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Dear Mighty Red Bird Families,

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!  We are so excited to welcome everyone to Open House this Friday and see our students walk through the doors on Monday morning for the first day of school!

The beginning of a new school year is always special, and this one has extra meaning as we celebrate Cardinal Forest's 60th Anniversary! For 60 years, students, families, and staff have helped make our school the community it is today, and we are excited to add another chapter to that story together. I am also incredibly grateful to lead alongside Assistant Principals Cindy Agner and Raven Compton. Their deep care for our community shines through every day, whether they are greeting students, supporting teachers, connecting with families, or celebrating the everyday moments that make our school such a special place.

As your child's principal, you can count on me for clarity, communication, collaboration, and care. Care is at the heart of how I lead. I want every Mighty Red Bird to feel known, valued, and supported when they walk through our doors, and every family to know that your questions, concerns, hopes, and perspectives matter. I will be present, accessible, and responsive; I will listen carefully and communicate openly; and I will make decisions with the best interests of our students at the center. You can count on me to approach our work together with thoughtfulness, consistency, and a deep commitment to your children and our school community.

That same commitment guides our classrooms. Our Blueprint for Success ensures every child knows what they are learning, feels comfortable and supported in their classroom, and gets the tailored approach they need to thrive—whether that means additional support, a different way to access the learning, time in a small group, or an extra challenge. We want our students to feel known, cared for, confident, and excited about learning.

Entrusting us with your children each day is a profound responsibility, and one I hold deeply. We are partners in this work, and I want you to feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, sharing concerns, and celebrating successes with us. There will be so many moments to celebrate in the year ahead, and I’m grateful we get to experience them together. It's going to be a great year!

Warmly,  Ashleigh Long Proud Principal  Cardinal Forest Elementary School

Upcoming Dates