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Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,
We are officially underway with the third quarter and off to a strong start! As a grade level team, teachers have been digging into midyear assessment data to reflect on student progress and plan next steps. There is so much to celebrate. We are seeing meaningful academic growth across grade levels, and our teachers are using this information to refine instruction, strengthen small groups, and ensure every child continues to move forward. We are proud of our students’ hard work and grateful for the partnership that supports their success.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible PTA for today’s Sprinkle! The flowers, bows, thoughtful touches, and delicious treats brightened our day! Our team felt the love. Thank you for making our teachers and staff feel appreciated and supported.
As a reminder, second quarter report cards are now available in ParentVUE. We encourage you to log in and review your child’s progress. If you have any questions, your child’s teacher is always a great first point of contact.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Cardinal Forest. We are looking forward to a strong and productive third quarter together.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Long, Mrs. Agner, Mrs. Compton
Upcoming Dates 📆
February 16 - Washington's Birthday and Presidents' Day - NO SCHOOL
February 17 - Staff Development Day - NO SCHOOL
February 18 -Three-hour Early Release
February 26 - Virtual Principal's Coffee (9:30 AM - 10:30 AM)
🌟Mrs. Long's Blueprint Byte
This week, our teachers engaged in Language Arts data dialogues, thoughtfully analyzing iReady and VALLSS data alongside classroom observations. Teams examined trends, developed shared interpretations, and formed targeted intervention groups to meet students’ specific learning needs. Most importantly, teachers made clear instructional commitments to guide next steps and celebrated meaningful academic progress and growth. This collaborative, student-centered work ensures that instruction remains responsive, intentional, and focused on continuous improvement for every learner.
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS.
Learn more about Black History month.
Upcoming Student Experience Survey at Cardinal Forest
Our school will participate in the FCPS Student Experience Survey. This survey will gather important feedback from students about their school experiences to help FCPS make meaningful improvements.
All students in grades 3-6, except those who have opted out, will receive a link to the survey in their FCPS email on February 23. We will administer the survey during the school day between Monday, February 23, and Friday, March 6. Any student may take the survey at home, if they are unable to take the survey during the school day. You will receive a communication with details on how to preview the survey and opt your child out, if you choose. The electronic opt-out form can also be accessed at this link.
We believe it's important to hear from our students about what we're doing well and where we can improve. This work also aligns with the equity commitments in FCPS’ 2023-30 Strategic Plan, which include a focus on amplifying student voice and experiences as we work toward meeting plan goals.
🌺Warm Up FCPS🌞 – Divisionwide Spirit Day
Tired of all the cold weather? Let’s warm up with a little school spirit across the division!
Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid is encouraging all FCPS students, teachers, and staff to shake the wrinkles out of their brightest outfits and tropical wear to help brighten everyone’s moods on Thursday, February 19! #FCPSThaw
Meal Kits for Fasting Students
From February 18 to March 19, students who are fasting during the day can take school meals home. These kits include one breakfast and one lunch to be eaten after the school day ends.
Families must fill out a request form each week for every student who wants a kit. The first deadline is Wednesday, February 11, for the week of February 16. Please note other important details below:
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Cost: Meals are charged just like a normal school day.
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Pickup: Students must grab their kits at the end of the school day.
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Menu: Kits include school meals that are easy to heat at home.
Visit the Food and Nutrition webpage for forms, deadlines, and other information. Please contact the Office of Food and Nutrition Services with any questions at FCPSFNS@fcps.edu or 703-813-4800.
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
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:
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Not blocking intersections or painted boxes during Kiss & Ride —this impacts visibility and also prohibits access for emergency vehicles.
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Crossing only in crosswalks and watching carefully for cars.
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Avoiding parking in residential areas, fire lanes, or private parking spaces.
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Refraining from making illegal U-turns.
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:
- How to Get Weather Updates ASAP
- Celebrating Students and Staff
- Kindergarten Open Houses
Read FCPS This Week to learn more about these topics. If you are not already receiving this weekly newsletter, please sign up today.
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