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Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,
We’re so proud of our Cardinal Forest community for meeting the first Soar to Success challenge of 20% participation, or 180 supporters and earning Pajama Day! We hope our students and staff enjoyed wearing their comfy cozies today. The fundraiser is still underway, and our next challenge is to reach 40% participation, or 325 supporters. If we meet that goal, we’ll celebrate with Cardinal Forest Spirit Day on Wednesday, October 7. Please donate to Soar to Success and share your child’s link with friends and family. Thank you for supporting our school!
This week, during Blue Star Welcome Week, we recognize and celebrate the military-connected students and families who are part of our Cardinal Forest community. We’re grateful for the experiences, perspectives, and contributions you bring to our school.
Warm Regards,
Mrs. Long, Mrs. Agner, Mrs. Compton
Upcoming Dates 📅
🗓️ October 8 - AAP Continuum of Services Meeting: 5:30pm (Zoom)
🗓️ October 12 - NO SCHOOL (Student Holiday)
🗓️ October 16 - Full-Time AAP Identification Process Meeting: 5:30 (library)
Disability History and Awareness Month
In Virginia during October, Disability History and Awareness activities provide an opportunity to create greater public awareness for individuals with disabilities, with the goal of full inclusion in our community. Here at Cardinal Forest, we honor those with disabilities and promote equal opportunities for all. #OurFCPS
Blue Star Welcome Week
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#BlueStarWelcomeWeekFCPS is finally here! Join us as we welcome our military families and express our gratitude for their sacrifices, and share our support! |
🌟Mrs. Long's Blueprint Byte
During Math Workshop, second grade students are building their understanding through hands-on games. As they solve problems, explain their thinking, and learn from one another, they are strengthening the math skills they use every day. These engaging activities are one way teachers bring our Blueprint for Student Success to life.
STEMFest
STEMFest, hosted by STEAMOLOGY, is a hands-on celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics designed especially for elementary and middle school students. Students will have opportunities to explore, experiment, build, discover, and engage with STEM through interactive activities. High school students can participate as volunteers, while organizations, vendors, and school clubs can showcase STEM-related activities and ideas.
📚 Learning About Life Science in Language Arts 📚
Benchmark Unit 1 in Language Arts is about life science. Students in K-5 will be learning about plants, animals, and nature. Sixth grade students will learn about the natural balance of nature.
Connect with your child’s learning at school with these fun questions and hands-on activities at home:
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Question: What are some ways we can take care of nature and living things?
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Activity: Pick an animal and act out how it moves or survives in its habitat — see if family members can guess!
At the end of the unit, your child will take their unit magazine home. The magazine includes an activity calendar with fun ways to help students build on what they’re learning at each grade level. You can also find information on how to support your child’s reading at home on the Benchmark Families website.
Review and Sign the SR&R - DEADLINE TODAY!
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.
Families, please review the SR&R and discuss these expectations with your child. Be sure to sign the SR&R acknowledgement form by TODAY 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.
New ParentVUE App
New ParentVUE Mobile App Is Here
The new ParentVUE mobile app is available in the Apple and Google App stores. This new app provides parents and caregivers with a more secure sign-in. Families must download the new app by December 2026 to ensure they have continued mobile access to their ParentVUE account. The previous app will be deactivated at the end of 2026.
In the new app, families can enroll in multi-factor authentication (MFA) for FCPS Single Sign-On. While enrollment is optional, we strongly recommend that everyone enable this security feature. Learn more about installing the new ParentVUE app. Parents needing assistance should submit a Parent Support Request.
We All Belong
Each one of us is unique. And every student matters and belongs in school. If a student is having a difficult time attending class, please tell a trusted adult at school. There are solutions.
If you or your family need any kind of support, please reach out to our front office. We are here for you! Visit the 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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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.
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:
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- Traffic Safety Near Our Schools
- Sign and Return the SR&R
- Check Out New Menu Options
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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