Cedar Connection

A Word from the Cedar Lane Staff

Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community,

Welcome back! We hope everyone had a refreshing and restful winter break. It has been wonderful to see our students and staff return to the building with renewed energy and bright smiles. We are so excited to dive back into learning and to continue the great momentum we built during the first half of the school year.

As we settle back into our routines, please keep in mind that there are only a few short weeks remaining in the second quarter. This is a vital time for students to stay focused and finish the quarter strong. We also have a very busy month ahead! There are a number of exciting Cedar Lane events coming up in January, so we encourage you to check out the "Upcoming Dates/Events" section below for all the details. We don't want you to miss a thing!

With excitement for the year ahead,

The Staff of Cedar Lane School



Contents:



Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Friday, January 16 ⇒ Basketball: Cedar Lane @ Phillips School
  • Monday, January 19 ⇒ Holiday: Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School)
  • Wednesday, January 21 ⇒ Field Trip: National Air & Space Museum - Udvar Hazy Center
  • Friday, January 23 ⇒ Basketball: Pace West @ Cedar Lane
  • Tuesday, January 27 ⇒ PTSA Sponsored Substance Abuse Prevention & Support Presentation: Michael McNulty (Cedar Lane Library, 7:00-8 PM)
  • Wednesday, January 28 ⇒ Last Day of the Second Quarter


Inspire Immunization Events for All FCPS Students

Inspire Health Alliance, in partnership with FCPS, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students.

  • Immunizations will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost to students or families.
  • Registering families will be required to provide insurance information, if applicable, but students without insurance may still participate.

Current event dates are listed below. Additional dates will be made available throughout the school year, 4-5 weeks prior to the event, on the public webpage.

Frost Middle School, 4101 Pickett Rd. Fairfax, VA:

  • Saturday, January 31; 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m
  • Saturday, February 7; 9 a.m.-2:15 p.m

For more information, or to schedule an appointment for your student, please visit our FCPS and Inspire Health Alliance Student Immunization Events | Fairfax County Public Schools webpage. https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/family-academy/school-health-services/school-required-0



County Flu Letter

Healthy Habits to Reduce the Spread of Flu and Other Germs

Fairfax County is seeing very high levels of influenza (flu) illness. Visits to emergency departments and urgent care centers for flu-like illness have increased, especially among children, and multiple flu outbreaks have occurred in our community and school settings.

Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.


Hábitos Saludables para Prevenir la Propagación de la Influenza y Otros Gérmenes

El Condado de Fairfax ha estado observando altos niveles de casos de enfermedad de la influenza (la “flu”). El número de visitas a las salas de emergencias y centros de cuidados urgentes ha aumentado, especialmente entre niños, además de que múltiples casos de “flu” han ocurrido dentro de nuestras comunidades e instalaciones escolares.

Lea los consejos del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Fairfax para reducir la propagación de la “flu” y de otros gérmenes.



SAPS Presentation with Michael McNulty

Join us on Jan 27th at 7 pm for an informative presentation led by Michael McNulty, Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist with FCPS’s Substance Prevention (SAP) Program. This session is designed to empower parents with the knowledge, tools, & confidence to navigate one of the most challenging—and important—conversations families face. Learn the SAPS role in the school, warning signs, how to communicate with their student and how to support their student.

This hybrid meeting offers both in-person and virtual attendance options. RSVP to Ms Min at jmmin1@fcps.edu or 703-608-3936.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Support Event Flyer


Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Cedar Lane School

Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.

All students in grades 6-12, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.

We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.



2026 FCPS Gap Year Fair

FCPS’ School Counseling Services and Go Overseas are co-hosting the annual FCPS Gap Year Fair on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at George C. Marshall High School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is for high school students and parents who are interested in learning more about the growing array of gap year opportunities. The evening will begin with a presentation in the auditorium from 6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Immediately following, the program fair will be held in the cafeteria from 6:45 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with representatives from over 30 programs offering gap year opportunities. Students and their families are encouraged to meet the representatives and learn about the variety of experiences available. 

Students are encouraged to pre-register for this event. For more information, visit: USA Gap Year Fairs.

**In the event of inclement weather on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Gap Year Fair will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the same time and location.



NCS Seeking Students for New Paid Work Program

Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is looking for motivated students ages 16+, college students or young adults looking to jump into real-world experience through our new Work Student Program launching January 2026. Build your skills, explore our mission and make a meaningful impact in Fairfax County.  

Under the guidance of staff from the assigned department, Work Students will complete entry-level tasks that give them hands-on experience, career exploration opportunities and exposure to the field – all supported through mentorship.

Students may work up to 900 part-time hours in 2026. Hours are flexible to fit around school schedules, and jobs are located throughout Fairfax County.

NCS is a Fairfax County agency that supports people of all ages through recreation, education and developmental programs. This internship program offers a great opportunity to build skills in public service aligned with the county’s One Fairfax Policy, as well as in program management, administration and more. Students will be matched with programs that best fit their resume and college major (if applicable).

