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Good Afternoon, Cherry Run Families,
We can’t wait to welcome our Cardinals back for the first day of school on Monday, August 18, 2025! Below are a few helpful tips to ensure the first day—and every day—runs smoothly.
Walking to Class
On the first day of school, August 18th, all parents (K–6) are welcome, but not required, to walk their child(ren) to the classroom door.
Bus Riders
If your child will be arriving by FCPS bus, staff will be ready at the bus doors to help them get to their classroom.
Car Riders & Walkers
If you are driving your child or they are walking, please know the first few days may take a little longer as everyone settles into arrival routines and finds their way to class.
Kiss and Ride
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Drop-off begins at 9:05 a.m., curbside only.
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Staff will greet students and help them get to their classroom.
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Please make sure your child knows their teacher’s name and/or grade level.
Building Entry
Dismissal
Please ensure your child knows how they will be going home on the first day.
We’re looking forward to an amazing first day filled with smiles, excitement, and new beginnings!
Sincerely,
Maura Donahue and Miranda Goss
🚌Here Comes the Bus Mobile App
Know when your bus is approaching your stop. Here Comes the Bus® app is a school bus tracking app that provides real-time bus location. This helps parents and students get to the bus stop on time. Here Comes the Bus® utilizes our GPS data and available on multiple devices.
Using the app is EASY! You will need the FCPS school district code 28982 and a SIS ParentVUE Account. Learn more about How to Get Started.
School Supplies for the 2025-2026 School Year
View the Cherry Run ES school supply list: https://cherryrunes.fcps.edu/academics/school-supply-lists
Elementary Schools Limited Early Release Days
Consent Form Due Monday, August 25
Limited early release days for elementary schools will shift to Wednesdays for the 2025-26 school year. Kings Glen will dismiss 3 hours early at 12:25 p.m. on the following Wednesdays:
- September 10
- October 29
- November 12
- December 10
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- February 18
- March 18
- April 22
- May 13
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Read more about early release Wednesdays on the FCPS website.
We encourage all parents/caregivers to have their child take their normal route home (bus, walk, kiss and ride) on early dismissal days. While these are designated as early release days — where necessary, we will ensure that every child has supervision and returns home at the regular time if that is what works best for your family.
The Early Release Wednesday consent form can be found in the BOY Digital Consent App under "Early Release Wednesday Childcare" and needs to be completed by August 25.
You can find more information about digital consent here: Digital Consent Directions for Families
Cell Phones: Off and Away – All Day!
Please remind your child that cell phones and personal devices (airpods, earbuds, headsets, other items connected to the internet) must be off and away for the entire school day (bell to bell). Cell phones are also not permitted to be used as an instructional tool.
Phone accessories are also to be silenced and away when phone use is prohibited. Smart watches that serve a dual purpose may be worn, but the phone features (texting, Internet viewing, and calls) are to be off when phone use is prohibited.
If you need to contact your child during the school day, call our front office at 703-923-2800. The office staff will relay the message to your child. Learn more about FCPS’ cell phone policy, which helps students stay focused, safe, and engaged at school.
Bookmark the School Year Calendar
Be sure to bookmark the FCPS school year calendar to keep track of school holidays, breaks, and observances:
- Days marked with a blue “H” are student holidays. Schools are closed on these days.
- Days marked with an orange “O” are religious and cultural observance days (or evenings, if only half marked). There is school on these days, but certain events that cannot be made up may not be scheduled on these days.
- Days marked in pink are holidays for students but working days for teachers and staff.
Please note that some holidays and observances, such as Eid al Fitr, may shift, and the calendar may be adjusted.
🩹 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.
Support Your Child’s Success by Checking SIS ParentVUE
Access your student’s attendance records, grades, and assignments at any time with SIS ParentVUE. Parents/caregivers should receive an activation code when they register their child. Contact the school registrar Yasmin Naldo ymnaldo@fcps.edu if you need a code.
Once you have activated a SIS 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 SIS ParentVUE account. You may also access SIS ParentVUE using an app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android devices.
Need help creating an account? This video walks through the steps. Find out more about SIS ParentVUE.
Lunch and Food Services Information
If your child will be buying lunch or breakfast, please use http://www.myschoolbucks.com to add money to (or create) their account. This year, breakfast is $1.75 and lunch $3.75.
Student ID Numbers Needed for School Meals (New This Year) Starting this school year, students will enter their student ID number — not their current cafeteria PIN — at the cash register to receive school meals. Please remind your child of their student ID number, which you can find in SIS ParentVUE. View more updates and reminders for school meals this year, including 20 new menu items!
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Students who qualify for free and reduced-price meals receive breakfast and lunch at school at no cost.
Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meal application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits. Access the application and view criteria on the Free and Reduced-Price Meals webpage
Students who were approved for free and reduced-price meals last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should re-apply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Band and Strings
4th, 5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to learn a string instrument at Cherry Run! You can use the QR code in the attached flyer to sign up, or follow this link: https://forms.gle/GBzVWLGpzKDVtqmXA
If your child wants to know more about strings class, consider going to the Instrument Petting Zoo at Lake Braddock on Wednesday, August 20 at 6:00 pm. The instrument petting zoo is a great way to learn more about the different string instruments, and there will be a short performance by some high school students! See the attached flyer for more information.
5th and 6th graders have the opportunity to learn a band instrument! To sign up for band, you can use this link: https://forms.gle/PXevCUJSzsCpXVNw5 for more information you can email Dr. Joe Denti at JRDenti@fcps.edu
 
New! Volunteer Management System
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
A new volunteer management system, Volunteer FCPS, will allow students, parents/caregivers, and community members to register and search volunteer opportunities within the school division.
All volunteers (new or returning) will need to register in Volunteer FCPS, complete a volunteer orientation, and be required to sign in using the visitor kiosk. Some volunteers will also be required to undergo a background check. Visit the Volunteer FCPS website for details.
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