Forest Free Press

Our Small Tall Sugar Rush Ball is taking place this weekend. Thank you to Sarah Dorchak, our event chair. Thank you to all the PC board members for all of their hard work. Also, thank you to Michele Ettaher and her mother that made all of the decor and snap bracelet corsages. Thank you to all of the parents that are volunteering. I am sure it will be a spectacular event! Thank you to our community partners that donated so many wonderful things!

Please remember to send warm clothes with your child for recess. The students will be getting outside as long as it "feels like" 20 degress or above.

Please use the crosswalk in the morning! I have quite a few families that continue to cross at the far sidewalk, which causes us to have to stop traffic. This creates extra time for the cars coming in and it is not safe. YOU MUST CROSS YOUR CHILD AT THE CROSSWALK ONLY! This crosswalk is right in front of the main office doors and has the white lines that signify this. Thank you to all of the families that do use the crosswalk. It is MUCH appreciated!

Also, please do not use two rows of traffic and then cut in at the last minute. If you are dropping off, use the lane closest to the curb. If you are not dropping off, use the other row.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the office at (734) 479-2550. You can also email myself (gmeli@riverviewschools.com) or Ms. Annie (aprusakiewicz@riverviewschools.com).

Go Pirates!

Gianina Meli

MARCH:

3/2 - 3/6 - Jump Rope for Heart // Online donations are appreciated

3/6 - Early Release (12:40 AM Dismissal) Trimester 2 ends

3/10 - Spring Pictures

3/11 - Parent Club Meeting @ 6:00 PM

3/16 - 3/20 Scholastic Book Fair

3/18 - Bingo for Books & Parent/Student night shopping at the Book Fair 5:30-7 PM

3/24 - For 5th graders // Band Fitting at Seitz Band Room, 5-8 PM for students interested in 6th grade band

3/26 - Mentoring 10 AM

3/30 - 4/3 Spring Break

APRIL:

4/6 - Classes Resume

4/8 - Parent Club Meeting @ 6:00 PM

4/9 - 4th Grade Music Concert (6pm, Forest gym) Students should report at 5:30 PM in Sunday best clothing.

4/16 - Kindergarten Round Up

17th - Evacuation Drill

17th - 4th Grade field trip to Library

20th - Super U Assembly

24th - 2nd Grade Walking field trip

24th - SY 26-27 Kindergarten Screener (No School for Mrs. Sandefur, Mrs. Peterson & Ms. Schock's students)

4/28 - 5/1 Fifth Grade Camp (YMCA Storer, Jackson MI)

Mark your calendars and help spread the word. We cannot wait to meet all our future Pirates.

• Classroom teacher-classroom concerns, peer-to-peer or friendship concerns, classroom behavior concerns, playground or hallway concerns, and grading concerns

• Office Staff-attendance (absences, early releases), health needs (medications, illnesses), school events, volunteers and Watch DOGS, general school questions: Annie Prusakiewicz (734) 479-2550, APrusakiewicz@riverviewschools.com
• Transportation Department-Bussing and transportation concerns: Derek Campbell (734) 285-3900, Option #1; DCampbell@riverviewschool.com

• Grounds/Maintenance -Building/facility concerns, cleanliness, grounds concerns: Sharon Mathews- (734)285-3900, ext. 2 (secretary to Gary Kennedy) or GKennedy@riverviewschools.com
• Student Services-enrollment questions, please contact Julie Karl at Central Office JKarl@riverviewschools.com or 734-285-9660, option 9

• Principal- major safety concerns; policy concerns; request for 504 services; concerns already addressed by the teacher, yet still not resolved. GMeli@riverviewschools.com
• School Social Worker- Social/emotional support and concerns. Stacey Woggon, SSW SWoggon@riverviewschools.com or call the office to be connected.

Please make sure you have the Forest Elementary Schoology group added to your student's account.

Forest's School Code is X685-T2NZ-5PVHB

If you do not have this listed in your account you are missing out on important information.

