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Dear Cherry Run Families,
What a beautiful fall week at Cherry Run! The crisp mornings and comfortable temperatures have made this time of year especially enjoyable at school. Our Cardinals have been busy learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together.
It is hard to believe that October is almost here! As we look ahead to a new month, we are grateful for the continued partnership and support of our families. Thank you for helping make Cherry Run such a special place to learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
9/21 Student Holiday/No School
9/30 Early Release Wednesday
10/12 Student Holiday
10/30 End of Quarter
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Superintendent Community Conversations
Save the Date: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid
Your voice matters, and Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! At FCPS, parents are partners, working with us to set our students up for long-term success at school and in life.
A series of Community Conversations will be held across the school division. You are invited to share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Events are planned for the following dates at 6:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted):
Registration links will be shared soon. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one-hour long and open to all. Find out about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.
New Menu Items
Fall into Flavor With FCPS’ New Breakfast and Lunch Menu
FCPS’ new September and October menu items are packed with classic favorites and fresh global inspiration. Check our new online menu system to see when you can try new recipes based on student feedback, and developed by FCPS’ executive chef and team of food and nutrition experts.
Menu items include:
- Breakfast items such as honey chicken biscuits, guava pastelitos (whole-grain pastries filled with tropical guava fruit), and roasted apple parfaits, made with vanilla yogurt and homemade granola.
- Lunch items such as crunchy beef or fiesta tacos, ramen bowl with diced chicken or hard-boiled egg, beef or vegan banh mi burger, and southwest fiesta soup with corn chips.
Stay up to date on FCPS menus and nutrition news by subscribing to the Food and Nutrition Services newsletter.
Kiss 'n Ride Reminders
Reminder of Kiss and Ride Procedures for Cherry Run ES
Arrival Procedures: To keep morning drop-off safe and smooth, we use a Kiss and Ride system for families who drive their children to school.
Here’s how it works:
- Pull your car up in the Kiss and Ride lane at the front of the school.
- Your child should be ready to hop out quickly (shoes on, backpack ready).
- Once your car stops, your child can get out on the passenger side only. There will be staff members available to help.
- After your child exits safely, pull forward. **Reminder, the kiss and ride is a single file line, passing cars is not permitted.
Dismissal Procedures: Kiss and Ride students will be dismissed from Door 6 (SACC entrance).
Here’s how it works:
- Each family is assigned a car number to place in their front windshield.
- Each student has a matching number on their backpack.
- At dismissal, staff on duty will look at the number on the car and call for the student(s) with the same number.
- Students wait safely until their number is called, then walk to their car.
Please do not park or pass cars in the Kiss and Ride lane. This helps keep traffic moving for everyone and ensures the safety of our students.
Annual Special Education Family Conference
Join us for the annual Special Education Family Conference: Connected Communities, Thriving Students on Saturday, November 14, at Hayfield Secondary School.
Families, educators, and community members are invited to this no-cost, in-person event to connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants.
How to Get Involved
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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Cherry Run Elementary AAP Parent Orientation
AAP Parent Orientation
Families are invited to attend an AAP Parent Orientation, led by Debbie Hollings, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART) on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Information about the Advanced Academic Program and the Screening Process for the 2026-2027 school year will be presented.
AAP Referral Window for New Families
Fall Full-Time AAP Referral Window for Students New to FCPS Closes on October 15
The Advanced Academic Program (AAP) fall referral window is only for students in Grades 3 to 8 who are new to FCPS since January 1, 2026. Parents and guardians who would like their student to be considered for Full-Time AAP services must submit the Full-Time AAP Referral Form to Debbie Hollings Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at dahollings@fcps.edu by Thursday, October 15. Late referrals will not be accepted.
For students who are not new to FCPS, the spring Full-Time AAP identification window is open to students in Grades 2 to 7. Families interested in referring their student for consideration during the spring window must submit a referral by Tuesday, December 15.
Once a referral is received, our school will compile information related to the student. Then, a committee of trained professionals from across the county will review materials to determine eligibility for Full-Time AAP services.
Other Advanced Academic Services At the elementary level, all students are screened each spring for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services. Families may also refer their student for consideration for Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP at any time during the school year. Eligibility decisions are made at the school level, and families are notified of the decision within 30 school days of the referral. The Full-Time AAP referral deadlines do not apply.
At the middle school level, honors courses are open to all students.
For more information, please contact Debbie Hollings, Advanced Academic Resource Teacher, at dahollings@fcps.edu or visit the Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
Strategic Plan
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 5: Leading for Tomorrow’s Innovation
FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan sets five main goals to create positive change in the division. These goals show where we should focus our attention and will help us align our efforts.
