Cedar Connection

A Word from the Cedar Lane Staff

Mr. Guerin

Good afternoon, Cedar Lane Community!

This week, we share a moment of mixed emotions as we prepare to say farewell to a beloved and long-serving member of our teaching family, Mr. Robert Guerin. This coming Tuesday will be his final day with us as he begins his well-deserved retirement. Mr. Guerin has dedicated an incredible amount of time to education, first spending 25 years at Bishop O'Connell High School before bringing his expertise and passion to teach social studies here at Cedar Lane for the last 20 years. That is a remarkable 45-year career spent shaping the lives of students!

Mr. Guerin's knowledge, dedication, and presence in our halls will be truly missed by staff, students, and families alike. We want to extend our deepest gratitude for his two decades of service to the Cedar Lane community and for the profound impact he has had on generations of learners. We wish him all the very best for a long, happy, and restful retirement! Thank you, Mr. Guerin!!🎉

Wishing you a restful weekend with gratitude in our hearts,

The Staff of Cedar Lane School



Contents:



Upcoming Dates and Events

Tuesday, September 30 ⇒ NOVA Presentation at Cedar Lane

Thursday, October 2 ⇒ Yom Kippur (No School)

Wednesday, October 8 ⇒ SAT/PSAT Day (See Information Below)

Monday, October 13 ⇒ Indigenous Peoples Day (No School for Students)

Tuesday, October 14 ⇒ Cedar Lane PTSA Meeting

Monday, October 20 ⇒ Diwali (No School)

Tuesday, October 28 ⇒ PTSA Hallowingo Event

Friday, October 31 ⇒ Last Day of the First Quarter/Halloween



SAT School Day

SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 8, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.

Unscheduled Day for Ninth Grade Students Because of the testing, most ninth grade students will not have school on October 8. Students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter. 

Ninth grade students with disabilities who receive low incidence special education services will still receive in-person instruction with a two-hour early release on October 8. 

Contact the Student Services team at your child’s school with any questions. Learn more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS.


Fechas de los Exámenes SAT y PSAT/NMSQT

El Día del Examen SAT y de la Evaluación Clasificatoria al PSAT/”National Merit Scholarship” (NMSQT, por sus siglas en inglés) se efectuarán sin costo alguno para las familias, el miércoles 8 de octubre en cada una de las escuelas secundarias. El examen digital “SAT School Day” lo toman estudiantes de 12vo. Grado, y el examen digital PSAT/NMSQT lo toman estudiantes de 10mo. y 11vo. grados. 

DĂ­a sin ProgramaciĂłn para Estudiantes de Noveno Grado

Debido a los exámenes, la mayoría de los estudiantes de noveno grado no tendrán clases el 8 de octubre. Se les recomienda a los estudiantes que completen cualquier trabajo o tarea pendiente que deban terminar antes de que se termine el primer trimestre.  

Los estudiantes de noveno grado que tengan alguna discapacidad, que reciban servicios de educación especial para discapacidades de baja ocurrencia aún recibirán el 8 de octubre instrucción en persona, con dos horas de salida temprana.

Contacte al equipo de servicios al estudiante de la escuela de su hijo si tiene cualquier pregunta. Conozca más sobre las evaluaciones SAT y PSAT en FCPS.



NOVA Presentation at Cedar Lane

Our Northern Virginia Community College outreach coordinator, Eunice Torkornoo, will be holding a presentation with general information about NOVA in the Cedar Lane library next Tuesday, Sept. 30, from 10:20-11:20 a.m. There will be time for Q & A as well. All students who might be interested in NOVA are invited. Ms. Torkornoo will be returning to Cedar Lane several times this year to work with seniors to prepare them for NOVA registration and course selection.

Contact Karen Williams, Cedar Lane School Counselor, with any questions. karen.williams@fcps.edu 703/208-2407 



October PTSA Events

Hallowingo Graphic

Mark your Calendars! The PTSA has two fabulous events planned for October!

On Oct 14th at 7pm we have our Virtual General Membership Meeting- all are welcome-the PTSA needs your input to plan useful and informative events and speakers and has updates to share with everyone - we hope you can make it!!

On Oct 28th from 6-8pm at Cedar Lane School we will have our Annual Hallowingo Celebration- we will serve dinner and play lots of bingo for some fun prizes- bring the whole family! Costumes are welcome! Hope to see you soon!



Celebrate Communication 2025 Event

Celebrate Communication 2025 Flyer


F.A.N.Tastic Times Upcoming Events

FANtastic Times 2025 Flyer


Bond Referendum

What Will the 2025 Bond Referendum on the November Ballot Fund? 

The $460M bond referendum on the November ballot is expected to fund the next stages of several ongoing projects, as well as others referenced in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). 

The building and renovation of our schools is not funded through the division’s operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a plan to vote by Tuesday, November 4.



SR&R

2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities 

FCPS’ Student Rights and Responsibilities document (SR&R) explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. 

