Good afternoon families!!
We are happy to celebrate the last day of the first quarter and we are ready to launch ahead into quarter #2! As we move into the 2nd quarter, we also move into November which has multiple disruptions to the school calendar. Teacher conferences, election day, Veteran's Day!!, and Thanksgiving all impact our schedule. We do have a major celebration (Veteran's Day!) on tap for November 8th. Please see below for more information.
November also brings about the annual "FCPS Honors" event where families can nominate Cherry Run staff for their exemplary efforts on behalf of students and families. Please look through the categories below and, if you feel a person fits the criteria, we encourage you to nominate our amazing staff members!
Lastly, as we wind down the 1st quarter, I wanted to share some information about "Chronic Absenteeism". Chronic absenteeism (CA) is defined as any student who misses 10% of the schools days, for any reason. There is no discrepancy for students who stay home sick vs students who go on multiple vacations. 10% of days missed makes you chronically absent. While we encourage students who are sick to stay home (!), students who are frequently sick AND go on vacations during the school year tend to fall into this CA category. Starting this year, CA is now a part of our school accreditation and counts 10% towards our accreditation status. It is imperative that students attend school regularly.
Last year, students who were chronically absent were notified at the semester mark indicating their CA status. This year there will be a slight change to that process. During the 1st quarter, we are not sending home letters because we have only had 44 days of school and a student with 5 absences would be "chronically absent". So, any student who had the flu or a stomach bug and missed a week would be "CA". As we add school days, the threshold for CA continues to go up (e.g. any student with five absences now (out of 44 days) is CA, but in two weeks, that same student with 5 absences (out of 54 days) would no longer be considered CA). At the end of the second quarter, the threshold for CA would be 10 days absent (out of 96 days) to be considered "CA". At the end of the 3rd quarter the "CA" status would be 14 days and for the year, 18 absences would make a student CA for the year, assuming they were enrolled on day 1.
At the end of the 2nd quarter, those students who are "CA" will receive a letter indicating their current status, whether they were "CA" last year or not, and a notice that an action plan will need to be created for students on track to be CA for the year. At this time, we have over 50+ students who are technically "CA". As we add days of school, my hope is that the number of students in this category will go down, but those students will need to continue to attend on a regular basis.
Please feel free to ask me any questions about Chronic Absenteeism and how it impacts our school's accreditation status. Have a great LONG weekend.
Sincerely,
Mark Bibbee
Principal
Cherry Run ES
November 1 - Student Holiday - No Students - School is CLOSED
November 4 - Teacher Workday - No Students - School is OPEN
November 5 - Teacher Workday - No Students - School is OPEN
November 7 - PTA Monthly Meeting - 7:30 - Cafeteria/Zoom
November 8 - Veteran's Day Celebration!!
November 11 - Student Holiday - No Students - School is CLOSED
November 27-29 - Student Holiday - No Students - School is CLOSED
Cherry Run Elementary School is so excited to celebrate our Veterans for the upcoming Veterans. We would love to showcase all the amazing service members who have served (retired or veteran) or are currently serving, and your family. Please email our Family Liaison, Stacy Huisman (dshuisman@fcps.edu) to send a picture and information about your family and service member. Feel free to include any service member that you would like to honor including, but not limited to Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, parents and children. We will put all the photos into a slideshow and classes will be able to view the slideshow as Veteran’s Day approaches. If you have submitted a photo and information from previous year, no need to send one in unless you’d like info/photo updated. Please submit your photos by November 4th to be included in the slideshow.
In addition, we will be celebrating Military Families on November 8th from 8:45am-9:25am. We will start the program with our Purple Team leading the pledge of allegiance, then as you enjoy refreshments, the slideshow will play in the background, and you will enjoy music from the Air Force Woodwind Band. In addition, our Cherry Run chorus will sing a song and we will have a guest speaker.
Lastly, at 9:25, Cherry Run students and staff will "Clap Out" our beloved Veteran's and spouses.
Looking forward to seeing our Cherry Run Families!
Thank you, Cherry Run community, for an amazing Fall Festival! The evening was filled with excitement, fun games, face painting, pies in faces, music, and lots of sugar! We had around 250 families and over 500 people present! This year's proceeds will help fund new instruments for the music program, teacher appreciation events and teacher wish list items, as well as other requests that come up throughout the year. The PTA would like to thank all the volunteers who helped run this event – it would not have been possible without you!
