Forest Elementary

As our winter break approaches, I wanted to take a minute and let each and every one of you know that I wish you “Happy Holidays”. I hope that you enjoy making memories with your family and friends this holiday season. I am grateful for all of the families, students, and staff of Forest Elementary. Your support and kindness are what make this school a wonderful place to be!

Thank you to all of our volunteers that have made our fun events possible this season. Parent Club planned and hosted the Santa's workshop and Santa's Secret Shop. Thank you to parent club and all of our volunteers that made these events possible.

Since the weather is now very cold, please make sure that your child comes to school properly dressed for the weather. Please make sure your child brings cold weather gear such as gloves, hats, earmuffs, scarves, etc. for morning and recess. The students will be going outside for recess up to three times per day.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, call the office at (734) 479-2550 or email myself (gmeli@riverviewschools.com) or Ms. Annie (aprusakiewicz@riverviewschools.com).

Happy Holidays!

Gianina Meli

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The safety of our students is always our top priority. Recently, we have observed some safety concerns during morning drop-off that we would like to address with your help.

Please be reminded of the following important drop-off procedures:

• Slow down and drive cautiously at all times while in the school parking lot and drop-off lane. Vehicles traveling too fast create a serious safety risk for students and staff.
• Students should exit vehicles from the passenger side only, directly onto the sidewalk.

• The left-hand lane is only for driving out of the parking lot. No cutting in or drop offs from that lane.

• If you need to assist your child in exiting the vehicle, please park in a designated parking space and walk your child safely to the entrance.

• Do not stop traffic in the drop-off lane to help students out of the car. Our staff is there to do that.

These procedures are in place to protect all children and to ensure a smooth and safe arrival for everyone. We ask for your full cooperation in slowing down, remaining alert, and following these guidelines each morning.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe. If you have any questions, please contact the school office.

Sincerely,

Gianina Meli

JANUARY: Happy New Year

1/5/26 - Classes resume

1/14 - Parent Club Meeting @ 6:00 PM

1/15 - 2nd Grade Music Concert 6:00 PM // Forest Gym (Students should report to

music room at 5:30 PM)

1/19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Bday - No School for Students

1/21 - Mentoring 2 PM

FEBRUARY:

2/9 - 100th day of School celebration

2/11 - Parent Club Meeting @ 6:00 PM

2/12 - Early Release (12:40 AM Dismissal)

2/12 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

2/13-2/16 - Mid Winter Break // No School for Students & Staff

2/19 - Mentoring 9:30 AM

2/26 - Rev'd up Fun family event

MARCH:

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

3/10 - Spring Pictures

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

3/26 - Mentoring 10 AM

3/30 - 4/5/26 - Spring Break

• 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: Wendy Martin (734) 285-3900, Option #1; wmartin@riverviewschools.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.

Mrs. Alison Wilkin - One on One Para in Mrs. Sandefur's Classroom

Mrs. Sandefur - Luca W.

Mrs. Peterson - Guadalupe B.

Ms. Schock - Wyatt O.

Mrs. Coleman - Adalee A.

Mrs. Uhse - Brooklyn W.

Mrs. Masters - Kendall A.

Mrs. Taft - Trent B.

Mrs. Avery - Scarlett F.

Mrs. Kissel - Alexis R.

Mrs. LaFehr - Madeline C.

Mrs. Curry - Madisyn Z.

Mrs. Grunwald - Caleb F.

Mr. Snyder - Cooper B.

Mr. Newland - Sofia L.

Ms. Fraczek - Ryleigh M.

Mrs. Gajewski - Alivia L.

Art Club students have been learning about different artists while creating beautiful artwork for themselves. This artwork is proudly displayed throughout the building. Special thanks to the Art Club sponsors: Mrs. Coleman and Ms. Garnetti

It has been a long-time tradition for third graders at Forest Elementary to create a sock snowman. Students measure rice to pour into a tube sock, then teachers and volunteers help glue on embellishments to bring their snowmen to life! This craft is a charming way to celebrate winter while encouraging creativity. Mrs. Avery, Mrs. Kissel, and Mrs. LaFehr have been doing this craft with their students for almost 20 years. To hear that families are still setting out their snowmen each year warms our hearts and holds a special place in our school's culture.

Forest Elementary was filled with holiday cheer on December 12th as families gathered for the school’s annual Santa Workshop Night, proudly sponsored by the Forest Parent Club. The event brought together students, parents, and staff for an evening packed with festive fun and community spirit.

A highlight of the night was a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who greeted children, posed for photos, and helped spread plenty of Christmas magic throughout the school. Classrooms and hallways were transformed with holiday activities, from crafts and gift-making stations that delighted students of all ages.

Adding to the excitement, Mrs. Ng organized a lively bake sale, where families showcased their best holiday treats. Attendees voted for their favorites, and one student was awarded a Five Below gift card for most creative item and another for the most delicious item of the night.

The event was a joyful success and a heartfelt reminder of the warmth and togetherness that make this time of year so special. What a wonderful way to start the holiday season at Forest Elementary!

Are you receiving email/text blasts from Forest Elementary School? Are you receiving Schoology messages from Forest Elementary school? If you are not, you are NOT getting valuable school information.

For Schoology - add the Forest Elementary Code listed above to your Schoology app.

For email/text blasts - Log into PowerSchool, make sure your current email address and cell phone numbers are correct and flagged to received SMS messages. You can also make any updates to your emergency contact list as well.

As part of our commitment to student voice and continuous improvement, Forest Elementary School will be administering an upcoming student survey in January. In accordance with the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA), parents and students are afforded certain rights when schools conduct surveys. If you prefer that your child not participate in this survey, you may email or contact the school office to request that your student be opted out. A full list of the survey questions will be provided below for your review.

1. I feel safe at school

2. I feel I am an important part of our school

3. I am comfortable asking for help when I need it

4. I know how to act appropriately at school

5. I know what I am expected to learn

6. I understand what I am learning

7. I know how to use Schoology to see my progress

8. I feel I have an adult I can go to when I have a problem

9. I do my best when I am in school

10. I have friends at school

11. I know what to do when I am stuck

12. I know how to use technology for learning

13. I know how to safely use technology at home

14. I feel my family cares about my school work

15. My teacher and family work together to help me do my best

16. My teacher cares about me

17. I feel it is important to go to school each day

18. I am served healthy meal choices at school

19. I feel challenged when completing my school work

20. I feel like I am prepared for my future

Our district leaders have updated our Strategic Plan - this plan will be the focal point and road map for all decision making that will be made for instruction, building improvements, staffing, and curriculum changes. After reading, I welcome all input from you on this plan. Strategic Plan Click Here

https://shop.dadsofgreatstudents.com/shop-all/