Cedar Connection

A Word from the Cedar Lane Staff

Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community!!

We have some wonderful news to share this week as we celebrate the dedication and excellence of our staff! We are incredibly proud to announce that Ms. Crisafulli, one of our wonderful social workers here in the Lane, has been selected as Cedar Lane’s Outstanding Professional Employee for this year. Her tireless advocacy, compassion, and support are essential to our students and families, and this recognition is truly well-deserved. We are also absolutely delighted and honored that our principal, Dr. Farrish, has been nominated for the prestigious New Principal of the Year Award! This exceptional nomination is a powerful testament to the positive impact she has made on our school environment and the outstanding leadership she has demonstrated. Please join us in congratulating both Ms. Crisafulli and Dr. Farrish on these wonderful honors!

As we head into the next couple of weeks, we want to remind everyone that Winter Break is only two weeks away! We encourage students to stay focused during these final days of the year to finish assignments strong and prepare for the upcoming holidays. We look forward to a few more productive weeks before everyone can enjoy a well-deserved, extended break for the holidays.

Wishing you a warm weekend amidst winter snow,

The Staff of Cedar Lane School



Contents:



Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Thursday, December 11 ⇒ Cedar Lane's Winter Music Show
  • Friday, December 12 ⇒ Basketball: Phillips School @ Cedar Lane
  • Monday, December 22 - Friday, January 2 ⇒ Winter Break (No School)


Computer Science (CS) Education Week December 8-13

Computer Science impacts everything we do! Computers and computational thinking are used in every field.  Computational thinking helps us look at and solve problems in new ways. Computer Science Design Principles are part of modern-day careers connected to a wide range of student interests. 

Check out the CSTA CS Ed Week page, try some Hour of Code activities, and connect to other computer science resources. Information on digital resources is in the Digital Ecosystem Library 

Explore CS Careers at FCPS Work-Based Learning Site



Family Academy Opportunities

Stay up to date on all offerings throughout December! The Family Academy is excited to offer a variety of classes, workshops, webinars, and programs for families. Find registration opportunities and more details on the “Learn With Us” tab of the FCPS Family Academy page.



Family Cafe Series

Family Cafe Pic

The Family Café Series is a special time for families to come together to learn about important topics that support their child’s growth and learning. These fun and helpful sessions keep families informed and involved in their child’s education—mind, body, and heart. 

At Family Café, we believe families are important partners in helping children succeed. We’re excited to learn and grow with you! 

Upcoming Family Café Sessions: 

The Digital World – December 9 at Chantilly High School-Library Join us for a hands-on workshop on how to stay safe online. Families will learn about popular social media apps, how to start meaningful conversations about internet safety, and the seven key topics that matter from kindergarten through adulthood. Read more and register here . 



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.



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.



Bored Over Winter Break?

Looking for fun ways to keep kids busy over winter break? Check out this list of simple, family-friendly activities — from indoor crafts to outdoor adventures. There’s something for everyone! Click here to read more.



Food Assistance

🍲 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.


🍲 Asistencia Alimentaria y Guía de Recursos

La incertidumbre alimentaria afecta a más de 96,000 residentes del Condado de Fairfax. Sepa cómo puede ayudar y descubra los muchos recursos que están disponibles para aquellos que necesiten asistencia alimentaria o refugio. Revise la Guía de Servicios de Recursos Humanos.



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).



FY 2027 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 on December 2 to discuss the budget forecast. View the meeting materials and learn more about FCPS' FY27 budget.


El Presupuesto de FCPS Apoya la Economía Local

¡Cuando nuestras escuelas cuentan con los recursos que necesitan, todo el Condado de Fairfax alcanza el éxito! 

FCPS es uno de los más grandes empleadores del Condado de Fairfax, y con cada salario que pagamos, respaldamos a negocios y servicios locales e impulsamos el  mercado inmobiliario. El presupuesto operativo anual de FCPS fluye a través de la economía local, apoyando la creación de empleos, generando la compra de productos y servicios y contribuyendo a la estabilidad de la región. 

Aprenda más sobre el Presupuesto para el año fiscal 2027 y cómo FCPS apoya la Economía del Condado de Fairfax.  

Reunión del Comité Conjunto Presupuestario del Condado de Fairfax 

La Junta Escolar se reunió con la Junta de Supervisores del Condado el 3 de diciembre para discutir el presupuesto. Vea los materiales de la reunión y obtenga más información sobre el presupuesto de FCPS para el año fiscal 2027.



