Important Dates

October 13- Indigenous Peoples' Day, no school

October 14- Fall Picture Day

October 15- 3-Hour Early Release Day, 12:25 pm dismissal

October 22- AAP Parent Information Night 6:00-7:00 pm

October 22- PTA Meeting 7:00-8:00 pm

October 24- PTA Family Fall Bingo Night (more details to follow)

October 31- 2-Hour Early Release, 1:25 pm dismissal

A Message from the Principal

It is beginning to feel more like fall. The cooler weather has made recess such a joy! As a reminder, please make sure to label your child’s jackets and sweatshirts.

This week will be a busy one for our Rams. We are excited about Picture Day on Tuesday, October 14th. We will have a 3-hour Early Release on Wednesday, October 15th. Our school team is expecting all students to go where they went during the September 3-hour Early Release. Dismissal changes will only be made for emergencies and we ask that you contact us at CRESEarlyReleaseinfo@fcps.edu.

Monday, October 13th is a student holiday. We look forward to seeing our Rams back at school on Tuesday, October 14th!

Sincerely,

Erika Aspuria

Principal

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

On the second Monday of October and the month of November, people all over the United States celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Native American Heritage Month. Students deserve meaningful, sustained opportunities to learn about the diverse perspectives, experiences, and contributions of Indigenous people (globally) year-round, and these celebrations are an opportunity to honor these important stories.

No Cost Meals Available for Students on

October 13 at Select Schools

FCPS will be offering lunch and a snack at no cost to children aged 18 and under on Monday, October 13, at participating schools. As a reminder, all FCPS schools will be closed for students on October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. View a list of school sites that will be providing meals for children on October 13.

Here’s what you need to know:

Lunch and a snack will be served together from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meals must be eaten on site at participating schools.
Enrichment activities will be available for children. Participation is encouraged but not required.
Only children 18 and under may receive meals.
Each child may receive one lunch and one snack.

We are proud to support our students’ health and well-being, even on days when school is not in session. We hope that many of our families will take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services at 703-813-4800.

National School Lunch Week- October 13-17

National School Lunch Week (NSLW) is an annual celebration from October 13 to October 17, 2025, dedicated to recognizing the vital role that school meals play in nourishing students across the country. The theme this year is “Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport” to inspire curiosity, cultural appreciation, and adventure through food.

President John F. Kennedy created National School Lunch Week in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a student’s life and the impact it has on students inside and outside of the classroom. Beyond just food, NSLW fosters awareness about the importance of nutritious school meals in supporting student health, academic success, and overall well-being.

Resources During Government Shut Down

When families are under stress – including work stress – children feel it too, which is why we are committed to providing a safe and routine environment for each and every student. There are also resources available that can support your family during the shutdown – which we all hope will not last long. Here is some important information that you may find useful at this time:

Families can apply for free and reduced-price meal benefits anytime during the school year. If a family’s income changes at any point, they may become newly eligible according to federal income guidelines and can apply immediately. This includes income interruptions caused by furloughs, layoffs, or job losses. Once approved, benefits remain valid for the rest of the school year and for up to 30 school days into the following school year, even if the family’s income changes again.
Free, virtual mental health sessions are available through our partnership with Hazel Health. This is a great way for students to access care quickly and easily from the school clinic or home, providing support for stress, anxiety, worry, and other concerns that might be heightened during the shutdown.
The Fairfax County Government and various local organizations are stepping up to offer a range of assistance, including food, financial, and housing resources. I encourage any of our families who are experiencing financial distress, due to the shutdown or for any reason, to visit the Fairfax County Human Services Resource Guide (HSRG) website.
Fairfax Connector’s Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP) also provides 50% off fares for low-income residents ages 18 to 65. Learn more about the TRIP program and how to apply.
Fairfax County residents can take advantage of many of the free offerings the county provides to residents and students. Our incredible public libraries have a wide-selection of books and other activities that families can check out. All FCPS students also have a Library Equity Access Pass through Fairfax County Public Libraries, which allows them to check-out up to 3 items for 6 weeks. And Fairfax County’s many parks and recreation areas are open and free to residents as well.