Cedar Connection

A Word From Mr. Rzepka

Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community!

The Cedar Lane Winter Music Show was yesterday and it was amazing! The stage crew set up a wonderful experience that allowed the performers to showcase their talent and charisma for their friends and families! I would like to extend a special "thank you" not only to the student performers who showed great courage stepping out in front of their peers and sharing their musical abilities, but also to our music teacher, Mr. Bohnert, and his student intern, Ms. Elvira-Howell, for the hard work they put into supporting the students and putting on the show!!

However, now that the music show is over, that doesn't mean the holiday season fun has ended. Next week will be another Cedar Lane Spirit Week (see below for details), and we have an upcoming field trip to see "the Wild Robot" (Wednesday, 12/18) as well as a PBIS Game Day event to look forward to! Personally, I am excited to once again get to see some Cedar Lane spirit on display in the halls every day of next week!

Wishing you a wonderous, whimsical, and warm weekend,

Mr. Rzepka



Contents:



Cedar Lane Spirit Week!

spirit week

Next Week is Cedar Lane Spirit Week! The daily themes for the week are:

- Monday, 12/16: Disney Character Day!

- Tuesday, 12/17: Sports Team Wear!

- Wednesday, 12/18: Crazy Sock Day!

- Thursday, 12/19: Formal Wear Day!

- Friday, 12/20: Holiday Pajama Day!

We look forward to seeing everyone's school spirit!!

 



SOL Testing

SOL Grade 9-12 Assessments

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Your student will be taking one or more Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) End-of-Course (EOC) assessments between December 11 and December 20. Some SOL assessments are required under federal law, and some may be needed to verify credit for high school graduation. The table below shows the SOL EOC tests available to fulfill federal participation and/or verified credit requirements.

  • Federal law requires schools to provide students one SOL test in reading, in mathematics, and in science during grades 9-12. These assessments provide information about student achievement to the parent/guardian, school, division, and state.
  • State law requires students to verify credits to fulfill Standard and Advanced Studies diploma requirements, as outlined on the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/academics/graduation-requirements-and-course-planning). SOL tests are the most common way students earn the verified credits they need. However, performance assessments (social studies only) or substitute assessments approved by the Virginia Board of Education may be another option available for your student to verify certain credits.

Content Area

Mathematics

Science

English

Social Studies

Available Tests

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Biology

Chemistry

Earth Science

Reading

Writing

Virginia and U.S. History 

World History 1

World History 2

A SOL Tests in High School webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35021) provides more information about SOL EOC tests in Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS). Information about timing and process for accessing SOL test results can be found on the SOL Grade 9-12 Results webpage (https://www.fcps.edu/node/35200). 

All SOL assessments are taken in-person at school. School staff will schedule and communicate specific testing dates for your student based on their individual assessment needs. If you do not want your student to participate in SOL assessments, you may choose to refuse testing. However, any decision to refuse SOL tests should be made in consultation with school staff to allow full consideration of any potential implications for on-time graduation. See the Right to Refuse Assessments webpage section (https://www.fcps.edu/node/34277) for information to support this decision.

If you have questions about SOL testing, please contact your student’s school counselor or the assessment coach/school test coordinator at your student’s school.



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.



Outdoor Winter Fun!

  • ⛄ Get Outdoors for Winter Fun!

The Fairfax County Park Authority has rounded up its seasonal fun into a handy list of events happening across the county

Learn more about the Winter Wonderland and the Holiday Train at Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park, and many more fun events.

  • Spanish:

⛄ ¡Diviértete al aire libre durante este invierno!

La Autoridad de Parques del Condado de Fairfax ha organizado una lista de los eventos de temporada que se celebrarán en todo el condado. 

Obtenga más información sobre Winter Wonderland y Holiday Train en Burke Lake Park, Holiday on the Farm en Frying Pan Farm Park, y muchos más eventos divertidos.



Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

  • Winter Special Education and 504 Newsletter

The latest issue of the FCPS Special Education and 504 Newsletter is available online. Topics in this issue include:

  • Community Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities
  • Save the Date: 2025 Family Summit
  • SEL Screener Results
  • New Accessibility Resources
  • Adapted Physical Education and Recreation Program
  • Why Some Students with Disabilities Stay in FCPS Until Age 22
  • VR Programs Supports Out-of-State Post Secondary Schools
  • Executive Functioning Webinars
  • Early Literacy Resources
  • ESY and Assessment Webinar
  • COVID-19 Compensatory Education: FCPS Service Delivery Options

Subscribe to the Special Education and 504 Newsletter

  • Spanish:Boletín de Invierno de Educación Especial y 504El boletín más reciente de Educación Especial y 504 está disponible en línea. Los temas de este número incluyen: 
    • Recursos Comunitarios para Familias de Estudiantes con Discapacidades
    • Reserve la fecha: Conferencia para Familias 2025
    • Resultados de la encuesta SEL
    • Nuevos recursos de accesibilidad
    • Educación Física Adaptada y Programa de Recreación
    • Por qué algunos estudiantes con discapacidades se quedan en FCPS hasta los 22 años
    • Programas de VR Apoya Escuelas Post Secundarias Fuera del Estado
    • Webinarios de Funcionamiento Ejecutivo
    • Recursos de Alfabetización Temprana
    • Webinario de ESY y Evaluación
    • Educación Compensatoria de COVID-19: Opciones de Prestación de Servicios de FCPS

Suscríbase al Boletín de Educación Especial y 504.



Books Over Break

Owl with Books
  • 📚 Bundle Up With Books Over Break

Fairfax County Public Library’s (FCPL) winter reading adventure has begun and will continue through Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit your local FCPL library branch or visit their website to register and get a sneak peek at the prizes being offered.

Check out their Winter Reading Events webpage to learn about laser tag, movie nights, crafting sessions, Noon-Year Eve celebrations, and book discussions.

  • Spanish:📚 Entretenerse con libros durante las vacaciones de invierno

La aventura de lectura de invierno de la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Fairfax (FCPL) ha comenzado y continuará hasta el viernes 31 de enero de 2025. Visite su biblioteca local del Condado de Fairfax (FCPL) o visite su sitio web para inscribirse y obtener un adelanto de los premios que se ofrecen.



Winter Resources

  • ⛄Student and Family Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools has compiled a list of resources for students and families in case they need assistance while schools are closed for winter break. Please visit FCPS’ winter resources webpage for information on academic support, mental health support, and county resources related to food, clothing, housing, and other needs.

School’s Closed, Learning Can Continue! 

FCPS encourages students to take advantage of fun learning opportunities during winter break and snow days. Consider these winter activities to blend education and play for your students during winter break or weather-related school closures. 

  • Spanish: Recursos para estudiantes y familias

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax han compilado una lista de recursos para estudiantes y familias en caso de que necesiten ayuda mientras las escuelas están cerradas por las vacaciones de invierno. Por favor visite nuestra página web de recursos de invierno para enlaces a apoyo académico; apoyo a la salud mental; y alimentos, ropa, vivienda y otros recursos del condado.Cuando las Escuelas están Cerradas, el Aprendizaje Puede Continuar

FCPS anima a los estudiantes a aprovechar las oportunidades de aprendizaje divertido durante las vacaciones de invierno y días de nieve. Considere estas actividades de invierno para que sus estudiantes combinen la educación y la diversión durante las vacaciones de invierno o en caso en que se cierren las escuelas debido al mal tiempo.  

  • Korean:⛄ 학생 및 가족 자원

페어팩스 카운티 공립학교는 겨울방학 동안 도움이 필요한 학생과 가족을 위해 자원 목록을 작성했습니다. 학업 지원, 정신 건강 지원, 음식, 의복, 주택 및 기타 카운티 자원에 대한 링크를 보려면 겨울 자원 웹페이지를 방문하십시오. 

학교는 문을 닫았지만, 학습은 계속됩니다! 

FCPS는 학생들이 겨울방학과 눈이 오는 날에 재미있는 학습 기회를 활용할 것을 권장합니다. 겨울방학이나 날씨로 인한 휴교 기간 학생들을 위해 교육과 놀이가 함께 하는 겨울 활동을 고려해 보세요.



