Forest School News (8.13.26)

Dear Forest Families,

Welcome back! We are excited to begin the 2026-2027 school year and can't wait to see the Forest hallways filled with students again!

This year is especially exciting as we roll out a full day of kindergarten for our youngest learners and as we expand the continuum of services we provide students through STRIVE (Structured Teaching for Readiness, Independence, Voice, and Engagement), a new classroom at Forest. We are proud to continue growing our school community and creating opportunities for all students to learn, grow, build relationships, and create memories together. We are excited for all that this year will bring!

We also know that a strong school community is built through partnership. Your support, communication, and involvement play an important role in your child's success. We are grateful to partner with families and strengthen the Forest community.

Below, you'll find important information and upcoming events to help your family get ready for the start of the school year. We hope to see you at some of our back to school events and are looking forward to a fantastic year together!

Sincerely,
Ms. Soike, Principal
Ms. Reiner, Assistant Principal

Classroom assignments will be made available to families on Friday, August 14 by 4:00 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 Mrs. Powell at Forest.

• Do you still need to purchase supplies? Please be sure to refer to the School Supply Lists! If you need assistance with getting school supplies for your child(ren), please email Ms. Soike at soikea@d62.org.
• Did you purchase a supply kit from the PTC in the spring? Supply kits will be delivered to Forest and distributed to classrooms this week, ready and waiting for students on the first day of school. Thank you to the PTC for continuing to provide this option to families!

• Registration: Please remember to register your child completely if you have not already. Visit the D62 Enrollment page for more information.
• Proof of Residency: If your child is entering kindergarten, 2nd grade, or 4th grade and/or is new to the district, you are required to prove residency. If you have not yet done this, please call the Forest office to schedule an appointment.
• Transportation: Families must register for paid bussing through the Parent Portal. Bus fees ($430 for the school year) must be paid to ensure students are routed for the first days of school. Visit the Transportation page for more information.

Arrival Times

• 8:45 AM -- Students can start arriving and lining up on the blacktop.
• 8:55 AM -- Students enter the building and go to their lockers.
• 9:00 AM -- Students are in their classrooms and learning begins.
• Late Arrivals: School starts promptly at 9:00 AM. It is recommended that your child be dropped off before 8:55 AM so that they have enough time to go their their lockers, get water, and/or use the restroom before school starts. When students enter at 9:00 AM, not only are they considered tardy, but they are also missing learning.

Breakfast

Breakfast is available at 8:45 AM daily. If your child(ren) will be eating breakfast, they should enter the school through Door 1 instead of lining up on the blacktop.

Dismissal Times

• 3:15 PM -- Dismissal on Mondays
• 3:30 PM -- Dismissal on Tuesdays-Fridays

Please be advised that Fifth Avenue is currently undergoing construction. Detailed updates regarding arrival and dismissal procedures will be provided before the start of the school year to ensure a smooth transition for all students and families.

In the meantime, below are some reminders about school hours, breakfast, and blacktop use at dismissal.

This year, all District 62 schools have adopted a consistent policy regarding snacks in classrooms. Snack time is not built into the daily schedule and eating in classrooms is not permitted. This is a practice that is consistent across all District 62 schools.

Before school, breakfast is available from 8:45-9:00 AM. Lunch is available during the school day. If your child has specific dietary needs requiring additional snacks, please provide a doctor's note to our school nurse so we can arrange accommodations.

Welcome kindergarten parents! The kindergarten team is so excited to host an informational meeting on Thursday, August 20th at 6:00 PM. You'll learn about the upcoming school year, logistics for the first day of school, and will also have an opportunity to ask any general questions you might have. We look forward to meeting you!

🔗 Join us virtually via Google Meet

On Monday, August 24th from 2:00-3:00 PM, all students in grades K-5 are invited to meet their new teacher and drop off supplies to their new lockers. Afterwards, families are encouraged to head outside to the playground and blacktop for popsicles.

Thank you to the PTC for providing a sweet treat!

Please join us on Wednesday, September 9 from 5:30-7:00 PM at Forest for an opportunity to learn more about what to expect for your child this school year, school-wide expectations, classroom-specific information, and to hear more about grade level curriculum.

Website: Forest Elementary School

Address: 1375 South 5th Avenue Des Plaines, IL. 60018

Phone: (847) 824-1380

Social Media: Facebook & Instagram

Principal: Ms. Amber Soike

Assistant Principal: Ms. Traci Reiner