Mrs. Turner's May Newsletter

May is here, and with it, the final stretch of an incredible school year! As we count down the days, we are filled with pride and excitement for everything our students and staff have accomplished. Our calendar is bursting with fun and meaningful events to close out the year. From celebrations to testing, there's something happening almost every day. It is important for your child be at school every day. We don't want any student to miss out.

While the warmer weather and upcoming summer break brings a lot of excitement, this is also the time when students tend to feel a bit of "spring fever" or academic fatigue. To ensure our students finish the year feeling confident and proud of their progress, I wanted to share a few ways we can work together to keep that momentum going.

1. Maintain the Routine

It is tempting to let bedtimes slide or skip the evening backpack check. However, consistency is key right now. Keeping a steady morning and evening routine helps students stay regulated and focused during the school day.

2. The "Final Push" Checklist

Help your child stay organized by checking in on these three areas weekly:

Assignments: Are there any missing tasks or upcoming projects?
Materials: Do they still have the supplies they need (pencils, paper, notebooks)?
Attendance: Every day counts! Being present for year-end reviews is crucial for success in final assessments.

3. Celebrate the Growth

Instead of focusing solely on grades, take a moment to look back at how much they’ve grown since August. Whether it’s mastering a tough math concept or becoming a more confident reader, acknowledging their hard work provides a much-needed boost of motivation.

4. Manage the Stress

The end of the year can be busy with testing, performances, and transitions. If you notice your child feeling overwhelmed, encourage them to take breaks, get outside, and remember that their best effort is always enough.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress as we wrap up the term, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let’s make these last few weeks the best ones yet!

Teacher Appreciation Week

As we approach Teacher Appreciation Week (May 4th – May 8th), it’s the perfect time to pause and recognize the incredible educators who pour their hearts into your children’s growth every single day. Our teachers do so much more than follow a curriculum; they are mentors, cheerleaders, and steady anchors in our kids' lives. We want to make sure they feel the love and community support they truly deserve!

If you would like to celebrate your child's teacher, here are a few simple ways you and your child can participate throughout the week.

Words of Appreciation – Have your child write a handwritten note or draw a picture for their teacher. Personal messages are often the gifts teachers treasure most!
If you’re able, send in a small classroom necessity (think dry-erase markers, fun stickers, pens, wipes).
Send in a favorite snack, a piece of fruit, or a small gift card for a local coffee shop.
Encourage your student to give their teacher a big smile, a high-five, or a verbal "thank you".

Thank you

It is with deep gratitude that I want to share some personal news and inform you that I will be retiring at the conclusion of this school year. While I'm excited to embark on this new journey, it is with a heavy heart that I prepare to say goodbye to my students, colleagues and you guys, the parents.

Serving this district and community has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I started teaching 4th grade in 1999 at Forsyth Elementary School and I knew I was joining a special school, but could not have predicted the profound impact you, your children and my colleagues would have on me. A school is so much more than a building; it is a collection of shared dreams and collective effort.

I want to thank you for:

Your Partnership: Thank you for trusting me with your children's education and for working alongside our staff to support their growth.
Your Spirit: Whether at PPA events, holiday concerts, class parties and field trips, your commitment has made this school a true "home".
The Memories: From the small victories in the classroom to our major school milestones, I carry a lifetime of memories that I will cherish long after I leave these halls.

While I am looking forward to visiting my grandkids in Florida, traveling and spending time with my family, a part of my heart will always remain at Forsyth. I will be coming up to visit the students. The Forsyth Board of Education hired Jim Voliva as the principal for the 2026-2027 school year. Kaycey Jones was hired as the new assistant principal. She is coming to us from Ava where she was the elementary school principal. They will make a wonderful team. It will be a smooth transition and the students will thrive without missing a beat.

Watching your children learn and grow, and share their accomplishments with me has been my greatest joy! They are the reason we do what we do, and I have total confidence in the bright futures that lie ahead of each of them.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. I look forward to celebrating the remainder of the school year with all of you.

Sincere appreciation,

Elizabeth Turner

Summer Slide

On average, students can lose about two months of reading skills over the summer if they don't pick up a book. Think of reading like a muscle—if we don't exercise it, it loses its strength. The good news? It only takes a little bit of daily "workout" to keep those minds sharp and ready for the next grade level.

Here are a few easy, low-pressure ways to keep your child reading this summer:

1. The "20-Minute" Rule

Just 20 minutes a day of reading can expose your child to nearly 2 million words a year. It doesn't have to be a chore; it can be 20 minutes before bed, in a hammock, or during a car ride.

2. Follow Their Lead

Summer is the perfect time to ditch the "required" list. Whether it’s graphic novels, sports magazines, cookbooks, or instruction manuals for a new LEGO set—if they are reading, it counts.

4. Be a Reading Role Model

Let your children see you reading. Whether it’s a novel, a newspaper, or a digital article, your habits show them that reading is a lifelong skill, not just a school assignment.

5. Pack a "book bag" for the car.

You’d be surprised how much reading happens when a child is "bored" waiting at a doctor's office or sitting at a sibling's practice!

Our goal isn't to take away their summer fun, but to ensure they return in the fall feeling confident and capable. Thank you for your incredible support this year and for being our partners in your child's education.

Below are some helpful reading links for your reference.

Summer School 2026

Blast off into summer school May 26th - June 17th. Flyers went home last month. If you would like your child to attend summer school, please ask your child's teacher to send home a flyer or stop by the office. We are looking forward to learning about space and taking weekly field trips.

Important Dates

05/01 - 4th Grade Field Trip to Skateworld (MAP Reward Trip)
05/08 - Fourth Grade Field Trip to Fritz's Adventure
05/12 - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Skateworld (MAP Reward Trip)
05/13 - Fourth Grade Recorder Showcase
05/14 - Student of the Quarter Lunch
05/15 - Field Day
05/18 - Honor's Night in the high school gym @ 6:00 p.m.
05/19 - Kindergarten Celebration @ 6:00 p.m. in the PAC
05/19 - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Branson Meadows

Mrs. Turner's May Newsletter