Cedar Connection

A Word from Dr. Farrish

Dear Cedar Lane Community,

Happy (early) Friday! As we wrap up another week, I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone about a few important announcements and wish you all a safe and enjoyable Halloween. I encourage everyone to take some time to enjoy the festivities safely. Whether you’re out trick-or-treating, attending a party, or simply enjoying the fall decorations, remember to prioritize safety and have fun!

First, please remember that there is a two-hour early release today. Make sure to plan accordingly! Additionally, there will be no school on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday. This gives you all a wonderful opportunity to relax, spend quality time with family, and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend ahead filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones.

 

Take care and see you soon!

Dr. Farrish



Contents:



College Steps

College Steps Image

2025-2026 College Steps Application is Now OPEN!

On-Campus Sessions

November 12th - 20th

College Steps will host on-campus sessions for groups and individuals interested in learning about our post-secondary support and a specific campus program location.

Session length: 2 - 3 hours. Optional Lunch.

 

Virtual Q&A Panel

November 11th

Join our team for panel events to hear directly from families, students, mentors, and our team as they discuss common questions, talk about experiences, and share valuable tips.

Session length: 1 hour

 

How to Apply:

You can access the 2025 application and find detailed information about our program on our Admissions Webpage.



Impact Aid Surveys

Return Your Federal Impact Aid Survey

FCPS is asking all families to fill out a Federal Impact Aid Survey. The form is available in SIS ParentVUE under Online Packets (in the upper right corner after logging in). Please complete it as soon as possible.

For any families who have not completed the survey in ParentVUE, we will provide paper forms starting Wednesday, November 13. Paper forms should be returned to Ms. DeLauder in the Cedar Lane Main Office by Wednesday, December 4.

Completing this form for each school-aged child in every household is important. Information from this survey resulted in more than $4 million in funding last year from the U.S. Department of Education. These funds are used to support all Fairfax County public schools and centers.

For more information, please watch this video on Impact Aid and visit the Federal Impact Aid Survey page.

Need to Register for ParentVUE? 

Learn how to activate your SIS ParentVUE account, so you can easily submit your survey. 

Technical support for using ParentVUE or completing the survey online is available by submitting a Parent Support Request ticket. Select SISParent in the Application dropdown menu and type Federal Impact Aid Survey under Issue Description. Or, call the Parent Technology Help Desk at 833-921-3277 (833-921-FCPS).



FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards Nominations

Is a teacher or staff member at Cedar Lane going above and beyond to make this year a great one?  Students, parents, community members, and staff are encouraged to nominate an OUTSTANDING CEDAR LANE HS EMPLOYEE for recognition in the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards program! Nominate using this Google form Link.  Nominations must be received by Friday, November 15th.



Cedar Chips

Cedar Lane students have been working hard to produce our monthly newsletter. Take a look at their work and check out the latest news around the Lane.



ICYMI: Resource Information for Families

  • Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
  • FCPS is partnering with Varsity Tutors to provide students and families with extra resources for learning (no longer Tutor.com). 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, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests. Learn more HERE.
  • The Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation is a public/private nonprofit that connects kids to medical and dental resources. MCCP empowers uninsured children in Fairfax County to improve their health and well-being and realize their potential to learn, grow and thrive.


ICYMI: Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Poster

Domestic Violence is a public health emergency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 4 women and nearly 1 in 10 men will experience contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lives.

99% of domestic violence survivors face financial abuse, creating an increased risk of violence and adding obstacles to safety. The direct and indirect results of financial abuse can impact survivors long after the relationship is over. Pathways to safety for survivors must include access to resources like job training, childcare, and housing.

The Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-hour Hotline 703-360-7273 is here for you if you or someone you care about is experiencing violence in a relationship.

Communities that promote peace and equity while speaking out against violence can be a protective factor against both the victimization and perpetration of domestic violence. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, be visible and vocal in supporting programs that promote peaceful conflict resolution, healthy relationships and equality.

This October, we highlight the connections between domestic violence and other forms of oppression. Survivors often experience sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia and classism, among other forms of violence and discrimination. When domestic violence co-occurs with these other -isms, survivors face increased challenges in seeking safety.



District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

  • FCPS News In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
  • Calendar Reminders
  • Resources for Families 
  • Complete Impact Aid Survey

 

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.  

 

  • Spanish: En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros:
  • Recordatorios del calendario
  • Recursos para las familias 
  • Completar la encuesta de Ayuda de Impacto

Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.