|
English | Español | አማርኛ | 中文 | 한국어 | Tiếng Việt | العربية | فارسی | اردو
Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,
We are grateful every day for the care, partnership, and advocacy that define the Cardinal Forest Elementary School community. Our families, staff, and neighbors consistently show up for one another and center what is best for students, lifting one another up, and working collaboratively to ensure CFES remains a welcoming, inclusive, and joyful place for all children to learn and grow. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your shared commitment to every student and family.
It is with great pride that we also celebrate Kara Smith, who has been recognized as the West Springfield Pyramid Outstanding Elementary Teacher. Kara is a deeply caring and dedicated educator who sees the whole child and works tirelessly to support students, families, and colleagues. She is a trusted leader, mentor, and advocate whose impact is felt across our school community each day.
We are fortunate to learn and work alongside educators like Kara and to be part of a community that values collaboration, compassion, and excellence. Together, we will continue to ensure Cardinal Forest is a great place for all kids.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Long, Mrs. Agner, Mrs. Compton
Upcoming Dates 📆
January 28 - End of 2nd Quarter
January 28 - 2-hour Early Release - All Students
January 29 and 30 - No School - Teacher Workdays
🌟Mrs. Long's Blueprint Byte
In a recent 4th grade language arts lesson, students explored point of view and theme by closely reading texts, discussing ideas with peers, and using evidence to support their thinking. Through modeling, partner conversations, and whole-group discussion, students examined how an author’s perspective influences the message of a story. These skills help fourth graders deepen comprehension and become more thoughtful, analytical readers.
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:
- Determine eligibility. Identify your local school.
- Gather documents.
- Fill out forms.
- Schedule an appointment.
After the appointment at the school (the student and one caregiver must be present), the student will be ready for orientation and any other introductory events each school may host. Read more about the registration process.
Also, please share with families you may know that have a child who will turn 5 on/before September 30, 2026!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Karen Stephens at kdstephens@fcps.edu, or 703-923-5201
Cell Phone Policy
Did Your Student Get a New Phone or Device?
For a distraction-free start to the New Year, please remind your student about FCPS' policy for cell phones and personal devices. This policy helps students focus, interact more with their peers and teachers, and build independent problem-solving skills.
Visit FCPS’ cell phone policy webpage for more information and answers to frequently asked questions, including:
- Exceptions for students with medical conditions or IEP/504 plans.
- Cell phone use on buses and field trips.
- Consequences for cell phone policy violations.
If you need to reach your student during the school day, please call our main office.
Schoology
Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Schoology is the learning management system used in FCPS. Parents and students can use Schoology to view assignments and messages from teachers. Learn more about how to access and navigate Schoology.
Visit the Schoology Snippets YouTube playlist to watch short tutorials that walk you through how to use Schoology.
Need help logging in or accessing Tech Support? Visit the Schoology for Parents page.
Better Sleep
Strategies for Better Sleep
Sleep is essential to good health, and getting enough sleep has big benefits to your physical and mental health and well-being. Sleep is restorative, allowing your body time to recover and repair.
This is true for your child, too. In fact, adequate sleep in children supports healthy brain development, learning, and memory consolidation, as well as their mood. And it is important for a strong immune system and the prevention of infections. Read about how much sleep a person needs and get some sleep strategies you can use with your family.
Immunization Events
Immunization Events for FCPS Students
FCPS, in partnership with Inspire Health Alliance, will provide school-required immunizations and optional flu shots for all FCPS students with no out-of-pocket costs. Multiple events will take place at designated FCPS locations. Additional dates will be available throughout the school year.
Parents or guardians may view upcoming events and schedule an appointment for their student. Participation is voluntary. View immunization resources on the FCPS website.
Attendance
Attendance Codes in SIS ParentVUE Explained
Attendance codes in SIS ParentVUE are assigned by school staff to better identify the reasons behind student absences. This allows us to respond thoughtfully and provide appropriate support. Visit the FCPS Attendance Policy webpage to learn more about the codes.
When Your Child Is Sick
It is also important to keep your child home when they are sick. The Can My Child Go to School? webpage provides helpful recommendations on when to keep your child home.
Consider these tips from the Fairfax County Health Department to help reduce the spread of flu and other germs.
For instance, a child should attend school if they have cold symptoms, as long as they are feeling like they can participate in school activities. However, if they have severe, uncontrolled, or rapid coughing; wheezing; or difficulty breathing, definitely keep them home and contact your health care provider.
Arrival and Dismissal - Be A Good Neighbor!
As a reminder, please help us keep arrival and dismissal times safe and smooth for everyone. We ask families to be good neighbors and mindful of:
-
Not blocking intersections or painted boxes during Kiss & Ride —this impacts visibility and also prohibits access for emergency vehicles.
-
Crossing only in crosswalks and watching carefully for cars.
-
Avoiding parking in residential areas, fire lanes, or private parking spaces.
-
Refraining from making illegal U-turns.
District News/In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
FCPS News In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Superintendent Updates on Boundaries and AI
- Healthy Habits to Avoid Illness
- Access Schoology to Support Your Child
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
|