A very special thank you to the following people and families who donated off the Amazon Wish List: Sarah Taylor, Brittany Blake, Mark E Scepansky, Lisa, Robert Poubelle, Kara Goehring, Laura Davis, Lauren Tower, Brian Juola, Jennifer, The Watson Family, Meagan Van Hoy, Christian & Holly Cunningham, Anne Neumann, Garrett Johnson, Freude Family, Anastasia Gunberg, Laura Lewis, Patricia and Daniel Davila, Marcia Lundin, Kristin Wiley, Melanie Vrabel Adams, Christine Lee, Lucinda Klingensmith, and Nico and Andre Castro and Mirella Tafur. Thank you so, so much for your generosity! Our wish list was completely bought out by these amazing folks which allowed more money to go back the school and teachers.
CANDY CORN GUESS WINNERS: Total Candy Corn 1,349
WINNER: Eva, Ms. Bills 2nd grade, guess 1346
2nd: Addie, Mr. McCain 5th grade, guess1344
3rd: Abby S., Mr. Callahan, guess 1342
4th: Sunny S., Ms. Ko 2nd grade, guess 1300
5th: Charlotte, Ms. Waggoner 4th grade, guess 1255
PUMPKIN PALOOZA WINNERS:
With 49 fabulous pumpkin entries and an astonishing 178 ballots (totaling over 450 votes), our pumpkin decorating contest was nothing short of a spooky success!
We were absolutely spellbound by the creativity displayed in this year’s entries! Each pumpkin was a true masterpiece, showcasing the incredible talent of our K-6 students and making it a tough decision for our voters! But without further ado, here are the spine-tingling results of the 2024 Cherry Run PTA Pumpkin Decorating Contest:
Scariest Pumpkins: 1st Place: Pumpkin #5: Cauldron – Braydon Sipe (4th Grade) 2nd Place: Pumpkin #12: Snake Eggs Hatching – Hadley Fried (4th Grade) 3rd Place: Pumpkin #17: Jack Skeleton – Joshua Callister (3rd Grade)
Funniest Pumpkins: 1st Place: Pumpkin #42: Olaf – Ella Arca (6th Grade) 2nd Place: Pumpkin #1: Dunkin Donuts – Ester Nobles (6th Grade) 3rd Place: Pumpkin #6: Peas in a Pod – (If this is your pumpkin, please come forward to claim your prize! We wouldn’t want you to be left hanging in a pickle!)
Most Creative / Original Pumpkins: 1st Place: Pumpkin #1: Dunkin Donuts – Ester Nobles (6th Grade) 2nd Place: Pumpkin #34: Spa Day – Sage Sutton (5th Grade) 3rd Place: Pumpkin #42: Olaf – Ella Arca (6th Grade)
Thank you again for supporting this event and helping strengthen our community!
And last but certainly not least, shout out to the following teachers for winning this month’s teacher appreciation gifts!
- Connelly 1st
- Ganahl- ID
- Stockburger- PM/PS
2025 Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations
Nominations are now open for the Outstanding Employee Awards! To submit a nomination for a Cherry Run ES Outstanding Employee in one of the categories below, please complete the nomination through this Google form link: Nomination Form. You may nominate one employee at our school or multiple employees (one individual may only nominate one employee per category.)
All that is required for a preliminary nomination is a paragraph or two about how this employee demonstrates exceptional work in one more of the criteria for that award category. The Google form link has more information regarding the criteria for each of these awards. The eligibility requirements are below.
Outstanding Teacher
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)
Outstanding New Teacher
Eligibility: Has up to three years of experience as a teacher (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Principal
Eligibility: Has at least three years of experience as a building principal (in any school/school district)
Outstanding Leader
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in their current position as a Schedule-C or School-Based Administrator scale employee (that is not the building principal) at their current location
Common positions in this category: Assistant and Associate Principals
Outstanding Professional Employee
Eligibility: At least one year experience in current position as a Schedule-B employee or other non-instructional employee in a school that supports school leadership at their current location
Common positions in this category: School-Based Technology Specialist, Technology Support Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, School Counselor, Special Education Department Chairs that teach less than 50% of their time, Reading Specialists that do not have a regular course load/do not give grades
Outstanding Operational Employee
Eligibility: At least one year of experience in current position as Schedule-A or Classroom Instructional Support Scale employee at their current location
Common positions in this category: Administrative and Office Staff, Safety and Security Assistant, Custodial Staff, Food Service Staff, IA, PHA, PHTA, All Parent Liaisons
The deadline to submit a nomination is Friday, November 15.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Hammond at ldhammond@fcps.edu
Each year, students in grades 4 - 6 participate in our Family Life Education (FLE) curriculum. This ranges from 1 day (4th grade) to 5 days (5th & 6th grades) and includes 1 hour lessons on a variety of topics. Parents have the opportunity to preview these lessons PRIOR to our instructing of students.
