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Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community,
As we approach this weekend, we look forward to honoring the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday. It is a time for us to reflect on his message of equality, justice, and service to others—values we strive to model within our own school halls every day. In observance of this important holiday, please remember that Cedar Lane will be closed this coming Monday, January 19th. We hope this day provides our families with an opportunity for meaningful reflection and community connection.
When we return on Tuesday, we will be entering a very important stretch of the school year. Please keep in mind that the second quarter will be officially ending in a very short time. The last day of the second quarter is Wednesday, January 28. We encourage all students to stay diligent, check in with their teachers, and put forth their best effort as we wrap up this grading period. It is an exciting time to finish strong and prepare for the second half of the year!
In the spirit of community and service,
The Staff of Cedar Lane School
Contents:
- Monday, January 19 ⇒ Holiday: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)
- Wednesday, January 21 ⇒ Field Trip: National Air & Space Museum - Udvar Hazy Center
- Friday, January 23 ⇒ Basketball: Pace West @ Cedar Lane
- Tuesday, January 27 ⇒ PTSA Sponsored Substance Abuse Prevention & Support Presentation: Michael McNulty (Cedar Lane Library, 7:00-8 PM)
- Wednesday, January 28 ⇒ Last Day of the Second Quarter
- Thursday, January 29 ⇒ Staff Development Day (No School for Students)
- Friday, January 30 ⇒ Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Eventos de Vacunación para los Estudiantes de FCPS
FCPS, en asociación con la organización Inspire Health Alliance, estará ofreciendo sin costo alguno vacunas obligatorias para la escuela y vacunas opcionales contra la “flu” o influenza a todos los estudiantes de FCPS. Se realizan múltiples eventos en lugares determinados de FCPS. Se programarán fechas adicionales a lo largo del año escolar. Padres y tutores podrían revisar las fechas de los próximos eventos y programar citas para vacunar a sus estudiantes. La participación es completamente voluntaria.
Hay disponibles recursos adicionales para la vacunación.
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 6-12, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
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Join us on Jan 27th at 7 pm for an informative presentation led by Michael McNulty, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist with FCPS’s Substance Prevention (SAP) Program. This session is designed to empower parents with the knowledge, tools, & confidence to navigate one of the most challenging—and important—conversations families face. Learn the SAPS role in the school, warning signs, how to communicate with their student and how to support their student.
This hybrid meeting offers both in-person and virtual attendance options. RSVP to Ms. Min at jmmin1@fcps.edu or 703-608-3936.
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When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Help your student succeed in school by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. Visit the FCPS website for helpful insights regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school to minimize impacts on learning.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to let us know so we can provide assistance, if needed.
Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs
Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
Hábitos Saludables para Prevenir la Propagación de la Influenza y Otros Gérmenes
El Condado de Fairfax ha estado observando altos niveles de casos de enfermedad de la influenza (la “flu”). El número de visitas a las salas de emergencias y centros de cuidados urgentes ha aumentado, especialmente entre niños, además de que múltiples casos de “flu” han ocurrido dentro de nuestras comunidades e instalaciones escolares.
Lea los consejos del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax para reducir la propagación de la “flu” y de otros gérmenes.
 Meal Accommodations Provide Safe, Nutritious Meals
FCPS’s Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) works to ensure every student has access to school meals that are safe, nutritious, and meet their individual dietary needs.
FNS works closely with families to provide reasonable meal accommodations for students whose medical needs affect what they can eat at school. To support students appropriately and safely, families are asked to submit medical documentation to FNS from a U.S. licensed health care provider so we can tailor meals to each child’s needs.
Learn more about the documentation required and the steps to develop a menu for your child.
Learn About Opportunities for the Year Following Graduation at the Gap Year Fair
FCPS School Counseling Services and Go Overseas will co-host the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Marshall High School.
This event is for high school students and their families who are interested in learning about opportunities for the year following high school graduation. Students should register at USA Gap Year Fairs.
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is looking for motivated students ages 16+, college students or young adults looking to jump into real-world experience through our new Work Student Program launching January 2026. Build your skills, explore our mission and make a meaningful impact in Fairfax County.
Under the guidance of staff from the assigned department, Work Students will complete entry-level tasks that give them hands-on experience, career exploration opportunities and exposure to the field – all supported through mentorship.
Students may work up to 900 part-time hours in 2026. Hours are flexible to fit around school schedules, and jobs are located throughout Fairfax County.
NCS is a Fairfax County agency that supports people of all ages through recreation, education and developmental programs. This internship program offers a great opportunity to build skills in public service aligned with the county’s One Fairfax Policy, as well as in program management, administration and more. Students will be matched with programs that best fit their resume and college major (if applicable).
There are three classifications for Work Student positions, each with varying responsibilities and pay scales. To learn more about Work Student positions, visit NCS Internships.
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Enhancing Safety and Security for Staff and Students
School safety and security are being enhanced across FCPS with a new emergency management system. The system includes sensors installed in schools and a wearable emergency response button (ERB) for staff.
The button allows staff to quickly and discreetly request help and, once pressed, they provide location information within the school. The ERB will only work on school grounds and does not rely on cellular service. It is not meant to replace calling 911, but is an additional safety tool that can be used if calling 911 may not be safe or practical.
Learn more about the emergency management system. You may submit questions to the FCPS Chief of Safety and Security Office.
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.
Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Superintendent Updates on Boundaries and AI
- Healthy Habits to Avoid Illness
- Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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