Cedar Connection
March 27, 2026

A Word from the Cedar Lane Staff

Good afternoon Cedar Lane Community!!

We have officially crossed the finish line of the third quarter! We want to extend a huge congratulations to our students for their hard work, resilience, and growth over these past nine weeks. Whether it was on the basketball court, in the classroom, or through our recent cultural explorations, our students continue to make us proud.

As we look toward the fourth quarter, we are filled with excitement for the final chapter of this school year. We look forward to seeing our students return with renewed energy, ready to finish the year strong and build upon all the progress they have made so far!

With that in mind, Spring Break officially begins today! Cedar Lane will be closed from Monday, March 30, through Friday, April 3. We hope all of our families have a wonderful, restful week filled with sunshine and relaxation.

When we return from break, please keep in mind that it will be a three-day week for students. Please mark your calendars for the following schedule:

  • Monday, April 6: Student Holiday (Teacher Workday)

  • Tuesday, April 7 – Thursday, April 9: Students in the building

  • Friday, April 10: Student Holiday (School Planning Day)

We can’t wait to see everyone back in the building on Tuesday, April 7, to kick off an incredible fourth quarter together.

Wishing you a restful and restorative Spring Break,

The Staff of Cedar Lane School



Contents:



Upcoming Dates/Events

  • Monday, March 30 - Friday, April 3 ⇒ Spring Break
  • Monday, April 6 ⇒ Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
  • Wednesday, April 8 ⇒ Senior Photo Day
  • Thursday, April 9 ⇒ Field Trip (Smithsonian Museum of Natural History)
  • Friday, April 10 ⇒ School Planning Day (No School for Students)
  • Wednesday, April 15 ⇒ Madison Pyramid Day of Service
  • Tuesday, April 21 ⇒ Statewide Election (No School for Students)
  • Wednesday, April 22 ⇒ Taste of Cedar Lane Event, 6-7:30 PM


Weather Safety

FCPS Commitment to Weather Safety

At FCPS, the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority — no matter the season. In extreme cold, we monitor National Weather Service (NWS) guidance, adjust outdoor activities, and ensure our buildings are warm and secure. In extreme heat, we modify or cancel outdoor activities, use on-site measurements to guide athletic decisions, and promote hydration and cooling breaks. 

FCPS has plans in place to provide guidance during severe weather, including storms, flooding, and tornadoes. Decisions are informed by industry best practices, weather alerts, and a commitment to keeping our school community safe and healthy year-round. Read more about weather safety, including the differences between an advisory, watch, and warning.



Taste of Cedar Lane: Celebrating the Unique Cultures of Cedar Lane

Taste of Cedar Lane Promotional Flyer

Cedar Lane Staff & Families- Mark Your Calendars! You are invited for a night of fun, food, games, and music! Please join us by bringing food, drinks, or games to share that are from your culture or family traditions. Also, we invite you to wear something that represents your culture or family traditions. There will be raffle prizes and a whole lot of fun. Hope to see you there!

  • What - Taste of Cedar Lane: Celebrating the Unique Cultures of Cedar Lane
  • When - Thursday April 22, 2026
  • Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
  • Where: Cedar lane Cafeteria


Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Questionnaire

We Want Your Feedback!

On Monday, April 6, parents and guardians of Cedar Lane will receive an email with a link to the FCPS Principal Evaluation Parent/Guardian Feedback Form. This questionnaire is part of the Performance Evaluation Program and provides an opportunity to share anonymous feedback about our school’s leadership and environment.

Topics covered in the survey include:

✅ Instructional leadership

✅ School climate

✅ Management (human resources and organizational)

✅ Communication and community relations

✅ Culturally responsive and equitable leadership

✅ Professionalism

The questionnaire will be open April 6 - April 19 and will be collected online. When you receive the email from noreply@fcps.edu, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your input is valuable and helps shape the future of our school. Thank you for your time and feedback!



Free Medical Clinic in Chantilly

Medical Clinic Promotional Image

Remote Area Medical (RAM) will be hosting a free medical clinic in Chantilly, VA on April 18–19 at Mubarak Mosque (4555 Ahmadiyya Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151).

