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Hello Bull Run Families,
So we finally had a normally scheduled week in the building... and now we are up against a 4-day weekend! I for one was glad to get back on track with routine this week, and I am sure you at home were as well! Despite the disruption, our students and staff have been working hard completing class tasks, continuing on with WIDA assessments, and wrapping up the VALLSS (Virginia Language and Literacy Screening System ) winter window.
As promised last week; below you will find charts demonstrating our winter scores on county literacy screeners (VALLSS and iReady) which again highlights our growth and progress!
Reminders:
Tomorrow, Friday February 13th is an SCA Spirit Day-Sports Day! Show off your favorite team, athlete, or sport by wearing:
-Sports Jerseys
-Athletic Gear
-Favorite Athlete Apparel
Also, tomorrow is the deadline for students to submit their designs for the yearbook cover contest! See information below in the PTA section.
Have a wonderful weekend!
-Mr. Marotta
February 13: The 100th Day of School! / 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 19: Division Wide Spirit Day (see information below)
February 25: Three-Hour Early Release Wednesday
February 26: School Wide Spelling Bee
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*The full FCPS 2025-2026 calendar can be accessed here.
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This week was Kindness Week at Bull Run! Our counselors developed several activities focused on promoting kindness, empathy, and generosity across our school community. In addition to daily kindness reminders, students participated in two special projects that offer meaningful opportunities to express kindness and generosity. These included the SCA schoolwide Valentine’s baskets for the elderly service project and a classroom-based project that allows students to work together and spread kindness in different ways! Shown in the picture is some of the work done by our students, creating Kindness Posters to brighten everyone's day.
Thank you to all the students who poured their hearts into these posters—your words and actions make a real difference in our school culture!
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LITERACY UPDATE:
*Our school reached 82% of the median target for annual typical growth overall on the iReady Winter Assessment
*Mid/Above or Early On Grade Level: Increased from 51% (baseline) to 57% (current).
*The percentage of students "Three or More Grade Levels Below" decreased from 14% to 10%
According to winter VALLSS data, overall the data shows a positive trend in student performance. The number of students in the "Low Risk" category increased significantly, while the number of students in "Moderate" and "High" risk categories decreased.
The following table highlights the shift in student counts across the three risk bands:
| Risk Band |
Fall Count |
Winter Count |
Net Change |
| Low Risk (Green) |
107 |
140 |
+33 |
| Moderate Risk (Yellow) |
59 |
35 |
-24 |
| High Risk (Red) |
57 |
48 |
-9 |
*The "Low Risk" group grew significantly from 107 to 140 students
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 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.
Get ready to rumble! Our very own Bull Run ES Staff will be taking on Centre Ridge ES Staff in an epic elementary school basketball face-off! Bring the whole family for a night of hoops, concessions, prizes, and school spirit!
 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:
School-Wide Bee: The top spellers from their classroom Bees 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, March 02 | 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
Exploring Technology and Society in Language Arts
Benchmark Unit 5 in Language Arts is about technology and how it can help us solve problems at home, school, and work. Students in K-5 will be learning about technology and society. Grade six students will learn about technology in the 21st century.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
- Question: If you could invent anything, what would it be?
- Activity: Talk to your child about what daily life was like before today’s advances in technology. Where would you go to find information? How did you stay in touch with friends and family? Ask your child if they think they would like living without modern technology.
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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