Services

New Families Orientation

Before the school year begins, the PTO Welcome Committee hosts an orientation program to welcome new families, provide some basic information, and answer questions. Typically the Principal, Kindergarten teachers (since most new families will be those of students entering Kindergarten), PTO President, and the PTO Volunteer Coordinator speak to the families. A package of advance information, put together by some thoughtful parents, is provided to offer useful tips to those joining the school family. In addition, parents who will be doing volunteer work with the children are given assistance with completing the paperwork and procedures for complying with the Child Protection and Safety Program.

Hot Lunch Program

The PTO operates a very popular hot lunch program, designed to meet the nutritional standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Diocese of Arlington Wellness Program. An on-site Kitchen Manager and three Assistant Managers have Northern Virginia Food Handler Certifications and our kitchen equipment is carefully maintained to ensure strict compliance with the Fairfax County Food Service Inspection Program. In addition. parents assist in monitoring student behavior on the playground. Each school family is required to fulfill monitoring assignments for the playground. This requirement is further explained in the Parent/Student Handbook.

"Cardinal Flyer" bi-weekly newsletter

The PTO publishes a bi-weekly newsletter as a communications medium for our school family. It typically contains news of upcoming activities, announcements of changes in procedures, reminders about fundraisers, and reports of recent events.

Uniform Exchange

Used uniform articles that are clean and in good condition may be turned-in at any time during the school year. You will be issued a script in exchange for your items, which can then be used at any time to purchase other used uniforms. You may also pay cash to purchase used uniforms. Sale dates are announced throughout the school year.

Activities

Cultural Arts Program

Through this effort, the PTO presents four to five programs each year for our students.  The programs range from musicians, dancers and historians to storytellers, jugglers, and magicians.  These performers come from around the country, even the world, to entertain and educate our children.

Drama Club

The PTO sponsors the Drama Club, which performs outstanding Christmas pageants in December and a superb Shakespeare play in May of each school year. Well known and not-so-well-known works are cleverly adapted, instructive yet enjoyable rehearsals are held, scenery and props are bought or built, and a wonderful performance is created. The effort is a tremendous experience for the children – after many weeks of work, a "star is born" in each one of them. The performances are very entertaining events for the other school children, the teachers, the parents and friends who see them.

Faculty and Staff Appreciation

Almost every month, we show our teachers, principal, and staff how much we love them. Often they are treated to meals or other refreshments, but sometimes our appreciation is expressed through non-material gifts such as spiritual bouquets or living rosaries from the children and parents.