Dear Cherry Run Families,
What an incredible week it has been! Our school spirit has truly been on full display. We wrapped up last week with a wonderful International Night featuring a fashion show, delicious food, and lively dancing. It was heartwarming to see so many families and students come together to celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that make the Cherry Run community so special.
The energy carried right into this week, which was filled with excitement and talent, from Monday’s Glow Run to Thursday evening’s beautiful Strings Concert. It was a proud moment to watch our students showcase their musical growth and dedication.
As we look ahead to next week, the excitement continues:
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Spring Chorus Concert: Join us Thursday evening to enjoy the voices of our talented Cardinals.
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SOL Testing Begins: On Friday, our 3rd and 5th grade students will begin their state reading assessments.
It is hard to believe we are already entering the season of end-of-year concerts and testing. While this time of year is busy, it also highlights just how much our Cardinals have learned and grown. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and know they are ready to shine in the weeks ahead.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Maura Donahue and Dave Arthur
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- 5/6 CRES Math Night (details below)
- 5/13 Early Release Wednesday
- 5/25 Memorial Day-No School
- 5/26 Student Holiday-Teacher Workday
- 5/27 Holiday-Eid al Adha
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Spring SOL Testing Dates:
3rd Grade
- Friday, May 1 - Reading SOL
- Friday, May 15 - Math SOL
4th Grade
- Wednesday, May 6 - Reading SOL
- Thursday, May 14 - Math SOL
5th Grade
- Friday, May 1 - Reading SOL
- Friday, May 8 - Science SOL
- Friday, May 15 - Math SOL
6th Grade
- Wednesday, May 6 - Reading SOL
- Thursday, May 14 - Math SOL
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SOL Support
Students will be participating in spring assessments based on their grade level and courses. This includes summative assessments like Standards of Learning (SOL) tests, which measure what a student knows, and progress assessments like Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, which measure where they are in their learning.
FCPS encourages all families to support their students in taking these tests. Virginia requires schools to test at least 95% of students on SOLs, so when families choose not to participate in testing, it can impact a school’s accreditation, accountability ratings, and ability to measure student progress accurately.
Parents and caregivers can help their children perform their best on these tests by reminding them to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast. Please remember the cell phone policy still applies during testing season.
It is important that students attend school on scheduled testing dates. If you are aware of a conflict that may cause your student to miss a test, please notify us as soon as possible.
Learn more about how to support your child and why test participation matters.
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 Cardinal Math Night – May 6
We are excited to invite our families to Cardinal Math Night on May 6 from 6:00–7:00 PM in the Cherry Run Cafeteria. This engaging event is designed to bring families together for an evening of interactive learning and fun.
Throughout the evening, students and their families will participate in hands-on math games tailored to each grade level. These activities are not only enjoyable but also provide families with practical strategies and games they can continue using at home to support their child’s mathematical thinking.
Cardinal Math Night is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen home-school connections while building confidence and enthusiasm for math. We hope you will join us for this special event.
Ombuds
Our Office of the Ombuds Is at Your Service!
Ombuds staff engage with FCPS staff, families, and students to offer resources and improve the experience of each and every member of the FCPS community. They work as an independent confidential resource to help get answers to questions, resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters.
Ombuds staff do not make or change decisions, policies, or regulations. They do not take sides, and they do not provide legal advice.
Anyone with concerns, questions, or complaints to share with the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may submit a question.
Calendar Updates
Updates to 2026-27 School Year Calendar
The School Board voted to direct the superintendent to designate Veterans Day as a standard instructional day for the 2026-27 school year. Because this day was added, the 2026-27 school year will now end for students on Wednesday, June 16, 2027. Find additional information on BoardDocs. View the updated complete school year calendar on FCPS’ website.
The last day of school for the current school year — Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — has not changed.
Required Immunizations
Required Immunizations for Rising 7th and Rising 12th GradersThe following immunizations are required for students entering 7th and 12th grade each school year.
All students entering 7th grade are required to receive one dose of each of the following immunizations prior to the beginning of school: Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis booster (Tdap), Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
- To meet the Tdap requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 7 or older.
- To meet the MenACWY requirement, the vaccination must be administered at age 10 or older.
- To meet the HPV requirement, the vaccination should be given between the ages of 11 to 12 or as early as 9 years old.
- As a parent/guardian, you may decide that your child will not receive the HPV vaccination. The school does not require documentation if a parent/guardian elects for their student not to receive the HPV vaccination.
All students entering 12th grade are to receive two doses of the Meningococcal vaccine (MenACWY) prior to the beginning of school. To meet the MenACWY 12th grade requirement, one dose must be administered at age 16 or older.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to plan ahead by scheduling an appointment with your child’s health care provider now to avoid the rush this summer. Please consider getting your child’s immunizations early so that they can attend school in the fall. Summer is a busy time for families and healthcare providers. As long as your child meets the age requirements listed above, they can be immunized at any time.
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students at no out-of-pocket cost. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations.
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.
Equity Award
Nominations Open for the Bussey Memorial Equity Award
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award. This award recognizes an employee, student, or community member who has demonstrated significant and impactful efforts to improve the educational experiences and outcomes of students from groups who are marginalized or underserved.
Any staff, student, or community member can nominate an individual for the award. All nomination materials must be submitted by Monday, May 18.
The Minority Student Achievement Oversight Committee (MSAOC) sponsors this award to honor the legacy of Dr. Bussey, a founding member of the MSAOC and a longtime advocate for students and families.
Full details and the nomination information form can be found at the Dr. Lawrence Bussey Memorial Equity Award webpage.
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