Graduation Status in ParentVUE

🎓 Graduation Status: New Feature in ParentVUE and StudentVUE

A new Graduation Status tool is available in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. The tool helps parents and students monitor and track their progress in meeting graduation requirements. 

Graduation Status includes progress toward the Standard or Advanced Studies diploma for high school students and middle school students who have enrolled in one or more high school courses. This new feature is available in addition to the course history and unofficial transcript options in ParentVUE and StudentVUE. 

To view the Graduation Status section, which is only available for students who have enrolled in high school courses, please take the following steps:

  1. Login to your SIS ParentVUE/StudentVUE account. 
  1. Go to “Course History.”
  2. Go to “Graduation Status” and toggle “on.” 

For questions about graduation requirements, please contact Ms. Williams, our school counselor. Learn more about ParentVUE.


🎓 Estatus de la Graduación: Nueva Función de ParentVUE y StudentVUE

¡Una nueva herramienta para conocer el Estatus de la Graduación está ahora disponible en ParentVUE y StudentVUE. La misma ayuda a padres y estudiantes a monitorear y seguir el progreso para el cumplimiento de los requisitos necesarios para graduarse. 

El Estatus de la Graduación incluye tanto los diplomas Estándar , como los de Estudios Avanzados, para estudiantes de secundaria y de escuela intermedia que se hayan inscrito en uno o más cursos de escuela secundaria. Esta nueva sección está disponible junto a las secciones de historial de cursos y transcripciones no oficiales tanto en ParentVUE, como en StudentVUE. 

Para llegar a la sección Estatus de la Graduación, la cual sólo está disponible para aquellos estudiantes que se hayan inscrito en cursos de escuela secundaria, por favor tome los siguientes To view the Graduation Status section, which is only available for students who have enrolled in high school courses, please take the following steps:

  1. Entre en su cuenta en SIS ParentVUE/StudentVUE 
  2. Vaya a “Course History” o Historial de Cursos
  3. Vaya a “Graduation Status” o Estatus de la Graduación, y mueva el botón hacia “on” o activado 

Si tiene preguntas acerca de los requisitos exigidos para la graduación, por favor contacte Sra. Williams. Aprenda más acerca de ParentVUE.



CTE/Academy Fair

Explore CTE and Academy/Specialty Programs

As academic advising season approaches, families are encouraged to explore the many pathways available for rising and current high school students. 

Learn more about FCPS academies, specialized programs, and high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses at the Pathway Fair on Wednesday, December 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., in the cafeteria at Robinson Secondary School.

FCPS central office leaders and academy counselors will share insights about CTE programs, pathways, and opportunities across the school division.

Find additional information, including dates for academy open houses. Contact Bonnie Wannett with questions.


Feria Informativa de Programas de CTE y Academias/ Especialización

Ahora que se aproxima la temporada de consejería académica, queremos animar a las familias a que exploren las muchas carreras que están disponibles para estudiantes que entran o que están en la escuela secundaria. 

Aprenda más acerca de las academias, los programas especializados y los cursos de Educación Vocacional y Técnica (CTE, por sus siglas en inglés) que ofrece FCPS en la Feria de Carreras el miércoles 10 de diciembre, de 6 a 7:30 p.m., en la cafetería de la Escuela Secundaria Robinson.

Líderes de la oficina central y consejeros académicos estarán compartiendo detalles acerca de los programas CTE, las carreras y las oportunidades existentes en toda las FCPS.Encuentre aquí información adicional, incluyendo fechas de sesiones informativas con las academias. Si tiene preguntas contacte a Bonnie Wannett.



Scoliosis Fact Sheet

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A spine affected by
scoliosis has a sideways curve, making it appear more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. Untreated scoliosis can lead to limited motion, back pain, deformity, and in extreme cases, impaired function of the heart and lungs. Early detection and treatment may prevent scoliosis from progressing.

Scoliosis most commonly occurs during the growing years, between age 10 and the time an adolescent is fully grown. Screenings should begin in early adolescence. Pediatricians should check for early signs during a routine physical exam.

For more information about scoliosis, visit the FCPS Scoliosis Fact Sheet webpage.



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:

  • 💻 Technology Tips
  • 🍲 Food Assistance
  • 📚 Winter Reading Challenge

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


En caso de que se lo haya perdido en FCPS This Week, la división escolar compartió actualizaciones sobre los siguientes temas y otros: 

  • 💻 Consejos Tecnológicos
  • 🍲Asistencia Alimentaria
  • 📚 Concurso de lectura de invierno

Lea FCPS Esta Semana para aprender más sobre estos temas. Si aún no recibe este boletín semanal, suscríbase hoy mismo.