Mrs. Goss and Ms. Valenzuela have scheduled the FLE parent preview night for Wednesday, November 20th at 7:00pm. They plan on hosting a virtual meeting again this year. The link will be sent closer to the day of the event so families can have it at the top of their inbox. This meeting will provide an overview of the curriculum and share some examples of the materials that will be used.
For a deeper inspection of the materials used, you are welcome to schedule a visit to the school to look at the full curriculum.
- Elementary School Language Arts Grading Updates
Our teachers have been hard at work teaching with the new Language Arts curriculum, and we are excited to help all of our students become strong readers and writers! This year we also have new assessments, which is how we check if your student needs extra help with reading and writing, and new Standards of Learning (SOLs).
Because of these changes, we are now teaching all of the Language Arts skills your child needs to know (and checking if they need extra help) throughout the whole school year, instead of different skills each quarter. While these skills will be new to your child in the beginning of the year, the goal is for your child to grow strong in all of their new skills by the end of the year.
This means that when you get your child’s progress report next month, it might look different. Your child’s teacher will give you more information on the new progress reporting and how we’re making sure your child is getting any extra help they might need. You can also find more information on FCPS’ Grading and Reporting webpage.
We will also have new ways for you to help your child practice their reading and writing skills at home. These resources are coming soon!
- Actualizaciones de las Calificaciones de Lenguaje para la Escuela Primaria
Nuestros maestros han estado trabajando duro enseñando con el nuevo currículo de Artes del Lenguaje, ¡y estamos emocionados de ayudar a todos nuestros estudiantes a convertirse en fuertes lectores y escritores! Este año también tenemos nuevas evaluaciones, que es como comprobamos si su estudiante necesita ayuda adicional con la lectura y la escritura, y los nuevos Estándares de Aprendizaje (SOLs).
Debido a estos cambios, ahora estamos enseñando todas las habilidades de Artes del Lenguaje que su hijo necesita saber (y comprobar si necesitan ayuda adicional) durante todo el año escolar, en lugar de diferentes habilidades cada trimestre. Aunque estas habilidades serán nuevas para su hijo al principio del año, el objetivo es que su hijo se fortalezca en todas sus nuevas habilidades al final del año.
Esto significa que cuando reciba el informe de progreso de su hijo el mes que viene, puede que tenga un aspecto diferente. El profesor de su hijo le dará más información sobre los nuevos informes de progreso y sobre cómo nos aseguramos de que su hijo reciba la ayuda adicional que pueda necesitar. También puede encontrar más información en la página web de Calificaciones y Reportes de FCPS.
También tendremos nuevas maneras para que usted ayude a su niño a practicar sus habilidades de lectura y escritura en casa. ¡Estos recursos vienen pronto!
FCPS - SEH-23
How Cold is Too Cold to Allow Students to Play Outdoors??
Deciding when students may play outdoors remains the responsibility of the principal, based on his or her professional judgement after considering the information provided on the fact sheet. Principals should communicate with their community that it is the intention of the school to hold recess during cold spells and that parents should have their children prepared to play outdoors (jackets, gloves, and hats).
Based on the guidance provided in the regulation, Cherry Run has adopted the following "Cold Weather Policy" for students:
When temperatures drop below 50 degrees we do not allow students who are not wearing leg coverings (e.g. pants/sweats, etc.) and a warm jacket/sweatshirt/hoodie to go outside. Long-sleeve tee-shirts do not count. Students without appropriate covering will be brought to the office or library where they can read until their class returns.
Please remember to have your students dress appropriately for recess and PE! While outside recess is at the teacher’s discretion, and we ask that they use good judgment, teachers are able to take students outside for up to 15 minutes when the temperatures reach ZERO!!
We are aware that sunshine, cloud cover, wind, etc. impact the 'relative' temperature, but having a clear guideline helps with planning for parents/students and gives teachers an objective measure in making determinations.
- The application period for Fuel Assistance 2025 began October 8th and will end on November 8th. This year, the state of Virginia pre-approved selected households for Fuel Assistance. If a family is unsure if they were pre-approved, please have them contact Jodie.White@fairfaxcounty.gov. If they were pre-approved, there is no need for them to submit an additional application. More information in attached English and Spanish flyers.
- The Getting to Know FCPS interactive orientation seminar provides information about the school system, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a discussion that is helpful for families new to the United States. Sessions in English will be held online on Tuesday, November 12th, at 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, December 10th, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19th, at 6 p.m. The Family Academy Catalog page has registration information and dates this orientation will be offered in Arabic, Korean, and Spanish.
