Cedar Connection

A Word from Mr. Rzepka

Hello Cedar Lane Community!!

First, we would like to extend a huge congratulations to our seniors! Today marks your last official day of school before graduation next week. We are incredibly proud of all you've accomplished and the hard work you've put in to reach this exciting milestone, and we are all ready to celebrate your achievements with you next week at graduation!!

Also, in the whirlwind of the roller coasters last week, I neglected to mention what a treat it was to experience the incredible talent of our Cedar Lane students at the Music and Art Show last Thursday! The creativity on display, from the captivating musical performances to the stunning visual artworks, truly highlighted the diverse gifts within our student body. We are so grateful to all the students who shared their passions and hard work with us. Thank you for filling our halls and ears with such vibrant expressions of art and music!

For all our non-senior families, please note that the 2024-2025 school year is quickly drawing to a close! We've had a fantastic year of learning and growth, and the final days will be here before we know it. Please keep an eye on your email and the Cedar Lane website for upcoming information regarding the last days of school, including details about final schedules and end-of-year procedures. We appreciate your continued partnership as we wrap up a wonderful year!

Wishing you a meaningfully memorable Memorial Day weekend,

Mr. Rzepka

School Based Technology Specialist



Contents:



Holidays, Events, and Early Release Dates

May 26 ⇒ Memorial Day (Schools and Offices Closed)

May 30 ⇒ 11:45 Early Release - Graduation (3:30 - 5 pm)

June 5-6, 9-10 ⇒ 11:45 Early Release - Final Exams

June 11 ⇒ Last Day of School - 10:15 Early Release

June 19 ⇒ Juneteenth (Schools and Offices Closed)



Seniors - Graduation Information

May 29 ⇒ Senior Brunch and Graduation Rehearsal (8:00-11 am)

May 30 ⇒ Graduation (Seniors Arrive by 2:30, Ceremony at 3:30)



Last Day of School Dismissal

Dismissal Schedule for the Last Day of School

On the last day of school, Wednesday, June 11, Cedar Lane students will be dismissed at 10:00 am.


Está Programada una Salida Temprana el Último Día de Clases

El último día de clases. Miércoles 11 de junio, los estudiantes de Cedar Lane serán despedidos a las 10:00 am.



Comprehensive Boundary Review

Phase 2 Community Boundary Review Meetings

You are also invited to participate in another series of community meetings in order to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break:

Click the date to register. Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. Another round of community meetings will be held in the fall.

Visit FCPS’ Comprehensive Boundary Review page for more information.


Fase 2. Reuniones Comunitarias sobre Límites Escolares

Le invitamos a participar en una nueva serie de reuniones comunitarias para que revise y estudie los escenarios iniciales que han sido esbozados, antes de las vacaciones de verano. Se realizará otra ronda de reuniones comunitarias en otoño.

Haga clic en la fecha para inscribirse. Cada reunión será híbrida, lo que significa que podrá asistir en persona o a través de Zoom. Habrá cuidado de niños para los participantes en persona e interpretación/traducción de idiomas para todos los participantes según sea necesario. 

Visite la página de FCPS Comprehensive Boundary Review para más información.



Summer Safety Tips - Tick and Mosquito Safety

Tick and Mosquito Safety

May is Fight the Bite Awareness Month in Fairfax County! Did you know the bite of an infected mosquito or tick can lead to a life-changing illness like West Nile virus or Lyme disease? The Fairfax County Health Department recommends using insect repellents that contain EPA-registered ingredients like DEET or picaridin to prevent bites. Be sure to follow product instructions when using repellents. In addition to wearing repellent, follow these steps:

  • Wear long, loose light-colored clothing outdoors.
  • Treat clothing, shoes, and gear with permethrin. Be sure to follow product instructions.
  • Shower as soon as possible after outdoor activities. Make sure to check for ticks on yourself and family members after spending time outdoors.
  • Put clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes on high heat after spending time outdoors. This will kill ticks that may be attached to dry clothing.


