Forest Grove Family Falcon Update
May 18, 2023
Message from the Principal
Dear Falcon Families,
So much to say and so little time to say it. Here are a few items you need to know as we wind down the school year.
1. As you know, this is a tricky time for students. This last week many of your kids will be on overload with activities and emotions. Be prepared for higher highs and lower lows as they grieve leaving their favorite teacher and worry if next year's teacher is going to be as nice as their current one. Keep their routines consistent and keep your expectations the same. Consistency brings a feeling of safety for them. This is true for the summer, too. So there is your homework assignment for the summer.
2. And while I'm on the subject, make sure that your student does not take the summer off from reading. Go to the PG Library and have them check some books out that they can read or that you can read to them. Or better yet, take turns reading. Research has shown time and again that strong reading skills are the biggest indicator of future success. Make a small reward for each book finished such as taking them to get an ice cream cone or some other small reward. The books don't have to be difficult. You are simply trying to cultivate a love of reading. If your child is already reading well, may I be so bold as to suggest adding a read-aloud time for the family a few nights a week. Stories from authors such as Jules Verne or Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories are fun, full of great vocabulary, and create a strong family time. Of course, anything that your family enjoys is great, not just my favorites ;-) And there are oh so many programs and apps that can help your student do occasional math problems too. You don't need to try and replicate school at home, but the occasional "why don't you play Mathblaster for a half an hour never hurts. And, yes, this applies to our fabulous 5th graders moving on to middle school.
3. The staff at Forest Grove is a special staff, as you know. We have been hard at work in designing a unifying theme and mission for what we want our students to know, what characteristics we want our students to exhibit, and what skills they will need to be successful in middle school and in life in general. As those are developed, we will share them with you so that you are in partnership with us with our team all pushing in the same direction with the same purpose. We want to make sure that everything we do comes through the filter of 'what is best for students.' I think you will feel a shift in consistency and focus at Forest Grove next year. Along with this work, we will also focus on clarity of expectations and rules for students (see #4). This clarity will create an environment that will feel more predictable and safer for students (see #1). It's super exciting.
4. And as long as I'm on the topic of next year, I have noticed that there has been a distinct rise in toys and other things being brought to school as of late. Pokeman cards, yo-yo's, stuffed animals, etc, while very fun for students, become a huge distraction when they are taken, broken, not shared, or traded. Next year, unless there is special permission granted, we will not allow these to be brought to school. I can't tell you how often I have a crying child in my office because their yo-yo was dinged, or their stuffed animal was taken, or a Pokeman card goes missing. While this rule has actually been in effect, I have not enforced it as I should have. Next year, under Principal Arbrun, the rule will be enforced.
5. Tomorrow is our annual Falcon Fest. It is our celebration of the year's hard work and is basically organized chaos that the kids (and staff) see as one of the highlights of the year. Lots of laughter, lots of activities, lots of games. Make sure to ask your student how Falcon Fest went and what their favorite activity was at dinner tomorrow night.
6. Lastly, Mary Riedel and I held a staff meeting yesterday and were just overwhelmed with the passion, dedication, grace, and singularity of mind for doing everything they can to help every child learn to their potential. Mary and I have worked hard to prepare the way for the new principal, Abbie Arbrun, and staff, and parents to become of one mind. So knowing that your child is in superb hands, expect that there will be some shifts next year. You will see frequent communications as to what is going on, you will be called on to support Forest Grove in various ways as part of the team, and you will feel some cultural shifts as we seek to continue what we do well as well as seeking to find where we need to improve and taking action to make those improvements. This is an exciting time to be a Falcon.
Go Falcons!
Matt Bell
Upcoming Events
May 18 - 5th Grade Instrumental Music Concert, 6:00pm, Multipurpose Room
May 19 - Falcon Fest! Volunteer (Please click the flyer below for volunteer sign ups)
May 25 - 5th Grade Promotion, 2:00pm, Multipurpose Room
May 26 - Last Day of School, dismissal for all students is 12:10pm
Office Reminders
All students are to arrive prior to 8:45 am. The school gates open at 8:30AM. The final bell rings and instruction begins at 8:45AM.
The student's start of the day for the student is impacted if they arrive late. Students miss the opportunity to stat class with their peers. They miss critical information and announcements for the day. Your efforts to get students to Forest Grove on time daily are greatly appreciated.
Ways to report a student absent :
a) ParentVUE app
b) 24 Hour Absence Line (831) 646-6559
c) Email fgattendance@pgusd.org
Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Instruction begins at 8:45 a.m.
Please let the student know of any afterschool plans PRIOR to the school day to ensure classroom instruction is maximized.
Message From Nurse Powley
A friendly reminder that a medication consent form should be completed with parent and healthcare signature for all over-the-counter and prescribed medications given at school. This includes cough drops and throat lozenges.
Katrina Powley, RN, BSN, CSN
PGUSD School Nurse
Volunteer and Chaperone Clearance
If you plan on being a VOLUNTEER on campus or a CHAPERONE for a field trip, please be sure you are fingerprint cleared with our district and submit a copy of your Covid vaccine card to the District Office. To make an appointment at the District Office please call Kimberly Ortiz at 646-6553.
Before coming to campus to volunteer, please check with your child's teacher to schedule a time that works best for them.
Flyers
Forest Grove Elementary School
Website: forestgrove.pgusd.org
Location: 1065 Congress Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA, USA
Phone: 831-646-6560