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Dear Cherry Run Families,
As we wrap up our second week of school, we are grateful for the wonderful start to the 2026–2027 school year. Our Cardinals have settled into routines, built new friendships, and demonstrated enthusiasm for learning each day. Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we work together to make this a successful year for every student.
We hope you enjoy the upcoming long weekend with your families and friends. Please take time to relax, recharge, and enjoy special moments together. We look forward to welcoming our Cardinals back to school on Tuesday, ready for another great week of learning and growing. As a reminder, Back to School Night is next week on Wednesday evening (information below).
Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend!
Sincerely,
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
9/4 No School Labor Day Holiday Weekend
9/7 No School Labor Day Holiday Weekend
9/9 Back to School Night
9/21 Student Holiday/No School
10/12 Student Holiday
10/30 End of Quarter
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Back to School Night
Back to School Night: Wednesday, September 9th 6:00 – 7:35pm These sessions are an opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn about grade level curriculum, classroom procedures, schoolwide expectations, and more.
- 6:00 – 6:45 pm: Kindergarten – 6th grade (Session 1)
- 6:50 – 7:35 pm: Kindergarten – 6th grade (Session 2) *This session will be a repeat of Session 1 for families who have more than one child.
 If your student(s) is interested in participating in the LBSS football game tunnel run, please fill out this form.
Band and Strings at Cherry Run
Attention 4th-6th grade parents: Join band or strings!
Sign up to learn a band or string instrument this year! Band and strings class is during the school day. Strings is open to all 4th, 5th and 6th graders and band is open to all 5th and 6th graders. Learn an instrument, make friends, and play in concerts!
*Students will have to choose either band or strings or neither- they cannot do both band and strings in one year.
Band sign up link: https://forms.gle/RyLknHDZDvaUHpgr8
Strings sign up link: https://forms.gle/JHMvpJf1ExMR2cmu8
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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.
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.
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.
Strategic Plan
The 2023-30 Strategic Plan — Goal 1: Strong Start, Pre-K-12The 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 first goal of the strategic plan focuses on each and every student having a strong start in FCPS. Whether they’re joining us in preschool or in high school, we want our students to be set up for success. See how Goal 1 is being put into practice. Learn more about or enroll in FCPS Pre-K or Early Head Start.
Weather Safety
Weather Happens, FCPS Is Ready
Virginia is no stranger to inclement weather. From severe thunderstorms to high winds to flooding, many different types of weather events can (and sometimes do) impact our schools. FCPS has a plan for each of these scenarios that prioritizes the safety of all our students and staff. What does FCPS do during a flood? What about a severe thunderstorm?
Learn how FCPS prepares for and responds to weather events, and find resources to help your family prepare, on the FCPS Weather Safety webpage.
Safety Drills
Safety Drills During the School Year
Keeping students and staff safe is a priority for FCPS. Each school has an emergency preparedness plan to respond to incidents such as fires and extreme weather. Schools are required by state law to practice emergency drills, including lockdown drills, each year. Schools are also required to notify parents and guardians at least 24 hours before a school conducts a lockdown drill. However, schools are not required to give the specific date and time of the drill in advance.
The first lockdown drill of the school year must take place within the first 20 days of school. Preschool and kindergarten students are exempt from practicing the first lockdown drill.
Your child may come home and talk about their experience during the drill. We encourage you to talk with your child about the importance of being prepared for emergencies. Please review these frequently asked questions to support your child before and after school lockdown drills.
⚠️ Know Our Security Terms
FCPS uses specific terminology to describe the actions school staff and students should take to ensure safety in a variety of situations. It is important for staff, families, and students to understand what the different terms mean and how they impact school operations.
Watch this video to learn about safety terms including lockdown; secure the building; and stay put, stay tuned.
If students, staff, or families have a safety concern at school (that is not an immediate emergency), they should submit a tip to the FCPS Safety Tipline. In an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
School Health
Get to Know Our School Health Staff
Our school nurse at Cherry Run ES is Kim McNally, contact her at 703-923-2800 for health plans, medication drop-offs, or questions about chronic conditions. Visit our school health webpage for forms, illness policies, and tips to keep your student healthy!
Attendance
Your Child’s Presence at School Matters
The beginning of the school year is the best time to develop strong attendance habits! Students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform well in reading and math, develop strong social and emotional skills, and graduate from high school on time. Help prepare your child for future success by helping them build good habits.
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.
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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 ConferenceThe 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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