Summer Safety Tips - Water Safety

Water Safety

Summer is on the way and it is time to get wet! Did you know that May is National Water Safety Month? Swimming is a physical activity that offers many health benefits; however, injuries can happen, and germs can be spread. With a little education, you can play a role in preventing illnesses and injuries when you swim, play, and relax in the water. It is critical that children never be around water unsupervised. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between 3 and 5 years of age. Swim Healthy Virginia is an excellent resource to learn more about recreational water illnesses, swimming safety, beach monitoring, and harmful algae blooms.



Lunch Balances

🥗 Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance!

As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to remember to check your students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance. 

Families that earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2025-26 school year will be available this summer. 

If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2024-25 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price meals.


🥗 ¡No Olvide Revisar el Saldo del Almuerzo de su Estudiante!

A medida que nos acercamos al final del año escolar, es importante que las familias recuerden revisar la cuenta MySchoolBucks de sus estudiantes y pagar cualquier balance de comida escolar restante. Las familias que ganan menos del 185% del nivel de pobreza califican para comidas gratis o a precio reducido. Sin embargo, hay que cumplimentar y presentar una nueva solicitud cada año escolar para recibir ese beneficio.La solicitud para el año escolar 2025-26 estará disponible este verano. Si las familias tienen un balance actual y piensan que pueden ser elegibles para recibir comidas gratis o a precio reducido, por favor llenen la solicitud FRM para el año escolar 2024-25. Obtenga más información sobre el almuerzo gratuito y a precio reducido.



Student Test Results

Student Testing Results Coming Soon

Throughout May and June, you will receive your child’s spring assessment results. If you aren’t sure what assessments your child took this year, there is a list of tests by grade level on the FCPS website. 

How the results are delivered depends on the test. Scores will be delivered in SIS ParentVUE or from the school or testing organization. Learn what to expect regarding assessment reporting practices and timelines

Visit FCPS’ website for additional information about how test results are reported to families. Individual test websites provide report translations and help for interpreting test results. Please contact us with any testing questions or for additional information about how we use test results to support student success. 

Support Your Child’s Success in SIS ParentVUE

Signing up for a SIS ParentVUE account helps you to support your child’s academic success! Caregivers can view important information like attendance, grades, progress reports, and assessment scores through ParentVUE. 

Once you have activated a ParentVUE account for an FCPS student, you will keep the same account until the student graduates. Information about students in the same family can be accessed through the same ParentVUE account. A SIS ParentVUE app is available for Apple and Android devices. 

Need help creating a SIS ParentVue account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.

If you already have an account, be sure your contact information is up-to-date. Parents/guardians can update their phone numbers or email addresses in the Parent/Guardian section. Find more information and an FAQ online.



Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services

RECDynamics Registration QR Code

Dive into a world of opportunity with Fairfax County's Neighborhood and Community Services!

Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) promotes the well-being of individuals, families and communities by providing a variety of recreation, educational and developmental programs and services; by facilitating community engagement to identify areas of need and enhance countywide capacity for serving those needs; and by connecting residents with a continuum of county- and community-based resources that promote equity and create positive outcomes for people of all ages and abilities.

To register with the NCS, scan the QR Code above or visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/ncs-registration-system to create your NCS account, then go to Jim Scott Community Center (or another Fairfax County NCS location) with photo identification to receive membership cards for all family members registered in RecDynamics. Registration provides access to a wealth of resources for all ages, including the teen afterschool program advertised below. NCS is your partner in building a stronger, more vibrant Fairfax County. Explore the possibilities and empower yourself and your family today!

NCS Teen After-School Flyer


Youth Wrestling Camp at Oakton HS

Oakton Wrestling Camp Advert

Whether you are interested in trying out a sport new to you, or have wrestling experience, there is a spot for you at camp! The Oakton Wrestling Teams are hosting a summer camp for rising 3rd-9th grade boys AND girls the week of July 7-11, 9 AM - 3 PM. Any questions? Please reach out to Head Boys Coach, David McClary: dmcclary@fcps.edu

More information and registration here:  https://oaktonhighcamps.jumbula.com/wrestling



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:
    • Next Steps for Budget
    • Explore Initial Draft Boundary Scenarios
    • Check Your MySchoolBucks Balance

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