Family Engagement Survey is now open!

⏱️ Have 10 minutes before March 23? Now is your chance to give feedback on your school's welcoming environment, communication, volunteer opportunities, and more. Take the Family Engagement Survey before it closes on Monday: https://bit.ly/FESURVEY2026

⏱️ ¿Tienes 10 minutos antes del 23 de Marzo? Esta es su oportunidad para brindarnos su opinión sobre el ambiente acogedor de su escuela, la comunicación, las oportunidades de voluntariado y más. Tome la Encuesta de Participación Familiar antes de que se cierre el lunes. https://bit.ly/3Nn8fIb

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.

A few notes for registration in the app: no code is needed so skip that step and foreign id's and passports can be used (as long as they are in English).

Setting Up Your Account

Getting started is straightforward. Here is the play-by-play:

Download: Search for "Raptor Safe" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Verification: To keep the community safe, the app will ask you to scan your driver’s license and take a live selfie to verify your identity.
Privacy: Don't worry about that selfie—it is used only for the initial verification and is not stored in the app.
Stored Info: The app only keeps necessary details like your name, date of birth, the photo from your ID, and the last four digits of your license or passport.

Quick Tips for Users

No Passwords to Memorize: The app uses your mobile phone number to log you in. You’ll receive a one-time code via text each time you need to access your account.
Need Help?: If you run into any technical snags, you can find troubleshooting guides at raptortech.com/raptorsafe-app/.

Raptor Safe FAQ Sheet

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!

Food Assistance & Resource Guide