Cherry Run News May 22


Dear Cherry Run Families,

This week brought temperatures in the 90s, and it certainly started to feel like summer at Cherry Run! Our Cardinals enjoyed spending time outside in the warm weather learning, playing, and connecting with friends during recess and while using our “Nature Nook” outdoor classroom. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces enjoying the sunshine and making the most of these beautiful spring days together.

We also thoroughly enjoyed the 2nd Grade Spring Music Show. It was a joy to watch our students showcase their hard work, confidence, and musical talents for families and staff. In addition, our Kindergarten students had a wonderful opportunity to visit the United States Army Museum today.

As we head into the weekend, please remember that Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week are student holidays. We look forward to welcoming our Cardinals back on Thursday as we begin the final few weeks of the 2025–2026 school year together!

Sincerely,

Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur


calendar reminder graphic
  • 5/25 Memorial Day-No School
  • 5/26 Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
  • 5/27 Holiday-Eid al Adha
  • June 17 Last Day of School-Two Hour Early Release (2:05pm)

Parent Input for 26-27 School Year

Cherry Run ES Family Input Form for Class Placements 2026–2027

We value your input and would like to learn more about the learning style and environment that best support your Cherry Run Cardinal. Your feedback, along with staff input, will help guide class placement decisions for the 2026–2027 school year.

To ensure a consistent and fair process, please do not request specific teachers on this form. Instead, share any important information directly (for example, if your child should be separated from a classmate). All submissions will be carefully reviewed by the administration.

Thank you for your partnership and support. We look forward to a wonderful school year!


Puzzle Hunt

Third Annual FCPS Puzzle Hunt Encourages Active Family Fun

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals have been busy getting ready for the 3rd Annual Fairfax County Public Schools Puzzle Hunt, and it kicks off in only three weeks!

This free event is open to solvers of all ages and is a great way to keep students and families engaged in fun, creative problem-solving over the summer. It also teaches bike and pedestrian safety and encourages active transportation.

New this year: The school with the most solvers will win a special visit from Sue Doku! Sign up for the Puzzle Hunt! 


Lunch Balances

Please Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance

It’s a busy time of year, and we know many priorities are on your plate. As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to check your student’s MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance.

Free and Reduced-Price Meals

Families who earn less than 185% of the poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals (FRM). However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2026-27 school year will be available this summer. 

If you have a current balance and think you may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2025-26 school year


Sibshops & SibTeen

Sibshops and SibTeen are community building programs for students in grades 2-5 and 6-9 who have a sibling with a disability. Students will participate in recreational and art-based activities in addition to discussion to build relationships with others who have a shared experience and access peer support. On May 26, Sibshops and SibTeen will be held at the Reston Community Center, Hunters Woods ( 2310 Colts Neck Road Reston, VA) from 9 am-12 pm

Click here to sign up for Sibshops (grades 2-5)

Click here to sign up for SibTeen (Grades 6-9)

Sibshops and SibTeen will also hold a two-day summer camp on Monday June 22 to Tuesday June 23 at Fairfax Villa Elementary School (10900 Santa Clara Dr. Fairfax, VA) from 9 am to 2:30 pm

Click here to sign up for Sibshops/SibTeen Summer Camp


FCPS App

📱 Stay up to Date With the FCPS Mobile App!

The FCPS mobile app offers a customized platform to help keep families connected and informed directly from their smartphones. You can download the Fairfax County Public Schools mobile app by going to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and searching for “FCPS.” 

With the app, you can:

  • Stay up to date: Get the latest news from Cherry Run ES and FCPS.
  • View school calendars: See events, activities, holidays, and early dismissals.
  • Check school menus: See what’s for lunch and breakfast today, tomorrow, or next week.
  • Tap to contact: Quickly call attendance lines or email school staff.
  • Access key links: Jump to ParentVUE, Schoology, and the FCPS website in one tap.

Users can access updates and content without having to sign in, making it easy for everyone to stay informed. 

Learn more about the new mobile app, including feedback from parents.Click to edit this placeholder text.


Mental Health Resources

Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services

Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services. 

Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov

Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number. 

Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts. 

And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.