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Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,
This week, we are proud to celebrate Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week and recognize the incredible work of our team. Each day, they bring our Blueprint for Success to life through high expectations, meaningful relationships, and a deep commitment to every child’s growth. Their dedication, creativity, and care are what make Cardinal Forest such a special place to learn and grow. Our teachers truly are SUN-Sational☀️, and we are grateful for the energy and passion they pour into their work all year long.
We also extend our sincere thanks to our PTA for making this week so special! WOW! From thoughtful gestures to delicious treats, every detail has made our staff feel valued and celebrated. It has been a joyful week filled with appreciation and connection. THANK YOU, PTA! We are also grateful for every family in our community. You play an essential role in helping our students and staff shine.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Long, Mrs. Agner, Mrs. Compton
📆Upcoming Dates
May 13 - Early Release Wednesday (12:55)
May 14 – Math SOL for Grades 3–6
May 15 - PTA Community Picnic!
May 19 – Science SOL for Grade 5
May 25 - 27 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day, Teacher Workday, Eid al-Adha)
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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People with ancestral roots in Asia and the islands of the Pacific have been integral to the story of America. In 1992, May was designated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to celebrate their heritage and contributions. |
Jewish American Heritage Month
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May is a national month of recognition of the history of Jewish contributions to American culture, acknowledging the diverse achievement of the Jewish community in the U.S. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. |
Mental Health Awareness Month
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Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than awareness. It’s about showing up for one another. It provides a chance to stand with your community and show that no one struggles alone. Everyone is invited to speak up against mental health stigma. Learn more about Mental Health Awareness Month on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website. |
🌟Mrs. Long's Blueprint Byte
Math is fun at Cardinal Forest! This week, first graders successfully tackled an "open middle" math problem that had even our teachers stumped during their recent planning session. We are so proud of their persistence and high-level problem-solving skills!
Advanced Academic Program (AAP) Screening for School-Based Services
This spring, all students in grades K–5 who are not currently eligible for or enrolled in Full-Time AAP will be screened for School-Based AAP Services.
If you would like to share your child’s strengths as part of this process, you may submit the AAP School-Based Services Referral Form, available here:
https://www.fcps.edu/sites/default/files/media/forms/AAPSchoolBasedServicesReferralForm.pdf
Please email the completed form to Karen Mitchell, AART – kkmitchell@fcps.edu no later than May 15th.
Please note:
- Submitting this referral form does not initiate the screening process; all students are automatically screened.
- The form simply provides you with an opportunity to share additional information about your child’s strengths and ensures you will receive an eligibility notification in June.
- If your child already participated in the Full-Time AAP screening process this cycle and was not found eligible, no additional referral is needed; you will automatically receive notification.
- If your child is already eligible and receiving Subject-Specific or Part-Time AAP services, you do not need to submit a referral form, as they will continue to receive School-Based AAP services next year.
For more information about School-Based Services, please refer to the FCPS website: https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/advanced-academic-programs
If you have any additional questions, reach out to Mrs. Mitchell.
☀️ Friendly Face Fridays!
Join us for Friendly Face Fridays at 9:20 AM to experience the heart of our school day! Parents and caregivers are invited to jump into our 20-minute Morning Meeting to share in the greetings and activities that bring our community together. It’s a wonderful way to connect with your child’s classroom and feel the warmth of our school family firsthand before the workday begins.
Please mark your calendars for your child's grade-level date:
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May 8: 2nd Grade
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May 15: 1st Grade
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May 22: Kindergarten
Summer Extravaganza
Discover Exciting Summer Learning Activities and Ideas
oin Fairfax County Public Schools for a free, family-friendly community celebration filled with hands-on STEM, arts, and creative experiences for students of all ages. This year’s Summer Extravaganza takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at Woodson High School.
Explore summer learning resources and connect with FCPS offices and community partners. Don’t miss the Student Market and a full day of engaging activities designed to spark learning, growth, and inspiration for the whole family.
For more information visit the Summer Extravaganza webpage.
Family Information Phone Lines
Family Information Phone Lines
FCPS family information phone lines are available in nine different languages. An FCPS employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Call the phone line with questions about your child’s education or FCPS, and someone will help connect you to resources or arrange for you to speak to the appropriate school employee. Learn more about family information phone lines.
Attendance
Attend Today, Achieve Tomorrow. We All Belong Here!
In FCPS, we all belong. From the first day of school, to the last day of school, every child matters. If your student is having a hard time finishing the year strong and attending school, please contact a trusted adult at our school — a teacher, counselor, or administrator. Visit FCPS’ website for more attendance resources.
Mental Health Services
Your Child's Mental Wellness Matters: Access Comprehensive Services
Reach out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) for specialized youth mental health services designed to help your child succeed. The CSB has individual and family counseling, psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, medication management, parenting groups, peer support, crisis response, recovery supports that include medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive services, and other services.
Contact CSB Entry and Referral to get started by calling 703-383-8500 or emailing csb@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Additional Mental Health Resources
FCPS has resources available to support your child’s mental health. During after-school hours, parents and students who need additional support can use the 988 Lifeline to get free, confidential guidance from trained crisis counselors on how to best help someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. You can call or text the number.
Recent reports have shared an 11% drop in suicides among young people since the rollout of 988. Please note, the hotline is not only for those experiencing suicidal ideation (or thoughts), it is also available for any mental health or substance abuse-related crisis and those with a loved one experiencing those crises or suicidal thoughts.
And as always, if your concern is an emergency, you should call 911.
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)
FCPS News
In case you missed it in FCPS This Week, the school division shared updates on the following topics:
- Summer Learning
- Mental Health Resources
- Thank You, Bus Drivers and Food Service Workers
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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