- Looking for a way to support military families in the NOVA area? Operation Homefront provide Holiday Meals and gifts military families who qualify. Volunteer to pack, wrap, or distribute this season at Operation Homefront/NOVA
Calling All Cherry Run Artists!
The PTA Reflections National Art Contest is back at Cherry Run Elementary School! The 2024 theme is "Accepting Imperfection." Submissions will be accepted until November 1, 2024. Below you will find the guidelines for each art category, as well as a Digital Dropbox where you will submit photos of your child's art and the Entry Form. Happy Creating!
Entry Form with Guidelines
Digital Dropbox - For Entry Submission
- Limited Early Release Mondays for Elementary Schools: Steering Committee Update
As a reminder, FCPS elementary schools will have limited early release Mondays during the upcoming school year. The goal is to provide elementary teachers with additional time to meet new professional development requirements for the Virginia Literacy Act.
You can help us with planning for the seven early release Mondays. Please watch your email for a short survey from us asking if your child will leave at the early release time on these days or remain at school until the standard dismissal time. Your response will help us in planning activities for students who will need to stay at school until regular dismissal time.
We realize there are many details for us to finalize before our first early release Monday in mid-September. Thank you for your patience, we strive to create a positive and successful experience for students, families, and teachers.
Early release Mondays for our school include:
- November 18
- February 10
- March 10
- April 21
- May 12
Learn more about Early-Release Mondays.
Want to know if your child's bus is on schedule or where the bus is? Here Comes the Bus® is an easy-to-use website and app that enables parents to see the location of their child’s school bus — almost in real time — on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.
Parents can track multiple buses if their children don’t all ride the same bus; know exactly when children arrive at school or the bus stop; and receive customized text and/or email notifications about bus locations, schedule changes, or delays.
To get started, download the app from the Apple iOS or Android app store. Check out the Here Comes the Bus and Frequently Asked Questions webpages for more information.
Already using the Here Comes the Bus app? Send your feedback to HCTB@fcps.edu.
Note: eNotify text messaging will continue to be used for reporting bus delays and bus incidents.
- 🚍 Here Comes the Bus (Ahí Viene el Autobús)
¿Quiere saber si el autobús de su hijo llegará a tiempo o dónde está? Here Comes the Bus® es un sitio web y una aplicación fáciles de usar que permiten que los padres vean la ubicación del autobús escolar de sus hijos -casi en tiempo real- en un smartphone, una tableta o un ordenador personal.
Los padres pueden ver la ubicación de varios autobuses en caso de que sus hijos no viajen todos en el mismo autobús; saber exactamente cuándo llegan los niños a la escuela o a la parada de autobús; y recibir notificaciones personalizadas por mensaje de texto y/o correo electrónico sobre la ubicación de los autobuses, los cambios de horario o los retrasos.
Para comenzar, baje la aplicación de la tienda de aplicaciones de Apple iOS o Android. Consulte las páginas web Here Comes The Bus y Preguntas Frecuentes para obtener más información.
¿Ya utiliza la aplicación Here Comes the Bus? Envíen sus comentarios a HCTB@fcps.edu.
Aviso: La mensajería de texto eNotify seguirá utilizándose para informar de retrasos e incidencias en los autobuses.
- 🙋 Student Attendance and Engagement
During the Academic Matters segment of the November 9 School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid discussed student attendance and engagement. Attendance and absenteeism rates are one measure for Goal 2 of our 2023-30 Strategic Plan.
Chronic absenteeism — which is defined as a student missing 10% or more of school for any reason — is a concern across Virginia school districts. Although FCPS continues to outperform the state average in attendance rates, we are tracking chronic absenteeism closely.
Data shows that:
- Missing just 10% of school — just two days a month — negatively affects a student’s academic performance.
- Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in both kindergarten and first grade were reading proficiently in third grade, compared to 64% of those with good attendance.
- Students who fail to read at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely than students who achieve proficiency to drop out of high school.
- By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Attendance is critical for academic success!
Missing School Over the Holidays
Looking ahead to the holiday season, if missing school is unavoidable, please speak with your child’s teachers in advance to create a plan for making up missed work. However, a homework packet cannot make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom.
Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
 |
|
- 📑 Varsity Tutors Provides On-Demand Support at No Cost
FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning. Every student can take advantage of Varsity Tutors’ services at no cost, including weekly live online classes, on-demand 24/7 chat tutoring, essay editing, and study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more about online tutoring with Varsity Tutors.
Click to edit this placeholder text.
|
|
