Cedar Connection

A Word from Mr. Rzepka

Good evening Cedar Lane Community!

Following our first full week back from break and facing a three day weekend that immediately precedes the close of the second quarter, I realize that there is not much time left before second quarter grades are submitted and report cards are issued. As we enter this relatively busy season, I hope you are all able to support your students in checking their current class grades and doing what they can to bring home the best report card possible.

On Monday, we will be celebrating the life and legacy of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. - a man who took on a leadership role in the peaceful, yet powerfully forceful, push for positive change in the United States known in our history classes as the Civil Rights Movement. Internationally, his efforts were recognized with the award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, the same year that the Civil Rights Act was signed. Nationally, his legacy is remembered in a holiday which occurs annually on the third Monday in January. In preparation for the weekend, I leave you with a favorite quote regarding education: "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the true goal of education."

Wishing everyone a restful weekend that hopefully is also filled with intensive critical thinking,

Mr. Rzepka



Contents:



Keeping Kids Warm

Red Winter Hat

🧥 Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities

Winter weather is here! As a reminder, please make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy time outdoors. Schools monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside for activities like recess or physical education.

View Fairfax County’s Winter Weather/Extreme Cold safety tips

If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please contact our family liaison, Ms. Ballard, at mmballard@fcps.edu. You may also contact Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health care.



SR&R and Cell Phone Survey

Image of a cell phone with an exclamation in a red conversation bubble

SR&R and Cell Phone Policy Survey Coming Soon

All FCPS families and middle and high school students will be receiving an email invitation on Tuesday, January 21, to participate in a survey about FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R), cell phone policy, and cell phone storage options. The survey will be available from January 21 to February 3. Please take a few moments to share your feedback and help FCPS make informed, inclusive decisions for all of our schools!



Gap Year Fair

✈️ 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 Tuesday, January 28, 6-8:30 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.



ICYMI: Varsity Tutors

📑 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.



ICYMI: 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.



ICYMI: 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.



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:
  • Dress Children Warmly
  • Proposed Construction Projects
  • Dual Language Immersion Lottery

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