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Principal's Message:

Hello Bull Run Families,

This week our students in grades 3-6 started their Standards of Learning (SOL) tests.  I am excited to see the growth our students have made throughout the school year!  I'll share those results at the end of the school year with the community.

Speaking of improvement; we have made tremendous growth with improving our chronic absenteeism rate this year.  One of our goals within our annual School Innovation and Improvement Plan (SIIP) is to end the year with a chronic absenteeism rate under 10%.  Currently we are at a 6.5% rate.  This is an incredible statistic, and it is not just a testament to our hard work, but it is due to your commitment as families to your children's academic journey.  I want very much to end the year as strong as possible, so please see our fun initiative to end the year!

This week was also Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week!  I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the incredible educators and support staff who make our school community so special. Their dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts shape not only academic success but also the character and confidence of every student they serve. I also want to thank our families and community members for joining us in celebrating and supporting our staff this week. Together, we continue to build a strong, caring, and inspiring environment where everyone can thrive.

Reminders:

Tomorrow, Friday May 08, is Keep it Mellow – Wear yellow to celebrate your teacher in your own special way!

Have a wonderful weekend!

-Mr. Marotta

May 04-08: Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week! May 18: Speech Language Pathology Appreciation Day May 20: Three-Hour Early Release Wednesday May 21: PTA Meeting, 6:30pm May 25: Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL) May 26: Teacher Work Day (NO SCHOOL) / Eid al-Adha (starts at sundown) May 27: Eid al-Adha / School Planning Day (NO SCHOOL) May 29: STEAM Night, 5:30-7:30pm

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

Mental Health Awareness Month Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website.

Jewish American Heritage Month May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.

*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

Remaining 2026 SOL Testing Dates

• Friday, May 8

  • 3rd Grade Reading

  • 4th Grade Reading

• Tuesday, May 12

  • 5th Grade Math

  • 6th Grade Math

• Wednesday, May 13

  • 3rd Grade Math

  • 4th Grade Math

• Tuesday, May 19

  • 5th Grade Science

Finish the School Year #ChargerSTRONG!

We are heading into the Final 4 (there are four full weeks of school, with a smaller week in between) — and we want every student to count! To celebrate Bull Run Elementary and keep our attendance soaring, we’re launching a special spirit challenge.

The Weekly Challenge:

If your student's class reaches at least 95% attendance for the week, they get to participate in a fun Spirit Day at the end of each week!

Mark your calendars for these themes:

• May 15: Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day!