Also, if you are NOT receiving text messages from Forest Elementary School, you are missing out on valuable information. To opt in for text messaging text the word Yes to 79041 and start receiving text messages today.

Mrs. Sandefur - Harper S.

Mrs. Peterson - Ethan R.

Ms. Schock - Lucas C.

Mrs. Uhse - Harper N.

Mrs. Coleman - Easton P.

Mrs. Masters - Alex T.

Mrs. Taft - Bryson B.

Mrs. Avery - Manny C.

Mrs. Kissel - Lydia B.

Mrs. LaFehr - Mo L.

Mrs. Curry - Ameliya C.

Mrs. Grunwald - Muntaha A.

Mr. Snyder - Lydia B.

Mrs. Gajewski - Autumn K.

Mr. Newland - Ellie W.

Ms. Fraczek - Harper O.

The competition was sweet — and a little sour — at Forest Elementary on February 18, 2026, as fourth graders launched the 10th Annual Lemonade War!

Inspired by the book The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies, Forest fourth graders first read the story and explored lessons about business, teamwork, advertising, and money management. After finishing the book, students worked in groups to create their very own lemonade stands.

Each team designed eye-catching signs, developed creative sales pitches, and presented their marketing ideas to other classes throughout the school. From colorful posters to persuasive incentives, the students put their entrepreneurial skills to the test.

When the big day arrived on 2/18/26, the war was officially on! Excitement filled the halls as students and staff supported the young business owners.

Beyond the friendly competition, the Lemonade War supports an important cause. Over the past ten years, Forest Elementary has raised an incredible $10,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, helping children and families in the fight against pediatric cancer.

Mrs. Laura Grunwald said " The best part is seeing the kids' creativity come to life and watching their faces light up every time they make a lemonade sale! The excitement is contagious!

Now the big question remains: Which stand will come out on top this year? Stay tuned as we tally the totals and celebrate another successful Lemonade War at Forest Elementary!

Online donations accepted.

Camp Invention is an unforgettable STEM adventure for students in grades K–6! This nationally celebrated summer program is led by passionate local educators who empower students to think like real inventors—building exciting prototypes, tackling hands-on challenges, and solving real-world problems in creative ways.

Each year brings a brand-new experience featuring four action-packed modules designed to spark curiosity, boost confidence, and ignite imagination. Inspired by world-changing inventors, every activity encourages students to dream big, take risks, and explore bold ideas. Best of all, the program is thoughtfully designed to engage both primary and intermediate students at their level—so every child feels challenged, inspired, and successful.

It’s more than a camp—it’s a place where creativity comes to life and young innovators shine!

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At Forest Elementary we are committed to helping every student succeed academically and socially. One of the most important factors in student success is regular school attendance. When students miss school, they miss valuable instruction, classroom discussions, and opportunities to build important skills. Research shows that when a student misses 10% or more school days, it is nearly impossible for them to make one year’s sufficient growth.

To support families and ensure students are meeting attendance expectations, we follow this attendance procedure:

· First Warning Letter: Sent when a student has missed 6 days of school or 10% of the school year, whichever occurs first.

· Second Warning Letter: Sent when a student has missed 10 days of school.

· After 10 absences, families will generally receive a phone call from the principal to discuss attendance concerns and offer support.

· If attendance does not improve, a truancy ticket may be issued in accordance with state guidelines.

Please note that absences are considered documented unless written documentation is provided. Acceptable documentation includes:

· Doctor or dental office notes

· Court documentation

· Funeral notice

· Other official written documentation

We understand that illnesses and emergencies occur. If your child must be absent, please notify the school office promptly and submit appropriate documentation to ensure the absence is properly recorded.

Regular attendance builds strong habits, supports academic achievement, and helps students feel connected to their school community. We appreciate your partnership in making attendance a priority.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the school office.

Our Lost and Found rack is always overflowing with found items. If you feel your child has lost any items, please feel free to check out the items located in the vestibule at the main entrance before or after school.

https://shop.dadsofgreatstudents.com/apparel/