Cardinal Connection: April 25, 2025

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The Cardinal Connection: CPES News Delivered to You

Dear Cardinal Families,

As we prepare for state and division testing in early May, our teachers will be conducting crucial review sessions. To ensure your child doesn't miss vital information and practice, consistent daily attendance is extremely important.

Please make every effort to have your child in school each day during this review period. Your support in prioritizing attendance will greatly benefit their preparation and success.

As a reminder, we will have a 3-hour early release on Monday, April 28, 2025. Please set a reminder for this day on your phone and ensure that you and your child know your family's dismissal plan

Warmly, 

Allison Hoak, Principal

Jon Kemmerer, Assistant Principal


🧸 Join us for Kindergarten Orientation!

K Orientation

We are so excited to welcome our rising kindergarteners to Cunningham Park Elementary for 2025 Kindergarten Orientation! 

April 28, 2025 from 1:30 - 2:30 PM

1001 Park St, SE Vienna, VA 22180

Come learn about what makes our school special, hear from our PTA, sit on a school bus, and play on our playground!

If you have any questions regarding registration, please reach out to Nicole Madariaga at njmadariaga@fcps.edu or 703-255-5600.


Family Fine Arts Night

🎨Family Fine Arts Night🎶

You are invited to join us for a night of Art, PE, Music, Spanish and Poetry!

April 30, 2025 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Schedule

6:00 pm:

  • Winds Ensemble in the Lobby
  • Art Walk: Main hallway & Art Room
  • Jump Rope in Gym
  • Cafeteria seating begins

6:30 – 7:30 pm in Cafeteria:

  • Poetry Slam
  • Musical Recorder Ensemble
  • Spanish Songs and Dance

🍎Class Placement Survey 

Each year, we invite families to give optional feedback regarding class placement for the upcoming year. Please keep in mind that this form does NOT guarantee a class placement or a particular teacher. Please do not use the form to request a teacher or to give teacher feedback. *Please fill out a separate form for each child in your family, as needed. You may use this link to fill out the form. The deadline for responses is Friday, May 2, 2025. Thank you for working together with us to prepare for the upcoming school year!      


📅SOL Testing Schedule

SOL testing will take place in the mornings. Please email your child's teacher if your child will miss any testing days. 

  • 3rd and 5th Grade Reading: May 8
  • 4th and 6th Grade Reading: May 9
  • 3rd and 5th Grade Math: May 15
  • 4th and 6th Grade Math: May 16
  • 5th Grade Science: May 20

🔢Clarification for Upcoming Math Considerations

In Fairfax County Public Schools, there is an update regarding the process for determining eligibility for advanced mathematics placement in grades 3 through 6 for the upcoming school year. There will be a slight shift in how we identify students who demonstrate readiness for advanced math.

For the upcoming year, we will be implementing a more comprehensive approach. Teachers in grades 2 through 5 (for students rising to grades 3 through 6) will complete a Math Behavior Rating Scale (MBRS) for each student. This scale will allow us to observe and document a variety of mathematical behaviors, providing us with insights into students' mathematical thinking and engagement beyond the scope of a traditional test.

In addition to the MBRS, the eligibility team will also consider existing data for students in grades 3 through 5, specifically their math Standards of Learning (SOL) and iReady scores. These measures, combined with the MBRS, will provide a well-rounded picture of each student's mathematical profile.

Since 2nd-grade students do not participate in the SOL assessments, these students will take a math performance assessment. This will ensure we have consistent data to inform placement decisions for all students entering advanced math in the 3rd grade.

We believe this updated approach will allow us to identify a wider range of students who are ready to excel in advanced mathematics.


⬆️We are Increasing Access to Middle School Algebra 1 

FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan Goal 3: Academic Growth and Excellence places a focus on successful completion of Algebra 1 by eighth grade. To increase access to Algebra 1 for middle school students, the school division has decided to streamline the criteria for taking Algebra 1 Honors in seventh grade

With the simplified criteria, Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT) scores are no longer a prerequisite when selecting either Mathematics 7 Honors or Algebra 1 Honors. Although it is not a requirement for advanced math, families may still use the test scores to help decide which level of mathematics their child signs up for. 

Families of students who took the IAAT this winter will receive their score report by the end of this month. Students who were scheduled for the IAAT but did not get to complete the test will have the chance to opt-in for a makeup test at the end of the year. Parents/caregivers will receive information about this makeup testing opportunity. 

Additional information and copies of upcoming family communication can be found on the IAAT webpage


💗Social and Emotional Learning Screener: Parent Reports

Students in grades 3-12 took the SEL Screener during the month of March, providing information on their SEL skills such as achieving goals, understanding and managing emotions, establishing and maintaining relationships, and making responsible decisions. The screener also asks students how well their school community makes them feel valued, included, and supported.

Individual student SEL Screener results are available to families in the Documents section of SIS ParentVUE. For families who do not have an active ParentVUE account, results will be sent via postal mail.

For support in understanding your individual student’s results or for ideas on how to support them at home, please review the SEL Screener Results Family Guide or reach out to our school staff with any questions.


💉Protect Your Child from Measles

Measles cases continue to rise in the US. About 1 in 5 people who get measles end up in the hospital. Measles can cause severe complications like a lung infection (pneumonia), brain inflammation (encephalitis), and possibly death, even with medical care. Symptoms of measles typically include:

  • High fever (may spike up to 104°F)
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • A rash that appears around 3-5 days after other symptoms begin. The rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body.

The best way to protect a child from measles is by getting two doses of the combination measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

If you are unsure of your child's vaccination status or your personal vaccination status, talk to your health care provider. If your child needs an immunization, make an appointment with your health care provider, visit the Fairfax County Health Department website for a list of child immunization clinics, or view other Immunization Resources.


☀️ Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas

Attend the FCPS Summer Extravaganza on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School and get a jump on summer learning and fun! At this free event, participants can engage in educational and enrichment activities designed to inspire curiosity and growth. 

An FCPS Student Program Marketplace will feature student-made goods for sale. Proceeds will support the students’ programs. 

Learn about summer programs and resources available from community and business partners. Enjoy face painting, touring a fire truck, student performances, and much more! For more information, visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.


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

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