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Dear Cedar Lane Families,
Welcome back to another exciting school year at Cedar Lane! I hope you and your family had a wonderful summer filled with joy, relaxation, and memorable experiences. As we gear up for the new academic year, I want to share some important information and key dates with you.
The first day of school is Monday, August 18th. All students will receive their bus stop information, to include pick-up and drop off, at least a week before school starts. Cedar Lane School’s bell schedule remains the same. A copy of the bell schedule is included in this information for you to review. Please share this with your student and emphasize the importance of being in school, every day and on time.
We are thrilled to invite you to our Open House on Thursday, August 14th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This is a wonderful opportunity for you and your student to meet their teachers, explore the school, and get a feel for what this year has in store. Additionally, please mark your calendars for our Back-to-School Night on Monday, August 25th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. This event will provide further insight into the curriculum, school policies, and ways you can get involved.
Included in this envelope are your student’s schedule, FCPS and Cedar Lane’s new cell phone policy, FLE opt-out forms, SR&R information, attendance information, and information on the Cedar Closet. We have also included the forms for the Jim Scott Recreation Center, an after-school partnership that has worked closely with Cedar Lane Students, providing activities at the recreation center. Please be sure to share the information with your student and let us know if you have any questions.
We will also provide hard copies and assistance with everything during both the Open House and Back-to-School Night to ensure you have all the information you need.
We are excited to welcome back our returning families and to meet our new families joining Cedar Lane this year. Together, let’s make this school year a successful and enriching experience for our students!
Warm Regards,
Dr. Farrish, Principal
Please find all the essential Back-to-School information below to help you prepare for August 18th!
Get ready for an amazing 2025-2026 school year! The Cedar Lane School staff have been hard at work all summer, preparing for your return and ensuring everyone feels ready for the year ahead.
We know you're eager to see class schedules! All students and parents in FCPS can access them through StudentVUE/ParentVUE on Thursday, August 14th, at 6:00 AM.
For questions or assistance, please contact Mr. Rzepka at JJRzepka@fcps.edu or 703-208-2426.
Contents:
Our school office will be open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, starting August 4-15, to answer calls and assist our community. For the safety and security of all, visitors must enter through Door #1 (the main entrance). Our office personnel will buzz you in, and we require all visitors to sign in using our Visitor Management System. Please have a valid driver's license or passport ready.
During the school year, our office hours will be 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
We've planned several exciting back-to-school events to kick off the new year, and we can't wait to see you there!
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Orientation/Open House: August 14th (9:00-11 am)
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Back-To-School Night: August 25th (5:30-7 pm)
We look forward to welcoming all students on the first day of classes, Monday, August 18th, 2025!
- Option 2: Phone the Attendance Line at 703-208-2424.
- If reporting by phone please include the items below in your message:
- Student’s first and last name spelled clearly and slowly
- Student ID Number
- Specific information regarding reason for absence, including illness, diagnosis or symptoms and whether or not the student has seen a physician.
- The Parent/Guardian phone number (for verification)
If you need help with the ParentVUE account, contact Jacob Rzepka at JJRzepka@fcps.edu
Parents can now update information for their child in one easy location. It is crucial that all families review information in ParentVue to ensure that we have up-to-date contact information and health information to best care for your child throughout the school year.
To access the Online Verification Update packet you will log-in to SIS ParentVUE and click on the “Online Packets” tab in the upper right hand corner. If you are accessing via the app on your phone click on the “OLR - Online Packets” button at the top of the screen. You can access more directions and details here.
Note that the OVU packet must be updated by the enrolling parent online.
This update will ask you to verify and/or update the following pertinent information:
- Introduction Section
- Family Section
- Parent/Guardian Section
- Emergency Section
- Students Section (for each student enrolled in your family)
- Documents Section
- In this section you can download, complete and upload the following applicable documents for your student
- You can also download the updated Health Information Report and Emergency Care Report for your student.
- Review/Submit Section
Families are asked to log in to the PDC using their ParentVUE credentials to complete consent forms assigned to their child. These forms must be completed by the enrolling parent. Parent Digital Consent directions can be found on the FCPS website.
