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Dear Cedar Lane Community!
Welcome to the first weekend of Black History Month, when we recognize and celebrate the resilience and strength that has been demonstrated throughout history by Black Americans and Black people around the world. You don't need to look too far back into history for people to learn more about, such as Vice President Kamala Harris - who made history first in 2020 as the first Black, Asian, and female to be elected Vice President of the United States and again in 2024 as the first Black, Asian, and female candidate to be nominated by the Democratic Party for the position of POTUS.
Here at Cedar Lane, we will be exploring Black history in the United States and beyond this month. Next week, a Black History Gallery will be up and available for students to learn about a number of historical figures that they may or may not know about - please encourage your students to come home with a name they might not recognize, and maybe help them look up the contribution that person made to American or world history. Additionally, a field trip to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History is scheduled for later in the month, which should be a great experience for everyone who is able to go! You might also consider attending FCPS's Black History Month Celebration (details below).
Stay warm as we approach a snowy weekend,
Ms. Ballard-Mason
Family Liaison
Contents:
Make Sure Your Children Are Up-to-Date on Immunizations
Please make sure your child has all of their necessary immunizations. Remember, all students are required to be immunized against certain diseases to attend school in Virginia. This is an important part of keeping children healthy!
Starting Monday, May 19, students who have not provided proof of immunization may not be allowed to attend school. You can check your child’s immunization status and submit updated immunization information by accessing SIS ParentVUE.
Please check with your healthcare provider to make sure your child is up to date on required immunizations for the 2024-25 school year. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your healthcare provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources. Be wise and immunize!
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FCFT will be holding a Reading Opens the World event at the Lorton Community Center on Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. At this event, over 30,000 books will be given away to the Fairfax Community, with up to 10 books for each student and 50 books for each educator to add to their classroom library. Registration is free at https://firstbook.org/AFT/ (on-site registration will be available as well). Come join the fun!! |
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.
 FCPS Proposed Budget Progress
The Fairfax County School Board discussed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Proposed Budget at their work session on February 4. They discussed details regarding student enrollment and investments in students requiring additional support, market comparison data for surrounding school divisions, and an update on progress toward achieving the Baldrige Award for Performance Excellence. Baldrige is a framework used to assess and improve organizational performance across various sectors, including education.
The School Board also held a public hearing on the FY 2026 Proposed Budget on Tuesday, February 4, where they invited the community to share their feedback on the budget.
On Tuesday, February 18, the Fairfax County executive will present the county’s Advertised Budget, and the Fairfax County School Board will hold a work session on the FCPS FY 2026 Proposed Budget. View FCPS’ Budget Development Calendar.
Breaking Down the Budget
More than 85% of the budget is dedicated to instruction and reflects the needs of our community’s young people in response to the changing world around us. Budget priorities include providing competitive compensation for all employees, including a 7% salary increase for all staff. The majority of the budget increase is dedicated to that proposed 7% pay increase.
Our families want their children in high-quality schools with the best teachers who provide rigorous academic experiences. We must provide competitive compensation to attract and retain our outstanding educators, administrators, and other school-based and operational staff dedicated to the success of our students.
The proposed 7% salary increase would likely move FCPS to the highest starting salary for teachers with a master's degree among our neighboring counties and greatly improve our recruitment efforts amidst an ongoing teacher shortage. Visit the Budget webpage for more information.
Black History Month Kick-Off Celebration (Note: Date Change)
FCPS’ Chief Equity Office invites the community to an Inaugural Black History Month Kickoff Celebration on Wednesday, February 19, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Carter G. Woodson High School.
The event begins with a light reception followed by a formal program, From the Threads of Our Past to the Fabric of Our Future. The program will honor the enduring contributions of Black history and culture while envisioning a future rooted in equity and excellence. It will include inspiring performances, personal stories, reflections, and opportunities to connect and celebrate. The event is open to the entire community.
For more information, contact Nina Thomas, senior manager for Professional Learning and Cultural Responsiveness.
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Students Invited to Share Their Voices at the 2025 Family Summit
The 2025 FCPS Family Summit will take place on Saturday, March 15, at South Lakes High School. Visit the Family Summit webpage for more information.
At the event, FCPS students are invited to showcase projects and advocacy efforts around inclusivity in schools. This is a great resume-building opportunity, and students can earn service hours as well. Students may share their work in a share-fair environment using posters, essays, videos, songs, or art. They will interact with attendees through conversations about their work, ideas, and efforts to foster inclusivity in school communities.
Students must use this Google Form to participate by Monday, February 17. A list of possible projects is also on the form. More information will be provided after the student’s submission is received. Please contact Manuel Gomez Portillo with any questions.
✨ Centering student voice is part of FCPS’ Strategic Plan Goal 2: Safe, Supported, Included, and Empowered.
⛄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.
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FCPS NewsIn case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
- Proposed Budget Progress
- Apply for Dual Immersion and Magnet Lotteries
- Black History Month Event
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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