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Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,
Happy Back to School Night! We are so excited to welcome parents and guardians into our halls and classrooms this evening, Wednesday, September 16. Tonight is all about building strong connections, exploring what your students will be learning this year, and celebrating the wonderful community we share. We can't wait to see you!
Tonight's Schedule
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5:50 PM: Doors Open
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6:00 PM – 6:30 PM: PTA Meeting (Cafeteria)
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6:35 PM – 7:10 PM: Session 1
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7:15 PM – 8:00 PM: Session 2 (Repeat of Session 1)
Please take a moment to view the Back to School message videos from our School Board representatives:
Thank you for your partnership, energy, and ongoing support. See you very soon!
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Long, Mrs. Agner, Mrs. Compton
Upcoming Dates 📅
🗓️ September 16 - Back to School Night - TONIGHT!
- 5:50 - Doors Open
- 6:00 - 6:30 - PTA Meeting (Cafeteria)
- 6:35 - 7:10 - Session 1
- 7:15 - 8:00 - Session 2 (repeat of Session 1)
🗓️ September 21 - NO SCHOOL (Yom Kippur)
🗓️ September 25 - School Picture Day! 📸
🗓️ September 30 - 3 Hour Early Release Wednesday
National Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15, FCPS recognizes and celebrates the histories and cultures of the members of our community who trace their heritage to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Learn more about the heritage months, celebrations, and traditions celebrated in FCPS. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Yom Kippur
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May all in our Jewish community observing Yom Kippur have an easy and meaningful fast. Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the Jewish year. This day is also known as the Day of Atonement and many Jews spend the day in prayer and fasting. #OurFCPS |
🌟Mrs. Long's Blueprint Byte
Our Mighty Red Birds are spreading their wings and showing how we SOAR each day! This colorful display celebrates the many ways our students and staff contribute to the Cardinal Forest community. Together, we are building a school where kindness, belonging, and a love of learning take flight.
📷 School Picture Day!
📅 Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://shop.imagequix.com/g1001416924
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email Victor O'Neill Studios at underclass@vosphoto.com
🐦 Cardinal Forest Forms and Links
Please access the Cardinal Forest Parent Links to fill out the Digital Consent Forms and review key family resources. Note: The enrolling parent has to be the one to fill this out.
While there are plenty of forms on your to-do list this time of year, please ensure to fill out the Early Release Wednesday Childcare Request.
By default, all students will follow their normal dismissal routine and head home on early release days. If your family requires school-based childcare, you must log in and select that option.
🐕🦺 Service Project
Last week students in grades K-6 attended an assembly where service dogs and their handlers shared how service dogs support veterans and others in need. Students are invited to bring dog treats, dog toys, leashes, collars, old towels and other items that will be donated to Leashes of Valor. Please bring in all donations by Wednesday, September 23rd,
Advanced Academic Programs Information
Fairfax County Public Schools is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K to 12 and is designed to match services to each student’s unique academic needs.
Identification for Subject-Specific and Part-Time AAP services occurs throughout the school year. Full-Time AAP services have two identification cycles:
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Fall identification: Students in grades 3 to 7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15.
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Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2 to 7 may be referred by December 15.
FCPS uses ability testing as one consideration in the holistic identification process for AAP services:
- All students in Grade 2 take the Naglieri General Ability Test (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3 to 6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Mrs. Agner, school testing coordinator, at CAAgner@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings led by Mrs. Rico, our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
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AAP Continuum of Services: October 8, 2026 at 5:30pm. This meeting will be held virtually - a sign up for the link will be coming soon!
- Families will learn about the continuum of advanced academic services available to FCPS students.
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Full-Time AAP Identification: October 16, 2026 at 5:30pm in the library at Cardinal Forest. Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Rico, AART, at arico@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
WSHS Dance Camp
Students are invited to dance with the West Springfield Dance Team and head Coach Dani Guarin! They will work on Technique, Hip Hop, Team bonding and a performance routine.
What to Wear: Comfortable clothing, dance shoes or sneakers
Location: WSHS Dance Studio & Football Field
Dates: September 28th & 30th; Performance (at game): October 2nd
Registration: West Springfield Sports Camps
Attendance Matters
Importance of Strong Attendance Habits
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Some of the ways parents can help their children create healthy routines and a habit of getting to school on time every day include:
- Setting a regular bedtime and morning routine. (Need help? Download this checklist in English or Spanish.)
- Laying out clothes and packing backpacks the night before.
- Talking to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning, if they seem anxious about going to school.
- Developing back-up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, a neighbor, or another parent.
- Avoiding medical appointments or extended trips when school is in session.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit FCPS’ Attendance webpage for tips and strategies.
Superintendent Community Conversations
Join us for a series of Community Conversations that will be held across the school division. Share your thoughts with Dr. Reid and ask her questions. Click on the date to register for any of the following events:
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Wednesday, September 16, 6:45 p.m., at McNair Elementary School
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Monday, September 28, at 6:30 p.m., at Riverside Elementary School
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Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
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Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
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Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
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Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
Reporting Discrimination or Harassment
FCPS is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people of all races, national origins, and ethnicities. Individuals experiencing harassment or discrimination should report the incident as soon as possible.
SR&R
Review and Sign the SR&R by September 30
The FCPS Student Rights and Responsibilities (SR&R) booklet explains expectations for student behavior and adult responses to enhance school safety and to create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment. This year’s SR&R includes new Universal Grade Matrices, which are at-a-glance charts that make it easier for families to see behavior expectations and school responses for grades K-3, 4-8, and 9-12.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by Wednesday, September 30, either by logging into SIS ParentVUE or signing and returning the Signature Sheet to your child’s school.
Learn more by watching a short video about the SR&R (available in English and Spanish) or visiting the SR&R webpage.
Cellphones and Personal Devices
Students may only use a personal device if it is required as part of a necessary accommodation in the students’ Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. A principal or the principal’s designee may approve a limited, course-specific exception for students enrolled in a specialized class when the curriculum requires a technology tool or software that isn’t available on a standard FCPS-issued device. Learn more about the student device requirement.
Save the Date for the Annual Special Education Family Conference
The Annual Special Education Family Conference will take place on Saturday, November 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Hayfield Secondary School.
Hosted by FCPS and community partners, its theme — Connected Communities, Thriving Students — highlights the power of partnerships that support student success. This no-cost, in-person event brings together families, staff, and community partners to explore special education services, supports, and resources and to build meaningful connections.
The conference will feature an inspiring opening session, engaging breakout sessions, an exhibitor hall, and lunch for all participants. Visit the Special Education Family Conference webpage for the latest information.
Email SpecialEdFamilyConf@fcps.edu with any questions.
Arrival and Dismissal - Be A Good Neighbor!
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.
- No pets are allowed on school property.
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:
- Review and Sign the SR&R
- Your Child Belongs at School
- What’s for Lunch? Check the FCPS App
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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