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Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community!
As the leaves change, the first quarter of the school year is quickly drawing to a close! Just a reminder that Quarter 1 officially ends Friday, October 31st (Halloween), which is just two weeks away. This is a crucial time for students to check in with their teachers, make sure all assignments are submitted, and prepare for a strong finish. We encourage families to review their student's grades and help them prioritize their remaining tasks.
Next week, we'll be participating in Digital Citizenship Week! This is an important time dedicated to helping our students learn to use technology responsibly, think critically, behave safely, and act ethically in the digital world. Through various classroom activities and discussions, we'll be reinforcing the skills needed to navigate the internet and social media in a positive and constructive way.
Finally, please remember that there will be no school for students on Monday, October 20th, in observance of Diwali. We wish all our families who celebrate a happy and joyous Festival of Lights! We hope this extended weekend provides a wonderful opportunity for rest and celebration before we dive into the last few days of the quarter.
Sending warmth and good wishes,
The Staff of Cedar Lane School
Contents:
Monday, October 20 ⇒ Diwali (No School)
Tuesday, October 28 ⇒ PTSA Hallowingo Event
Friday, October 31 ⇒ Last Day of the First Quarter/Halloween
Monday, November 3 ⇒ School Planning Day (No School for Students)
Tuesday, November 4 ⇒ Election Day (No School for Students)
Tuesday, November 11 ⇒ Veteran's Day (No School)
🩹 Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Immunization clinics will take place from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at Willow Oaks Administrative Center on:
- Thursday, November 6
- Tuesday, November 18
- Wednesday, November 19
- Thursday, November 20
A clinic will also take place at Frost Middle School on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year.
Participation is voluntary. Parents or guardians may schedule an appointment for their student. Learn more about immunization resources.
National School Lunch Week
This week is National School Lunch Week, which promotes the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom. View menus for your child’s school to help you plan for the week ahead.
Did you know that families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year?
If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again. Read Superintendent Reid's October 1 letter regarding other resources available to families impacted by the government shutdown.
It's time to shine a spotlight on the amazing staff at Cedar Lane School! Nominations are officially open for the FCPS Outstanding Employee Awards. Do you know a teacher, administrator, or staff member who consistently goes above and beyond? Now is your chance to acknowledge their exceptional work!
You can nominate one employee per category using the Google Form below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemVfxbWFtUYHDwcdGe0gmeb1OVTBqJRyujSQERqyzG1Bdc_A/viewform?usp=header
Categories include:
- Outstanding Teacher
- Outstanding New Teacher
- Outstanding Principal
- Outstanding Leader
- (Assistant Principals, Director of Student Services, Director of Student Activities)
- Outstanding Professional Employee
- (SBTS, Special Education & MLL Department Chair, Career Center Specialist, Instructional Coach, Social Workers, Psychologist, SOSA)
- Outstanding Operational Employee
- (Admin Assistants, Office Assistants, Finance Tech, Custodians, Building Supervisor, IA, PHA, PHTA, Family Liaison, Safety & Security)
Nominations close Friday, November 14.
Federal Student Aid has made the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available ahead of the scheduled release date. Any college-bound high school senior — regardless of income — who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs should complete a FAFSA form. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to work with their students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. Check each college’s financial aid office website for deadlines and financial aid forms. Then, create an account, if you have not already done so, and fill out the FAFSA.
The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) application has not yet opened but should be available in late January for students who are unable to complete the FAFSA. To help determine which aid option is right for you, visit the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website.
Over the next few months, College Access Fairfax will be offering several programs on completing the FAFSA/VASA and finding and applying for scholarships. Get information on these programs and how to access them on the College Access Fairfax website.
In addition, College Access Fairfax staff are available for virtual one-on-one help sessions to complete the FAFSA/VASA. To request an appointment, families should email appointments@CollegeAccessFairfax.org.
 Cedar Closet Update
The year has started off really well. We have a newly rebuilt pantry with a variety of options for students to choose from. We are currently looking for generous people to step forward to help as donors and volunteers. We have provided over 50 weekend food packs for students over the past five weeks and with your help we can continue to provide these important resources for our students. This is a real community effort and we appreciate everyone who is able to help.
Are You a Food For Neighbors Red Bag Donor?
