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Cubbies looking at our caterpillar/butterfly enclosure. Thank you Mrs. Canestra for introducing our Cubbies to the wonders of the monarch butterfly!

Upcoming Dates

September 11: National Day of Service & Remembrance

September 17: Back to School Night

September 20: Asha-Jyothi 5K & Fun Run (see below for details)

September 21: No School - Yom Kippur

September 30: Review and Sign SR&R in ParentVUE 

October 2: Westfield High School Homecoming Parade

View the 2026-27 school year calendar for additional important dates.

Cubbie News

Dear Cub Run Families and Friends, 

As we walk through our halls, join morning meetings, and visit classrooms, it has been remarkable to see our Cubbies settle into their new routines and learning environments.

Last week, we were thrilled to gather as a full school community for our C.A.R.E.S. assembly. Together, we reconnected with our school expectations, proudly recited our new Cubbie Pledge, and celebrated earning our first school-wide incentive—popsicles with our buddy classes! Watching older and younger students connect, build meaningful relationships, and live out our motto, Together, We Belong, was truly inspiring.

It has been an incredible first few weeks of school, and we are so excited for the journey ahead!

Warm regards,

Melissa Miller, Principal

Nausheen Haider, Assistant Principal

Stephanie Kaminsky, Assistant Principal

National Day of Service & Remembrance - September 11

With the upcoming 25th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11, 2001, FCPS acknowledges the loss of life, the heroism of our first responders, and the resilience of our country. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, also called Patriot Day, is a chance to reflect and act in service to others to honor those who were injured or killed in the terrorist attacks.

All FCPS students are encouraged to participate in service learning as it supports Portrait of a Graduate (POG) attributes and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. X2VOL is an online tool that FCPS middle and high schools use to support students with finding, tracking, and verifying service hours. Middle and high school students can learn more about service learning by logging into Schoology to access their x2VOL account.

Back to School Night - September 17

Please join us for Back to School Night on Thursday, September 17. This evening, our teachers will be presenting sessions, you can meet our specialists, and hear important FCPS information on what to expect this school year. We look forward to seeing you!

6:00-6:40PM - Session 1 & Welcome Videos

6:00-7:15PM - Specialists available in library

6:50-7:30PM - Session 2 & Welcome Videos

Photo Opt-outs

This is a reminder that opting your child out of photographs and school social media must be done each year in ParentVUE. This opt-out can be submitted at any time during the year by logging into your SIS ParentVUE account, navigating to the Student Info tab, and selecting Edit Information. For questions about photo opt-out options, please see our school website here under the ParentVUE section. We kindly request that you submit your opt out no later than September 30. 

Talking Points App Chat Setting

You can change your settings in the Talking Points App so communication between the teacher and a students' grown-ups can be read like a group chat! 

Step 1: Tap the 'Settings' tab.

Step 2: Select the student you want to share messages for.

Step 3: Tap the 'Share messages' toggle.

A dark purple icon appears next to other family contacts who are using the app and have shared messaging turned on. When you turn on shared messaging, you will begin to share messages with any other contacts who have the dark purple icon next to their name.

18th Annual Asha Jyothi 5K - September 20 

Join our Cub Run Staff and Community for the 18th Annual Asha Jyothi 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Where: Fairfax Corner Race Date: Sunday Sept 20, 2026

Race Time: Fun Run starts at 8AM and 5K starts at 8:30AM

Asha-Jyothi (meaning Ray of Hope) is a volunteer based non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the underprivileged by providing access to Education and Healthcare. Their mission is guided by Asha-Jyothi’s core values of strength, commitment, collaboration and integrity.

100% of your registration fee is donated back to Cub Run. Coupon Code: AJ4Schools Registration includes AJ T-Shirt, Kids' Medals, Food and Bollywood Music.

Bonus Incentives- Additional donations to CR

25 - 49 Registrations = additional $500

50 - 99 Registrations = additional $1,000

100 - 249 Registrations = additional $2,000

250+ Registrations = additional $10,000

All proceeds raised will go towards student field trips, supporting school-wide hands on learning experiences to include STEAM, family and community engagements and to support student needs.

Our Cub Run Bonus Incentives 

Slime the principals: 75 Registrations

Inflatable Race: 100 Registrations

Tape the principals to the wall: 150 Registrations

* Bring the whole family and join the Cub Run team! Let's go Cubbies! * 

Calendar Reminders:

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day

On September 17 each year, schools honor Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which commemorates the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787, and recognizes “all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become citizens.”

Rosh Hashanah (evening-only observance)

Shanah tovah to our Jewish community celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year! Meaning “head of the year,” Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection that ends with Yom Kippur. #OurFCPS

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday, September 11. That day is an evening-only observance day. Important events will not be held after school. 

Yom Kippur Holiday 

Monday, September 21, is a holiday, and schools and offices will be closed. 

See the complete school year calendar.

Family Volunteers Needed

We’re looking for parent volunteers to pick up Weekend Snack Bags for our students.

      - Pickup: Every other Wednesday at around 10:30 a.m.

    - Location: Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation, 1441 Wiehle Ave., Reston, VA

    - What you’ll need: Enough space in your vehicle for 8 rectangular 66-quart plastic bins, each containing 10 bags of nonperishable snacks.

You can sign up for one date or multiple dates—whatever works best for you!

Sign-Up : https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949ABA62CA0FA7-food#/

If you have any questions, please contact Helen Seo, Family Liaison, at hseo@fcps.edu.

Thank you for supporting our students!

Advanced Academics Programs

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.

Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:

• Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
• Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.

FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services.

• All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Tests (NGAT).
• Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
• Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Nausheen Haider, School Testing Coordinator, at NFHaider@fcps.edu by September 30.

Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Naomi Egerton Baker, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):

• AAP Continuum of Services: Wednesday, September 30th at 5:30 PM in the Library. Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
• Full-Time AAP Identification: October 22nd at 9:00 am in the cafeteria. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.

For more information, please contact Naomi Egerton Baker, AART, at nhegertonbak@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs website.

Twice Exceptional Programming

We’re excited to share information about Twice-Exceptional (2e) Programming available within our school system. Twice-exceptional students demonstrate advanced abilities while also experiencing learning, attention, or other challenges that may require additional support.

Please visit  FCPS 2e webpage to learn more about 2e programming, available resources, and opportunities to support the unique strengths and needs of twice-exceptional learners.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Naomi Baker at nhegertonbak@fcps.edu or Emily Wood at etwood@fcps.edu 

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.

We ask that 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.

Importance of Strong Attendance Habits

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways families can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include: 

• Set 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 your school’s front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.

Volunteer FCPS

Volunteer FCPS  allows individuals to search and register for volunteer opportunities. It helps ensure a safe, consistent, and welcoming environment here at Deer Park. All volunteers must:

• Create a profile in Volunteer FCPS. 
• Register for opportunities through Volunteer FCPS. 
• Sign in and out of schools using the visitor kiosk.  
• Signing up as a Volunteer does not guarantee a spot as a chaperone on field trips.

At the Volunteer FCPS site,  you can complete a colunteer orientation. Visit the FCPS Frequently Asked Questions  for more information. 

Find out more about volunteering here.

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