Foster Fox Files

Shelley Nurre, Principal

Website: https://shsd55or.gov/foster/

School Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding Wednesdays)

Early Release Wednesdays: 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Breakfast begins 7:30 a.m.

Classroom doors open 7:45 a.m.

A Message for Our Families

Dear Foster Families,

Welcome to another exciting year at Foster Elementary! As I begin my second year as principal, I’m incredibly grateful to continue serving this wonderful school community. Last year was a year of learning, listening, building relationships, strengthening systems, and—true to our theme—Finding Our Fox Focus. I am proud of the work our students, staff, and families accomplished together, and I’m even more excited about where we are headed next.

For those who are new to Foster, my name is Shelley Nurre, and I bring more than 30 years of experience in education across private, public, and international schools. Throughout my career, I have served as a classroom teacher, curriculum coordinator, special education program director, and school principal. I am also a proud Oregonian who loves gardening, running, sports, traveling, spending time with family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Last year, we spent intentional time strengthening relationships, clarifying expectations, refining routines, and building a positive school culture. As we move into this new school year, our work continues. We remain committed to being child-centered in all decisions, continually asking ourselves what will best support the learning, growth, belonging, and success of every Foster Fox.

Communication and partnership with families continue to be an important part of that work. Please make sure the school has your current phone number, email address, and emergency contact information. Throughout the year, we will share information through ParentSquare, our monthly Foster Fox Files e-newsletter, our school webpage, and social media. Whether it’s an upcoming event, a celebration, or an important reminder, our goal is to help families feel informed and connected to what is happening at Foster.

Our Mission

Our Foster School family strives to develop caring citizens who positively affect their community by learning to persevere and overcome challenges to reach their full potential.

To accomplish this mission, we work collaboratively and cooperatively to:

• Create a safe, positive, and nurturing environment that provides a foundation for learning
• Maintain high expectations for teaching and learning
• Embrace a Growth Mindset
• Provide meaningful and engaging instruction that supports the needs of diverse learners
• Help students develop into caring and productive citizens

This work also supports our district priorities of Outstanding Achievement, Thriving Citizens, Thriving Community, and Safe, Welcoming Facilities and Services.

Finding Our Rhythm

Last year, we worked on Finding Our Fox Focus. This year, we are ready for the next step: Finding Our Rhythm.

Think of a rowing crew. Moving a boat forward takes more than individual strength. Every person must understand the destination, communicate, trust one another, and pull together. When everyone rows independently, even with great effort, the boat doesn't move as effectively. But when the crew finds its rhythm—working together with consistency and a shared purpose—something powerful happens.

That is our vision for Foster this year.

Our students, staff, families, and community each have an important role in our crew. We may hold different oars, but we share the same destination: helping every Foster Fox learn, grow, belong, and thrive.

Throughout the year, you'll hear us talk about communication, collaboration, consistency, perseverance, and teamwork. We'll celebrate the moments when we find our rhythm, and when we get a little out of sync—as every crew sometimes does—we'll adjust, learn, and keep rowing forward together.

I am so thankful for the trust you place in us each day when you send your children through our doors. I look forward to reconnecting with our returning families, welcoming those who are new to Foster, and partnering with all of you for another wonderful year.

One school. One crew. One shared destination.

Welcome back, Foster Foxes. Let's find our rhythm!

Today is a great day to be a Fox!

Shelley Nurre
Principal, Foster Elementary

• Meet the teacher
• Meet the principal
• Drop off school supplies
• See the classroom
• Get important school information
• Enjoy a popsicle on the playground

All students, new AND returning, need to register. Use the buttons below to register your student today!

If you are seeking a transfer to Foster from another Sweet Home school but do not live in the Foster attendance area, complete this form and return it to your neighborhood school for proccesing. Transfer requests are subject to space and administration approval. This takes some time so you'll want to act fast!

• 8/25 (Tues): Foster school office opens for regular hours
• 9/2 (Wed): Foster Poppin' Back To School Night 5:30-6:30 pm
• 9/8 (Tues): First day of school (grades 1-6)
• 9/9 (Wed): Early release day (1:15 dismissal)
• 9/14 (Mon): First day of school (kindergarten)

• Original Containers: Prescription medications need the pharmacy label including the student name, name of medication, dosage instructions, expiration date, and doctor name; over-the-counter items need require unopened factory packaging with readable instructions.
• Parent Drop-Off: Parents or guardians must bring the medication directly to the main office or nurse's station. Students may not transport their own medications to/from school.
• Written Consent: A signed permission form detailing dosage, time, and reason must be on file before any administration.
• Necessity: Non-prescription drugs are typically limited to those required for a student to safely remain at school.

Entry routine: Please review these expectations with your student before school begins.

1. Always use walking feet when using the sidewalks, entering the building, in the hallways, and the classroom.
2. Voice level 0 (silent) when walking in the hallways to minimize disruptions.
3. If you are arriving late, please stop in the office before heading to class--we need to make sure you get breakfast and are marked present in our attendance system.

Departure routine: Please review these expectations with your student before school begins.

1. Always use walking feet when using the sidewalks, entering the building, in the hallways, and the classroom.
2. Voice level 0 (silent) when walking in the hallways to minimize disruptions.

Car drop off/pick up procedures:

Thank you for your cooperation! Please remember the earliest drop off is 7:30 a.m. Students arriving prior to 7:30 a.m. There is no staff supervision prior to 7:30 am. Please pull forward in the car rider line so we can accommodate as many families as possible. Also, please no unintended vehicles in the car rider line. Unfortunately, it backs up the line into the street during high traffic times. Please park in a parking space if you need to walk your student to the door or if you have office business. Likewise, after school, please pull forward and do not leave your car unintended in the car rider line. Together we can keep our fox drop off/pick up zone a safe, friendly place!

Morning Goodbyes: As we prepare to welcome students back for the 2026-27 school year, we ask that you say goodbye to your student inside your car or outside the school entrance. This will allow our staff to quickly welcome your student inside our school and get them to the cafeteria or playground. If you must walk your student inside, be sure to arrive prior to the school bell at 7:45. Only staff and students are to be in the building once school begins.