Food Assistance/Resource Guide

  • Food Assistance and Resource Guide

Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Learn how to help these families and the many resources available to support those who need food assistance on Fairfax County’s website or view the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.

Spanish:🍲 Asistencia Alimentaria y Guía de RecursosLa inseguridad alimentaria impacta a más de 96,000 residentes del Condado de Fairfax. Hay muchos recursos disponibles para apoyar a aquellos que necesitan asistencia alimentaria. Aprenda cómo ayudar a estas familias y los muchos recursos disponibles para apoyar a aquellos que necesitan asistencia alimentaria en el sitio web del Condado de Fairfax, o consulte la Guía de Recursos de Servicios Humanos del condado.



Course Selection

  • Course Selection for Next School Year 

Beginning in January 2025, FCPS students will meet with their counselors to discuss course selection for next year. Families are encouraged to actively participate in this important process. 

As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students).
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

School-life balance is an important consideration as students strive for academic and personal success. Families are welcome to contact their student’s school counselor with questions.

Graduation Requirements and Planning

Careful consideration is essential when planning next year's courses. We encourage our students and families to review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. Reviewing the Program of Studies may be helpful as well. 

Please refer to Ms. Williams, Cedar Lane's school counselor, for more information.

  • Spanish:

La selección de cursos comienzan en enero 

A partir de enero de 2025, los estudiantes se reunirán con sus consejeros para discutir la selección de cursos para el próximo año. Se anima a las familias a participar activamente en este importante proceso.  A medida que los estudiantes eligen cursos, es importante recordarles que consideren lo siguiente:

  • Fortalezas y hábitos académicos actuales.
  • Requisitos de graduación (estudiantes de secundaria).
  • Intereses y objetivos profesionales y postsecundarios.
  • Bienestar personal.
  • Actividades extraescolares y otros compromisos que puedan afectar al tiempo y la energía de los estudiantes.

El balance entre la vida escolar y personal es una consideración importante en el esfuerzo de los estudiantes por alcanzar el éxito académico y personal. Las familias pueden ponerse en contacto con el orientador escolar del alumno si tienen alguna pregunta.

Requisitos y planificación para la graduación

La selección de un programa académico debe pensarse detenidamente. La página de Requisitos de Graduación y Planificación de Cursos proporciona información sobre los requisitos de graduación y la oferta de cursos que los estudiantes y las familias pueden ver para tomar decisiones informadas, mientras que la planificación para el éxito en la escuela secundaria y más allá.  Revisar el Programa de Estudios también puede ser útil. También puede consultar nuestro consejero escolar Sra. Williams.



Academy Open Houses

  • 🗓️ Save the Date: Academy Open Houses Begin in January!

FCPS high school academies will hold open houses for interested students beginning in January.

A high school academy is a center within a high school that offers advanced technical and specialized courses to prepare students for postsecondary education and/or career fields. Students enrolling in academy elective courses will be provided with opportunities to participate in a variety of career experiences including shadowing, mentoring, or internships with local businesses.

Learn more and view the calendar of Academy Open Houses.

  • Spanish: 🗓️ Reserve la Fecha: ¡Las Academias tendrán Casas Abiertas en Enero!

Las academias de FCPS tendrán casas abiertas para estudiantes que estén interesados empezando a enero. 

Una academia de escuela secundaria es un centro dentro de una escuela secundaria que ofrece cursos técnicos avanzados y especializados para preparar a los estudiantes para educación postsecundaria y/o campos de carreras. Los estudiantes que se matriculen en los cursos optativos de la academia tendrán la oportunidad de participar en una serie de experiencias profesionales que incluyen el seguimiento, la tutoría y/o las prácticas en empresas locales.

Obtenga más información y consulte el calendario de las Jornadas de Puertas Abiertas de la Academia.