Services will include:

  • Dental care (cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays)
  • Vision services (eye exams and prescription glasses made on site)
  • Medical care (physical exams, consultations, women’s health, and general services)

This is a free, first-come, first-served event. No ID is required.

Parking opens Friday at 11:59 p.m.

The clinic opens Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 a.m.

Medical Clinic Promotional Flyer (Spanish)


Budget

Provide the County Government With Feedback on its Budget

About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors is reviewing the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Advertised Budget and considering possible adjustments before adoption in May. Opportunities to provide feedback to the county include Budget Town Hall Meetings airing on Channel 16 on Tuesday, April 7, at 7 p.m., (Springfield District) and Friday, April 10, at 6 p.m., (Franconia District).

You can also provide your input during the county’s Budget public hearings on Tuesday, April 14, at 4 p.m., and Wednesday, April 15, and Thursday, April 16, at 3 p.m. at the Government Center Board Auditorium. Register in advance to speak

Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website to learn more about the county’s FY 2027 Budget.



New Menu Items

New Menu Items Photo

Discover What’s New on the Menu

FCPS is excited to bring new and flavorful menu items to students while continuing to meet the high nutrition standards you trust. The school division’s registered dietitian team has developed standards to make school meals healthier while still tasting great.

Here’s what students can look forward to:

  • New globally inspired dishes that offer exciting flavors from around the world.
  • Fresh ingredients like whole grains, lean proteins, and plant-based options.
  • Scratch-made items like homemade granola.
  • Vegetarian options like the meatless Philly melt are available alongside classic favorites.

Our goal is to provide balanced, safe, and flavorful meals that support students’ learning, growth, and overall health.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Food and Nutrition Services has menus available.



Community Conversations

Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid

As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to FCPS Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Her Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on: 

Click on a date to register to attend that event. Registration is not required, but helps with planning, especially for child care and interpretation services. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.


Conversaciones con la Comunidad: Comparta su Opinión con la Dra. Reid

Siendo una líder que sabe escuchar, la Dra. Reid considera muy importante conectarse e involucrarse con miembros de la comunidad en toda la división escolar. Sus reuniones Conversaciones con la Comunidad representan oportunidades para que comparta sus ideas y opiniones y para que haga las preguntas que tenga. Los eventos se realizarán en estas fechas, durante la primavera (de 6:30 a 7:30 p.m.):

Se ofrecerán servicios de Cuidado de Niños y de Traducción. Estos eventos están abiertos para todas las personas. Visite la página de participación comunitaria de la superintendente para que encuentre la información más reciente.



FCPS Summer Internship Program

Promotional graphic for the FCPS student internship program, with two smiling students standing with arms crossed.

Summer Student Intern Program Applications Open

The FCPS Summer Internship Program is a six-week, paid, in-person opportunity for FCPS high school students and recent alumni enrolled in post-secondary education. The program will run from Monday, July 6, to Friday, August 14. It offers hands-on work experience across central office departments. 

Interns will work alongside professionals on projects that help prepare FCPS for the upcoming school year. They will learn about current trends in fields including AI and emerging technologies, business and finance, architecture and construction, communications, safety and cybersecurity, and education and advocacy as well as participate in weekly professional development workshops.

Job descriptions, details, and the interest form (which should be completed by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10) are available on the Summer Internship webpage. Watch a video about last year’s Summer Internship Program and follow @FCPSInterns on Instagram.



Beyond the Likes Virtual Youth Forum

Beyond the Likes Event Promotional Image

Beyond the Likes - Social Media, Mental Health & You

The American Academy of Pediatrics Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health invites teens (ages 14-19) to participate in Beyond the Likes - Social Media, Mental Health & You, a free virtual youth forum on Saturday, April 18, from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm ET.

This interactive event will empower young people to navigate the digital world with confidence, engage in meaningful conversations with peers and experts, and gain practical tools for managing their digital lives. Earn a Certificate of Completion and get a chance to win prizes! 

Clubs and organizations whose members participate in the forum may be eligible for a small stipend; interested groups can contact Marija Hegel at mhegel@aap.org for more information.