There are three classifications for Work Student positions, each with varying responsibilities and pay scales. To learn more about Work Student positions, visit NCS Internships.



Budget

Follow Our Budget Process

Encourage your neighbors, friends, and community members to follow the FCPS budget process and look for opportunities to share your ideas about funding public education. Key decision dates and engagement opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks:

  • The Fairfax County delegation to the General Assembly will hold a public hearing regarding the upcoming 2026 session on Saturday, January 10, at 9 a.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center.
  • Fairfax County residents can sign up in advance to speak at the hearing online or contact the Department of Clerk Services at 703-324-3151, TTY 711, by Thursday, January 8, at noon.
  • Thursday, January 22, Dr. Reid will present the proposed budget to the School Board.

Visit our budget webpage for more information.


Siga el Proceso de Nuestro Presupuesto

Anime a sus vecinos, amigos y miembros de su comunidad a que sigan el proceso del presupuesto y a que busquen cualquier oportunidad para compartir sus ideas acerca del financiamiento de la educación pública. En las próximas semanas, se tomarán varias decisiones claves y habrá oportunidades de participación:

  • La delegación del Condado de Fairfax ante la Asamblea General del Condado efectuará una audiencia pública acerca de la próxima sesión del 2026 el sábado, 10 de enero, a las 9 a.m. en el Auditorio de la Junta en el Centro Gubernamental del Condado de Fairfax.
  • Los residentes del Condado de Fairfax pueden inscribirse aquí para hablar en la audiencia online o pueden contactar al Departamento de Servicios Administrativos llamando al 703-324-3151, TTY 711, antes del mediodía del jueves, 8 de enero.
  • Jueves, 22 de enero, la Dra. Reid presentará el presupuesto propuesto a la Junta Escolar. 

Visite nuestra página web del presupuesto para que encuentre más información al respecto.



Course Selection

Shape Your Story: Course Selection for Middle and High School Students 

Students are meeting with their counselors to discuss course selection for next school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to actively participate in this important process.

School-life balance is an important consideration for students as they strive for academic and personal success. As students choose courses, it is important to remind them to consider the following:

  • Current academic strengths and habits.
  • Graduation requirements (high school students.
  • Interests and career and postsecondary goals.
  • Personal well-being.
  • Extracurricular activities and other commitments that may impact students’ time and energy.

🎓 Graduation Requirements and Planning

Planning which courses to take next year — and in future years — must be given considerable thought. Students and families should review the Graduation Requirements and Course Planning webpage to make informed decisions while planning for success in high school and beyond. To further help families in tracking these requirements, new this year, families can log into ParentVUE to monitor their student's progress toward graduation. Reviewing the Program of Studies and curriculum webpage may also be helpful.

Families are welcome to contact Cedar Lane’s school counselor, Karen Williams, with questions or concerns. E-mail karen.williams@fcps.edu or call (703) 208-2407.


La selección de cursos comienzan en enero 

A partir de enero de 2025, los estudiantes se reunirán con sus consejeros para discutir la selección de cursos para el próximo año. Se anima a las familias a participar activamente en este importante proceso.  El balance entre la vida escolar y personal es una consideración importante en el esfuerzo de los estudiantes por alcanzar el éxito académico y personal. Las familias pueden ponerse en contacto con el orientador escolar del alumno si tienen alguna pregunta.

Requisitos y planificación para la graduación

La selección de un programa académico debe pensarse detenidamente. La página de Requisitos de Graduación y Planificación de Cursos proporciona información sobre los requisitos de graduación y la oferta de cursos que los estudiantes y las familias pueden ver para tomar decisiones informadas, mientras que la planificación para el éxito en la escuela secundaria y más allá.  Revisar el Programa de Estudios también puede ser útil.

🗓️ Marquen en sus Calendarios: “Open Houses” en las Academias

Las academias de las escuelas secundarias de FCPS estarán realizando eventos “open house” o de casa abierta, para atender a todos aquellos estudiantes que estén interesados en inscribirse en ellas. Estos eventos de casa abierta son una gran oportunidad para visitar los salones de clases, los laboratorios, y conocer a maestros y consejeros académicos. 

Las academias son centros ubicados dentro de escuelas secundarias, que ofrecen cursos técnicamente avanzados y especializados para preparar a los estudiantes para la educación postsecundaria y/o las áreas vocacionales.Los cursos electivos de una academia les proveen a los estudiantes con diversas experiencias vocacionales, que incluyen la observación profesional (shadowing), mentorías o pasantías en empresas locales. 

¡Los estudiantes pueden explorar más de una docena de carreras a través de las academias de FCPS! Mire este video para que conozca más sobre los programas de las academias.

Revise el calendario de las Casas Abiertas de las Academias.



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:

  • The FCPS Budget Process
  • Course Selection
  • Language Immersion Lottery

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:

  • El proceso del Presupuesto de FCPS
  • Selección de Cursos
  • Lotería de Cupos a la Inmersión en Idiomas

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