Community Boundary Review Meetings

Boundary graphic for newsletters
  • Community Meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review

If you did not get a chance to attend one of the recent community meetings on the Comprehensive Boundary Review, please consider attending the final meeting in this first phase of the boundary review process. The Region 1 meeting will take place Wednesday, December 18, 6:30-8 p.m.,in the Madison High School cafeteria. Register today. If you are unable to participate, stay tuned for details about virtual Community Boundary Review Meetings coming early next year.

View FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information. Sign up for FCPS’ School Boundary Review newsletter as well.

Spanish:Reuniones Comunitarias sobre la Revisión Integral de LímitesSi usted no tuvo la oportunidad de asistir a una de las recientes reuniones de la Comunidad sobre la Revisión Integral de Límites, por favor considere asistir a la reunión final en esta primera fase de la Revisión Integral de Límites. La reunión de la Región 1 tendrá lugar el miércoles 18 de diciembre, de 6:30 a 8 p.m., en la cafetería de la Escuela Secundaria de Madison. Inscríbase hoy mismo. Si no puede unirse a nosotros, manténgase al tanto de los detalles sobre las Reuniones de Revisión de Límites Comunitarios virtuales que vendrán a principios del próximo año.Vea la página web de Revisión Comprensiva de Límites de FCPS para aprender más sobre el proceso de revisión de límites. Inscríbase para recibir nuestro boletín de la Revisión de Límites Escolares también.



ICYMI: Cedar Lane School Outstanding Teacher - Ms. Bouzaher!

Ms. Bouzaher

Cedar Lane School’s outstanding teacher for the 2024-2025 school year is Ms. Sadia Bouzaher! Ms. B, as she is sometimes known, is an experienced teacher who works to instill in her students a desire to learn and achieve. When she is working with her WAT students, whether on the job site, in the community, or in the classroom, she does what she can to understand the individual needs of each student in order to encourage them to build their skills and their self-esteem.

As one of her colleagues shared, “Last year there was a student in Ms. B’s class… the encouragement that she gave him was tremendous. He was a student who didn’t go by himself to the bus, due to lack of confidence. Ms. B persisted in teaching him the skills that he needed to be successful in a job and also talked to him in a way that only a few teachers have. Now, the student in question is in the STEP program doing his internship in a government office!”

Not only does she support her students and the general Cedar Lane/Vienna community while she is at work, as a member of the Cedar Lane staff she is often available to assist her colleagues in whichever way is possible. At times, she will stop by to check in on co-workers with an ear to hear their concerns and a treat to warm their stomach. Ms. B also strives to demonstrate inclusivity and equity in her work here at Cedar Lane. Congratulations, Ms. B!!



ICYMI: Mental Health Teletherapy

  • 💻 No-Cost Mental Health Teletherapy for All High School Students

Is your high schooler experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? If so, you may refer your child for weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the Teletherapy webpage for information on this service. 

  • Spanish: 💻 Teleterapia de Salud Mental Sin Costo para Todos los Estudiantes de Secundaria

Su hijo de secundaria está teniendo ansiedad, cambios de comportamiento o dificultades con las relaciones familiares o con sus compañeros? Si es así, los padres/cuidadores pueden referir a sus hijos a terapia semanal con un terapeuta licenciado a través de Hazel Health. Visite la página web Teletherapy para obtener información por este servicio.

  • Korean: 💻 모든 고등학생을 위한 무료 정신 건강 텔레테라피(Teletherapy: 유선/온라인) 상담 서비스

고등학생 자녀가 불안, 행동 변화, 또래 및 가족 관계에 어려움을 겪고 있나요? 그렇다면 부모/보호자는 자녀가 Hazel Health를 통해 면허를 소지한 전문 상담사와 매주 상담을 받도록 추천할 수 있습니다. 이 서비스를 신청하는 방법에 대한 자세한 내용은 텔레테라피 웹페이지를 참조하세요.



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:
  • Course Selection for Middle and High School Students
  • Join Our Teacher Team!
  • Comprehensive Boundary Review Updates

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:
  • Selección de cursos para estudiantes de las Escuelas Intermedias y Secundarias
  • Únase a nuestro equipo de maestros
  • Reuniones de revisión de límites

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