|
Dear Cherry Run Families,
What an exciting morning we've had with the first snowfall of the winter season! We hope this message finds you well, warm, and enjoying the change in the season.
It has been a great week back from Thanksgiving Break and so nice to see the joyful interactions of our students in the hallways and classrooms this week. Their energy and enthusiasm are truly infectious. We are settling in for a busy and exciting few weeks ahead as we count down to the start of Winter Break!
As winter comes into full swing, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately for the colder weather. Please see the below school guidance on outdoor activities. We take students outside for recess whenever possible and the weather allows. Warm coats, hats, and gloves are highly recommended. Please also review our school and division's procedures for inclement weather, which can be found in this newsletter.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Cherry Run ES and for partnering with us in your child's education. Your involvement makes our school community a truly special place.
Wishing you a wonderful and restful weekend ahead.
Sincerely,
Maura Donahue and Miranda Goss
 |
|
12/9-PTA meeting and CRES Reflections
12/10- December Early Release Wednesday
12/11- Strings Concert
12/15 Window Closes for Full-Time AAP Referrals
12/18 Chorus and Band Concert
12/20-1/4- FCPS Winter Break |
3-hour Early Release Wednesday - December 10th (Grades K-6)
Cherry Run’s next 3-hour Early Release Wednesday is Wednesday, December 10th for students in grades K-6. A reminder of your student(s) selected status for supervision was sent via Talking Points this week. As a reminder, preschool programming follows their typical programming schedule that day.
Full-Time AAP Referral Deadline
Window for Full-Time AAP Referrals Closes on December 15 Parents and guardians of students in Grades 2-7 who would like their student to be considered for full-time Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services must submit the AAP Full-Time Referral Form to Debbie Hollings, dahollings@fcps.edu no later than December 15, 2025.
Each year, families can submit a referral for full-time AAP services any time from the first day of school through December 15. No late referrals for full-time AAP services will be accepted.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of six trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for full-time AAP services.
Next Steps for Parents Eligibility decisions are communicated by early April. Parents may request a copy of their child’s materials after February 20, 2026, by emailing Debbie Hollings at dahollings@fcps.edu.
At the elementary level, referrals for subject-specific and part-time AAP are screened by our school. If you miss the full-time referral deadline, your student can still be screened for subject-specific or part-time AAP services for the remainder of the year.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students. For more information, please visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Weather Closings
Prepare for Winter Weather: Winter weather will be here before you know it! Watch this video to see how weather closing decisions are made at FCPS.
FCPS’ website is generally the first place to find out about emergency weather closings. Other communication channels will be used as quickly as possible, including email, text, social media, the new FCPS mobile app, and news stations. Learn more about how schedule changes are communicated.
Be sure to plan for the winter season. Update your contact information in SIS ParentVUE, bookmark the FCPS website, and arrange emergency child care if needed. Keep Your Child Warm During Outdoor Activities
We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather.
If you need assistance getting cold-weather clothing for your family, please call Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880. Their multilingual staff can assist with any challenges you are facing, including food, shelter, employment, financial assistance, and health.
|
Cold Weather Guidance at Cherry Run
As we enter the colder months, we want to ensure all students remain safe, comfortable, and healthy during outdoor activities. We will monitor the weather for low temperatures, wind chill advisories and warnings, and weather advisories that may prevent children from being outside. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately with a warm coat and other cold-weather clothing, so they can comfortably enjoy their time outdoors. View the National Weather Service’s tips on staying safe during cold weather. Based on guidance from FCPS, Cherry Run follows the following Cold Weather Requirements:
- When temperatures drop below 50°F, students must wear appropriate leg coverings (e.g., pants, sweatpants, etc.) and a warm outer layer such as a jacket, sweatshirt, or hoodie to go outside.
- Long-sleeve T-shirts alone do not meet this requirement.
- Students who are not dressed appropriately will remain indoors—in the office or library—where they can read until their class returns from recess.
Please help us by ensuring your child comes to school dressed for the weather each day, especially for recess and PE. While outdoor recess is left to the teacher’s discretion, they may take students outside for up to 15 minutes even when temperatures reach 0°F, provided conditions allow.
We understand that factors such as sunshine, cloud cover, and wind can affect how cold it feels, but having a consistent guideline helps families plan ahead and supports teachers in making safe, objective decisions.
Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students warm and healthy this winter!
Food Assistance and Resource Guide
Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.
Community Conversations
Share Your Thoughts With Superintendent Reid
At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school.
Community Conversations with Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid are underway across the school division to discuss current challenges and future opportunities. We encourage you to attend, share your thoughts, and ask questions about FCPS. Events are planned for the following dates from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.:
Click on a date above to register. Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Community Conversations are open to all. Please check FCPS’ website for additional updates.
FLE
Mrs. Goss sent out a virtual overview for Family Life Education to all families via talking points at the end of November. To access this information, please use the Cherry Run All Parent Schoology account and select the parent preview for Family Life Education. The video gives a general overview and walks you through how to view the lesson materials whenever it is most convenient for you. Please refer to it as needed and reach out to one of the listed school contacts or your child's teacher if you have any additional questions.
Volunteer FCPS
Volunteer FCPS Helps Community Members Connect With Schools
Volunteer FCPS allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities across the division. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment at all of our schools. All volunteers must:
- Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS.
- Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS.
- Sign in and out of schools using our visitor kiosk.