Forms available in the PDC in the 2025-2026 school year include:
- School Counseling Opt-Out
- Digital Resources Consent
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Required for students to access FCPS approved digital tools in the classroom. These tools are regularly embedded into lessons across all courses and grade levels.
- SEL Screener Opt-Out
- Consent for Release of Student Records in Support of Postsecondary Applications
- Denial of Access to Military Recruiters
- Family Life Education Opt-Out
- SOL Retest Permission
- Hazel Health
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Opt-Out
- SOS Screener Opt-Out
- Objection to Release of Information to Outside Organizations
- Objection to Release of Directory Information to the Public
Every year, FCPS requires parents/guardians to review, sign, and return the SR&R parent/guardian signature page acknowledging awareness of online access to and/or the opportunity to receive a printed copy of the FCPS SR&R Guide for Families.
When available, you can complete this requirement through your ParentVUE account in the Online Verification Account packet (see above). Upon login to your ParentVUE account, you will be prompted immediately to complete the SR&R signature page. Note that your name in the digital signature box must match the parent/guardian’s first and last name in SIS exactly before the signature will be accepted. The prompt will repeat in ParentVue until the signature page has been completed.
Students will review this year’s SR&R through their Panther Period (4th period) during the first week of school.
We will make families aware of when these forms become available for your review and acknowledgement.
Please take a moment to log in, review and complete the SR&R Parent Signature Page (log into ParentVUE).
If you would rather print out and sign the SR&R signature page, you can access it here. You can either return it to the main office or email it.
The SR&R Booklet can also be found on the FCPS website, along with additional information for the 2025-26 school year.
At their May 8 meeting, the Fairfax County School Board approved changes to the SR&R, including its cell phone policy. Other SR&R updates include added clarity and/or procedures around topics such as discipline data, parent notifications, hate speech, and integrated discipline training. The full list of changes is available on Boarddocs.
Cell Phone Policy Update for High Schools
Beginning in August, high school students can only use their cell phones and other personal devices (AirPods, smart watches, etc.) during lunch and before or after school. This is a change from FCPS’ current cell phone policy, which allows high schoolers to use devices during passing periods. Next school year, students must keep devices off and away during classroom time and during passing periods between classes.
Read more about the Cell Phone Policy.
Families must submit an application and be approved to be eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2025-26 school year.
Eligible families are encouraged to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the first day of the 2025-26 school year. More information is on the FCPS website, including forms to apply for Free or Reduced Lunch.
If you have children eligible for the federal Free and Reduced-Price Meals program, they may also be eligible to participate in other Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) fee-based programs without paying a fee or by paying a reduced fee to include: course fees, senior dues, etc.. You are also eligible to receive information about scholarships, classes, and services that are provided by agencies and organizations other than FCPS.
If you want your children to participate in FCPS fee-based programs on a free or reduced-fee basis and receive information about other benefits for your children, you must provide written agreement allowing FCPS staff to share information about your children's meal eligibility status.
You can scroll to the bottom of the FCPS page to access “Consent to Share Information” in a variety of languages. Without the “Consent to Share Information,” school officials will not be aware of your child’s eligibility for free and reduced meals and will not be able to consider reducing or waiving other school related fees.
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August 14 – Schedules available in StudentVUE and ParentVUE at 6 am
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August 14 – Open house invitation, 9:00-11:00 AM
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August 18 – First Day of School!
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August 27 – Back-to-School Night 5:30-7:00 PM
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August 29 – No School
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September 1 – No School, Labor Day
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September 2 – Gradebooks available in StudentVUE/ParentVUE
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September 23 – No School, Rosh Hashanah
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October 2 – No School, Yom Kippur
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October 8 – PSAT (10th/11th Grade)/SAT (12th Grade) Day; No School 9th grade/non-testers
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October 13 – Staff Development Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day
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October 20 – No School, Diwali
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October 31 – End of 1st Quarter, 2-hour early release
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November 3-4 – Teacher Workdays – Student Holidays
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November 11 – No School, Veterans’ Day
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November 26-28 – No School, Thanksgiving Break
**The entire FCPS school calendar can be accessed here.
We have finalized our master schedule for the upcoming school year. Our staffing decisions and the number of courses offered are based on the classes students selected during the registration period last school year. To maintain the best possible program for our students and one that is most responsive to their educational needs, schedule changes will be limited to space available.