This week, we’re highlighting Goal 5, which focuses on preparing every student for life after graduation with the skills they need to thrive. See how Goal 5 is being put into practice.
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Attendance
We all Belong
Each one of us is unique. And every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit the FCPS Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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SR&R Due
Review and Sign SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their child(ren).
Families should review the SR&R and sign the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or by signing and returning the Signature Sheet.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more on the FCPS website.
Understanding the Acceptable Use PolicyFCPS provides students with digital tools and devices to support their learning, encourage easy collaboration, and help students learn how to interact with technology safely. The FCPS Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) guides how these technologies are used both inside the classroom and at home. By following the AUP, students learn how to become not just users of technology, but responsible and ethical digital citizens with critical real-world skills such as:
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Responsible Communication and Conduct: Communicating respectfully and using technology appropriately.
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Digital Footprint Awareness: Understanding online actions can have lasting effects on a student’s reputation, future opportunities and relationships, career prospects, and safety.
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Data Privacy and Security: Learning how online safety can protect their digital work and personal information, and guard against cybersecurity risks.
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Self-Regulation: Learning to manage digital distractions to stay focused when needed.
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Accountability: Understanding that they are responsible for how they use FCPS technology and digital resources.
Learn more about digital citizenship at FCPS.
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
Set Screen Time Limits and Monitor Online Activity With Lightspeed
The free Lightspeed Parent Portal makes it easy for you to see and manage how your child uses their FCPS-issued device outside of school hours. New Lightspeed Parent Portal features for this school year include:
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Schedules: Pause or restrict internet access during specific times, such as during homework time, family dinners, weekends, or bedtime.
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Web Rules: Block specific websites you don’t want your child accessing at home.
Be sure to check your email (subject line: “Filter Portal Weekly Report”) each Sunday for the Lightspeed Student Online Activity Report, a weekly summary of the websites your child has visited. Learn more about Lightspeed Parent Reports.
New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here
The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
Dates for Early Release
26-27
Early release Wednesdays will start in late September 2026. Each elementary school will have a total of four early release days throughout the school year. Lunch will be provided on early release Wednesdays.
Days depend upon the pyramid under which a school falls. Check FCPS' Region and Pyramid Map for a breakdown.
Early release Wednesdays for elementary schools in the Annandale, Edison, Falls Church, Herndon, Langley, Madison, Marshall, McLean, Lake Braddock, South Lakes, West Springfield, and Woodson pyramids:
September 30
November 18
January 13
April 7
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Tap on the School Bus
Tap On and Tap Off, It’s Easy!
Please help all our bus riders remember to tap on and tap off the school bus each day. We currently have about 70% of students on buses following this process correctly, which is a great start! Learn more about student IDs and bus navigation.
Families wishing to see where their child’s bus is should continue to use the Here Comes the Bus app.
Digital Literacy for Families
Digital Literacy Resources for Families
As part of FCPS’ continued support for digital literacy, families can access lesson materials that introduce the concepts students will explore throughout the school year. These resources include student lessons and supporting materials organized by grade level. Resources will be shared on a quarterly basis through Schoology.
The All Parent/Guardian Course is available in Schoology through a parent or guardian account. Schoology and ParentVUE use the same login credentials. Families who need assistance can review How Do I Log in to and Access Schoology? or watch the brief walkthrough on the Schoology Snippets page.
Families can also learn more about FCPS guidance and practices on the Educational Technology in FCPS webpage.
From the Cherry Run Family Liaison
Blue Star Welcome Week
Friday Coffee morning
New and returning military families, join us for a morning drink and meet others in your neighborhood. Stacy Huisman, Family Liaison for Sangster Elementary (and former Cherry Run) is hosting this casual coffee meet up for military families at a local coffee shop for Blue Star Welcome Week.
Where: Tous les Jours, 9278A Old Keene Mill Road, Burke, VA 22015.
When: Friday Oct 2, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
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Spirit Week
All Children (and adults!) are invited to dress up for our Blue Star Welcome Spirit Week 28 September to 2 October 2026.
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Family and School Partnerships
Arabic Early Literacy Program (Upcoming: October 6 and October 7, 2026)
Families with children ages 2–5 are invited to participate in this free program. Children and families will enjoy school-like activities focused on sharing books, learning through play, positive communication, understanding behavior, and kindergarten readiness.
Date: Classes begin October 6 or 7, 2026, depending on the location
Time and Location
- Lane Elementary: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Greenbriar East Elementary: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.–noon
- Baileys Elementary: Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.–noon
- Lorton Community Center: Wednesdays and Fridays, noon–2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Eligibility: Families with children ages 2–5
Contact: Gigi Hammoud, 703-204-4347, ekhammoud@fcps.edu
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