Individuals can complete a volunteer orientation on the Volunteer FCPS website. View Volunteer FCPS Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the volunteer levels.
Recent Updates to Volunteer Opportunity Levels
Due to the overwhelming response from our community, FCPS is temporarily pausing fingerprint requirements for most Level 3 volunteers. Those who have already been fingerprinted will be processed to be eligible for all Level 3 opportunities.
As part of the application, all volunteers sign a statement confirming they have not been convicted of violent crimes, crimes against children, or other serious misconduct.
Field trip chaperone opportunities are now classified as Level 2 (not requiring a comprehensive background check).
FCPS Budget
FCPS’ Budget Supports the Success of the Local Economy
When our schools have the resources they need, all of Fairfax County succeeds!
FCPS is one of Fairfax County’s largest employers, and every paycheck we issue helps support local businesses, services, and housing markets. FCPS’ annual operating budget flows through our local economy — supporting jobs, purchasing goods and services, and contributing to regional stability.
Learn more about the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and how FCPS supports the Fairfax County economy.
Fairfax County Joint Budget Committee Meeting
The School Board met with the Board of Supervisors December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.
Attendance
Attendance Is Important Every Day!Every year, absences increase in the weeks before and after winter break. Give your child the gift of education and help build a habit of attendance. Visit the FCPS website for more attendance resources.
Family Resources and Community Events
Family Resources
The Beyond the Bell pilot program now has a page highlighting program design and evaluation information. Families seeking program details such as registration information, inclement weather policy and snack menus can visit the main Beyond the Bell Pilot page.
FCPS Early Literacy and HIPPY -Highlight this month are two new Early Literacy sites in the Mt. Vernon area at Fort Belvoir Primary School and Sequoyah Community Center (both Wed./Fri. 10am-12pm). Families can learn more about these and other opportunities through the brand new FCPS Family Academy .
Care Navigation Service for Behavioral Health Services for Children, Youth, and their families - Healthy Minds Fairfax has partnered with Hopelink and Northern Virginia Service to help children and youth get connected to behavioral health services. To make a referral, please visit the link below. To find out about walk-in services, please call or email below. Link: Referrals Please see the attached flyer or contact Youth Care Navigation at (youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org or 703-468-0040) for further assistance
Resources Available for Immigrants In Fairfax County The One Fairfax office has compiled a flyer available in English, Spanish, and Korean to share information on local resources for legal assistance, education support, local policies and more. Click here for more information.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area's (LSSNCA) legal team has expanded its immigration legal services to now serve individuals who are not current or former LSSNCA program participants. To become an LSSNCA immigration legal client, visit here.
Beginning English Classes offered by English Empowering Center teach the foundation skills adult English language learners (ELLs) need to learn to speak, understand, read, and write English. Offered at several locations through the region, classes are held at least two nights a week for two hour class sessions and are closed enrollment. The curriculum focuses on American culture and life skills important to the workplace, community, and family, which includes an introduction to technology through blended learning.
Military Families
Military Child Care: A National Model: The military child care system is a national model for quality and affordability, designed to provide a range of options to address the unique child care needs of DOD and military-connected families, wherever the mission takes them.
Our Military Kids is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit offering extracurricular activity awards to children, ages 1-18, of deployed National Guard, deployed Reserve, or combat wounded, ill, or injured Veterans in treatment. Learn more about you how to apply for a grant or how to support Our Military Kids visit Our Military Kids.
National Guard/Reserve Families: If you are a member of the National Guard/Reserve or a family member, you may find the following resources helpful.
-
National Guard Relief Foundation (NGRF) – Provides emergency financial relief and essential resources to Guard members and their families across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
-
Military OneSource – Offers 24/7 confidential assistance, including financial counseling, non-medical counseling, family support, and more.
-
The National Guard Family Program – Each state and territory has a state family program director, staff, and volunteers to carry out the program’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for National Guard members, their families, and their communities. Locate your state and Family Assistance Center here.
United Through Reading (UTR) is a non-profit program that helps military families stay connected by allowing a service member or veteran to read a book to their child via video. The service member records themselves reading, and the video is sent home so the child can watch and follow along with the book. The program aims to maintain emotional bonds, reduce separation-related stress for both children and parents, and promote literacy.
-
How it works: Service members record a storytime video, which is then sent to their family back home. Children can watch the video and follow along with the physical book.
-
Benefits:
- Helps children feel a greater sense of closeness to their deployed parent.
- Reduces stress and anxiety for both the child and the service member.
- Maintains family bonds and provides a sense of normalcy.
- Encourages a love of reading and strengthens literacy skills in children.
-
Availability: The program is available to all branches of the military, including active duty, veterans, and their families. A free app is available for service members and veterans to record and send stories.
ZERO to THREE: The Military Family Projects Team at ZERO TO THREE works to develop resources and tools that support the health and development of infants, toddlers and their families. Their work ranges from supporting young children in military-connected families through the creation of parent tools to developing professional development content for those who engage in military family support around the world.
Family Events
Santa Trains (VRE) – Santa Trains are offered by the Virginia Railways Express for local routes on December 13th. Tickets on sale now.
For December, families in Fairfax can enjoy several holiday light displays and festive events like the Bull Run Festival of Lights, and the Mosaic Holiday Village. Other options include Mount Vernon by Candlelight, Winter Wonderland at The Boro, and various craft workshops or holiday-themed events around the county.
Holiday light displays and festivals
|
