@chessacademy.com or call 703-574-2070.
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Pre-orders for the '25-'26 Bull Run Elementary Yearbook are officially open. Buying early ensures your student gets their copy before they sell out.
Deadline: Order by April 26
Yearbook ID: 15367026
How to Order: Head to ybpay.lifetouch.com and use the ID code above.
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Celebrate the Year of the Horse!
Looking for some weekend family fun? The 17th Annual Chinese New Year Festival is happening soon! This year’s theme is Filial Piety, and there is a huge lineup of activities including a Dragon Parade, live performances, and delicious Asian cuisine. It’s a great way to experience a beautiful cultural tradition right here in our community.
When: Saturday, February 14 | 10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Road, Falls Church)
Cost: Adults $5, Kids (6-12) $2, Kids under 6 are FREE.
More Info: www.ChineseNewYearFestival.org
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BENCHMARK UPDATE
Finishing Up Different Perspectives in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 4 in Language Arts is coming to a close! Over the last several weeks, our students have learned, read, and written about the perspectives of characters, authors, and readers.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If your pet (or a stuffed animal) could talk, what do you think it would say about its day?
- Activity: Ask your child to retell a familiar story from another character’s point of view.
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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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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It’s SCA Sports Spirit Day!
Chargers, get your gear ready! Friday, February 13th is Sports Spirit Day. Show off your favorite team, athlete, or sport by wearing:
Sports Jerseys
Athletic Gear
Favorite Athlete Apparel
Let’s be #ChargerSTRONG by showing great sportsmanship and teamwork all day long!
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