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Dear Cherry Run Families,
What a positive and productive week at Cherry Run Elementary!
Our students enjoyed many meaningful learning experiences while also participating in important safety drills that help us remain prepared and keep our school community safe. We also launched our grade-level quarterly morning meetings, providing students with opportunities to connect, celebrate accomplishments, set goals, and strengthen our school community.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are helping every Cardinal learn, grow, and soar. We hope you enjoy the long weekend and we look forward to seeing our Cardinals on Tuesday!
Sincerely,
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
9/21 Student Holiday/No School
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.
2e Resources
Twice Exceptional Students
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. Twice-Exceptional (2e) learners are students who are gifted and have learning challenges or disabilities.
Families can learn more about 2e learners, how to support them, and how to partner with schools on the 2e webpage, which also includes a link to the Special Education Handbook.
New information, including printable flyers, has been added under the heading Supporting 2e Learners in FCPS.
For more information, please contact Debbie Hollings at 703-923-2800.
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Want a quick way to recognize an employee or team? Share an FCPS CARES! Families, colleagues, and students are all invited to submit. The FCPS CARES is automatically sent to the recipient(s) and their supervisor, and is posted on fcps.edu. Additionally, each month one school in our region wins a staff celebration from HR. |
Boundary Study Community Meeting
Boundary Study Community Meeting on September 14
Fairfax County Public Schools is moving into the second phase of the boundary study for Rolling Valley Elementary School student planning area (SPA) 8922 middle and high school feeders, and Keene Mill Elementary School attendance island and surrounding schools (e.g., Cardinal Forest and White Oaks elementary schools).
Families are invited to attend a community meeting to learn about the revised draft scenarios on Monday, September 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Cardinal Forest Elementary School. You may register to attend by clicking in person or virtual, based on your preference.
As a reminder, the revised draft scenarios will focus on addressing over capacity at Cardinal Forest, the Keene Mill attendance island, and the elementary school assignment only for SPA 8922.
Visit the FCPS website for more information about the Rolling Valley Elementary School Middle and High School Feeders, and Keene Mill Elementary School Attendance Island and Surrounding Schools Boundary Study.
BYOD/Cellphone Policy
Help Keep Our School Distraction-Free
Please remind your student that personal electronic communication or computing devices should be off and personally stored (i.e. backpacks) for the duration of the school day — bell to bell. This includes:
- Personal laptops and tablets.
- Smartphones and smartwatches.
- Other personal electronic communication or computing devices.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office at 703-923-2800. Learn more about the FCPS Cellphone Policy and Device Policy.
Strategic Plan
Our Focus on Academic Growth and ExcellenceThe 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.
The third goal is for all students to achieve academic growth and excellence. We want our students to have the academic skills to be successful, including reading on level by third grade. See how Goal 3 is being put into practice.
Attendance
Not Feeling Well? When Your Child Can Come to School
School is better when your child is here! But we do understand that some days, they may feel unwell. Learn more about which symptoms are ok at school (like sneezing or sniffles), and when your child should stay home (if they have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, for example).
If your child has a chronic illness, make sure to notify the school so that assistance can be provided if needed. Keep an open line of communication with your school public health nurse. Call the school as soon as you know your child will be absent and, if possible, let them know how long you think they will be out.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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.
SR&R
Review and Sign the 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. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ 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 about the student device requirement.
Immunization Events
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will be providing school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students, ages 18 and under, with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
Additional 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.
Attendance
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
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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Special Education Conference
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
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From the Cherry Run Family Liaison
FCPS Family Engagement news
Blue Star Welcome Week 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.
Fairfax County Government Programs & Services
Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) (New Resource)
Cardinal Care Language and Disability Access Plan provides free language assistance and reasonable accommodations for Medicaid applicants and members with limited English proficiency or disabilities. Support is available throughout the Medicaid process, including applying for coverage, accessing medical services, and participating in appeals.
Cost: Free More Information: Language and Disability Access Plan
Contact: Cover Virginia, 1-855-242-8282; TTY: 1-888-221-1590
Community Healthcare Resources
Community resources are available for families to support student needs.
Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services
Teen Nights (Ongoing)
Teens ages 12–18 are invited to enjoy free activities in a safe and supervised environment on Friday and Saturday evenings. Activities include open gym, board and card games, table tennis, parties, talent shows, karaoke, and more.
Lake Braddock Secondary School - Parent information session
The Skills Every Parent Needs: Protecting Your Child from Substance Abuse.
Join the FCPS Substance Abuse Program Specialist and the Community Service Board for a Parent only Substance Abuse Prevention Night.
Date: Wednesday September 23, 2026
Time: 6:00- 8:00 p.m.
Location: Lake Braddock Secondary School, (Lecture Hall- B135, enter through door 1)
Learn how to:
- Identify the subtle signs of substance use.
- Understand and combat the vaping crisis.
- Receive invaluable, lifesaving Narcan training for FREE.
Interpretation services will be provided in Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese
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