Cardinal Forest ES - 6-4-2025

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Caribbean American Heritage Month

 

Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, we are so proud of our students for finishing strong! Our recent musical performances from band, chorus, and strings have been absolutely wonderful—thank you to our students for sharing their talents. Class celebrations and end-of-year parties are underway, and the joy in our building is palpable. As always, attendance remains important as we wrap up the year together.

We also want to make you aware that due to a large number of leave requests related to Eid al-Adha, FCPS is anticipating significant transportation delays this Friday, June 6. While all routes will be covered, please expect possible delays in both morning and afternoon bus service. Thank you for your patience and understanding as the transportation team works hard to support all students and schools.

 

Warm Regards,

Ms. Drake, Mrs. Agner, Mrs. Long


Upcoming Dates 📆

June 4 - Strings Concert 

June 5 - Field Day!

June 11 - Last day to pick up medication from the Clinic

June 11 - Last Day of School 🌞 - 2 hour early release


Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha

 

Eid Mubarak to all who observe! Eid al-Adha, or the “Feast of Sacrifice,” is the second of two main holidays celebrated in Islam. Muslims believe that Eid al-Adha signifies the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim, known as Abraham in Christianity and Judaism, to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as ordered by Allah. It focuses on sacrifice, the pilgrimage to Mecca and giving to those less fortunate.


field day

June 5, 2025 - Field Day

Tomorrow is field day! Please send students to school with water bottles (Sunscreen and bug spray need to be applied at home)

You are welcome to volunteer during your student's time slot but also welcome to help out all day!

Field Day Schedule:

9:20-12:00 - Kindergarten-2nd grade

12:40-3:40 - 3rd-6th grade

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/8050849ADAB2BABFE3-56921815-cfes


Yearbooks

Yearbooks will be distributed this week. If you did not preorder one, extras are available in the front office for $16.00 (cash or check)


LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

pride

In the month of June, we recognize the resilience and determination of the many individuals who are fighting to live freely and authentically. We stand with those facing an ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice. This Pride Month, we reaffirm and uphold the dignity of LGBTQIA+ people. Each individual in our school community should feel valued for who they are. Visit our LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports webpage. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.


📚Summer Reading

Summer Reading

 

Are you looking for ways to read and earn free prizes this summer? Check out these 3 optional ways to read and earn rewards!

  • Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Challenge: If you're in the area, check out the Kings Park Library (or any Fairfax County Public Library). They have a variety of cool rewards, like free coupons and discounts. Plus, who doesn’t love the chance to win a grand prize? 📚🎉

Click here to learn more about FCPL Summer Reading 

  • Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program: This is a classic! Reading 8 books and getting a free one in return? Definitely a good way to stock up on more books for the summer. And if you haven't already, keep track of the journal—they’re all about getting kids excited for reading! 🛍️📖

Click here for the B&N Journal 

  • Irving Middle School Summer Reading: If you're a sixth grader going to Irving next year, here is a great chance to get ahead on reading while keeping things fun and optional. It’s an awesome way to stay engaged over the summer. ✨

Click here for the Irving Summer Reading Treasure Map


Medication Pick Up

medication pick up

MAGICAL MOMENTS TOGETHER: IT’S STORYTIME!

July 16th, 23rd, & 30th 10:30-11:30 am

You and your child are cordially invited to join us for "Magical Moments Together" at the Family Resource Center: It’s Storytime! During this event, we will engage your child's imagination through storytelling and interactive activities, while you have the opportunity to receive a guided tour of our center. All are welcome but recommended for children ages 2-5 years old. Please register, space is limited. 

Register here


Ombuds Services

📞 FCPS Ombuds Office Provides Confidential Guidance

The Office of the Ombuds engages with families, students, and staff 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 answer questions, offer options to resolve concerns, and hear complaints regarding FCPS matters. Anyone seeking assistance from the Office of the Ombuds may call 571-423-4014, text 571-496-8284, email ombuds@fcps.edu, or visit their webpage, where you may Submit a Question. Ombuds staff do not change or make decisions, policies, or regulations; take sides; or provide legal advice.


Lunch Balances 

🥗 Don’t Forget to Check Your Student’s Lunch Balance! As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to remember to check your students’ MySchoolBucks account and pay any remaining school meal balance. 

Families that earn less than 185% of poverty level qualify for free and reduced-price meals. However, an application must be completed and submitted each school year to receive that benefit. The application for the 2025-26 school year will be available this summer. 

If families have a current balance and think they may be eligible for free and reduced-price meals, please fill out the FRM application for the 2024-25 school year. Get more information about free and reduced-price meals


FCPS Updates

Phase 2 Community Boundary Review Meetings

Families, staff, and community members will soon be able to explore and visualize potential boundary scenarios using a customized Boundary Explorer Tool. The tool will be accessible from the FCPS website. You are also invited to participate in another series of community meetings in order to review and reflect on the initial draft scenarios before the start of summer break:

Each meeting will be hybrid, meaning that you may attend in person or via Zoom. Childcare for in-person participants and language interpretation/translation for all participants will be available as needed. Registration links will be shared soon. Another round of community meetings will be held in the fall.


🧸 Kindergarten Registration

Read more about the registration process. For additional information, please contact our school registrar Karen Stephens at kdstephens@fcps.edu.

💻 Try Online Registration

Online registration for the 2025-26 school year is open. Parents/caregivers may register their children online for kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to begin the online registration process

When registering, parents/caregivers will need to create or log in to an existing SIS ParentVUE account


Attendance Matters

Attendance Matters

District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics and others:

  • School Board Adopts Next Year’s Budget 
  • Mental Health and Wellness Supports
  • Bookmark FCPS’ 2025-26 School Year Calendar

Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.


PTA

 

 

PTA Updates!

Check out PTBoard for news and upcoming events!