Cedar Connection

A Word from Dr. Farrish

Hello Cedar Lane Community!

Please be aware that the next school week is a relatively short one as Monday is a student holiday in honor of military veterans. I would like to invite you to have a great three-day weekend as you plan your own personal ways to spend time with family/friends and honor the contributions that veterans have made to our lives.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones!

Dr. Farrish



Contents:



Fairfax County Youth Survey

The Fairfax County Youth Survey, a collaboration between the Fairfax County School Board and the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, is a comprehensive, anonymous, and voluntary survey given each year to students in grades 6, 8, 10 and 12. The survey examines behaviors, experiences, and other factors that influence the health and well-being of Fairfax County's youth. The results, published each year at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/youthsurvey, identify trends and areas of need, providing a snapshot of the county's youth and serving as a barometer of the community's effectiveness in fostering healthy choices in young people

Cedar Lane will be administering the Fairfax County Youth Survey on November 18, 2024 during advisory.  

While it is our hope that as many students as possible will participate, if you do not wish for your child to take part in the Youth Survey, please complete the form linked here and return it to your child's school counselor no later than November 8, 2024. If you have already opted your child out of this survey using the Parental Digital Consent Portal you do not need to provide additional information to the school counselor.



College Steps Sessions (Next Week)

College Steps Banner

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).



Boundary Review

Boundary
  • 📍 Boundary Review Community Meetings Start This Month

As a reminder, FCPS has started the process of reviewing school boundaries across the division. This important work will help the district better support student population growth, changes in school capacity, and evolving community needs. Community input is vital to this process. With that in mind, FCPS, in partnership with Thru Consulting, will be hosting a series of community meetings in each of FCPS’ six regions. Participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, ask questions, and learn more about the boundary review process.

Please visit FCPS’ website for meeting dates, locations, and other information. Sign up for the School Boundary Review newsletter for updates.



IEP-Palooza

  • IEP Palooza and Community Resource FairParents/caregivers, school staff, and students over the age of 14 are invited to attend an interactive event celebrating the individualized education program (IEP) process. The IEP Palooza and Community Resource Fair will take place on Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Jackson Middle School. 

The event is sponsored by Fairfax County Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA). Activities include simulated IEP meetings, break-out sessions on the various parts of an IEP, and a resource fair to learn more about community supports. Register in advance.



Services for Students with Sensory Disabilities

  • Services for Hearing-Impaired and Visually-Impaired Students

Students with sensory disabilities require specialized services and support to access instruction that is typically presented visually and auditorily (by means of hearing). FCPS provides educational services to students who are deaf, hearing-impaired, or visually impaired. They are supported in various settings, including at their school or through itinerant specialists who travel to different schools to work with students, rather than being based in a single school. Learn more about Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing and Services for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired.

Visit the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) website for Resources for Serving Students with Sensory Disabilities.



Tutoring Resources

tutor
  • Tutoring Resources for Families

Is your family looking for resources to help support your child’s academic success? FCPS’ Family Resource Center (FRC) maintains a list of district employees who hold a valid Virginia teaching credential and who are available to be hired as a tutor by parents. FRC maintains this list, but families are responsible for contacting and working directly with tutors. This list is not “approved” by FCPS and is only meant as a resource.

FCPS also partners 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, study resources such as recorded content, practice problems, and diagnostic tests.

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence, reminds us of our commitment to supporting each and every student and helping them meet or exceed high academic standards.



Multilingual Learners Day of Service

Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya
  • Multilingual Learners Day of Service

Our Voices, Our Future: A Multilingual Learners Day of Service is available to FCPS high school students as an opportunity to explore multilingualism as a strength in developing leadership and advocacy skills. The event will be held Saturday, November 16, 9-11:30 a.m., at Edison High School. José Luis Zelaya, who spoke at last year's Multilingual Learners Summit, will be a special guest.

High school students are invited to network with their peers and staff, and learn how their interests and strengths can lead to future success. College and career readiness resources will be available. Students should register in advance and bring their FCPS laptops to the workshop.   

Learn more about the event and watch videos from previous multilingual learner events.



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.
 


District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

  • FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
  • Fall Testing Results
  • Boundary Review Community Meetings
  • Resources for Families 

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