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Dear Cherry Run Families,
It’s been an exciting week at Cherry Run!
Our students in Grades 3–5 took part in the Water S.A.F.E. FCPS program, which supports Virginia’s new water-safety education requirements in Health and Physical Education. Students had the special opportunity to meet Olympians Maritza Correia McClendon and Cullen Jones, along with FCPS student Water Safety Ambassadors.
Maritza Correia McClendon was the first African American woman to make a U.S. Olympic swimming team and win an Olympic medal. Cullen Jones was the first African American man to make a U.S. Olympic swimming team and win an Olympic gold medal. We’re grateful they visited Cherry Run to share their experiences and teach our students about water safety. Our Cardinals truly enjoyed the presentation and meeting these inspiring athletes!
Our sixth graders also enjoyed a lovely visit to the Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art. Today, they’re off to Horizons at Hemlock for another fun adventure. What a wonderful week of learning and discovery!
Wishing you a great fall weekend ahead,
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
10/27 CRES Fall Festival
10/30 End of Quarter-2 hour early release (2:05pm)
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 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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CRES Fall Festival
Cherry Run PTA Fall Festival – Tuesday, October 27!
The PTA’s Annual Fall Festival is less than two weeks away! Join us on Tuesday, October 27, beginning at 4:30 PM for games, activities, food, and fall fun!
The deadline for preorder forms is Tuesday, October 20! Families can also preorder student wristbands, food, and drinks through the PTA’s Givebacks page. Student wristbands are FREE when preordered!
Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Students participating in the contest may bring their decorated pumpkins to school on October 22, 23, 26, or the morning of October 27. Please place pumpkins on the tables in the hallway leading to the library.
We look forward to seeing everyone at Fall Festival! You can see all the latest information from the PTA on their website: https://cherryrunpta.my.canva.site/2026-fall-festival
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Virginia Quality Birth to Five Guidelines
FCPS Is Participating in Virginia Quality Birth to Five (VQB5)
Virginia Quality Birth to Five is Virginia’s system for measuring and supporting quality in early childhood programs so children enter kindergarten ready to learn. VQB5 builds on health and safety standards by measuring the quality of teacher-child interactions and the use of the curriculum. Visit the Virginia Quality Birth to Five website for more information
Renovation Queue Survey
Share Your Thoughts on Schools and Buildings in the Renovation Queue Survey
The Office of the Chief of Facilities Services and Capital Programs is seeking input from community members, families, and employees about school facility needs and how FCPS prioritizes facility improvements.
Whether you work in an FCPS school, have a child enrolled, or live near an FCPS school, please share your perspective. The survey asks about building conditions, how facilities affect teaching and learning, renovation priorities, and what information would help you better understand this process.
Look for the survey in your email on Friday, October 16. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses will be kept confidential. The survey will remain open until Saturday, October 31.
Did You Know? Bond Referendums Fund Facility Renovations
FCPS does not pay for facility renovations out of its general operating budget. Instead, Fairfax County voters decide on how much money FCPS can spend on capital improvement projects through bond referendums. Bonds are issued by the county to the school division and allow FCPS to renovate buildings without increasing taxes.
Learn more about bond referendums and how they support our schools on the Bond Referendum webpage.
Special Education Conference
Annual Special Education Family Conference: We Need You!
Register now to attend FCPS’ annual Special Education Family Conference, Connected Communities, Thriving Students, on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hayfield Secondary School.
Educators, families, and community members are invited to this in-person event at no cost. Participants can connect, learn, and explore available special education services, supports, and resources. Lunch will be provided for all participants. Register to attend the conference.
Volunteers Are Needed to Make This Event a Success!
Find out how to volunteer:
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Adult Volunteers: Sign up through Volunteer FCPS.
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Student Volunteers: Sign up through the Student Volunteer Interest Form. Students will receive service hours for their time.
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Student Showcase Opportunities: Students can complete the Student Participation Form to lead a performance or share information about a club or research project. Service hours will be awarded to students serving in these roles.
Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information. Email questions to SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu.
Literacy and Lexia Webinars
Help Your Child Become a Stronger Reader: Upcoming Family Learning Opportunities
Want to better understand how your child learns to read and how you can support them at home? FCPS is offering several free virtual sessions to help families learn about reading instruction, literacy resources, and strategies to build strong reading skills. Explore the opportunities below and register for the sessions that interest you.
Lexia Family Information Sessions
Want to learn more about Lexia® Core5 and Lexia® PowerUp? These virtual sessions share how FCPS is using both programs in classrooms across the division this school year to support students’ literacy growth and give families a chance to ask questions.
Every one-hour session covers the same content. Choose the option that works best for your family:
- Wednesday, October 21, at 5 and 6 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Join a Lexia Family Information Night Session.
Literacy Webinar Series
Join us for a series of family-friendly webinars designed to help you understand reading assessments, reading plans, and ways to support your child at home. Learn what assessment results mean, how reading plans guide instruction, and practical strategies to strengthen decoding, language, comprehension, and literacy skills, including support for multilingual learners.
- October 20, 2026: Understanding Reading Assessments and Your Child
- December 15, 2026: What Is a Reading Plan?
- February 19, 2027: How Do I Support My Child With a Reading Plan at Home?
- May 14, 2027: Continuing Reading Success Through the Summer
Register for the Literacy Webinar Series.
Introduction to Dyslexia Webinar – What Is It and What Does It Mean for My Student?
Participants will look at the definition of dyslexia and its impact on students including the different types of dyslexia and what support students with dyslexia require. Participants will also leave with activities and tips to support their students at home.Join us on Friday, October 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Register for the Introduction to Dyslexia webinar.
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 you will find every week information about happenings at our school, pyramid schools and 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.
Fairfax County Government Programs & Services
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Learn how you can support a friend or family member experiencing violence at the Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273. https://bit.ly/3dtJlz9 #DVAM #FairfaxCountyFamilyServices #UntilEveryoneIsSafe
Neighborhood and Community Services Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) (2026-2027 Fall&Winter Programs)
TRS offers recreation programs for children, teens, and adults with disabilities, including sports, social clubs, dance, cooking, and activities that build leisure skills. Additional programs may be available.
Registration: View programs and register
More Information: Therapeutic Recreation Camps
Contact: 703-324-5532, TTY 711, NCSTRS@fairfaxcounty.gov
Family Resource Centre
Sibshops and SibTeens: Upcoming Session
Join us for a morning of connection, activities, and conversation with peers who share similar family experiences.
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Sibshops is a community-building program for children in grades 2–5 who have a sibling with a disability. Participants can play games, enjoy art activities, and connect with other children. Register here
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SibTeens is a community-building group for students in grades 6–8 enrolled in Fairfax County Public Schools who have a sibling with support needs. Through recreational and art-based activities and discussion, students can share about their lives and support one another. Register here
Session details
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Sibshops and SibTeens)
Location: Katherine Johnson Middle School
Address: 3801 Jermantown Road, Fairfax, VA
 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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