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Dear Cherry Run Families,
We are so excited to welcome our Cardinals back to Cherry Run for the 2026–2027 school year! We hope your family has enjoyed a wonderful summer filled with fun, relaxation, and special memories. As summer break begins to wind down, we are eagerly preparing for the start of another fantastic year together.
We are especially looking forward to seeing everyone next week at our 2026–2027 Open House! Details about our opening events are below. Our staff cannot wait to welcome students and families back into the building, reconnect, meet new members of our Cherry Run community, and see our hallways filled with Cardinals once again.
We know one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new school year is finding out who your teacher will be! Our Cardinals are eagerly awaiting their class placements, and families can anticipate receiving class placement emails on Tuesday. We know this special news makes the start of the school year feel even closer!
Until then, we hope you enjoy these last few days of summer break. We are ready for a wonderful year of learning, growing, connecting, and making memories together.
We can’t wait to see you, Cardinals, and welcome you back to Cherry Run!
Warmly,
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
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8/21 CRES Open House
8/24 First Day of School
9/9 Back to School Night |
Back to School Events
New Families to Cherry Run ES: Friday, August 21st, 12:30-1:00 pm
Join us for a brief overview of all things Cherry Run in the Cafeteria prior to Open House (enter through door 2-cafeteria entrance).
Open House Grades K - 6 and PAC: Friday, August 21st, 1:00-2:00pm
Our in-person Open House opportunity will help our families prepare for the new year and learn more about their child’s classroom teacher. Students will be provided with an opportunity to see their classrooms, drop off supplies and begin developing positive relationships as a classroom community. We look forward to seeing all our Cardinals!
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.
Be First-Day Ready
Be First-Day Ready
The first day of school, Monday, August 24, is just around the corner! Check out these back-to-school tips to make sure your child gets off to a great start.
Also find out what will be new this school year.
Study Help and Support in Schoology
Study Help and Support Available to Students in Schoology
A new Schoology Study and Support Hub is available for students in Schoology. This space was developed by the FCPS Educational Technology Team with input from students. It is designed to provide essential study tools and academic support resources directly to our learners.
Students can log in to Schoology and read their Schoology announcements or watch this video on the support hub for more information.
FCPS Mobile App
All Your FCPS Links in One SpotThere are a lot of school and FCPS webpages to bookmark, but the FCPS mobile app serves as your central hub!
Check daily meal menus and calendars with no login required, or use one-tap quick links to launch SIS ParentVUE, Schoology, and MySchoolBucks.
Download the FCPS mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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Student IDs/Bus Tracking
New Student ID Cards and Bus Navigation System
FCPS is launching a new bus navigation system, which includes student ID cards for students who ride the bus. Students will use the cards to tap on and off the bus, helping FCPS and families know exactly which students are riding which buses.
Learn more about the new system and how it will improve route efficiency, safety, and transparency with families. Check out the frequently asked questions for families.
New Menu Platform
Explore School Meals in the New Menu Platform
Experience an easier way to view your child’s school menus using MealViewer:
- View what is being served each day.
- View the nutritional information for each meal.
- See if any specific allergens are being served.
- Get notified when your student’s favorite meal is being served.
Printable menus are always available on the Food and Nutrition Services webpage.
Family Academy
Building a Brighter Future, Together: FCPS Family Academy
The FCPS Family Academy is where families can learn and get support for their child’s school journey.
We know that parents and caregivers are critically important in their child’s education. The Family Academy lists classes, webinars, workshops, and programs offered by FCPS to help you support your child's needs and learning at home. The Family Academy also includes information about resources available to help every family ensure their child has what they need to succeed.
Visit the Family Academy webpage. Check out its catalog for upcoming classes, workshops, and webinars to help families learn about FCPS, parenting, early literacy, and how to partner with schools.
FCPS on WhatsApp
Follow FCPS on WhatsApp
Is WhatsApp one of the ways you stay connected with family, friends, and your community? Now you can use it to stay connected with FCPS, too.
Follow the new FCPS WhatsApp Channel for helpful information and reminders throughout the school year, including important announcements, upcoming dates, tips for families, and more.
Cellphone Policy
Updated Cellphone Policy: No Phones or Devices During Lunch for High School Students
Senate Bill 108 is a new Virginia law that went into effect on July 1. It requires that all schools in the state follow a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy and prohibit cellphone possession and use for the entire school day. The updated FCPS Cellphone Policy aligns with this law, which means high school students are no longer able to use cellphones, cellphone accessories, or smart devices (like smart glasses, earbuds, headsets, and other items connected to the phone) during lunchtime.
Across all grade levels, cellphones, cellphone accessories, and all smart devices must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day. Watches that serve a dual purpose (like a smartwatch) must be off and personally stored for the duration of the school day, too. Personal devices that connect to a cellphone or cellphone accessory or operate as a smart device must also follow the FCPS Cellphone Policy.
This policy does not apply to school-issued devices. However, school-issued devices must be used in accordance with FCPS Regulation 6410, Acceptable Use Policy, which allows the use of school-issued devices for educational purposes. More details are available on the FCPS Cellphone Policy webpage.
FRM
Apply Today for Free and Reduced-Price Meals!
According to the Centers for Disease Control, eating breakfast at school is associated with better attendance rates, fewer missed school days, and better test scores. Studies show that students who eat both school breakfast and lunch tend to have healthier diets than those who don't participate in school meals.
Families who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals can receive breakfast and lunch for their students at no cost or at a reduced cost. This includes more than one-third of FCPS students. Families must complete the Free and Reduced-Price Meals (FRM) application before the start of each school year. Approved applications may also qualify students for additional benefits.
The application for FRM is now available for the 2026-27 school year. Students who were approved for FRM last year are eligible for the first 30 days of school this year (or until a new application is processed). Families should reapply as soon as possible so eligible students continue to receive meals at no cost.
Access the application and view criteria and up-to-date information on the FRM webpage. Families should reach out to their schools with questions or for assistance.
Meals for Students Available Through August 21
No-cost meals will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis through Friday, August 21, at the sites and times listed on the FCPS Summer Food Service Program webpage. Students must remain on site while eating their meals.
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:
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September 30
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November 18
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January 13
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April 7
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