Forest Summer Updates
August 2024
Dear Families,
I hope that this message finds you enjoying the final few days of summer break and that your children are eagerly anticipating the start of the new school year. I'm excited to meet everyone and to welcome our Forest families back to school. Next Monday (8/19) there will be a Supply Drop-Off and Popsicles with the PTC and Principals event. After you drop off your school supplies and meet your teacher between 2:00-2:45 PM, we invite families to join us outside on the playground and blacktop for popsicles and fun!
As Forest's new principal, I am thrilled to work closely with teachers each day, while staying connected to out students' growth and learning. I strongly believe that each child can succeed, especially when there is a strong partnership between home and school. I am committed to upholding Forest's tradition of excellence, continuously seeking innovative ways to meet the needs of all students, and maintaining effective communication with families and the community. I look forward to partnering with you to provide a meaningful, challenging, and inclusive educational experience for our students.
Please know that my door is always open. Feel free to reach out via email, phone, or in person at any time. I welcome your feedback and ideas throughout the year as we keep our students at the center of our efforts.
Sincerely,
Ms. Soike
Classroom Teacher Assignments
Classroom assignments will be made available to families on Monday, August 12 by 3:30 PM. Login to the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus to see your child's classroom assignment.
In the event you do not see a classroom assignment, please contact the Forest main office.
Registration & Bus Reminders
- Registration: Please remember to register your child completely if you have not already. Visit the D62 Registration Information page for more information.
- Transportation: Families must register for paid bussing through the Parent Portal. Bus fees ($300 for the school year) must be paid to ensure students are routed for the first days of school. Click here for more information about Transportation.
School Supply Lists
School Supply Lists for the upcoming school year can be found on our website!
Headphones for New iPads
Students will be receiving a new iPad for this school year to use at school. Your child will need headphones that can plug into a USB-C port (pictured); this is different than the typical headphone jack. You can buy these headphones at Five Below, Walmart, and Amazon.
If you have a pair of headphones that are still in good condition from the past school year, you can purchase a headphone adapter. The D62 Technology Department recommends an Apple USB-C to 2.5 mm Jack Adapter, which can be purchased on Amazon or through other retailers that sell Apple products.
Organic Life
Arrival Procedures
Arrival Times
8:45 AM -- Students can start arriving and lining up on the blacktop.
8:55 AM -- Students enter the building.
9:00 AM -- School begins.
Late Arrivals: If your child is arriving after 8:55 AM, they are considered tardy and need to enter through Door 1.
Breakfast: Breakfast will be available at 8:45 AM daily. If your child(ren) will be eating breakfast, they should enter through Door 1.
Dismissal Procedures
Please ensure you pick up your child on time each day. If there is a change to your child's normal pick-up, please notify the office and their classroom teacher.
Dismissal Times
- 3:15 PM -- Dismissal on Mondays
- 3:30 PM -- Dismissal on Tuesdays-Fridays
Dismissal Locations
- Door 2: Grades 1-5 car pick-up; Grades 4-5 walkers
- Door 3: All kindergarten; Grade 3 walkers
- Door 13: Grade 2 walkers
- Door 14: Grade 1 walkers
Car Drop Off & Parking Options
Parking Options: If a family wishes to walk their child at arrival or pick them up on foot at dismissal, we ask that families park their car in an area where parking is allowed. Please do not park in the car lane, the staff parking lots, or on 5th Avenue in front of Forest. There is an area of 5th Avenue between Forest and Algonquin Middle School where parking is allowed, if needed.
8/15: Incoming Kindergarten Family Zoom
Welcome Kindergarten Parents! The kindergarten team is so excited to host an informational Zoom meeting on Thursday, August 15 at 6:00 PM. You'll learn about first day logistics, what to expect the first day, and answer any general questions you might have. We're looking forward to meeting you!
8/19: Supply Drop Off & Popsicles with the PTC and Principals
From 2:00-2:45 PM, families of students in grades 1-5 are invited to meet their new teacher and drop off school supplies in their classrooms. Afterwards, please head outside to the playground and blacktop for popsicles! Thank you to the PTC for providing a sweet treat!
8/20: Kindergarten Preview
If you have a new kindergartener, be on the lookout for an email from your child's teacher with a time to come in on August 20 for Kindergarten Preview. During Kindergarten Preview on 8/20, you will be able to see your child's classroom, meet the teacher, and drop off supplies.
Happy 2024-2025 school year from the Forest Parent Teacher Council! Below are a few things to know as we begin the new school year:
- Join us for popsicles on the blacktop from 2:00pm - 2:45pm on August 19th during Supply Drop Off. We can't wait to see the Forest community back together again!
- The first PTC meeting of the year is September 10th at 7pm at Forest. All Forest caregivers are invited. Babysitting is provided for children 3 years and up. Hope to see you there!
Want to be the first to know about all things PTC? Join us! Membership gives you our meeting minutes, and the first opportunity to volunteer at school events! You can sign up for PTC membership here: Membership Form
Find us anytime at our website, on Facebook at Families of Forest School in Des Plaines, or email at forestfalconsptc@gmail.com with questions or concerns. We’re here to help and would love to hear from you!
8/15: Kindergarten Family Information Zoom from 6:00-7:00 PM
8/15: Live at the Lake from 6:00-8:45 PM
8/16: Maine Township Wellness Night (K-5) from 3:00-4:30 PM
8/19: Supply Drop Off (grades 1-5) from 2:00-2:45 PM
8/19: Popsicles with the PTC & Principals from 2:00-3:30 PM
8/20: First Day of School (Grades 1-5)
8/20: Kindergarten Preview & Supply Drop Off - look for info from kinder team!
8/20: Des Plaines Food Truck Round-up from 5:00-8:00 PM
8/21: First Day of School (Pre-K and Kindergarten)
8/22: Live at the Lake from 6:00-8:45 PM
8/23: Movies in the Park (The Goonies) from 8:00-10:00 PM
8/29: Forest Parent Information Night from 5:30-7:00 PM
9/2: No School - Labor Day
Contact Us
Website: http://forest.d62.org
Address: 1375 South 5th Avenue Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: (847) 824-1380
Facebook: Forest Facebook
Principal: Ms. Amber Soike
Assistant Principal: Ms. Traci Reiner