Forest Knolls Mustang Message

Email: Jennifer_Taylor-Cox@mcpsmd.org
Website: https://www2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/forestknollses
Location: 10830 Eastwood Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20901, USA
Phone: 240-740-1640

Dear Forest Knolls Community,

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I continue to serve the Forest Knolls community. As a

dedicated educational leader with deep commitments to equity, instructional excellence, and

relationship building, I am excited about my transition from assistant principal to principal intern

at Forest Knolls for the 2026-2027 school year. As the principal intern I will continue to partner

with students, staff, families, and community stakeholders to ensure every child thrives

academically, emotionally, and socially.

As a principal intern, I will continue to work closely with Dr. Taylor-Cox. During my internship,

Forest Knolls will not have an assigned assistant principal. There will be a 6–8 week period in

which Dr. Taylor-Cox will be assigned to another building, and I will take over the role as the

principal. In her absence, another principal will be assigned to Forest Knolls to support me as

they serve in the role of an assistant principal. After the 6-8 week take over period, Dr.

Taylor-Cox will return to Forest Knolls to resume her role as the principal. I am excited about

this opportunity and look forward to continuing our work together to serve the Forest Knolls ES

community.

In partnership,

Joan Stump

Principal Intern

Forest Knolls ES

FKES Community Principal Intern Letter

Sneak Peek (formerly known as Open House) is a time when families can visit the school, see the classrooms, and meet the teachers and staff. All Kindergarten through Fifth Grade students and families are invited.

Transition Day is an event in MCPS schools adopted by the Board of Education at the behest of our Superintendent, Dr. Taylor. It is intended to provide a positive onboarding transition for students who are attending our school for the first time. All new Kindergarteners and any new First through Fifth graders are invited. Read more.

We are excited about the first day of school. At 8:40, staff begin supervision of arriving students. Our doors open at 8:45 and instruction begins at 9:00. All students enter through the front entrances of the school building. Kindergarten walkers and car riders enter through the side door. First, Second and Third Grade walkers and car riders enter through the front door. Fourth and Fifth Grade walkers and car riders enter through front sliding doors. Dismissal begins at 3:25. Students exit through the same doors. Please make sure your child’s teacher knows how your child goes home.

Apply online for meal benefits today! A new FARMS application must be completed every school year, even if your children qualified the previous year. Households meeting federal income standards are eligible for free school meals, but must apply to receive this benefit. Only one application is needed for all students in a household. Learn more.

Visit the Department of Food and Nutrition and Services webpage for information on breakfast and lunch menus and how to add money to your child’s account through MySchoolBucks.

School immunizations

Don’t Forget Your Immunizations! The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering free back-to-school vaccinations for Montgomery County school-aged children at county locations through September. More information

Returning students may need certain forms if they have a health condition that requires medication, other health support or accommodations, or an emergency health plan at school (for example, asthma, food allergies or a seizure disorder). Common forms include:

• Form 525-13 (for medications to be given or available at school): Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication / Autorización para Suministro de Medicamento Recetado

• Form 525-14 (emergency plan for severe allergic reactions): Emergency Care for the Management of a Student with a Diagnosis of Anaphylaxis / Atención de Emergencia para Estudiantes con Diagnóstico de Anafilaxia

• Form 240-23 (for food services to be aware of special diets due to an allergy or another health condition): Special Dietary Needs Form / Formulario de Necesidades Alimentarias Especiales

• Other health forms or forms in other languages are on the MCPS website.

In just a few short weeks, we'll be heading back to school! Before the first bell rings, join us at one of MCPS' six regional Back-to-School Fairs.

Whether you need to register for school, get required vaccinations or health screenings, complete a physical, receive technology support, get information about school meals, learn about school apps, pick up school supplies, review schedules, ask questions about fees or IEP services, or access community resources, you'll find the people and services you need — all in one place. You'll be able to connect with your school's team, meet community partners and enjoy family-friendly activities.

Find your school and join us at your regional Back-to-School Fair!

Forest Knolls ES is part of the Southern Region (1). Our regional Back-to-School Fair will be at Albert Einstein HS 11135 Newport Mill Rd, Kensington on Aug. 22 from 9:00 to noon.

(Re)join the PTA!

Support all the amazing things planned--cultural events, staff appreciation activities, and more. Member last year? Must renew yearly so please come back! New this year: Everyone who purchases their membership before the end of the first PTA meeting will be entered into a raffle to win 4 Great Wolf Lodge day passes!

Click here to join the PTA

Playground Play Date

New Kindergarten families: Join us at 10am on Sunday, August 16th at the FKES playground to make new friends, meet fellow caregivers, and learn more about the upcoming school year. Siblings and students in other grades are welcome also!

Join Our Team

We are still seeking help for the PTA Board. Are you a social connector? Be our Membership Chair! Have a passion for advocacy? Step into the role of NAACP Parent Rep or MCCPTA (Montgomery County Council of PTAs) Delegate! Also seeking a Hispanic Heritage Night Coordinator to plan our first community event of the year. Ample support and training provided for all things! Email president@fkespta.org to find the best spot for you.