For any questions you may have, contact Karen Williams at kawilliams1@fcps.edu.
All parents/guardians should receive an eNotify email message directly from Fairfax County Public Schools Office of Transportation on August 9, 2024. That email will provide details on the transportation intent process for families and how to access transportation assignments for students. Transportation assignments will become available on August 12, 2024, and changes may be made up to August 16, 2024.
All parents should access their SIS ParentVue account to ensure the Transportation Intent for each student is accurate. Through your SIS ParentVue account, you can see your child’s transportation assignments and intent on the “Student Info” tab. If adjustments are needed, click on “Edit Information” to make changes to your Transportation Intent. All students eligible for transportation services will be provided transportation unless the parent has stated “NO” to the Transportation Intent.
Please contact the transportation office or the Cedar Lane Main Office if you have any questions about accessing your student information.
Late buses will run on Wednesday afternoons and will start on Wednesday, September 3rd. The last day the late busses will run for the 2025-2026 school year will be Wednesday, May 20th.
Student Arrival and Dismissal
The building will be accessible to students starting at 7:30 am.
Dismissal is at 2:45 PM. Students are asked to leave the building at the end of the day unless they are being supervised by an adult. Any student who wishes to stay after school must be in the supervision of a staff member.
Kiss and Ride and Pickup
Parents must report to the main office to sign their student in or out. When picking up or dropping off, it is important to adhere to the traffic pattern. Please do not park in any reserved spot on campus during arrival and dismissal if you are picking up or dropping off.
Fairfax County Public Schools puts the safety of its students and staff first and is committed to creating a secure environment where our students and staff can feel safe as they focus on learning and teaching.
Even with layered safety plans in place, the school division continuously explores new resources, technologies, and best practices to support and maintain schools and campuses that are both secure and conducive to learning.
As part of the ongoing commitment to strengthening layered safety and security programs, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will continue to phase in a weapons detection system at all secondary schools this fall.
This work began last spring as a successful pilot at more than a dozen high schools.
The decision to install a weapon detection system was made after months of research to support our shared strategic goal of maintaining safe and welcoming school environments.
The scanners are very similar to systems that our community may have already experienced at concert and sporting events.
The scanners are more sensitive than traditional metal detectors - more accurately identifying metal sources that may be potentially harmful rather than sounding an alarm for all types of metal, such as coins.
All students will pass through free-standing body scanners one at a time. Students with laptops must remove them from their backpacks and hand them to a staff member who will return the device once the student has passed through the scanner.
If the alarm sounds, the student will empty their pockets and pass through the scanner again. If the alarm continues to sound, the student will step to the side to be scanned by a trained staff member using a wand.
OpenGate does not use facial recognition and does not collect any personal identifying information.
The FCPSOn initiative at Cedar Lane School provides students with equitable access to meaningful learning experiences and technology to support their learning. Each Cedar student will receive an FCPS-issued Chromebook to access dynamic resources and participate in learning tailored to the student’s individual needs. Loaner Chromebooks will only be available for students whose Chromebooks are in need of repair.
The mission of FCPSOn is to provide equitable access to technology and to instructional practices that lead to Portrait of a Graduate outcomes for ALL students.
What are the benefits of using an FCPSOn Device?
Chromebooks will be distributed individually with Mr. Rzepka.
For more about the FCPSOn initiative in FCPS, please go to the FCPS website.
Please note that teachers reserve the right to require the FCPSOn device to be used for certain assignments or assessments. Additionally, FCPSOn devices are a requirement for standardized testing, including SOL exams and AP tests.
Login page
Check out the FCPS website about Schoology to learn more about what it is!
Students, families, and teachers throughout FCPS and in our school community will use Schoology (pronounced /SKOO-luh-jee/) as our learning management system. Schoology is a learning space that enhances communication, collaboration, and personalized learning for all.
