Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community!!
As the spring approaches, we are coming up on the Spring SOL testing window! Here at Cedar, we will begin testing on April 22nd, which will be here before we know it!! If you know that you and/or your student will be unavailable during the testing window please let the main office know so that plans can be made to ensure they are able to participate in their SOLs. More details will be released in the coming weeks.
Additionally, we will be administering the SEL Screener next week. This survey assists us in better understanding our student's social/emotional learning; for information about the screener and access to the opt-out form, please see the section about the screener included below.
Educator Dylan William once said, "The key features of effective learning environments are that they create student engagement and allow teachers, learners, and their peers to ensure that the learning is proceeding in the intended direction. The only way we can do this is through assessment. That is why assessment is, indeed, the bridge between teaching and learning."
Have a happy and hopeful weekend!!
Ms. Strait
Testing Coordinator/Student Information Assistant
Contents:
 Cedar Lane Families- Mark Your Calendars!
You are invited for a night of fun, food, games, and music! Please join us by bringing food, drinks, or games to share that are from your culture or family traditions. Also, we invite you to wear something that represents your culture or family traditions. There will be raffle prizes, as well as an optional visit to our Cedar Lane Food Pantry, and take-home food bags.
We are in need of parent volunteers! Please join us in planning this family friendly, fun event! We promise it will not be a huge time commitment but we would love to have your input! If you can help please email Ms. Min at jmmin1@fcps.edu
Hope to see you there!!
 On Saturday, March 15, 2025, First Baptist Church of Vienna will host a Young Ladies Summit: Pathways to PEARLserverance, a powerful and transformative event designed for middle and high school girls. Marissa Mitchell from Fox 5 DC and Dr. Nardos King, Chief Equity Officer for FCPS, will be keynote speakers whose leadership and expertise will inspire and empower the young women who attend this event.
The summit will focus on three key areas:
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Participating Civically - Encouraging young women to actively engage in their communities and understand the importance of their voice and actions.
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Practicing Personal Care - Emphasizing self-care, mental wellness, and strategies for maintaining a balanced life.
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Preparing for a Sound Future - Equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to effectively plan and prepare for their futures.
Please use the QR code in the image above to register for the event, we hope to see you there!!
SEL Screener Participation Social and Emotional Learning Screening: FCPS is committed to supporting all students’ mental wellness and social and emotional learning. FCPS approved a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Screener that students use to share their perspectives on how well their school and community help them develop skills they need to succeed. These skills include achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships with adults and peers, and making responsible decisions. Students also share how successful their school and community are at making them feel valued, included, and supported. These factors are critical to positive academic, social, and emotional success. All students in grades 3-12 have the opportunity to participate in the screener twice a year, in the fall and spring.
The SEL Screener elevates the voices of our students by making sure their perspectives are considered in decision-making. Screener data is used to plan programming for the division, schools, and individual students. Division and school level results, which do not include individual student information, may be used by staff to improve SEL and mental wellness practices and to inform strategic plans. Division and school level results may also be shared with the community to describe the needs of our student body and provide opportunities for partnership.
Individual students’ Screener data will only be accessible to teachers, administrators, and staff with legitimate educational interests. Results will be maintained in secure files and databases accessible only to these individuals. In partnership with families, staff review this data alongside other information to plan interventions for students with identified needs. Parents and guardians will receive an individualized report regarding their student’s screener results following each assessment window. School staff are available to discuss results with families.
You can opt out your child from participating in the SEL Screener by completing this form.
The opt out applies to the current school year and must be completed annually. For more information about the SEL Screener and access to its contents visit https://www.fcps.edu/student-tests-and-assessments/student-assessment-details/social-emotional-screener.
Cedar Lane 24-25 yearbooks are now on sale!
The journalism class is hard at work on the yearbook! If your kid is here now, they’ll be in it!
$35 for 72 pages of full color fun and memories.
Reserve your student’s copy now at https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectStudent?isAdvertisementOnly=False
Cash and check (made out to Cedar Lane) also accepted.
 Developing a Strong Academic Foundation, Curiosity, and Joy for Learning
The FCPS Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Advertised Budget invests in academic growth and excellence for each and every student, which is one of the priorities of the FCPS Strategic Plan.
A strong start for every student is Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan. Pre-K classrooms are making a difference in our community. In this video, we explore the importance of bringing children under the age of five together, regardless of abilities.
Learn more about the FCPS FY 2026 Advertised Budget. View the Budget Development Calendar to stay up to date and learn about opportunities to provide feedback to Fairfax County and FCPS.
💬 Share Your Input on the County Budget
The Fairfax County government presented its Fiscal Year 2026 Advertised Budget Plan to the Board of Supervisors on February 18. The community is invited to share feedback through an online survey, email, phone calls, or by attending Budget Town Hall meetings.
Spanish:Desarrollando una Fundación Académica Sólida, Curiosidad y Alegría por el Aprendizaje
El Presupuesto anunciado para el Año Fiscal (AF) 2026 de FCPS invierte en crecimiento académico y excelencia para todos y cada uno de los estudiantes, lo cual es una de las prioridades del Plan Estratégico de FCPS. Un buen comienzo para todos los estudiantes es el Objetivo 1 del Plan Estratégico. Las clases de preescolar marcan la diferencia en nuestra comunidad. En este vídeo, exploramos la importancia de reunir a los niños menores de cinco años, sin importar sus capacidades.
