Family Newsletter – January 2025

Starting as early as preschool and kindergarten, regular attendance is essential for students gaining the academic and social skills they need to thrive. Research shows that when students are chronically absent (missing 10% or more of the school year or 18 days over an entire school year), they are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school and graduate from high school.

In addition to the well-publicized learning losses, students also lost opportunities to develop socially and gain skills in problem-solving and self-regulation, all which are needed to grow and learn.

Since the pandemic, national data shows chronic absence almost doubled from 8 million in 2018-19 to 14.7 million students nationwide in 2021-22. That’s one out of three students. 

PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention and Support. One of the textbook definitions is:

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. With PBIS, schools teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about other subjects like reading or math. Students can earn STAR Bucks and turn them into grade level bins each day. 

 On Fridays selected students can chose prizes from our prize cart.

We encourage you to talk with your kids about how they are SAFE, TIMELY, ACCOUNTABLE and RESPECTFUL. 

Use that vocabulary with them at home--these are not just at-school behaviors, they are life-long behaviors.

All sales are online only. The cost is $28 +tax through March 14, 2025. The cost will increase to $30 +tax on March 15, 2025 through May 16, 2025. The link to purchase is - http://buytheyearbook.com/

Elementary Priority Enrollment - Including TK, K, and Sibling:

On February 3, 2025 the district office will be e-mailing home the annual District Reservation Form to all current students via Informed K12. This form serves two purposes. It tells the school where you intend your child to go to school for 2025-2026 and fulfills the District’s mandated annual residency verification. The deadline to return reservation forms is Friday, February 28, 2025. When you receive this form, be sure to complete it and upload the documents requested. We will not be handing out the forms in the office; you must receive respond to the email. If you do not complete this form, your child will not be placed on a class list for next fall. If you have moved please be sure to provide the office with new residency documentation so that we may update our records.

Girls games: 3:00 - 4:00

Boys games: 4:15 - 5:15

 

As we close out the year, the PTA is thrilled to share some of the wonderful activities and events that have brought our community together:

Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of events for the new year, including the Science Bowl, Talent Show, and so much more! Stay tuned for details in our upcoming newsletters.

Thank you for your continued support and participation—it makes all the difference! Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year. We can’t wait to see what 2025 brings for our Forest Park community.

Warm wishes,