The student grade level Schoology pages have information applicable to each specific grade level. This includes announcements and information pertinent to the specific grade level.
Cedar students have 4th period every day, in which Black days are “student choice” periods and clubs and Gold days are spent with case managers, so that they are able to connect. More information about these structures can be found below.
Panther Time - Gold Days - Case Management
Panther Time will take place each Gold day. This time allows students to receive enrichment and/or remediation and to discuss IEP needs. It will also allow time for students and Case Managers to make connections among each other and the school, help students and staff build community and amplify student voice and to more easily disseminate important Cedar-specific information to students.
Panther Time - Black days - Clubs and Student Choice
Clubs and student choice provide students an opportunity to interact socially, and have choice in what they want to engage in. They build relationships with peers and practice vital life skills, including social-emotional learning.
The goal of the Health Room is to ensure that your child will enjoy a healthy and safe school year. To proactively plan, we ask that parents update the Emergency Care Form through SIS ParentVUE; there is a section for “Current Health Conditions” and “Current Medical Care Details” that will update the health information for the student.
If you need to drop off medication for your student, please fill out a new medication authorization form. This is required to be filled out annually.
Medication can be dropped off at school Tuesday, August 12, Thursday, August 14, and Friday, August 15 from 8 am-3 pm. You can also drop off medication during open house. Once school begins, medication can be dropped off any school day from 8am-3pm. Please read below for the updated medication guidelines that specify the amount and method of medication that can be dropped off.
If medication is needed at school or for any after-school FCPS-sponsored activity (field trips, sports, band, drama, chorus, etc.), specific guidelines in accordance with the FCPS Medication Administration Regulation 2102 must be followed. A Medication Authorization form MUST be on file in the Health Room for any medication administered at school OR carried by student. Forms (for epinephrine, inhalers and medications) are available in the School Health Room or online.
Medication Guidelines
To help ensure the safety of our medication administration management in Fairfax County Public Schools we will adhere to these guidelines:
- Any time you drop off or pick up a medication in the health room, a Medication Delivery/Pick Up Form will be completed and signed by both the parent/guardian and the School Health Aide or FCPS staff member. This form will document that all required authorizations are complete, and the number of pills or amount of medication accepted/returned. A copy of the form will be given to the parent/guardian and school administrator.
- Medications received will be verified to ensure the description of the medication on the container/packaging matches the medication in the container.
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All medications must be in the original pharmacy container. Over the counter (OTC) medications must be in an unopened original container. It will no longer be acceptable for parents/guardians to bring in refills from home and place them into the container currently in the health room.
- Only a 30-day supply of medications should be brought to school. No more than 25 tablets or pills of OTC medication should be brought to school.
- All requirements outlined in FCPS Regulation 2102, First Aid, Emergency Treatment and Administration of Medication for Students continue to apply.
All Health Room forms can be found in the Online Verification Update Packet referenced under Required Forms. They are also below for your reference.
One additional form that is not available through the OVU packet is the Diabetes Medical Management Plan. That form can be found below.
Any teacher who requires specific school supplies will provide a list during the first week of school.
The Cedar Lane cafeteria will sell breakfast and lunch daily. If your student plans on purchasing food through the cafeteria, please be sure to load money on their meal account or bring cash. More information on FCPS Food Services (including payment options for meal accounts, daily menus, free and reduced meal programs, etc.) can be reviewed on the FCPS website.
Eligible families are encouraged to submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the first day of the 2025-26 school year. More information is on the FCPS website, including forms to apply for Free or Reduced Lunch and Consent to Share Information.
Dietary Accommodations for Students
The Office of Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) wants to emphasize that it has implemented a standardized process for dietary accommodations. This ensures that FCPS students receive safe and healthy food. The Dietary Accommodations information provides step-by-step guidance for families to follow to ensure safe and appropriate food is provided to their student(s). This guidance includes needing a Medical Dietary Accommodation Form to be signed by a Licensed Health Care Provider and forwarded to FNS. For students who need a milk substitute, the Milk Substitution Form signed by a Parent/Guardian must also be on file with FNS.
