Cardinal Connection for 2/21/24

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.يرجى زيارة موقعنا الألكتروني لقراءة هذه النشرة الإخبارية بلغات أخرى


The Cardinal Connection: CPES News Delivered to You
Concert

Dear Cardinal Families,

While music education in general offers a wealth of benefits, elementary chorus specifically holds a unique space within our school environment. It's not just about learning notes and melodies; it's about fostering collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Imagine dozens of young voices coming together, blending in harmony, and creating something beautiful – that's the magic of chorus and last night's concert was magical! Our school participated in the Madison Choral Pyramid Concert featuring singers from James Madison HS, Thoreau MS, Flint Hill ES, Louise Archer ES, Marshall Road ES, Vienna ES, and Wolftrap ES. We would like to thank our music teacher, Mr. Brian Robinson, for getting our singers ready and for being there to cheer them on. We were amazed by the talent of our young musicians. They are truly a testament to the power of music education.

Warmly,

Allison Hoak, Principal

Jon Kemmerer, Assistant Principal

concert

CARES

The FCPS CARES Program is an opportunity for parents, staff, and community members to recognize FCPS employees for going above and beyond to help others and show they care. We invite you to submit your story, so we can all acknowledge the good work of our Cunningham Park employees. 


SEL Wk

Monday, March 4: SEL Classroom Activity - Classroom teachers will provide SEL instruction.

Tuesday, March 5: SEL Self-Care Day *No School Today* - Participate in a relaxing activity at home that promotes self care.

Wednesday, March 6: Positive Affirmations - Students will participate in sidewalk chalk activity to promote productive self talk.

Thursday, March 7: Rainbow Day - Students will wear grade level assigned color to celebrate diversity, more to come!

Friday, March 8: Drop Everything and Dance - Students will participate in a dance party at the end of the school day.


Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed Budget Focused on Educational Excellence and Competitive Compensation 

budget

At the last School Board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid proposed a budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 that focuses on excellence and providing students an equitable education in an inclusive and respectful environment, where access, opportunity, and achievement are available to all. 

The budget also prioritizes competitive compensation to attract and retain a world-class workforce. 

The FY 2025 Proposed Budget totals $3.8 billion, an increase of $301.8 million, or 8.6%, over the FY 2024 Approved Budget. Nearly 86% of the budget is focused on instruction. Key highlights include:

  • Supporting students academically by maintaining existing class size formulas and providing necessary support to all students. 
  • Retaining and attracting world-class educators with a 6% market scale adjustment.
  • Strengthening student well-being outside of the classroom with expanded athletics offerings, additional athletic trainers, and enhanced stipends for fine and performing arts.
  • Continuing initiatives including expansion of inclusive preschool, adoption of green initiatives, and funding assistant director of student activities positions previously funded with ESSER III.

Special education daily contract extensions, funding for the safety and security screening program, and late buses to support academics and activities at middle schools are several of the priorities to be addressed at the end of FY 2024. 

The School Board is scheduled to adopt the Advertised Budget on Thursday, February 22. Read more about the proposed budget. Keep up with FCPS’ budget development process.


Kinder

Kindergarten Registration: It’s as Easy as 1-2-3…

There’s an easy five-step process for parents wanting to register their child for kindergarten:

  1. Determine eligibility. 
  2. Identify your local school. 
  3. Gather documents. 
  4. Fill out forms. 
  5. Schedule an appointment.

After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation, Bridge to Kindergarten, or any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.

💻 Try Online Registration

Parents may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process. When registering, parents will create (or log in to an existing) SIS ParentVUE account. Contact our registrar at njmadariaga@fcps.edu if you have any questions. 

Mark your calendar for our Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, April 18th from 4:00-5:00 pm.


🎤 Our Schools, Our Future: Community Conversations Continue

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future – A Community Conversation. Your voice matters! Share your thoughts about FCPS and bring your questions to a conversation on:

Pre-registration for a Community Conversation is not required but will help FCPS plan. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided for all events based on staff availability. Events are open to all. Learn about other opportunities to connect with Dr. Reid.


Pancake

What will the future of Vienna look like?

Share your thoughts with the Town's Planning Commission! You're invited to Pancakes with Planning Commissioners, The Comprehensive Plan Open House, on March 2, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department (400 Center St. S). Come for the short presentation and stay for the free pancakes! Details: www.viennava.gov/comp-plan.


Additional Calendar Highlights

  • 3rd Quarter Interims Go Home, 2/23
  • School Planning Day | Student Holiday/No School, 3/5
  • SEL Week, 3/4-3/8
  • Quarter Ends, 3/22
  • Spring Break, 3/25-3/29

#CPESSoars Student Centered, Opportunity, Access, Relationships, Student Success

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