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Dear Cardinal Families,
At school, we are focusing on something powerful called productive struggle—and it’s a good thing! Productive struggle happens when students are working on something challenging, trying different strategies, and learning through effort (instead of being given the answer right away). This is how we build confidence, perseverance, and strong thinking skills.
💡 What does this look like in class?
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Students may pause, think, and try again
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They might make mistakes—and learn from them
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Teachers support with questions instead of giving answers
🏡 How you can support at home:
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Encourage your child to keep trying before stepping in
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Say things like:
“What have you tried so far?”
“Can you think of another way?”
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Celebrate effort:
“I love how you didn’t give up!”
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Normalize mistakes as part of learning
❤️ A helpful reminder:
Struggle doesn’t mean your child is stuck—it means their brain is growing!
Together, we can help students become confident problem-solvers who aren’t afraid of challenges. Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning journey!
Warmly,
Allison Hoak, Principal
Jon Kemmerer, Assistant Principal
🗓️ No School on Friday, March 20
Thursday, March 19, is an evening only observance day for Eid al-Fitr, which begins at sundown. Friday, March 20, is a holiday and all schools and offices are closed. See the complete school year calendar.
💻📱Family Engagement Survey
The survey is open Monday, March 9 - Monday, March 23. Parents/caregivers should have received an email invitation with a unique survey link from FCPS on March 9. The subject line was: FCPS Family Engagement Survey. A general survey link families can use is also available on FCPS’ website.
📸*Update - Spring Picture Day is on March 25
Spring picture day is now scheduled for March 25, 2026. Both class and individual pictures will be taken at this time. All orders will be placed online following the directions below. Please call the main office at 703-255-5600 if you have any questions.
To Order:
1. Go to strawbridge.net
2. Click “Order Pictures & Yearbooks”
3. Enter the code: FM485351
4. Click “Find” to order
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🏫Day of Service Wish List Items
We almost have everything we need for our Day of Service. Thank you to the families that have donated to support our projects. We just need a few more items. Please take a look below for the last few things we need.
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1st Grade Wish List - For snack bags for the community
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2nd Grade Wish List - All items purchased - thank you!
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3rd Grade Wish List - All items purchased - thank you!
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4th Grade Wish List - All items purchased - thank you!
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5th Grade Wish List - For cleaning up our CPES garden beds
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6th Grade Wish List - For creating craft kits for memory care facilities
- Preschoolers and kindergarteners will use supplies already at school.
🏆2026 Awards Recognizing Special Education Supporters
Nominations are open for the 2026 Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) Awards, which recognize educators, staff, volunteers, and community members who go above and beyond to support students receiving special education services. The annual program celebrates individuals across Fairfax County Public Schools who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inclusion, support, and student success.
Honorees may include teachers, instructional assistants, administrators, therapists, volunteers, and other community members who have made a meaningful difference in the lives of students and families. Nominations are open through Friday, March 27, and can be submitted online.
Award recipients will be recognized at the SEPTA Awards Ceremony on Saturday, May 2, where families, educators, and community members will gather to celebrate those helping build more inclusive and supportive school communities. Registration details for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.
✏️Countdown to Kindergarten
Is your child heading to kindergarten this fall? Join FCPS staff for Countdown to Kindergarten, a virtual event designed to help families prepare for this exciting transition! The webinar will take place on Friday, March 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
During this webinar, families will learn practical tips and essential information to support their child's smooth and successful start to kindergarten in Fairfax County Public Schools. Register to receive the event link.
Our kindergarten orientation is being held on Wednesday, April 22nd at 1:30 pm to give parents of students entering school in August an opportunity to learn more about kindergarten at our school. Your rising kindergarten should attend this event as well. Students will meet teachers and participate in an activity in the classroom while parents learn about CPES.
Contact our registrar, Nicole Madariaga, at njmadariaga@fcps.edu or 703-255-5602 to register your child today!
FCPS Information
County Seeking Budget Input
About 70% of the FCPS budget comes from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. They are currently reviewing the county’s 2027 Fiscal Year Advertised Budget and are considering possible adjustments before the final county budget is adopted in May. Provide the county with feedback on how you would like your tax dollars spent by completing this survey.
Community Conversations: Share Your Thoughts With Dr. Reid
As a listening leader, connecting with community members across our school division is critical to Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Dr. Reid’s Community Conversations are opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ask questions. Events will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) on:
Child care and interpretation services will be provided. Events are open to all. Visit the superintendent’s engagement page for the most up-to-date information.
2026 Special Education Family Conference
The 2026 Special Education Family Conference, Stronger Together: Connecting Families and Schools, will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Marshall High School.
Dr. Shelley Moore will deliver the keynote address on The Evolution of Inclusion. It will look at how the goals of inclusion have continued to shift and evolve, as we learn more about diversity and identity. Participants will be invited to reflect on their own contexts and consider next steps for advocacy and action.
Visit the FCPS 2026 Special Education Family Conference webpage for more information, including breakout session offerings and a list of vendors that will be on site. Confirm your attendance for this year’s conference.
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Prepare for Summer Learning and Fun for Students
Registration is open or will be available soon for summer camps and learning opportunities offered by Fairfax County Public Schools for all students.
Career and Technical Education and Institute for the Arts Camps
Career and Technical Education camps and Institute for the Arts camps will be held in July at Robinson Secondary School from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bus transportation will be available from select FCPS middle and high schools. Tuition assistance is available to FCPS families eligible for free or reduced meals.
Tech Adventure Camp (TAC) is a week-long exploratory camp that allows current K-5 students to explore STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math), culinary, health, trades, and business and marketing areas. Watch this video about CTE camps. Registration is open through Friday, June 5.
Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA) is a weekly fine and performing arts camp for students in grades K-5 who love to sing, dance, act, perform, make, and create. Students attend four daily classes in dance, music, theater, and visual arts and work with experienced educators who create engaging, fun classes.
New this year: Students in the above camps can also register for aftercare, which is available from 2 to 5 p.m.
💗FCPS CARES
If a Cunningham Park employee or group has impressed you with their care and commitment, tell us their story below so they can receive FCPS CARES recognition. Submit an FCPS CARES today!
🚨Important Dates
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March 20: No School | Holiday
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March 26: Spring Picture Day
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March 27: 2-Hour Early Release, End of Quarter
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March 30 - April 3: No School | Spring Break
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April 6: No School | Teacher Work Day
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April 10: No School | School Planning Day
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April 21: No School | Statewide Election Day
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April 22: 3-Hour Early Release, Dismissal at 12:20 PM
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April 22: Kindergarten Orientation at 1:30 PM
Quick Links
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