Forms are to be emailed to dietary.forms.fns@fcps.edu by parents/guardians. FNS Registered Dietitians on staff will then contact the family to begin planning safe meals for their student and place an alert on the student’s file at the register.
Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
Make sure your child has all of their required immunizations before the first day of school. Check their immunization records to see what they might be missing. You can:
- Request immunization records online through the Virginia Immunization Information System (a free service).
- Get records from other states’ systems if your child was immunized outside of Virginia.
- Request records from your health care provider. Some may charge for copies.
Review school-required immunizations to verify that your child is up to date. You may also submit immunization questions you may have using the “Contact - Submit a Question” button on this site.
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
Additional immunizations are required for students entering the 12th grade.
- All students entering 12th grade are required to receive one dose of the MenACWY vaccine before the beginning of school.
- To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 16 or older.
As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
How to Provide Immunization Documentation to the School
Updated immunization records can be submitted to Oakton HS in the following ways:
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Starting July 25, 2025: Upload the updated immunization records to ParentVue via the Online Verification Update Form.
- You may find detailed directions on how to update the immunization records via ParentVue on the FCPS website.
- If you do not have access to ParentVue, you may drop off a hard copy of the immunization records to the main office for us to upload.
Where to Receive Immunizations
If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your family’s health care provider or one of the following clinics:
- Inova Cares Back to School Pediatric Health Fairs provide children ages 5 and up with free school physicals and immunizations. Weekday and weekend clinics are available in July and August. These health fairs are for VA Medicaid or Uninsured Inova registered patients only. Appointments are required. Call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. Bring vaccine records to the appointment.
Local immunization clinics and additional resources are available on the FCPS Immunization Resources webpage and from the FCHD.
SIS ParentVUE is the FCPS secure solution for accessing information about your child's attendance, class performance, demographic data, and link to Schoology. Your username and password is the same for both ParentVUE and Schoology.
- SIS ParentVUE Account Provides: access to view your child’s student information, including attendance, report cards, class schedules, grade book (for middle and high school students), course history, discipline, health, and school information. It also enables you to get weekly grade reports.
- Schoology Parent Account Provides: access to view your child’s courses, groups, assignments, and calendar. Parents can also check messages, adjust their notification settings, and access additional groups or courses if they are enrolled as members.
The Pantry is available to Cedar Lane School students and their families, daily. We offer non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, and household cleaning supplies. Please contact the main office at any time.
Are you looking for a meaningful way to stay connected with Cedar Lane School community and support our amazing students and staff?
The Cedar Lane School PTSA is currently seeking enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to join our board and committees for the upcoming school year!
Open Positions & Descriptions:
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President: Leads the PTSA, sets meeting agendas, oversees all programs and committees, and serves as the main liaison between the school administration and PTSA. Ideal for someone who enjoys leadership, organization, and collaboration.
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Secretary: Keeps accurate meeting minutes, maintains official PTSA documents, and supports communication within the board. Perfect for someone detail-oriented and organized.
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Treasurer: Manages the PTSA budget, tracks income and expenses, and provides financial reports. A great fit for someone with accounting or financial experience.
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Membership Chair: Leads membership drives, tracks enrollment, and finds creative ways to engage parents, students, and staff. Perfect for those who love outreach and building community.
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Communications Chair: Manages our newsletters, social media, and promotional materials. Best for someone with strong writing, creative bend of mind and design skills.
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Hospitality Chair: Plan and organize teacher and staff breakfasts. Consisting of a healthy grab-and-go breakfast. Ideal for creative, energetic organizers. Currently a once-a-month event.
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Student Support Chair: Recruits and organizes volunteers for school student events. Great for someone who enjoys getting involved with student related activities and managing volunteers.
We encourage students to take on leadership roles at the PTSA. please let us know if you wish to volunteer.
Whether you have a few hours a month or more time to give, there’s a role for you. Being part of the PTSA is a great way to make a difference, meet other families, and help shape the experience of every Cougar on campus.
📝 Interested? Please contact Jennifer Min at jmmin1@fcps.edu.
Let’s work together to make the 2025-2026 school year one to remember. Join the PTSA—your voice matters!
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