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Dear Cherry Run Families,
It has been a wonderful week at Cherry Run ES! We hope you saw yesterday’s community message announcing that Cherry Run Elementary has been recognized as Distinguished under Virginia’s School Performance and Support Framework (SPSF). Based on data from last school year, this rating reflects that our school is exceeding the state’s expectations for student performance. This is an exciting accomplishment for our Cardinals, and we are proud of our school community!
A heartfelt thank-you to our PTA and the PTA Staff Relations Committee for helping our staff celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with snacks today. We are grateful for our community’s thoughtfulness and support, and the treats were much appreciated.
As a reminder, Monday, October 12, is a student holiday. We hope you enjoy the long weekend and look forward to welcoming our Cardinals back on Tuesday!
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
10/12 Student Holiday
10/16 Fall Picture Day
10/30 End of Quarter
11/2 Student Holiday
11/3 Student Holiday
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Superintendent Community Conversations
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for a Community Conversation. Students, families, staff, and community members are invited to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss what matters most to them. Everyone is welcome! Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Tuesday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School (note date change)
Cherry Run Fall Picture Day
Let's Make 2026-2027 Picture Day a Success at Cherry Run Elementary School!
School Picture Day is Coming!
📅 Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416928
📧 Questions about Ordering? www.vosphoto.com/contact-us
Transportation Survey
Share Your Feedback on Traveling to and From School
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and Safe Routes to School program are asking families to share their experiences traveling to and from their child’s school. The feedback will help inform the Fairfax County School Board’s annual assessment of traffic and pedestrian safety near schools.
The Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Survey asks about walking and biking routes, traffic near schools, kiss-and-ride experiences, accessibility, and other safety concerns.
Your feedback will help FCPS identify common issues. Your responses will be kept confidential and shared with school administrators and the Office of Safety and Security. The five-minute survey is open through Thursday, October 15.
Be sure to identify the school related to your feedback and include specific locations where you have observed a safety issue. If you have students at different schools in FCPS, please complete a different survey for each school.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu.
National School Lunch Week
Celebrating the Power of School Lunches
Multiple studies show that school lunches are important in supporting overall student health by improving students’ diets and combating food insecurity. Students who eat school lunches consume more fruit, vegetables, and fiber than their peers.
This National School Lunch Week, FCPS Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) reminds families that they are dedicated to providing delicious, healthy, sustainable, and student-focused meals. New menu items have been launched this year based on student feedback.
Want to know what’s for breakfast or lunch? View the Nutrition Services menus.
Cherry Run Book Fair Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed for the upcoming Cherry Run Book Fair. Please use this Sign-Up Genius link: Cherry Run Book Fair Volunteers
We greatly appreciate your willingness to volunteer. The Cherry Run Book Fair couldn’t happen without you!
All profits directly benefit the Cherry Run Library. Any questions? Please contact Lisa Hammond, Cherry Run ES Librarian – ldhammond@fcps.edu
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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.
Dates for Early Release
26-27
Early release Wednesdays started 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:
November 18
January 13
April 7
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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
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Family Engagement news
In this section every week you will find information about happenings at our school, pyramid schools, wider FCPS and partners’ workshops, events, training and relevant offers.
Valentini Ioannou, your Family Liaison can help with enquiries about FCPS and life in the community. Email vcioannou@fcps.edu , call/text +1 (571) 474-5250 or message in TalkingPoints.
Blue Star Welcome Week
We wrapped up our Blue Star Welcome week for military families on Sunday. Our students and the Purple Up team enthusiastically ‘chalked the walk’, took part in the Spirit week, and our families had a joined coffee morning with other families from Sangster ES at a local café.
 
Lost and Found
This evening, please ask your students if they know where their sweaters and jackets are. Then please look at the picture below from our Lost and Found area, maybe you can spot what’s missing.
Children often don’t realize they left their sweatshirts on the blacktop or outside the gym. We have jackets, sweaters (plenty!), gloves, hats, water bottles and other miscellaneousitems.
Most items that have a name on them are reunite with their owner. Please remember to write your students’ name on them.
 
Schools’ Community Events
Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School Community Resource Fair
Everyone is invited to Lake Braddock Secondary School and Robinson Secondary School Community Resource Fair on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Lake Braddock Secondary School cafeteria. Attendees should enter through Door 15.
It is a great opportunity for Cherry Run families to connect with representatives from local health, wellness and recreation organizations. You can learn about education, careers, school and family partnerships. Interpreters will be available to support. Please visit Lake Braddock Secondary School website for more information.
 Family and School Partnerships
Family Café Series
The Family Café Series is a special time for parents to come together and learn about important topics that can help them support their child’s growth and learning. These fun and helpful sessions are designed to keep families informed and involved in their child’s education—mind, body, and heart.
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