This Week's Eagle Express
Fairfax County Public Schools sent this bulletin at 10/02/2026 03:22 PM EDT
📞 Family Information
|
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
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.
Early Release Wednesdays
for 2026-27
FCPS will continue with limited early release Wednesdays for elementary schools during the 2026-27 school year.
Early release Wednesdays provide elementary teachers with a dedicated block of time to prepare lessons, participate in professional development and training, and collaborate with peers. A well-supported and continuously improving teaching staff leads to better educational outcomes for students.
Find more information about early release Wednesdays, including the list of early release dates.
- October 21
- December 2
- February 10
- May 5
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.
- When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Where: South County High School, 8515 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton, VA 22079.
Student, volunteer, and vendor/exhibitor/high school club registration are all available through the STEMFest 2026 page on the STEAMOLOGY website: Register for STEAMOLOGY STEMFest 2026.
Advanced Academic Programs
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is committed to challenging all students through talent development and differentiated instruction. A continuum of Advanced Academic Program (AAP) services is available to students in Grades K-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:
- Fall identification: Students in grades 3-7 who have enrolled in FCPS since January may be referred by October 15, 2026.
- Spring identification: Any FCPS student in Grades 2-7 may be referred by December 15, 2026.
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 Tests (NGAT).
- Students in Grades 3-6 who do not have a multi-domain ability test score take the NGAT.
- Students in Grades 3-6 may retake an ability test one time. Families may request the ability test retake by contacting Krista Geck, School Testing Coordinator, at kageck@fcps.edu by September 30.
Families are invited to attend two AAP information meetings, led by Heather Jenkins our Advanced Academic Resource Teacher (AART):
- Full-Time AAP Identification: November 12th at 3:00PM
Families will learn about the referral and identification processes for Full-Time AAP services.
For more information, please contact Heather Jenkins, AART, at hkjenkins@fcps.edu or visit the FCPS Advanced Academic Programs webpage.
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:
- Monday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., at Spring Hill Elementary School
- Monday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m., at Beech Tree Elementary School
- Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m., at North Springfield Elementary School
- Friday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., at Powell Elementary School
Registration is not required, but it helps with planning.
💻Family Tech Corner
Each month, we’ll share helpful technology tips, tools, and updates to support your child’s learning at school and at home.
Pay Lunch and School Fees Online with MySchoolBucks: MySchoolBucks lets you add money to your child’s lunch account and pay for field trips and other school fees online, so you don’t have to send cash to school. You can manage your child’s account through the app or website. There are no convenience fees for online payments. Learn more about MySchoolBucks.
If you’d like support with this or other technology related items, please contact our School-Based Technology Specialist, Nadia Sadowski at nasadowski@fcps.edu.
Join the PTA!
 |
- Support Students and Staff: Fund field trips, technology, and school events.
- Stay Connected: Get updates on school news and activities.
- Have a Voice: Vote on key school initiatives and PTA budget decisions.
- Volunteer: Help with fun events like Movie Night, Field Day, and school celebrations.
Scan the QR code to learn more about the Garfield PTA and how to join.
Questions? Email garfield.es.pta@gmail.com.
YOUR GES PRINCIPAL PARTNERS
 |
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with your family this school year. Our goal is to provide every child with a safe, welcoming, and positive learning environment where they can grow and thrive.
Please know that we are always here to listen, answer questions, and address concerns. Thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our Garfield team. Together, we can make this a wonderful year for every child! Thank you!
Mrs. Peerman, Principal, Klpeerman@fcps.edu
Ms. Manning, Assistant Principal, eamanning1@fcps.edu
|
7101 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA 22150 | Main Office: 703-923-2900 |