Parents/caregivers should talk to their child(ren) about expectations for this school year. Also, please log in to SIS ParentVUE and sign to acknowledge your review of the SR&R, or sign and return the signature sheet to your child’s school by Tuesday, September 30.


2024 Derechos y Responsabilidades de los Estudiantes

El folleto de Derechos y Responsabilidades del Estudiante (SR&R) de FCPS explica las expectativas para el comportamiento del estudiante y las respuestas de los adultos para mejorar la seguridad escolar y crear un ambiente escolar justo, equitativo y de apoyo. 

Los padres/cuidadores deben hablar con sus hijos sobre las expectativas para este año escolar. También, por favor ingrese á SIS ParentVUE y firme para confirmar su revisión del SR&R, o firme y devuelva la hoja de firma que se encuentran en la página 3 del folleto de SR&R a la escuela de su hijo antes del Lunes, 30 de Septiembre.



Community Conversations

🎤 Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Reid

Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life. 

A series of Community Conversations are being held across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. These events are also a chance for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:

Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all.


🎤 Marque su Calendario: Conversaciones Comunitarias con la Superintendenta Dra. Reid

¡Su voz es importante, y la Superintendenta Dra.Michelle Reid quiere escucharlos! Para FCPS, los padres son aliados, que trabajan junto a nosotros para preparar a nuestros estudiantes para el éxito a largo plazo, tanto en la escuela, como en la vida.

Acompáñanos  en una serie de Conversaciones Comunitarias que se llevarán a cabo en toda la división escolar para hablar sobre los desafíos actuales y las oportunidades futuras. Estos eventos también son una oportunidad para que usted comparta sus opiniones y haga preguntas sobre FCPS. Los eventos están programados para las siguientes fechas de 6 a 8 p. m.: 

Habrá servicios de cuidado de niños y de interpretación de idiomas disponibles. Los eventos están abiertos para todas las personas.



Start Times Survey

⏰ K-12 School Start Times Survey

FCPS is continuing to explore options for adjusting school start times, with the primary goal of beginning the middle school day at 8 a.m. or later. In order to minimize any cost for this project, elementary and high school start times would need to shift as well.

Providing feedback opportunities for the community is a critical part of this effort. Since 2024, FCPS’ consultant has hosted five community forums and administered two surveys. A new School Start TImes Survey is open through Tuesday, September 30. It includes two options that are designed to support student well-being, align with research, balance transportation logistics, and minimize costs. Staff, parents and caregivers, students, and community members may provide input on the two options by taking the survey. Find more information about adjusting school start times.



Talking About Fentanyl

Become Unskippable Image

Become Unskippable: Practical Guidance for Talking With Teens 

Teens skip things that don't interest them, including lectures from their parents. But fentanyl is a threat to young people across the country and in Fairfax County. So it's important to have short, impactful talks with your teen, whether or not you think they’re at risk.

As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. See our tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming Unskippable.



Teletherapy for High Schoolers

đź’» No-Cost Mental Online Therapy for All High School Students

Is your student experiencing anxiety, behavior changes, or challenges with peer and family relationships? Do they seem withdrawn or uninterested in their usual hobbies? 

Parents/caregivers can refer their children for free weekly therapy with a licensed therapist through Hazel Health. Visit the FCPS’ Teletherapy webpage for information about this service.


đź’» Teleterapia de Salud Mental Sin Costo para Todos los Estudiantes de Secundaria

Su hijo de secundaria está teniendo ansiedad, cambios de comportamiento o dificultades con las relaciones familiares o con sus compañeros? Si es así, los padres/cuidadores pueden referir a sus hijos a terapia semanal con un terapeuta licenciado a través de Hazel Health. Visite la página web Teletherapy para obtener información por este servicio.



ACE Driver’s Ed

đźš™ Get Driver Education from a Trusted Source

When it's time for your teen to learn safe driving, trust FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE) for comprehensive driver education programs. FCPS ACE offers affordable and convenient courses taught by certified instructors that cover all the required classes for teen licensure. 

Enroll your student today in: 

  • Behind-the-Wheel Training 
  • Partners for Safe Teen Driving 
  • DMV Permit Testing 
  • Learner’s Permit Test Prep 
  • Classroom Driver Ed (Summer Only) 

Convenient classes are available at your child’s high school. Spaces fill up quickly, so register today or call 703-658-1201. For additional details, email drivered@fcps.edu.



AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk - Mosaic District

AFSP Walk Registration QR

October 4, 2025 -- Mosaic District

AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walks are a journey of remembrance, hope, andsupport. They unite our communities and acknowledge how suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we care about. Join the movement to create a culture that’s smart about mental health by registering to walk, giving a gift, becoming a sponsor, and/or signing up to volunteer at: https://afspwalks.donordrive.com/Fairfax



District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

FCPS News

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:

  • Safety in Our Schools 
  • New Fall Food Items
  • Driver’s Education from a Trusted Source

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