Food For Neighbors is the primary means we have to stock our pantry with donations from the community five times each school year. You sign-up, receive reminders to set out a bag of food, shop for food items to include in your bag and leave it outside on the appointed Saturday morning. If you can, please sign-up to become a FFN Red Bag Donor. The next FFN collection will be Saturday, October 25th. Please sign-up today: https://www.foodforneighbors.org/red-bag-program
If you are already a Red Bag Donor and will talk with your neighbors, here is the link to a flyer you can share widely. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Po-XSgUqTbKakAO2VM3Hc1iQzePcp6zk/view?usp=drive_link
If you would like to be more involved with Food For Neighbors, please email our FFN Area Manager for more information: fallschurcham@foodforneighbors.org
Questions? Email: cedarlanepantry@gmail.com
Thank you for your support!
When Should Your Child Stay Home?
Whether students miss school because of illness or any other reason, missing school leads to learning loss.
Help your student succeed by encouraging them to miss as few days as possible. However, do make sure your student stays home if they are sick. So when should your child stay home? Visit the FCPS website for helpful ideas regarding absences and how to work with your child and our school.
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify our school and your child’s teachers so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with our public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and tell school staff why and for how long.
How AI Is Shaping Teaching and Learning
Meeting the Moment: FCPS Forward — AI, a conversation with division leadership, which will take place Monday, November 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at West Springfield High School. Attend to:
- Learn about the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
- Explore how AI can support FCPS student achievement and workforce readiness.
- Engage in a thought-provoking panel and keynotes.
- Help shape the future of innovation at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Agenda details will be shared with registered participants in the coming weeks. Contact DITEvents@fcps.edu with any questions.
 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!
Please contact Ms. Min (jmmin1@fcps.edu) with any questions.
Bond Referendums Support Communities
The building and renovation of Fairfax County public schools is not funded through the division’s annual operating budget. Voter-approved bonds allow payment for these projects over time. A $460 million bond referendum is on the November ballot. Read more about the 2025 Bond Referendum. Learn more about registering to vote. Make a plan to vote by Tuesday, November 4.
FCPS Ombuds Office: Your Go-To Guide for the School System
Do you have a question or concern about Fairfax County Public Schools, but you don’t know where to find the answer? Dawn Clements wants you to know you can ask her! Dawn’s mission as the FCPS Ombuds is to make it easier to understand the school system and help build trust within the community. In honor of Ombuds Day, learn more about Dawn Clements and the Ombuds Office.
 📍 October Community Boundary Review Meetings
FCPS’ October community boundary review meetings are underway. Each of the 12 meetings will focus on two pyramids. Our pyramid will be covered at the meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at McLean High School, in person or virtual. Register by clicking “in person” or “virtual,” based on how you would like to participate.
At the meeting, the consultant will present the latest draft boundary map (Scenario 4) and potential changes specific to our pyramid and the McLean pyramid. Participants will also be invited to ask questions.
If you are unable to attend the meeting for our pyramid, you are welcome to attend any meeting that is convenient. View the list of October boundary meetings.
Visit the Comprehensive Boundary Review webpage for more information.
Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation
All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Learn more about the Student Pass and access the application, which can be returned to the front office.
Visit the Fairfax County website for details and approved Metrobus routes and to access the application.
Children 12 and younger ride for free on the Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.
Bus Discount Program for Adults
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18-65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
Date: Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Tuscarora High School (801 N. King St., Leesburg)
The 11th Annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fair celebrates the legacy and opportunities offered by HBCUs. During the HBCU Fair, students and families will meet with college and university representatives, explore scholarship options and connect with fraternities, sororities, community groups and civic organizations. Don’t miss the HBCU alumni panel, step team performance and tour information session at noon! Students are encouraged to bring transcripts and SAT/ACT scores. Select schools will be offering on-site admissions! Contact Michael Newkirk (Michael.Newkirk@lcps.org) or Michelle Vocke (Michelle.Vocke@lcps.org) with any questions.
🎓 Your Next Chapter Starts Here: College Fair and Virtual Postsecondary Night
Prepare for your student’s future at College Fair and Postsecondary Night. The annual FCPS College Fair will be held Sunday, October 19, at George Mason University’s Eagle Bank Arena, from 4 to 6 p.m. Approximately 200 colleges and universities will be represented, including two- and four-year schools and U.S. Service Academies.
The virtual postsecondary night event will be held on Tuesday, October 21, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Both events will help students prepare for the next chapter of their educational journey. Learn more about the College Fair and Virtual Postsecondary Night.
Roadmap to College: What Students Should Do Each Year of High School
Join FCPS’ Family Resource Center for a webinar on what high school students should do to stand out on college applications. Receive clear strategies for college preparation and success. This webinar will take place on Friday, October 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., and is for families of eighth graders and high school students. Register to attend.
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Immunization Events for FCPS Students
- How AI is Shaping Technology
- Blueprints for Success, How Bonds Build Communities
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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