Spring is officially here, but we're waiting for the flowers and trees to come back to life.  This is by far my favorite time of year.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do (soon!)

Forest is a School of Promise!

I am pleased to announce that Forest School was recognized as a School of Promise in the state of Ohio this year, based on our building report card from the 2011-2012 school year.  Hard work, effort from our students, and an amazing school community help make this happen.  The letter from the state superintendent is at the end of this report.  Less then 5% of the schools across the state receive this honor.  We have much to be proud of.  Thanks for your continued support!

State Reading and Math Assessments

On April 29th and 30th, our 3rd grade students will be taking the Ohio Achievement Assessments in Reading and Math.  Our students and staff have been working hard to prepare for the upcoming tests.  Please plan to do the following to help us prepare:

1. Make sure your son or daughter gets a great night sleep the night before each test.  Nothing beats a well rested child.

2. Make sure that your child eats a good breakfast, as they always should.  Offer to make them something special this morning.  (I like eggs and bacon myself!)

3. Offer encouragement to your son or daughter, letting them know that they will do great.  Just let them know to take their time and try their best.

4. The purpose of the test is for them to show what they know.   

5. Thanks for your support!

Mrs. Phillips Class and the Cleveland Cavaliers

On March 19th, Mrs. Phillips' 3rd grade class at Forest found out in a big way how reading and fitness have their benefits.  All classrooms at Forest participated in the Cleveland Cavaliers' Read to Achieve and Fit as a Pro Fitness Challenge.  School all across Northeast Ohio had the same opportunity.  Once they completed their challenge, the Cavaliers donated backpacks to the students, as they were very generous.

Next, we didn't expect what was to come.  On Thursday, March 14th, Mrs. Phillips was contacted by the Cavaliers.  She was told that her class had been selected to come on down to the Cleveland Cavaliers' practice facility, in Independence, to participate in a reading and fitness challenge with some of their players.  They even offered to take the students from Forest, round trip, in their limo bus!  Their name was chosen at random from all classes who participated during the school year in their programs.

Needless to say, our students, and Mrs. Phillips, were really excited.  They pulled out of Forest at 2:30pm on Tuesday, and arrived at the practice facility shortly after 3:00pm.  They were led into the gym, where they were met by several Cavalier employees, and 4 basketball players (Kyrie Irving, Wayne Ellington, Luke Walton, and Omri Casspi.)  For the next hour, the students conducted 6 relay events involving reading and fitness, competing with another 3rd grade class from a school in Cleveland.  The basketball players stayed with the players for the full hour, and the kids had a blast!

Once completed, the students were given some gifts to go home with, including hats, t-shirts, and tickets to a future game.  This was an afternoon the kids will never forget!  Congratulations to Mrs. Phillips' 3rd grade class!

Transportation Variances only last for a year. If you wish to have your child transported to another location, other than home, you need to fill out a Variance form (found on line, or at the school office) for the upcoming school year. We need one variance form for each child.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Alm at 779-3582.

Gifted Referral Updates:

Annually our district seeks children in grades K-12 for possible gifted identification.  Gifted children in Ohio are those who "...perform at remarkable high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment..." A child may be reffered for gifted identification assessment in the following area(s): Cognitive Ability, Academic Ability (Reading/Writing, Math, Social Studies, or Science), Creative Thinking,            Visual Arts and/or Performing Arts (Music, Drama, Dance).  Referral forms are available in the main office of each school or on the district web site http://www.northolmstedschools.org/PupilServices-LearningResourceDept.aspx .  Referral forms received after April 9, 2013 will be held for assessment during the fall identification period of the 2013-14 school year.

Blood donations

A big thanks goes out to our families and staff who came to donate blood on Tuesday, March 12th. We don't know what the grand total of pints donated was, but no matter what, we helped save some lives by the generous gift. You are permitted to donate every 56 days or so. Keep this in mind, as blood drives pop up all over the area weekly.

April 19     Right to Read Week kicks off (April 19-26!)

April 29     3rd grade State Reading Test (Ohio Achievement Assessment)

April 30     3rd grade State Math Test (Ohio Achievement Assessment)

May 3          Cultural Arts Day

May 8          Ohio School Pictures here for class pictures

May 8          Open House / Ice Cream Social @ 6:30pm