💬 Comparta su opinión sobre el presupuesto del condado
El gobierno del Condado de Fairfax presentó su Plan del Presupuesto Anunciado para el Año Fiscal 2026 a la Junta de Supervisores el 18 de febrero. La comunidad está invitada a compartir sus comentarios a través de una encuesta en línea, correo electrónico, llamadas telefónicas o asistir a las reuniones del Ayuntamiento del Presupuesto.
Preparing for Tough Conversations With Teens
Discussing tough topics like fentanyl and other drugs can feel challenging — no matter how close you are with your child. Explain to your teen that it’s important to learn about fentanyl so they know what to do if a friend overdoses. Prepare in advance with the tips below:
- Set the stage. Choose a casual environment that’s free from distractions. Talk while driving, taking a walk, or doing chores together.
- Make it a two-way discussion. Ask open-ended questions.
- Stay patient and reserve judgment.
- Check in with your child early and often.
Visit our website for more information on how to Become Unskippable with your teens.
Spanish:Preparándose para conversaciones difíciles con adolescentes
Hablar de temas difíciles como el fentanilo y otras drogas puede resultar complicado, independientemente de lo unido que esté a su hijo. Explique a su hijo que es importante informarse sobre el fentanilo para saber qué hacer si un amigo sufre una sobredosis. Prepárese de antemano con los siguientes consejos:
- Elija un sitio donde no haya distracciones. Hablen mientras están conduciendo, caminando o haciendo tareas juntos.
- Asegúrate de que sea una conversación en la que todos puedan habla
- Sea paciente y resérvese su opinión.
- Hablar con su hijo desde temprana edad y con frecuencia.
Visite nuestro sitio web para obtener más información sobre cómo Convertirse "Unskippable" con sus hijos adolescentes.
👗 Prom Dress Shop Opens With Hundreds of Dresses
The annual Prom Dress Shop opens for the season on Friday, March 7, at Centreville High School. Any area student — not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools — who do not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of new dresses donated by Macy’s. Learn more and see shop hours.
Spanish:👗 La tienda de vestidos para el baile de graduación se abre con cientos de vestidos
La tienda anual de vestidos para el baile de graduación se abre el viernes 7 de marzo en la Escuela Secundaria de Centreville. Es para cualquier estudiante del área - no solo para los estudiantes de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax, que cuentan con pocos recursos económicos para comprar un vestido de graduación: pueden elegir entre cientos de vestidos nuevos donados por Macy's. Para más información y para ver el horario de la tienda.
🚀 Prepare for a Summer of Learning and Fun
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Summer Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Lake Braddock Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Registration begins for these programs on Monday, March 10, and ends Friday, June 6.
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a week-long enrichment program that allows students in grades 6-11 to dive deeper into CTE program areas, develop skills, and begin career exploration. Watch this video about CTE camps.
IFTA is a two- or three-week summer enrichment program for students currently in grades 6-11. Students select from nearly 90 classes in art, dance, Health and Physical Education 9 (graduation requirement), music, and theater.
Earn Credit Toward Graduation This Summer
Take advantage of the opportunity to earn a high school course credit via this summer’s online campus program. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, June 6. Mathematics, health and physical education, career and technical education, English, science, social studies, and world language courses are available to eligible middle and high school students.
Summer is a great time for high school students to fulfill the Economics and Personal Finance course requirement. This is a self-directed course where students work independently. The course is available between Monday, June 23, and Friday, July 25. Registration is now open. Students must register by Friday, May 23. For more information, visit this Summer Learning page.
Virtual Presentations on Financial Aid for Military Families
College Access Fairfax will hold two sessions on financial aid hosted by the lead financial educator and military benefits liaison from the Navy Mutual Aid Association.
Topics will include:
- Residency Requirements
- Using the GI Bill
- The Yellow Ribbon Program
- Using Chapter 35 (DEA benefits)
- Military scholarships and grants
- Virginia Education Programs
Sessions will be held Tuesday, March 18, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Click on the date to register. Contact info@CollegeAccessFairfax.org to learn more.
2025 Family Summit - Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging! (an Extension of the Special Education Conference)
Families, educators, and community members are invited to the 2025 FCPS Family Summit: Beyond Labels: Nurturing a Culture of Belonging. Fairfax County Public Schools will be hosting the free, in-person event in collaboration with valued community partners. The summit will be held Saturday, March 15, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at South Lakes High School.
This event will feature:
- Opening Session: Julie Causton and Kristie Pretti-Frontczak — best-selling authors, motivational speakers, and advocates for inclusion — will share practical tools and evidence-based strategies to empower and assist all families, with a special emphasis on parents of students with individual education programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.
- Breakout Sessions: Learn more about special education and global topics that benefit all families.
- Student Showcase: FCPS students will share their efforts in fostering inclusivity through posters, essays, videos, songs, art, and other mediums.
- Exhibitor Hall: Discover valuable resources and services in the community to support families.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with other families, staff, and community partners.
Childcare will be provided. Special education staff will be available to care for children with high support needs. You may sign up for childcare during the registration process.
Learn more about this event and register today! Contact FamilySummit@fcps.edu for more information.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:
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- A Strong Academic Foundation
- 70th Annual Regional Science Fair
- New Breakfast Options
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:
- Una fundación sólida en lo académico
- 70ª Feria Regional de Ciencias
- Nuevas opciones para el desayuno
Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.
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