Red Bird Family Corner: News from your Family Liaison and PTA

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Summer Camp Information ☀️

Summer is closer than you think ! The family resource center has a great Summer Camp Guide to get you started. 

Tech Adventure Camp: Current Kindergarten - grade 5 students explore Business/Marketing, Family + Consumer Sciences, Health + Medical Sciences, STEAM, and Trades by rotating through daily classes

Visit the Tech Adventure Camp Web page! 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Academy: Current grade 6 - 11 students choose their classes and dive deeper into CTE program areas, skills, and career exploration

Visit the CTE Summer Academy Web page!

Elementary Institute for the Arts (E-IFTA): A dynamic summer enrichment program serving students currently in grades K–5. Students currently in grade 6 are eligible for our secondary program, Institute for the Arts (IFTA).

Our programs offer students daily experiences in Art, Music, Theatre, and Dance in a fun, supportive environment designed to nurture creativity and confidence.

Visit the Elementary Institute for the Arts Web page!

Camp Fairfax: Serves rising 1st through 7th graders and is held in public schools and community centers throughout Fairfax County. Breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are provided. A sliding fee scale is available. Registration opens March 17!

Visit the Camp Fairfax Web page!

 

Camp fairfax
vball

Spartan Volleyball Camp Registration has opened! 

Camp Dates - July 6 - 10th, 2026

Camp Location - West Springfield HS

Camp Sessions - separated by age and skill levels

Camp is open to all female athletes, regardless of what school they attend.  We typically have athletes from 10-15 different high schools and feeder schools. 


Family Fun at WSHS

The West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society is excited to invite you and your children to our upcoming Tri-An-Instrument Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 AM at West Springfield High School (Door 4)!

This fun, hands-on event gives children the opportunity to:

  • Try different instruments from band and orchestra
  • Explore singing and choir activities
  • Learn about the art of music in an engaging and welcoming environment
  • Meet student musicians from WSHS

Whether your child is already interested in music or simply curious to explore something new, this is a great chance to discover the joy of making music!

📍 Location: West Springfield High School – Door 4 (Orchestra Room) 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

We hope to see many families from our community there for a morning of music, creativity, and fun!

Best, West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society

The West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society is excited to invite you and your children to our upcoming Tri-An-Instrument Day on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 9:00–11:00 AM at West Springfield High School (Door 4)!

This fun, hands-on event gives children the opportunity to:

  • Try different instruments from band and orchestra
  • Explore singing and choir activities
  • Learn about the art of music in an engaging and welcoming environment
  • Meet student musicians from WSHS

Whether your child is already interested in music or simply curious to explore something new, this is a great chance to discover the joy of making music!

📍 Location: West Springfield High School – Door 4 (Orchestra Room) 📅 Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

We hope to see many families from our community there for a morning of music, creativity, and fun!

Best, West Springfield High School Tri-M Honor Society



Military Families:

MILITARY FAMILY OUTREACH: FSPwill be facilitating monthly workshops, webinars, or family engagement events for military families throughout the school year. Please check the Family Academy Catalog CLICK HERE under "Military-Connected Families Offerings" for more information on these events as they are posted. 

For more information and/or to connect with FCPS resources, email us at militaryfamilies@fcps.edu.

mili

Drive Thru Dinner for Military Families

Every Wednesday in May. May 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Drive thru style - you stay in your car, and we will bring the meal to your car.

Each pickup includes: *a hot, kid-friendly dinner for a family of four (larger family? just let us know when you arrive), *an identical portion pre-packaged to save for another busy night, *an ingredient list. 

RSVP here to help us plan but drive ups are always welcome! Also see this week's menu.  


NEW Visitor Check-in System - Raptor Safe App Setup

Cardinal Forest ES has a NEW Visitor Check-in System beginning this week. Downloading and registering on the Raptor Safe App is not required, you can still use your driver’s license in the building, but this is faster.

What is Raptor Safe?

Raptor Safe is a free mobile app designed to make school visits and student dismissals both faster and more secure. By using the app, you can create a Raptor Passport, which allows you to check in at the school entrance by simply scanning a QR code. A new QR code is generated each time so no screenshots. Raptor Safe FAQ Sheet


Food Assistance & Resource Guide

🍲 Food Assistance and Resource Guide Food insecurity impacts more than 96,000 Fairfax County residents. Learn how to help and discover the many resources available to support those who need food assistance or shelter. View the county’s Human Services Resource Guide.



Field Day Volunteers Needed - Friday, June 5th, 9:15am-3:30pm

We need YOU to volunteer for Field Day! Please sign-up on PTBoard. Kindergarten through 2nd Grade will participate in the morning, and 3rd through 6th will participate in the afternoon. Thank you for volunteering your time for this fun day!


Volunteers Needed for the 2026-2027 School Year

Interested in getting involved or staying involved next school year? We are looking for volunteers in a few positions - please visit the signup on PTBoard here to see the open positions and sign up. We love our volunteers! 


Signup to Volunteer for the 6th Grade Celebration - Thursday and Friday, June 11-12th

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the 6th Grade Party - setup, balloon arch assembly, supervision, and cleanup - Signup here on PTBoard! This event is not possible without volunteers - we appreciate you!


Upcoming Events 📆

PTA Calendar

May 25-27: FCPS Student Holiday

June 5: Field Day

June 12: 6th Grade Party

June 15: 6th Grade Promotion

June 17: Last Day of School (2hr early release)

Connect With Us

PT Board: https://cardinalforest.ptboard.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RedBirdPTA/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cardinalforestespta

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cardinalforestpta

cardinalforestpta@gmail.com