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Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community,
As we move into May, our focus shifts toward the SOL testing window, which begins in earnest next week. These assessments are an important way for our students to demonstrate the mastery and growth they’ve achieved throughout this school year.
We encourage all families to review the testing information included further down in this newsletter. To help our students perform their best, please ensure they arrive at school on time, well-rested, and ready to go. We have seen how hard our students have worked all year, and we have full confidence in their ability to shine!
We also want to share a brief update regarding our Taste of Cedar event. While we were looking forward to celebrating our community’s diverse cultures and flavors this week, the event has been postponed. Please stay tuned for more information regarding a new date! We are committed to making this celebration a success and look forward to gathering together soon to honor the vibrant traditions that make Cedar Lane so special.
Wishing our students a focused and successful week ahead,
The Staff of Cedar Lane School
Contents:
- Monday, April 27 - Thursday, May 21 ⇒ SOL Testing Window
- Friday, May 1 ⇒ Field Trip (Kings Dominion)
- Thursday, May 21 ⇒ Spring Music Concert
- Friday, May 22 ⇒ Cedarfest
- Tuesday, June 2 ⇒ Graduation Ceremony
📢 Important: SOL Testing Reminder
Hi Families,
Just a quick reminder that our SOL Testing begins next week! To ensure a secure testing environment and follow state regulations, please note the following policy regarding electronics:
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No Cell Phones or Smartwatches: These devices are strictly prohibited in the testing rooms.
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Leave Them at Home: If possible, please have your student leave their phone and watch at home on testing days.
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School Collection: Any devices brought to school must be turned off and will be collected by the teacher before testing begins.
We appreciate your help in making sure our students have a smooth, distraction-free testing experience!
Support Your Children During Important Spring Assessments
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify your student’s school as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th Graders
The following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS StudentsFCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Dates will be made available throughout the school year. Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. Additional immunization resources are also available.
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
Cedar Lane yearbooks are now on sale! $35 for 72 pages of full color fun! We do our best to include everyone in the yearbook.
Orders can be placed by using the QR code to the right, clicking on this link, or sending a check made out to Cedar Lane School for $35 to the front office. See Ms. Blakemore if you have questions.
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The Taste of Cedar Lane event has been postponed. More information will be available when a backup date has been determined.
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
FCPS Family Cafe: Introduction to Career Pathways for Students
Join Family and School Partnerships to explore career pathways, academies, and the wide range of courses and certifications available in FCPS.
This virtual workshop will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. and will highlight the various career and technical education courses available to middle and high school students in FCPS. Currently, there are more than 160 Career and Technical Education (CTE) course options available to students. Many CTE programs include industry credentials, work-based learning, and career and technical student organizations, allowing students to develop the skills needed to be successful in future education, training, and careers.
Register in advance for Career Pathways to receive the Zoom link. Email FamilyEngagement@fcps.edu for more information or call 703-204-4300.
Pediatric Health Fairs - Inova Cares
An option to provide children ages 5+ with FREE school physicals and immunizations to begin the 2026-2027 school year. Medicaid or uninsured children only.
Dates/Locations (Saturdays):
June 27 - Inova Cares Manassas
July 25 - Inova Cares Falls Church
August 8 - Inova Cares Herndon
Time: 9 am - 1 pm
Appointments required, call 703-698-2550 to make an appointment. NO walk-ins allowed, families must bring vaccine records.
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Ferias de Salud Pediátrica - Inova Cares
Exámenes físicos escolares y vacunas para niños mayores de 5 años necesario para comenzar el año escolar 2026 (solo para niños con Medicaid y sin seguro).
Horarios/Fechas (Sábados):
27 de Junio - Inova Cares Manassas
25 de Julio - Inova Cares Falls Church
8 de Agosto - Inova Cares Herndon
Hora: 9 am - 1 pm
¡Se requieren citas! Llame al 703-698-2550 para. NO se permitirán visitas sin cita previa, debe traer registros de vacunas.
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FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Student Awards and Recognitions
- Military Child of the Year Finalist
- Required Immunizations Reminder
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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